Are you a resident of Grand Rapids, MI curious about acupuncture and wanting to learn more about what it is? Here is a quick synopsis of what types of acupuncture equipment are used in my office.
Acupuncture treatments typically involve use of needles but there are also several tools you may not recognize that are commonly used in the office.
Pictured here (starting from left upper hand side and going clock-wise) is a heat lamp that helps warm up a patient’s feet or other extremities, activating necessary acupuncture points. You can also stay toasty warm during treatments.
Ear point finders are tools to note lower areas of resistance along the ear, which helps the acupuncturist target an active point to treat. It usually will make a slight buzzing sound that increases in intensity as it gets closer to the right spot. The spot is then treated with a needle or electrical stimulation.
Ear seeds, hand magnets, and press tacks. These may be placed at the end of an acupuncture treatment and provide the patient “homework” to keep the acupuncture treatment going even after they leave the office. Typically they are placed on acupuncture points on the ear or body where the treatment provides the greatest relief.
Acupuncture needles! The work horse of acupuncture. Needles come in different sizes and material. Most are stainless steel and placed in a sterilized package. They are for one-time use and are disposed of after each treatment.
Electrical stimulation machines are used to stimulate a needle continuously. The alligator clips are attached on to the acupuncture needles that have already placed on the body. They are set at a certain level of Hz and intensity. Certain Hz levels will promote the release of natural endorphins of the body. The sensation is similar to a light tapping sensation or a TENS unit.
About the Author:
Zhiling Trowbridge MD has been providing acupuncture to the community of Grand Rapids, MI since 2016. She received her medical degree at Wayne State University. She is board certified in family medicine. She studied and taught acupuncture through the Harvard Structural Acupuncture Program. She is also certified in acupuncture from the Helms Medical Institute.
Disclaimer:
The contents of this article, such as text, graphics, images and other material are intended for informational and educational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. The contents of this post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this post.
