Muscle Tightness and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Muscle tightness and myofascial pain syndrome are common causes of chronic pain and discomfort. They often result from muscle overuse, poor posture, stress, or injuries, and can lead to the formation of trigger points—sensitive knots in the muscles that refer pain to other areas of the body.

Understanding Muscle Tightness and Myofascial Pain in TCM

In TCM, muscle tightness and myofascial pain are typically caused by:

• Qi and Blood stagnation blocking circulation in the muscles
• Wind-Cold-Damp invasion creating stiffness and pain
• Liver Qi stagnation leading to muscle tension and spasms
• Spleen Qi deficiency weakening muscle tone and function

When energy and blood cannot move freely, muscles become tense, inflamed, and sensitive. TCM treatments aim to restore circulation, nourish the tissues, and release emotional tension.

How Acupuncture Helps with Muscle Tightness and Myofascial Pain

Acupuncture provides powerful relief by:

• Increasing blood flow to tight and painful areas
• Releasing muscle knots and trigger points
• Calming the nervous system to reduce sensitivity
• Promoting natural pain-relieving endorphin release

We select acupuncture points along the Bladder, Gallbladder, Liver, and Spleen meridians, often combined with local trigger point needling to deactivate painful knots. Techniques like electroacupuncture can enhance outcomes for chronic or stubborn cases.

Clinical studies, including those published in the Journal of Pain Research (2022), demonstrate that acupuncture significantly reduces myofascial pain, improves muscle flexibility, and decreases reliance on medication.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Healing

Herbal therapy complements acupuncture by working internally to:

• Move Qi and invigorate Blood
• Clear Dampness and Wind from muscles and fascia
• Nourish tendons and sinews for long-term muscle health
• Calm the Liver to release emotional tension impacting the muscles

Commonly used herbs include:

• Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis): Potent natural analgesic
• Dang Gui (Angelica Root): Nourishes Blood and relieves pain
• Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root): Moves Blood and alleviates spasms
• Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root): Expels Wind-Damp and releases tightness

Formulas are customised to address whether the primary issue is excess tension, deficiency, external invasion, or emotional stress.

Localised vs Widespread Muscle Pain: TCM Approach

Localised Myofascial Pain

Trigger points in specific muscles can cause sharp, focused pain. Treatment involves:

• Deactivating trigger points with acupuncture
• Promoting circulation in the affected area
• Supporting tissue repair with herbal therapy

Widespread Muscle Tightness

When tension affects larger areas, often linked to emotional stress or systemic deficiencies, treatment aims to:

• Harmonise Liver Qi
• Strengthen Spleen and Blood
• Release systemic stagnation
• Calm the nervous system

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Muscle Health

Daily habits and nutrition play crucial roles in muscle recovery. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Regular stretching and movement breaks, especially during work
• Gentle activities like Tai Chi, yoga, or Qi Gong
• Applying warm compresses to relieve stiffness (avoid cold packs unless inflammation is acute)
• Practising deep breathing and relaxation techniques to release stress
• Eating foods that nourish Blood and tendons, such as black sesame, leafy greens, walnuts, and bone broth
• Minimising processed, cold, and greasy foods that promote Dampness

Good hydration and posture awareness are also important for maintaining muscle health.

Final Thoughts

Muscle tightness and myofascial pain syndrome can hold you back from living your best life. With the natural, holistic treatments of Traditional Chinese Medicine, true healing and restoration are possible.