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Acupuncture

History of Acupuncture

The origins of acupuncture pre-date even China's long historical records. The Yellow Emperor's classic (260 B.C.) is considered the oldest recorded account of acupuncture theory. Even though this book represents a culmination of previous doctors' efforts, thousands of doctors have since continued to distill and develop the theories of Chinese medicine.

The Taoist concept of health is to attempt to attain perfect harmony between the opposing forces of the natural world, between Yin and Yang, the belief being that the only way to be healthy is to adjust to the natural forces within the world and become part of their rhythm. It is further realized that the natural forces are completely dependent on each other; earth is dependent on rain and rain is dependent on the sky, which in turn cannot exist without the earth. In the same way Yin cannot exist without Yang, and yet the two are opposites. The concept of a unified, but at the same time polar force, governing natural events, is central to much of Chinese thought.

At first glance these concepts seem to be an irrelevant side-line to the development of a system of medicine, but acupuncture, and its development can only really be understood if one grasps the traditional Chinese approach to health and disease In essence, the ideal of health is perfect harmony between the forces of Yin and Yang; this represents the correct 'way' or Tao. Disharmony brings disease and death. Taoism is a passive philosophy, exalting the art of detailed and accurate observations. This was also an essential part of the development of Chinese medical thought and allowed detailed observations on organ structure and function to be made, as discussed later.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body, and is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM/Oriental medicine is a complete and comprehensive medical system, with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years.

The main objectives of acupuncture treatment

1. Relieve pain and many other symptoms
2. Strengthen the immune system
3. Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs with each other, making a unified, healthy person, rather than a collection of fragmented disharmonious parts.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

• Fourteen major energy channels called meridians course through the human body including the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, torso, and internal organs
• A subtle energy called Chi (pronounced chee) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body, event the most remote cells.
• Chi is the vital force, the presence of which separates the living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical to sound health.
• Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Chi results in pain, dysfunction, and ill health.
• With acupuncture needles, or other means, the acupuncturist stimulates certain points (acupoints) along the course of the meridians. Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of Chi so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own health.