Different Acupuncture Types and Techniques

Feeling unsure about trying out acupuncture? No worries! Many are curious but have been afraid to give it a try. There are many acupuncture types and techniques, with each providing unique benefits. Some styles may have overlapping purposes while other techniques may have their target conditions to treat. Getting acquainted with the most common types of acupuncture can help you make informed choices about your health, providing you with the confidence to take proactive steps toward better health and wellness.

 

Types of Acupuncture

TCM Acupuncture is the most known and widely practiced acupuncture. This type of acupuncture is based on the principle of Qi flowing through the meridians, examining the body's internal and external functions. TCM acupuncture can treat a lot of conditions including but not limited to low back pain, migraine, and fatigue.

 

Japanese acupuncture is known for its use of thinner needles and shallower application. It is a subtle approach, great for those who have high sensitivity.

 

What sets Korean acupuncture apart from other types is that the acupoints used are mostly found on the hands and feet. It follows the same principles as TCM, balancing the life energies. This technique is commonly used for chronic pain conditions like low back pain.

 

Scalp acupuncture is one of the recently developed techniques, combining the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine with the modern understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Scalp acupuncture's protocols focus on rehabilitation for neurologic conditions like Parkinson's disease, stroke, migraines, and phantom pain. Particular regions are stimulated to provide balance.

 

This form of acupuncture is based on the system that the ear represents the entire body, with each point on the ear corresponding to a specific organ or bodily function. Auricular acupuncture has protocols specific for conditions like addiction and stress. There is also a recently developed protocol called Soliman Auricular Acupuncture Technique (SAAT) which helps with hard-to-treat allergies like alpha-gal allergy (a type of mammalian product allergy), gluten allergy, and many more!

 

Sports acupuncture is the application of the combined practices of theories of TCM and modern sports medicine. This is a balance between treating the actual injury and the patient's overall health so it could contribute to speedy recovery which is crucial, especially for athletes. Sports acupuncture also covers conditioning treatments to improve a person's sports performance.

 

This type of acupuncture is an application of mild electric current to the acupuncture needles. This is usually combined with other traditional types of acupuncture like TCM. The addition of electric current provides stronger stimulation on the acupoints. This is one of the most common treatment choices for pain and neuropathy because it can help reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

 

Dr. Ting Wu of NYC Acupuncture + Wellness is a skilled practitioner in different acupuncture styles and techniques. Combining the best techniques and treatment strategies from China, Japan, and Korea, she will guide you through the process and craft a treatment plan suited to your needs. Book now and start exploring what's best for your health and wellness.