Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, evolving into an array of styles designed to treat various health concerns. But here’s something you might not know—while licensed acupuncturists spend four years training in this ancient art, some modern practitioners, such as those practicing dry needling, learn their technique in just two days. That’s right—two days versus four years.
If you’re considering acupuncture, it’s crucial to understand the options available and who is best trained to perform them.
Let’s dive into 20 different styles of acupuncture
—each with its own philosophy, technique, and strengths.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture: The OG of acupuncture.
TCM is the most widely practiced form and best acupuncture style dating back 2500 years. The art has turned into the most popular alternative medicine in the world and the use of acupuncture needles has found its way into the hands of many types of health professionals. It’s based on the belief that Qi (energy) flows through meridians, and when these energy pathways are blocked, illness occurs. By inserting needles at specific points, practitioners restore balance and promote healing.
Best for: Virtually everything—pain, stress, digestion, respiratory health, fertility, sleep disorders, and more.
Qualification: 4 years University degree and thousands of hours of clinical practice before graduation.
Takeaway: Think of TCM as the all-purpose tool in acupuncture. If you're unsure where to start, this is your best bet.
Five Element Acupuncture: Ever feel out of sync with nature?
This style is all about harmony. Based on the five elements—water, wood, fire, earth, and metal—it views illness as an imbalance between these forces within the body. The Five Element are a foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory dating back to the earliest history of the Art. Five Element Acupuncture is taught as an integrated part of an Acupuncture or TCM degree.
Best for: Emotional well-being, hormonal issues, rebalancing and chronic stress.
Qualifications: taught as a part of a university graduate course in Acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: If your mind, body, and emotions feel off-kilter, Five Element Acupuncture could help reset your system.
Meridian Therapy Acupuncture
A technique that focuses on clearing energy pathways. Meridians are an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine theory and practice. Often seen as lines connecting the dots of acupuncture points associated with the twelve different organs. In reality meridians are not energetic lines within the body, nor do they exactly match nerve pathways (though there is definitely some overlap). Meridian theory provides the foundation for the interconnectedness of the body and how the body interacts with itself. Meridians are three dimensional and include the bones, nerves, organs and tissues of the areas they cover between each meridian. Think of it as a whole segment of the body like segments in an orange.
Best for: Chronic pain, sleep issues, and digestive disorders.
Qualifications: taught as a part of an acupuncture or TCM degree.
Takeaway: If you believe in energy healing, this is for you.
Japanese Acupuncture: acupuncture on whisper mode
Japanese acupuncture is gentler, more refined, and almost pain-free. It uses finer needles, shallow insertions, and diagnostic techniques like palpation. Korea and Japan both evolved from the influx of Chinese and as the cultures and language differed over time, likewise did the practice of Chinese acupuncture evolve into the distinct styles of Japanese acupuncture through Korea somewhere around the 6th Century.
Best for: Those who are sensitive to needles, migraines, menstrual issues, and anxiety.
Qualifications: taught only in Japan, however add-on courses are available to qualified acupuncturists and TCM practitioners around the world.
Takeaway: If you like subtle, minimally invasive but effective treatments, this is the best acupuncture style for you.
Korean acupuncture: the 4 needle wonder.
Often incorporating the "four-needle" or Sa-am technique, and taught by a Buddhist monk in the 17th century. Korean acupuncture is based on the same theory as Traditional Chinese Medicine but differs from traditional Chinese acupuncture in its emphasis is on needling the extremities and focusing on balancing excess and deficiency of Qi (energy) in organ systems, often using a smaller number of needles compared to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Best for: rebalancing the body, internal medicine and chronic health issues.
Qualifications: only taught in Korea and mostly limited to a national practice.
Takeaway: if you are in Korea this may be a fantastic option for you if you love acupuncture.
Vietnamese Acupuncture: a localized hybrid.
A blend of Chinese and French influences, with emphasis on palpation and pulse diagnosis.
Best for: Digestive issues, chronic pain, and emotional wellness.
Qualifications: taught in Vietnam universities and localised to Vietnam.
Takeaway: A unique hybrid approach worth exploring.
Electroacupuncture: Imagine acupuncture meets electricity.
Needles are hooked up to a small device such as a TENS machine that delivers a mild electric pulse to enhance stimulation. Developed in the 1950's in China to enhance specific acupuncture practices.
Best for: Chronic pain, nerve damage, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Qualifications: inclusive in the university course of acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: If you need pain relief with extra oomph, this modern approach is worth a try.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: Your ears hold the key to healing!
Practitioners believe the ear reflects the entire body, so stimulating specific points can treat a variety of conditions. Developed by a French neurologist is the 1950's who mapped the entire body within the ear.
Best for: Addiction, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Qualifications: inclusive in the university course of acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: A needle-free option (via ear seeds) is also available for those afraid of needles!
Scalp Acupuncture: Needles in your scalp?
Yes, really. This style taps into brain and nervous system function. This style is the combination of TCM theory and needling techniques mixed with neuroscience and mapping of the brain,
Best for: Stroke recovery, Parkinson’s, and neurological conditions.
Qualifications: inclusive in the university course of acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: If you’re looking for nerve-related healing, this technique is worth considering.
Master Tung Acupuncture: The Best Acupuncture Style?
Master Tung Chang Ching (1916 - 1975) is regarded the most important and greatest acupuncturist in the history of Chinese medicine. He was known for using fewer needles with powerful results. His method is based on precise and highly effective point selection called Tung's Magical Points.
Best for: Chronic pain, internal disorders, and stubborn health issues.
Qualifications: add-on education and must have a previous qualification in acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: A great choice if you want results with fewer needles.
Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan: Balance Method
This method is all about mirroring and balancing—if one side of your body is in pain, the other side is needled to restore harmony. Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan (1951 - 2016) achieved great fame with his approach to acupuncture treatment.
Best for: Chronic pain conditions.
Qualifications: add-on education and must have a previous qualification in acupuncture or TCM
Takeaway: Effective for pain relief without direct needling on painful areas.
Miriam Lee Acupuncture: student of Master Tung
Miriam Lee (1926 - 2009) was one of the pioneering acupuncturists in the USA and responsible for its legalization in California. Her approach simplifies acupuncture into a set of highly effective points for quick healing.
Best for: Stress, sleep, digestion, and hormonal issues.
Qualifications: add-on education and must have a previous qualification in acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: Efficient and straight to the point.
Jeffrey Yuen: Classical Acupuncture
Rooted in ancient Chinese texts and daoism, this is acupuncture in its most pure, philosophical form. Today Jeffrey Yuen is recognized internationally as a master scholar, teacher and practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine.
Best for: Chronic illnesses, mysterious symptoms, and sensitive individuals.
Qualifications: add-on education and must have a previous qualification in acupuncture or TCM.
Takeaway: Perfect for those who want an authentic, classical approach.
When is Acupuncture not Acupuncture?
This is needling done by Qualified Health Specialists who do not have qualifications in Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Sports Acupuncture: For athletes by specialised doctors.
This style combines sports medicine principles with acupuncture for faster recovery and better performance. Developed in the 1990's sports acupuncture is commonplace amongst elite athletes and those who wish to keep in peak physical condition.
Best for: Injuries, joint pain, and muscle strains.
Takeaway: If you’re an athlete, this is your secret weapon for quicker recovery.
Qualifications: previous medical degree and post graduate sports medicine degree. There are other avenues to matriculate into this advanced field.
Dry Needling: the 2 day acupuncture degree.
Dry needling isn't technically acupuncture, but it uses acupuncture needles. Emerged in the 1940's with the evolution of myofascial trigger points used to release locked up muscles and fascia. Originally started by injections of steroids into the trigger points, then moved to just the hypodermic needle itself. In 1979 it was discovered that acupuncture needles worked just fine to release the trigger point. Practiced by physical therapists and chiropractors with 2 days of training, it targets muscle knots and trigger points.
Best for: Muscle pain, tension headaches, and sports injuries.
Qualification: must have an existing degree in a health modality but is also open to massage therapists and body workers.
Takeaway: Effective for pain relief, but while the public may view this as basic acupuncture it lacks any depth in the Art.
Medical or Western Acupuncture: Interchangeable with Dry Needling.
Think of this as acupuncture practiced by medical doctors — A Western medicine grab at traditional acupuncture points based on scientific studies and qualified with two days of study.
Best for: Musculoskeletal conditions, post-surgical recovery, and general pain relief.
Qualifications: must have a previous qualification is a health science.
Takeaway: If you prefer acupuncture from your GP, this style might suit you.
Acupressure: No needles?
No problem! Acupressure uses finger pressure instead. Acupuncture points are typically stimulated with needles 0.20mm wide. You might think that using a thumb or a finger guarantees to find the point then as they are so much bigger. Unfortunately this is not the case and effective acupressure points are very limited on the body. A great deal of practice and intention is necessary for acupressure to work beyond the very basic.
Best for: Stress, tension, and headaches.
Qualifications: no pre-qualifications are needed to do an acupressure course.
Takeaway: The perfect introduction to acupuncture points for the needle-phobic.
Final Thoughts: Make the Best Choice for You
With so many styles to choose from, it’s important to find the right one for your needs. Remember:
Licensed acupuncturists train for four years, while dry needling is a two-day crash course.
Some styles emphasize gentle techniques, while others target chronic pain or internal disorders.
If you’re new to acupuncture, TCM acupuncture is a great starting point.
Call to Action:
Don’t just pick any practitioner—do your homework. Ask about their training, experience, and style of acupuncture. The right choice could transform your health!
Commentaires