Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of different locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of acupuncture treatments that incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most well-known type of acupuncture stimulation employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. It is believed that acupuncture points stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue, helping to boost the body's natural ability to prevent pain and increase blood flow. As an important part of traditional Asian medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat chronic pain.
Types of Acupuncture
There are different acupuncture techniques available to treat many different illnesses and conditions. Acupuncture may be considered as a preventative or therapeutic form of treatment.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine views acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force within the body. The skin is penetrated with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Japanese Style Acupuncture
Japanese acupuncture techniques focus on using the minimal amount of stimulation to attain the greatest results. The process is more subtle than traditional acupuncture and it uses fewer and thinner needles with less stimulation.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture also uses needles to pinpoint different locations on the skin. The needles are attached to a device that sends electrical currents or pulses into the body. Electrical currents have stimulating effects, which can influence the cells, tissues and entire systems.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific acupuncture points on the external ear for diagnosis and treatment of different health conditions. Several tiny needles are inserted into the ear points and at times they may be stimulated with electroacupuncture. Lasers, magnets, and electronic devices are also frequently used methods of stimulation for auricular acupuncture.
Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture
Yamamoto new scalp acupuncture (YNSA) is often used for the treatment of neurological and pain disorders. YNSA uses fine needles to stimulate points on the scalp that correspond to regions of the brain related to certain anatomical and physiological functions. Mild electrostimulation may also be used in conjunction with the needles.
Laser Acupuncture
Laser acupuncture stimulates the same pressure points targeted in acupuncture, but uses low-energy lasers instead of needles. A beam of light from a laser tube is directed onto an acupuncture point, resulting in stimulation that is similar to a needle. Laser acupuncture is often used to serve two purposes: for an anesthetic effect and for the stimulation of acupuncture points in a therapeutic program.
Acupuncture treatments influence many of the body's systems and provide alternative treatment options to traditional medical care. Depending on the condition being treated, acupuncture may be used by itself or as part of a treatment program.