Acupuncture | Methods and Applications

Major Acupuncture Methods

Acupuncture methods include various therapies that are mainly conducted through needling or moxibustion. Needling, referred to as "Stone Needle" in ancient times, was developed from bian stone treatment. Meanwhile, moxibustion, sometimes called "moxa treatment", is the method of treating diseases with moxa (mugwort). The two methods, often used in combination in clinical situations, are collectively known as "acupuncture".
 

Modern Needling:

• The filiform acupuncture method is one of the most commonly used acupuncture methods. Soft in texture, the filiform needles are inserted into the skin through the therapists' finger strength and techniques in performing various manipulation and treatment after insertion. The basic techniques of acupuncture needles include insertion (進哀), lifting (提插), twisting (捻轉), direction (針向), retention (留針), etc.
• Other acupuncture methods include ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, eye acupuncture, three-edged acupuncture, skin acupuncture, intradermal acupuncture, fire acupuncture, awn acupuncture, and electroacupuncture.

Moxibustion:

• Herbs like moxa wool are burned to achieve the purposes of warming up the acupoints on the body surface. By leveraging the gentle heat of moxibustion and the action of medicines, it can warm the blood, strengthen body resistance, and eliminate pathogenic factors through the conduction of the meridian. This external treatment method can cure diseases and help maintain a balance of health.

Cupping Method:

• This is a method that treats diseases by using various methods to remove the air and form negative pressure in the cups, which can be attached to the body surface through the suction created. Since the cups were made of animal horns in the old days, the treatment was also referred to as horn therapy. Through suction and extraction that induce local tissue congestion, the method promotes unobstructed meridian and benefits qi and blood circulation. Apart from adding vitality to blood and qi circulation, cupping also relieves pain and swelling, dispels cold, removes dampness, dissolves masses, eliminates toxins, and regulates excess heat in the body.

Application of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment method that uses needles instead of drugs. Rather than limiting the treatment to one or several diseases, its treatment scope can cover a wide range of common and rare diseases, such as medical, surgical, gynaecological, paediatrics, neurological, skin, and ontological conditions.