Needles
Acupuncturists use solid, single-use, thin needles. If you want to know more about how needles work, check out the label.
Cupping
Cupping
is often used to stimulate a larger area than with a needle, and works
to break weakened blood vessels and promote stronger re-growth. Although
cupping is rarely painful, it produces bruises on the body (usually on
the back, shoulders and neck). Mention to your acupuncturist if you want to
avoid bruising during treatment.
Tui na
Tuina is a bodywork technique that stimulates acupuncture points and internal organs with special techniques. Often, Tui na is used to help calm and relax patients, and can be used alone or as adjunct therapy to acupuncture. Sometimes bodywork is more painful than acupuncture because the stimulation from massage can be persistent.
Electrical Stimulation of Acupuncture Needles
The sensation produced by electrical stimulation (e-stim) is a gentle pulsating electrical sensation, often used for managing severe pain, regenerating tissue for faster healing, and to restore feeling and movement in patients with numbness or paralysis.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is burning mugwort above or directly on acupuncture points. Mugwort is used because of it produces a penetrating heat that few substances can match when burned. Moxibustion (or moxa) is used to warm and relax the muscles. Moxa can be used in the clinical setting or for self-care at home.
Cupping
is often used to stimulate a larger area than with a needle, and works
to break weakened blood vessels and promote stronger re-growth. Although
cupping is rarely painful, it produces bruises on the body (usually on
the back, shoulders and neck). Mention to your acupuncturist if you want to
avoid bruising during treatment.
The sensation produced by electrical stimulation (e-stim) is a gentle pulsating electrical sensation, often used for managing severe pain, regenerating tissue for faster healing, and to restore feeling and movement in patients with numbness or paralysis. 
