Dry Needling / Trigger Point Acupuncture San Diego

01/30/2026

Many patients tell me they cannot find dry needling in California because they heard it is illegal. That is incorrect. Dry needling is fully legal for licensed acupuncturists in California. The same treatment is commonly called trigger point acupuncture or sports acupuncture. It focuses on releasing tight muscle bands and painful trigger points to restore normal muscle function and reduce pain. If you are searching for dry needling in California, look for a sports acupuncturist or a provider who specializes in trigger point acupuncture. It is the same anatomical treatment, just described with different terms.

01/19/2026

Understanding Needling Techniques: Superficial vs. Deep
A skilled practitioner utilizes different depths of needling to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Here is a breakdown of why and when we choose each approach:
Superficial Needling
Why we use it:
To activate the nervous system's pain modulation pathways ("gate control theory") for immediate pain relief.
To work in sensitive or delicate areas where deep muscle pe*******on is inappropriate (like the face or around organs).
For highly sensitive patients who prefer a gentle experience.
When we use it:
For general relaxation and stress relief.
Treating headaches, anxiety, or insomnia.
Managing mild, diffused pain or widespread sensitivity.
Deep Needling
Why we use it:
To physically release tight, shortened muscle bands (myofascial trigger points or Ashi points).
To induce a "local twitch response," which resets the muscle spindle and increases localized blood flow and healing.
To provide longer-lasting structural and functional changes to the muscle tissue.
When we use it:
For chronic muscle pain (e.g., lower back pain, neck stiffness, sciatica).
Treating sports injuries and specific movement dysfunctions.
Addressing deep-seated "knots" and restoring normal muscle function.

01/19/2026

5 Myths about Acupuncture vs Dry Needling

1. Myth: Acupuncture is Superficial While Dry Needling Goes Deep into the Muscle
The Reality: Depth of insertion is determined by the anatomy of the target tissue, not the name of the profession. Licensed Acupuncturists are experts in "deep needling" and have been using these techniques to release deep-seated muscle knots and motor points for centuries. Whether a needle stays near the surface or goes deep into a muscle belly depends entirely on your specific injury and the clinical goal. Acupuncturists simply have a broader range of techniques, allowing them to work at whatever depth is necessary to get you moving again.
2. Myth: Dry Needling is "Modern Science" and Acupuncture is "Ancient Energy Work"
The Reality: This is a false dichotomy. While dry needling is often described using modern Western bioscience terms, its core technique—needling local tender spots—has been a documented part of acupuncture for over 2,000 years. Known as "Ashi" points (translated as "Ah-yes!" points), these anatomical targets are identical to what modern dry needlers call "trigger points". Science belongs to everyone, and acupuncture has used a neuroanatomical approach to pain management for millennia.
3. Myth: They Use Different Types of Needles
The Reality: Both practices use the exact same tool: a sterile, single-use, stainless steel filiform (solid) needle. These are FDA-classified as "acupuncture needles." The only difference is the title of the person holding the needle and the theoretical framework they use to justify where they place it. Licensed Acupuncturists use these needles for both systemic health and local myofascial release.
4. Myth: Dry Needling is More Effective for Muscle Pain
The Reality: Dry needling is actually a limited subset of acupuncture techniques. While a "dry needler" (like a PT or Chiropractor in Colorado) is legally restricted from treating distal points or ear points, a Licensed Acupuncturist is trained to treat the local muscle and the systemic root causes. By combining local trigger point release with distal points and needle retention, acupuncturists often achieve more comprehensive and longer-lasting results for musculoskeletal pain.
5. Myth: Acupuncture is Not Based on Anatomy While Dry Needling Is
The Reality: This is entirely incorrect. Classical acupuncture is deeply rooted in anatomy; traditional points are located at major nerve intersections, blood vessels, and muscle motor points. Modern research shows that up to 95% of common "trigger points" correspond directly to classical acupuncture points. While dry needlers focus exclusively on muscle knots, Licensed Acupuncturists use their extensive anatomical training to address the entire nervous system, connective tissues, and vascular health.

01/12/2026

12/25/2025

Hungary has rolled out solar heated tunnel shelters designed to protect stray and homeless dogs during harsh winter weather. The structures collect heat from sunlight during the day and keep it trapped overnight, offering warmth and shelter when temperatures drop below freezing.

Animal welfare organizations say these tunnels are already making a real difference. By reducing the risk of hypothermia, the shelters give vulnerable dogs a safer place to rest and a better chance of surviving extreme cold conditions.

08/27/2025

Neuromodulation vs Trigger Point Release
In clinical practice, acupuncture can influence the body in different ways depending on
whether needles are retained for a period of time or applied specifically to tight, painful muscle
bands known as trigger points. Both methods are valuable, but they operate through distinct
mechanisms. This paper explains the difference between neuromodulation through needle
retention and trigger point release.
Neuromodulation (Needle Retention)
When acupuncture needles are retained, they continue to provide a steady input to local
nerve endings. This input does more than affect the tissue at the needle site. It alters how the
spinal cord and brain process sensory information, a process known as neuromodulation. By
sustaining stimulation, the nervous system shifts its balance: pain signals are dampened,
muscle tone is adjusted, and the autonomic nervous system is influenced. Neuromodulation
can calm overactive pain pathways, regulate stress responses, and even affect mood and
sleep. Neurochemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and GABA are released, helping the
body reset its baseline toward healing and relaxation. The effects are systemic, extending
beyond the immediate needle location, and may last even after the needles are removed.
Trigger Point Release
Trigger points are hyperactive spots within muscle fibers that cause local tightness and often
refer pain to other areas. When an acupuncture needle or manual pressure is applied to a
trigger point, it can produce a brief twitch response in the muscle. This reflex action resets the
abnormal motor endplate activity, relieving the contraction and allowing blood flow and
oxygen to return to the area. Trigger point release primarily has a local effect. Patients often
feel immediate relief of muscle tightness, increased range of motion, and a decrease in
localized or referred pain. Unlike neuromodulation, this effect is not aimed at broad systemic
regulation, but rather at resolving a specific muscular dysfunction.
Conclusion
In summary, neuromodulation and trigger point release represent two different yet
complementary approaches. Neuromodulation reshapes how the nervous system processes
signals, creating systemic changes in pain perception, stress, and autonomic balance. Trigger
point release directly addresses dysfunctional muscle knots, providing localized relief and
restoring healthy muscle function. Both methods are important tools in acupuncture and dry
needling practice, chosen based on the needs of the patient and the goals of treatment.

08/03/2025

Extra point Jianxi, translated as “Strengthen Knee,” seems to share the same location as the motor nerve innervation (motor point). This extra point is located 3 cun directly above the center point of the superior border of the patella. This point received its name “Strengthen Muscle” most likely from evidential findings, therefore it is assumed that many practitioners before us have used this point for this reason.

The indications for this point as used in the Shanghai University, China are paralysis of the knee and arthritis of the knee. (O’ Connor, J. 1981). In addition, the author uses this point for anterior knee pain such as prepatellar bursitis. The action of the articularis genu is to lift the patellar synovial sack upward during knee extension, an inability is this muscle’s action can lead to a bursitis condition.

READ THE BLOG & WATCH THE VIDEO: Anterior Knee Pain—Articularis Genus & Extra Point Jianxi

🔗 https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/anterior-knee-pain-articularis-genus-and-extra-point-jianxi/

We will cover how to properly needle this important point in our upcoming Assessment & Treatment Module III: The Lower Extremity 4-day live in-person classes.

MODULE III DATES & LOCATIONS:

❶ SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2025 in VIENNA, VA: https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/module-iii-ati-2025-va/

❷ OCTOBER 2-5, 2025 in SAN DIEGO, CA (WAITLIST ONLY): https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/mod-iii-the-lower-extremity-ati-2025-ca/

❸ OCTOBER 23-26, 2025 in SAN DIEGO, CA: https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/class/module-iii-the-lower-extremity-assessment-treatment-of-injuries-ati-ca-second-session/

Keep in mind, you can start with any module in the SMAC Program. Classes can also be taken a la carte to earn CAB and NCCAOM CEUs as the certification track is completely optional!

Have questions? Reach out to us at acusportinfo@gmail.com.

07/26/2025

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/203A7E2D-7877-4DBA-8D1F-4A43C4E0C04B/Trigger_Point_Acupuncture_Timeline_China.docx

The Evolution of Musculoskeletal and Trigger Point Acupuncture in China
By Dr. Geno Diveley, DACM | Acujin Acupuncture

Introduction
Trigger point acupuncture and musculoskeletal needling in China reflect a rich fusion of classical Chinese medical traditions and modern anatomical and physiological science. While ancient Chinese physicians long recognized painful tender points (Ashi points), the 20th century brought global collaboration that expanded China’s acupuncture models with modern neurophysiology, electromedicine, and sports medicine.

Timeline of Development
Pre-Han Dynasty (~200 BCE)
Ashi points (阿是穴) described in classical Chinese texts such as the Huangdi Neijing as tender areas that cause pain on palpation—clinically similar to modern trigger points.

Tang to Ming Dynasties (600s–1600s)
Manual therapy and needling of painful muscle knots described in acupuncture case records, martial arts texts, and traumatology manuals (e.g., Die Da practices).

1800s (Late Qing Dynasty)
Electric stimulation begins appearing in Western medical texts; Chinese physicians observe Western doctors using galvanic and faradic currents to stimulate nerves. Early electroacupuncture experimentation begins in treaty ports.

1910s–1930s
Integration of Western anatomy and neurology into Chinese medicine education begins in Republican-era reforms. Acupuncturists start mapping nerves and muscles under acupoints.

1950s–1960s
Chinese military and sports hospitals formalize Ashi point needling and add basic neuroanatomy into acupuncture training. The use of electroacupuncture becomes widespread in state hospitals.

1980s
China opens to international medical collaboration. Influence of Janet Travell and David Simons’ myofascial trigger point theory enters Chinese rehab hospitals. Chinese translations of Western rehabilitation and pain science texts appear.

1990s–2000s
Universities and research hospitals in China conduct EMG and ultrasound studies on acupuncture points, muscle innervation, and fascial planes. Terms like 'myofascial trigger points' (肌筋膜触发点) become common in Chinese literature.

2010s–Today
China’s acupuncture education integrates modern musculoskeletal knowledge, including motor point location, neuroanatomy, and fascial line theories (inspired by Langevin, Stecco, Myers). Trigger point therapy is used interchangeably with Ashi point needling. Electroacupuncture is standard in orthopedic acupuncture protocols.

Summary
Trigger point acupuncture in China is not a Western import but an evolution of indigenous techniques informed by international science. Ashi point needling, muscle palpation, and electrostimulation are now supported by decades of research on neuromuscular physiology and fascial dynamics. Chinese medicine continues to adapt and innovate, merging traditional insight with biomedical precision.

Clinic Info
Dr. Geno Diveley, DACM

Website: https://acujinacupuncture.com

Phone: 858-272-4627

Address: 4225 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117

05/21/2025

Not all dry needling is created equal.
At our clinic, we combine modern trigger point therapy with the precision of acupuncture. It’s called Dry Needling Acupuncture—and the results speak for themselves.

More training. Better targeting. Real pain relief.

Tried PT dry needling? Come feel the difference.

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05/17/2025

I often wondered if he only studied just trigger point or painful areas in general, great find about the Needle Effect. He didn't stimulate the areas of pain. he never called what he did acupuncture or dry needling but his work can be used to explain what happens when needles are instered into painful areas to alleviate pain.

05/17/2025

"All trigger points are ASHI points, but not all ASHI points are trigger points."

* ASHI points (阿是穴) are acupuncture points that are tender or painful on palpation, regardless of their location on the meridian, off the meridian. They are essentially "Ah yes!" points—where the patient feels pain and you treat.
* Trigger points, as defined in modern myofascial pain theory (Travell & Simons), are a specific subset of ASHI points. They are:
* Hyperirritable spots in a taut band of skeletal muscle.
* Associated with characteristic referred pain patterns, local twitch response, and sometimes autonomic phenomena.
So:
* Every trigger point qualifies as an ASHI point due to its tenderness.
* However, ASHI points can also be tender fascia, ligaments, tendons, or even non-muscular regions with no taut band or referred pain—so they don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for trigger points.

01/05/2025