The treatment of musculoskeletal conditions by acupuncture is legendary. There are perhaps no modalities in the healing arts which are as effective for specific area pain relief. As a general rule, acupuncture is most easily applied to a particular joint or area of musculoskeletal complaint with the use of acupuncture point stimulation at the area of complaint. This procedure known as "surround the dragon" is one of the most classic of acupuncture techniques. It is used throughout the acupuncture world and has been for centuries. But what happens when the pain is extreme and diffuse throughout the body? How do we treat and where is our focus?
In "surround the dragon" for localized problem areas, acupuncturists palpate tender (ah shi) points in and around the area of complaint and stimulate them. Even though needle stimulation is most often thought of as acupuncture, it must be remembered, "Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique." Therefore, many forms of stimulation are as effective as needles: simple electronic stimulation; noninvasive pressure stimulation through a "teishein"; red light laser stimulation; heat; cold; pressure; and ultrasound. In addition to "surround the dragon," traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes three patterns of disease which are most often connected with diffuse systemic pain and are extremely important to treat. They are "dampness," "blood vacuity (deficiency)" and "exterior wind."
Dampness
Dampness is primarily associated with loose stool; fatigue; nausea; general heaviness in the body; multiple painful sites; and joint stiffness, with difficulty in locating an exact point of pain. The tongue is greasy and the pulse is slippery and boggy. According to TCM, the way to treat this situation is to remove dampness by supplementing the spleen. When musculoskeletal conditions arise as a result of dampness, it responds remarkably well to the liberal use of moxa, which can be used through the use of a moxa stick held close to specific points, or by attaching moxa to the end of the needle and allowing it to burn. A practical approach is to have the practitioner mark the points for the patient and have the patient apply warming moxa to the specific points at home through the use of a moxa stick held close to the point. There are a number of specific acupuncture points which have a remarkable effect on conditions brought on by dampness. They include:
Exterior wind is a common occurrence which is responsible for multiple musculoskeletal pain sites. Even though exterior wind can produce multiple pain sites, it is most often associated with the neck, upper back and shoulders. Wind generally is much more of an acute pain than that of dampness, coming on very quickly even in the otherwise healthy individual. These conditions usually occur when the patient has been in direct wind situations, such as having a fan or air conditioning duct blowing on them. It may even occur when a patient is protected from the wind but wind is exhibiting itself in the environment such as a very windy day. It is the energy of wind in the environment which is the culprit. In these situations the extraordinary meridians become taxed, which generally produces the pain. In TCM, the tongue has a thin white coat and the pulse is considered floating. In needle therapy, it is suggested to use a superficial stimulation. In situations where cold is combined with wind, moxa to the points are very effective. The points of significance in wind conditions are:
This pattern creates diffuse relatively mild pain which and produces discomfort on palpation throughout the body. The pain is most often described as being in the flesh, as opposed to the joints or muscles. The patient generally presents appearing sick with symptoms of pale dry skin; brittleness of the nails; fatigue; insomnia; nervousness; vertigo; and general emaciation. In TCM diagnosis, the pulse is thready and the tongue is pale. Treatment is focused on supplementing qi and blood and supporting the spleen. It is advised to use few needles and to avoid strong stimulation. Moxa is also effective when used with a moxa stick applied to the point. Points of significance are:
I have written this article for those who are familiar with the location of the aforementioned acupuncture points. If you are a neophyte or confused as to the location of these points, be sure to include acupuncture postgraduate education in your schedule this year. You absolutely cannot afford not to. You've been given the keys. Now go out and open the doors to allow the pain to leave. Let me know of your stellar cases.
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