Exploring Different Types of Acupuncture and How They Can Help You
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that uses thin, sterile needles to trigger specific pressure points in your body. These pressure points, or acupuncture points, correspond to different symptoms, diseases, illnesses, disorders, and conditions. At O’Keefe Chiropractic Center, we use acupuncture in Medford and Marlton, NJ, to offer our patients lasting relief for physical and mental health issues, including chronic pain, headaches and migraines, allergies, hormonal imbalances, stress, depression, and more. With so many different types of acupuncture in use, it’s important to understand the most common types and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Traditional Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is the oldest and most commonly known type of acupuncture. It is based on the theory that the body has energy that flows through it along pathways or meridians. That energy is called Qi and it can be interrupted along these pathways, causing illness, disease, dysfunction, and symptoms like stress, sleep disorders, infertility, digestive problems, pain, and more.
During this form of acupuncture, Moises Moris Jr., LAc, will insert thin, sterile needles into strategic points on your body to remove blockages and restore the flow of Qi and ease your symptoms. The needles are inserted a fraction of an inch into your skin and may be removed in a few minutes, or stay in place for around 20 minutes.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is similar to traditional acupuncture. Sterile needles are inserted into trigger points, which are tender, tight knots near muscles that cause pain and stiffness. The needles stimulate your muscles, making them contract or twitch. Overstimulating them will cause them to relax and offer pain relief. Moises may gently tap the needle to guide it into the top layer of your skin or deeper into your muscle to penetrate the trigger point. The needles usually stay in place for up to 20 minutes, or your acupuncturist may move them in and out to trigger the muscle.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture uses electrical stimulation to enhance pain relief. Moises will use sterile needles attached to a device that generates electrical impulses. These impulses further trigger muscle twitching and movement, which over stimulates the muscle and makes it relax. Electroacupuncture is used for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions that aren’t responding to traditional treatment.
Learn More About Acupuncture in Medford, NJ
At O’Keefe Chiropractic Center, Dr. O’Keefe and Moises Moris Jr., LAc, work together to address chronic pain, illness, and disease through nonsurgical and drug-free treatment options. We offer acupuncture, chiropractic care, laser therapy, diet and nutrition counseling, lifestyle counseling, and more. We may recommend acupuncture to treat sports and work injuries, joint pain and inflammation, muscle stiffness, headaches and migraines, stress, anxiety, depression, and other chronic conditions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Acupuncture
