Treatment methods

• 

  The needle

  The acupuncture needle is the most widely used method. Needles stimulate the acupuncture points to bring the flow of energy back into balance.

• 

  Cupping

  Cupping helps relieve muscle tension, some ear, nose and throat problems (colds, coughs) and pain. By lifting the skin away from the muscles, it activates circulation and draws blood to the area to be stimulated. Usually painless, cupping often leaves a mark where the cup was placed. Ranging from red to black/purple for the strongest, these marks have no side effects and fade within a week. The only drawback is cosmetic.

• Moxibustion

  Moxibustion is a heat therapy. Mugwort (moxa) is a plant that burns well. By warming the needle or an acupuncture point directly, the patient’s energy can be increased and their circulation activated. However, using moxa carries a small risk of burns and produces a lot of smoke. That is why I use an electric moxa device at the clinic.

• The infrared lamp

  This lamp produces infrared heat. This heat penetrates much more deeply than a heating pad. It helps release muscle tension and warms and activates circulation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and increases tissue regeneration.

• Gua sha

  This technique involves rubbing areas of the body with a smooth-edged tool to release tension and activate circulation.

• Electrical stimulation

  By placing electrodes on acupuncture needles, the acupuncture points are strongly stimulated. This technique is very effective for relieving pain.

• Laser

  A laser is used to stimulate the acupuncture points to restore balance. This technique is increasingly promising because it is painless, has no side effects when done properly, and reduces the risk of contamination to zero. It is the favourite of children and of people who are afraid of needles.

  Note Although I am qualified to use the laser, this technique is not yet available at the clinic.

• The plum blossom hammer

  This is a small hammer with a head holding 5 to 7 needle tips. The technique involves tapping a chosen area to activate circulation. This tool is mainly used for localized skin problems, headaches and high blood pressure.

• Bloodletting

  Using a bloodletting needle, the acupuncturist pricks the skin so that a few drops of blood escape from an acupuncture point. This triggers an inflammatory response that stimulates repair in the chosen area. Bloodletting is very effective for burning pain or high fever.

Note Chinese medicine includes other treatment methods, but they are not covered here because they are not practised at my office.