Treatments
What each one is, and what it feels like
If this is your first time at a Korean Medicine clinic, here is what the treatments involve. We explain each of these again in the treatment room before we start.
Dokseodang uses acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chuna manual therapy, pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion are given together in a single session. A typical session begins with warming and loosening the area, followed by manual adjustment where needed, and finishes with acupuncture. Which treatments are used depends on what we find during the consultation, and we explain the reason for each one before beginning.
The treatments we use
Acupuncture
Very thin sterile single-use needles are inserted at specific points. Most people feel a dull heaviness rather than sharp pain. Needles usually stay in for about 15 minutes. Given together with cupping and moxibustion in the same session.
Cupping
Suction cups draw blood flow to tight areas so the needling lands better. Round marks remain for several days and fade on their own. Given together with acupuncture.
Moxibustion
Warmth is applied over specific points using mugwort or an electric device. It feels like a warm compress, and it is given together with acupuncture and cupping. Tell us any time it feels too hot.
Chuna manual therapy
A hands-on technique in which the practitioner adjusts joint alignment and movement. It is covered by Korean National Health Insurance.
Pharmacopuncture
A refined herbal extract is injected in small amounts at specific points. Bee venom pharmacopuncture is available, and we always test for allergy beforehand.
Herbal medicine
Prescribed after the consultation. We tell you the formula name, its ingredients and the price, and prepare it only after you agree.
The usual order
Loosen first
Deep heat relaxes tight muscle so the next step lands better.
Adjust where needed
Chuna is used when alignment or joint movement is part of the problem.
Finish with acupuncture and cupping
Cupping and needling come last, given together once the body is ready for them.
Add herbal medicine if useful
For longer-standing problems, herbal medicine may be prescribed alongside.
- Let us know if you are pregnant or think you may be, taking blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker or metal implants, or have had an allergic reaction to bee products. These change what we can safely use.
Dokseodang Korean Medicine Clinic · 328 Dokseodang-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, ground floor.
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00) · Sat, Sun, public holidays 10:00–15:00, no lunch break · Closed Tuesdays.