Acupuncture Side Effects

Different Tools Used in Acupunture

Tools used in acupuncture:

There are various tools that can be used in acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture needles are the main tool that is used. These needles are placed at various points to improve the function of the affected organs. Acupuncture involves the use of very fine needles inserted into the skin at certain points of the body which are believed to be situated on energy channels called meridians. Acupuncture needles come in different gauges (diameter) and lengths to be used on the different areas of the body where they are to be inserted. Historically, Chinese acupuncture needles have tended to be tapered and thicker than Japanese needles, however, the needles used nowadays are mostly very fine — they vary from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in diameter — that’s about a third of a millimeter in diameter for the thickest one. There are several types of acupuncture needles. In ancient China 9 different types of acupuncture needle were used.

Today, the most commonly used needle is the metal filiform (thread-like) needle that is made from stainless steel but can also be made of silver, gold, copper etc. The sizes vary from a 3mm stud used on the earlobe, to 15cm long needles used in deep muscles. The insertion of a needle should not be painful, apart from the initial prick; this is followed by a deeper “needling sensation”, which is similar to the sensation experienced when bumping a “funny bone”. This indicates that the Qi has been successfully stimulated. The majority of needles used today in Australia are pre-sterilized, single use, disposable types. They are manufactured and packed under sterile conditions into foil-backed blister packs with guide tubes on the end. Acupuncture needles are commonly left in for any length of time between a few seconds and half an hour or so. The acupuncturist may tweak the needles during this time. Some specialized very small, short needles are left in for a few days. Electro-acupuncture is another type of acupuncture in which electricity is used as a tool. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to attach electrical clips to some of the needles so that they can be electrically stimulated with an almost imperceptible current. Certain conditions such as osteo-arthritis may require heat, which can be applied by burning the herb Artemisia vulgaris [Mugwort] on the needles or near the acupuncture points.

This painless but very effective treatment is also called “moxa”. Laser acupuncture is latest type in acupuncture. It is done with the help of laser. If all this talk about needles is making you squirm, there is an alternative; acupuncture points can also be effectively stimulated with a low energy laser beam, which is harmless and painless. Many clinical acupuncturists use a laser, which is a modern Western modification. Laser has the distinct advantage of being able to treat children, and those with a needle phobia. They have several other advantages. Some of them are speeding up the healing of injured tissues e.g. ulcers and fever blisters, following injury or surgery, stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation, stimulating new cell growth, reducing fibrous tissue formation e.g. following burns and surgery.