When it comes to acupuncture, there are several things to learn, including the many different types of acupuncture. With this comes learning which methods are covered with a Beauty and Bodywork insurance policy and which are not. We have already laid out for you what is covered in a BBI policy, so here we’ll be explaining which forms of acupuncture are not covered. Certain methods are not covered by BBI because of the increased amount of risks associated with certain practices. This list includes moxibustion, acupuncture magnets, electrocurrent acupuncture, and others.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, a less common form of acupuncture but still relevant, involves a small amount of an herb, like moxa (made of mugwort and wormwood), that is attached to the top of an acupuncture needle and lighted. This burning herb has a warming effect on the needle and the pressure point. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, it is said that moxibustion is used to improve the flow of energy in patients’ bodies. The use of open flames near the client’s skin makes this a more dangerous form of acupuncture.
Magnets
Magnet acupuncture involves small magnets placed over the pressure points around the body by using elastic bands. The magnets are electrically charged and work by electric pulses, bringing the body back into its electromagnetic balance. This form of acupuncture is especially effective for patients who suffer from morning sickness, motion sickness and insomnia. When magnets are specifically used with an electric charge, it is excluded from BBI’s coverage.
Electro Acupuncture
Electro acupuncture is a more recent form of acupuncture, since it has required new technology. This form of acupuncture works by applying electrical current to acupuncture points. Each tissue type has its own unique electrical frequency, which can be harmed by injury or disease. Electro acupuncture restores the electrical frequency of the tissue.
Electro acupuncture is intended to decrease pain, inflammation and muscle spasms, and increase blood flow. Any form of electric acupuncture is not covered in a BBI acupuncture policy.
Certain Forms of Cupping
We’ve all heard of cupping, but did you know that there are several different methods of cupping? There are two different ways to perform cupping – wet and dry. Dry cupping, using silicone cups with manual suction is the method of cupping that is covered by BBI. But what are the methods that aren’t covered?
One form of dry cupping uses bamboo or glass cups as the acupuncturist lights a flame to place on the cup for a brief amount of time, creating a vacuum effect on the client’s skin. This suction in the cup brings the patient’s tissue up into the cup, increasing blood flow which is intended to stimulate healing. This method is excluded from the BBI policy.
Needle cupping is the main form of wet cupping. Needle cupping involves inserting tiny stainless steel needles into the skin before placing the hot cup on the client’s skin. Needle Cupping is said to treat muscle aches and spasms, migraines and chest congestion. This method is also excluded in the policy.
Some Needles and Laser
Some final methods to look at are fire needles, warm needles and laser acupuncture. These three methods are not included in a BBI acupuncture policy. Fire needling involves inserting hot needles into pressure points on the body. It is essentially the same as the classic form of needle acupuncture, but the needles are lit on fire before inserting them into the skin. Fire needling is not covered because there are more risks involved and greater side effects.
Warm needling has a similar effect as fire needling. Warm needling is when a moxa cone is placed on the handle of the needle, after the needle has been inserted. The heat in the needle is intended to puncture the skin and cause a greater effect than plain acupuncture needles.
Laser acupuncture involves the use of nonthermal, low-intensity lasers at the client’s trigger points on the body. Laser acupuncture is intended to stimulate the trigger points and is promoted as a pain-free and safer form of acupuncture therapy. The laser does not physically penetrate the skin, like other acupuncture needles. Because there is not much research on the effects and unknown risks of laser acupuncture, this is not covered by BBI.
BBI Acupuncture Insurance
We know you do your best to practice acupuncture safely and professionally, but sometimes accidents do happen. When that happens, you’ll be happy that you’re insured, saving your business thousands of dollars. Take a look at the BBI acupuncture policy options today to read over coverage details and get immediate coverage for your acupuncture business.
