Korean acupuncture, also known as Koryo Hand Therapy (KHT) or Korean Hand Acupuncture (KHA), is a form of acupuncture that originated in Korea. This style of acupuncture uses the hands and fingers to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body, instead of using needles.

In KHT, the practitioner uses their hands and fingers to apply pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and other parts of the body. These points are believed to correspond to various organs and body systems, and by stimulating them, the practitioner aims to restore balance and harmony in the body.

KHT is based on the principles of Traditional Korean Medicine, which includes the concepts of Qi (life force energy), Yin and Yang (opposing yet complementary energies), and the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). KHT practitioners believe that illness and disease arise from imbalances in these energies and that by restoring balance, the body can heal itself.

KHT is often used as a complementary therapy to Western medicine, and it has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and emotional disorders. While KHT is less well-known than traditional acupuncture, it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in Korea and other parts of Asia.

Techniques used in Korean acupuncture therapy

Korean acupuncture therapy, also known as Sa-am acupuncture, combines traditional Korean and Chinese acupuncture techniques. Some of the techniques commonly used in Korean acupuncture therapy include:

1. Hand Acupuncture: This technique involves using the hand to stimulate acupuncture points, rather than the traditional use of needles on the body.
2. Ear Acupuncture: Similar to hand acupuncture, this technique involves using the ear to stimulate acupuncture points.
3. Meridian Therapy: This technique involves the use of acupuncture needles to stimulate specific meridian points along the body.
4. Acupressure: Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body, without the use of needles.
5. Moxibustion: This technique involves burning a herb called mugwort near the acupuncture point to stimulate the point and promote healing.
6. Cupping: Cupping involves placing cups on the skin and creating a vacuum, which helps to stimulate the acupuncture points.
7. Korean Four-Needle Technique: This technique involves using four needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points, which can help to balance the body's energy.

Overall, Korean acupuncture therapy combines a range of techniques to help promote healing and balance in the body.

Herbal medicines used to enhance Korean-style acupuncture therapy

Herbal medicines can be used in conjunction with Korean-style acupuncture therapy to enhance its effectiveness.

Here are some examples of herbal medicines commonly used in Korean-style acupuncture therapy:

1. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Mugwort is a common herb used in traditional Korean medicine. It is believed to have a warming and tonifying effect on the body and can be used to treat conditions such as digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Mugwort can be used topically as a moxa stick, which is lit and held near the acupuncture points to warm and stimulate them.
2. Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Korean Red Ginseng is a well-known herb used in traditional Korean medicine. It is believed to have a tonifying effect on the body and can be used to treat conditions such as fatigue, stress, and respiratory infections. Korean Red Ginseng can be taken orally in the form of capsules or brewed as tea.
3. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Astragalus is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine and is also commonly used in Korean-style acupuncture therapy. It is believed to have a tonifying effect on the body and can be used to treat conditions such as fatigue, immune disorders, and respiratory infections. Astragalus can be taken orally in the form of capsules or brewed as tea.
4. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice is a herb used in traditional Korean medicine. It is believed to have a tonifying effect on the body and can be used to treat conditions such as digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and adrenal fatigue. Licorice can be taken orally in the form of capsules or brewed as tea.
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is a common herb used in traditional Korean medicine. It is believed to have a warming and tonifying effect on the body and can be used to treat conditions such as digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Ginger can be brewed as tea or used topically as a poultice.

It is important to note that herbal medicines should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner trained in Korean-style acupuncture therapy.