Acupuncture Physical Medicine
Acupuncture Physical Medicine: Integrating traditional acupuncture with modern innovations
Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) is a modern acupuncture style developed by Dr. Mark Seem that bridges the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with contemporary insights into anatomy, physiology, and myofascial therapy. APM focuses on treating physical pain, stress-related disorders, and systemic imbalances by addressing the root causes of dysfunction and tension in the body.
Unlike other acupuncture styles, APM integrates techniques that address energetic imbalances, tendinomuscular constraints, and fascial tension, offering a holistic yet precise approach to healing. It has a dual focus on calming the nervous system with teaditional acupuncture, and also integrates trigger point dry needling according to the works of Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons to release myofascial trigger points that cause pain and dysfunction.
Key Points
Comprehensive Approach: Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern techniques like myofascial trigger point therapy to address physical pain and systemic imbalances.
Unique Treatment Levels: APM operates on Jing, Ying, and Wei levels, targeting the nervous system, meridian imbalances, and myofascial pain to deliver immediate relief and long-term healing.
Versatile Applications: Effective for conditions such as chronic pain, sports injuries, stress-related disorders, migraines, and emotional imbalances.
Specialized Techniques: Combines energetic balancing through acupuncture points with trigger point dry needling to release muscular tension and restore mobility.
Tailored Treatments: APM treatments include zone-based, circuit-based, pattern of fatigue, and tendinomuscular approaches, each focusing on specific pain sources and systemic issues.
The Core Principles of Acupuncture Physical Medicine
Zone-Based Treatments: Focus on deconstraining energy flow and tension within specific areas of the body, such as the back, front, or sides.
Pattern of Fatigue Treatments: Address stress-induced systemic imbalances that manifest physically or emotionally, such as adrenal exhaustion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, pelvic collapse, and heart-centered tension.
Circuit-Based Treatments: Harmonize related meridian pairs to resolve underlying imbalances that affect energy flow along the channels.
Tendinomuscular Treatments: Target localized musculoskeletal pain caused by overuse, injury, or strain, releasing tension in specific muscles and fascia.
What Conditions Can APM Treat?
APM is particularly effective for treating:
Chronic pain (back, shoulder, hip, and knee).
Stress-related disorders (anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal dysfunction).
Sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries.
Migraines and tension headaches.
Reproductive and urinary disorders.
Emotional imbalances (depression, irritability, anger).
Acupuncture Physical Medicine and Myofascial Trigger Points: A Comprehensive Integration
Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) stands out among acupuncture modalities for its integration of myofascial trigger point therapy into traditional and modern acupuncture frameworks. This unique blend addresses both the energetic imbalances described in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the physical dysfunctions rooted in myofascial and neuromuscular systems.
APM and Myofascial Trigger Points: A Key Integration
What Are Myofascial Trigger Points?
Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are hypersensitive nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle that can cause pain locally and refer pain to distant areas. These points are often a source of chronic musculoskeletal pain and can perpetuate dysfunction when untreatedAcupuncture, Trigger Po…Trigger Point Dry Needl….
How Does APM Address Trigger Points?
APM incorporates techniques from both classical acupuncture and modern trigger point therapy, offering a dual approach to pain and dysfunction:
Needling Techniques: APM uses fine acupuncture needles to deactivate TrPs, similar to dry needling techniques, targeting local muscle tension and improving circulationTrigger Point Dry Needl…Biomedical Acupuncture ….
Energetic Integration: Points related to the body's meridian systems are also engaged to address systemic imbalances, leveraging acupuncture's ability to modulate the autonomic nervous system
Understanding the Jing, Ying, and Wei Levels in Acupuncture Physical Medicine
A cornerstone of Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) is its structured approach to treatment through the Jing, Ying, and Wei levels. These levels address different aspects of the body’s anatomy, energy systems, and nervous system, providing a comprehensive framework for resolving pain and dysfunction.
1. Jing Level: The Foundational and Systemic Level
The Jing Level represents the foundational aspects of energy and physiology in the body. It connects to deeper energetic pathways, such as the Extraordinary Meridians, and plays a key role in addressing systemic imbalances.
Focus:
Balancing deep energetic channels like the Du Mai, Ren Mai, and Chong Mai.
Accessing constitutional energy and supporting long-term systemic health.
Nervous System: Jing-level treatments interact with the autonomic nervous system, calming systemic stress and regulating the body’s overall state of homeostasis.
Applications in APM:
Jing-level points are often used for chronic conditions like adrenal fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and reproductive disorders.
Examples: BL62 and SI3 (Yang Qiao Mai and Du Mai) for spinal irritation; SP4 and PC6 (Chong Mai) for diaphragmatic constriction.
2. Ying Level: The Channel and Organ Level
The Ying Level is associated with the primary meridians and their related Zang-Fu organs. Treatments at this level target specific channels to harmonize energy flow and alleviate organ-based dysfunctions.
Focus:
Regulating meridians like the Stomach, Spleen, Liver, and Lung.
Addressing channel-level imbalances such as stagnation, deficiency, or excess.
Nervous System: Ying-level points influence the sensory nervous system, modulating localized pain and improving organ function through somatic-visceral connections.
Applications in APM:
Ying-level points are used for both local and distal treatments to address conditions like digestive issues, stress, and emotional imbalances.
Examples: SP6 and ST36 for digestive health; HT7 and KD3 for regulating emotional stress and balancing Fire-Water dynamics.
3. Wei Level: The Surface and Myofascial Level
The Wei Level pertains to the body’s surface, including the muscles, fascia, and tendinomuscular pathways. This level is particularly effective for treating localized myofascial pain and trigger points.
Focus:
Releasing fascial restrictions and restoring functional mobility.
Targeting trigger points and muscular adhesions.
Nervous System: Wei-level treatments stimulate the motor nervous system, helping to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore functional movement.
Applications in APM:
Wei-level treatments are used for tendinomuscular pain, such as shoulder, knee, and hip pain.
Examples: LI15 and SJ14 for shoulder pain; Xiyan/ST35 and SP10 for knee pain; GB29 and GB30 for hip pain.
Jing, Ying, and Wei in Practice
Together, the Jing, Ying, and Wei levels allow APM practitioners to treat pain and dysfunction from multiple angles:
Jing Level: Addresses deep, systemic imbalances in the nervous system and energetic pathways.
Ying Level: Targets the meridians and organ systems, resolving channel-level stagnation and harmonizing the Zang-Fu organs.
Wei Level: Releases localized pain and tension in the muscles and fascia, addressing trigger points and improving functional movement.
By integrating these three levels into a single treatment session, APM practitioners can simultaneously address the root causes of pain and its physical manifestations, providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.
This multi-level approach is what sets Acupuncture Physical Medicine apart as a truly comprehensive treatment system. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or systemic dysfunctions, Jing, Ying, and Wei treatments allow APM to access the nervous system, TCM points, and myofascial networks for effective and lasting results.
Types of Treatments in Acupuncture Physical Medicine
Below is an overview of APM’s treatment methods. Each approach links to detailed blog posts explaining the treatment strategies:
Zone-Based Treatments
Tai Yang Zone: Relieving Back Pain and Tension
Yang Ming Zone: Treating the Front Body for Digestive and Emotional Imbalances
Shao Yang Zone: Balancing the Sides of the Body
Pattern of Fatigue Treatments
Spinal Irritation: Alleviating Adrenal Fatigue and Back Pain
Diaphragmatic Constriction: Addressing Stress-Induced Gastrointestinal Issues
Pelvic Collapse: Resolving Lower Abdominal and Reproductive Dysfunctions
Cardiac Alarm: Managing Heart-Centered Stress and Emotional Tension
Circuit-Based Treatments
Yang Ming / Tai Yin Circuit: Harmonizing Metal and Earth Elements for Digestive and Respiratory Health
Tai Yang / Shao Yin Circuit: Balancing Fire and Water Elements for Emotional and Physical Stress
Shao Yang / Jue Yin Circuit: Relieving Lateral Body Pain and Emotional Tension
Tendinomuscular Treatments
Shoulder Pain: Releasing Muscular Constraints for Improved Mobility
Knee Pain: Alleviating Joint Pain and Restoring Function
Lateral Hip Pain: Treating Shaoyang Zone Tension
Why Choose Acupuncture Physical Medicine?
APM’s unique combination of evidence-based techniques and holistic care makes it one of the most effective acupuncture styles for resolving both physical and emotional health challenges. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or seeking stress relief, APM offers a personalized, integrative approach to wellness.
At Morningside Acupuncture, we specialize in Acupuncture Physical Medicine, offering tailored treatments to help you achieve lasting health and balance. Click on the links above to learn more about each treatment, or contact us to schedule your personalized consultation today!
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be interested in learning about Acupuncture Physical Medicine and other acupuncture styles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM)?
APM is a modern acupuncture style developed by Dr. Mark Seem that integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with contemporary anatomical and physiological insights. It focuses on treating pain, stress, and dysfunction by addressing energetic imbalances, tendinomuscular constraints, and myofascial tension.
How does APM differ from traditional acupuncture?
While traditional acupuncture primarily focuses on balancing the body's energy (Qi) through meridians, APM incorporates modern techniques like trigger point dry needling to release myofascial pain. This combination of ancient and contemporary methods allows for a more comprehensive approach to healing.
What are Jing, Ying, and Wei levels in APM?
These levels represent the different layers of treatment in APM:
Jing Level: Targets deep systemic imbalances in the nervous system and energetic pathways.
Ying Level: Focuses on meridian and organ-level imbalances.
Wei Level: Addresses superficial, myofascial pain and trigger points.
What types of conditions can APM treat?
APM is effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Chronic pain (back, shoulder, knee, hip).
Stress-related disorders (anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues).
Sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries.
Migraines and tension headaches.
Emotional imbalances like depression and irritability.
How is trigger point therapy integrated into APM?
APM uses fine acupuncture needles to deactivate trigger points, which are tight bands in muscles that cause pain and restrict movement. This is similar to dry needling but is enhanced by incorporating TCM principles to address systemic energy imbalances simultaneously.
What are the different types of APM treatments?
APM treatments are categorized into four main types:
Zone-Based Treatments: Address energy flow in specific areas, like the back or sides of the body.
Pattern of Fatigue Treatments: Focus on systemic stress and energy imbalances.
Circuit-Based Treatments: Harmonize energy flow within related meridian pairs.
Tendinomuscular Treatments: Release localized tension in muscles and fascia.
Is Acupuncture Physical Medicine safe?
Yes, APM is a safe and minimally invasive treatment approach. By combining the precision of acupuncture with evidence-based myofascial techniques, it offers effective relief for a variety of conditions with minimal side effects. Always ensure that your practitioner is licensed and experienced in APM.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Seem, Mark. (2000). Acupuncture Physical Medicine. Blue Poppy Press.
Seem, Mark. (1993). A New American Acupuncture: Acupuncture Osteopathy. Blue Poppy Press.
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
Read more from our blog
