Acupuncture: Facts and History

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Acupuncture is a medical technique of ancient Eastern origin that uses the insertion of needles to alleviate a variety of ailments, illness, and disorders. Though acupuncture is believed to have been originated in China, it has been practiced for thousands of years in Korea and Japan, as well. The first description of acupuncture was first described in a 4,700-year-old text, Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

During an acupuncture session, thin, fine needles are inserted into points of the body called acupuncture points, or acupoints. By doing so, the physiological and emotional health of the body are influenced. A third millenium BCE medical and agricultural scholar, Shen Nung theorized that the body has an energy force that runs through it, known as qi. Qi travels through the body along pathways known as meridians. If the qi is imbalanced or if its travels are disrupted, illness can occur. But Shen Nung postulated that the different meridians would surface at varying points of the body, allowing them to be healed. These points on the acupuncture meridian are the acupoints, where the needles can help balance and restore the natural qi, healing the body.

Acupuncture vs. Western Medicine

The Western approach to medicine is oriented toward treatments that help alleviate symptoms of disease. This approach sees diseases of the mind and body as separate concerns, resulting in a reductionist approach that perceives the body and the mind as two parts of a problem instead of one entity that relies on the healthy function of all parts to be healthy. Chines medicine, on the other hand, is based on a different understanding of the human body. The holistic approach of Chinese medicine focuses less on disease and illness, but on balance and overall mind/body wellness. Instead of illness being focused on one organ, Chinese medicine views illness as a system-wide disorder, treating the entire body.

History of Acupuncture in China

During the Ching dynasty, during the 18th and early 20th century, the popularity of acupuncture experienced a decline as the influence of Western medicine grew stronger. The rise of communism in the late 1920s also perpetuated the decline of acupuncture, as Communist leadership felt that acupuncture was irrational, superstitious, and was in direct opposition to the Communist mission of scientific progress. However, Chairman Mao later supported the use of acupuncture to help keep Chinese troops healthy. He also felt that it was important to keep up the cultural tradition of Chinese medical techniques. In fact, it was incorporated into the science curriculum in the medical schools in the 1050s, and later became known as Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture in Modern Day Practice

Though deeply rooted in ancient medicine, acupuncture as it is used today has expanded considerably. Acupuncture can be used as a form of anesthesia, treatment of arthritis, smoking cessation, and weight loss. Additionally, a new form of acupuncture, called electro-acupuncture is practiced, which involves stimulating the needles with electrical currents during insertion.

Today, acupuncture is practiced not only throughout Asia but throughout the Western world as well, by practitioners who either combine acupuncture with traditional Western methods (in this case, the use of acupuncture is known as a complementary therapy), or those who practice only traditional Chinese techniques.

Because acupuncture uses needles and is considered to be invasive, most localities in the United States have regulations governing the licensing and training of acupuncturists. While licensed acupuncturists do not need a medical license or medical school training, they are required to participate in anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000 hours of training. Then, they must pass an exam by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. While this test is often required for licensing, some states do not require it. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who engage in acupuncture as a means of complementary treatment also receive training, though it is not nearly as extensive as that of a licensed acupuncturist.

Additional regulations for acupuncture have also been established. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has defined the practice of acupuncture needles as a safe when used by a licensed professional. This includes the type of needle, the size of the needle, the depth the needle is inserted, and how the needles are sterilized. All states which regulate acupuncture require that single-use, pre-sterilized stainless steel needed are used.

According to a survey by the National Health Interview in 2002, 8.2 million Americans have reportedly used acupuncture. As a complementary therapy, it has been used in modern day medicine for controlling pain, anxiety, depression, as well as headaches, arthritis, asthma and back pain. The use of acupuncture has also gained traction with the veterinary professional, being used to treat muscular disorders, as well as nervous conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Though acupuncture has been adopted by many in the medical professional, many Western doctors reject the efficacy of acupuncture. They discount the results that acupuncture brings by arguing that some diseases and conditions will go away on their own, or that they are cyclical. Or, they argue that patients who seek alternative treatment modalities are more likely to invest in their health and well-being, and as a result feel better overall.

Resources About Acupuncture

History of Acupuncture by Creighton University

Overview of Acupuncture by the University of Maryland

Treating Ailments with Acupuncture by Vanderbilt University

Resource by Thrive Med Spa

Thrive Med Spa is a leading medical spa in Chicago that is privately owned and operated by Dr. Barry Summers, a Board Certified General & Cosmetic Surgeon. Thrive Medical Spa, has two convenient downtown locations in Lakeview and the Gold Coast. Thrive is the leading medical spa and rejuvenation center in Chicago ( and Thrive Laser Training School) and is dedicated to providing clients with the highest quality of care and state of the art treatments for cosmetic and skin rejuvenation .

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