Using Acupuncture to Treat Muscle Spasms and Cramps

Muscle spasms and cramps can be extremely painful and disrupt daily life. Acupuncture offers a drug-free way to target painful trigger points and restore normal muscle function. This article explores how acupuncture can relieve muscle spasms and cramping.

therapist pricking skin with needles during treatment procedure — Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

Table of Contents

What Causes Muscle Spasms and Cramps?

A muscle spasm occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts and cannot relax. This sustained contraction results in a sudden, sharp muscle pain.[1] Cramps are similar but often affect a wider area of muscle tissue.

Common triggers for muscle spasms and cramps include:

Injury or muscle strain
Mineral deficiencies like magnesium or potassium
Dehydration
Poor circulation
Muscle fatigue
Electrolyte imbalances
Pregnancy
Side effect of medications

In Chinese medicine, factors like Cold, Dampness, and Wind can invade the muscles and obstruct the free flow of Qi (energy), leading to cramping and spasms.

How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve muscle tightness and spasms. Fine sterile needles are inserted into acupoints along the affected muscles to break cycles of pain and tension.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that this restores the smooth flow of Qi and blood circulation to nourish and relax the muscles.[2] Scientific studies suggest acupuncture stimulation helps: [3]

Activate natural painkillers like endorphins and serotonin to block pain signals
Reduce inflammation and muscle spasms
Improve blood flow to oxygenate muscle tissue
Relax overactive nervous system responses

Clinical research indicates acupuncture can significantly improve pain and range of motion in muscle spasm conditions like: [4]

Torticollis (wry neck)
Low back spasms
Leg cramps
Muscle twitching
Fibromyalgia tender points

Acupuncture Points for Muscle Relief

The acupoints used depend on the location of the spasm. Common points include: [5]

LI4 (Hegu) – Master pain relief point, helpful for facial and neck spasms
LI10 (Shousanli) – Arm and hand spasms
GB34 (Yanglingquan) – Cramps or spasms in the legs
BL40 (Weizhong) – Low back spasm and sciatica
GB20 (Fengchi) – Headaches from neck tension
LR3 (Taichong) – Cramping due to Liver Qi stagnation

Needles are stimulated manually or with a gentle electric current to produce a dull ache or mild twitching sensation. This sends signals to the central nervous system to release muscle tension.

What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session

Before the first session, your acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and lifestyle habits. They will palpate the affected muscles to feel for trigger points.
You will lie face up or face down on a treatment table as needles are quickly inserted. Between 5-20 needles are typically used.
The needles remain in place for 15-30 minutes while you relax. Some gentle manipulation or electrical stimulation may occur.
Most people feel little to no pain during the treatment. You may feel some mild twitching or achiness around the needles.
After needles are removed you can resume normal activity, but take it easy for the remainder of the day.
A course of 6-12 sessions is usually recommended for optimal muscle relief, especially for chronic spasms.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by licensed practitioners using sterile needles. It offers a drug-free alternative for finding relief from distracting, painful muscle spasms and cramps.

Talk to your health provider about adding acupuncture to your pain management plan. While not a cure-all, acupuncture can be an effective piece of an integrative treatment approach for regaining muscle function and comfort.