Lessons from Reviewing Acupuncture for Plantar Heel Pain
Clark, RJ. Journal of Chinese Medicine 2022 130 17-28
Abstract
Reviews of the use of acupuncture for Plantar Heel Pain reveal great heterogeneity. It can be helpful for practitioners to reflect on their own practice in this context.
A wide range of approaches may be subsumed under the rubric ‘acupuncture and related techniques’. Similarly, many different labels have been used for Plantar Heel Pain, some of which may be anachronistic and misleading. Problems of such labelling are discussed and alternative generalisations considered.
A selection of findings from earlier reviews is highlighted, including use of ashi points, KI3, DO points and some favourite combinations, in order to raise questions. Rationales underpinning those interventions are summarised and mapped.
A co-constructive approach is recommended, considering likely risk factors. The concept of refractive practice is developed, via consideration of ‘whole systems’ and postmodern practice. Illustrative examples of its usefulness are given. The combined use of refraction and reflection is recommended as a tool to enhance theoretical visibility in postmodern practice.
We are encouraged to embrace complexity and heterogeneity, question longstanding assumptions, and view clinical phenomena afresh. Questions for future study and for individual reflection are proposed.