History of Acupuncture
The practice of traditional Chinese medicine and
acupuncture have been recorded for the past 2000 years, although some
authorities claim such practices have been taking place for nearly 4000
years. The earliest evidence of acupuncture are “stone needles” found
dated back to 500 B.C. These stone needles are referred to as the
character “Bian” in ancient record and were apparently used to drain
abscesses. It is believed that the use of metal needles followed
closely. Needles composed of bronze, gold, and silver have been excavated
from burial sites dating back to 0 A.D. The traditional "nine
needles" of acupuncture emerged soon after and consist of the following
needles:
- Arrowhead: for superficial piercing
- Round: for massaging points
- Blunt: for knocking or pressing points
- Triple-edged: for venipuncture or blood-letting
- Sword-like: to drain abscesses
- Sharp: for rapid pricking
- Filiform: model for today's needles
- Long: for muscle insertion
- Large: for joint insertion
Acupuncture, like any medical practice, has evolved with time. Initial
references to the practice of acupuncture indicate such practice was useful for
draining abscesses and cleansing the body of “evil.” The first formal
written record of acupuncture is the Nei Ching Su Wen text, which is otherwise
known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. The book is
divided into two parts, the Su Wen: regarded as the “answer” segment, dated
2 B.C.; and Ling Shu: regarded as “difficult questions,” dated 1 B.C.
The book follows a discussion between the Yellow Emperor Huang Ti and his
physician, Chi Po. The text delineates the philosophical basis of
traditional Chinese medicine and also the practice of acupuncture. In the
Nei Ching Su Wen, reference is made to “puncture the tender spot.” It
is believed that acupuncture initially treated several points, including those
most tender. Years of practice and observation is said to have led to the
mapping of the channel system.
Another important text to the further development of the point and channel
theories is the Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. It first appeared
in
the Warring States period, authored by Huang Fu Mi. It indicated nearly
350
acupoints along the main channels. Several other texts followed the in
progression of traditional Chinese medicine. The Sui and Tang dynasties
saw organized schools of traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture
instruction and improved texts. During the Song dynasty, Wei-yi authored
an Illustrated Manual on the points for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in 1026
A.D. The book discusses location of approximately 350 points, needle
technique, and clinical indications. The Ming dynasty brought the
beginnings of the Chinese industrial revolution and continued improvement of the
practice of acupuncture and its written record. The Qing dynasty (19th
century) found China in turmoil leading to the degeneration of Chinese culture
and its traditional medicine, culminating in a governmental decree in 1822
banning acupuncture from the medical curriculum. The practice of
acupuncture was largely lost until its “renaissance” in the late 1940’s
with the Communist establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The
emphasis to popularize the use of acupuncture has paved the way for innovations
seen today: ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy), acupuncture anesthesia,
electroacupuncture,
and scalp acupuncture.
Please click here to see a
rough timeline of the dynasties mentioned above.
History of acupuncture in the United States
There is evidence of the practice of acupuncture in Europe
(France and England) dating back to the early 1800’s, however, acupuncture has
only been popular in the United States since Nixon’s relations with China in
1972. Since that time, the United States has seen an increasing number of
practitioners and patient use. Much research regarding the physiology and
efficacy of acupuncture has been produced that appears to support the use of
acupuncture in specific arenas of treatment. The United States has also
contributed to the “technology” of acupuncture in the form of electrical
stimulation machines and lasers for adjunctive therapy.
For more information, click here:
www.healthy.net/library/books/acupuncture/ACUPUN3.htm
www.demon.co.uk/acupuncture
For an interactive acupoint website, click here:
http://www.qi-journal.com/AcuPoints/acupuncture.html
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