How is Acupuncture Done? - Some Methods Explained

How is acupuncture done? This article attempts to briefly explain acupuncture and the various methods of carrying out this age-old therapy.

Acupuncture is widely popular as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting and manipulating exceptionally fine and sterile needles with precision at various key points or trigger points, also referred to as acupuncture points, into the skin and various layers of muscular tissue, along the different meridians in the human body.

Acupuncture has been found to be extremely effective in treating several chronic diseases by providing relief from aches, pains, as well as all other associated symptoms experienced by patients suffering from various diseases like chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, neck pain, joint pains, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, neuralgias, various other musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, gynecological problems, psychological issues, and gastrointestinal ailments.

So, exactly how is acupuncture done?

The main principals on which acupuncture are based are the yin and yang energies, qi (or chi) or energy meridians and various organ systems in the human body. According to TCM and acupuncture, energy or qi has to flow freely in the human body between the two poles, the yin pole and the yang pole which are opposite to one another.

If the balance between the yin and the yang poles are maintained a person will continue to remain healthy.

Any imbalance or disruption in energy between either poles results in the manifestation of various diseases. This is because both the yin and yang poles are interconnected and cannot be separated.

Besides inserting sharp and fine needles, acupuncture could also involve employing additional medical procedures, like heat (moxibustion), scraping (Gua Sha), ear acupuncture (auricular therapy), electrical stimulation, and suction (cupping) in an attempt to treat various problems by releasing blocked energy.

How is Acupuncture Done – Some Methods

A brief description of the various types of acupuncture treatment is as described below.

Electro-acupuncture:
In this type of acupuncture treatment, mild electrical pulses are relayed via acupuncture needles to various trigger points in the skin.

Trigger-point acupuncture:
Here the needles are inserted at a location that is distant from the affected organ or body part. Here the energy is channelized through nerves.

Laser acupuncture:
Rays or laser beams are used in place of the acupuncture needles to facilitate the trigger point.

Acupuncture point injection:
Sterile syringes are used to inject medication like vitamins and herbal products into the system via the trigger points.

Moxibustion:
As explained earlier, an herb is used and burned near the body to create heat in the meridian and increase the flow of energy and blood.

Cupping:
Here a round glass cup is heated and kept upside down over an area of the body, creating a vacuum that will keep the cup attached to the skin. This is also to promote blood circulation or energy. The skin pores also open and flush out the toxins in this method.

This article should have given you an overall idea of how is acupuncture done. For more information on the subject, do read the other related acupuncture articles.

Click here for more pages and articles on Acupuncture.

Some Related Acupuncture Pages
Chinese Acupuncture History - Its Origins
How is Acupuncture Done? - Some Methods Explained
Acupuncture Body Points - An Explanation
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Potential Acupuncture Side Effects and Risks
Advantages and Disadvantages of Acupuncture
Conditions Treated With Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Allergies Relief
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