Acupuncture

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Introduction

Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medical technique involving insertion and manipulation of needles at specific sites in the body to relieve pain and to restore health. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of disorders including arthritis, infertility, asthma, and hypertension. Acupressure, or shiatsu, is a variant in which the practitioner uses pressure rather than needles.

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History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It is one component within the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The oldest known book on the theory of Chinese medicine is the Huang Ti Nei Ching, translated into English as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Despite being difficult to interpret, this work continues to serve as a primary source on acupuncture. It is believed to contain several different treatises written between about 200 bc and ad 100.

Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries not only in China, but also in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The technique spread to Europe about 300 years ago, to North America about 150 years ago, and to countries worldwide within the past 40 years.

The earliest acupuncture tools were sharp pieces of stone or flint, known as bian stones. Sharpened bones and bamboo appeared later, as tool production evolved. These instruments were probably used only to prick boils and ulcers. The earliest acupuncture needles were made from iron, bronze, gold, or silver. Gold and silver acupuncture needles were found in the tomb of Liu Sheng, a prince during the Han dynasty who died in 113 bc. Today needles are thin, threadlike filaments usually made of stainless steel.

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III

Acupuncture Theory

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the body is composed of two opposite but complementary aspects called yin and yang. Harmony and health are achieved when yin and yang are balanced. Yin is associated with such characteristics as cold, slow, dim, and quiet, and yang with attributes such as hot, fast, bright, and excited. Mental and emotional states are believed to influence the body’s balance of yin and yang, and therefore impact health and disease.

An imbalance of yin and yang causes obstructions in the flow of vital life energy known as qi, or chi (pronounced “chee”). Obstructions in the flow of qi lead to pain and disease. Qi is believed to circulate in the body through pathways or channels called meridians. There are 12 main meridians and eight secondary meridians. Each of the 12 main meridians is associated with a major internal organ, such as the liver or heart. According to different practitioners, there are from 365 to more than 2,000 acupuncture points. Acupuncture needles inserted into these points are said to unblock and balance the flow of qi.

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Acupuncture Practice

Acupuncture is performed by inserting needles into selected acupuncture points. Typically, a practitioner inserts the needle 3 to 10 mm (0.1 to 0.4 in) deep, depending on the condition and treatment objectives. Once inserted, the needles are rotated either by hand or, more often, connected to an electrical device that sends low-voltage currents along the needles and into the body. Depending on the patient’s condition, needles remain in the body five minutes to an hour or more. Some people report feeling energized by an acupuncture treatment, while others feel relaxed.

For each acupuncture point, a corresponding body part is affected. The acupuncture point and affected body part are not always located in the same area. For example, a point on the hand affects the large intestine. The locations of acupuncture points are recorded on charts, some of which date back many centuries. Generally, a chronic problem is treated with 4 to 20 sessions. Depending on the practitioner and condition, sessions may occur daily or once to twice per week.

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