Needling Styles
Written by Morgan Rigney, R.Ac
There are many different styles of Acupuncture, as well as different techniques in needling. These include:
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Style
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Classical Chinese Medicine Style
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Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
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Orthopaedic Needling
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Korean/Koryo Hand Acupuncture
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Japanese Acupuncture
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Auricular Acupuncture
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Dr. Richard Tan's Method
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Master Tung's Method
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Dong Style Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine
All Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in Canada study a system of medical theory called Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though Chinese Medicine has a long history of use in China and elsewhere in the world (4000+ years!), the medicine was revived and standardized under Chairman Mao's leadership to provide medicine to rural communities. It is this system of medicine that most Chinese Medicine practitioners complete in colleges/universities across Canada.
The Traditional Chinese Medical framework is organized based on historical understandings of the body and its anatomy, though it is notably different from the practice of Classical Chinese Medicine, which I will explain below. The organs, channels and body systems are compartmentalized, and their various disorders create a roadmap for treatment of both internal and external disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, as was practiced throughout China and still is to this day, has a strong focus on herbal medicine, using Chinese-specific herbs. Though most practitioners in Western countries (Canada, US, UK, etc.) practice Acupuncture and/or a mix of the two, the theoretical framework relies heavily on herbal remedies. The efficacy of treatment utilizes herbal remedies for both "tonification" techniques and "reduction" techniques, and Acupuncture is primarily focused on "reduction". This is to say, when we see a deficiency of blood, yin, yang, or Qi, we would primarily treat this with herbal formulas.
Though Acupuncture can be used to treat deficiencies, it is exceptionally effective at "reducing excess" disorders. It is for this reason that Acupuncture is so effective for pain. It "reduces" tension, inflammation, and nervous stimulation in the body tissues, having a substantial effect on not only the physical form, but the patient's mental experience, as well.
Every practitioner of Acupuncture (other than physiotherapists practicing IMS), has studied this medicine in detail, though some choose to branch into other forms of the medicine. Each practitioner develops a style of their own and works in a modality they resonates with.
Classical Chinese Medicine
As we have discussed, Traditional Chinese Medicine was an amalgamation of existing Chinese medical practices. Before this consolidation, there existed many types of theories; however, the oldest written theoretical framework is that of Classical Chinese Medicine.
This ancient theory of medicine was passed down for (historians believe) millennia by spoken word. It was not until 2600 BC, the first medical text was written on paper by Emperor Huang Di. He wrote the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine or the Huang Di Nei Jing (Inner Classic) and the Su Wen (Basic Questions). These texts are still read when studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, though they are not applied as often in Acupuncture (primarily used in Herbal Formulas). However, there are those who study these foundational texts and practice in this way.
Classical Chinese Medicine, though similar in some ways to Traditional Chinese Medicine, has a far more rudimentary understanding of the human body. Though it is simplistic in its nature, it is no less accurate and in depth. In fact, the connections between what the Emperor wrote all those millennia ago to modern medical theory are astounding.
In my belief, there are few true Masters of Acupuncture left in this world, but many that exist still teach new students, imparting this knowledge as they did even back then. And, though we all might aspire to master our craft as they did and do, Chinese Medicine is a perpetual study, a constant companion, and an invigorating challenge.
Intramuscular Stimulation
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), though based on historical principles, is an entirely Western Medical practice. It is primarily used by Physiotherapists, Naturopaths, and some Physicians to treat muscular tension and pain. IMS is also known as Dry Needling. It involves the direct stimulation of the muscle belly by a needle to force a fasciculation or a "muscle twitch". The needles used for IMS treatment tend to be of greater diameter and sometimes length than an Acupuncturist's needles. Also, where Acupuncture needles are silicone-coated to reduce discomfort, IMS needles are not. They are manufactured this way to provide greater friction and "grip" on the muscle, triggering the release.
Please note: IMS can be intense, painful and sometimes dangerous if the practitioner is not trained properly. All Acupuncturists are thoroughly trained on the many needling depths for each part of the body. This applies particularly to the thoracic area (chest and back), as organ puncture is the most dangerous risk for patients. It is important that you speak with your provider and discuss the risks before treatment. That being said, the needles used by Acupuncturists are often so small that they are less likely to puncture and, as Acupuncturists have been so carefully trained in needling depths, it is a rare occurence.
Orthopedic Acupuncture
Registered Acupuncturists practice a technique similar to IMS called Orthopedic Acupuncture. We use the distinction to differentiate this style of needling from Traditional Chinese points. For instance, when treating pain, though we might use traditional points, most often we are using Orthopedic points to manipulate the muscle belly. We are, however, using a far gentler technique and seeking a more gentle release. Though both IMS and Orthopedic Acupuncture are effective, and neither is superior to the other, it is the decision of each patient to decide what style of treatment they are comfortable with. For patients with ample muscle tissue, or patients seeking sports therapy treatments, I would typically recommend they seek out a Physiotherapist for IMS treatments. For patients who are more sensitive to needling, or whose nervous systems are on high alert, I recommend seeing a Registered Acupuncturist.
Korean Hand Acupuncture
Korean Hand Acupuncture, also known as Koryo Hand Acupuncture, is a style of Microsystems Acupuncture (see below) wherein the hand is used as a map of the entire body. Developed in the 1970s by Dr. Tae-Woo Yoo, it uses stimulation on specific points on the hands to treat ailments in other parts of the body through techniques like needling, acupressure, or moxibustion. This method can be used for both invasive and non-invasive treatments, and it is based on the idea that all internal organs and tissues can be controlled by stimulating corresponding areas on the hands.
Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese acupuncture is a gentle, minimalistic style of acupuncture that uses extremely fine needles and shallow insertion to stimulate acupuncture points, with a strong emphasis on sensitive palpation for diagnosis and treatment adjustment. It focuses on restoring the body's balance through subtle, precise interventions rather than deep, strong stimulation.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture, is a style of microsystems Acupuncture, where specific points on the outer ear are stimulated with needles to treat conditions throughout the body. It is based on the concept that the ear contains a map of the entire body, and stimulating these points can help normalize dysfunction and relieve pain. It is used for a wide range of issues, including headaches, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain, and is also known as "battlefield acupuncture" in some contexts.
Dr. Richard Tan's Method
Dr. Tan's Acupuncture is an acupuncture system called the Balance Method, developed by Dr. Richard Tan, that focuses on providing rapid pain relief by treating points distant from the site of pain. Instead of needling the area of pain directly, the Balance Method uses a combination of six classical Chinese medicine systems to identify specific points on the body that can "open up" the flow of energy to the painful area. The method is known for its immediate and effective results for a wide range of conditions, particularly musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and internal disorders.
Master Tung's Method
Master Tung's Acupuncture is a unique, holistic system that developed over generations of a Taiwanese family, known for its simplicity, efficiency, and high clinical efficacy. It uses a minimal number of needles, often distally and contralaterally to the affected area, and does not rely on complex needle manipulation or traditional meridian pathways to achieve results. The system includes its own set of points, diagnostic methods, and channels, focusing on treating symptoms through specific reaction areas rather than traditional channel pathways.
Dong Style Acupuncture
Dong Style Acupuncture, also known as Tung Style Acupuncture, is a system of acupuncture developed by Master Tung Ching-Chang that is known for its simplicity, rapid results, and effectiveness. It features a unique set of points, some of which are not part of the traditional 14-meridian system, and often uses a small number of needles placed on extremities, avoiding the area of injury itself. This style is characterized by holographic imaging, bloodletting techniques, and a distinct diagnostic system.