Acupuncture

The most common healing method used in the Western countries is acupuncture even though in China, herbs are used primarily. Acupuncture is the placement of a thin needle through the skin into an acupuncture point. Most acupuncture points are located along the meridians, or energy channels. There are twelve major meridians which run symmetrically along both the front and the back side of the body. Furthermore, for example the ears have their own acupuncture points. Ear-acupuncture can be used either solely or in combination with whole-body acupuncture. The meridians interact with the major internal organs, Zang Fu, and the acupuncture points are places where the Qi energy is condensed. Thus, according to traditional Chinese medicine, the flow Qi and blood circulation can be improved deep in the internal organs by using acupuncture points on the surface of the body. This allows the healing of not only localized symptoms of pain but also the origin of chronic conditions.

Each of the 361 existing acupuncture points has an exact location and specific functions. An acupuncturist is required to know the functions thoroughly as well as be able to apply the acupuncture needle according to the correct depth and direction. Once a syndrome is defined according to the TCM theory, the acupuncture points and other healing methods are chosen. Usually several acupuncture points are stimulated simultaneously, this strengthens the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. The patient may feel different sensations in the body during the placement of the acupuncture needle, such as numbness, pressure, warmth, tingling or pulling. These feelings, in TCM referred to as De Qi, can be felt along the meridian that is being treated or in other parts of the body. The patient is then left to rest and relax with the acupuncture needles for 20 to 30 minutes.

The length and thickness of the acupuncture needle, as well as the depth of placement depends on the specific acupuncture point, the size of the patient, his/her age and health condition. Nowadays acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and they are disposed after each single use.

In addition to the normal acupuncture needle, there are also other types of needles:

The interdermal needle is a small needle made of stainless steel wire, which is placed on the skin. The needle is pressed onto the acupuncture point or painful spot and left in place for a few hours or some days, depending on the situation. Interdermal needles are most commonly used on the ears, and it is covered with a small patch of plaster. This type of needle is used to create a stronger and longer lasting stimulation on the acupuncture point. Nowadays the earneedles are often replaced with magnets or seeds, which are placed on the reflective areas on the ears.

The usage of the fireneedle is an old technique which combines the benefits of acupuncture and heat. There are different sizes of fireneedles and they are speciality needles made of wolfram-metal. The needle is heated until it is glowing red and then rapidly inserted and removed from the skin's surface layers. The needle is never left inside the skin. The effect penetrates deep into the tissues and is used to treat for example inflammation, wounds, or poor blood circulation in the muscles and ligaments. The fireneedle is most commonly used to treat chronic pain.

Pricking or micro-bloodletting is a method where a tiny hole is made in the acupuncture point and a few drops of blood are let out. This method enhances the steady flow of Qi and blood in the meridians, unravels the stagnation of Blood and removes heat. Pricking is used to unblock the meridians and heal Heat-syndromes such as fever, sore throat, loss of consciousness, localized pain or swelling.