APPENDIX 2

ON CUTANEOUS ZONES

The concept of zones as developed by Mark Seem, Ph.D., is an intelligent view of the meridian system useful in the treatment of myofascial pain syndromes. The concept of cutaneous zones is part of Dr. Seem’s treatment protocol, which is fully described in his book A New American Acupuncture (Blue Poppy Press, 1993).

Zones as defined by Dr. Seem are composite representations of associated meridian pathways; a given zone is comprised of the regular meridians, divergent luo, tendinomuscular meridians, and any extraordinary vessels passing through the region. Using the framework of the cutaneous zones one can therefore treat, directly or indirectly, the complex meridian systems contained within a given region.

Dr. Seem has defined three zones through which he treats. The combined hand and foot aspects of Tai Yang (that is, Small Intestine and Bladder meridians, respectively) is named the dorsal zone due to their posterior placement in the body. The combined hand and foot aspects of Yang Ming (Colon and Stomach meridians, respectively) is named the ventral zone due to their frontal positioning in the body. The combined hand and foot aspects of Shao Yang, Triple Warmer, and Gall Bladder, respectively, is named the lateral zone in accordance with their positioning in the body.

Since constrictions both within the musculature and along meridian pathways both reflect and affect movement within the given region—both on a gross level, as in the ability of the myofascia to produce complete, pain-free movement, as well as on the level of movement of blood and lymphatic fluid, nervous innervation, and so forth—it is essential to release constrictions on every level to ensure healing on all levels. Cutaneous zones, as described by Dr. Seem, provide a guide to the exploration and treatment of related areas as defined from the Oriental perspective.

It is also interesting to note that muscles that are part of a particular zone often develop satellite trigger points in response to the presence of active trigger points in other muscles in that zone. Zones also most commonly contain the referred pain pattern for a muscle lying within a given zone.