Variations in Acupuncture Treatment

The word Acupuncture brings into mind the use of very thin needles, which are inserted into the skin in certain points. The needles regulate the flow of vital energy (Qi)  in the body, balance the flow of Qi, and restore health and vitality.

Occasionally the needles are turned in place, creating a sensation of warmth. The patient may feel relaxed and may even fall asleep at the practitioner's office. Some patients don't feel any change, but the treatment may still be very effective.

Based on the same principles of Acupuncture, there are variations on the use of needles.

For example, some Chinese Doctors will use a machine that creates a minute amount of electric energy. This method is called micro-electric current treatment, and is developing in the last decade. Many of its practitioners report wonderful results. The micro-electric current is delivered to the acupuncture points using a wand. There are no needles involved, and there is no pain experienced by the patient.

Another variation is the use of sound waves. This method is known as Sonopuncture.

The sound wave is created by a device and is delivered to the acupuncture point. There are also some devices that deliver vibration to the acupuncture points, as a variation.

In addition, there is a new development in the area of treatment with colors. The colors are applied to certain points in the body that correlate with the acupuncture points. Each color is correlated with a certain type of energy, having certain affects on the body. Applying certain colors to the acupuncture points affects the body in certain ways, which are used in this treatment method.

An ancient art that is often used in Chinese Medicine is acupressure. Acupressure is a kind of massage. Here pressure is used to stimulate the acupuncture points. The pressure is applied using the fingers, without using any devices or needles. This method can be combined with other massage modalities too.

Another offspring of acupressure is reflexology, which utilizes pressure and massage of acupuncture points on the feet and hands. According to this method, special acupuncture points – or acupressure points reside on the bottom of the feet and the palms that represent the whole body.

These points are being stimulated while walking and during everyday life activity. However, the use of hard soled shoes and inactivity of people has caused the lack of activation of these points. Reflexology help stimulate these points, thus healing the body.

In conclusion, many other variations of Acupuncture exist, some using devices and some just pressure of the hands. These variations do not use needles, and most of them are

painless and very effective. Knowing about these methods and variations will provide you with the information you need in order to find an alternative to Acupuncture, or to enhance your Acupuncture treatment.