Understanding the Differences and How They Work Together

You’ve heard you should roll out your muscles and use a lacrosse ball to work out trigger point pain, but you’ve also heard you should identify and massage acupressure points. And then there’s acupuncture, which involves needles, right? We understand that it can get confusing, so we’ve set out to help you understand what these three complementary modalities so you can get the best natural medical care possible.ects.

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are sensitive or sore spots in soft tissue, also known as myofascial trigger points. Each trigger point is a small patch of tightly contracted muscle, a very small cramp that affects a very small patch of muscle tissue. The trigger point, or sore spot, is sometimes referred pain, meaning it is pain that is caused by a problem elsewhere in the body, but can be treated by massaging the trigger point.

Trigger points do not occur along the same paths, or meridians, that acupressure and acupuncture points present on the body. Trigger point therapy consists of massaging and pressing on trigger points until the cramped muscle relaxes, providing relief both at the trigger point and positively affecting the origin or source points in the body.

What is Acupressure and Acupuncture?

Acupressure is one of many Asian bodywork therapies based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is essentially acupuncture without the needles, since acupressure relies on the same body maps of energy (chi) meridians found in the body. When pressure is applied to acupoints, correlated parts of the body respond.

Both acupressure and acupuncture rely on the theory that acupoints occur along meridians, or energy channels. Traditional Chinese Medicine asserts that these 12 energy meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. If one of the meridians were to become blocked, your body is negatively affected and disease or pain results. Acupuncture (the use of needles to stimulate the acupoints) and acupressure (the use of pressure to stimulate the acupoints) remove blockages and promote balance of energy throughout the body.

How Do They Work Together?

Trigger point therapy works to release muscle tension, and acupuncture and acupressure work to balance vital energy, or chi. All three practices work together to promote overall health. A good holistic health plan includes chiropractic adjustments to keep the spine aligned, regular massage therapy and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle strain, and acupuncture or acupressure to maintain energy balance.

Looking for a Huntersville Acupuncturist?

Give us a call, book an appointment online, or just stop in! Dr. Doyle is a licensed acupuncturist who is familiar with trigger point therapy, acupressure and acupuncture. We’ll create a holistic plan to improve your health!