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ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the main technique used during an Oriental medicine treatment. Thin needles are inserted into specific points on the surface of the body. A variety of acupuncture styles and techniques may be used during your treatment. The following are the most common types used:
CHINESE STYLE ACUPUNCTURE
Chinese style acupuncture is the main type of acupuncture taught in American schools. The focus of this style is for the patient to obtain a “de qi” sensation which signals the arrival of qi at the needle. This sensation may be a heavy feeling, a radiating feeling, tingling, a warming or cooling effect or a sensation of pain being alleviated. Points are chosen in combination to provide maximal therapeutic effect. It is common for the chosen acupuncture points to be located far from the location of the problem.
JAPANESE STYLE ACUPUNCTURE
There are many styles of Japanese acupuncture, but the Japanese Meridian Therapy form is commonly practiced in the U.S. The focus of Japanese Meridian Therapy is to restore an even balance of qi to all acupuncture channels, thereby restoring harmony so that the body can heal itself quickly. This style of acupuncture relies on extensive use of pulse reading and palpation to ensure a proper diagnosis of channel imbalances. In general, very thin needles and very shallow insertion is used in this style of treatment.
KOREAN HAND ACUPUNCTURE
Korean Hand Acupuncture, commonly known as Koryo Therapy, is the insertion of tiny needles into the hand. The hand is considered a microsystem of the human body (i.e., the whole body can be imaged onto the hand). Koryo Therapy can be used as the primary treatment or it can be used in combination with a whole body acupuncture treatment.
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-Acupuncture, also called e-stim, is the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles during a treatment. This acts as a substitute for continual stimulation of the needles by the acupuncturist. It is most often used to assist with pain relief, but it can also be used for post-stroke rehabilitation, neurological disorders, general rejuvenation effects in the body and for other conditions.
MUSCULOSKELETAL ACUPUNCTURE
This type of acupuncture focuses on musculoskeletal injuries or dysfunction. It incorporates the modern technique of needling specific areas, which contribute to the misalignment of the body. The main attention during this type pf treatment is on the injured area or the area of dysfunction.
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE
Auricular Acupuncture is the application of small needles to the ear, which is considered a micro-system of the human body (i.e., the whole body can be imaged onto the ear). Ear treatments can be administered alone (e.g., for addictions, weight loss, stress relief) or in combination with whole-body acupuncture.
PEDIATRIC ACUPUNCTURE
Needles are not generally used in young children. Instead, treatment relies on the stimulation of acupuncture points using either Japanese shonishin tools or Tui Na (a Chinese style of bodywork). Both techniques are gentle and effective and can be used even on infants. Chinese or Japanese-style needling may be used with older kids. Pediatric acupuncture can be used to treat such ailments as teething pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chronic cough, bedwetting, night terrors, asthma, allergies and the symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.