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What are some other treatment techniques besides needle insertion?

By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

What are some other treatment techniques besides needle insertion?

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-Acupuncture is the use of small electrical currents through the acupuncture needles. Electro-stimulation is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance a treatment. Electro-acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle, allowing deeper penetration of heat. Learn more about Moxibustion

CUPPING
Cupping is a technique where a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes. This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture or Electro-acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.

TUI NA
Tui Na is the traditional system of Chinese style physical therapy or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatments in a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

GUA SHA
Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique in which the skin is rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes.. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a reddishmillet-like skin rash (aka petechiae). Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.

Ask The Acupuncturist

Q: I have always had a problem when it comes to my gag reflex. As a kid I even had a problem wearing a mouth piece and going to the dentist. but it still has not gone away, even today if i go to the dentist it is very hard for me to allow anything in my mouth without gagging and eventually vomiting. I also have a problem when shirts are tight around my neck. Is there any hope in acupuncture?

A: There are some very simple acupuncture points that have been proven to calm down the gag reflex. Acupuncture point: Ren 24 The first point i... Read More