Costochondritis

The core pathological condition of costochondritis is inflammation and tension in the surrounding soft tissues (fascia, ligaments, and synovium) rather than the destruction of the cartilage itself. Acupuncture treatment inhibits nociceptors in these soft tissues and increases local blood flow and lymphatic circulation to facilitate the removal of inflammatory mediators. The knife-shaped needle (Do-chim) uses a blade thicker than a standard needle to separate adhered tissues around the cartilage, thereby relieving structural tension. Pharmacopuncture and bee venom acupuncture directly inject anti-inflammatory and analgesic components locally, allowing for anti-inflammatory effects similar to steroid injections. In cases where Qi and blood are stagnant and circulation in the thoracic-costal region is blocked, acupuncture and knife-shaped needles operate on the principle of clearing blocked passages and dispersing stagnant blood, based on the core principle of Korean medicine that "pain disappears when blockages are cleared." Stimulating the pathways through which Qi and blood flow in the chest and liver restores the liver's function of smoothly distributing energy and revitalizes Qi and blood circulation in the chest. At Dongjedang, after accurately identifying the location of the lesion using ultrasound guidance, we effectively control inflammation around the cartilage by combining moxibustion and pharmacopuncture.