Historical Facts
Acupuncture originated in China. It is already described in the Nei Jing, the Classic Book of Internal Medicine. Thought to be more than 4000 years old, it is probably the oldest source of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The use of needles for therapy and treatment was common even at that time.
Compared to our modern medicine in the West, which is approximately only 150 years old, TCM can look back on a long tradition and on a therapeutic system, which is centuries old.
If Mao Tse Tung brought anything positive to his People, it might well have been the reanimation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which at one time was in danger of being lost. Mao propagated the use of Acupuncture, Herbs, Massages etc. out of nationalistic pride and from necessity, because there was no money nor access to western medicine. ”Barefoot doctors” often with minimal training were sent to the villages to help fight against disease and illness.
Today Acupuncture is commonly used in Chinese Hospitals and a vast literature has been compiled on TCM. Most impressive for a west-ener is the combined use of TCM and western medicine. This allows for a more flexible approach to treatment. In this respect, the Chinese may well be one step ahead of us.
However it must be said that here in the west, Acupuncture is a well-known alternative therapyand even the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends it for a number of conditions.
Acupuncture
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang. These are two terms to describe the polarity of our existence: activity/passivity – up/down – internal/external – heat/cold – full/empty – love/hate – joy/depression etc. In ancient Chinese philosophy and medicine absolutely everything can be defined in yin and yang. Good health is to be found when the yin and yang within yourself are in harmony. According to Chinese philosophy and medicine, when yin and yang are in disharmony, the energies of your body become out of balance and you are susceptible to ill health.
Acupuncture is one way of re-balancing your system and harmonising the yin- and yang-energies.
The vital energy, the Qi of our body flows continuously around the meridian system, a network of channels, that not only connects the acupuncture points to each other, but also directly influences the functioning of the internal organs of the body (The picture on the cover shows one of these meridians). Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points in order to rebalance the body, to stimulate the self-healing powers and to influence nerves and organs.
Modern research suggests that the needles stimulate certain nerve-centres and influence the body via the nervous-system.
Other methods include Acupressure or the application of heat to a specific point. This method is called Moxa.
When Is Acupuncture Useful?
By rebalancing the body and stimulating the self-healing powers, Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of illnesses and complaints.
It is well known for its treatment of painful conditions such as arthritis, back-pain or migraines. But it also works well for hormonal disturbances, skin-problems, allergies, respiratory complaints or insomnia. The WHO recommends Acupuncture for sinus problems, colds, tonsillitis, bronchitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, toothache, gastritis, irritable bowl, colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, headaches, neuralgic pain, paralysis after stroke, vertigo, Meniere disease, frozen shoulder, sciatica etc.
Normally Acupuncture treatment consists of the, mostly painless insertion of fine steel needles into a few specific points on the body. The number of needles varies from a few (2-5) up to 10 or 15. Some needles are just placed under the skin, others are inserted deeper. The needles remain on average 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions needed varies. In general, the longer the condition has been established, the more sessions will be required. The patient usually gets assessed after several treatments, to check his/her response.
Sven Sommer uses Pulse- and Tongue-diagnoses of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ear-acupuncture, clinical examination-methods and an extensive Interview during the first consultation (60-90 minutes). If appropriate, he will also suggest dietary advise or recommendations concerning vitamins, minerals and herbs.