Q I am a 33-year-old marketer diagnosed with forward head posture (turtle neck). I understand that Korean medicine clinics offer various treatments besides acupuncture, such as moxibustion, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manual therapy. In what order do I receive these treatments? Do I receive them all from the start?
A No, the treatment proceeds in stages depending on the condition. We usually start by releasing muscle tension with acupuncture and cupping. If hardened adhesions are confirmed, moxibustion is added, and if inflammation is evident, pharmacopuncture is added. Alignment issues are corrected with Chuna manual therapy, and for chronically weakened ligaments, fire acupuncture and thread embedding are considered. The treatment plan is designed after examinations during the initial consultation.
Detailed Answer
Turtle neck treatment is designed to suit the patient's stage. ① Assessment — Posture analysis, range of motion and tenderness testing, and confirmation via ultrasound or imaging tests if necessary. ② Acute Phase — Relieve muscle tension and pain with acupuncture, cupping, and electroacupuncture. ③ Correction Phase — Correct cervical and thoracic spine alignment with Chuna manual therapy and concurrent exercise prescription. ④ Deep Treatment — Dissect long-standing hardened fascial adhesions with moxibustion, and treat inflammatory tender points with pharmacopuncture for anti-inflammatory purposes. ⑤ Strengthening Phase — For chronically weakened ligaments and tendons, tissue regeneration is promoted using fire acupuncture or thread embedding. Not all patients undergo the entire stage; instead, only the necessary treatments are combined based on their condition and response.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The design of this phase is based on differential diagnosis. Even within the same "turtle neck" condition, the focus is on treatments that promote circulation (acupuncture, needle acupuncture, cupping) for the Qi-Blood-Stagnation type, characterized by pain and stiffness upon pressure. Conversely, for the Muscle-Vessel Excess Yang type, where muscles sag due to accumulated fatigue, the focus is on regeneration and reinforcement (fire acupuncture, thread embedding, herbal medicine). Following the principles of Liver-Geun and Shen-Ju-Gol, fascial issues require attention to Liver Blood, while structural issues require attention to Kidney Qi; therefore, while external treatment is being performed, internal treatment is used to clear out blood stasis and dampness phlegm from the body, and Liver and Kidney energies are replenished with herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution. Deep tissue procedures are performed using ultrasound guidance to access precise locations. The purpose of the step design is not merely a series of localized procedures, but to restore both Qi and blood circulation and organ function together, thereby creating a body that does not revert even after treatment is finished.
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