Similarities and Differences between Myofascial Trigger Points and Sinew Knot：from the Perspective of the Channel Sinew Theory

VernacularTitle:经筋理论视角下激痛点与结筋病灶点的异同
Author: Zijie CHEN ¹ ; Haohan ZHU ¹ ; Xingke SONG ¹ ; Xue PU ¹ ; Junying WANG ¹
Author Information

1. Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100700
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: myofascial trigger points; channel sinew theory; acupuncture techniques; myofascial pain syndrome
From: Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1023-1026
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Myofascial trigger points， as hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle， can induce local or referred pain， and show a high degree of similarity to acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， particularly the so-called sinew knot lesion point. From the perspective of channel sinew theory， and by examining the correlations of myofascial trigger points with acupoints and channel sinew disorders， this study aims to compare the similarities and differences between MTrPs and sinew knot lesion points in terms of pathological mechanisms， needling analgesic mechanisms， and therapeutic approaches. The goal is to deepen the understanding of MTrPs and dry needling， and provide a modern scientific perspective on channel sinew theory and the sinew knot lesion point.