Know the Different Types of Acupuncture

Acupuncture continues to grow across the world as a popular treatment for pain and symptoms of a number of diseases and conditions. Most of the time when you hear that someone has received acupuncture, you have one thing in mind. However, the term “acupuncture” has sort of become a catch-all for many different types of treatments that are available to patients. Since acupuncture is an ancient treatment, there have been updates and iterations over the years. Now, many different forms of acupuncture are out there, with their own strengths at treating different conditions. It’s always good to be informed, so we’ve put together a list for you of the most common types of treatments that often fall under the “acupuncture” umbrella.

Body Acupuncture – This is what likely comes to mind when you hear the word acupuncture. Tiny needles inserted into certain points and meridians along the body that regulate the flow of energy and promote healing.

Ear Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Medicine says that the ear contains acupuncture points that can heal every area of the body. So, many acupuncturists will focus their acupuncture in the ear, using the same needles as in the body, whether on its own or in conjunction with body acupuncture points.

Electroacupuncture – Particularly useful for treating pain, electroacupuncture uses small clips on top of regular acupuncture needles to send an electric current in between two acupuncture needle points. The extra stimulation can improve the flow of energy between the points, helping heal pain.

Acupressure – Utilizing the knowledge of acupuncture points and meridians, acupressure pinpoints these same areas to heal pain, but uses massage and pressure instead of inserting a needle. Many acupuncturists will teach patients the proper areas, since patients can perform it themselves at home.

Moxibustion – When small amounts of herbs are placed on top body acupuncture needles and then lit, giving the area an extra boost of warmth.

Cupping – Usually done in tandem with acupuncture, cupping uses rubber or glass cups that are suctioned onto specific areas of the body. This can help when traditional body acupuncture needs a little bit of a boost when energy along a certain point has become stagnant. Cupping can leave marks on the body where the cup has suctioned on, but they are temporary.

NBA Star Gives Eye Acupuncture a Try

Basketball fans were given a special “treat” this week when NBA player Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets shared a boomerang on Instagram of himself receiving eye-acupuncture.

👀👀👀🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/od9Tk8woVK

— Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo) January 13, 2020

Well, not actually in his eyes of course — but within the surrounding eye area that is home to many sensitive acupuncture points.

In the video, you can see tears streaming down his face, a common reaction to acupuncture around this area — and that is a good thing! It means it’s working.

Why on earth would he receive acupuncture around his eyes, you may ask? Let us explain…

Anyone who is suffering from an eye condition including vision problems, light sensitivity, floaters, dried eyes, excessive tearing or swelling, and pain can benefit from this treatment. (When provided by a licensed acupuncturist only, of course.)

As Verywell Health explains, the following acupuncture points aim at treating a variety of eye ailments:

The following areas are focused on during acupuncture for eye health.

• Jingming (UB-1) - Jingming means "bright eyes" and is located in the inner corner of the eye. This point is thought to bring Qi and blood to the eyes and to help eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness, conjunctivitis and blurry vision.6

• Zanzhu (UB-2) - The Zanzhu point is in the crease at the inner end of the eyebrow. This point is the focus when patients complain of a headache, blurred vision, pain, tearing, redness, eye twitching, and glaucoma.7

• Yuyao - Yuyao is the in the middle of the eyebrow right above the pupil. This point is used for treating eye strain, eyelid twitching, ptosis (upper eyelid that hangs low), cloudiness of the cornea, redness, and swelling.8

• Sizhukong (SJ 23) - The Sizhukog area is located in the hollow area at the outside part of the eyebrow. It is thought to be a point where acupuncture can be performed to help eye and facial pain including headaches, redness, eye pain, blurred vision, eye toothache and facial paralysis.9

• Tongzilia (GB 1) - The Tongzilia is located on the outside corner of the eye. This point is thought to brighten the eyes. Manipulation of this point also helps treat headache, redness, eye

If you are suffering from eye issues and would like to give acupuncture a try, please contact our office to schedule your free consultation and first appointment.

Skin Problems? Go Under the Surface

It may only be the very beginnings of fall, but it’s never too early to prepare for the harsh winter months.

For many people, the return of cold temperatures brings about some negatives s to go along with the holidays, hot cocoa and building snowmen—dry skin. Whether its on your face, hands, feet, or really anywhere, dry skin can be one of the most irritating ailments to deal with. And for some, it can affect them year round, and lead to painful cracks and bleeding.

Most people think of dealing with dry skin and other skin conditions with expensive and chemical-laden creams and serums. For some these medications may work, but there is another, more natural way to heal dry and affected skin: acupuncture.

Our skin is actually the biggest organ in our body. If something is wrong with our skin on the outside, that means that something needs fixing on the inside.  So it only makes perfect sense that acupuncture is a proven remedy for a number of skin ailments and general skin dryness.  

Skin conditions are a result of internal imbalances between Qi, blood flow, yin, yang, and blockages of different energy pathways within the body. When those pathways are opened up and the energy of the body is allowed to balance, our skin operates in a much healthier way.

Diana Hermann, a board-certified, Colorado-based acupuncturist explains further why acupuncture is a viable solution for many skin conditions: “Acupuncture clears heat from the lungs and stomach to reduce flushing and heat rising to the face,” Hermann explains, adding that a pooling of heat in the face and head inhibits proper circulation throughout the rest of the body.”

Whether you suffer from general dry skin or other more intense disorders like rosacea, eczema, acne, etc. acupuncture is here to help you look and feel revitalized, and refreshed.