Using fascial expansions to treat headaches is an innovative approach that combines the latest research in fascia, kinetic chain connections, and primary concepts found in acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. This article will discuss how integrating fascial planes with acupuncture points GB20, B60, TH5, LI4, and Yin Tang can effectively relieve headache, including tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches.
Article Index
Fascia
Fascia is often defined as "one interconnected tensional network that adapts its fiber arrangement and density according to local tensional demands." When fascial tension is in good balance, fascia distributes force throughout the body, allowing us to store and release energy for propulsion. When fascial tension is out-of-balance, hypertensive, or restricted, fascia can become the source of various dysfunctions including headaches.
Fascial Planes and Headaches
Restrictions in fascial planes can be addressed using multiple techniques, such as acupuncture hand on manipulation (soft tissue and skeletal). In the context of headaches, at least three fascial planes warrant consideration:
Epicranial Fascia: Serves as a connection between the occipitalis and frontalis muscles and seamlessly merges with the temporal fascia that envelops the temporalis muscle. Moving anteriorly, the epicranial fascia transitions into Tenon's Fascia.
Tenon's Fascia: Acts as a protective sheath for the levator muscle of the upper eyelid. The posterior third of Tenon's fascia joins with the orbital fat, which in turn becomes continuous with the sheath surrounding the optic nerve.
The deep temporal fascia: A dense layer surrounding the temporalis muscle, offering attachment for superficial fibers. It connects with the epicranial fascia superiorly and adheres to the superior temporal line. Inferiorly, it splits into superficial and deep laminae, attaching to the zygomatic arch's lateral and medial edges.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body that have been identified in traditional Chinese medicine as having therapeutic effects when stimulated. We now know these are regions of thickening in the fascia with increased neurological input (especially in the extremities).
Acupuncture points, also known as acupoints or simply points, are specific locations on the body that have been identified in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as having therapeutic effects when stimulated. These points are found along meridians or channels, which are believed to be pathways of energy flow called "Qi" (pronounced "chi") throughout the body.
According to TCM, stimulating acupuncture points can help restore balance, regulate the flow of Qi, alleviate pain, and promote healing in the body. Modern research has revealed that acupuncture points often correspond to areas where there is a high density of nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels, as well as increased electrical conductivity. This suggests that the stimulation of acupuncture points may have physiological effects, such as the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters, and other pain-relieving substances, as well as the regulation of blood flow and the immune system.
Acupuncture Techniques
When acupuncturists treat a patient, acupuncture needles are not just inserted; they are rotated and pulled back and forth until the acupuncturist feels a response in the tissue (sometimes called a tug response). When performing acupressure, we do the same thing: stimulate a region to activate the nervous system and release tension in a fascial network of interconnected tissue. That is why we combine both pieces of knowledge we have obtained from fascial research and clinical expertise from hundreds of years of TCM practice.
Specific Acupuncture Points
The acupuncture points GB20, B60, TH5, LI4, and Yin Tang are commonly used for headache relief in TCM. These points are typically identified using the Chinese measurement unit "cun," employed in acupuncture to pinpoint locations on the body. One cun is approximately the width of the patient's thumb at the knuckle, 1.5 cun matches the combined width of the index and middle fingers, and 3 cun is equivalent to the width of the patient's four fingers when placed together.
GB20 (Feng Chi):
Located at the base of the skull, in the depression between the upper attachments of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
B60 (Kun Lun):
Situated between the Achilles tendon and the lateral malleolus on the foot.
(Waiguan):
Located on the forearm, approximately two finger widths proximal to the wrist crease, between the ulna and radius.
LI4 (He Gu):
Located in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought together.
Yin Tang (Hall of Impression):
Positioned midway between the eyebrows' medial ends, above the nose's bridge.
Fascial Expansion Demonstration
In this video, Dr. Abelson, the Motion Specific Release (MSR) developer, demonstrates using fascial expansions to treat headaches. He demonstrates how practitioners can combine this knowledge with Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture/Acupressure). By understanding the interconnected nature of fascial planes and their effect on headaches, along with the specific acupuncture points and techniques used in TCM, practitioners can effectively alleviate pain and foster healing for patients dealing with headaches. These procedures are often combined with MSR soft tissue procedures and osseous manipulation/mobilization techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fascial expansions and acupuncture techniques can offer an effective, integrated approach to alleviating various forms of headaches, including tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches. The fusion of recent research in fascia, kinetic chain connections, and age-old concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has paved the way for this breakthrough in headache treatment. When stimulated, key acupuncture points like GB20, B60, TH5, LI4, and Yin Tang help regulate Qi's flow, promote healing, and relieve pain.
Combined with an understanding of fascial planes and their interconnectedness, these therapies offer a powerful, non-invasive approach to headache management. However, it's essential to remember that, as with any treatment, individual results may vary, and the best approach should always be tailored to a patient's specific needs and circumstances. As always, ongoing research and clinical practice will continue to advance our understanding and efficacy in treating headaches and other similar conditions.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author
Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.
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