Seven Forms of Acupuncture Prescriptions & Needling Methods

Big Form

more needles than usual are used in treatment

Big Form

*larger gauge* needles are used and are retained for a *longer* period of time

Big Form

ex: infantile paralysis, arthritis, or pain in many places

Small Form

fewer needles are used

Small Form

*finer gauge* needles are used

Small Form

ex: malaria, epigastric pain

Slow Form

*fewer* points, needles are *not retained for a long time*

Slow Form

used for treatment of chronic problems which are not serious

Slow Form

ex: chronic constipation in elderly patients

Rapid Form

treats urgent problems and emergencies

Rapid Form

points that are selected are expected to get results right away

Rapid Form

ex: moxibustion on the navel for unchecked diarrhea

Odd (Single) Form

uses only one acupuncture point (may be needled bilaterally, if pain affects both sides of body)

Odd (Single) Form

ex: seizures (RN-17), dizziness (LI-4 or DU-20), cardiac pain (P-4), back pain (DU-26)

Even Form

points are always paired

Even Form

the number of needles inserted on *left side* of body matched by an equal number of points on the *right side* of the body

Even Form

ex: 4 gates; L-7/K-6; front mu & back shu

Complex Form

treats *complex problems*

Complex Form

ex: infantile paralysis

plucking

strengthens stimulation of Qi

scraping

spreads qi

flying

strengthens needling sensation

trembling

promotes qi