The Different Styles of Acupuncture

Over the past 2,500 years, acupuncture has evolved into a complete healing system that includes the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions. This unique and ancient system of understanding the human body incorporates the treatment of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.

Health and harmony is achieved when the correct quantity, quality, and movement of Qi (pronounced “chee”) exists throughout the body. Qi, or Life Energy, animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. Illness, or lack of harmony (imbalance), is a result of the reduced quantity, quality, and movement of Qi.

acupuncture needles

Most Common Styles of Acupuncture

As acupuncture evolved over the years in different parts of the world, a number of styles emerged. Each one differs in its diagnostic protocol and treatment modality. However, all styles aim to re-balance and harmonize our lives. Some of the most common acupuncture styles used at WAY Wellness are listed below.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is one of the most commonly practiced styles of acupuncture today. TCM practitioners, like other practitioners, seek to restore balance and harmony of the body, mind, and spirit.

A TCM practitioner focuses on developing a diagnosis based upon the Eight Principles, which are guiding factors used to establish the correct course of care. The Principles are designed to help the practitioner determine whether a condition is in the interior or exterior of the body, if it relates to hot or cold symptoms, if it is an excess (acute) or deficient (chronic) problem, and if it relates to Yin or Yang.

TCM diagnosis also involves four main techniques: pulse diagnosis; observations of a person’s appearance, demeanor and tongue; asking questions; and a physical examination. Once a diagnosis is complete, a practitioner discerns the root pattern of disharmony, and may choose from a variety of techniques – acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, QiGong, Electro-acupuncture, Acupressure/Tuina, Gua Sha, or Cupping – to restore and maintain health.

Five Element Acupuncture

The Five Element philosophy is based upon the various “Elements” that are found in the natural world: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each Element has correspondences that help a practitioner determine the Element’s relative balance of imbalance. When the Elements are out of balance, symptoms and signs often occur.

Five Element Acupuncture practitioners focus on how the Elements are interacting with each other. In this system, each Element functions to create, support and control the others, keeping everything in balance. For example, a fire requires a certain amount of wood in order to create a decent flame. Too much wood can burn out of control, but not enough wood can leave you without enough flame to keep you warm.

By determining the main Element that is out of balance, a Five Element practitioner uncovers the “Causative Factor, “ or underlying cause of a person’s symptoms. Treatment is then focused upon establishing harmony among the Elements.

A TCM practitioner focuses on developing a diagnosis based upon the Eight Principles, which are guiding factors used to establish the correct course of care. The Principles are designed to help the practitioner determine whether a condition is in the interior or exterior of the body, if it relates to hot or cold symptoms, if it is an excess (acute) or deficient (chronic) problem, and if it relates to Yin or Yang.

TCM diagnosis also involves four main techniques: pulse diagnosis; observations of a person’s appearance, demeanor and tongue; asking questions; and a physical examination. Once a diagnosis is complete, a practitioner discerns the root pattern of disharmony, and may choose from a variety of techniques – acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, QiGong, Electro-acupuncture, Acupressure/Tuina, Gua Sha, or Cupping – to restore and maintain health.

Japanese Acupuncture

One of the treatment philosophies underlying Japanese Acupuncture is to use the least amount of acupuncture-point stimulation to affect the greatest amount of change. Practitioners of this style of acupuncture use thinner and fewer needles, fewer acupuncture points, and shallower needle insertion. Sometimes treatment involves simply touching the surface of the skin with the needles, versus inserting them into the skin.

A practitioner of Japanese Acupuncture uses abdominal palpation and other diagnostic tools to determine the underlying imbalance.

Auricular Acupuncture

Similar to Korean Hand Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture uses the ears as a microcosm, or representation for the entire body. Through careful diagnosis and treatment, an acupuncturist can address various physical and emotional conditions using specific points on both ears.

Often this style of acupuncture employs tiny needles, ear seeds, or ear tacks. This allows for a gentle stimulation of auricular points. Ear seeds and tacks may be left in the ears after treatment to apply continuous stimulation to the points.

Auricular Acupuncture is widely used in drug and alcohol detoxification programs across North America. It is also used in conjunction with outer styles of acupuncture, both as an adjunct to treatment or as a specialty.

Scalp Acupuncture

Instead of the hands or ears, this style of acupuncture focuses on the scalp as a microcosm, or representation for the entire body. The practitioner treats various health conditions by inserting fine, sterile needles into specific treatment zones on the scalp. This style of acupuncture is especially helpful for motor impairment and spinal conditions.

Electro-acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture is an advanced form of traditional acupuncture that integrates electrical stimulation with needle insertion to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This technique has gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing pain and addressing various neurological conditions. By delivering low-frequency electrical currents through acupuncture needles, electro-acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, promoting the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that modulate pain perception (Han et al., 2012).

Research indicates that it can significantly reduce chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia (Gatchel et al., 2007). Furthermore, electro-acupuncture has shown promise in improving symptoms of neurological disorders such as stroke and multiple sclerosis by enhancing blood circulation and neuroplasticity (Zhao et al., 2015).

As a safe and non-invasive treatment option, electro-acupuncture offers a valuable complement to conventional pain management strategies, providing hope for those seeking relief from persistent pain and neurological challenges.

References:

Gatchel, R. J., et al. (2007). The biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain: Theory and practice. *Psychological Bulletin*, 133(4), 581-624.
Han, J. S., Lee, J. H., & Kim, K. (2012). Electroacupuncture: A new strategy for pain relief. *The Clinical Journal of Pain*, 28(5), 419-423.
Zhao, Z. Q., et al. (2015). Electroacupuncture for improving neurological function after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Stroke*, 46(4), 919-925.

What to Expect

Congratulations on starting on your path with WAY Wellness. By choosing acupuncture, you’ve taken a great step toward a more balanced, healthy lifestyle. The ancient practices of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have helped millions of people regain and maintain their health.

Since this system of health care may be different than other care you’ve received, it’s only natural to have questions. Read on to find out what to expect – and how to get the most out of your treatments.

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Acupuncture and your health

Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health. This means your practitioner will take into account your whole self, not just your symptoms, in order to get to the root of your health concerns. You will work together to find out how factors like your lifestyle, emotional, and mental well being may be affecting your health.

Getting the chance to really discuss your health concerns with your care provider – and having your provider really listen – may be new to you. Think of it as your opportunity to form a partnership for better health. The more you take part in your healing process, the more successful it will be.

Your first visit

Initial visits generally last from 60 - 90 minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history and complete a physical exam in the Chinese medical style. During this visit they will also provide you with your unique treatment plan, created in partnership with you.

During your fist exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, and emotional states – anything that may offer insight into your health.

Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue, abdominal, and pulse diagnosis.

Your treatment plan

Once your acupuncturist has gathered enough information, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:

Your underlying imbalances
Your line of care
What types of treatment you will receive

Getting the most of treatment

For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:

Please show up on time
Don’t eat a large meal before your visit
Wear loose, comfortable clothes
Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment
Follow your treatment plan between visits
Keep all of your appointments as each visit builds upon the previous ones

Your role in the healing process

Your actions are a key component of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Together, you and your acupuncturist can heal your imbalances and help you achieve harmony and balance.

Even after your symptoms are resolved, acupuncture can assist you in maintaining your health, and possibly prevent future imbalances. The more you incorporate acupuncture and TCM into your life, the more you’ll learn to nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

Acupuncture is not an Instant Fix

True healing takes time and dedication. Depending on your current health and symptoms, you could feel better right away, or you may need treatments for weeks, months, or years to achieve the results you want. Your acupuncturist can give you an idea of what to expect. With a little patience and an open mind, you’ll be on your way to health and vitality.

Acupuncture and TCM offer a safe and effective holistic health care system. This natural approach can both resolve symptoms and enhance your overall health.

By taking the right steps and planting the seeds of health, you are on the road to a healthier you!

Wellness Care

If you’re like most people, you may not think about your health until you are feeling sick or out of balance. Maybe you’re too busy keeping up with life’s daily responsibilities, or perhaps your focus is on caring for others.

One of the best investments you can make is in your own well-being. Rest assured, this investment will give you plenty of positive return and will generously reward you with better health, vitality, and peace of mind.

Making your health a priority is important – even when you don’t have specific symptoms. In fact, preventative care is one of the simplest ways to take charge of your health. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural, effective approach to preventative treatment, known as wellness care.

Wellness care can boost your energy, help you become more in tune with your body, and even keep minor issues from becoming major problems. Wellness care is an integral part of a truly healthy lifestyle.

What is Health?

Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to healing. This means that they consider how the body, mind, and spirit all work together, and believe that a state of health or wellness must involve the whole self.

True health is more than just not feeling sick. It means that you are functioning at your highest possible level. Your body is in harmony, your mind is alert, and your spirit is calm. You have the energy you need to get the most out of life. Each aspect for your whole self is strong and balanced.

Regular acupuncture treatments can help you achieve and maintain this level of wellness.

Maintaining Wellness

Just as your car needs a seasonal tune-up to perform at its best, we recommend regularly scheduled acupuncture care for optimal health. With regular treatments your acupuncturist may be able to detect and resolve any imbalances or disruptions in the flow of Qi, before you start feeling symptoms. After all, you wouldn’t wait for your teeth to decay before visiting a dentist. Why wait for symptoms to occur before seeing your acupuncturist?

Wellness care is a great way to take a proactive approach to your health. In working with your acupuncturist, you may discover factors that could be affecting your health, including your lifestyle, and emotional and mental states. Use your regular visits to discuss how exercise, nutrition, supplements, meditation, or other lifestyle changes can help you. By incorporating acupuncture into your life, you’ll be taking an active role in caring for your whole self.

Planning for a Healthy Future

Taking the time for wellness care doesn’t just result in better health today – it can affect your future. Think ahead 10 years. How do you want to feel? Now imagine yourself in your twilight years, enjoying the wisdom you’ve worked to achieve.

The decisions you make now will have a direct impact on your future. So make the choice to invest in your body, mind, and spirit with WAY Wellness. With the help of acupuncture, QiGong, and Chinese Medicine, you’ll be on your way to a healthier tomorrow.

Ready for relief? Book your acupuncture appointment below.

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