Can Acupuncture Help with Piriformis Syndrome?

Which acupuncture points are helpful for piriformis pain?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into various points on the body, which stimulate the nervous system to promote healing and pain relief. Some of the key acupuncture points used to help piriformis syndrome include the piriformis muscle point, as well as points along the bladder meridian that are believed to help release tension and relax the muscles.

Doctors may use acupuncture in several positions to treat piriformis syndrome. These include the piriformis muscle point, as well as points along the bladder meridian, such as BL29 and BL54, which are believed to help release tension and relax the muscles. They may also target the gluteal muscles and hip flexors to help relieve pain and restore mobility. However, the specific acupuncture points used may vary depending on the individual's symptoms and needs.

Commonly used acupressure points include A-shi point, which is a significant tender point. As well as GB30, GB31, BL37, BL36, BL57, GB34, BL40, BL55, ST36, BL60 and so on.

A-shi point: A-shi point is a temporary acupoint phenomenon that can occur anywhere in the body. When a disease occurs, Qi and blood stagnation occur in a certain part of the body, causing temporary and localized accumulation of Qi and blood, resulting in the appearance of A-shi phenomenon. When the disease is relieved, the temporary accumulation of Qi and blood also disappears, and the A-shi point phenomenon disappears. It can be seen that A-shi point is not a fixed and specific acupoint. Doctors can locate A-shi point based on the specific area of pain that the patient feels, such as headache, abdominal pain, neck pain, back pain, hip pain, leg pain and other localized areas of the body. The patient may not be clear which specific point constitutes A-shi point, but they can give the doctor a range to search for A-shi point by touch.

GB30: There is a certain relationship between GB30, back pain, and piriformis pain. 

Back pain is often related to poor circulation and kidney yin deficiency in the Kidney Meridian, while GB30 is located on the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

Massaging the GB30 can promote blood circulation, improve kidney function, and alleviate back pain.

Piriformis syndrome refers to a series of symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet caused by piriformis muscle spasm or injury. As the bladder meridian's combined point for the Foot-Taiyang, massaging the GB30 can also alleviate the symptoms of piriformis pain. 

Because the bladder meridian passes through the waist, buttocks, legs, and other parts, massaging the GB30 may involve other acupuncture points related to piriformis muscle, thereby exerting a regulatory effect.

GB31: GB31 is located on the Governing Vessel meridian and is often used to treat neck and back pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, back pain is often related to poor circulation and Kidney Yin deficiency in the Kidney Meridian. Massaging the GB31 can help promote blood circulation and nourish Kidney Yin, which can alleviate back pain. Piriformis syndrome refers to a series of symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet caused by piriformis muscle spasm or injury. The Governing Vessel meridian passes through the spine and the piriformis muscle, which means that massaging the GB31 can also alleviate the symptoms of piriformis syndrome. In summary, massaging the GB31 can help alleviate both back pain and piriformis pain, thanks to its location on the Governing Vessel meridian.

BL37：BL37 is located on the back of the body, above the erector spinae muscle beside the spine. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, it is closely related to the liver meridian and is an important acupoint for regulating liver qi. As the liver is responsible for emotions, unstable emotions can cause back muscle tension, stiffness and pain. Therefore, massaging BL37 can balance liver qi and ease back muscle tension and pain.  Sciatica is caused by piriformis muscle spasms or injury, leading to pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. Although the location of BL37 is not directly related to the piriformis muscle area, massaging it can improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, ultimately helping to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. In summary, massaging BL37 can relieve back pain and sciatica symptoms, especially those caused by back muscle tension and emotional factors.

BL36：BL36 is located below the center of the transverse crease line of the buttocks.BL36 is a commonly used acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine to treat the back pain. If you encounter pain and numbness in the lumbar, sacrum, buttocks, and thighs, you can stimulate the BL36 by pressing and kneading, and the pain can be relieved quickly. They can help alleviate back pain, promote blood circulation, and achieve the therapeutic effect of treating piriformis syndrome.

BL57：Slightly apply force to pad the toes, and the end of the muscles on the back of the calf is the BL57. Mainly treat calf cramps, tired feet, tired knees, low back pain, lumbago and leg pain. Cooperate with GB30 and GB34 points to treat lower extremity impotence and sciatica.

GB34：GB34 is located obliquely below the knee, in the depression slightly anterior to the head of the fibula on the outside of the calf. Some people think it's a switch for sciatica.

BL40：They belong to the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, and its location is at the midpoint of the popliteal crease, that is to say, when we bend our legs, the back of the knee, which is the midpoint of the innermost part of the depression, is BL40.

Clinically, stimulation therapy such as massage can be performed on BL40, which is of great benefit to the improvement of low back pain. Reasonable application of BL40 in clinical practice can obviously relax tendons, dredge collaterals, dissipate blood stasis and activate blood circulation.

BL55：It is one of the commonly used acupoints of the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang. It is located on the back of the calf. On the line connecting BL40 and BL57, BL40 is 2 inches straight down. It is commonly used in modern times to treat lumbar spine pain. Combined with GB30 and GB34 to treat lower extremity impotence (sciatica).

BL60：It is located behind the lateral malleolus of the foot, in the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Helps with lumbosacral pain, sciatica.

However, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of needles, and some may be unable to tolerate acupuncture. In such cases, acupressure can be used as an alternative. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body using the fingers or other tools, which can be just as effective as acupuncture in relieving pain and tension.

Another effective method for treating piriformis syndrome is the use of a piriformis stretcher. A piriformis stretcher is a device that can be used to stretch and massage the piriformis muscle, helping to alleviate tension and pain. It is a deep massage option that can be used in the comfort of your own home.

In conclusion, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for piriformis pain, but it is not the only option. Acupressure and piriformis stretchers are also effective ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.