Modern Clinical Applications and Scientific Research Progress of Ashi Points in Multiple Fields

Abstract

Ashi points, as an important concept in acupuncture therapy, have evolved from the traditional theory of “using pain as the acupoint” to a widely applied treatment method in various clinical fields. This article systematically reviews the current status of clinical application of Ashi points in pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological diseases, digestive system diseases, and other fields, and explores their mechanisms of action in conjunction with modern scientific research. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture at Ashi points demonstrates superior efficacy compared to conventional acupoint acupuncture in treating conditions such as lumbar myofascial pain syndrome. Among these, the randomized controlled trial by Huang Sufang et al. showed that acupuncture at Ashi points can significantly improve the morphology and function of the multifidus muscle, eliminate muscle nodules, and increase pressure pain thresholds. Concurrently, modern technologies such as Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and ultrasound imaging provide new methods for the objective diagnosis and treatment of Ashi points. By measuring temperature thresholds and pressure pain thresholds, the pathological characteristics of “cold, heat, deficiency, and excess” of Ashi points can be identified, enabling precise treatment selection. This article also analyzes the existing misunderstandings in the conceptual understanding of Ashi points, pointing out the limitations of simplistically interpreting “Ashi” as the patient’s exclamation of pain or viewing it solely as a tender point. It emphasizes the multiple meanings contained in the term “kuai ran”, including comfort and relief. Finally, the paper proposes advancing the modernization of Ashi point research from three aspects: precision in treatment selection, objectivity in efficacy evaluation, and differentiation in mechanism studies, providing new research directions for the scientific development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture.