Acupuncture - Different Types of Acupuncture
by: smilemd
Acupuncture - Different Types of Acupuncture
Co-Editor-in-Chief, Tracy E. Austin, MD
Friday, February 27, 2010 - 07:01 PM
The Different Types of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly thought of as an alternative medical treatment. Though in the
United States acupuncture is considered an alternative medicine, it is widely practiced
throughout the rest of the world and is an extremely common practice in Chinese medicine.
It has been used in China�s medical system since the 1930s. Most people imagine
acupuncture as being stuck with needles in certain key areas to alleviate pain or cure other
ailments. It is true that acupuncture involves needles being strategically placed on a
person�s body, but there are many varieties of acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
This type of acupuncture not only involves acupuncture with needles, but also the burning of
Chinese medicinal herbs. TCM in considered to be a holistic approach to medicine since it
treats the whole person; not only the body, but also the mind and the spirit.
It is based on the concept of Qi (or Chi), which is believed to be a force of energy within the
body that keeps the functions of the body, including organs, working properly. The Qi travels
along the body on pathways called �meridians� with each one representing a certain body
system or organ function. It is along these pathways that the acupuncturist places the needles.
The herbs used along with the acupuncture treatment aid in strengthening the body. These
herbs can be used to help stop bleeding, fight a cold, and aid in digestion, for just a few
examples. Normally, the herbs are used in combinations of three or more and can be taken in
pill form, burned and inhaled, or in tinctures placed on the body during treatment.
Classical Acupuncture
Classical Acupuncture is the most common thought of type according to westerners. It is also
known as the five element acupuncture. This type uses needles alone. It is also referred to as
Classical Five Element Acupuncture because it corresponds to the seasons according to the
Chinese cycle. This cycle includes:
Summer; Harvest; Fall; Winter; Spring
Not only does Classical Acupuncture correspond to the seasons, but also to the five elements
found in nature as they relate to a person�s body. These five elements are:
Fire; Earth; Metal; Water; Wood
Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese acupuncture is along the same lines as classical acupuncture, but this type uses
smaller needles. It also focuses more on precision and efficient techniques that promote
accomplishing bigger results using the smallest amount of stimulation possible.
Electro acupuncture
Like the name implies, electro acupuncture combines traditional acupuncture combined with a
low electric current running through the needles and is becoming an ever-increasing popular
form of acupuncture. Electro acupuncture uses the same meridians as classical acupuncture,
but uses a small device that clips onto the needles. The device sends electric pulses that the
acupuncturist can adjust depending on the intensity needed.
Unlike Japanese Acupuncture, electro acupuncture does not need to be so precise. The
electric pulses stimulate a wider area making it easier to treat the area. Those who are
squeamish about needles will prefer electro acupuncture because it can be done with
electrodes instead of needles and attain the same results.
Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture is very similar to classical acupuncture, but it is performed by a licensed
medical doctor. It incorporates the medical science surrounding neuromuscular anatomy.
Some also include historically Chinese acupuncture patterns; thereby, creating a hybrid of
western and eastern medical knowledge.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is unique. This type treats the entire body, just like other types of
acupuncture, but it does so through particular points located in the patient�s ears. The
acupuncturist pinpoints certain nerves found in the ear that relate to other parts of the body to
help heal or alleviate pain in that particular part.
Auricular acupuncturists have over 200 acupuncture points to know on the outer ear. This is
also called the pinna, more commonly known as the cartilage. Western auricular
acupuncturists utilize a tool called an electro acupunctoscope, which is an electric tool. This is
along the same lines as the electro acupuncture methods. This method is known as
Transcutaneous Electical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
The type of acupuncture a person chooses may directly relate to the ailment that person has.
Acupuncture treats a variety of maladies ranging from health conditions to pain and even
helping to increase blood flow to particular areas of the body. For references and resourced
information, go to http://www.smilemd.com/acupuncturist/the-different-types-of-
acupuncture.aspx
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dental articles are library referenced for online publication by co-editors-in-chief Judy J.
Johnson DDS and Tracy E. Austin, MD. Dr. Johnson is a member of The New York Academy
of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Austin is a member of the A.M.A., American Medical Writers
Association and the Association of Health Care Journalists.