Intercostal Neuralgia

The frequency of treatment for intercostal neuralgia varies by stage. ① Acute phase (1–4 weeks): 2–3 times a week — Rapidly block nerve impulses and control inflammation, ② Subacute phase (5–8 weeks): 1–2 times a week — Focus on tissue recovery and adhesion resolution, ③ Maintenance phase (9 weeks onwards): Once every 2 weeks to 1 month — Prevention of recurrence. If treatment is only possible once a week, a realistic alternative is to enhance efficiency by combining moxibustion, pharmacopuncture, and acupuncture per session, while simultaneously incorporating home care (stretching and warm compresses). In Korean medicine, blocked energy is released more quickly with higher frequency of stimulation, but congested blood requires consistent, cumulative treatment. For busy office workers, taking herbal medicine fills the gap when treatment intervals become longer. At Dongjedang, we develop treatment plans tailored to the schedules of office workers, utilizing evening or lunch breaks, and complement treatment efficiency by guiding patients on simple acupressure stimulation techniques that can be performed during work.