Taking Care Of Myself Naturally

Styles Of Acupuncture To Consider For Pain Relief

by Amelia Graves

Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles into the skin in order to re-direct the flow of energy through the body. It has been widely used to manage many health conditions, but it is especially common for the management and reduction of pain. However, if you are seeking acupuncture for pain relief, you may soon notice there are several different styles of acupuncture you can choose from. Below, you'll find descriptions of some of the most common styles.

Chinese Acupuncture

This is the style of acupuncture that's the most common in the U.S. and is what most people think of first when they hear the word "acupuncture." In Chinese acupuncture, the needles used are very thin and are placed along very specific pathways in the body known as meridians. These are the pathways over which energy is said to flow, and they may not necessarily be the areas where you're feeling pain. For instance, if you're having pain in your knees, your acupuncturist may place needles down your side, not on the knees themselves.

Chinese acupuncture is a good option for most pain conditions, and it's also quite easy to find.

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese acupuncture is similar to Chinese acupuncture. However, Japanese practitioners tend to take a somewhat more gentle approach. They use fewer needles, and there are cases in which they don't use needles at all. They instead apply pressure to the treatment area, which is known as acupressure. This makes Japanese acupuncture a good choice for anyone who is nervous about having acupuncture for the first time. Some people also find that the acupressure part of the treatment is more effective for pain relief, especially in the joints.

Laser Acupuncture

Laser acupuncture is a modern style of acupuncture. You may find it offered by some practitioners of Japanese and Chinese acupuncture, and there are also clinics that focus on laser acupuncture only. This method uses low-powered lasers, rather than needles or touch, to stimulate the pressure points. It does not take as long as needle-based acupuncture, and it is a good choice for patients who are wary of needles. Some find that the effects of laser-based acupuncture last longer, too.

As you explore acupuncture as an option for pain relief, make sure you consider the various modalities above. Each comes with its own advantages. Talk to a practitioner if you have questions that are more specific to your own pain or healing. Contact an acupuncture provider like Acupuncture Medical Center to learn more.

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