Acupuncture Research
Structure
Density
Rigidity
Evidence
We would like to share with you our personal view, beliefs and approach about the research that is presented on these pages.
We both value the research of modern science and the many developments that have been discovered.
We also value the depth of wisdom and knowledge of traditional and classical five element acupuncture, which integrates the many aspects of body and mind.
We acknowledge the information gained from research, and we endevaour to use it where appropriate when meeting the needs of an individual who is suffering in health.
We hope later to share more information on the five elements of acupuncture.
Classical Acupuncture
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this site is accurate. It is not the intention to mislead or misinform anyone.
The word myofascial comes from myo (Latin for muscle) and fascia (Latin for connective tissue) which is found interweaving in and around a muscle. So myofascial pain is simply pain arising from the muscles -
It is frequently a chronic pain disorder and it is thought that it may occur due to an injury to the ‘muscle fascia ligament tendon’ either as an acute blow or a repetitive minor subtle strain occurring over a long time. These subtle strains may come from overuse of muscles and repeated activities. However it is also thought that prolonged immobility or poor posture such as computer use or driving are factors as well. In addition emotional Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) or Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP).
Trigger Points (TrP's) are hypersensitive hyperirritable, tightened -
Symptoms of Trigger Points . When they are palpated they are usually painful -
Occaisionally a person may also have referred pain from TrP's, this is when a person experiences pain and aches in part of their body, but the cause for the pain comes from a trigger point a distance away from where the pain is experienced.
Manual acupuncture (MA) for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS): a systematic review and meta-
'Results Ten RCTs were combined in a metaanalysis
of MA versus sham, which showed a favourable effect of MA on pain intensity after stimulation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs); standardised mean difference but not traditional acupuncture points Benefit was seen both after a single treatment and course of eight sessions. We also found a significant increase in pressure pain threshold following MA stimulation of MTrPs. Two of the included studies reported mild adverse events (soreness/ haemorrhage) secondary to MA.
Conclusions Through stimulation of MTrPs, MA might be efficacious in terms of pain relief and reduction of muscle irritability in MPS patients.'
See also Dry needling and Physical Therapy in Patients with Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
References for the above Definitions.
Myofascial Trigger Point: hyperirritable spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle
Myofascial Acupuncture
Trigger Point Acupuncture
(Musculoskeletal Acupuncture)