Adjunct Placement for Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points for Menstrual Pain
The Primary Placement shown in the Abdominal and Menstrual Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point. The placements below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered when symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction, or when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response.
Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or when exploring other placement options after an inadequate response to the Primary Placement. In some situations, an appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may be useful on its own. Under the Field | Dose | Placement (FDP) principle, select from the recommended points according to where symptoms are felt, tenderness, movement restriction and individual response rather than routinely applying every point listed.
Recommended Additional Placements
Acupuncture Points
- SP8 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the inner aspect of the lower leg, along the line between the inner ankle and knee. This distal point may be considered as an additional placement option for menstrual pain. - SP6 – Small Quadrapolar – S
Located on the inner lower leg, above the medial ankle. This distal point provides another focal placement option away from the abdominal region. - CV4 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the lower abdomen, below the navel and above the pubic region. This local placement may be considered where symptoms correspond with the lower abdominal area.
Myofascial Trigger Points
- Lower Rectus Abdominis – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located in the lower portion of the abdominal muscles. Consider this placement where there is local muscular tenderness or sensitivity in the lower abdominal region. - Iliopsoas – Large Quadrapolar/Hexapolar or Extra Large OF50-3 or CF50-3 – L / XL
The iliopsoas is a deep muscle group extending through the lower abdominal and hip region. A L placement is appropriate for a more focal target, while the XL option is reserved for situations where broader 50 mm anatomical coverage is intended.
Practical Placement Guidance
Begin with the Primary Placement shown in the Abdominal and Menstrual Pain Treatment Protocol, which positions Q Magnets over the pelvic region according to the location of the pain.
When considering Adjunct Placements, prioritise the recommended points that best correspond with:
- where the pain or discomfort is felt;
- local tenderness or sensitivity;
- muscular tenderness or involvement;
- movement restriction, where present;
- individual response to the Primary Placement and any Adjunct Placements already explored.
SP8 and SP6 provide distal options on the lower leg, while CV4 and the lower rectus abdominis provide local lower-abdominal options. The iliopsoas may be considered where deeper muscular involvement appears relevant. Select the approved magnet category according to the target and required anatomical coverage rather than assuming that a larger magnet is automatically preferable.
This information is provided as educational guidance and does not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
