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The Secret Behind Acupuncture’s Pain-Relieving Power

Writer's picture: Jessie JiJessie Ji

You may wonder how acupuncture treats pain so efficiently, with some patients experiencing relief on the spot. The answer may lie in the intricate interplay between acupuncture points and the body’s nervous and muscular systems—a connection increasingly supported by modern research.


One such study, published in the German Journal of Acupuncture and Related Techniques, highlights how acupuncture points and myofascial trigger points often overlap, providing a powerful explanation for its effectiveness in addressing both chronic pain and acute injuries.




A Closer Look at the Evidence

This groundbreaking research focuses on the anatomical alignment between acupuncture points and trigger point regions, which are hyperirritable spots in muscles that cause referred pain. The study revealed:

  1. High Alignment Between Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points:

    • 221 out of 238 common trigger point regions match anatomically with classical acupuncture points.

    • Of these, 81.5% show complete or near-complete overlap between the myofascial referred pain patterns and acupuncture meridians.

  2. Evidence of Shared Mechanisms:

    • Both trigger points and acupuncture points appear to represent the same physiological phenomenon, offering pain relief by targeting precise anatomical structures.

    • Only 9% of pairs showed little or no correspondence, highlighting the strength of this alignment.

  3. Application to Acute and Chronic Pain:

    • This alignment supports acupuncture’s efficacy in addressing a wide range of pain conditions, from chronic issues like back pain and migraines to acute injuries such as sprains and muscle strains.



Why This Matters

For centuries, acupuncture has been trusted for pain relief, yet its mechanisms were often misunderstood. Modern science is now revealing how acupuncture’s precise targeting of overlapping trigger and acupuncture points can:

  • Provide immediate relief for acute injuries by reducing inflammation and easing muscle tension.

  • Offer lasting solutions for chronic pain by rebalancing muscle and nerve function and stimulating natural healing processes.


Treating Both Chronic and Acute Pain

Whether you’re recovering from a sudden injury or managing long-term discomfort, acupuncture can:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation in acute injuries like sprains, strains, or sports-related trauma.

  • Improve blood circulation to damaged tissues, promoting faster recovery.

  • Relieve chronic conditions like arthritis, migraines, or nerve pain by addressing both symptoms and root causes.




Backed by Science, Rooted in Tradition

At Dao Chinese Medicine, we integrate ancient wisdom with modern evidence to provide effective, personalized treatments. The findings published in the German Journal of Acupuncture and Related Techniques affirm the long-held belief that acupuncture offers a scientifically validated path to pain relief.


Discover the science of healing today—schedule your consultation and experience the proven power of acupuncture.




 

Reference:


Dorsher, P. T., & Fleckenstein, J. (2009). Trigger points and classical acupuncture points. Part 3: Relationships of myofascial referred pain patterns to acupuncture meridians. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akupunktur, 52(1), 9-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.DZA.2009.01.001

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