How do they work?

Chinese liniments and oils are applied directly to the skin over an area of discomfort. Depending on the preparation, they may have warming, cooling, soothing or invigorating properties.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, many topical herbal preparations are used to help move Qi and Blood through an area and support the treatment of pain and stiffness.

They can be particularly useful when combined with acupuncture, where the two approaches can work together to address both the underlying pattern and the local area of pain or tension.

When might we use them?

We most commonly use Chinese liniments and oils as part of treatment for musculoskeletal complaints, including:

• muscle tension and tightness

• neck and shoulder pain

• back pain

• sports and other soft-tissue injuries

• sore or stiff joints

• areas of localised pain or tenderness

Whether we use a liniment or oil will depend on the area we are treating, the nature of the discomfort and your individual presentation.

A little extra support for sore muscles

Sometimes acupuncture is only part of the picture. A topical preparation can be a useful addition to treatment, particularly when there is a specific area that is sore, tight or uncomfortable.

We will choose a preparation based on what we think is most appropriate for you, rather than using the same product for everyone.

Not every treatment needs a liniment or oil, and we generally use these when there is a particular reason they may be helpful.

Chinese medicine at Yin

As with all of our treatments, we look at the whole picture rather than simply treating a painful spot.

Your practitioner will consider your symptoms, your history and your Chinese medicine presentation when deciding whether a topical preparation is appropriate. It may be used alongside acupuncture, heat, electro-acupuncture or other techniques depending on what you need on the day.