Chinese Acupuncture

Synopsis

Chinese acupuncture is one of the most essential therapeutic methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on the theory of meridians, it regulates the flow of qi and blood by stimulating specific acupoints through needling and moxibustion. With a history of over two thousand years, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Today, it has spread to more than 180 countries and regions worldwide, serving as a significant representative of global traditional medicine.

Overview

Acupuncture and moxibustion are among the most core therapeutic methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), encompassing two distinct therapies: acupuncture (needling) and moxibustion. Based on the theoretical foundation of TCM's meridian theory, acupuncture and moxibustion aim to prevent and treat diseases by regulating the flow of Qi and blood in the human body through stimulation applied to specific acupoints via needling or moxibustion. With a history of over two thousand years in China, it is a precious medical heritage of the Chinese nation. In 2006, acupuncture and moxibustion were included in the first national list of intangible cultural heritage. On November 16, 2010, Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion were officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, signifying global cultural recognition for this ancient medical art.

The dissemination of acupuncture and moxibustion is extremely widespread. Currently, it is practiced in over 180 countries and regions worldwide, with many nations incorporating it into their healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture's therapeutic effects for dozens of diseases. Clinical trials by the U.S. National Institutes of Health have also confirmed its efficacy in areas such as pain relief.

Historical Origins

The history of acupuncture and moxibustion can be traced back to ancient times. Legend holds that Fuxi created the nine needles, considered the earliest acupuncture instruments. The earliest extant classic work on acupuncture is the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), compiled during the Warring States period to the Western Han Dynasty. It systematically expounds on meridian theory, acupoint theory, and the principles of acupuncture treatment, laying the theoretical foundation for acupuncture science.

In 1968, gold and silver needles from the Western Han period were unearthed from the Han tombs in Mancheng, Hebei Province, proving that acupuncture had already reached a relatively mature level over two thousand years ago. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the medical scholar Wang Weiyi oversaw the casting of bronze acupuncture figure models for teaching and examination purposes, one of the world's earliest anatomical teaching models. The Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), authored by the Ming Dynasty physician Yang Jizhou, represents the culmination of acupuncture knowledge through the ages and remains an important reference text for acupuncture studies today.

Core Theories

The meridian theory is the core theoretical foundation of acupuncture. TCM posits that the human body contains a network of interconnected meridians. Qi and blood circulate throughout the body via these meridians, linking the internal Zang-Fu organs with the limbs and extremities. When the meridians are unobstructed and Qi and blood are harmonious, the body is in a state of health. When the meridians are blocked and Qi and blood are imbalanced, disease arises. Acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi and blood by stimulating acupoints on the meridians, restoring the body's Yin-Yang balance to achieve therapeutic goals.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Acupuncture involves inserting specialized filiform needles into acupoints on the human body, generating stimulation through techniques like rotation, lifting, and thrusting. The manipulation techniques are highly nuanced, encompassing the angle, depth, and speed of insertion, as well as reinforcing or reducing techniques after De Qi is obtained. A skilled acupuncturist requires years of training to master the various needling techniques.

Moxibustion involves igniting moxa (a downy substance made from mugwort leaves) and applying the heat near or directly onto acupoints. Moxibustion utilizes the warm thermal stimulation and medicinal properties generated by burning mugwort to act on the acupoints. It has the effects of warming the meridians to dispel cold, supporting Yang to prevent collapse, and resolving stasis to dissipate nodules. Common moxibustion methods include direct moxibustion, indirect moxibustion (e.g., ginger, garlic, or salt insulated moxibustion), and warm needle moxibustion (a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion).

Modern Development

Acupuncture and moxibustion demonstrate strong vitality in modern society. On one hand, they show significant effectiveness in treating pain-related conditions and are widely used for headaches, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, arthritis, etc. On the other hand, they also offer unique advantages in areas like assisted reproduction, smoking cessation, weight loss, and cosmetic applications.

Academician Cheng Xinnong is a towering figure in the field of Chinese acupuncture, recognized as a national-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion. He dedicated his life to the inheritance and promotion of acupuncture, editing numerous acupuncture textbooks and making significant contributions to its standardization and internationalization.

References

1. China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network: https://www.ihchina.cn/project_details/14833/
2. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/acupuncture-and-moxibustion-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-00425
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/针灸
4. State Council Information Office Press Conference: http://www.scio.gov.cn/xwfb/bwxwfb/gbwfbh/zyyglj/202207/t20220715_165490_m_1.html