Chuzhen Therapy as a Non-Invasive Traditional Chinese Therapy for Neck Pain

This research focused on the prevention and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. In Chinese medicine, a standardized Chuzhen protocol has been developed for patient with cervical spondylosis-related neck pain, offering clinicians a reliable reference. Recent developments in the field include animal-based experiment, validation of Chuzhen therapy's efficacy, as well as the upload of our international standardization project for Chuzhen tools. This protocol fills an exist gap by providing a non-invasive alternative for neck pain management, addressing the lack of standards option in the area. Chuzen therapy combines the principles of acupuncture and massage, providing high safety, broad applicability, and non-invasiveness, which are distinct advantages of a traditional universal method.

[Narrator] To begin, position the patient either in the prone or seated position to allow comfortable access to the acupoints. Identify common acupoints, including Fengchi and Jianjing. Then, identify specialized acupoints, including Fengfu Bazhen, Dazhui Bazhen, and Heche Road, which is the path extending from the Nahou point to the Dazhui point. Take the number two Chuzhen and tap it on Dazui Bazhen and Fengfu Bazhen with fast, low pressure, and shallow point knocking for larger regions, and slow, high pressure, and deep knocking for smaller regions. Now, take the number one Chuzhen and press the head of the tool against the skin along Heche Road, moving horizontally and vertically 21 times in two minutes. Then, take the number three Chuzhen. Place the tip onto the Fengfu Bazhen and Dazui Bazhen acupoints, and gradually transmit force to the tip, advancing it downward to a depth tolerated by the patient, aiming to disperse the qi and blood in all directions. Slowly lift the Chuzen upward while keeping the tip in contact with the skin of the treated acupoint. Now, press the tail of the Chuzen closely against the skin at the same acupoints, and perform circular motions from inside to outside, then from outside to inside, while maintaining constant contact with the skin and keeping the force within a level tolerated by the patient. Similarly, perform the press and lift technique using the number four Chuzen on the Fengchi and Jianjing acupoints. After the procedure, assist the patient to a comfortable position, clean and disinfect the Chuzen tools using 75% alcohol, and store the disinfected tools in a designated container. A comparison of the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, and Short Form 36 Health Survey scores before treatment, after treatment, and one month after treatment in 74 patients undergoing Chuzen therapy is presented in this table. Significant improvements were recorded following therapy, with reduced pain and disability levels and enhanced quality of life compared to pretreatment values. Continued improvement in Neck Disability Index and Short Form 36 Health Survey scores was maintained one month after treatment, suggesting that Chuzen therapy provides sustained therapeutic effects and effectively improves patient conditions, while no significant change was observed in Visual Analog Scale scores compared to the end of treatment.