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Origins of Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China and has a long history. It is said to have begun during the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, but archaeological findings suggest that the earliest medical tools, such as the bian stone, appeared around 8000 to 4000 years ago in the Neolithic period. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) systematically describes acupuncture therapy, including the forms of the nine needles and the theories and techniques of acupuncture. Acupuncture has been popular in China for thousands of years and has spread worldwide.
Effects and Functions
01
Promoting Circulation and Unblocking Meridians
Acupuncture has the effect of promoting circulation and unblocking meridians, which can enhance the flow of Qi and blood, clear obstructions in the meridians, maintain smooth Qi flow, and improve symptoms such as joint numbness, pain, and swelling.
02
Balancing Yin and Yang
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the occurrence of diseases is related to the imbalance of Yin and Yang. Acupuncture can also play a role in balancing Yin and Yang, regulating the growth and decline of Yin and Yang in the body, and maintaining balance, which can prevent and treat diseases.
03
Expelling Pathogenic Factors
Acupuncture treatment can expel pathogenic factors, support the body’s righteous Qi, and regulate the immune system.
Four Precautions After Acupuncture
01
Avoid Overexertion
After acupuncture treatment, do not overexert your body, as fatigue can diminish the effectiveness of acupuncture. This is mainly because acupuncture works to open the body’s meridians. Once the meridians are opened, they need to be nurtured, and sufficient energy is necessary for the body to recover quickly after acupuncture.
02
Avoid Bathing or Getting Wet
After acupuncture, it is essential to control the timing of bathing. Generally, one should wait at least two hours until the wounds are fully healed before bathing. Acupuncture includes various treatment methods such as thread embedding therapy, fire needle therapy, bloodletting therapy, and small needle knife therapy. After treatment, there will be some wounds on the body surface, and bathing at this time may affect the wounds.
03
Protective Measures are Necessary
Acupuncture is performed using tools such as silver needles to treat and prevent diseases. After completing acupuncture, it is crucial to take basic protective measures, such as avoiding cold exposure, as this can significantly reduce the effectiveness. If acupuncture is performed on the face or head, it is best to wear a mask or a soft hat when going out to avoid wind or cold exposure.
04
Pay Attention to Dietary Matching
After acupuncture, it is also important to maintain a long-term diet to achieve nurturing and replenishing effects. Acupuncture can deplete the body’s energy, and dietary supplementation is necessary to help the body recover quickly. After acupuncture, it is advisable to eat lighter foods and avoid spicy, stimulating foods, as well as beef and lamb, since overly greasy foods can lead to excessive oil secretion at the acupuncture site, causing blockages.
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