Japanese Style Acupuncture (JAS):

Japanese acupuncture uses fewer and thinner needles and relies more heavily on palpatory technique of the abdomen and wrist pulses. Each needle is inserted more superficially and within this style, non-insertive needle techniques (such as magnets or shakuju) can be used. Japanese acupuncture is beneficial for all types of patients but is especially suited for children and sensitive patients. Due to the style of this treatment, the acupuncturist must pay closer attention to the patient and insert/remove needles every ten minutes. Also, a back treatment with local treatments is almost always added to this style of treatment.

Chinese Style Acupuncture (CAS):

Chinese acupuncture has a larger focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the practitioner develops a differential diagnosis and treatment plan for each individual patient based on signs, symptoms and medical history. Once a diagnosis is determined through visual observation, pulse/tongue diagnosis and asking questions, specific acupuncture points are stimulated with thin needles to stimulate the qi (energy in the body) and clear imbalances in the flow of qi within the meridians (acupuncture channels) that run along the entire body. By restoring balance, acupuncture encourages the body to embark on its own healing process.

Both styles stimulate acupuncture points and work very effectively at restoring balance within the body and allowing the free flow of qi. Both styles also use adjunctive techniques such as cupping, gwa sha, magnets, press-balls, press-needles, intradermals, electronic stimulation, moxabustion (a heating herb) and more to aid the body in it’s healing process.

It is the individual patient who decides which style is best suited for them.

Community Acupuncture: 

Community Acupuncture offers acupuncture in a setting where multiple patients receive acupuncture treatments at the same time allowing for more affordable services and thus lowering the barriers to treatment for as many people as we can. If you are not able to pay out of pocket and do not have acupuncture coverage as part of your insurance plan- we will be happy to provide you with resources for Community Style Acupuncture Clinics in the Greater Boston Area.