Massage vs. Acupuncture

In the western world, the massage and acupuncture are used together and people believe they are similar. However Massage therapy and Acupuncture treatment is somewhat similar but they are huge difference in terms of effectiveness. 

Massage

Massage can be used for many reasons, such as nice treat and pain reduction. 

As a nice treat, I recommend people to have a massage. After the massage, you may feel better.  

Massage helps relax the muscles and helps the nervous system release hormone which helps muscle pain reduction. Massage is also great for people with tight muscles which causes them pain, such as the neck and shoulders. By releasing the tension in these muscles, massage can definitely help the person feel better.

However the effect of massage won't last as much as acupuncture. Massage only can help circulation by pressure and rubbing. It doesn't solve a root cause. Too frequent massage may make less sensitive in the muscle area so that people want harder and harder massage to get feel better. 

The effect of massage is short. It may last 2 hours to a couple of days. Massage may hurt muscle fibre and muscle fascia to make better circulation, which may cause more irritation or may even make it worse. The way that massage make circulation in the body is limited by the pressure. 

 

Acupuncture

As an acupuncturist, eastern herbalist, and massage therapist, Effect of acupuncture is much better than massage. However, people who are scared of having needle in their body, then massage is better choice. 

Acupuncture has been used as first treatment when it comes to a disease. It treats not only muscular issues, but also internal organ issues. In terms of circulation in our body, acupuncture has strong effect and used as a Medicine in the Eastern world (China, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, etc)

Acupuncture modifies the flow of Energy (氣 - 기, Chi, Qi) and blood in our body to help our body to be balanced. While having acupuncture. I can feel our body electricity more easily along the acupuncture area. Acupuncture needle boost our body electricity more and make our body help circulate Energy and blood better. Acupuncture can help nerve pain. When nerves become damaged, they might cause some sharp of stabbing pains. Acupuncture can help the blood flow to these areas of the body that can help heal the nerves that are damaged. 

Some people think one or two needle cannot make muscle relaxed. However, currently physiotherapist, myotherapist, chiropractor, osteopathy are using acupuncture needle to relax muscle and ease muscle pain. They call it as dry-needling. However dry-needling is also a part of acupuncture. 

Acupuncture has also side effect of the treatment. Acupuncture may cause a tiny bleeding and bruise as a needle goes through the skin. It may cause a needle pain. 

Acupuncture can relax muscles and ease the muscle pain. Furthermore, acupuncture can be used as preventative well-being method because it help the circulation of Energy (氣 - 기, Chi, Qi) and blood in our body. 

 

Conclusion

In Australia, people know well about massage,  and they are everywhere and easy to access. Massage is a nice treat. However, Acupuncture has better effects and historically proven method in terms of relaxation, treatment and boosting our body.  People should access acupuncture as easily as massage. 

As an acupuncturist, I would recommend regular acupuncture to everybody who want to live well.