Acupuncture as a medical practice varies greatly. There are many different styles of acupuncture practice. As acupuncture spread throughout Asia and into Europe and the Americas, it evolved and changed. Various schools of thought developed that influence the way any given practitioner treats his patients. The variations are often categorized in broad classifications.
Some of the main style categories are TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element styles, Japanese, Korean, and Medical acupuncture. There are others, and within each of these there are many sub-styles based on style of diagnosis, and treatment methodology.
Diagnosis is important. Besides obviously asking the patient about their condition, most practitioners check other signs and symptoms. These include the feel of the pulse, the look of the tongue or other parts of the body. Some palpate the abdomen. Other practitioners use electronic scanners and other tests and devices to evaluate the patient.
The information collected must be evaluated in order to determine treatment. There are many ways to do this. Some practitioners use simple guides, others use complicated diagnostic systems for looking at patterns of function in the patient.
Treatment will also vary from acupuncturist to acupuncturist, even within a given style. Some use many needles, or just a few. Some use lasers, electro-stimulation, magnets, heat lamps and other less known tools. Some use old traditional tools like fire cups, plum blossom, moxibustion and various massage methods. Some practitioners utilize acupuncture points all over the body while some styles focus on using only needle points in certain locations such as the hands, ears or scalp.
For the patient, understanding the style an acupuncturist uses can be important. This is especially true if you move and want to find a new practitioner with a similar style. It is also important if you were not happy with a particular practitioner. Finding a practitioner of a different style may help you find a practitioner that works well for you and your individual needs. As with all medical practitioners, the best practitioner is one in which you have confidence and feel comfortable with.
To find an acupuncturist go to the NCCAOM
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