Imagine tensed muscles in your back and shoulders, so tight they feel like rocks under your skin, causing pain that refuses to fade. For millions living with myofascial pain syndrome, this is a daily reality—but new research suggests relief might come from working with the body's own energy systems.
We've all experienced muscle soreness after overexertion, but for those with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), the discomfort doesn't disappear after a good night's sleep. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by sensitive trigger points—tight knots within our muscles that feel like small nodules or bumps to the touch 1 3 .
These knots not only cause localized pain but can also refer discomfort to other areas of the body, creating a complex web of symptoms that can include persistent aching, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and fatigue .
Experts estimate that up to 85% of the general population will develop this condition at some point in their lives 3 .
The causes are varied, ranging from repetitive motions and poor posture to muscle injuries and emotional stress 1 . Despite how common it is, myofascial pain syndrome often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for other conditions, leaving many people to suffer without effective treatment 3 .
The Bioenergy Economy-based Health Improvement (BEHI) program represents a fascinating new direction in managing chronic pain conditions. Rooted in principles from biosemiotics and embodied cognition, this approach views health through the lens of energy systems 9 .
Rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms, the BEHI program aims to promote whole-body energy alignment and nondual awareness—the experience of mind and body as an integrated whole 9 .
A compelling study published in 2020 set out to investigate whether the Bioenergy Economy program could specifically benefit patients with myofascial pain syndrome 6 . The research focused on fifteen female patients with MPS who were recruited from a neurological clinic in Mashhad.
This investigation used a quasi-experimental design that included assessments before the program, immediately after its completion, and follow-ups two and six months later to test the durability of any effects 6 .
The choice of a six-month follow-up was particularly important, as it allowed researchers to distinguish between temporary improvements and lasting change. In chronic pain management, this long-term perspective is crucial, since many treatments offer short-term relief but fail to produce sustained benefits.
Baseline assessments of pain, quality of life, anxiety, and depression
15 female MPS patientsSix sessions of BEHI program
Same 15 patientsRepeat of initial assessments
15 patientsRepeat assessments
15 patientsRepeat assessments
15 patientsThe findings from this innovative study offered compelling evidence for the benefits of the Bioenergy Economy program for myofascial pain syndrome patients 6 . The data revealed significant improvements in several key areas:
Participants experienced a significant reduction in their pain intensity following the BEHI program. This improvement wasn't just temporary—the lower pain levels persisted through both the two-month and six-month follow-up assessments 6 .
The program also produced significant benefits for mental health aspects often associated with chronic pain. Participants reported reduced symptoms of depression that remained improved at both follow-up points 6 .
| Outcome Measure | Pre-Test | Post-Test | 2-Month Follow-up | 6-Month Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Baseline | Significant Improvement | Consistent Improvement | Consistent Improvement |
| Depression | Baseline | Significant Improvement | Consistent Improvement | Consistent Improvement |
| Anxiety | Baseline | Significant Improvement | Some Fluctuation | Some Fluctuation |
| Quality of Life | Baseline | Moderate Improvement | Moderate Improvement | Moderate Improvement |
Source: Clinical trial on BEHI for MPS 6
To understand how the study team arrived at these conclusions, it's helpful to look at the specific assessment tools they employed. Each of these validated instruments serves a distinct purpose in building a comprehensive picture of patient experience:
Quantifies pain experience by measuring pain intensity, quality, and sensory aspects of pain.
Evaluates overall well-being across physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.
Assesses depressive symptoms by measuring severity of depression-related thoughts and feelings.
Measures anxiety symptoms by assessing severity of physical and cognitive anxiety symptoms.
These tools represent the gold standard in pain and psychological research, allowing scientists to translate subjective experiences like pain, anxiety, and life satisfaction into quantifiable data that can be statistically analyzed. The use of multiple assessment methods strengthens the study findings by providing complementary perspectives on participant outcomes.
The implications of this research extend far beyond this single study. For the millions living with myofascial pain syndrome, the BEHI program represents a promising drug-free complementary approach to pain management that addresses both physical symptoms and their emotional consequences.
Chronic pain conditions like MPS don't exist in isolation—they affect entire lives. The connection between pain and mental health is well-established, with each influencing the other in a challenging cycle. By simultaneously addressing pain, depression, and anxiety, the Bioenergy Economy program takes a holistic approach that acknowledges this complex relationship 6 .
Another significant advantage of energy-based approaches is their emphasis on self-management skills. Unlike passive treatments where patients receive injections or medications, the BEHI program teaches techniques that individuals can continue practicing on their own. This empowerment aspect may contribute to the long-term effectiveness observed in the study.
While the results of the BEHI study are promising, researchers acknowledge that more investigation is needed with larger and more diverse patient groups. Future studies would benefit from including male participants, comparing BEHI directly with conventional treatments, and exploring how these techniques might be adapted for different patient populations.
Recent research on similar mind-body approaches supports these findings. A 2025 study comparing BEHI to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for inflammatory bowel disease found that the bioenergy program was particularly effective for reducing perceived stress and improving quality of life 9 .
This suggests that the benefits of bioenergy approaches may extend across different chronic conditions characterized by pain and stress.
The growing interest in approaches like the Bioenergy Economy program reflects a broader shift in pain medicine toward integrative methods that combine the best of conventional and complementary approaches.
As research continues to illuminate the connections between energy systems, nervous system function, and pain perception, we're likely to see further refinement of these techniques.
The Bioenergy Economy program represents an innovative approach to managing myofascial pain syndrome that addresses both the physical discomfort of trigger points and the psychological toll of chronic pain. By viewing health through the lens of energy systems and teaching patients to work with their body's natural resources, this method offers a promising complement to traditional pain management strategies.
The significant reductions in pain, depression, and anxiety observed in the clinical trial—maintained over six months—suggest that this isn't merely a temporary distraction from symptoms but potentially a pathway to lasting improvement in quality of life 6 . As research in this field continues to evolve, the integration of energy-based approaches with conventional medicine may open new possibilities for those seeking relief from chronic pain.
For anyone considering exploring bioenergy approaches, it's important to consult with healthcare providers and seek qualified instructors. While not a replacement for medical treatment, such programs may offer a valuable additional tool in the journey toward managing myofascial pain and reclaiming a better quality of life.