Sciatica that resisted conventional treatment

In my Paris practice in the 11th arrondissement, I regularly support patients with chronic pain that resists conventional approaches. Today I’d like to share the case of a patient whose recovery perfectly illustrates what Traditional Chinese Medicine can do.

The patient’s profile

This 45-year-old woman, a finance executive, had been suffering from right-side sciatica for three months. Despite two physical therapy sessions per week, no lasting improvement was taking shape. Her stooped gait reflected the intensity of her pain.

Diagnosis according to Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a practitioner certified by IMTC France, with training enriched by my hospital residencies in China, I approach every case with a holistic view of the patient.

The telling signs

The traditional Chinese examination revealed:

Pale tongue with white coating: a sign of Qi deficiency and dampness
Tense pulse on the right side, particularly at the Liver meridian position

These elements pointed me to a precise diagnosis: Liver Qi stagnation combined with a blockage of the Bladder meridian.

First session: immediate release

My therapeutic strategy drew on three complementary techniques from my training in Chinese manual medicine:

Techniques used

Deep Tui Na on the lower back and piriformis muscle, a technique I refined within the Master Cao Guohua lineage.

Targeted acupressure on strategic points:

GB30 (Huantiao): master point of the hip
GB34 (Yanglingquan): regulation of the tendons
BL40 (Weizhong): dispersion of pain
BL60 (Kunlun): harmonization of the Bladder meridian

Sliding cupping along the Bladder meridian to restart energy circulation.

Immediate result: the patient walked out standing straight — the difference was striking.

Second session: treating the root cause

One week later, she showed 60% improvement. This session allowed me to deepen the analysis of her case.

Her profile as an executive under pressure led me to explore a crucial angle: the impact of chronic stress on posture. Stress compresses the diaphragm, which in turn pulls on the lumbar region.

I therefore focused this session on abdominal work, releasing the visceral tensions that were maintaining the postural imbalance.

Third session: transition to prevention

The transformation was remarkable: near-complete disappearance of the pain. This session marked the shift from curative treatment to preventive follow-up.

The patient now benefits from monthly preventive follow-up — a perfect illustration of the TCM philosophy: rebalance the whole to prevent recurrence.

Why does this approach work?

A holistic view of the patient

Unlike symptomatic approaches, TCM considers the human being as a whole. My comprehensive training — triple certification in Acupuncture, Tui Na, and Chinese Herbal Medicine — allows me to tailor techniques precisely to each case.

Complementarity of methods

The effectiveness comes from the synergy between the different techniques: therapeutic massage, acupressure, and cupping work together to maximize results.

Treating root causes

Rather than masking symptoms, I identify and treat the energetic imbalances at the root of the pain.

Suffering from chronic pain?

This success story reflects the effectiveness of traditional Chinese techniques in supporting pain that resists conventional treatments.

In my practice at 103 rue de Charonne (Paris 11), open 7 days a week, I apply these centuries-old methods with the rigor of Chinese hospital training.

If you suffer from sciatica, lower back pain, or other chronic pain, feel free to book a session to explore a different and proven approach together.

Case study: relieving chronic sciatica with TCM in Paris