The Nourishing Effects of Acupuncture: Enhancing Health and Well-being

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves stimulating specific points on the body using thin needles. It is believed to improve blood circulation, clear the meridians, and relieve fatigue. Today, I will introduce another aspect of acupuncture as a part of Chinese medicine culture. Follow my lead to learn more. Can acupuncture be used for nourishment? According to Chinese medicine, many sub-health conditions are related to poor liver and kidney function, which leads to blood stagnation and impaired metabolism. Acupuncture can promote the circulation of blood, regulate the body's endocrine system, and enhance overall bodily functions. This naturally strengthens the body's resistance to diseases and reduces the likelihood of catching colds and other illnesses. Therefore, acupuncture can be considered a way to nourish the body. Acupuncture also emphasizes the principles of tonification and purgation. Many people think that tonification and purgation are only applicable to medication, but the principles of treatment are the same for both acupuncture and medication. The application of tonification and purgation techniques in acupuncture must be based on a clear understanding of the patient's condition. Abstract discussions of tonification and purgation without considering the specific diagnosis are not practical. Choice of acupuncture points: The appropriateness of the patient's position during acupuncture, accurate location of acupoints, proper needling techniques, prolonged needle retention, and prevention of fainting, stagnation, bending, and even breakage of needles all have a significant impact on the treatment outcome. The nourishing effects of needling Zusanli (Stomach 36) There is an old saying that "one moxibustion treatment on Zusanli is equivalent to nourishing a old hen." Clinical studies have found that needling Zusanli in esophageal cancer patients can strengthen esophageal peristalsis, widen the lumen, and relieve spasms. In patients with gastric diseases, needling Zusanli can regulate gastrointestinal functions. It has also been found that needling Zusanli can enhance the body's immune response and improve its ability to resist diseases. All these findings demonstrate that needling Zusanli can regulate bodily functions and have a nourishing effect. Acupuncture is a method of treating diseases by puncturing or moxibustion of acupoints on the human body, and it is recognized as one of the representative works of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, stimulating acupoints can improve the flow of qi in the meridians. Modern science has not yet discovered the existence of qi, meridians, or acupoints from the perspective of histology and physiology. Additionally, some contemporary acupuncture practitioners do not follow traditional theories in their practice. However, scientific research supports the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving pain and postoperative nausea. Some argue that the efficacy of acupuncture may be too weak to establish a clinical relationship, and the results may be due to inappropriate double-blind experiments, placebo effects, or publication bias. Indications Acupuncture is indicated for conditions such as cold stagnation and blood stasis causing wind, cold, and dampness syndromes (e.g. lumbar muscle strain, lumbago, frozen shoulder, osteophytes, lumbar disc herniation), dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, facial paralysis, abdominal pain, etc. It is also effective for external wind-cold invasion (e.g. common cold), vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach coldness, chronic diarrhea, prolonged dysentery, enuresis, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction caused by spleen and kidney yang deficiency, as well as visceral prolapse, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and menorrhagia caused by qi deficiency and sinking. Contraindications As moxibustion involves the use of fire, accidental burns to the local skin can occur. Moreover, moxibustion depletes the body's essence and blood. Therefore, some areas or individuals should not receive moxibustion treatment. These are the contraindications of moxibustion. In ancient times, there were many contraindications for moxibustion, and while some can be disregarded, there are situations where contraindications should be followed.