I used 3 treatment methods in a patient , From Traditional Acupuncture to Precision Nerve Release: A Comparison and Reflection on Three Treatment Approaches

I used three treatment methods on a patient.

First, I performed traditional acupuncture with distal point selection, which was effective, reducing the pain from 10 to 5.

Then, I applied precise manual pressure therapy (without using needles), further reducing the pain from 5 to 2.

Finally, I performed precise needling for nerve release, after which the pain completely disappeared.

My Reflection

In this case, I applied three different treatment methods to help my student understand the differences in acupuncture approaches and their effectiveness. Traditional Acupuncture (Meridian-Based Approach) The first method follows the traditional acupuncture approach, selecting points based on meridian differentiation. Most acupuncturists use this method, combining distal and local points. Since the upper back and shoulder are associated with the Shaoyang and Taiyang channels, I used Zhongzhu (TE3) and Houxi (SI3) for distal needling. This approach was effective, reducing the pain from 10 to 5. However, while it provided relief, complete recovery was difficult to achieve. This raises an important question: why does a simple upper back pain, often treated as a strain, fail to heal despite ongoing treatment?

Advanced Acupuncture (Identifying the Cause but Avoiding Needling) The second method represents a higher level of acupuncture practice. Some advanced acupuncturists can correctly identify the true cause and location of the pain, realizing that it stems from thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) rather than just a local muscle issue. However, due to concerns about safety, many acupuncturists hesitate to use needles in this sensitive area. Instead, they opt for manual pressure therapy to release nerve compression. This approach further reduced the patient’s pain from 5 to 2, proving its effectiveness, yet it still had limitations.

Precision Needling for Nerve Release (The Best Approach) The third method is the most effective because it directly targets the root cause of the problem. By using precision needling to release the compressed nerve at the scalene muscles, the pain completely disappeared. This method achieves a high cure rate and rapid results, demonstrating the importance of correct diagnosis and precise treatment—a principle I strongly advocate in my practice.

I call this technique “Precision Nerve Release through Acupuncture”, and my core philosophy is “Correct Diagnosis, Precision Treatment.” I hope more acupuncturists will move beyond traditional approaches, develop deeper diagnostic skills, and embrace precise needling techniques to improve treatment outcomes.