Trigger Point Acupuncture
Types of acupuncture
Aside from the differences between Traditional Chinese acupuncture and Western medical acupuncture, there are different ways that you may be given acupuncture depending on the condition for which you are being treated.
Many painful muscular conditions, such as neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow and low back pain, result in painful knots of muscle called trigger points. Directly needling these trigger points can be temporarily uncomfortable but often very successful in relieving the pain and tension associated with the presence of the trigger points. This is achieved by directly deactivating the trigger point and enabling release of the tight band of muscle.
The picture on the right shows a woman having trigger points in her neck and upper back being treated with acupuncture.
The red flare around the needles is a common inflammatory reaction considered by Chinese acupuncturists as a good sign that the treatment is likely to be effective.
The picture on the right shows a woman having trigger points in her neck and upper back being treated with acupuncture.
The red flare around the needles is a common inflammatory reaction considered by Chinese acupuncturists as a good sign that the treatment is likely to be effective.
Electro-acupuncture
Occasionally, the acupuncture needles are attached via leads to a machine that generates mild electrical pulses. This provides an extra stimulation that can be useful in some conditions that are difficult to treat and require a more powerful 'dose' of acupuncture.
Electroacupuncture may be felt by the patient as a tingling sensation. Electroacupuncture is also used in specific conditions like stroke and addictions.
Electroacupuncture may be felt by the patient as a tingling sensation. Electroacupuncture is also used in specific conditions like stroke and addictions.
The picture above shows a man being treated with electroacupuncture to aid recovery from a stroke.
To the right is an electro-acupuncture machine.
To the right is an electro-acupuncture machine.