There are many techniques used in acupuncture. In its basic form, several "needling" techniques are used by an acupuncturist immediately following insertion: Raising and Thrusting, Twirling or Rotation, Combination of Raising/Thrusting and Rotation, Plucking, Scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and Trembling (another vibration technique). Techniques are carefully chosen based on the ailment. The number and frequency of treatments depend on the severity of the condition, the length of time the condition has been present, and how well a particular patient responds to therapy. Other forms of acupuncture built upon the same theories include:
Electro-Acupuncture - This technique uses very small electrical impulses through the acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for analgesia (pain relief or prevention). The amount of power used is only a few microamperes, but the frequency of the current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher frequencies are generally usedfor surgery (usually abdominal), and the lower frequencies for general pain relief. Auriculotherapy or Ear Acupuncture - This technique is based on the theory that, since it has a rich nerve and blood supply, the ear has connections all over the body. For this reason, the ear has many acupuncture points which correspond to many parts and organs of the body. This therapy utilizes lasers and sound waves. Auricular acupuncture has been successful in treating problems ranging from obesity to alcohol and drug addiction.Moxibustion - This is the treatment of diseases by applying heat to acupuncture points. Acupuncture and moxibustion are considered complementary forms of treatment, and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is used for such ailments as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis, and arthritic disorders.
Cupping - This is a method of stimulating acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. Blood congestion is produced at the site of suction, which stimulates the acupuncture point. Cupping is used for lower backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and in helping to relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
Acupressure - One of the most popular alternatives to acupuncture, acupressure is simply acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of the acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or an instrument with a hard, ball-shaped head. Another variation of acupressure is reflexology (also called zone therapy). This involves the stimulation of the soles of the feet and the posterior-inferior regions of the ankle joints. Many diseases of the internal organs can be treated in this manner.
