Our practitioner has studied to a large extent the art of Japanese acupuncture which provides a gentle and effective treatment. This technique is used for all diseases and it provides a sense of well being during the course of the acupuncture session. As treatment is provided for a specific disease, the body usually endures a high level of stress that needs to be addressed during the therapy which offers a greater chance of success.
Chinese acupuncture tends to manipulate the needle more than other acupuncture styles. Chinese acupuncture has been studied by our practitioner, but this technique is rarely used due to its aggressivity. Most patients, in the United States, are not able to withstand Chinese acupuncture treatments. However, sometimes we have to use the technical aspect of the therapy to insert needles without a tube. In certain areas of the body, such as the ears, it is easier to use the Chinese Acupuncture technique. Our practice is oriented toward a more gentle and effective approach – see Japanese Acupuncture Techniques.
Contact needling: The needle, rather than being inserted, is used to prick or stroke the skin surface.
Simple insertion: The needle is withdrawn after reading a certain depth without applying additional techniques.
Retaining needles: The needle is left in the skin after insertion.
Sparrow pecking: Once the needle reaches a certain depth, the needle is repeatedly moved up and down a few millimeters.
Scraping needles: Needles are used to stimulate the skin by scratching and scraping.
Press needles: Needles are used to press and stimulate points on the skin surface.
SSP (silver spike point) treatments: Instead of needles, silver-pointed electrodes are attached to acupuncture points and a low frequency current is applied.
Electro-acupuncture: Electrodes are attached after needles are inserted to apply a low frequency current (1 to 100 Hz).
Moxa Treatment (Japanese)
Moxibustion consists of burning small cones of leaves over acupuncture points to increase blood circulation and relieve pain. The stimulation by mox is believed to have an effect on the autonomic nervous system.
Instead of moxa, we use heat lamps which provide the same effect as burning cones of leaves. Moxa therapy is not used at La Vie Acupuncture Clinic because of the following risks:
Secondhand smoking.
Some patients have allergies to smoke.
Most medical buildings are required to be equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.