Trigger Points vs. Acupoints: What’s the Difference?
When you book a massage, you may hear your therapist talk about trigger points or acupoints. They sound similar, but they’re not the same thing! At Royal Thai Massage OKC, we often combine both approaches to help clients reduce pain, release tension, and restore balance.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand—and more importantly, show you how these techniques could make your next session even more effective.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are like little “knots” that form in your muscles. Imagine a spot in your shoulder that feels tight, sore, and even sends pain shooting down your arm when pressed—that’s a trigger point.
Origin: Trigger points come from overuse, poor posture, stress, or even injury.
Effect: They can cause referred pain, meaning the discomfort shows up in another area of your body.
Massage Approach: Therapists use firm, focused pressure (often called trigger point therapy) to release these knots and restore normal muscle function.
In short: trigger points are a muscular issue, often tied to lifestyle stress or physical strain.
What Are Acupoints?
Acupoints, on the other hand, come from Traditional Chinese Medicine and are part of the body’s energy map. They are specific spots along energy channels (called meridians) that influence the flow of “Qi,” or life energy.
Origin: Rooted in acupuncture and acupressure traditions, dating back thousands of years.
Effect: Stimulating acupoints can improve circulation, reduce stress, and support overall wellness.
Massage Approach: Therapists use gentle pressure, stretching, or circular motions to stimulate these points, often blending them into Thai massage or acupressure sessions.
In short: acupoints are energetic pathways that help balance your body and mind.
How Are They Different?
Trigger Points = Knots in the muscles
Acupoints = Energy spots along meridians
Trigger points are treated to relieve pain and tension in a physical sense.
Acupoints are stimulated to encourage balance, relaxation, and whole-body wellness.
Interestingly, some spots overlap! A sore trigger point in your shoulder may also be an acupoint linked to tension and stress relief. That’s why combining both approaches in one session can be so powerful.
Why This Matters for Your Massage
At Royal Thai Massage & Spa in Oklahoma City, we don’t just chase pain—we look at the whole picture. By understanding both trigger points and acupoints, we can:
Relieve stubborn muscle knots
Improve flexibility and circulation
Reduce stress and calm your nervous system
Support both your body and mind in harmony
This combination is what makes Thai massage, therapeutic massage, and our Signature Blend so effective for clients across OKC, Nichols Hills, Belle Isle, and the Uptown area.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
If you’ve been searching for Thai massage near me or trigger point massage in Oklahoma City, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re struggling with nagging muscle pain or simply want deep relaxation, we’ll tailor your session to include the best of both worlds.
👉 Book your appointment today and discover how balancing trigger points and acupoints can help you feel brand new.