Neuro-anatomical acupuncture: ancient blended with modern

Neuro-anatomical Acupuncture

refers to the contemporary science of tissue structures and functions, and their distinctive responses to needling, when choosing acupuncture locations and techniques.

More than just needling “ahshi” tender points, neuro-anatomical acupuncture makes use of:

  • Longitudinal and segmental innervation of tissues: dermatomes, myotomes, and the paraspinal chain of sympathetic ganglia.
  • Functional organization of myofascial tissues into kinematic chains and movement systems, comparable to the jing-jin (“sinew meridians”) of ancient Chinese medicine.
  • Characteristic responses of different tissue types to different needling techniques: myofascial trigger point needling, disruptive/proliferative acupuncture, and more.
  • Electro-acupuncture using milli- and micro-amp current to reduce pain and promote tissue regeneration and homeostasis (yin-yang balance).
  • Precise targeting and stimulation of tissue lesions with ancient and modern acupuncture techniques.

Neuro-anatomical acupuncture is taught in the IAPM Program in Year 1 Modules 1-6 (Spine and Extremities) and in Year 2, Modules 10 and 11 (Myofascial Meridian Pain).