Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific points on the body with the aim of relieving pain, clearing energy blockages and encouraging the normal flow of qi through the individual.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, these acupuncture points lie along meridians along where qi flows. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.
Auricular points are specific stimulating points on the auricle. When disorders occur in the internal organs or other parts of the body, various reactions may appear at the corresponding areas of the auricle, such as tenderness, decreased cutaneous electric resistance, morphological changes, and discoloration. Therefore, these sites are also referred to as tender spots, conductant points or reflex spots.
Electro acupuncture is quite similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. As with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips. These devices are used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated. Electro acupuncture uses two needles at time so that the impulses can pass from one needle to the other. Several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously, usually for no more than 30 minutes at a time.