Acupuncture: Difference between revisions

The first official record of the practice of acupuncture can be found in the book "Nei Ching" or "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" that dates back to approximately 300 B.C.  In the famous conversation, the emperor Huang Di and his physician Qi Bo discuss the Chinese Medical arts. The text of the conversation has since been declared the earliest book regarding Chinese medicine. The first part of the book, "Su Wen" or "Plain Questions," addresses human anatomy and physiology as well as the concepts of "Yin and Yang" and the "Five Elements." The second part of the book, "Ling Shu" or "Miraculous Pivot, Spiritual Axis" primarily addresses the practice of acupuncture. The book discusses the meridians of the body, the functions of the zang-fu organs, several different types of needles, the functions of the acupuncture points, techniques of using the needle, types of Qi (pronounced chi), and the location of 160 points on the body. Another classic text, regarded as the most influential text in the history of Chinese Medicine, also addressed the topic of acupuncture and was written by the physician Huang Fu Mi. From 260-265 A.D., the Huang Fu Mi compiled ancient literature regarding medicine into the classic text "Systematic Classes of Acupuncture and Moxibustion." The text, which spans twelve volumes and describes 349 acupuncture points, is organized according to the theories of zang fu, Qi and blood, channels and collaterals, acupuncture points, and clinical application.[http://www.americanacupuncture.com/history.htm][http://www.acupuncturecare.com/acupunct.htm]

Acupuncture developed throughout the leadership of several different Chinese dynasties.