Contemporary Medical Acupuncture vs. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture:
This form of acupuncture takes the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach and modifies it slightly using modern day scientific understanding. At first glance this form of acupuncture will look very similar to TCM acupuncture, as they both require the placement of small, thing needles in specific points along determined meridians for an extended period of time in the body.
In contemporary medical acupuncture treatment is rendered after a medical/neuro-functional diagnosis has been made and the practitioner will often use acupuncture in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as soft tissue therapy, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization or manipulation, and rehabilitation protocols.
The points used are often chosen in relation to the joints, muscles, nerves and ligaments, which correspond to the diagnosis, based on the presenting symptoms, medical history questions and physical examination findings.
At our clinic this form of acupuncture is provided by Dr. Livia Chiarelli and can be billed separately under acupuncture with most extended health plans.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture:
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture treatment in rendered after a TCM diagnosis has been made through complex theories based on disturbances in the body’s energy balance. These imbalances are determined through diagnosis based on the tongue and pulse and are quantified by excess or deficiencies in the five elements; fire, water, earth, metal and wood.
The points used are often chosen in relation to flow of the body’s qi (chi) and manipulation of needles is often conducted to reset the imbalances previously determined.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture unlike medical acupuncture can be used to treat infertility, overdue pregnancies, smoking cessation, etc…
Dr. Livia Chiarelli
Doctor of Chiropractic
Medical Acupuncture Provider
Certified Active Release Technique® Provider