Acupuncture points used for treatment may or may not be in the same body region as the symptom. The traditional Chinese medicinal theory is that the selection of these points is based on the fact that they stimulate the meridian system and bring relief to ailments by rebalancing the yin and yang in our body and regulating the flow of chi.
Body acupuncture points are located by using a unit of measure called the ‘cun’.
This is calculated in accordance with the proportional distances from various landmarks on the body. Acupuncture points, therefore, are determined by these landmark points.
These anatomical landmarks are determined by palpation, by which we mean the ability to diagnose illness by touch. There are some 400 acupuncture points recognized by the World Health Organization on the meridians.
Some basic points are very rarely used. Some are used much more frequently and are more ‘valuable’ than others because they can treat many different conditions. Location of acupuncture points by feeling for tenderness of the skin is a common way. Acupuncture points can also be found by looking for minute changes in temperature on the skin surface and even the ‘stickiness’ of the skin or tissue.
Body acupuncture points are referred to by their traditional Chinese names or through the meridians on which they are found, followed by a number. This indicates the order of the point on the actual meridian.
For example, a common point on the hand is the ‘hegu’. It is also known as LI4 which means that is the fourth point on the long intestine meridian.
torsdag 5 juni 2008
What is Acupuncture Points/Acupoints
Acupuncture points are specific points found on your body which are the focus of acupuncture and other forms of acupuncture which we will look into a little later.
Hundreds of acupuncture points are found on the meridians but there are also many other extra acupuncture points that are not inked to any particular meridian as such.
As we mentioned before in the discussion of the organs, acupuncturists view the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine in functional rather than structural terms. What this means is that concepts are more crucial in patient diagnosis and treatment than describing anatomy.
Actually there is little or no anatomical evidence for the existence of these acupuncture points or even meridians. However there is considerable evidence of the effects of acupuncture on the appropriate acupuncture points. Neuro-imaging research has shown that certain acupuncture points have effects that are not otherwise predictable
Hundreds of acupuncture points are found on the meridians but there are also many other extra acupuncture points that are not inked to any particular meridian as such.
As we mentioned before in the discussion of the organs, acupuncturists view the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine in functional rather than structural terms. What this means is that concepts are more crucial in patient diagnosis and treatment than describing anatomy.
Actually there is little or no anatomical evidence for the existence of these acupuncture points or even meridians. However there is considerable evidence of the effects of acupuncture on the appropriate acupuncture points. Neuro-imaging research has shown that certain acupuncture points have effects that are not otherwise predictable
The Channels or Meridians
Channels or meridians are the pathways for chi and the connection between the vital organs or zang fu. The Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature published by the World Health Organization lists some 20 meridians.
These 20 meridians are further divided into ‘standard meridians’; one meridian each for the twelve major organs. Each meridian is responsible for nourishing that particular organ. There are also 8 ‘extraordinary’ meridians – only two of which have their own set points, the other six connecting various points on the other meridians.
The twelve main meridians are the pathways that connect our inner world with the outer world.
Chi is always flowing through our bodies. Chi enters our body at specific points in a particular meridian and flows out of the opposite end. This energy then enters the next meridian in the sequence. It continues to flow through the entire body, one meridian after the other. This flow cycle takes 24 hours to complete.
Each of the twelve main meridians is active for two particular hours in the day. The does not mean that for the remaining twenty two hours the meridian is not functioning, but simply that the activity of chi in those meridians is reduced.
The twelve standard meridians follow the arms and legs. They provide and regulate chi for the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, pericardium, gall bladder, liver and the triple warmer (the torso). It is important to note that these refer to functions of the mentioned organs rather than the structural organ.
The meridians are also divided according to yin and yang. The yin meridians of the arms include the lung, heart and pericardium. The yang meridians of the arms include both the large and small intestine and the triple warmer. The yin meridians of the leg are the liver, kidney and spleen. The yang meridians of the leg include the gall bladder, the urinary bladder and the stomach.
These 20 meridians are further divided into ‘standard meridians’; one meridian each for the twelve major organs. Each meridian is responsible for nourishing that particular organ. There are also 8 ‘extraordinary’ meridians – only two of which have their own set points, the other six connecting various points on the other meridians.
The twelve main meridians are the pathways that connect our inner world with the outer world.
Chi is always flowing through our bodies. Chi enters our body at specific points in a particular meridian and flows out of the opposite end. This energy then enters the next meridian in the sequence. It continues to flow through the entire body, one meridian after the other. This flow cycle takes 24 hours to complete.
Each of the twelve main meridians is active for two particular hours in the day. The does not mean that for the remaining twenty two hours the meridian is not functioning, but simply that the activity of chi in those meridians is reduced.
The twelve standard meridians follow the arms and legs. They provide and regulate chi for the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, pericardium, gall bladder, liver and the triple warmer (the torso). It is important to note that these refer to functions of the mentioned organs rather than the structural organ.
The meridians are also divided according to yin and yang. The yin meridians of the arms include the lung, heart and pericardium. The yang meridians of the arms include both the large and small intestine and the triple warmer. The yin meridians of the leg are the liver, kidney and spleen. The yang meridians of the leg include the gall bladder, the urinary bladder and the stomach.
Physiology in terms of acupuncture
When describing our physiology in terms of acupuncture, we need to concern ourselves with meridians and acupuncture points or acupoints (as we will call them now). We have already established that meridians are the channels through which chi flows in our body between the main twelve organs. Acupoints are various points along these meridians through which we are able to manipulate the flow of energy.
Acupuncture and Chaos Theory
This theory is based on the idea that sometimes systems may seem random and often even chaotic, whereas in reality they follow a much deeper order that can only be explained by reference to complex formulae.
Chaotic systems can be tamed by recognizing the multiple patterns that cause the appearance of chaos and then adjusting or modifying one or more of those patterns or symptoms with many small inputs. Acupuncture is exactly such a series of small inputs that influences the seemingly chaotic human body.
Chaotic systems can be tamed by recognizing the multiple patterns that cause the appearance of chaos and then adjusting or modifying one or more of those patterns or symptoms with many small inputs. Acupuncture is exactly such a series of small inputs that influences the seemingly chaotic human body.
Acupuncture and Fractal Theory
Fractals are patterns that remain the same at all sizes. In simpler terms, the whole structure of the object is composed of many thousands of miniature versions of the object.
It is believed that the stimulation of acupuncture points affects remote parts of the body due to fractal resonance. For example, the foot is often seen as ‘mini-body’ and treating the foot will therefore yield results for ailments in other parts of the body.
It is believed that the stimulation of acupuncture points affects remote parts of the body due to fractal resonance. For example, the foot is often seen as ‘mini-body’ and treating the foot will therefore yield results for ailments in other parts of the body.
Acupuncture Hologram Theory
Our lives began in the womb as a single cell. Then (according to acupuncture theory) it is safe to say that there is a part in the whole and the whole in the part at the same time. This is what is sometimes known as the hologram theory of acupuncture.
If you were to take apart a holographic image, then a fragment of the image will represent the whole image, although it is obviously considerably less detailed. Therefore, every cell in our body is related to every other cell in the body and every one therefore affects every other one. From this perspective, applying acupuncture to a particular region can affect a seemingly unrelated region.
If you were to take apart a holographic image, then a fragment of the image will represent the whole image, although it is obviously considerably less detailed. Therefore, every cell in our body is related to every other cell in the body and every one therefore affects every other one. From this perspective, applying acupuncture to a particular region can affect a seemingly unrelated region.
Neuro-hormonal Theory and acupuncture
The transmission of pain between the various points of our body and brain can be modulated at different levels in the brain.
Different structures in the brain will process different aspects of pain, such as the experience of emotional pain, the perception of what pain feels like, the recognition of how harmful the pain will be and where the pain is coming from.
The blocking of pain is mediated by what we call neuro-hormones that are attached to the receptors which are responsible for blocking pain. Pain relief using the drug morphine acts on the same receptors that are responsible for blocking pain as those addressed by endorphins, which is a natural substance produced by the body for blocking pain.
Studies have shown that the pain killing properties of acupuncture come about by stimulating the flow of natural endorphins in the brain.
This can be scientifically or medically proven by blocking the action of endorphins using a drug called naloxone. When naloxone is administered, the pain killing effect of the endorphin is nullified and the patient feels pain again. Furthermore, when naloxone was given to a patient being actively treated by acupuncture, the pain relieving effects of acupuncture were also reversed. This means that the site where acupuncture is applied is subject to the natural release of endorphins by the brain.
Recent studies have also show that acupuncture releases the levels of nitric oxide in the region of treatment, and that this, it turn, increases blood circulation in the region.
Different structures in the brain will process different aspects of pain, such as the experience of emotional pain, the perception of what pain feels like, the recognition of how harmful the pain will be and where the pain is coming from.
The blocking of pain is mediated by what we call neuro-hormones that are attached to the receptors which are responsible for blocking pain. Pain relief using the drug morphine acts on the same receptors that are responsible for blocking pain as those addressed by endorphins, which is a natural substance produced by the body for blocking pain.
Studies have shown that the pain killing properties of acupuncture come about by stimulating the flow of natural endorphins in the brain.
This can be scientifically or medically proven by blocking the action of endorphins using a drug called naloxone. When naloxone is administered, the pain killing effect of the endorphin is nullified and the patient feels pain again. Furthermore, when naloxone was given to a patient being actively treated by acupuncture, the pain relieving effects of acupuncture were also reversed. This means that the site where acupuncture is applied is subject to the natural release of endorphins by the brain.
Recent studies have also show that acupuncture releases the levels of nitric oxide in the region of treatment, and that this, it turn, increases blood circulation in the region.
Why acupuncture?
The Chinese system of medicine is quite intricate, especially in the way that it is suggested that our organs and mental symptoms are related.
Traditionally, Western scientists and medical practitioners have been suspicious about the nature of this traditional healing method.
However, some interesting parallels between Western and traditional Chinese medicine have been observed over recent years. As an example, with reference to our earlier example of the relationship between the heart and the kidney, Western medicine has now observed that when one suffers from severe heart problems, kidney failure is often quite close behind.
Whilst this is a relatively recent discovery in the West, this connection between the two organs was established many centuries ago in traditional Chinese medicine.
More than 10,000 studies have been conducted into the scientific basis of the effectiveness of acupuncture. It should, therefore, be no surprise that the science of acupuncture is evolving as scientists are taking a renewed interest in this centuries old science.
Because of this, it is now a highly respected, yet intriguing mode of healing. There are several contemporary scientific theories that argue the case of acupuncture.
There are in fact changes that happen in our bodies when acupuncture is performed. Consider the scientific theories below as evidence of this truth:
Traditionally, Western scientists and medical practitioners have been suspicious about the nature of this traditional healing method.
However, some interesting parallels between Western and traditional Chinese medicine have been observed over recent years. As an example, with reference to our earlier example of the relationship between the heart and the kidney, Western medicine has now observed that when one suffers from severe heart problems, kidney failure is often quite close behind.
Whilst this is a relatively recent discovery in the West, this connection between the two organs was established many centuries ago in traditional Chinese medicine.
More than 10,000 studies have been conducted into the scientific basis of the effectiveness of acupuncture. It should, therefore, be no surprise that the science of acupuncture is evolving as scientists are taking a renewed interest in this centuries old science.
Because of this, it is now a highly respected, yet intriguing mode of healing. There are several contemporary scientific theories that argue the case of acupuncture.
There are in fact changes that happen in our bodies when acupuncture is performed. Consider the scientific theories below as evidence of this truth:
Studies using radioactive tracers have shown that acupuncture channels or meridians are in fact distinct channels that are separate from blood vessels and lymph vessels.
Acupuncture points on the body generally have a higher electrical resistance than surrounding tissue.
The conduction of electricity through our bodies is faster through the meridians than it is through the rest of the body.
An electrical charge initiated at one acupoint can be received at a distant point on the same meridian.
The acupuncture needle can act as an antenna and attract electromagnetic energy to pass it into tissue.
Acupuncture also makes the brain release neuropeptides that are helpful in relieving pain.
Another theory claims that needles can jam the pathways and prevent pain signals from reaching the brain
Acupuncture The Five Elements
Another fundamental concept in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine is that our body and the universe at large is made up of five main elements in nature. Those elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The elements are connected to each other and each one generates another element or controls another element. Each organ is related to a particular element. Traditional Chinese medicine uses this categorization of organs and elements to describe, diagnose and treat medical conditions.
For example, the kidney is related to water and the heart is related to fire and these two organs have the same relationship as water and fire. Therefore, following this theory, if the kidney is weak there maybe a problem with the heart. So, treatment could be applied by acupuncture or herbs to cool down the heart or increase the chi (energy) in the kidney system.
The five elements of wood, fire, earth, water and metal are related to the following combinations of the vital organs or zang fu:
For example, the kidney is related to water and the heart is related to fire and these two organs have the same relationship as water and fire. Therefore, following this theory, if the kidney is weak there maybe a problem with the heart. So, treatment could be applied by acupuncture or herbs to cool down the heart or increase the chi (energy) in the kidney system.
The five elements of wood, fire, earth, water and metal are related to the following combinations of the vital organs or zang fu:
Wood is related to the liver and gall bladder.
Fire is related to the heart and small intestine.
Earth is related to the spleen and stomach.
Water is related to the kidney and urinary bladder.
Metal is related to the lung and large intestine.
Acupuncture and Zang Fu
The Zang Fu are the internal organs of the body. There are twelve main organs in the Chinese medical system – the lungs, kidney, large intestine, urinary bladder, small intestine, spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pericardium and the ‘triple warmer’ also known as san jiao (the entire torso region). Each organ has a particular kind of chi energy associated with it. Each organ also interacts with particular emotions on a mental level.
With twelve major organs, there are twelve types of chi which move through the main channels or meridians. Chinese medicine aims to heal by connecting symptoms to organs. Symptoms are caused by yin and yang imbalances in the organs or due to an unhealthy flow of chi between organs.
Coming back to the concept of zang fu, this theory also returns us to the concept of yin and yang. ‘Zang’ is related to the yin organs – lungs, heart, spleen, kidneys, liver and the pericardium. The ‘Fu’ on the other hand is related to what are deemed to be the yang organs – gall bladder, both the small and large intestines, stomach, urinary bladder, and the triple warmer or san jiao.
Each zang organ is paired or coupled with a fu organ – except for the pericardium and the triple warmer. These two both describe functions which are not related to any organ.
In this arrangement, all of the organs help to regulate one another. Each fu organ has a corresponding zang organ and while one ‘side’ of this organ balance is responsible for negatively regulating its organ, the other one is responsible for positively regulating. The way in which organs interact with each other is described by the five element theory.
With twelve major organs, there are twelve types of chi which move through the main channels or meridians. Chinese medicine aims to heal by connecting symptoms to organs. Symptoms are caused by yin and yang imbalances in the organs or due to an unhealthy flow of chi between organs.
Coming back to the concept of zang fu, this theory also returns us to the concept of yin and yang. ‘Zang’ is related to the yin organs – lungs, heart, spleen, kidneys, liver and the pericardium. The ‘Fu’ on the other hand is related to what are deemed to be the yang organs – gall bladder, both the small and large intestines, stomach, urinary bladder, and the triple warmer or san jiao.
Each zang organ is paired or coupled with a fu organ – except for the pericardium and the triple warmer. These two both describe functions which are not related to any organ.
In this arrangement, all of the organs help to regulate one another. Each fu organ has a corresponding zang organ and while one ‘side’ of this organ balance is responsible for negatively regulating its organ, the other one is responsible for positively regulating. The way in which organs interact with each other is described by the five element theory.
Chi and acupuncture
Chi – as we mentioned before – is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medical philosophy. Chi is believed to exist in all living things as a critically important life force or spiritual energy. It is generated by our internal organs and we also receive it from food, water, air and sun light. Our body has natural patterns through which chi flows – the meridians. It flows through the body to help nourish and regenerate. Illnesses are often the by-product of blocked or imbalanced chi in the body’s meridians or an imbalance of chi in the body’s key organs. Traditional Chinese medicine relieves these imbalances by adjusting chi circulation in the body. Acupuncture is one of the ways of achieving an ideal flow of chi through the body.
Yin and Yang
In Chinese philosophy, the body and the universe at large are best described by opposing and separate yet complementary principles – that is, yin and yang.
Yin represents the cold, the feminine, the light, the inward and downward direction and the passive. Yang represents the hot, the masculine, the dark, the outward and upward direction and the active.
The two forces are in constant interaction and opposition yet always influencing each other. For example, if one is suffering from symptoms of high blood pressure, Chinese traditional medicine would tell you that the heart has too much yang, and prescribe methods of reducing the yang or increasing the yin of the heart, after consideration of the effects of this on the other symptoms and organs of the body. Therefore, acupuncture therapies seek to increase or decrease yang or increase or decrease yin in particular body regions.
Yin represents the cold, the feminine, the light, the inward and downward direction and the passive. Yang represents the hot, the masculine, the dark, the outward and upward direction and the active.
The two forces are in constant interaction and opposition yet always influencing each other. For example, if one is suffering from symptoms of high blood pressure, Chinese traditional medicine would tell you that the heart has too much yang, and prescribe methods of reducing the yang or increasing the yin of the heart, after consideration of the effects of this on the other symptoms and organs of the body. Therefore, acupuncture therapies seek to increase or decrease yang or increase or decrease yin in particular body regions.
The Basics of Chinese Medicine
The wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine observes the relationship between our mind, body and spirit.
Keeping this in mind, it is a ‘holistic’ approach that promotes healing on multiple levels. So it is fair to say that traditional Chinese medicine focuses on holistic healing.
Holistic health refers to a philosophy of physical care that is of the view that our body, mind and even spiritual experiences are inter-connected. It is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
In the same way, traditional Chinese medicine sees the body as a universe, one which must be governed by the laws of balance (the yin and the yang). Our emotional and mental well being is just as likely to affect our vulnerability to disease, and external factors such as work, lifestyle choices, environment and even relationships are crucial to the overall picture of one’s health.
Contemporary Western medicine describes health in measurable and quantitative processes of chemical reactions. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine uses the idea of the yin-yang, the organ system and the five elements to look at the body and health. We have already discussed the concept of the yin and the yang briefly – but it is worth understanding these basic concepts in greater depth to improve our understanding of many other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine
Keeping this in mind, it is a ‘holistic’ approach that promotes healing on multiple levels. So it is fair to say that traditional Chinese medicine focuses on holistic healing.
Holistic health refers to a philosophy of physical care that is of the view that our body, mind and even spiritual experiences are inter-connected. It is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
In the same way, traditional Chinese medicine sees the body as a universe, one which must be governed by the laws of balance (the yin and the yang). Our emotional and mental well being is just as likely to affect our vulnerability to disease, and external factors such as work, lifestyle choices, environment and even relationships are crucial to the overall picture of one’s health.
Contemporary Western medicine describes health in measurable and quantitative processes of chemical reactions. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine uses the idea of the yin-yang, the organ system and the five elements to look at the body and health. We have already discussed the concept of the yin and the yang briefly – but it is worth understanding these basic concepts in greater depth to improve our understanding of many other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine
The Practice of Acupuncture
The primitive history of China is divided into two eras. These are the Old Stone Age (more than 10,000 years ago) and the New Stone Age (10,000 – 4,000 years ago) periods.
In the Old Stone Age period, knives made of stone were used for medical procedures. During the New Stone Age, stones were made into sharp needles and served as healing instruments. They were called ‘bian’ stones. Metal needles soon replaced stones, including those made of bronze, silver and even gold.
The development of acupuncture as we know it started between the years 3045-204BC in a medical manual called Nei-Jing - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.
The first part of this manual describes anatomy, physiology, various syndromes, the yin and the yang, the five elements, treatments and man’s relationship with nature.
The second part of the manual is all about acupuncture, including descriptions of the meridians (the pathways of vital energy in the body), the functions of the organs, the functions of acupuncture points, types of needles, types of chi and much more.
Between AD 260 and 265, the physician Huang Fu Mi organized much of the ancient Chinese medical texts into one comprehensive manual, which he called The Systematic Classics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Over the years, acupuncture texts continued to be revised and updated.
In the 20th century – in 1950 to be precise – Chairman Mao moved for a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Acupuncture was now being offered in hospitals across China.
Acupuncture research continued apace during the 1950s and 1960s with further research into ancient texts, acupuncture anesthesia and acupuncture’s effect on internal organs.
To the present day, acupuncture plays a crucial role in the medical system of China. China is at the forefront of researching all important aspects and applications of acupuncture and its effects. Acupuncture has become modernized, yet it is still deeply tied to the ancient philosophy of nature, balance and well-being.
In the Old Stone Age period, knives made of stone were used for medical procedures. During the New Stone Age, stones were made into sharp needles and served as healing instruments. They were called ‘bian’ stones. Metal needles soon replaced stones, including those made of bronze, silver and even gold.
The development of acupuncture as we know it started between the years 3045-204BC in a medical manual called Nei-Jing - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.
The first part of this manual describes anatomy, physiology, various syndromes, the yin and the yang, the five elements, treatments and man’s relationship with nature.
The second part of the manual is all about acupuncture, including descriptions of the meridians (the pathways of vital energy in the body), the functions of the organs, the functions of acupuncture points, types of needles, types of chi and much more.
Between AD 260 and 265, the physician Huang Fu Mi organized much of the ancient Chinese medical texts into one comprehensive manual, which he called The Systematic Classics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Over the years, acupuncture texts continued to be revised and updated.
In the 20th century – in 1950 to be precise – Chairman Mao moved for a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Acupuncture was now being offered in hospitals across China.
Acupuncture research continued apace during the 1950s and 1960s with further research into ancient texts, acupuncture anesthesia and acupuncture’s effect on internal organs.
To the present day, acupuncture plays a crucial role in the medical system of China. China is at the forefront of researching all important aspects and applications of acupuncture and its effects. Acupuncture has become modernized, yet it is still deeply tied to the ancient philosophy of nature, balance and well-being.
Acupuncture conceptual development
Acupuncture is more than just a remedy. It is both a science and an art, one that has been thousands of years in the making. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that pre-dates written history. It is rooted in a Taoist philosophy more than 6000 years old.
Legendary Chinese sage, Fu Hsi, observed nature – particularly the flow of energy within one’s self and beyond. He also saw the connection between the human body and the universe at large. He created the first two symbols – that of a broken line, and an unbroken line. They represented the two major forces in nature – creation and reception.
This was, in fact, the basis of the principle of duality or yin-yang
Legendary Chinese sage, Fu Hsi, observed nature – particularly the flow of energy within one’s self and beyond. He also saw the connection between the human body and the universe at large. He created the first two symbols – that of a broken line, and an unbroken line. They represented the two major forces in nature – creation and reception.
This was, in fact, the basis of the principle of duality or yin-yang
Oriental medicine and acupuncture
Oriental medicine has some basic principles but they are not set in stone. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine at large are tailored and modified to suit each patient. Furthermore there are many different schools of thought.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete healthcare system that is capable of providing both specialized and primary healthcare. It also gives us guidelines on how to prevent illnesses.
The bulk of traditional Chinese medicine’s roots lie in Taoism. Taoism is both a religion and a philosophy of life. The main focus of Taoism is the natural laws of the universe and our relationship to the universe.
Some of the basic principles of Taoism are listed below. They must be understood in terms of their applications to health and healing:
The word ‘acupuncture’ literally means ‘pricking with a needle.’ Acupuncture points are, in fact, the focus of acupuncture treatments. Therefore, acupuncture involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into acupuncture points on the body for restoring health and well being.
Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago – making it one of the
oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedures in the world. Research into acupuncture is still ongoing and practices and theories are being constantly updated.
In essence, acupuncture is aimed at promoting well being and alleviating pain. The method may seem alien to many of us but it has been practiced in China and beyond for thousands of years and continues to be validated by scientists even today.
Acupuncture is now practiced the world over to benefit of people of all races, ages and ailments.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete healthcare system that is capable of providing both specialized and primary healthcare. It also gives us guidelines on how to prevent illnesses.
The bulk of traditional Chinese medicine’s roots lie in Taoism. Taoism is both a religion and a philosophy of life. The main focus of Taoism is the natural laws of the universe and our relationship to the universe.
Some of the basic principles of Taoism are listed below. They must be understood in terms of their applications to health and healing:
Basic laws of nature govern the universe. We are a part of this universe and we must exist within that framework and abide by these laws.
In its natural order, the universe is perfectly harmonious and perfectly organized. If humans live according to the laws of the universe, they will also be in harmony.
Change is the only constant. Our universe is dynamic. If we do not change ourselves in line with the universe, disharmony will prevail. It is this disharmony that will cause sickness or illness of the mind and body.
All life is interconnected and interdependent. To ensure overall well being we need to consider the whole before the parts. When curing an illness or sickness we must adopt a systems approach, that is, look at the body as a whole rather than as parts.
We are a part of the universe. We are not independent of our universe. In fact, we have an intimate connection with our environment and universe. Therefore, our spiritual, mental and physical health is affected by our environment and external factors.
The word ‘acupuncture’ literally means ‘pricking with a needle.’ Acupuncture points are, in fact, the focus of acupuncture treatments. Therefore, acupuncture involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into acupuncture points on the body for restoring health and well being.
Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago – making it one of the
oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedures in the world. Research into acupuncture is still ongoing and practices and theories are being constantly updated.
In essence, acupuncture is aimed at promoting well being and alleviating pain. The method may seem alien to many of us but it has been practiced in China and beyond for thousands of years and continues to be validated by scientists even today.
Acupuncture is now practiced the world over to benefit of people of all races, ages and ailments.
Introduction to Acupuncture
Most of us have heard of acupuncture, but the truth of the matter is that for many of us, that’s as far as our knowledge of acupuncture goes. We know it involves sticking needles into our body to help relieve pain. But the very idea of needles probably sounds painful. However, this is not really the case.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. This framework of medical practice begins with the belief that our body is a balance of two opposite yet inseparable forces – the yin and yang.
By the same line of thinking, this applies to the entire universe. Yin represents forces such as the cold, the slow and other passive forces, whilst Yang represents heat, excitement and other active forces. It is a combination of these forces and the balance between them that determines our mental and physical well-being.
Another cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of ‘chi’ (pronounced chee). Chi is the life force of the universe. In the body, it is the ‘chi’ that creates and animates life. We are all born with a certain amount of chi and continually acquire it throughout our lives through food, air, water and sunlight. Chi is believed to move through our body in channels called meridians. The quantity and quality of chi in our body depends on the state of our mental and physical balance (as represented by the yin and yang).
In fact, imbalances of the yin and yang in the body block the channels through which chi travels in our body. There are twelve main meridians (channels through which chi – our vital energy – can travel) in our body, eight minor meridians and over 2000 acupuncture points or acupoints which connect these meridians. The practice of acupuncture unblocks these chi pathways, thus ensuring the constant and free flow of energy through our body for mental and physical wellbeing.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. This framework of medical practice begins with the belief that our body is a balance of two opposite yet inseparable forces – the yin and yang.
By the same line of thinking, this applies to the entire universe. Yin represents forces such as the cold, the slow and other passive forces, whilst Yang represents heat, excitement and other active forces. It is a combination of these forces and the balance between them that determines our mental and physical well-being.
Another cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of ‘chi’ (pronounced chee). Chi is the life force of the universe. In the body, it is the ‘chi’ that creates and animates life. We are all born with a certain amount of chi and continually acquire it throughout our lives through food, air, water and sunlight. Chi is believed to move through our body in channels called meridians. The quantity and quality of chi in our body depends on the state of our mental and physical balance (as represented by the yin and yang).
In fact, imbalances of the yin and yang in the body block the channels through which chi travels in our body. There are twelve main meridians (channels through which chi – our vital energy – can travel) in our body, eight minor meridians and over 2000 acupuncture points or acupoints which connect these meridians. The practice of acupuncture unblocks these chi pathways, thus ensuring the constant and free flow of energy through our body for mental and physical wellbeing.
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