Analgesic

In Western pharmacology, pain relievers operate through diverse mechanisms that vary based on the specific class of analgesic utilized, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, or opioids (Ong et al., 2007, British Journal of Anaesthesia; FDA Guidelines).

These pharmacological agents function by inhibiting enzymes in the pain pathway, modulating neurotransmitter concentrations, or interacting with targeted receptors (WHO Recommendations; NIH Research). In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets pain as a symptom of Qi stagnation, suggesting an obstruction or imbalance in the body's vital energy flow (Chen & Chen, 2018, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology; USDA Guidelines). The divergent perspectives between Western pharmacology and TCM highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of pain and its management strategies. This underscores the necessity for integrated, evidence-based research to advance a comprehensive understanding of pain relief methodologies (NIH Clinical Trials).