This new edition of this highly successful book describes how musculoskeletal pain can be simply and effectively treated by acupuncture. Building on a thorough review of the scientific evidence available, the provides a detailed and practical account of the many different forms of musculoskeletal pain and the specific ways in which acupuncture can be applied effectively to trigger points to alleviate this pain. Case studies are included to aid diagnosis and choice of treatment.
* Evidence-based, up-to-date, and detailed information on trigger points, musculoskeletal pain, and the physiology of pain provide the most authoritative assessments available on this topic.
* Practical, step-by-step treatment guidelines help readers apply key concepts to actual practice.
* Clear illustrations demonstrate important techniques and areas of pain and needling.
* Expanded coverage of fibromyalgia and the neurophysiology of myofascial trigger points includes common symptoms and treatments.
* More information on new treatment options for the common problem of whiplash injuries.
* Expanded chapter on fibromyalgia

Pt. 1 Acupuncture - a historical review 1
1 Traditional Chinese acupuncture 3
2 How news of acupuncture and moxibustion spread from China to the outside
world 13
3 The practice of acupuncture in the Western world during the 19th century 21
Pt. 2 Principles of trigger point acupuncture 29
4 Some basic observations leading to its development 31
5 Evolution of knowledge concerning muscle pain syndromes for which it is
employed 37
6 Neurophysiology of pain 45
7 Myofascial trigger point pain and fibromyalgia syndromes 73
8 Concurrent complex regional and myofascial trigger point pain syndromes 101
9 Neurophysiological pain-suppressing effects of acupuncture and transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation 109
10 Treatment of myofascial trigger point pain and fibromyalgia syndromes 127
11 Scientific evaluation of acupuncture's ability to relieve nociceptive pain
149
Pt. 3 The practical application of trigger point acupuncture 163
12 Chest pain 165
13 The painful shoulder 187
14 Pain in the neck 207
15 Pain in the arm 223
16 Pain in the head and face 251
17 Low-back pain 275
18 Pain in the lower limb 315
19 Pain in and around joints 325
20 Abdominal and pelvic pain 343