Acupuncture Styles
Most Acupuncturists have training in only one style, Acupuncturists graduating from TSCA in New York City become proficient in three before graduation. KM ( Kiiko Matsumoto Style Japanese Acupuncture), APM ( Mark Seem style, Acupuncture Physical Medicine), and TCM ( or Traditional Chinese Medicine from Maoist China).
I primarily work in KM style acupuncture. This is a style that utilizes the Hara (abdominal reflexes) to diagnose and treat many conditions. Needles are generally smaller than in TCM or in APM and stimulation is generally less. This is due to the fact that reflexes are used against points, so that Location, Angle and Depth are first explored with a finger on the point and the other hand on the reflex. The correct point and angle are those that release the pain or tightness of the reflex. Since most acupuncture points are about the size of a quarter the correct location and angle are guesswork unless tested against the reflex. This is why other styles use so much stimulation- they want to make sure they get the desired result. KM style takes the guesswork out of crafting the correct treatment for each patient.
TCM means Traditional Chinese Medicine, but it has only been around since Maoist China. Chairman Mao collected all the acupuncturists and made one system out of all the secretive family Acupuncture traditions. What didn't fit was disguarded. Unfortunately that was alot of knowledge- fortunately many classically trained Chinese emigrated to other countries during that time period and safeguarded the family secrets. Perhaps we will re-acquire them someday. In the meantime- TCM has many thousands of years of treatment and clinical knowledge compressed into one vast system. It does generally use larger needles and there is more and larger stim- so there is quite a bit of sensation to a TCM treatment. This is considered desirable.
APM is a system who's Founder is Mark Seem, also founder of TriState College of Acupuncture in New York City. The oldest Acupuncture School in the North East. With a TCM and French Meridian Style theoretical base, APM utilizes Travel and Simons concept of trigger points, along with dry needle fasciculation to affect remarkable change in both the musculoskeletal, energetic, and organ systems of the human body.
Although I most often utilize KM style, I do use TCM and APM where appropriate and in my patients best interests.
Toni M King MS LAc, NCCAOM Dipl. Ac