Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Acupuncture and Gua Sha
by Gavin Larsen
Plantar fasciitis, a common and often debilitating condition, is characterized by heel pain and discomfort along the arch of the foot. While traditional treatments such as stretching, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications are widely used, a growing body of evidence suggests that acupuncture and Gua Sha can offer fast relief and work to promote full recovery.
What can Acupuncture do for Plantar Fasciitis?
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been increasingly recognized for its efficacy in treating plantar fasciitis. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points, practitioners stimulate sensory nerve endings, which in turn send signals to the central nervous system. This stimulation leads to the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which modulate pain perception and promote healing.
A systematic review by Thiagarajah (2017) underscores the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis. The review analyzed multiple trials and found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain in patients with plantar fasciitis, with noticeable improvements typically occurring within four to eight weeks of treatment. The study highlighted that acupuncture, with minimal side effects, can serve as a viable adjunct or alternative to conventional treatments.
In a randomized controlled trial by Zhang et al. (2011), participants received acupuncture at specific points, including PC 7 and LI 4. The results indicated that targeting PC 7, known for its effectiveness in treating heel pain, despite being located on the wrist, led to a substantial reduction in both morning and overall pain compared to the control group. This finding suggests that specific distal acupuncture points can offer targeted pain relief.
Further supporting acupuncture’s role, Kumnerddee et al. (2012) investigated the efficacy of electro-acupuncture combined with conventional treatments. The study revealed that electro-acupuncture was more effective than conventional treatments alone, resulting in a 50% reduction in pain and significant improvement in foot function. The benefits lasted up to six weeks, demonstrating the potential of combining acupuncture with other therapeutic modalities.
How Gua Sha Offers an Edge to Your Results
Literally, Gua Sha involves the scraping of the skin with a smooth-edged tool, which has shown excellent results in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. A recent clinical trial by Jadhav and Gurudut (2023) compared Gua Sha with other manual techniques such as cryostretch and positional release therapy (PRT). The study found that Gua Sha outperformed these techniques in pain reduction, attributed to its ability to improve blood flow and alleviate muscle tension.
The mechanism behind Gua Sha involves scraping the skin to create minor petechiae, which stimulates circulation and promotes healing. This technique helps reduce inflammation and improve tissue repair in the affected area. Gua Sha's effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis can be understood through its impact on the fascial network, which surrounds muscles and organs. By addressing myofascial adhesions and restrictions, Gua Sha restores normal movement and flexibility.
Integrating Acupuncture and Gua Sha
Combining acupuncture with Gua Sha offers a synergistic approach to managing plantar fasciitis. Acupuncture targets specific points to alleviate pain and improve function, while Gua Sha addresses muscle tension and circulation. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive approach to treating plantar fasciitis, addressing both pain relief and functional improvement.
Case Study: Personal Success Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Gua Sha
In my practice, I encountered a case where Gua Sha was the only method that provided significant relief after other treatments failed. The patient, who had been struggling with plantar fasciitis, experienced 100% relief from pain after just one Gua Sha session. This complete relief lasted for five days. However, when the pain recurred, it was reduced by 75% at the beginning of the subsequent session. One week following the third session, the patient maintained 100% resolution of their pain.
This experience underscores the effectiveness of Gua Sha in treating plantar fasciitis, particularly when other treatments have not provided relief. Following this success, I recommended preventative maintenance every two weeks for four additional sessions. This approach aimed to sustain the relief and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Scientific Insights and TCM Perspective
Plantar fasciitis is often categorized as an inflammatory condition; however, recent research suggests it may be more accurately described as plantar fasciosis due to its chronic, degenerative nature. This condition involves micro-tears in the plantar fascia, leading to thickening, collagen necrosis, and calcification. Risk factors include obesity, tight Achilles tendons, and abnormalities in foot arches.
From a TCM perspective, plantar fasciitis is often related to the kidney meridian, which influences the foot. Qi and blood stasis, along with weaknesses in the body’s ability to build and circulate blood, usually contributes to the pain experienced in plantar fasciitis. Additionally, external factors such as wind, cold, and dampness may exacerbate the condition. TCM treatment strategies include acupuncture points like GB 34, KI 3, and BL 57, which address stasis and deficiency, working to relieve pain and improve function.
A case study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2018) further supports the integration of multiple TCM therapies, including acupuncture, Gua Sha, massage, bleeding, and moxibustion. This multimodal approach effectively addresses both the symptoms and underlying issues of plantar fasciitis. The study demonstrated significant pain relief and functional improvement, highlighting the benefits of combining various TCM modalities.
Step Forward and Resolve Your Plantar Fasciitis
Both acupuncture and Gua Sha offer reliable treatments for plantar fasciitis. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain and improve function through targeted stimulation of specific points, while Gua Sha provides relief by enhancing blood flow and addressing myofascial restrictions. The combination of these therapies can offer a comprehensive approach to treating plantar fasciitis, addressing both immediate pain and long-term recovery.
About Gavin
Gavin Larsen, a Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.Ac., R.TCM.P.), brings over a decade of experience in holistic health to his practice. His passion is to connect ancient healing traditions with modern scientific knowledge. Gavin earned his doctorate of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine from the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences and has received comprehensive training in acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Gua Sha. He is committed to assisting individuals in attaining optimal health, fitness, and well-being by integrating holistic approaches supported by scientific research.
