Understanding of the trigger points of myalgia: acupuncture and dry needling exploration and modern acupuncture mechanism / 中国针灸

The similarities and differences between trigger points of myalgia and acupoints were explored. Nodules could be detected by B-ultrasound at trigger points of myalgia, but not acupoints. In clinical symptoms, the referred pain pathway of trigger points of myalgia is similar with the pathway of acupuncture meridian. Therefore, the location of trigger points of myalgia should take referred pain as pathway, which is similar with locating acupoints as meridian. Acupuncture at trigger points of myalgia takes jumping feeling as criterion, while acupuncture at acupoints are mainly based on acid swelling and numbness. From clinical observation to basic experimental research, a lot of pathophysiological evidence is provided for trigger point of myalgia. It is believed that the trigger point of myalgia might be the precise acupoint in modern scientific research, and the meridian is the synthesis of the mechanics of nerve, blood vessel and fascia. Although acupuncture and dry needling are different in theory, but the scientific foundation of TCM and western medicine is coherent.

Understanding of myofascial trigger points / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the current practice of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) including current epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>The data analyzed in this review were mainly from relevant articles without restriction on the publication date reported in PubMed, MedSci, Google scholar. The terms "myofasial trigger points" and "myofacial pain syndrome" were used for the literature search.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Original articles with no limitation of research design and critical reviews containing data relevant to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and MPS were retrieved, reviewed, analyzed and summarized.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is characterized by painful taut band, referred pain, and local response twitch with a prevalence of 85% to 95% of incidence. Several factors link to the etiology of MTrPs, such as the chronic injury and overload of muscles. Other factors, such as certain nutrient and hormone insufficiency, comorbidities, and muscle imbalance may also maintain the MTrP in an active status and induce recurrent pain. The current pathology is that an extra leakage acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction induces persistent contracture knots, relative to some hypotheses of integration, muscle spindle discharges, spinal segment sensitization, ect. MTrPs can be diagnosed and localized based on a few subjective criteria. Several approaches, including both direct and supplementary treatments, can inactivate MTrPs. Direct treatments are categorized into invasive and conservative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This review provides a clear understanding of MTrP pain and introduces the most useful treatment approaches in China.</p>

Zhuanggu Bushen Decoction and Acupuncture Treat Osteoporosis / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective] To observe the cure effect of combination of TCM and WM on osteoporosis.[Method] Randomly divide the patients into 3 groups,group A takes trout calcitonin,B is added with self-made Zhuanggu Bushen Decoction,C is added with acupuncture on the basis above.Meanwhile all take calcium and active vitamin D for assistance,compare the results after 2 courses.[Result] In group A,3 were cured,3 had marked effect,4 effective,total effective rate 40%;in B,they were 6,6,4 and 64% respectively;in C,they were 8,10,5 and 92% respectively.In comparison,B was better than A,C better than B.[Conclusion] Combination of TCM and WM has marked cure effect on osteoporosis.