The first Chinese medical text to describe acupuncture is The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which was compiled around 305–204 B.C. Considered the oldest medical textbook in the world, it was reportedly written from earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine.  Some hieroglyphics dating back to 1000 B.C. may indicate an even earlier use of acupuncture.

The aim of treatment is to balance the body’s energy force—called qi (pronounced chee) —that runs through channels called meridians. Qi affects all spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical activities and is made up of two opposite aspects: Yin and Yang. A disturbance in their balance or strength results in various ailments or diseases.

The Yin and Yang theory and the Five Element theory are the basis for much of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. Various philosophies further influence diagnosis and treatment:  vital substances; qi transformation; internal organ functions; the twelve major meridians; and six extraordinary vessels. Pattern identifications include: eight principles; qi, blood and fluids; internal organs; pathogenic factors; five elements; channels; extraordinary vessels; six stages; four levels; and three burners.

The twelve primary channels are usually referred to by an organ name, although that does not mean these points only treat that organ or organ system. There are approximately 360 main acupuncture points on the twelve primary meridians, and the governing and conception vessels, plus dozens of "extra points" and "ashi" (tender) points that are located elsewhere.

Lung	3-5 a.m.	Large Intestine	5-7 a.m.
Stomach	7-9 a.m.	Spleen	9-11 a.m.
Heart	11 a.m.-1 p.m.	Small Intestine	1-3 p.m.
Bladder	3-5 p.m.	Kidney	5-7 p.m.
Pericardium	7-9 p.m.	San Jiao (Triple Warmer)	9-11 p.m.
Gall Bladder	11 p.m.-1 a.m.	Liver	1-3 a.m.

Treatments draw from the four pillars of Oriental medicine: acupuncture, bodywork, exercise/meditation and herbal medicine. Other modalities include electrical stimulation, moxibustion, ear seeds, and fire or suction cups.

Diagnosis is based on the patient history and complaints; pulses; observation of the tongue, skin color, odor, and sound of the voice.

Many people are familiar with acupuncture for use in pain control, however, these ancient modalities have  a proven track record of treating and addressing a variety of endocrine, circulatory, and systemic conditions as well.

The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations, lists some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese medicine and acupuncture:

• Upper respiratory tract: acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, common cold, cute tonsillitis
• Respiratory system: acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)
• Eye disorders: acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, myopia (in children), cataract (without complications)
• Mouth disorders: toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, acute and chronic pharyngitis
• Gastro-intestinal disorders: spasms of esophagus and cardia, hiccough, gastroptosis, acute and chronic gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), acute duodenal ulcer (without complications), acute and chronic colitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, paralytic ileus
• Neurological and musculo-skeletal disorders: headache and migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy (early stage, i.e., within three to six months), pareses following a stroke, peripheral neuropathies, sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months), Meniere’s disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, intercostal neuralgia, cervico-brachial syndrome, “frozen shoulder,” “tennis elbow,” sciatica, low back pain, osteoarthritis

In the United States only sterile, disposable needles are used for acupuncture. Some people experience heaviness, tingling, numbness or a dull ache while others feel a sensation of energy moving around the needle. Afterwards, patients often feel relaxed, revitalized or have a deep sense of wholeness.

Types of Treatments

• Acupuncture uses thin needles, placed in specific points along  meridians, to balance the body’s qi and/or expel pathogens.
• Auricular, or ear acupuncture, is frequently used to treat weight problems, alcoholism, and addiction to drugs or smoking.
• Electro-acupuncture is generally used for pain relief as well as weight loss.
• Moxibustion refers to the application of heat directly or indirectly with the Chinese herb moxa (mugwort/artemesia vulgaris) for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
• Cupping, the application of suction through a glass or plastic up, is primarily used to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Some skin discoloration may result but disappears in a few days.
• Gua sha is used for similar conditions but a scraping tool is used.
• Tuina is a form of manipulative physiotherapy which stimulates acupuncture points and meridians. Techniques range from light strokes to deep-tissue work.
• Qi gong describes a variety of traditional practices that involve methods of accumulating, circulating, and working with qi through breathing or moving energy within the body or physical movement.
• Tai qi is an internal martial art that is done with slow motion routine

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National The Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being widely practiced. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey—the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)— use by American adults to date—an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults used acupuncture in 2001 and that altogether an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture.

Examples of Treatment Strategies

With regard to WEIGHT GAIN or WEIGHT LOSS, Oriental medicine addresses emotions, hormones, poor metabolism, weak digestion or excess hunger, and aging, while providing nutritional information and lifestyle suggestions.

RESPIRATORY ALLERGIES can have both internal and external causes and be acute or chronic. Acupuncture and appropriate Chinese herbs help strengthen a weak immune system while expelling actual pathogens in the environment (mold, cedar, etc.) for acute situations.

An irregular diet, emotions and congenital factors are some of the causes of HYPOTHYROIDISM according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Some conditions are due to excess or deficiency and some are chronic. Various modalities soothe emotions and the spirit, strengthen the digestion, increase energy, warm the body and remove water retention according to the cause.

According to Oriental medicine, PAINFUL AND/OR IRREGULAR PERIODS are usually the result of emotional disorders, irregular diet, trauma, and/or external invasions. Acupuncture and herbs are used to treat emotions, promote blood circulation, improve internal organ function to regulate the menses, stop pain, cool or warm the internal organs, improve blood quality, treat trauma, and strengthen the constitution.

Biomedicine differentiates ARTHRITIS into osteoarthitis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, gout and lupus. According to TCM, these ailments are caused by invasion of external pathogens such as cold or dampness; irregular diet and food allergies; aging; and overworking. Therefore treatment varies and may combine: removing external pathogens, promoting blood circulation, increasing energy, warming the body, stopping pain, and strengthening the constitution.

Oriental medicine is a powerful tool to QUIT SMOKING when combined with the emotional support of family and friends or a quit-smoking program or group. TCM uses acupuncture, auricular (ear) acupuncture and Chinese herbs to expel smoke toxins from the body and lungs, strengthen the digestion and increase energy, reduce cravings, and treat the emotions. Treatments also address symptoms of withdrawal: cravings to smoke; irritability anger, anxiety and depression; fatigue; increased appetite or thirst, constipation or diarrhea; poor sleep; headache; restlessness; poor concentration.


Acupuncture Licensing

Laws regarding acupuncture and professional titles vary from state to state; and in a few states there is are no laws.

In some states, such as California, Florida and New Mexico, acupuncturists are primary health care providers and hold different titles . For example, in New Mexico, graduates of acupuncture schools receive the title Doctor of Oriental Medicine and, in Florida, an acupuncturist is  designated as an Acupuncturist Physician.

Acupuncturists in Texas are regulated by the Texas Medical Board, receive the title Licensed Acupuncturist (Lic. Acu., L. Ac.), and are secondary health care providers. In most cases, Texas acupuncturists must have a doctor, dentist or chiropractor referral before treating. However, acupuncturists are able to provide treatment for chronic pain, weight loss, smoking addiction, and substance abuse without a referral from a physician, dentist or chiropractor.