Dry Needling / Trigger Point Acupuncture San Diego

08/06/2025

08/03/2025

Extra point Jianxi, translated as “Strengthen Knee,” seems to share the same location as the motor nerve innervation (motor point). This extra point is located 3 cun directly above the center point of the superior border of the patella. This point received its name “Strengthen Muscle” most likely from evidential findings, therefore it is assumed that many practitioners before us have used this point for this reason.

The indications for this point as used in the Shanghai University, China are paralysis of the knee and arthritis of the knee. (O’ Connor, J. 1981). In addition, the author uses this point for anterior knee pain such as prepatellar bursitis. The action of the articularis genu is to lift the patellar synovial sack upward during knee extension, an inability is this muscle’s action can lead to a bursitis condition.

READ THE BLOG & WATCH THE VIDEO: Anterior Knee Pain—Articularis Genus & Extra Point Jianxi

🔗 https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/anterior-knee-pain-articularis-genus-and-extra-point-jianxi/

We will cover how to properly needle this important point in our upcoming Assessment & Treatment Module III: The Lower Extremity 4-day live in-person classes.

MODULE III DATES & LOCATIONS:

❶ SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2025 in VIENNA, VA: https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/module-iii-ati-2025-va/

❷ OCTOBER 2-5, 2025 in SAN DIEGO, CA (WAITLIST ONLY): https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/mod-iii-the-lower-extremity-ati-2025-ca/

❸ OCTOBER 23-26, 2025 in SAN DIEGO, CA: https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/module-iii-the-lower-extremity-assessment-treatment-of-injuries-ati-ca-second-session/

Keep in mind, you can start with any module in the SMAC Program. Classes can also be taken a la carte to earn CAB and NCCAOM CEUs as the certification track is completely optional!

Have questions? Reach out to us at acusportinfo@gmail.com.

07/26/2025

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/203A7E2D-7877-4DBA-8D1F-4A43C4E0C04B/Trigger_Point_Acupuncture_Timeline_China.docx

The Evolution of Musculoskeletal and Trigger Point Acupuncture in China
By Dr. Geno Diveley, DACM | Acujin Acupuncture

Introduction
Trigger point acupuncture and musculoskeletal needling in China reflect a rich fusion of classical Chinese medical traditions and modern anatomical and physiological science. While ancient Chinese physicians long recognized painful tender points (Ashi points), the 20th century brought global collaboration that expanded China’s acupuncture models with modern neurophysiology, electromedicine, and sports medicine.

Timeline of Development
Pre-Han Dynasty (~200 BCE)
Ashi points (阿是穴) described in classical Chinese texts such as the Huangdi Neijing as tender areas that cause pain on palpation—clinically similar to modern trigger points.

Tang to Ming Dynasties (600s–1600s)
Manual therapy and needling of painful muscle knots described in acupuncture case records, martial arts texts, and traumatology manuals (e.g., Die Da practices).

1800s (Late Qing Dynasty)
Electric stimulation begins appearing in Western medical texts; Chinese physicians observe Western doctors using galvanic and faradic currents to stimulate nerves. Early electroacupuncture experimentation begins in treaty ports.

1910s–1930s
Integration of Western anatomy and neurology into Chinese medicine education begins in Republican-era reforms. Acupuncturists start mapping nerves and muscles under acupoints.

1950s–1960s
Chinese military and sports hospitals formalize Ashi point needling and add basic neuroanatomy into acupuncture training. The use of electroacupuncture becomes widespread in state hospitals.

1980s
China opens to international medical collaboration. Influence of Janet Travell and David Simons’ myofascial trigger point theory enters Chinese rehab hospitals. Chinese translations of Western rehabilitation and pain science texts appear.

1990s–2000s
Universities and research hospitals in China conduct EMG and ultrasound studies on acupuncture points, muscle innervation, and fascial planes. Terms like 'myofascial trigger points' (肌筋膜触发点) become common in Chinese literature.

2010s–Today
China’s acupuncture education integrates modern musculoskeletal knowledge, including motor point location, neuroanatomy, and fascial line theories (inspired by Langevin, Stecco, Myers). Trigger point therapy is used interchangeably with Ashi point needling. Electroacupuncture is standard in orthopedic acupuncture protocols.

Summary
Trigger point acupuncture in China is not a Western import but an evolution of indigenous techniques informed by international science. Ashi point needling, muscle palpation, and electrostimulation are now supported by decades of research on neuromuscular physiology and fascial dynamics. Chinese medicine continues to adapt and innovate, merging traditional insight with biomedical precision.

Clinic Info
Dr. Geno Diveley, DACM

Website: https://acujinacupuncture.com

Phone: 858-272-4627

Address: 4225 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117

05/28/2025

05/21/2025

Not all dry needling is created equal.
At our clinic, we combine modern trigger point therapy with the precision of acupuncture. It’s called Dry Needling Acupuncture—and the results speak for themselves.

More training. Better targeting. Real pain relief.

Tried PT dry needling? Come feel the difference.

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05/17/2025

I often wondered if he only studied just trigger point or painful areas in general, great find about the Needle Effect

05/17/2025

"All trigger points are ASHI points, but not all ASHI points are trigger points."

* ASHI points (阿是穴) are acupuncture points that are tender or painful on palpation, regardless of their location on a meridian. They are essentially "Ah yes!" points—where the patient feels pain and you treat.
* Trigger points, as defined in modern myofascial pain theory (Travell & Simons), are a specific subset of ASHI points. They are:
* Hyperirritable spots in a taut band of skeletal muscle.
* Associated with characteristic referred pain patterns, local twitch response, and sometimes autonomic phenomena.
So:
* Every trigger point qualifies as an ASHI point due to its tenderness.
* However, ASHI points can also be tender fascia, ligaments, tendons, or even non-muscular regions with no taut band or referred pain—so they don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for trigger points.

04/01/2025

Understanding Dry Needling Within the Scope of Acupuncture

A Modern Clinical and Legislative Perspective

Dry needling and acupuncture are not opposing practices. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, dry needling is one of several clinically validated techniques used within the broader scope of acupuncture. From a legislative and regulatory standpoint, it is important to understand that dry needling is not a separate modality—it is a technique that falls within the training, licensure, and professional responsibility of acupuncturists.

Defining Dry Needling

Dry needling refers to the use of a solid, filiform (non-hollow) needle to stimulate dysfunctional tissues such as:

Myofascial trigger points

Tendinopathies and muscle adhesions

Motor points

Neurologically sensitive areas

This technique is used to restore normal tissue function, reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance neuromuscular control. It is a modern application based on contemporary biomedical science but shares mechanisms with established acupuncture practices.

How Dry Needling Fits Within Acupuncture

Licensed acupuncturists are comprehensively trained in:

Neuroanatomy and musculoskeletal diagnosis

Needling techniques for soft tissue dysfunction and pain management

Channel theory, fascial pathways, and traditional diagnostics

Techniques such as electroacupuncture, motor point therapy, and trigger point release

Dry needling, when performed by an acupuncturist, is not a separate discipline but an orthopedic and neurofunctional application of acupuncture needling. This distinction is critical when discussing scope of practice and public safety.

Clinical Mechanisms: Shared Foundations

Research demonstrates that both acupuncture and dry needling activate similar physiological responses:

Local blood flow regulation and vasodilation

Neuromodulation via A-delta and C-fiber stimulation

Central nervous system regulation and spinal cord excitability modulation

Reduction in inflammatory markers and increase in endogenous opioids

These responses are not exclusive to one discipline but are a result of needling itself, which licensed acupuncturists are rigorously trained to apply across diverse patient conditions.

Legislative Consideration: Public Safety and Provider Competency

Licensed acupuncturists undergo thousands of hours of clinical and didactic education—far exceeding the limited training hours required in some dry needling certifications outside the acupuncture profession.

Acupuncturists are subject to strict regulatory oversight, board examinations, continuing education, and malpractice standards.

Positioning dry needling as a separate scope risks public confusion and allows undertrained providers to perform invasive procedures without adequate competency.

Summary Statement for Policy Makers:

Dry needling is a technique that falls within the established scope of acupuncture practice. Efforts to define it as separate ignore both the clinical science and the training qualifications of licensed acupuncturists. For the safety of patients and the integrity of health care, dry needling should be regulated within the scope of licensed acupuncture professionals who are already fully trained to use this method responsibly, effectively, and ethically.

Prepared by: Dr. Geno Diveley, DACM, L.AcClinic Director, Acujin Acupuncture – San Diego, CA
www.acujinacupuncture.com | (858) 272-4627

Send a message to learn more

01/05/2025

12/26/2024

This page is for those who are curious about Dry Needling / Trigger Point Acupuncture.

12/26/2024

Trigger Point Needling: Retention vs. Quick Thrusting – Why Not Both?
• Retention Needling: Needle stays in place for 5–20 mins, promoting relaxation, blood flow, and long-term relief—perfect for chronic pain or deeper trigger points.
• Quick Thrusting: Rapid in-and-out movements release muscle tension fast, elicit twitch responses, and reset dysfunction—ideal for acute pain or tight spots.
• Why Combine?
Start with quick thrusting to release the trigger point, then follow with retention to sustain relaxation, improve circulation, and enhance healing. This hybrid approach provides immediate relief and lasting results, perfect for stubborn or mixed trigger points.

Tailored for your pain, every step designed to heal!