Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting small needles into the skin and forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The origin of Acupuncture is very ancient but obscured by the lack of documentation from the Ancient World. Published descriptions begin in the first century CE.

The patient is diagnosed by the Acupuncturist through observation and questioning to decide which pressure points will need attention.
The patient then lies face down and between 5 to 15 needles are inserted at the various pressure points for between 10-20 minutes.
During this process chemical signals in the brain called endorphins are released which alleviate sensations of pain and restore a feeling of comfort to the patient.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of treatment and healing that has developed over several thousand years in China.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the identification and transformation of ailments using the Eight Principles: Interior and exterior, hot and cold, empty and full, yin and yang.
It is based on the belief that a life force known as Qi circulates along channels in the body called meridians. Qi is thought to flow from the primary organs to the muscles, joints and bones through these meridians.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes disease and ailments are caused by the blocking of the life force, Qi, and that the cure can be achieved by restoring the balance between the opposing forces described in the Eight Principles.
This is done through the use of diet, physical exercise, meditation, herbal therapy, massage and Acupuncture.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that the life force known as Qi can be unblocked by inserting needles for acupuncture at various points along these meridians and in other places.
There are strong similarities between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine which was based on the Theory of the Four Humours and continued in practice right up until the 1800’s in the West.

Bian Que Autobiography (407-310 BCE)
- Bian Que was a Chinese Physician from the State of Qi who mentioned the specific points to insert needles in Acupuncture.
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic (Huangdi Neijing) (c.100 BCE)
- This is the first publication to describe Acupuncture in detail.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (mid 3rd century CE)
- The first comprehensive work to be published on Acupuncture.
Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (1368-1644 CE)
- This is a compilation of all the practices used in Acupuncture up to that period, published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).