If you are considering acupuncture treatment, you may assume that all practitioners will be the same. In fact, there are many different types of acupuncture which can result in different treatments and styles.
Choosing a therapist
If you are considering acupuncture, it is worth finding out about the practitioners in your area. You may be able to get recommendations from family and friends, but an internet search should show you everything that is available in your area. If you live in Tewkesbury, for example, try searching for acupuncture Tewkesbury and you should find results like Purelands Acupuncture.
Traditional acupuncture
Acupuncture evolved in China over thousands of years and a good practitioner will understand the different forms. However, there is currently no statutory regulation of acupuncture in the UK, resulting in some practitioners offering acupuncture with a limited understanding of what it is. By understanding the traditional, oriental approach, which involves regulating the flow of energy to boost health through stimulating blood flow and qi through channels known as meridians, you can make sure your practitioner has a thorough knowledge base. To be certain of a high standard, look for practitioners certified by the British Acupuncture Council.
Other forms of acupuncture
Among the types of acupuncture, you may find:
- Shamanic acupuncture which uses spirit healers to guide the practitioner on what points to stimulate.
- TCM, or Ancient Chinese Type, is one of the oldest forms of acupuncture that is still practiced today, with a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
- Stems and Branches Acupuncture has a basis in the astrological movements of earth and heaven. There are five elements that match the five planets visible to the naked eye, twelve acupuncture channels corresponding to the months of the year, and 365 points, corresponding with each day.
- Master Tung is a style based on a family tradition dating back hundreds of years, with different points to TCM.
- Marmapuncture is a form of acupuncture in Ayurvedic medicine from India.
- There are also microsystems of acupuncture that focus on specific parts of the body.