Blog

Acupuncture and Lower Back Pain

Acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of lower back pain and has shown promise in providing relief for some individuals. The exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works for lower back pain are not fully understood, but several theories exist: Pain Gate Theory: According to this theory, acupuncture stimulates the sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain, thereby closing the “gate” for pain signals. The stimulation from acupuncture may help disrupt or modulate the transmission of pain signals, reducing the perception of pain in the lower back. Neurotransmitter Regulation: Acupuncture is believed to influence the release and balance of various neurotransmitters in the body, including endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances. By promoting the release of endorphins, acupuncture may help alleviate lower back pain. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is often associated with lower back pain, and by reducing inflammation, acupuncture may contribute […]

Acupotomy vs Acupuncture differences!

Acupotomy, also known as “acupuncture knife therapy” or “acupuncture scalpel therapy,” or “Dao therapy” is a technique that shares some similarities with acupuncture but has distinct differences. Here are some factors that differentiate acupotomy from traditional acupuncture: 1 Instrumentation: The primary difference lies in the tools used during the procedure. Acupotomy involves the use of a specialized instrument, typically a small, thin, stainless steel needle knife or scalpel. Unlike acupuncture needles, which are thin and flexible, acupotomy instruments have a sharper edge and are designed for specific purposes, such as cutting or scraping. 2 Technique and Manipulation: Acupotomy involves both puncturing and manipulating techniques. The acupotomy instrument is inserted into the targeted acupuncture points or soft tissue areas, and various manipulations are performed, such as lifting, twisting, scraping, or cutting. This differs from traditional acupuncture, where thin needles are inserted into specific points and may be manipulated gently by hand […]

How was Acupotomy Discovered?

The term “acupotomy” or (Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀) refers to a relatively modern therapeutic technique that combines aspects of acupuncture and surgery. While acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years, acupotomy as a specific procedure is a more recent development. The exact origin and discovery of acupotomy can be attributed to the work of Dr. Zhu Hanzhang, a Chinese surgeon, in the late 1970s. Dr. Zhu was researching ways to treat chronic soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders that were not responding well to traditional acupuncture methods. He wanted to develop a technique that could target specific anatomical structures with greater precision. Dr. Zhu combined his knowledge of acupuncture points and meridians with his surgical expertise to create a new approach. He designed a specialized instrument called an “acupotome,” which resembles a needle with a sharp, flat blade at […]