Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine

Synopsis

Acupuncture, a core therapy of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the human body to regulate qi and blood for disease treatment. It was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006 and added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Based on the meridian theory and acupoint principles, there are 361 classical acupuncture points distributed throughout the body. With the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) as its theoretical foundation, acupuncture has spread to over 180 countries worldwide.

Overview

Acupuncture and moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the most distinctive and influential therapeutic method within Chinese traditional medicine, and also the most successful representative of TCM's global outreach. Acupuncture and moxibustion consists of two parts: acupuncture (needling) and moxibustion. Acupuncture involves inserting specially made metal needles into specific acupoints on the human body to treat diseases, while moxibustion uses materials like moxa wool to apply heat stimulation by burning or warming over acupoints to achieve therapeutic effects. The theoretical foundation of acupuncture and moxibustion is the meridian-collateral theory and acupoint theory. It posits that the human body has a meridian system that circulates qi and blood, and acupoints are key nodes on these meridians. Stimulating specific acupoints can regulate the body's physiological functions and treat diseases.

The history of acupuncture can be traced back thousands of years. In 2006, acupuncture was included in the first batch of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. On November 16, 2010, "Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine" was officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking a significant milestone for traditional Chinese medicine's journey onto the world stage. Currently, acupuncture has spread to over 180 countries and regions worldwide and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective alternative medical therapy.

Historical Origins

The origins of acupuncture can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. Archaeologists have discovered bian stones—stones ground into sharp shapes used in the Stone Age in China—considered the primitive tools of acupuncture. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Huangdi Neijing), the earliest extant medical classic in China, compiled during the Warring States period to the Western Han Dynasty, details the meridian system, acupoint locations, and acupuncture treatment methods, laying the theoretical foundation for acupuncture science.

The famous Eastern Han Dynasty physician Hua Tuo was proficient in acupuncture and created the renowned Huatuo Jiaji points. Huangfu Mi of the Jin Dynasty authored The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing), the first specialized monograph on acupuncture in China, systematically organizing the locations and indications of 349 acupoints. Sun Simiao's Essential Formulas for Emergencies Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold (Qianjin Yaofang) from the Tang Dynasty records numerous acupuncture prescriptions. Wang Weiyi of the Song Dynasty cast the Bronze Acupuncture Figure model for teaching and examination, the world's earliest medical teaching model. Yang Jizhou's Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhenjiu Dacheng) from the Ming Dynasty represents the culmination of acupuncture knowledge through the ages and remains an important reference for acupuncture study today.

Core Theories

The Meridian-Collateral Theory is the core theoretical foundation of acupuncture. TCM believes the human body has a meridian system composed of 12 regular meridians and 8 extraordinary vessels, which circulate qi and blood throughout the body like rivers. Acupoints are key nodes on these meridians, with 361 regular meridian points in total. Illness arises when the flow of qi and blood becomes obstructed. Acupuncture treats diseases by stimulating specific acupoints to unblock the meridians, harmonize qi and blood, and balance yin and yang.

Acupuncture Tools

Modern acupuncture primarily uses filiform needles made of stainless steel, which are very thin and flexible, with diameters of only 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Insertion causes minimal to no pain. Patients typically experience sensations of soreness, numbness, distension, or heaviness, which in TCM is termed "deqi" (arrival of qi). Deqi is a key indicator of effective needling—when the practitioner feels a tugging sensation and the patient feels soreness and distension, it indicates the needle has reached the correct position.

Modern Development

Acupuncture has gained widespread recognition and application in modern society. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture's therapeutic effects for various conditions, including pain disorders, neurological diseases, digestive system diseases, and respiratory system diseases. Acupuncture is also increasingly popular in Western countries like Europe and America, with many nations incorporating it into their healthcare insurance systems.

Following the inscription of "Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine" on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010, its international influence has further increased. Acupuncture is now practiced in over 180 countries and regions globally, with hundreds of thousands of practitioners. China's acupuncture education system has also become increasingly well-established, with numerous universities of traditional Chinese medicine across the country training a large number of acupuncture professionals.

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. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/Acupuncture and Moxibustion
4. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/Acupuncture and Moxibustion