Jinggu Acupoint is the original acupoint of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It is located below the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone on the lateral side of the foot. Jinggu Acupoint has the functions of clearing heat, relieving spasm, brightening the eyes, and relaxing the tendons. It is commonly used in modern medicine to treat conditions such as hypertension, stiff neck, and lumbar muscle strain. Now let's learn about the method of using acupuncture on Jinggu Acupoint to treat myofascial pain syndrome in the shoulder and back muscles.
Jinggu Acupoint Image
【Introduction to the Disease】
Myofascial pain syndrome in the shoulder and back muscles refers to aseptic inflammation of the fascia of the shoulder and back muscles caused by external factors such as wind-cold invasion, overuse, or trauma. It is often characterized by soreness and discomfort in the shoulder and back, muscle stiffness, and a heavy pressure sensation. Sometimes, it radiates to the back and shoulder bones on one or both sides, and may even involve the anterior chest, causing pain and discomfort that may be mistaken for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. It is also known as myofasciitis and is a common and frequently occurring condition in clinical practice.
Myofascial pain syndrome in the shoulder and back muscles belongs to the category of "Bi syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine. According to TCM, the disease is caused by the invasion of wind, cold, and damp evil qi into the muscles and skin, obstructing the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, leading to poor circulation of Qi and blood, stagnation of the meridian, and the principle of "unblocking the meridian to alleviate pain".
There are various treatment methods for this disease in clinical practice, most of which focus on selecting acupoints based on the principle of "treating pain with pain" in the affected area. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture and moxibustion, physical therapy, and other single or combined methods are commonly used for comprehensive treatment. Although they are all effective, the treatment requires multiple sessions, takes time to take effect, and the condition often recurs. It tends to linger and is difficult to heal, especially when triggered by fatigue, changes in weather, or exposure to cold.
Jinggu Acupoint Image
【Treatment Method】
The patient is in a prone position, and pressure is applied near the Jinggu Acupoint on both sides to carefully locate the tender cords or nodules as the Jinggu Acupoint;
A 0.30*40mm acupuncture needle is inserted perpendicularly along the Bladder Meridian pathway on the 5th metatarsal bone surface, towards the tuberosity of the metatarsal bone, to a depth of about 10-15mm;
After obtaining the Qi sensation locally, the needle is manipulated with slight twisting and lifting technique to guide the Qi from the needle insertion site towards the affected area in the shoulder and back, or induce local heat and sweating;
If the patient does not feel any sensation of Qi transmission, local heat, or sweating after 1 minute of needle manipulation after obtaining the Qi sensation, the manipulation is stopped;
The same method is applied on the other side;
The needles are left in place for 30 minutes. The effectiveness is observed on the second day after acupuncture. If the soreness and stiffness in the shoulder and back are significantly reduced, the treatment is stopped;
If there is still soreness and discomfort, muscle stiffness, and a feeling of stagnation in the shoulder and back, the treatment is repeated 1-2 times, with a maximum of 3 treatments. All patients are followed up for 3 months to evaluate the final effectiveness.
Jinggu Acupoint Image
【Clinical Case】
Hu**, female, 48 years old. The patient has experienced stiffness, soreness, and discomfort in the shoulder and back for more than 10 years due to long-term work in rehabilitation therapy. The symptoms vary in severity and frequency of occurrence. They worsen after fatigue or exposure to cold, and can be relieved by massage and physical therapy, but the discomfort never completely disappears. The symptoms recurred this time, and the effectiveness of physical therapy and massage was not significant. On examination, stiffness and local soreness were found in the shoulder and back. The Jinggu Acupoint on both sides was palpable with a clear circular subcutaneous nodule with a diameter of approximately 0.6cm. The patient reported obvious tenderness and lifted her leg to avoid touching it. After several seconds of needle manipulation, the patient felt heat and sweating in the neck, shoulder, and back. The same procedure was repeated on the other side. After 30 minutes of needle retention, the patient felt a significant reduction in stiffness, soreness, and discomfort. Jinggu Acupoint was needled two more times, and the stiffness, soreness, and discomfort in the shoulder and back disappeared. The patient was advised to strengthen self-exercise and was followed up for 6 months without recurrence.
【Experimental Conclusion】
The method of using acupuncture on Jinggu Acupoint to treat myofascial pain syndrome in the shoulder and back muscles is not only simple to operate and has a short course of treatment, but also often achieves remarkable effects. It is worth promoting and applying in clinical practice.
