Tuina and Yijinjing Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain
Editorial Staff
| DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
Evidence suggests a high percentage of neck pain cases to not resolve completely or become chronic. Pain medication remains a primary option for managing neck pain, but new research suggests tuina and yijinjing exercise are an effective combination to provide symptomatic relief.
The 12-week randomized, clinical trial (eight weeks of treatment, followed by four weeks of observation / follow-up) divided 102 adult patients (average age: 36.5 years at baseline) with nonspecific chronic neck pain into two groups for comparison.
One group received three weekly tuina sessions for eight weeks (24 total sessions); the second group received three weekly yijinjing sessions for eight weeks in addition to tuina (same frequency as group #1). The three weekly yijinjing sessions included one instructor-guided exercise session and two self-practice exercise sessions at home.
Tuina sessions consisted of three components: 1) soft-tissue manipulation, 2) clicking acupoint manipulation, and 3) and spinal manipulation. The five-step yijinjing exercise protocol featured "Third Aspect of Wei-tuo, taking away a star and changing the dipper for it, nine demons drawing their swords, bowing in salutation, and wagging the tail."
The primary outcome measure assessed: change in visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline to week eight; secondary outcomes included changes in Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, active range of motion, anxiety and neck tissue hardness.
After eight weeks of treatment, VAS scores improved in both groups, with the combination tuina plus yijinjing exercise protocol proving more effective than the tuina protocol alone (-1.2 difference from baseline; -4.1 vs. -5.4). Secondary outcome measures also improved to a greater degree in the combination treatment group. This superiority was observed at week-12 follow-up as well.
Another approach to regulate the Yang Ming / Tai Yin circuit is to use an extraordinary vessel (EOV) approach. EOV treatments can be essential in a long-haul post-viral state, as they can help restore integrity to the body’s energetic system on the deepest level. Various combinations can be helpful; however, combining Chong Mai with Ren Mai is a good place to start, as it can help to regulate the gut (Chong Mai) and the lungs (Ren Mai).
| Digital Exclusive
Joseph Audette, MD, MA;
Sam Audette, LAc, Dipl. OM
The NCCAOM is excited to announce the completion of its 2023-2024 Job Analysis (JA) Executive Summary report. The JA is a pivotal initiative aimed at defining the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession. The data collected from this survey is essential for updating the NCCAOM exam content outlines at the entry-to-practice level, ensuring the certification exams are relevant, fair, and legally defensible.
As we move into the Year of the Snake, let’s embrace the snake’s deep-thinking nature and ask ourselves four important questions, all of which relate to a single journey: advocating for our medicine by educating others about its value. Now is the time for all acupuncturists to come together to strengthen the profession, share knowledge, advocate for advancement – and help more patients access you as a vital element of their whole-health care.
