8 Different Types of Acupuncture and How They Work

Acupuncture originates from ancient Chinese medical practice. The practitioners insert thin needles to release tension at different pressure points of the body. By creating injuries, the procedure triggers the body's natural healing response. While many practitioners claim it provides balance to the body, research shows that it can relieve pain. There's also the possibility of curing illnesses like whooping cough, dysentery, sciatica, headaches, and blood pressure problems.

Through acupuncture, patients can find relief from conditions like osteoarthritis, migraines, dementia, morning sickness, and lower back pain. Beyond medical conditions, some skincare experts use this procedure to reverse the effects of premature aging. The injuries induce collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face or neck.

Studies show that patients experience little to no risk with acupuncture. There are very few side effects, and you can combine this with other treatment methods. However, acupuncture treatments should be done professionally to avoid the risk of infection from damaged needles.

Acupuncture is an excellent technique to relieve tension and improve blood flow in your body. Check out these eight popular types of acupuncture and discover how they work:

Type #1: Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

This type of acupuncture examines the body's internal and external functions from all meridian points. Using ancient Chinese medical practices, the patients receive a treatment plan based on a tongue examination. Typically, the treatment focuses on healing one part of the body, such as alleviating back pain.

If you experience illnesses like depression, migraines, and sleep problems, taking so much medication can feel exhausting. The traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture allows you to manage your health along with other treatment methods. It releases stress in your meridian points, helping you sleep better and relieving your painful headaches.

Type #2: Japanese Acupuncture

Unlike Chinese acupuncture that focuses on healing one health condition, the Japanese version tackles the entire body. However, it is also gentle and relatively painless, with many practitioners importing disposable needles from Japan. The process uses fewer needles with shallow depth compared to other methods. The insertion tube controls the depth of the prick to reduce discomfort.

If you're scared of needles, this type of acupuncture works best for you. It's an inclusive procedure available to children and teenagers as well. It's also a gradual process where the acupuncturists start by feeling the points of discomfort, followed by an insertion. Afterwards, you should experience a continuous calming effect as your body releases its healing chemicals.

Type #3: Korean Hand Therapy

Do you feel pain in your hands from texting so much? In this era of remote work, typing endlessly on your computer or mobile phone can cause side effects like aches and slight tremors. Korean Hand Therapy is a way to resolve whatever pain you feel in your hands and other parts of your body.

With a needle applicator, the acupuncturist inserts about twenty special hand needles for 20 to 30 minutes. They also use silver and gold metal pellets to locate the meridians. Unlike other methods, you can combine Korean Hand Therapy with different acupuncture types.

Type #4: Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture uses the ear as the connection point to other parts of the body. According to Ancient Oriental medicine, the ear contains acupuncture points that can heal the body. By inserting regular acupuncture needles into the ear, the acupuncturists seek to trigger chemicals that eradicate mood swings, toxins, and allergies.

Type #5: Scalp Acupuncture

Scalp acupuncture uses the same process as auricular acupuncture. The difference is that the needles penetrate the skin on your head. It is a safe, reliable treatment that stimulates the brain cells, encouraging them to become revitalized. This type of acupuncture addresses conditions associated with brain function. It is commonly used after a stroke or brain surgery therapy.

Type #6: Cupping Therapy

Cupping involves using rubber or glass suction cups to stimulate blood flow to specific points in the body. Usually performed at the same time with needle acupuncture, the cups stay on the skin surface. The suction provides relief from muscle pain and inflammation. It also eliminates toxins in the blood flow.

With wet cupping, the therapist makes small incisions on your skin after removing the cups to let out some blood. Cupping is popular for treating blood poisoning, anemia, and high blood pressure. By redirecting the flow of blood, the vessels expand and cause your skin to redden. However, the redness and scarring will disappear after approximately ten days.

Type #7: Electroacupuncture

It's hard treating chronic pain with medication since many painkillers notoriously lead to addiction. Electroacupuncture provides an alternative route to seeking relief from chronic pain. The therapist sends an electric current between two needle points using small clips and acupuncture needles. The charge improves the blood supply and triggers the body's natural pain relief. It also boosts energy flow between both points.

Type #8: Moxibustion Acupuncture

Compared to traditional acupuncture methods, this treatment involves heat. Moxibustion provides a relaxing experience for patients with plants. In this treatment, the therapist lights mugwort herb over the needles. The burning plant warms the meridians to improve circulation and digestion. Moxibustion is used to treat other conditions like insomnia, anxiety, pain management, and respiratory diseases.

Are you interested in trying acupuncture? Consult with the Chiro-Med team to learn about the healing treatments that range from acupuncture to physiotherapy. We are conveniently located in the areas of Newmarket and Richmond Hill, Ontario.