Types of Acupuncture: Acupuncture Styles, Acupuncture Techniques and Acupuncture Methods

Acupuncture Techniques

Acupuncture encompasses a variety of techniques, each with its own methodology and purpose. These techniques are utilised to stimulate different points on the body, aiming to balance the flow of energy and support various health issues.

Learn more about the different Acupuncture techniques, styles and methods here:

1. Needling Methods

Traditional Acupuncture: Involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles in specific points of your body to rebalance the body's energy flow and the central nervous system.

Dry Needling: Targets specific muscular trigger points, inserting needles to support and treat pain and support the reduction of muscle tension, distinct from traditional Chinese acupuncture points.

2. Moxibustion

Direct Moxibustion: A small amount of moxa (dried mugwort) is placed directly on the skin and ignited, leading to a therapeutic warming effect.

Indirect Moxibustion: The moxa is burned near the skin's surface without direct contact, warming acupoints to encourage healing.

3. Cupping Therapy

Dry Cupping: Suction cups are applied on the skin to create a vacuum, promoting blood flow and relieving muscle tension.

Wet Cupping: Similar to dry cupping, but involves a controlled medicinal bleeding technique after suction.

4. Electroacupuncture

With current: A mild electric current passes through acupuncture needles which have been placed on acupuncture points, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness for pain management.

Without current: Traditional needling is applied without electrical stimulation, relying solely on the placement of needles to stimulate acupoints.

5. Laser Acupuncture

With laser: A low-level, non-invasive laser beam is directed at specific acupuncture points, stimulating them without the need for needle penetration, offering a painless alternative for those sensitive to needles.

Without laser: Traditional acupuncture techniques are employed, using fine needles to manually stimulate acupoints, relying on the physical insertion and manipulation of needles to achieve therapeutic effects.

Read our Ultimate Guide to Acupuncture

Want to learn more about Acupuncture? Read our Ultimate Guide to Acupuncture here.