Acupuncture ^Glossary

Acupressure refers to the stimulation of a point manually with pressure.

Acupuncture, in the strictest sense, refers to insertion of dry needles, at specially chosen sites for the treatment or prevention of symptoms and conditions.

Bloodletting refers to the pricking of the skin for the purpose of releasing blood. This may be aided with the application of a cup over the site.

Cupping is a technique by which a vacuum force is applied to acupuncture sites.

Electroacupuncture refers to the technique of introducing an electrical current to the inserted needles at various frequencies.

Fire needle techniques insert red-hot needles at an acupuncture point.

Intramuscular stimulation is a technique of applying needles to areas of tenderness.

Laser acupuncture directs and stimulates a laser beam directed at the acupuncture site.

Medical acupuncture is a medical discipline that integrates traditional and modern acupuncture techniques into contemporary biomedical practice.

Physician Acupuncturist is one who has acquired specialized knowledge and experience related to the integration of acupuncture within a biomedicine practice.

Moxibustion refers to heat stimulation and the use of the herb Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) which is burned over the acupuncture site for purposes of warming.

Staple puncture is the application of a metal staple to an acupuncture point where it remains for a prolonged period of time.

Zhejiu is the Chinese term and refers to both acupuncture and moxibustion.