TCM Liniments
TCM Liniments
As a child I had knee pains and back pain. No one could really figure out why. It was chalked up to growing pains but in trying to get out of pain, I learned a lot about liniments and massage.
As I grew into my body, these pains mostly disappeared.
I was able to run a few marathons, and develop some new pains, lol.
Over the years I collected liniments from whichever country I happened to be in at the time.
Australian liniments with emu oil and paw paw extract.
Italian liniments with arnica and European herbals.
Liniments with NSAIDS like Voltaren.
Liquid liniments, balm based liniments, sprays, creams, gels and even plasters.
The Chinese have the deepest history of liniments due to the tradition of martial arts. I find these to be most effective. They are broadly categorized as either ‘heating’ or ‘cooling.’
In general, for an immediate injury, you’ll want a cooling liniment, especially if there’s inflammation (swelling).
Older injuries that have become stiff or become stiff with cold weather, you’ll want a warming liniment.
*Do not apply any of these on freshly bathed skin. Wash your hands after application. Some are quite potent.
Note: this is not medical advice. Do your own research regarding anything you read on this website.
TCM Liniments
1. The OG – Zheng Gu Shui – ‘Bone Setting Liquid’
1. This liquid formula is my favorite for old injuries. I prefer the bent nozzle container instead of the bottle. Using this formula restored ROM in a broken toe joint that had been stuck for 20 years. Highly recommend this. You need to apply several times/day and gently massage the joint. Follow with Dragon Blood Balm, below.
Liquid.
Scent: herbal, earthy, camphorous
2. Modern Interpretation of Zheng Gu Shui – ‘Evil Bone Water’
The formulator of this is an American acupuncturist and massage therapist. He felt the original formula was lacking potency due to a reduced ingredient list and cost cutting, so he made his own version. Both of these have been very helpful for me.
Liquid.
Scent: herbal, earthy, camphorous
3. Dragon Blood Balm
3. This is a balm in a metal tin and should be applied after the Zheng Gu Shui. It seals and aids penetration of the medicinal compounds into the body.
Scent: herbal, camphorous
NOTE: this is sold in a combo here. I am not affiliated with any of these products, formulators or companies.
4. Kwan Loong Oil
I’ve used this on stiff knees and found it to be okay, not remarkable.
5. White Flower Oil
5. This is sold as a liniment but I find it is MUCH better on insect bites. If you’re able to apply right after getting bitten, there will be little to no itch.
6- Tiger Balm Patches
6- I’ve used these on stiff shoulder joints and stiff knees. Buy the large size and cut in half. Really easy and effective.
7 – Mahanarayan Oil
This is Ayurveda (India) not TCM (China) but it’s a good, all purpose warming oil. It is great massaged in at night. I used this on a sprained ankle during winter and it really helped restore ROM.
Scent: earthy, little bit like Indian restaurant
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Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
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