Acupuncture (zhēn jiǔ) differs from our traditional understanding; it does not solely refer to the insertion of silver needles into acupuncture points but also includes moxibustion (àijiǔ). It is a collective term for both acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. Acupuncture involves the use of metal needles inserted into specific acupuncture points (xuéwèi) on the body, utilizing manual techniques to adjust the flow of qi (气) and blood (血). Moxibustion involves rolling moxa (艾绒) into sticks or cones, igniting them to warm the skin’s surface at acupuncture points, achieving the purpose of warming the meridians (经脉) and harmonizing qi and blood. Acupuncture and moxibustion are unique therapeutic methods in China, representing a form of “external treatment for internal diseases”. They aim to open the meridians, regulate qi and blood, restore relative balance between yin (阴) and yang (阳), and harmonize the functions of the organs (脏腑), thereby preventing and treating diseases.
1. Harmonizing Qi and Blood
Acupuncture can harmonize qi and blood by stimulating acupuncture points. By activating these points, it can regulate the body’s meridians, allowing for the expansion of the meridians and smoother circulation of qi and blood, thus ensuring good health.
2. Balancing Yin and Yang
An imbalance of yin and yang within the body can lead to various diseases. Therefore, it is essential to focus on balancing yin and yang during health maintenance. When there is an imbalance, acupuncture can stimulate different meridian points to restore balance, reducing the likelihood of disease.
3. Regulating the Organs
If the five organs (五脏) and six bowels (六腑) have issues, it can lead to significant diseases. However, by stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can effectively regulate the functions of the organs, serving as an optimal method for protecting health.
4. Nourishing Deficiency and Draining Excess
When the body is weak, it is essential to nourish it. Nourishing deficiency and draining excess are crucial for maintaining health, and acupuncture can facilitate this process, ensuring the body remains healthy.
5. Improving Immunity
The body’s immunity is crucial for effectively resisting external viral invasions. Once the immune system is compromised, the body becomes susceptible to various diseases. Acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood, enhancing immunity from a TCM perspective.
6. Unblocking the Meridians
If the meridians are blocked, various diseases can easily arise. Therefore, maintaining smooth meridian flow is crucial. Acupuncture promotes the circulation of qi, effectively unblocking the meridians.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Wolong District Maternal and Child Health Hospital fully utilizes the unique advantages of TCM, combining internal and external treatments, natural therapies and pharmacological therapies, holistic and localized treatments, acupuncture and herbal medicine, and integrating both Chinese and Western medicine. Techniques such as small needle knife therapy, bloodletting therapy, cupping, gua sha, herbal fumigation, moxibustion, and combined herbal treatments are employed. Moxibustion therapy, known for its non-invasive and painless nature, is praised by the public as a “natural green therapy”.
Contributed by: Li Jiaqing (TCM Department)
Edited by: Zhao Bo
Reviewed by: Luo Xiaofan
Final Review: Zhao Jinglin