Acupuncture training online: the history of acupuncture and moxibustion
Acupuncture and moxibustion are guided by the basic theories of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), they investigate the meridians, collaterals, acupuncture points, and various methods employed by there modalities and discuss how they are used to prevent and treat diseases. Due to their extensive range of indications and effectiveness using simple, safe, cost-effective, practical applications, this science not only has been accepted by the general population, but also has become one of the therapeutic methods embraced by many countries in the world.
Ⅰ The embryonic stage:
The therapeutic methods of acupuncture can be traced back to remote antiquity in China. Bian shi (the stone needle) was the embryonic form or predecessor of the needle instrument now produced as the result of the collective experiences in everyday life and the labor of ancient people. Bian shi was discovered to be capable of treating some diseases by pressing stones or piercing certain parts of the body with stones; it was later developed into a therapeutic method. A high quality , wrought stone needle was sued after the Neolithic Stone Age, and according to Yi Fa Fang Yi Lun (Different methods in various cases), one of the chapters in the Su Wen (Plain Questions), Bian shi was suitable for diseases with boils and carbuncles. With the development of civilization, needles made of other materials appeared, to include those made of bone, earthenware, and bamboo. Following the introduction of metallurgy, bronze, iron, gold and silver needles were widely used.
Therapeutic methods using moxibustion can be traced back to primitive societies when people learned to use and control fire. Primitive peoples discovered that warming themselves with fire relieved some diseases on certain parts of the body, which lead to their knowledge of the functions of warming methods. Moxibustion methods were formulated from empirical knowledge, by warming various branches in moxa wards during the period of the warring states.
Cupping methods also originated from primitive societies. Initially, people used a hollow horn that was truck to the surface of the skin after consuming the air inside of it with fire to treat some diseases; that is why the cupping methods was also called the “horn method” in ancient times.
Ⅱ The initial stage
This stage was prior to the formation of Huang Di Nei Jing (Huangdi’s Canon of Medicine). Guidelines associated with acupuncture therapy were discovered and research was done over a period of time resulting in the formulation of rational knowledge concerning the concepts of meridians and collaterals. The silk scrolls recorded two kinds of ancient meridians and collaterals. In 1973, Zu Bi Shi Yi Mai Jiu Jing (Moxibustion Classic with Eleven Foot-Hand Meridians) and Yinyang Shi Yi Mai Jiu Jing (Moxibustion Classic with Eleven Yin-yang Meridians) were discovered during the excavation of the No. 3 Han Tomb at Mawangdui, Changsha City, Hunan province. They discussed the pathways and their distribution, manifestations of diseases and the therapeutic methods of moxibustion. It was the earliest known literature on acupuncture and moxibustion, and showed the earliest general knowledge of meridian and collateral system.
Ⅲ The establishment stage
This stage was from the Warring States period to the Qin and Han Dynasties. The creation of Huang Di Nei Jing was the marker for this stage; this book expound on the meridian pathways, indications, acupuncture points, and techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion as well as contraindications; especially Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot). One part of the book devoted many chapters to the theories of acupuncture and moxibustion and their clinical applications; Another book known as Nan Jing (Classic of Medical Problems), created during the Han Dynasty, was written to clarify Huang Di Nei Jing, it discussed the eight extra meridians and primary qi, to compensate for the imperfections of Huang Di Nei Jing, and at the same time, it expounded on the eight influential points; the applications of the five transport points according to the five element theory and the coordination of both hands during the course of manipulations.
Ⅳ The development stage
Huang Pumi, a famous acupuncturist in the Jin Dynasty wrote a book called Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (The ABC Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) by compiling materials related to acupuncture and moxibustion from several ancient medical books: Su Wen, Ling Shu and Ming Tang Kong Xue Zhen Jiu Zhi Yao (Ming Tang Points and Essentials of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment). It is the earliest book exclusively about acupuncture and moxibustion that related the manes, locations of acupuncture points, acupuncture manipulations and moxibustion in detail, included therapeutic methods using acupuncture for different diseases.
