A rich history of at least 2000 years The Chinese believe that the practice of acupuncture began during the

Stone Age when stone knives or sharp edged tools, described by the character bin, were used to puncture and drain abscesses (localized pus)

The earliest written record of acupuncture is the Chinese text Yellow Emperors Inner Canon, arranged in question-and-answer format between the mythical Huangdi and six of his equally legendary ministers
The first text Basic Questions covers the theoretical foundation of Chinese Medicine and its diagnostic methods. The second text, Spiritual Pivot discusses acupuncture therapy in great detail.

Acupuncture

Moxibustion

[root]: / acerbic sensation [root]: / metal A metal tool that produces a pulling, acerbic sensation

(drawn-out) + (fire) Slow fire that burns the flesh

 Taoism (universe divided into Yin & Yang) Qi energy flow or lifeforce Five elements wood, fire, earth, metal, water Acupuncture works directly with the bodys qi, as practitioners believe that all illnesses are a result of the natural flow of energy through the body becoming obstructed, depleted or weakened and thus making the individual susceptible to illness. Acupuncture benefits the rebalance of qi through treatment of specific acupoints related to symptoms or illness present. Treatment is effective in removing these energy obstructions.

Although best known for the control of pain, acupuncture benefits a wide variety of disorders.
Digestive disorders: Abdominal pain Constipation Diarrhea Hyperacidity Indigestion Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat disorders: Cataracts Gingivitis Poor vision Tinnitus Toothache Miscellaneous disorders: Addiction control Athletic performance Blood pressure, regulation Chronic fatigue Stress reduction Neurological disorders: Headaches Migraines Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Parkinson's disease Postoperative pain Stroke Emotional disorders: Anxiety Depression Insomnia Nervousness Neurosis Gynaecological disorders: Infertility Menopausal symptoms Premenstrual syndrome

Musculoskeletal disorders: Arthritis Neck/Back pain Muscle cramping Muscle pain/weakness Sciatica Respiratory disorders: Asthma Bronchitis Common cold Sinusitis Smoking cessation Tonsillitis

Placebo effect Pseudoscience Sham treatment

Doubtful efficacy
Imaginary human construct "The traditional acupuncture points are no more real than the black spots a drunkard sees in front of his eyes"

Acupuncture operates on very different dynamics from Western clinics One-off visitations to consult the doctor and collect prescription for specific illnesses v.s. Regular sessions that are highly individualized and holistic (remedying all bodily systems)
The acupuncturist decides which points to treat by observing and questioning the patient in order to make a diagnosis

Human quality/ the caring human touch. Place of rest and relaxation. Entire package of therapeutic treatment: acupuncture and moxibustion (inseparable)

 Snake coiling around acupuncture needle

-- the unity of acupuncture and moxibustion (); long snake moxibustion

Palm
-- symbolizes physiotherapy, as well as the caring human touch

Leaves/Medicinal herbs
-- an allusion to traditional chinese medicine

Aimed at

Hit the nail on the head

Earnest; sincere

Genuine; heartfelt

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Accuracy/ Precision

Warmth/ Sincerity

Soft fire makes sweet malt

Duration

Regularity Breadth/ scope Long-lasting Effects

Permanence

Fix the root of the problem, not merely its symptoms


Harmony/ Balance

Regulation of qi (energy flow) Equilibrium

Warmth / Sincerity

Union of soft & hard qualities

Accuracy / Precision

Acupuncture exemplifies the balance between technical efficacy and human qualities