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Acupotomy vs Acupuncture differences!

Acupotomy, also known as “acupuncture knife therapy” or “acupuncture scalpel therapy,” or “Dao therapy” is a technique that shares some similarities with acupuncture but has distinct differences. Here are some factors that differentiate acupotomy from traditional acupuncture: 1 Instrumentation: The primary difference lies in the tools used during the procedure. Acupotomy involves the use of a specialized instrument, typically a small, thin, stainless steel needle knife or scalpel. Unlike acupuncture needles, which are thin and flexible, acupotomy instruments have a sharper edge and are designed for specific purposes, such as cutting or scraping. 2 Technique and Manipulation: Acupotomy involves both puncturing and manipulating techniques. The acupotomy instrument is inserted into the targeted acupuncture points or soft tissue areas, and various manipulations are performed, such as lifting, twisting, scraping, or cutting. This differs from traditional acupuncture, where thin needles are inserted into specific points and may be manipulated gently by hand […]

How was Acupotomy Discovered?

The term “acupotomy” or (Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀) refers to a relatively modern therapeutic technique that combines aspects of acupuncture and surgery. While acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years, acupotomy as a specific procedure is a more recent development. The exact origin and discovery of acupotomy can be attributed to the work of Dr. Zhu Hanzhang, a Chinese surgeon, in the late 1970s. Dr. Zhu was researching ways to treat chronic soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders that were not responding well to traditional acupuncture methods. He wanted to develop a technique that could target specific anatomical structures with greater precision. Dr. Zhu combined his knowledge of acupuncture points and meridians with his surgical expertise to create a new approach. He designed a specialized instrument called an “acupotome,” which resembles a needle with a sharp, flat blade at […]

The acceptance of Acupotomy in Medical Communities

The acceptance of acupotomy (Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀), like any medical procedure or technique, can vary within the medical community. There are a few reasons why some healthcare professionals may not fully accept or recognize acupotomy as a mainstream practice: Lack of Scientific Evidence: Acupotomy, being a relatively new technique, may not have accumulated a significant body of scientific evidence to support its efficacy and safety. The medical community generally relies on rigorous scientific research, including clinical trials, to establish the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. Without substantial evidence, some healthcare professionals may be hesitant to adopt acupotomy as a standard practice. Limited Standardization: Acupotomy is a specialized technique that requires specific training and expertise. However, there may be variations in the application and interpretation of acupotomy among practitioners. The lack of standardized protocols and guidelines can create concerns about […]