There are hundreds of schools that train people in acupuncture and oriental medicine worldwide. Many of the most accomplished practitioners such as Tom Tam, Kiiko Matsumoto and Richard Tan, have developed their own personal styles of acupuncture. Here we will look at the styles that are most common amongst practitioners.

The style of Traditional Chinese Medicine is fundamental, covering a broad range of techniques. It refers to the basics of acupuncture in which most acupuncturists are initially trained and which most of them practice.

Japanese acupuncture practitioners must receive specialized training beyond general traditional Chinese medicine. The techniques used in this style are geared to produce the best result with the least amount of stimulation, accomplished by using thinner needles and less points.

A Korean acupuncture practice includes some techniques and theory from both traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese acupuncture. There is more use of the Five Element theory with more emphasis on body type for treatment development.

Because Five Element acupuncture is a speciality practice, extensive training is required. It is similar in needling style to Japanese acupuncture with more concentration on the psycho-spiritual nature of a person to heal physical disease, which was made popular by the late J.R. Worsley.