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Pectoral Muscles, Origin & Insertions, Injuries, Acupuncture & Cupping

Updated: Apr 19


Acute Acupuncture 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington
Pectoral Muscles Injury and Acupuncture

The pectoral muscles are an essential group of muscles located in the chest region, responsible for various upper body movements. Understanding their origin and insertion points and exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture and cupping can enhance our understanding of these muscles' functionality and potential therapeutic approaches. This blog post delves into the details of the pectoral muscles, shedding light on their anatomical features and alternative treatment methods.


How To Choose An Acupuncturist, Seven Key Factors To Consider Before You Book If you have pectoral muscle injuries, they may be subsidized through The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) if they were an accident. To know if you can get acupuncture and cupping for the injury, the patient must have an injury under twelve months from the date of the injury, an approved claim with ACC, an ACC45 (a unique code to the individual or patient for this injury), date of injury, and read codes(read codes are diagnosis) that apply for this injury. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be referred by your general practitioner (GP) or other healthcare provider, such as a physiotherapist, to receive acupuncture for this injury. You are in control of your health, and the management of your health, you also have the power to choose the treatment of your choice, and what is suitable for you and your situation.

The pectoral muscles consist of two major muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle that covers the upper anterior chest, while the pectoralis minor lies underneath it and originates from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs. These muscles' origin and insertion points play a crucial role in their overall functioning and influence alternative therapies such as acupuncture and cupping.

Pectoralis Major:

The pectoralis major originates from two main areas: the clavicular head, which originates from the medial half of the clavicle, and the sternocostal head, which arises from the sternum, upper six costal cartilages, and aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. The muscle fibers then converge and form a tendon that inserts into the lateral lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus. The attachment of the pectoralis major to the humerus enables various actions, including flexion, adduction, and medial arm rotation.

Pectoralis Minor:

What To Expect In Your Initial Acupuncture Treatment Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the body's meridians or energy channels to promote healing and restore balance. In the case of pectoral muscles, acupuncture can help alleviate muscular pain and tension, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. Inserting acupuncture needles into specific points related to the pectoral muscles can target these muscle groups directly, providing relief and possibly enhancing their function and flexibility. Acupuncture points such as Lieque (LU7) and Yunmen (LU2) often balance the energy flow, support lung function, and promote calmness and mental clarity. Additionally, Qi stagnation in the pectoral muscles can lead to symptoms such as chest tightness and emotional stress, which acupuncture seeks to alleviate.


Under The Skin & Acupuncture Cupping therapy or cupping is another traditional Chinese medical practice. Cupping aims to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, remove toxins, and promote healing. Glass cups are placed strategically on the skin's surface, creating a vacuum that draws the skin and underlying tissues upwards into the cup. This technique stimulates blood flow, which can aid in the relaxation of pectoral muscles and enhance recovery from injuries or muscular strains. Cupping therapy applied to the chest area can specifically target the pectoral muscles, helping to alleviate pain and tension.

Cupping Therapy at Acute Acupuncture Understanding the origin and insertion points of the pectoral muscles forms the foundation for comprehending their functional capabilities and exploring alternative therapeutic methods such as acupuncture and cupping. The pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor muscles play vital roles in upper body movements and posture, making them susceptible to tension, pain, and injury. Acupuncture and cupping serve as potentially less invasive treatment modalities that can relieve muscular discomfort, enhance blood circulation, and aid in healing. By delving into these aspects, we can develop a more comprehensive perspective on the pectoral muscles and explore practical approaches for their optimal health and function. After treatments, one may feel relaxed, energized, and rejuvenated. Communicating with your practitioner about your experience is essential to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from these treatments. Click the button below and book a complementary 15-minute consultation at Acute Acupuncture, 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington. Let's discuss if acupuncture is the right thing for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this Blog Post. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this post with others. If you have any questions or concerns, check out Acute-Acupuncture Wellington Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as we find this helps answer most people's questions. Please leave a comment below.


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