Types and Techniques of Acupuncture

The type of acupuncture that most people are familiar with here in the United States is Traditional Chinese acupuncture. Traditional Chinese acupuncture involves the use of fine needles inserted into the skin at specific points, or acupoints, along meridians that run over the body. Sometimes other techniques are used including moxibustion, electrical stimulation, or cupping. There are other styles of acupuncture that may be less well-known but extremely effective in relieving specific complaints such as stress, anxiety, depression, or addiction.

Japanese Acupuncture: This form of acupuncture is more delicate and gentle than Traditional Chinese acupuncture; the needles are finer, and fewer are used during treatment. Japanese acupuncturists also use less stimulation around the acupoints, and the needles are not inserted as deeply, often only 1 to 2 mm beneath the skin.

Korean Hand Acupuncture: According to the theory behind Korean hand acupuncture, the hands and feet have high concentrations of Qi, or the life-force energy. Because of this, Korean hand acupuncture focuses solely on stimulating the acupoints in the hands and feet for maximum results.

Auricular Acupuncture: The ear is perhaps a representation of how the whole body works, and auricular acupuncture focuses on stimulating the acupoints in the ear to help alleviate certain disorders. This form of acupuncture is most often used in addiction treatment and chronic pain management.

While the use of needles is the primary method of treatment found in acupuncture, there are other techniques used by acupuncturists to help stimulate the acupoints.

Moxibustion: Traditionally, moxibustion has been considered an integral part of acupuncture treatments. Moxa, or mugwort, is burned to help stimulate the flow of Qi. This can either be done directly, placing the burning moxa on the skin at the desired point, or indirectly using moxa sticks that are burned and held close to the acupoint until the skin turns red.

Cupping: Cupping involves the use of glass cups that are warmed using a burning taper. When the oxygen inside the cups is used up through the heating process, the cups are suctioned onto the skin at the acupoint. This suction causes blood to gather at the point, helping to stimulate Qi and remove whatever blockage is present.

Electro-acupuncture: The hands are often used in acupuncture to further stimulate acupoints by manipulating the needles by hand after insertion. In electro-acupuncture, an electronic stimulating device is used on the needles instead of the hands, providing greater stimulation for longer periods of time.

Author: Nan Little