(1) Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Syndrome Differentiation: According to the theories and diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, a comprehensive examination and analysis of the disease is conducted to formulate principles and methods for diagnosis, treatment, and observation.
(2) Treatment Principles: Based on the above syndrome differentiation, corresponding treatment methods can be established. For example, if the syndrome differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine indicates "Bladder Damp-Heat," the acupuncturist will use the "Clear Heat and Promote Diuresis" method; if it indicates "Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency," the acupuncturist will use the "Tonify Spleen and Kidney" method.
(3) Selecting and Combining Acupuncture Points: Acupuncture treatment is performed by applying various stimulation methods to acupuncture points. It is not enough to simply treat the disease. The acupuncturist needs to select acupuncture points according to a certain plan and combine different points together to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
(4) Specific Implementation Plan: After identifying the acupuncture points, the acupuncturist will determine whether to use needle insertion or moxibustion, tonifying or purging methods, and so on. Only with these specific methods can the treatment truly take effect.
These four elements are interconnected and indispensable. A qualified acupuncturist will always adhere to these principles during the treatment process, regardless of whether there is a visible prescription. These are the four essential elements of an acupuncture prescription.
