An anatomical perspective on commonly used acupoints and mechanisms of action in Tuina treatment for migraine

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.4.19

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4) : 491-494. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.4.19

An anatomical perspective on commonly used acupoints and mechanisms of action in Tuina treatment for migraine

Chen Yibin¹, Xie Siyuan²*, Zhao Zilin³, Li Yikai²

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Abstract

Tuina is an effective treatment for migraine, and its acupoint specificity is a primary focus of clinical interest. To elucidate its scientific underpinnings from a clinical anatomy perspective, this paper analyzes the deep anatomical structures of commonly used acupoints, such as Fengchi and Taiyang, and explores their correlation with the core pathological pathway of migraine: Trigeminocervical Complex (TCC). The analysis reveals that these acupoints anatomically correspond to the emergence points of critical nerve trunks or cutaneous branches, the pathways of neurovascular bundles, or points of concentrated myofascial tension. Its therapeutic mechanism may involve two aspects: neuromodulation of the afferent pathways of TCC and biomechanical regulation of myofascial-derived pain. This paper posits that integrating the "points" of traditional acupoints with the functional "planes" revealed by modern anatomy (such as nerve distribution and myofascial planes) can promote the development of Tuina techniques and enhance clinical efficacy. This "point-plane integration" approach not only affirms the significant clinical value of traditional meridian and acupoint theory, but also demonstrates that modern anatomical knowledge can endow traditional acupoints with new scientific connotations. Furthermore, the integration of Tuina and clinical anatomy should be strengthened to develop acupressure points and techniques with improved therapeutic effects.

Key words

Migraine / / / Tuina massage / / / Clinical anatomy / / / Acupoint / / / Trigeminocervical complex

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Chen Yibin, Xie Siyuan, Zhao Zilin, Li Yikai. An anatomical perspective on commonly used acupoints and mechanisms of action in Tuina treatment for migraine[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(4): 491-494 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.4.19

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