Q I am afraid of the needle acupuncture procedure. I heard that the inside of the elbow has many nerves and blood vessels; is it safe?
A The needle acupuncture procedure is performed by a Korean medicine doctor who is fully familiar with the anatomical structures. For the medial epicondyle area, the procedure is performed while verifying blood vessels and nerves using an ultrasound guide. Since the ulnar nerve runs along the inside of the elbow, selecting the precise treatment point is crucial, and needle acupuncture performed by a skilled practitioner ensures high safety. Pain and bruising in the area may occur for 1 to 2 days after the procedure, but this is a normal reaction.
Detailed Answer
The medial side of the elbow is densely packed with the ulnar nerve (posterior groove of the medial epicondyle), the ulnar collateral ligament, and the tendons of the flexor and teres teres muscles. Ultrasound-guided needle acupuncture significantly increases safety by allowing for precise treatment only on areas of tendon adhesion while verifying the location of nerves and blood vessels in real time. In cases accompanied by cubital tunnel syndrome, the procedure around the nerve is performed with even greater caution. Temporary pain increase and bruising after the procedure will naturally disappear within 3 to 5 days.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dochim is a procedure that combines traditional Korean acupuncture with modern anatomy. At Dongjedang, we utilize ultrasound to monitor the thickness and image changes of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, as well as the location of nerves, in real-time during the procedure. The stimulation of Dochim directly loosens areas where Qi and blood have become hardened due to blockages, thereby restoring blood flow. This aligns with the principles of Korean medicine, which aim to release stagnant blood and revitalize blood circulation, rather than simple mechanical dissection. We provide a thorough explanation before the procedure and adjust the scope and depth according to the patient's condition, ensuring that even first-time patients can undergo the treatment safely.
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