Introduction to Acupuncture Techniques

Acupuncture techniques, including acupuncture needling and moxibustion, are the basic skills of acupuncture clinical treatment. It plays a vital role in acupuncture science. It is the bridge between TCM foundation theory and clinical practice. Acupuncture needling and moxibustion are both external therapies. Acupuncture needling is the technique of using different needles to stimulate certain areas with different kinds of needling techniques to regulate body functions and treat disorders by stimulating channel Qi. Moxibustion, often abbreviated as ‘moxa’, uses wormwood or other materials to warm the body surface to achieve therapeutic effects. There are a great number of acupuncture needling and moxa techniques. Each of them has different needling, stimulation methods, intensities, and stimulation areas. Every acupuncture technique in clinical application has unique operational steps and implementation processes. The correct application is related not only to its safety and therapeutic effect but also to the level of curative effect. The learning and application of acupuncture techniques is a long-term practice and process. In clinical practice, it is an important part of acupuncture treatment to select different acupuncture techniques according to the characteristics of the disorders and other related factors to perform different operations. Thus, acupuncturists are required to meet the basic requirements of proficiency and flexible applications for both theoretical study and skill training.