Understanding Lower Back Pain: An Integrative Approach
How Remedial Massage & Traditional Chines Medicine Work Together for Relief
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Nuha—affecting everyone from desk workers to active movers. While it’s often brushed off as “just a strain,” the root causes can be complex, ranging from muscular imbalances to deeper energetic depletion.
At Nuha, we look at both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives to help you find relief and restore long-term balance.
Common Western Causes of Lower Back Pain
From a Western lens, the most common culprits for lower back discomfort include:
Muscle or ligament strain – from awkward movements, repetitive lifting, or poor mechanics
Degenerative disc changes – thinning or bulging discs placing pressure on nerves
Sciatica – irritation of the sciatic nerve, sending sharp pain down the leg
Poor posture and weak core support – sitting for long hours or muscular imbalances
Facet or sacroiliac joint dysfunction – inflammation or restriction in the spine and pelvis
Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, more common with age
Referred pain – issues like kidney stones or pelvic conditions mimicking back pain
Each of these can limit movement, create tension, and impact how you feel in your day-to-day life.
How Remedial Massage Supports Back Health
Remedial massage offers a hands-on way to release pain and prevent future flare-ups. It helps by:
Releasing tight, overworked muscles (including hips and glutes)
Improving circulation to aid healing and reduce inflammation
Supporting posture by addressing imbalances
Mobilising soft tissue to improve range of motion
Calming the nervous system to reduce stress-driven tension
Regular massage can help prevent recurring pain while keeping your spine and supporting muscles healthy.
The TCM Perspective: The Lower Back & Kidney Energy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lower back is known as the “House of the Kidneys.” The Kidneys store our core vitality (Jing) and govern bone strength, resilience, and the body’s warming energy (Yang). When Kidney Qi or Yang becomes depleted, the lower back can feel weak, stiff, or painful. Supporting and replenishing this energy is key to restoring balance, strength, and long-term back health.T
Other common TCM patterns linked to back pain include:
Blood stagnation – sharp, fixed pain that feels worse with movement
Cold-Damp accumulation – heaviness, aching, or stiffness aggravated by cold, wet weather
Liver Qi stagnation – tension or tightness around the hips and lower back
Treatment often combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support to strengthen Kidney energy, move stagnant Qi and Blood, and warm and nourish the lower back.
Simple Tips to Relieve Lower Back Pain and Build Resilience
Apply warmth daily – Use a heat pack on your lower back or take a warm bath with magnesium or Epsom salts to relax tight muscles and nourish Kidney Yang (the body’s internal “fire” in TCM).
Incorporate gentle stretches – Try child’s pose, cat-cow, or gentle spinal twists to release tension without straining.
Strengthen your core and glutes – Glute bridges and side-lying leg lifts can help stabilise your hips and take pressure off your lower back.
Stay mobile – Daily walking or gentle yoga keeps blood and Qi circulating, reducing stiffness.
Book regular treatments – Remedial massage and acupuncture can help address underlying imbalances, relieve tension, and boost circulation for faster recovery.
Your Path to Relief at Nuha
At Nuha, we integrate both approaches—remedial massage to restore structure and mobility, and acupuncture or herbal medicine to address deeper patterns. Together, they support lasting relief, resilience and a stronger foundation for your body.
Experiencing lower back tension or pain?
Book a remedial massage or acupuncture session in Byron Bay and feel the difference holistic care can make.