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▲Chinese medicine practitioner Zhang Liying used acupuncture and medicine to treat the aftermath of a car accident. (Photographed by reporter Wang Zhengping)

by reporter Wang Zhengping)

【Reporter Wang Zhengping / Kaohsiung Report】

In the event of a car accident, seriously injured individuals are immediately rushed to the emergency room. However, for minor car accidents, many people continue driving if they don't have any obvious external injuries. Little do they know, the aftermath of a car accident often remains unnoticed at the moment, only to be realized the next day when the body starts to ache here and there. The slightest movement becomes excruciatingly painful. Dr. Zhang Liying(張立穎), a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at Gaohe Hospital, reminds us that post-accident check-ups should not be taken lightly to avoid hidden health concerns.

Dr. Zhang Liying(張立穎) points out that car accidents can result in body collisions and strains on muscles and ligaments. However, the swelling and inflammation caused by these conditions only gradually appear 12 to 24 hours later. This is why most people experience "general body soreness" the day after a car accident.

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, minor car accidents can damage the balance of qi and blood in the body, while severe accidents could harm internal organs. Regardless of the severity of the damage, it could lead to stagnation of qi and blood or insufficiency of qi and blood. Without proper treatment, this could result in lingering consequences such as sore muscles and bones, decreased joint mobility, and even subcutaneous tissue calcification.

Dr. Zhang Liying(張立穎) emphasizes that the primary goal of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for car accident injuries is to address the stagnation of qi and blood within the patient's body. In the initial stage, treatment involves a combination of acupuncture and medication to promote qi circulation and blood flow and to eliminate blood stasis. In the middle stage, in addition to continuing acupuncture and medication for blood circulation and stasis elimination, slightly stronger techniques, vein lasers, and light bio-regulation therapy are employed. Simple activities are also recommended to accelerate healing and prevent severe blood stasis or adhesion. In cases of muscle or bone fractures, methods for bone-setting and tendon-connecting will also be employed.

▲Physiotherapist Kang Peiyun conducts photobiomodulation treatment, combined with some simple activities to speed up healing and prevent severe bruising or sticking. (Photographed by reporter Wang Zhengping)

In the later stage, treatment methods will be tailored to the extent of qi and blood consumption within the patient's body. Scalp acupuncture will be combined with chiropractic techniques, complemented by physical therapy and appropriate exercises to restore muscle strength and eliminate residual blood stasis and adhesion. Treatment approaches such as strengthening the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and supporting the liver and kidneys will also be administered.

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The article was reproduced in "yahoo! Sports" and "China Daily News"

「車禍痠痛」 針灸＋中藥活血祛瘀