Acupotomy

Acupotomy and Pain

Acupotomy, also known as acupoint knife therapy or needle knife therapy, is a specialized technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat pain and various musculoskeletal conditions. It combines principles from acupuncture and surgical methods, involving the insertion of a thin, specialized needle or knife into specific acupoints, muscles, or soft tissues. Here’s how acupotomy is believed to help with pain in TCM: Dispersing stagnation: Acupotomy aims to address areas of stagnation or blockage in the body’s energy flow (qi) and blood circulation. By inserting the needle or knife into the affected acupoints or tissues, it is thought to help disperse stagnant qi and blood, relieving pain and promoting healing. Stimulating acupuncture points: Acupotomy targets specific acupuncture points associated with pain relief and healing. The insertion of the needle or knife at these points is believed to stimulate the flow of qi and activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It […]

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 […]

What type of pain does acupotomy help?

Acupotomy / Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀 is a therapeutic technique that combines aspects of acupuncture and surgery. It is primarily used for musculoskeletal conditions and may be beneficial for managing various types of pain, including: Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Acupotomy can be effective in treating myofascial pain syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscles that cause localized or referred pain. Muscular Pain and Tension: Acupotomy may help relieve muscular pain and tension, including muscle spasms, muscle strains, and muscle imbalances. Soft Tissue Injuries: Acupotomy can be beneficial in addressing soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, and repetitive strain injuries. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Acupotomy may assist in alleviating pain and improving range of motion in individuals with adhesive capsulitis, a condition characterized by shoulder pain and stiffness. Joint Pain: Acupotomy can help manage joint pain […]

How does Acupotomy help with pain?

Acupotomy / Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀 is a modern technique that combines acupuncture and surgery to effectively treat pain and other health conditions. It involves the use of specialized acupuncture needles, which are much thicker than traditional needles, to penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissue. During an Acupotomy procedure, the needles are used to cut through scar tissue, adhesions, and other obstructions that may be causing pain or restricting movement. By doing so, it helps to promote the flow of blood and energy to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Acupotomy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. It is also used to treat other conditions such as headaches, migraines, and even digestive disorders. Overall, Acupotomy is a safe and effective […]

History of Acupotomy (Knife Needle, or Dao therapy)

Acupotomy / Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀 is a relatively new medical technique that emerged in China in the 1970s. It was developed by Dr. Zhu Hanzhang, a Chinese physician who combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with modern surgical techniques to create a new approach to pain management. Dr. Zhu observed that many chronic pain conditions were caused by the accumulation of scar tissue and adhesions in the body, which disrupted the flow of blood and energy. He believed that by using acupuncture needles to cut through these obstructions, he could restore the body’s natural balance and relieve pain. Over time, Dr. Zhu refined his technique and began to use specialized needles that were thicker and stronger than traditional acupuncture needles. These needles, which are known as Acupotomes, have a sharp edge that allows them to cut through tissue more effectively. Acupotomy […]