Origins of Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China over 2000 years ago. This healing art was first described in a 200 BCE medical text, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” together with other components of traditional Chinese medicine. There was even evidence that stone needles were being used therapeutically as early as the New Stone Age.

Theory of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the theory that vital energy, or “qi,” circulates in the human body through a system of channels referred to as the meridians. Examples include the lung, heart, spleen, kidney, liver and stomach meridians. The meridians are thought to have points along their paths that can be accessed from the surface of the skin. These are known as acupuncture points.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, energy must flow smoothly along the meridians for perfect health and balance. However, when this energy flow is obstructed by a disease or injury, illness symptoms or pain occurs. Acupuncture stimulates acupuncture points along the meridians associated with the affected organ system or body part. In doing so, this technique is believed to restore the proper movement of “qi,” and thus relieve or prevent discomfort and enhance healing.

Practice of Acupuncture

The most basic acupuncture technique involves inserting fine needles into acupuncture points. The inserted needles may be twirled or simply left in place for a short time. In other forms of acupuncture, electrical current (electroacupuncture) or microwave radiation is applied to the needles for a stronger effect. Alternatively, a laser beam may be used instead of a needle to stimulate an acupuncture point. 

In a related traditional technique called moxibustion, an acupuncture point is warmed by burning mugwort leaves close to it. A heat lamp may be used for a similar purpose. 

Spread to the West

The global spread of acupuncture from China began with Korea in the 6th century and reached Europe by the 17th century. Although acupuncture was described in US medical journals in the early 1800s, it did not gain significant interest here until former President Nixon visited China in 1972. In the same year, the first surgical operations using acupuncture anesthesia/analgesia were performed in the US. They demonstrated to the Western world acupuncture’s impressive pain-relieving power.

Since then, much research has examined the therapeutic effectiveness of acupuncture. The data support acupuncture’s ability to relieve such conditions as knee pain due to osteoarthritis, low back pain, headache and various cancer treatment side effects.​

Acceptance in the West

As acupuncture continues to be studied by Western science, a clearer picture is emerging on how this therapy works. Most acupuncture points are found between connective tissue planes, where the twirling of an inserted needle can exert a tugging force on the gel-like matrix and activate the embedded cells. Acupuncture points are also close to nerve endings and in touch with cells of the immune system, blood vessels and fat and muscle tissues. When stimulated, these nerves and other cells can send signals to the brain and release chemicals that regulate body processes including pain sensation, circulation, inflammation and tissue repair.

In 1997, the National Institutes of Health acknowledged that acupuncture is an effective therapy for a wide range of health conditions. Acupuncture needles were granted the status of Class II medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration. As acupuncture becomes a widely accepted complementary and alternative therapy, it is covered by many insurance plans for specific medical conditions.

Outlook of Acupuncture

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​Thousands of years after its discovery, acupuncture is more valuable today than ever. Millions of Americans are battling addiction to narcotic painkillers and the significant side effects of cancer treatments. Acupuncture can help. It is a safe, gentle, medication-free approach to managing chronic or recurring pain, recovering from injuries, easing chemotherapy-related fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and so much more. Integrating this Eastern medicine approach with conventional Western medicine will allow more patients maximize healing and well-being.

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