Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT)
Also known as Acupoint injection therapy, is an integrative therapy blending acupuncture with vitamins and homeopathic medicines. Using this technique, certified acupuncturists inject acupuncture points, or muscle trigger points, on the body with sterile homeopathic medicines, or vitamin B-12, by means of hypodermic needles. This therapy can be used in treating trigger points causing musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used to improve arthritis pain, lymphatic drainage, immunity, sleep, and energy levels.
How does it work?
Injection of small amounts of vitamin B-12, or homeopathic medicines, into acupuncture points activates them in a similar way to the insertion of acupuncture needles. However, the injection will stimulate the acupuncture point for a much longer period of time, thus increasing the therapeutic effect. By stimulating specific points with small amounts of homeopathic medicines we can obtain a dual effect of acupuncture point stimulation and the pharmacological effect of the homeopathic medicine injected. It is a very useful technique in hard-to-treat, or poorly responding conditions. Research indicates AIT may work by stimulating your immune system to restart its innate healing capacities such as improved local blood circulation, tissue repair, relaxation of muscles, increased metabolism, or local detoxification.
Is AIT safe?
Acupuncture injection therapy is considered a safe form of therapy. Injections are given under the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, or into the muscles. Toxic side effects are very unlikely because of the diluted nature of the products.
What to expect
The first session may take up to 1 hour, while subsequent sessions may only take 30 minutes. These injections are different than those you would receive in a doctor’s office. The needles used are smaller. Most clients will feel a slight pinch as the injection is administered. It is possible to experience a bruise, discoloration, or some pain at the site of injection the next day. Injections may be administered at one point or multiple points on the body depending on the condition. For treatment of muscle pain, length of therapy is greatly dependent on the individual and severity of the condition. Many clients will experience relief within 1 to 2 sessions, while others will require more treatments.
AIT certification
In order to use AIT as a therapy, acupuncturists must complete additional l training beyond their acupuncture education. They must then be certified by their instructor.