Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or qi, along the body’s meridian pathways. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including pain.
Hip pain and necrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition in which the bone tissue in the hip joint dies due to a lack of blood supply. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. While there are several treatment options available for this condition, including surgery and medication, some people have found relief from acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help with hip pain and necrosis in several ways. First, it can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation in the affected area. This can help to promote the growth of new bone tissue and reduce pain and stiffness.
Second, acupuncture may also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen pain symptoms. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture can help to improve overall well-being and reduce the perception of pain.
Finally, acupuncture may also help to regulate the body’s immune system, which can play a role in the development and progression of hip pain and necrosis. By balancing the immune system, acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
While acupuncture may not be a suitable treatment option for everyone with hip pain and necrosis, it can be a safe and effective complementary therapy for some people. As with any medical treatment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupuncture to make sure it’s safe for you and to discuss potential risks and benefits.
Acupoints for Hip Pain and Necrosis
Acupuncture treatment for hip pain and necrosis typically involves the use of specific acupoints (acupuncture points) that correspond to the affected area and aim to stimulate healing and relieve pain. The following are some of the commonly used acupoints for hip pain and necrosis:
GB29 (Ju Liao): Located on the outer hip, midway between the greater trochanter (bony prominence on the outside of the thigh bone) and the iliac crest (top of the hip bone). Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and stiffness.
GB30 (Huan Tiao): Located in the buttock crease, between the greater trochanter and the sacrum (triangular bone at the base of the spine). Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and sciatica.
BL36 (Cheng Fu): Located in the middle of the buttock, about two finger widths away from the midline of the body. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation to the affected area.
ST36 (Zu San Li): Located on the lower leg, about four finger widths below the knee cap and one finger width to the outside of the shin bone. Stimulating this point can help to improve overall energy and immune function, which can aid in the healing process.
CV4 (Guan Yuan): Located on the lower abdomen, about three finger widths below the belly button. Stimulating this point can help to regulate the reproductive and urinary systems and promote overall healing and vitality.
Acupuncture treatment for hip pain and necrosis typically involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into these acupoints, along with other points that may be relevant to the individual’s specific condition and overall health. Treatment frequency and duration may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a licensed acupuncturist for personalized treatment.
15 other Acupoints for Hip Pain and Necrosis
In addition to the acupoints I mentioned earlier, here are 15 other acupoints that can be used for hip pain and necrosis:
LI4 (Hegu): Located on the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Stimulating this point can help to relieve pain and improve circulation.
LI11 (Quchi): Located on the outer side of the elbow, in the depression at the end of the crease when the arm is bent. Stimulating this point can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
SI3 (Hou Xi): Located on the back of the hand, in the depression between the knuckles of the fourth and fifth fingers. Stimulating this point can help to relieve pain and stiffness in the hips and lower back.
SI6 (Yang Lao): Located on the outer forearm, about 3 finger-widths above the wrist crease. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation.
BL10 (Tian Zhu): Located at the base of the skull, on the midline between the two vertical muscles. Stimulating this point can help to relieve pain and stiffness in the hips and lower back.
BL23 (Shen Shu): Located on the lower back, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) away from the spine on either side of the second lumbar vertebrae. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve kidney function.
BL40 (Wei Zhong): Located on the back of the knee, in the depression behind the knee joint. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation.
BL54 (Zhi Bian): Located on the back of the knee, between the two tendons. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve the function of the lower limbs.
GB30 (Huan Tiao): Located in the buttock crease, between the greater trochanter and the sacrum. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and sciatica.
GB34 (Yang Ling Quan): Located on the outer side of the lower leg, below the knee joint. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation.
KI3 (Tai Xi): Located on the inner ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve kidney function.
KI10 (Yin Gu): Located on the inner leg, about 2 inches (5 cm) above the ankle bone. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation.
SP6 (San Yin Jiao): Located on the inner leg, about 4 finger-widths above the ankle bone. Stimulating this point can help to relieve hip pain and improve circulation.
ST36 (Zu San Li): Located on the lower leg, about 4 finger-widths below the knee cap and 1 finger-width to the outside of the shin bone. Stimulating this point can help to improve overall energy and immune function, which can aid in the healing process.
GV4 (Ming Men): Located on the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae. Stimulating this point can help to improve overall vitality and kidney function, which can aid in the healing process.
As with any acupuncture treatment, it is important to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can assess your individual condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of these acupoints.