Treatment techniques

Insertion of a sterile single-use needle at a defined angle and depth to obtain de qi.

Warming a point by burning mugwort (Artemisia) directly, indirectly or on the needle.

Passing a low-intensity current between two needles.

Releasing a few drops of blood from a superficial vein or point with a lancet or three-edged needle (a pillar of Tung treatment).

Creating a vacuum in a cup on the skin to lift the tissue.

Needling two or three Tung points in a line (usually along one bone) at once to amplify the effect.

Light tapping of the skin with a seven-star needle.

Subcutaneous needling of scalp lines/zones with rapid twirling (200 rpm) or continuous stimulation; in Zhu combined with movement practice (Dao Yin).

Short needles, vaccaria seeds or magnets on ear points.