Acupuncture Methods and Protocols: How to Insert and Manipulate Needles, and Select the Most Effective Points

by Pharm Tao

Different methods can be used for the insertion of needles in performing acupuncture. Correct angles and the depth of the needle insertion are essential to get the arrival of Qi, which is important for getting good results from the treatment. The art of using acupuncture relies on both fundamental and supplemental techniques in manipulating the needles. Supplemental techniques are used to help achieve the arrival of Qi and improve the efficacy.
Reinforcing and reducing methods are needle manipulation methods in acupuncture to treat deficient or excessive syndromes. They are important for adjusting Yin, Yang, Qi, and the blood in patients to accomplish the best results. Correct application of these methods can greatly enhance the efficacy of the treatment. The methods for retaining and withdrawing needles are also important for a safe and effective treatment. Before and during acupuncture treatments, some precautions are needed to be taken to guarantee a successful treatment.
Acupuncture treatments are usually safe without any side effects. However, in certain circumstances, some unusual conditions may occur. In such cases, the causes can be analyzed, and the conditions or accidents can be prevented and managed through taking certain steps.
Correct selection of acupuncture points is essential for achieving fast healing. Several methods of choosing acupuncture points can be applied for having the best healing results. This issue also introduces some special methods for improving the effects of cupping therapy.

Table of Contents

1. How to Insert Needles for Acupuncture Concepts and Methods
2. The Art of Needle Insertion in Angles, Depth, and the Arrival of Qi
3. Fundamental and Supplementary Manipulation Techniques in Acupuncture
4. The Art of Needle Manipulation in Reinforcing and Reducing Methods
5. How to Retain and Withdraw Needles in Acupuncture
6. Precautions in Acupuncture Treatments
7. Management of Possible Accidents in Acupuncture Treatments
8. How to Perform Cupping Special Methods for Better Results
9. How to Select the Correct Acupuncture Points for the Best Effects of Disease Healing



“Acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion are useful treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine. When using these methods for disease healing, certain acupuncture points, or “acupoints” should be selected. Correct selection of acupuncture points is essential for achieving good results of the treatment.”

“To achieve good effects for disease treatment, acupuncture points should be selected in accordance with Chinese medicine principles and diagnosis. An acupuncture and moxibustion prescription is usually composed of ...”

“One common method for choosing acupuncture points is .... For example, the acupuncture point … can be selected for healing eye diseases. The point … can be chosen for the treatment of ear diseases. Another example is the point … can be used for healing gastric diseases.”

“For example, the acupuncture point … can be used for healing gastric and abdominal disorders. The acupuncture point … can be chosen for relieving facial disorders. Another example is the acupuncture point … can be selected for healing diseases in the chest.”

“For example, the point … is usually selected for reducing fever, and … is a commonly used point for relieving constipation.”

“A special point selection method in Chinese medicine is …. This method combines the therapeutic features of the … with the Five Elements Theory.

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2009