Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a rich history spanning several millennia in treating bruises and contusions, and its treatment philosophy differs significantly from that of Western medicine. For instance, Western medicine practitioners often use ice packs to reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the early stages of an injury, which contrasts with the TCM approach.
From the TCM perspective, bruises and contusions can be classified as “external injuries” and “internal injuries.” External injuries, such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations, primarily refer to damage to the external muscles, bones, and skin. Internal injuries, on the other hand, involve harm to the internal organs’ qi and blood—the fundamental substances that constitute and sustain human life—resulting in organ dysfunction. Symptoms arising from such injuries may include chest discomfort, qi stagnation, coughing, and insomnia.
