Acupuncture needles are used in three different types of treatment: classical or TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acupuncture, medical acupuncture or dry needling.
Classical acupuncture is based on ancient principles and aims, in theory, to release energy blockages along certain well-defined energy channels, also called meridians. A particularity of acupuncture is that points at a distance from the pain are used, thus allowing for a comfortable treatment even if there is a high sensitivity to pain (e.g. fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome). Acupuncture thus differs from manual therapies which are often focused on the painful areas in question.
Medical acupuncture uses the same points and the same nomenclature as classical acupuncture, but is based on scientific principles. Indeed, it is known that acupuncture acts by stimulating the nervous system and thus allows a modulation of pain and/or other symptoms. Acupuncture may also have an influence on the endocrine or cardiovascular system.
Dry needling is a procedure that directly stimulates painful areas. This technique can be very useful in a number of cases, but can be painful for some patients.  The aim of dry needling is often to relax muscles or reduce inflammation.
All of these different approaches are used at Cabinet Houweling and can be applied as needed depending on the indications. In some cases, acupuncture needles can even be combined with manual therapy. We aim to find a personalised approach that best suits your needs.