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Eastern vs. Western Acupuncture: What’s The Difference?

Updated: Dec 1, 2021

Acupuncture is considered one of the safest forms of medicine and the most popular treatment method to help relieve pain. We all know that this treatment involves inserting thin needles directly into the skin at specific body points to relieve the pain. Although there is not much scientific evidence about the effectiveness of acupuncture, most people worldwide say yes to this treatment to enjoy its several benefits.


Whenever the term acupuncture Denver is discussed, the discussion will be incomplete without having a couple of words on eastern and western acupuncture. Many people have a misconception that these terms are similar to each other, but that’s not true. They are completely different.


Acupuncture is a thousand oars of old treatment derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (also referred to as ‘Eastern’ Acupuncture.) In the last 50 years, Acupuncture has gained wide popularity as a treatment for various ailments in the West. Do you want to know more about the difference between Eastern and Western Acupuncture?


Here we’re exploring what Eastern and Western Acupuncture is and how they are different from each other. Let’s learn more about them-


Eastern Acupuncture


Let’s look to the East, most specifically China, where Acupuncture is widely popular and considered a core part of a wider philosophy within Traditional Chinese Medicine. The traditional acupuncture concept revolves around the belief that Qi (chi) is an energy that flows in the body for better body functioning. If this energy gets blocked, there is a high chance of problems occurring in the body. In such a case, acupuncture works as a healer as this treatment stimulates the acupressure points ad hence restores the flow of energy or Qi (chi) through the body. Besides Qi, Yin and Yang are other popular concepts in Traditional Acupuncture.


Western Acupuncture


The next is Western Acupuncture that is not a traditional acupuncture concept. In fact, it is a much more scientific and evidential-based concept. Traditional Acupuncture involves inserting the thin needles that are usually based on the philosophy of Qi flow. Western acupuncture does not include this and hence, is considered a safer treatment. Conventional healthcare practitioners follow Western acupuncture. These professionals utilize anatomical points to stimulate your neurological, muscular, and vascular systems and heal the damaged tissue. It doesn’t involve the use of any Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods or paradigms.


Difference between Eastern and Western Acupuncture


These two terms are different in their own way. Eastern Acupuncture is a philosophy-based treatment, whereas western uses the medical models and evidential diagnoses before treatment. Although both the acupuncture treatments work in different ways, the effectiveness of these treatments is similar as they deliver the same results, i.e., restoring the energy in the body, healing the damaged tissues, and help to relieve the pain and a variety of ailments.


Final Words


Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment method when used in conjunction with conventional medicines. And when an experienced practitioner like Ji Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Clinic carries out this process, there is a rare chance of complications, including tissue damage, infections, etc.

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