What Does TCM Acupuncture Involve?
Fine, single use acupuncture needles (0.16-0.25 mm diameter) are used at defined acupuncture points on the body. These points are used to nourish and stimulate the flow of Qi, blood, yin, and yang, thus addressing disharmony and 'dis-ease'. During a treatment, needles will be retained for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Acupuncture is not painful. On occasion, there may be a mild stinging sensation as the needle is inserted, or an unusual 'moving' or 'heavy' sensation.
This technique is very different to ‘dry needling’ performed by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or myotherapist.
Other modalities that may be used with TCM acupuncture include:
Acupuncture is not painful. On occasion, there may be a mild stinging sensation as the needle is inserted, or an unusual 'moving' or 'heavy' sensation.
This technique is very different to ‘dry needling’ performed by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or myotherapist.
Other modalities that may be used with TCM acupuncture include:
- Electro-Acupuncture A mild electric current may be applied to the needles (electro-acupuncture).
- Moxibusiton Acu-points and meridians may be warmed by burning moxa above a needle or skin (mugwort).
- Cupping A vacuum is created inside a glass cup. The cup is placed along a meridian to encourage the flow of qi and blood and to eliminate pathogens and toxins from the body.
- An Mo Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage) Massage may be given as part of an acupuncture treatment. Tui na involves stimulation of meridians and acu-points using unique acu-pressure and massage techniques.
