According to acupuncture theory, it's this process of needle manipulation which produces an effect on the acupuncture point. Acupuncture needles are usually left in from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the ailment. Often, treatments are given once or twice a week over several months. This is called electro-acupuncture. Unfortunately, there are no clear guidelines about the frequency or intensity of electrical current that should be used on patients.
Practitioners apply moxibustion in different ways.
They may burn a stick of moxi over the needling site. There are other methods , such as applying moxi onto a piece of aconite which is placed directly on the body. Cupping Small glass, ceramic or bamboo cups are placed on the skin after a small flame consumes the oxygen in the upside-down cup. A vacuum is created between the cup and the skin. Effectiveness A number of studies by Western researchers have documented acupuncture s effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture actually works.