For many years, acupuncture has been used to treat various types of muscular pain.
Pain to the back, shoulder and leg are the most common we see in our clinic.
The effect of acupuncture on muscle blood flow
How poor blood flow affects muscle pain
Though muscular pain occurs for many reasons, poor blood flow inside the
muscle is a common cause (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009). In order for the muscle to
function, it must receive adequate blood flow. Compromised blood flow allows
waste metabolic substances such as lactic acid to accumulate, resulting in
muscle fatigue and pain and negatively affecting overall muscle endurance. Good
blood flow enhances the removal of metabolic waste and allows the muscles to
obtain more oxygen to perform their job.
Sufficient blood flow is also important to prevent injury. This is why it’s
important to spend some time warming up before starting any serious physical
activity.
How acupuncture improves muscle blood flow and helps attenuate pain and fatigue
A series of experimental studies demonstrated that acupuncture can improve
blood flow in ischemic tissue (tissue with poor blood flow), thereby enhancing
the removal of substances that cause pain and fatigue (Sandberg, Lundeberg et
al. 2003; Sandberg, Lindberg et al. 2004; Sandberg, Larsson et al. 2005).
The increase in blood flow caused by acupuncture is mediated by two
mechanisms: localized vasodilatations via the axon reflex and a generalized
systemic response via the autonomic nervous system (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009).
In clinical practice, it is important to consider and utilize these two mechanisms
simultaneously to generate desirable short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Different types of massage therapy have also been shown to positively
influence blood circulation (Tanaka and Mori 2006).
Pain to the back, shoulder and leg are the most common we see in our clinic.
The effect of acupuncture on muscle blood flow
How poor blood flow affects muscle pain
Though muscular pain occurs for many reasons, poor blood flow inside the
muscle is a common cause (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009). In order for the muscle to
function, it must receive adequate blood flow. Compromised blood flow allows
waste metabolic substances such as lactic acid to accumulate, resulting in
muscle fatigue and pain and negatively affecting overall muscle endurance. Good
blood flow enhances the removal of metabolic waste and allows the muscles to
obtain more oxygen to perform their job.
Sufficient blood flow is also important to prevent injury. This is why it’s
important to spend some time warming up before starting any serious physical
activity.
How acupuncture improves muscle blood flow and helps attenuate pain and fatigue
A series of experimental studies demonstrated that acupuncture can improve
blood flow in ischemic tissue (tissue with poor blood flow), thereby enhancing
the removal of substances that cause pain and fatigue (Sandberg, Lundeberg et
al. 2003; Sandberg, Lindberg et al. 2004; Sandberg, Larsson et al. 2005).
The increase in blood flow caused by acupuncture is mediated by two
mechanisms: localized vasodilatations via the axon reflex and a generalized
systemic response via the autonomic nervous system (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009).
In clinical practice, it is important to consider and utilize these two mechanisms
simultaneously to generate desirable short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Different types of massage therapy have also been shown to positively
influence blood circulation (Tanaka and Mori 2006).