Why More Brits Are Ditching Painkillers for Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2025?
- Shirou Li
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
In today’s fast-paced world, popping a painkiller like Paracetamol or ibuprofen has become the go-to solution for headaches, muscle soreness, and menstrual cramps. But is this a real solution, or just a temporary fix? Increasingly, people in the UK are starting to question whether Western painkillers truly address the root causes of pain—or if they simply mask symptoms while exposing users to potential long-term health risks.
As awareness grows around the risks of prolonged painkiller use, many are seeking safer, more long-lasting solutions. Moving into 2025, more Brits are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMP) therapies such as TuiNa massage, cupping, and acupuncture — not just as an alternative, but as a more sustainable and holistic way to manage pain by targeting its root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
Hidden Dangers of Painkillers: Why People Are Ditching the Tablets
Painkillers are adept at masking discomfort, providing a quick fix that allows individuals to carry on with daily activities. However, this symptomatic relief often comes at expenses.
Short-term Relief, Long-term Problems
By merely dulling the pain signals, these medications can lead users to overlook the necessity for proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, allowing underlying conditions to persist or even worsen over time. This reliance on symptomatic relief may also result in a cycle where pain resurfaces, necessitating repeated medication use.
Opioids, in particular, notoriously carry the risk of opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a condition where prolonged opioid use paradoxically increases the pain sensitivity rather than alleviating it. This means that patients may require stronger doses to manage increasing pain, entrenching dependence whilst hindering effective treatment. The prevalence of such a dangerous cycle is showcased in a scientific review of 148 studies, which found that nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or opioid use disorder.
The adverse long-term outcomes of painkiller dependency are especially concerning amongst younger individuals. A study involving over 800,000 participants suggests that those under 25 with chronic pain who were prescribed with painkillers had a 46% higher risk of developing mental health issues in adulthood, as well as an 82% greater likelihood of substance misuse.
Side Effects of Common Painkillers
Beyond the risk of dependency, long-term use of common over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, is associated with severe organ-related complications.
Paracetamol & Liver Toxicity
Paracetamol, widely used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties, has been linked to liver toxicity once taken above therapeutic levels. Scientific report indicates that it remains the leading cause of acute liver failure or hepatotoxicity in the UK and worldwide. This is especially concerning given the increased prevalence of combination medications - where paracetamol is mixed with other ingredients in the form of pain relievers and antihistamines - making it harder for consumers to track its intake.
British Liver Trust data reveals that severe paracetamol overdoses necessitating liver transplants occur significantly more frequently in the UK than in other European countries.
Repeated doses of paracetamol in people aged 65 and over, especially, can lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal complications, according to research from University of Nottingham .
Ibuprofen & Kidney Impairment
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is another widely used painkiller to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, long-term use of such medications may reduce blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
The NHS warns that high doses or prolonged use of ibuprofen can cause stomach or intestinal ulcers, leading to internal bleeding and severe digestive issues.
Report from the National Kidney Foundation from the National Kidney Foundation states that NSAIDs are one of the leading contributors to kidney damage, especially amongst those with pre-existing conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Natural, Long-Lasting Solution to Pain Management
Addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of discomfort, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic and natural approach to pain management. By focusing on restoring balance and enhancing the body's innate healing mechanisms, TCM therapies provide a sustainable alternative to conventional painkillers.
Restoring Balance & Circulation
From a TCM viewpoint, the harmonious flow of Qi (vital energy) and smooth blood circulation throughout the body are vital to maintaining health. Disruptions or blockages in this flow are believed to cause illness, with pain often manifesting as a result of Qi Stagnation and blood stasis, which can lead to various discomforts and ailments. The significance of blood in women's health is particularly emphasized, since blood is considered the foundation of a woman's constitution, playing a crucial role in menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.
TuiNa Massage
TuiNa Treatment is one integral component of TCM that focuses on restoring the balance of Qi and enhancing blood circulation to facilitate the body’s natural healing processes. In align with the underlying philosophy of TuiNa that involves harmony within oneself and the surrounding environment, practitioners rely on a combination of manual techniques — including kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching. By stimulating specific acupressure points along the body's meridians, TuiNa aims to remove blockages, thereby alleviating pain and promoting overall well-being.
The efficacy of TuiNa in treating various conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders, digestive system disorders, has been supported by scientific studies. Approaching insomnia as a symptom in TCM, a meta-analysis also indicated that TuiNa significantly improves sleep quality in individuals with primary insomnia.
Restoring Muscle & Joint Pressure
Amongst the many benefits of Chinese TuiNa treatment, its efficacy in treating musculoskeletal pain has appealed to many enduring chronic pain and seeking alternatives of conventional painkillers. Particularly among urban workers subjected to prolonged sitting hours and demanding schedules, TuiNa has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating conditions like low back strain and ‘Tech Neck’.
Musculoskeletal Adjustment (Body & Face)
This compelling solution emphasizes restoring the body's musculoskeletal balance by addressing misalignments in the spine, legs, shoulders, pelvis, and joints. Whilst enhancing the flow of Qi-blood, musculoskeletal adjustment for body (frontlink to be inserted) not only alleviates pain but also improves posture and overall bodily function.
Incorporating facial musculoskeletal adjustments as part of a holistic health regime complements the alleviation of muscle tension. This practice offers therapeutic benefits, including refined sculpting of facial features, anti-aging enhancements, and reshaping of the cheekbones and jawline. By applying gentle pressure to designated facial acupoints, the treatment stimulates blood circulation and promotes natural beauty. This process aids in reducing puffiness, enhancing skin elasticity, and achieving a more defined facial contour. Regular stimulation of these points can lead to a natural lifting effect, contributing to a youthful and revitalized appearance.
Experience the Ultimate Pain Relief with TCM
As awareness grows around the hidden dangers of prolonged painkiller use, more individuals are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a sustainable, drug-free approach to pain management and overall well-being. While TCM therapies such as TuiNa massage and foot reflexology work to restore balance, enhance circulation, and alleviate pain at its root, integrating musculoskeletal adjustments for body and face into a wellness routine also addresses posture issues and muscle tension.
Ready to experience the benefits of TCM for pain relief? Let Perfect Health London lead your first step towards a healthier, pain-free life!
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