1. Topic: Traditional Chinese Culture and Basic Medicine (Group 1)
Class: 21 Pharmacy
Team members:
2620210019 天瑞 2620210024 蒂茜 2620210028 路飞
2620210020 马彦 2620210025 芮佳 2620210029 海莉
2620210021 白辰 2620210026 艾雅 2620210030 邱靖育
Overview:
Traditional Chinese medicine, a cornerstone of Chinese culture, has a 5000-
year history and has significantly contributed to the nation's survival and
prosperity. Originating from ancient texts like Huangdi Neijing, it emphasizes
balance, Qi (vital energy), and Yin and Yang. Diagnosis methods are highly
individualized, focusing on the patient's constitution and imbalances.
Acupuncture's therapeutic benefits derive from the fundamental principles
of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which holds that the body is
made up of a network of energy channels, or "meridians," that allow life
force energy, or "qi," to flow. Some important concepts in CTM are:
1) Yin and Yang Balance:
CTM diagnosis is based on the concept of Yin and
Yang, two interdependent natural forces. Health
in the human body depends on the balance of
Yin (cold, darkness, passivity) and Yang (heat,
light, activity), which can manifest as illness.
2. 2) Qi (Chi) Assessment:
Qi, the vital energy flowing through the body's
meridians, is crucial for good health, and CTM
diagnoses often focus on its quality and flow, as
imbalances can cause health issues.
3) Acupoints
Acupoints, also known as acupuncture points,
are crucial locations in Chinese Traditional
Medicine (CTM) for diagnosing and treating
health conditions, with stimulating these
points being a fundamental aspect of CTM.
History of Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing used to restore and maintain
health and well-being. It has been practised and refined in China and other
Eastern countries. The first documented documentation of acupuncture is
in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, dating back to 100
BCE. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into the body at
specific acupoints, which are stimulated electrically or with light hand
movements. The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,
produced during the Ming dynasty, provides contemporary
acupuncture information. In China, knowledge of health and illness
was based on observation of living people, and the practice evolved
over time, becoming a standard practice alongside massage, diet, and
herbs.
3. Timeline of acupuncture treatment over the centuries:
6th century: acupuncture is introduced and practiced in Japan
13th century: acupuncture, as it is practiced today, is established in the Ming
Dynasty (1368-1644)
19th century: acupuncture makes its way to Europe, with first documented
practice in 1810.
1972: President Nixon's experience in China mainstreams practice of
acupuncture
1995: the FDA classifies acupuncture needles as a medical instrument
1997: National Institute of Health (NIH) recognizes acupuncture as effective
treatment/therapy.
Acupuncture Equipment:
Acupuncture uses flexible, stainless-steel
needles, typically short, for the head and neck.
They are sterilized between sessions and
inserted into designated areas. The practitioner
leaves the needles for ten to twenty minutes,
ensuring a calm, private setting. Pain is
expected at insertion, but usually mitigated with
prompt introduction. The acupuncturist uses
approximately 350 acupuncture points across
14 meridians, focusing on holistic treatment
rather than anatomical basis, to address specific
organs or systems.
4. Filiform needle manipulation method:
A technique used in acupuncture to improve the treatment's therapeutic effects is
needle manipulation. It includes using a variety of methods on the acupuncture
needles that have been inserted. The acupuncturist evaluates the patient's
condition and the intended therapeutic result before selecting a needle
manipulation technique. These methods are designed to improve Qi flow and
encourage bodily balance. For safe and efficient therapy, it is crucial that these
procedures are carried out by a qualified and experienced acupuncturist. Here
are a few typical techniques for manipulating needles:
1) Twisting:
To activate the acupoint, the acupuncturist may
gently twist the needle in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction. This may improve
the patient's experience.
2) Lifting and Thrusting:
The acupuncturist may quickly and subtly lift and
push the needle to induce a feeling at the
acupuncture point. This may facilitate the
movement of Qi, or energy.
The above 2 methods are most commonly used methods, other methods
include:
3) Rotating:
A different technique for stimulating the acupuncture point is to rotate the
needle continually. Depending on the desired outcome, there are different
rotational degrees.
5. 4) Plucking:
Plucking involves quickly tapping or flicking the needle with the fingertips.
This technique can create a pulsating sensation.
5) Rapid Insertion and Removal:
Acupuncturists who employ a quick needle insertion and removal
technique are known as "pecking." You can stimulate the acupuncture
point with this.
Acupuncture Therapeutic effect:
It is thought that acupuncture functions by adjusting the body's qi flow,
clearing obstructions, and reestablishing equilibrium in the energy flow.
Consequently, this has the potential to mitigate an array of medical
conditions, such as discomfort, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders,
and stress-associated illnesses. The therapeutic effects of acupuncture
include:
1. Pain relief
Acupuncture effectively relieves pain by stimulating specific body points,
activating natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and opioids, and
reducing inflammation, aiding in the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
2. Immune system modulation
Acupuncture boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cell count
and activating natural killer cells, aiding in the fight against infection and
disease.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects
Acupuncture's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate swelling and
redness, particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like
rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and eczema.
6. 4. Stress reduction
Acupuncture has been proven to positively impact stress levels by
reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, potentially alleviating
anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other stress-related disorders.
5. Cardiovascular health
Acupuncture can potentially lower blood pressure, enhance circulation,
and decrease the likelihood of heart disease by enhancing blood lipid
profiles and reducing inflammation.
6. Neurological benefits
Acupuncture may help to improve cognitive function, memory and
concentration and reduce symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
7. Hormonal balancing
Acupuncture can help to regulate hormone levels, particularly in women
and alleviate symptoms of menstrual irregularities, fertility issues and
menopause.
Acupuncture Contraindications:
When performed by a licensed professional, acupuncture is a reasonably
safe procedure; nonetheless, just like any medical intervention, there are
certain situations in which it should not be used. The following situations
call for cautious use of acupuncture or complete avoidance:
1. Pregnancy
Acupuncture, particularly in the first trimester, can stimulate the uterus and
cause contractions, potentially posing a pregnancy risk, so it's best to avoid
it.
2. Infections
Acupuncture should not be performed on areas of the body with active
infections such as open wounds, abscesses or skin rashes.
7. 3. Implants
Acupuncture should be avoided near implanted devices like pacemakers,
artificial joints, or metal fragments as needle insertion could disrupt device
functionality or cause damage.
4. Cancer
Acupuncture can alleviate cancer-related symptoms like pain and nausea,
but should not replace conventional treatment and may potentially
interfere with the immune system.
5. Heart conditions
Acupuncture can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, but those with
heart conditions should be closely monitored and those with pacemakers,
arrhythmias, or advanced heart failure should avoid it.
6. Severe osteoporosis
Acupuncture may exacerbate bone weakening in people with severe
osteoporosis, particularly if deep needling techniques are used.
7. Psychological instability
Acupuncture can sometimes trigger emotional responses, and people with
psychological instability or anxiety may experience adverse reactions.
Modern Medicine and Acupuncture:
Modern medicine provides us with quick results, which makes it more
beneficial. It also contains aspects of ancient treatment while also being
highly affected by modern scientific and medical knowledge. Acupuncture
on the other hand, uses needles to promote healing and alleviate health
conditions by balancing the body's vital energy, "qi" or "chi," through
meridians. The aim has been made in recent years to combine modern
treatment and traditional medicine, including acupuncture. Sometimes this
integrative method is called integrative medicine or traditional Chinese
medicine. Acupuncturists may combine acupuncture with Western medical
8. procedures to offer a more complete level of therapy. On the other side,
modern medicine describes the medical systems and practices that have
emerged in the 20th and 21st centuries. Traditional medicine is still used in
modern medicine, but it is also greatly impacted by current scientific and
medical understanding, and it is more useful because it produces results
quickly.
Modern Acupuncture methods:
Modern acupuncture methods often combine traditional acupuncture
techniques with contemporary medical knowledge. Some modern
acupuncture methods and approaches include:
1. Electroacupuncture:
This method involves attaching electrodes to
the acupuncture needles to apply a small
electric current. It's believed to enhance the
stimulation of acupuncture points.
2. Auricular Acupuncture:
This technique focuses on acupuncture points
on the ear and is used for a variety of
conditions, including addiction treatment.
3. Laser Acupuncture:
Instead of needles, low-level lasers are used to
stimulate acupuncture points, making it a non-
invasive option.
9. 4. Acupressure:
This involves applying pressure to
acupuncture points with fingers or specialized
tools, rather than using needles.
5. Trigger Point Acupuncture:
It targets specific muscle knots or trigger points
to relieve pain and muscle tension.
6. Scalp Acupuncture:
It's used primarily for neurological conditions
and involves needling specific areas of the
scalp.
7. Cupping Therapy:
While not strictly acupuncture, it's often
used alongside acupuncture. It involves
creating suction on the skin's surface to
promote blood flow and alleviate muscle
tension.
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Work Allocation Table: