Acupuncture Modern Research and Clinical Application

Author: Chief Editor: Zhang Tao et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-09-01
Features:
Content Summary This book is divided into two major parts: General Theory and Specific Topics. The General Theory introduces the characteristics and essence of meridians, the specificity of acupoint structure and function, meridian qi and needle sensation, as well as research findings on the neurological, immunological, and endocrine mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating diseases, and the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive system diseases. The Specific Topics covers the pathogenesis, acupuncture treatment mechanisms, syndrome differentiation and treatment, acupuncture and moxibustion prescription and acupoint selection, and case studies by renowned experts for 81 diseases. This book organically combines traditional acupuncture theory, modern research findings, and clinical knowledge, offering a certain degree of scientificity, theoretical depth, and practicality, and can serve as a reference for acupuncture clinicians and researchers.
Excerpt:
Chapter Basic Concepts and Research Progress of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a human science that guides itself with the basic theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, based on the physiological foundation of meridians and acupoints, and employs needle and moxibustion to prevent and treat diseases. From the content of historical literature, it can be seen that acupuncture has been continuously improving and developing. Its fundamental concepts, such as meridians, acupoints, needle techniques, and needle sensation, all underwent a process from imperfection to perfection. To understand acupuncture, one must start with its basic concepts. In addition to traditional acupuncture content, modern science has conducted multi-dimensional, multi-level research on all aspects of acupuncture, further enriching its content. This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion on the traditional concepts and modern research of basic acupuncture concepts.
Section Characteristics and Essence of Meridians
1. Traditional Meridian Theory
Meridian theory is a study of the circulation, distribution, physiological functions, pathological changes, and their relationships with zang-fu organs of the human meridian system. It is the cornerstone of the entire theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, established and developed by ancient physicians through long-term medical practice. For thousands of years, it has guided clinical practice in all branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly closely related to acupuncture.
(1) The Concept of Meridians
Meridians refer to the main meridians and collaterals. The term "meridian" implies a path, with meridiansing the body vertically and horizontally, connecting the internal and external parts, serving as the main trunk of the meridian system. "Collateral" implies a network, with collateral vessels being branches of the meridians, finer than meridians, interweaving and spreading throughout the body. The meridian system is a naturally existing physiological functional system in the human body. Internally, it is connected to the zang-fu organs; externally, it links to the limbs and joints. It communicates between the zang-fu organs and the body surface, integrating the body's zang-fu organs into an organic whole, capable of circulating qi and blood, harmonizing yin and yang, and maintaining coordinated and dynamic balance in the body's functional activities. The meridian system holds great significance for the human body, capable of "determining life and death, and addressing all diseases." At the same time, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases with acupuncture and herbal medicine, the differentiation of syndromes and meridian allocation, as well as the selection of acupoints along meridians, all rely on meridian theory. As the Lingshu states in the "Meridian Branches Chapter," "The twelve meridians are what sustain life, what cause disease, what treat life, what cause disease, what initiates learning, and what concludes craftsmanship." This succinctly summarizes the important role of the human meridian system.
(2) Composition of the Meridian System
Meridians consist of main meridians and collateral meridians. The main meridians include the twelve regular meridians (also known as the twelve meridians) and the eight extraordinary meridians, as well as the twelve meridian branches, twelve meridian tendons, and twelve skin regions that are affiliated with the twelve regular meridians. Collateral meridians include fifteen collaterals, superficial collaterals, and fine collaterals. The formation of meridian theory was deeply influenced by ancient yin-yang and five elements theory. All human meridians are divided into yin and yang parts. The twelve regular meridians include six yin meridians and six yang meridians. Since the twelve meridians internally belong to the zang-fu organs and externally connect to the limbs and joints, the naming of the twelve meridians, in addition to the yin-yang distinction, also indicates their affiliated zang-fu organs. For example, the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian includes the meaning that this meridian is a yin meridian, affiliated with the lungs, and externally runs along the hand. Similarly, the names of the other eleven meridians also contain these meanings. Yin meridians run along the inner side of the limbs and the chest and abdomen, while yang meridians run along the outer side of the limbs and the waist and back. The names, affiliated zang-fu organs, and yin-yang-five elements attributes of the twelve meridians are listed below (Table 1-1).