If you are interested in exploring treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), you may want to give acupuncture a try. Acupuncture is often used as an adjunctive treatment to relieve discomfort associated with injuries or different diseases. TCM practitioners believe there are thousands of points, or meridians, on the body that can be stimulated with needles to improve energy flow (qi) and improve health. While you may already be familiar with traditional acupuncture therapy, here are three unique acupuncture services you may want to try.

Electroacupuncture

During electroacupuncture, your therapist will place needles in meridian points and then attach small electrodes to these needles. A small current is run through these electrodes, and you may feel a slight vibration or pulse during your session. One benefit of electroacupuncture is that it requires fewer needles to feel results. Electroacupuncture can help your body release feel-good hormones called endorphins, and this therapy can help reduce inflammation in the body. Electroacupuncture can reduce pain and stiffness; one study found that this therapy could reduce symptoms in people with osteoarthritis.

Light Therapy Acupuncture

During light therapy acupuncture, your therapist will apply a red light across meridian points before applying the acupuncture needles. This light is absorbed by the skin and encourages improved circulation and cellar health. When used with acupuncture, light therapy can also improve lymphatic circulation. Sometimes, light therapy acupuncture is used as a cosmetic treatment rather than to alleviate symptoms. When light therapy is used on the skin in conjunction with needles, it can stimulate elastin and collagen production, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Trigger Point Release Acupuncture

Trigger point release acupuncture is sometimes called dry needling or intra-muscular stimulation. Whatever the name, the goal is still the same: to relax trigger points in taut muscle tissue. Trigger points are often areas of referred pain, where muscles are overcompensating for poor posture or weak areas in the body. For example, if a swimmer has weak arm muscles or improper stroke mechanics in the water, he or she may develop trigger points in the neck or back. Instead of placing needles in standard meridian points, the therapist will place acupuncture needles in trigger points that may be causing you pain. This therapy can be beneficial for people who want to release trigger points but don't want to undergo deep tissue massage. During this therapy, you may notice muscle spasms or twitches when needles are inserted. This twitching is normal and is a sign that the muscle is loosening up and coming out of its painful, contracted state.

Reach out to a massage therapist or acupuncturist for more information about these different services and other acupuncture-related services.