Background
Definition of Offering:
An ancient oriental healing technique discovered and developed more than three thousand years ago, acupuncture is based on Taoist philosophy.
Description of Offering:
Administered by inserting fine needles at key points of the body that relate to different organs in order to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain.
The offering has its roots in ancient practices.
Believed Origin(s):
Ancient Asian Civilizations (AKA Asian/Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Offering History:
Acupuncture is one of the oldest practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practice began in China, where it is most popular today. However, it is wide spread throughout the world.
Fun Fact:
The offering is mostly known for curing back and neck pain along with headaches. It can also be used for beauty purposes such as de-puffing the face, clearing acne and tightening the face.
Benefits
Primary Benefit Received from the Offering:
Pain reduction
Other Benefits Received from the Offering:
Improve appearance, stimulate mind
Research Findings on Benefits:
Vickers, A., Cronin, A., Maschino, A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., et. al. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine Journal, 172(19), 1444-1453.
Dr. Vickers and his colleagues found that at the end of treatment, about half of the patients treated with true acupuncture reported improvements, compared with about 30 percent of patients who did not undergo it.
Details
Typical Length of Offering:
15 - 30 minutes
The offering is most often provided...
One guest at a time.
Offering Primarily Suited for the Following Type of Spa(s):
Day Spa (Wellness Focus), Medical Clinic/Spa
Number of Treatment Providers Needed to Produce the Offering:
1
License/Certification/Training Needed to Provide the Offering:
Acupuncturist/Oriental Medicine Doctor,
Most Common Protocol Available:
Acupuncture: What You Can Expect, Mayo Clinic Staff (2015)
Type of Space and/or Facility Most Often Used:
Private Dry Treatment Room
How many towels are used (any size)?
0
Does the guest generally use a robe and/or a wrap for the offering?
No
How many sheets are used?
1-3
How many different products (i.e. lotions, lacquers, scrubs, cleansers, etc.) are used in this offering?
0
Disposable Supplies Commonly Used in this Offering Include:
Sterile acupuncture needles
Equipment and Supplies Commonly Used to Provide the Offering Include:
Raised massage-style table
Including only the following items (products, disposable items, linen laundry, and other direct costs---not labor), what is the typical cost of the offering?
$3-$10 USD
Comments about offering costs:
Needles and linen laundering
Typical single session price of the offering.
$75-$95 USD
Sources
Publication(s) used to prepare this submission:
Journal Article: "A Brief History of Acupuncture", A. White & E. Ernst, Rheumatology. 2004, 43(5), 622-663
Online Article: "Wellness Therapies: Acupuncture?", Andrew Weil, What Is Acupuncture?, 2016.
Author Information:
Nicole McCartney
Student, Florida Gulf Coast University
Nicole McCartney is from Sarasota, Florida and attends Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a Junior majoring in Resort and Hospitality Management and concentrating in Spa Management. She aspires to manage a spa in the Northern U.S. upon graduation.
Editor Information:
Mary Wisnom
Professor, School of Resort & Hospitality Management, Florida Gulf Coast University, USA