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ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENT TECHNIQUES USED WITH ACUPUNCTURE?

There are multiple adjunct treatments that can be used in conjuction with acupuncture:

Moxabustion is the practice of burning the herb Artemisia Vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort, in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment. It can be burned directly on the needles, or indirectly above an acupuncture point. It has a calming effect on the patient and enhances the effect of the needles during treatment.

Cupping Therapy is an adjunctive technique used by acupuncturists to help relieve local Blood and Qi stagnation that manifests as pain and tension in the body. Glass cups are placed on the skin, and a pump creates a vacuum effect where the skin, fascia, and muscle tissue are drawn into the cup. This technique can bring immediate relief of tight painful muscles. It works on a more superficial level, while acupuncture works on a deeper level in the body.

Gua Sha is an adjunctive technique used by acupuncturists to help relieve local Blood and Qi stagnation that manifests as pain and tension in the body. An object with a hard round edge (such as a porcelain Chinese soup spoon) is drawn over the skin with a lubricant (oil, lotion, salve). This technique can bring immediate relief of tight painful muscles. It works on a more superficial level, while acupuncture works on a deeper level in the body.

Tuina is a Chinese form of massage that works on the meridian system. Acupressure techniques are used to stimulate the points and meridians, rather than needles. This technique is helpful in stimulating the entire meridian versus one singular acupuncture point. It can be employed for patients who are too sensitive to traditional needling techniques.

Chinese Dietary Therapy is based on the premise that all the food we eat has energetic and healing properties. The correct combinations of foods can help to create health and balance in the body, similar to an acupuncture treatment. Dietary suggestions tailored directly to an individual’s pattern of disharmony in Chinese Medicine can strengthen constitutional weaknesses, support the work being done during an acupuncture session, promote disease prevention on a long-term basis, and give symptomatic relief.