Western Medical Acupuncture vs. Traditional Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?

Are you looking for a nonpharmaceutical way to find relief from headaches, body pain, stress, and sleep problems? Acupuncture may be able to help with all of those issues. But whom should you trust to administer your treatment? Should you undergo Western medical acupuncture or traditional acupuncture? This blog post explains what is similar and what is different between these two approaches to treatment.

What Do They Have in Common?

Both types of acupuncture have some points in common:

• They involve the insertion of tiny needles at specific locations throughout the body with the goal of treating various ailments. The points used in both types of acupuncture are largely the same.
• The treatment is considered safe and is administered by trained professionals.
• Patients have experienced significant results with both types of acupuncture.

What Are the Differences?

The biggest difference between Western medical acupuncture and traditional Chinese acupuncture boils down to the principles on which they are based. Traditional acupuncture is based on the idea that an invisible energy flow, called Qi, is partially responsible for balance and health within the body. It flows along paths that are known as Meridians. Traditional acupuncture aims to influence and improve the flow of Qi.

Western medical acupuncture, on the other hand, has a more scientific outlook. It is based on strategic stimulation of the nervous system.

Other differences include:

• Training. Professionals who offer medical acupuncture have completed extensive medical training, whereas traditional acupuncturists focus solely on acupuncture when they are learning their art.
• Extent of treatment. Acupuncture that is overseen by a physician is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is based on modern scientific knowledge. A traditional acupuncturist may recommend traditional Chinese medicine to go along with acupuncture.

Which Is Better?

People have varying opinions on whether traditional or medical acupuncture is better. Both can provide great results. However, medical acupuncture is often the wiser choice for individuals with serious health conditions. Whichever path you decide on, be sure to thoroughly research providers in your area so you know you are partnering with someone who is skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable.

Meet the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Derek Murphy, our practice offers holistic healthcare for residents of the Orlando area. Medical acupuncture is among the services we offer. If you are curious about whether it may be able to help you enjoy improved wellness, we would be happy to answer your questions. Contact Holistic Medicine Wellness Center in St. Cloud at 407-319-7541.