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​​​Is Navel Acupuncture Safe?

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In classical Chinese medicine, the Shenque point (the navel) was traditionally considered suitable for moxibustion rather than needling.

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Since the establishment of the navel acupuncture system by Mr. Qi Yong, this limitation has been reexamined. A structured system of needle selection and procedural safety standards has been developed.

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To date, based on more than twenty years of global clinical application, there have been no publicly reported medical accidents related to navel acupuncture.

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In my own years of focused practice, I strictly follow the professional regulations set by the College of British Columbia. I have not encountered any medical accidents or disputes.

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In rare cases involving acute or severe conditions requiring stronger stimulation, temporary dizziness or mild abdominal discomfort may occur. These reactions typically resolve on their own and do not result in lasting side effects.

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Safety is the foundation of my medical practice.

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Does It Hurt? How Many Needles Are Used?

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One of the main reasons I chose to focus on navel acupuncture is its minimal needle usage and  gentle stimulation.

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In most cases, only 1–5 needles are used.

For many pain-related conditions, 1–3 needles are sufficient to produce noticeable improvement.

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Compared to traditional body acupuncture, the abdominal region — composed mainly of muscle and adipose tissue — offers greater safety and milder stimulation.

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Most patients report little to no significant pain.

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A very small number of individuals who are extremely sensitive to needling or who experience severe needle anxiety may not be suitable for acupuncture treatment.

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What Conditions Can It Treat? How Effective Is It?

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Many people associate acupuncture primarily with pain management and a limited range of indications.

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However, since the clinical application of the navel acupuncture system, its scope has expanded significantly. It has been used for:

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• Various types of pain conditions

• Emotional and psychological disorders

• Most internal functional disorders

• Cancer support care

• Complex and difficult-to-treat conditions

 

In my years of focused clinical practice, treatment has covered a wide range of pain conditions, common emotional concerns, chronic internal disorders, and supportive care for cancer patients.

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In actual clinical work, patient improvement often occurs simultaneously on three levels:

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• Reduction or resolution of symptoms

• Relief of emotional and psychological stress

• Improvement in physical strength and overall energy

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Over time, this has shaped my clinical approach:

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Navel acupuncture as the core treatment method, guided by an integrated view of life and health.

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How Is It Different from Traditional Acupuncture?

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Navel acupuncture is not a branch of traditional acupuncture.

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It is grounded in the framework of Yi Medicine, and in both its theoretical foundation and clinical reasoning, it belongs to a different medical structure from meridian-based acupuncture.

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The primary differences are reflected in the following aspects:

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1) Different Theoretical Foundation

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Traditional acupuncture is based on the classical meridian theory of Chinese medicine.

Navel acupuncture is rooted in Yi Medicine, emphasizing structural regulation and the underlying principles of life.

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2) Different Treatment Method

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Traditional acupuncture selects points along the body’s meridian system.

Navel acupuncture uses directional and positional combinations centered around the Shenque point, regulating the body through a single central axis.

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3) Different Holographic Integration

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Traditional acupuncture commonly applies structural holography (such as ear, hand, scalp systems).

Navel acupuncture integrates structural and informational holography, emphasizing the unity of Heaven, Earth, and Human within the life structure.

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4) Different Level of Qi Activation

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Traditional acupuncture primarily mobilizes postnatal qi.

Navel acupuncture focuses on activating deeper prenatal qi.

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For this reason, clinical outcomes often demonstrate:

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• Relatively faster onset

• More concentrated effects

• Greater stability

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Treatment Process and Course of Care

Assessment

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Based on the patient’s primary concern, diagnosis is formed through Yi Medicine analysis combined with traditional Chinese medical differentiation, including inquiry, tongue observation, pulse examination, navel examination, and palpation.

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Treatment

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The patient lies comfortably in a supine position, with only the navel and part of the abdomen exposed. Strict sterilization procedures are followed, and single-use sterile needles are applied. Warmth support, TDP heat therapy, and a calm environment help maintain relaxation.

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Needle Retention

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Depending on the condition, needles are retained for approximately 15–45 minutes. More complex cases may require longer retention time.

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Documentation and Aftercare

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Each session is carefully documented. Post-treatment instructions are provided to consolidate therapeutic effects.

 

Course of Treatment Reference

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Acute conditions: noticeable improvement is often seen within 1–3 sessions.

Chronic conditions: typically treated in structured courses (commonly 5 sessions per course, adjusted as needed).
 

Complex chronic conditions: may require long-term supportive care with individualized frequency.

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General principle:

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If there is absolutely no improvement after three sessions, I will recommend exploring alternative treatment options rather than continuing unnecessarily.

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Who Is Not Suitable? Precautions

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Navel acupuncture is generally not suitable for:

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• Individuals who are extremely uncomfortable with exposure or touch of the navel area

• Individuals highly sensitive to needle pain or with severe needle anxiety

• Individuals with bleeding disorders

• Pregnant women

• Children under 14 years old (except under special circumstances)

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It is generally not recommended in the following situations:

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• After alcohol consumption

• When extremely full or severely fasting

• During menstruation (except for gynecological conditions)

• Severe bleeding, shock, or organ failure

• Burns or scald injuries

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For urgent or emergency conditions, please seek immediate conventional medical care.