Different Types of Portland Acupuncture
What are the Different Types of Acupuncture Treatments?
People may not be aware that acupuncture did not solely stem from traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. Other countries such as Egypt, Japan and those in Central Europe have also developed terminologies, basis of diagnosis, charts, anatomy and principles relative to their own studies and research. You may be able to find treatment more effective by applying the right modality.
The Oriental Techniques
1. Moxibustion. This is a technique incorporating a Chinese herb named Mugwort or Artemesia Vulgaris to apply heat to a specific acupuncture point. Moxa is commonly rolled into a stick similar to the size of a cigar, lit with a matchstick then held over certain areas of the body to alleviate different symptoms. To provide deeper heat penetration, Moxa may also be placed onto the handle of acupuncture needles. Moxibustion can treat arthritis and other body aches.
2. Cupping. This is a technique wherein the acupuncturist uses a glass cup or bamboo jar that functions as suction on the body to be left for 5 to 15 minutes. Cupping can also be used in conjunction with electro-acupuncture to enhance its effects. The method greatly enhances circulation and relieves symptoms of swelling, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, colds and flu.
3. Electro-Acupuncture. The approach involves the conduction of small electrical currents through acupuncture needles to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and enhance tissue healing. Electro-acupuncture is often used together with traditional acupuncture to treat swelling.
4. Tui Na. This is the traditional Chinese massage or physical therapy that is usually applied together with traditional acupuncture to treat different musculo-skeletal conditions.
According to Source
a. TCM or Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. This is the most common and popular type of acupuncture. Patients are placed in a comfortable position then needles as thin as a hair strand are inserted at varying angles, points and depths to relieve different conditions and symptoms.
b. Japanese Style Acupuncture. This type is more subtle and stimulating than TCM using fewer and finer needles.
c. Korean Hand Acupuncture. The process only makes use of the hand instead of the whole body. Korean acupuncturists believe that there are points in the hand that correspond to every single part of the body and these can be stimulated to improve the overall condition of the person.
More Systems
5. Formulae Acupuncture. This system is also known as prescription acupuncture since application of needles to a formulated set of points are considered as the prescription treatment for each type of symptom. Professionals use a set of known formulae points in order to treat a specific known illness or symptom. The approach basically focuses only on the presenting symptoms without putting much emphasis on the underlying cause or diagnosis. It is a practice generally used by Medical Acupuncture Science.
6. Five Element Acupuncture. The Chinese used pulses on the wrist to diagnose any present illness in a person then. They then use specific points or meridians to allow Chi or energy to properly flow and restore balance. The primary treatments are needles and moxibustion wherein heat is applied through the needles using the herb mugwort or an electrical DC heater type unit.
7. Modern Acupuncture. To make a diagnosis, objective measurements and assessments are taken from the patient. Western medical terminology is used to describe the points that need to be accessed. Modern acupuncture uses homeopathic remedies, herbs and other approaches to find the right points that result in system balance. Aside from needles, magnetic fields or MFT, frequencies and bio-resonance frequencies from the patient, color or sound may be used individually or in combination.
8. Auricular Acupuncture. This is both a TCM and modern system of acupuncture also known as Nogier and Kropej. Points in the ear correlate to various points in the body that can be accessed to treat different conditions and systems. The advantage is its use of objective measurement techniques are different from beeper units. Beeper units however, may sometimes be used to locate auricular points for adjunctive treatment.
More Styles
9. Shonishin Pediatric Acupuncture. This is a unique form of treatment developed in the Middle Ages in Japan to treat both infants and children. The approach focuses on gentle no-insertion techniques to make younger patients comfortable. Stimulation is achieved using rhythmic stroking, tapping, rubbing and pressing to strengthen the immune system and revitalize.
10. Acupressure. This is a form of TCM derived from acupuncture. Instead of using needles, physical pressure is applied using the hand, elbow or other devices to the same acupuncture points. Acupressure still perceives TCM concepts and principles in functional terms over structural ones.
