According to the treatment plan, acupuncturists may use different needling techniques on different points. Some acupuncturists claim that the most important aspect of acupuncture is not the precise method of stimulation, but to apply an adequate stimulus to the correct point. Specific sets of needle techniques can regulate the function of organs by either reinforcement or reduction.
- Reinforcing techniques are adopted to invigorate the body's healthy energy and restore the under-functioning state of the body. Needling techniques are generally slow, gentle and of short duration.
- Reducing techniques are adopted to eliminate pathogens and suppress the hyper-functioning state of the body. Needling techniques are generally rapid, forceful and of long duration.
- Even techniques are adopted when there is no particular reason to use the above techniques.
Samples of needle techniques on reinforcement and reduction
| Needle Techniques |
Reinforcement |
Reduction |
| Lifting and Thrusting |
After the needle is inserted into a given depth and the needling sensation appears, reinforcement is obtained by thrusting the needle heavily and then lifting it gently. This is repeated in a slow and delicate manner from shallow to deep. |
After the needle is inserted into a given depth and the needling sensation appears, reduction is obtained by thrusting the needle gently and then lifting it heavily. This is repeated in a quick manner from deep to shallow. |
| Twirling and Rotating |
After the needle is inserted into a given depth and the needling sensation appears, reinforcement is obtained by twirling in small amplitude with a gentle and slow pace, and only for a short duration. |
After the needle is inserted into a given depth and the needling sensation appears, reduction is obtained by twirling in large amplitude with a fast, heavy and quick pace; manipulation should be of long duration. |
| Insertion and Withdrawing |
Insert slowly, twirl the needle slightly, and then withdraw it quickly. |
Insert quickly, twirl the needle vigorously, and then withdraw it slowly. |
| Keeping the hold open or close |
Press the hold after the needle is withdrew. |
Shake and enlarge the hold while withdrawing the needle. |
| Means of respiration |
Insert the needle when the patient breathes out and withdraw the needle when the patient breathes in. |
Insert the needle when the patient breathes in and withdraw the needle when the patient breathes out. |
The purpose of retaining needles is to enhance stimulation or to facilitate further manipulation. For mild cases, the needles can be withdrawal directly after getting the needling sensation, or retained for 10 to 20 minutes. In chronic cases, the needles are often retained for a longer time, and during the period, physicians may further apply the reinforcing or reducing techniques for one to three times. In complex cases such as acute abdominal colic, convulsions, stubborn painful conditions and stiff joints, it may necessary to retain the needles for hours, so that several manipulations can be applied for enhancement. It should be noted that needle retention is not suitable for elderly, children and very sick patients.
Different stimulation techniques
