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

If you are interested in nonpharmaceutical methods to improve your health and wellness, you have probably heard about the benefits of acupuncture. It can help with issues like headaches, various bodily pains, stress, and even sleep problems. But which type of acupuncture is best? Should you visit someone who practices traditional Chinese acupuncture or modern medical acupuncture? This blog post explains some of the similarities and differences between these two approaches.

What Do They Have in Common?

These two types of acupuncture have some key points in common:

• Basic methodology. Both traditional and medical acupuncture involve the careful insertion of tiny needles at specific points throughout the body. The points used in both approaches are mostly the same.
• Safety. When they are properly administered, both types of acupuncture can be safe.
• Results. Patients have experienced positive results with both types of acupuncture.

What Are the Differences?

The primary difference between Western medical acupuncture and the traditional Chinese approach boils down to the principles on which they operate. Traditionally, acupuncture focuses on the idea that an invisible energy force, called Qi, flows through the body. Acupuncture seeks to balance and improve the flow of Qi.

Medical acupuncture, on the other hand, has a much stronger focus on proven science. It works by strategically stimulating the nervous system.

Other differences between these two methods are:

• Training. Professionals who offer medical acupuncture have completed extensive medical education, whereas traditional acupuncturists focus solely on Qi and the art of carefully inserting acupuncture needles.
• Extent of treatment. Medical acupuncture is overseen by a physician and is often part of a holistic treatment plan that is based on modern scientific knowledge. A traditional acupuncturist may recommend traditional Chinese medicine, which has very limited scientific backing.
• Safety. Although both types of acupuncture can be safe, the risks do tend to be lower with a modern medical approach.

Which Is Better?

Although both types of acupuncture can provide results, modern Western acupuncture is preferrable due to its heavy emphasis on evidence-based medicine. Whichever path you choose, be sure to carefully research providers in your area so you can find someone who has the skills and experience necessary to take good care of you.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we are pleased to offer numerous treatments for patients who are dealing with injuries and pain. Medical acupuncture is among the many services we offer. If you would like to learn more about it or schedule a consultation to find out if it is right for you, get in touch with our Fort Lauderdale office at 954-563-2707.