Miniscalpel acupuncture points of the cervical region: A review

Objectives : We conducted a literature search to identify trends with respect to miniscalpel acupuncture points (MAPs) of the cervical region with the aim of providing guidance regarding miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) in the cervical region. Methods : We searched 2 overseas sites (PubMed and Google Scholar) and 5 domestic sites (NDSL, RISS, KISS, OASIS and Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal) for clinical trials of MA of the cervical region. The search terms used were “acupotomy or miniscalpel acupuncture or miniscalpel” and “cervical.” Of 73 studies found, 11 were included in this review, 6 of which presented exact MAPs. Owing to the lack of data, we refer to 1 Korean and 4 Chinese articles to analyze the exact location and meaning of the MAPs used in the published studies and to propose other clinically applicable MAPs. Results : We identified 10 of the most commonly used MAPs in the published studies, including those located below the external occipital protuberance, 2-2.5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance, 4.5-5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance and C3-7 spinous process. Furthermore, we proposed 13 additional MAPs that can be used clinically. Conclusion : We hope that this study will form a basis for the development of MA and hope to improve the safety and reproducibility in future MA studies of the cervical region.