Acupuncture is often pictured as fine needles placed along the body’s meridians to relieve pain or promote healing, but it’s far from one-size-fits-all. There are many distinct styles, each with its own philosophy and approach. In many ways, acupuncture feels as much like an art as it does a science.
Every acupuncturist brings their own perspective, and no two treatments are exactly alike. Diagnosis and treatment plans are highly individualized, evolving as the practitioner follows the patient’s changing needs. Since we are always in flux, true care flows with us, adjusting to support balance and well-being in the moment.
Some acupuncture methods emphasize immediate pain relief, while others focus on harmonizing emotions or addressing deeper imbalances. Whether it’s Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, Tung’s acupuncture, Five Element acupuncture, Esoteric acupuncture, Kiiko Matsumoto style, or Scalp acupuncture, each technique offers something unique. Many practitioners blend multiple approaches to create personalised treatments, while others dedicate themselves to mastering one particular style.
Lets explore different acupuncture styles, what makes each special, and the scope of practice for various healthcare professionals who offer acupuncture. If you’ve ever wondered why treatments vary or how different traditions shape your healing experience, read on!
What sets Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture apart is its diagnostic process. TCM doesn’t just relieve symptoms, it identifies the root cause of imbalance and addresses what needs to be nourished, strengthened, or harmonised, explaining why treatments evolve with your needs.
Registered acupuncturists study classical TCM and then may choose to learn additional styles.
Many healthcare providers including physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, manual osteopaths, and naturopathic doctors offer acupuncture as part of their practice. However, their acupuncture training is typically limited to their primary scope of practice and does not include the full diagnostic framework of TCM. Most non-TCM practitioners complete around 200–300 hours of acupuncture training, including theory and limited direct patient experience (clinical practice) with acupuncture. Their expertise remains within the scope of their primary profession.
In contrast, a TCM acupuncturist or practitioner undergoes two to four years of training, covering classical theory, TCM foundations and diagnosis, anatomy, internal medicine, biomedicine, ethics, and techniques, food therapy, other TCM modalities (cupping, Moxibustion, TCM dietary therapy, qi gong, tai chi) along with extensive hands-on clinical practice. Registered TCM Practitioners (RTCMP) have additional education and can prescribe TCM herbal formulas. This in-depth education allows for a more comprehensive application of acupuncture, rooted in a cultural and historical framework that has made it a reliable and relevant form of medicine for more than 2,000 years.
All acupuncture has value, and each approach is unique. Some practitioners from other healthcare fields who are offering acupuncture adjunct to their practice have a particular interest in acupuncture and pursue additional postgraduate education to deepen their expertise. In Ontario, unless a practitioner is registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO), they cannot legally use the title “acupuncturist.” They may still offer acupuncture as a complementary practice within their licensed profession but must follow their regulatory body’s scope of practice and not call themselves an “acupuncturist.”
Chiropractors integrate acupuncture primarily for muscle relaxation and pain relief, without providing a TCM diagnosis. Their focus is structural, incorporating adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehab exercises, often emphasizing neuromuscular function over meridian theory. Acupuncture is an optional certification for this practice.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) trained in acupuncture cover more TCM theory than physiotherapists, chiropractors, or massage therapists but less than licensed acupuncturists. Acupuncture is taught as a modality in their college program. NDs integrate acupuncture with herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations, often taking a biomedical approach rather than using deep classical TCM theory.
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) with an acupuncture certificate use it for pain relief, muscle tension, and injury recovery. Their focus is musculoskeletal, and they do not provide a TCM diagnosis or treatment plan. Depending on training, they may incorporate acupuncture alongside massage therapy but are generally not trained in broader internal medicine applications.
Manual osteopaths who are practising acupuncture choose to become a fully registered acupuncturist (RAc or RTCMP depending on their chosen designation). They must complete a full TCM acupuncture program, successfully complete board exams, and register with CTCMPAO. Acupuncture is not included in manual osteopathy training but can be integrated into their practice if the practitioner wants to pursue acupuncture.
Physiotherapists using acupuncture focus on musculoskeletal pain, headaches, arthritis, and sports injuries. Their approach is based on Western medical principles, selecting points anatomically rather than considering internal conditions or systemic imbalances. Acupuncture is an optional certification.
Registered TCM Acupuncturists (RAc) and Registered TCM Practitioners (RTCMP) provide comprehensive treatments rooted in classical Chinese medicine. Their training allows them to address a broad range of conditions, including gynaecology, digestion, autoimmune issues, neurological concerns, emotional health, pain, and more. They also offer TCM dietary, herbal, and lifestyle guidance, teaching self-care practices like food therapy, acupressure, moxibustion, and meditation. RAc and RTCMP are protected titles regulated by CTCMPAO.
Acupuncture is a lifelong study, and many practitioners refine and expand their approach over the years. Some dedicate themselves to a single style, while others integrate multiple techniques based on patient needs and clinical experience.
Here are some of the most well-known styles of acupuncture, listed alphabetically (since no one method is “best”). This is not an exhaustive list!
- Balance Method (Dr. Tan’s Acupuncture): A highly effective system for pain relief and internal conditions using distal points.
- Esoteric Acupuncture: Is more of a complimentary and spiritually focused approach that integrates concepts from The Tree of Life, Kabbalah, sacred geometry, and chakras to support spiritual alignment, often including meditation and dietary therapy.
- Five Element Acupuncture: Focuses on emotional and spiritual well-being, aligning treatments with seasonal and elemental influences.
- Kiiko Matsumoto Style: A Japanese acupuncture approach using palpation for instant feedback and gentle needling techniques. Valuable for all, but some people who prefer a more gentle treatment may appreciate this style.
- Scalp Acupuncture: A neurological acupuncture method used for stroke recovery, brain injuries, and nerve-related conditions.
- SAAM Acupuncture: A Korean style balancing the five elements (earth, metal, fire, water, wood) and focuses on complex channel theory and pulse diagnosis. Effective for chronic conditions and emotional health.
- Tung’s Acupuncture: A lineage-based system known for its powerful and minimal-needle approach, using fewer needles and often with immediate results. Useful for pain and internal conditions as well.
- Each of these styles offers something valuable, and acupuncture can vary greatly depending on the practitioner’s approach. While other acupuncture styles exist, these are common and help broaden the understanding of acupuncture for those who may have thought it was “all the same.” The variety of application is apart of what makes acupuncture exciting for practitioners, it’s both a craft and a way to offer healing for the betterment of society.
Choosing an Acupuncturist
It’s easy to get caught up in searching for the “best” practitioner, but the real question is: who is the right practitioner for you? With so many options, how do you find the best fit for your needs? Choosing the right acupuncturist starts with understanding what matters most to you. Are you seeking acupuncture for something specific? Do you prefer a practitioner who focuses solely on acupuncture, or one who integrates therapies like herbal medicine, bodywork, dietary guidance, or other modalities? Some practitioners emphasize holistic care, addressing the root cause, addressing emotional and energetic aspects of health, while others focus more on symptom relief.
Consider their training. Are they fully trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, or is acupuncture an adjunct to another profession? Experience also plays a role—some people feel most comfortable with a seasoned practitioner, while others are open to a newer graduate with fresh insights and enthusiasm. Practical factors matter too. Is the clinic conveniently located? Do their hours fit your schedule? Compatibility is important, do you feel at ease with their approach and communication style?
Ultimately, acupuncture is a deeply personal experience, and the right practitioner is someone whose expertise and philosophy align with your needs. Taking time to reflect on these questions will help you make an informed choice. Every acupuncturist brings their own energy, style, and expertise to the table. Explore your options, and trust that the right practitioner for you is out there.
