Needle-Free Treatment

Acupuncture Alternatives

While acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the Chinese medicine meridians (or energetic pathways along the body), there are plenty of other needle-free methods that can be used to stimulate these same channels. Alternatives include:

>Auricular Acupressure

In Chinese medicine, the ear is considered a homunculus, or full-body map. In other words, we believe any condition of the body can be affected by treatment of the ear alone. While auricular acupuncture is common and effective, we can also use what are called "ear seeds" to stimulate the same points commonly needled. Ear seeds can be literal seeds--vaccaria seeds--or they can be made of metal. They are no more than 2mm in diameter and adhere to the ear with an adhesive back similar to band-aid material. Patients stimulate the points by massaging the ear seeds in a circular motion three times (3x) daily for roughly one to two minutes.

>Cupping

The first record of cupping technique in Chinese medicine dates back to 4th century CE, in the herbalist Ge Hong's "A Handbook of Prescriptions of Emergencies." The technique involves small, fishbowl-like cups that are suctioned to the skin using a fire-induced vacuum. The cups can either be left stationary on the skin to break up stagnation, or if oil is applied beforehand, can be moved along the back to give patients a soothing massage. Depending on how long the cups are left in place and how much stagnation is present, this technique can leave a light bruising under the skin that ranges from light red to purplish. As fresh qi and blood flush the area over time as a result of cupping, this discoloration will no longer be present. It is a great visual clue as to how healthy the tissue is underneath!

>Gua Sha

For almost 2000 years, the Chinese have been using this technique to treat a variety of ailments. While gua sha is similar to cups in effect, they do not require suction. A smooth-edged tool, often made of jade or horn, is used to lightly scrape across lubricated skin in order to evoke "sha," or petechiae. (As a home remedy, the Chinese might use a common ceramic soupspoon for this technique!) Gua sha, like cupping, can be great for treating muscle tension.

>Chinese Herbal Medicine

The consumption of Chinese herbs is a classic treatment that dates back to before the Common Era. It is a whole-food medicine that recognizes the complexity of nature and inherent synergistic properties of medicinals. Learn more about the benefits of this practice in our Chinese Herbal Medicine section.

As always, feel free to contact us for a 15-minute consultation at no charge to discuss the appropriate treatment option for your condition.