History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is just one of the elements that make up the discipline often referred to as traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that include techniques such as massage therapy and acupuncture, along with herbal medicine and various forms of mind-body exercise such as Daijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qigong (Chi Gong).

Acupuncture has a clearly recorded history of about 2000 years, but some authorities claim that it has been practiced in China for some 4000 years. Acupuncture has been used to restore, promote and maintain good health. The first needles were made from stone, and then later from bronze, gold and silver.

The first book of acupuncture was the Nei Ching Su Wen written about 200 B.C. "Nei Ching"is a classic called "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine'. It was a collection of books on medicine and medical writings. In it the emperor talks with a court doctor about the relationship between man and nature, the elements, causes and cures for disease, the importance of yin yang balance, acupuncture and moxibustion.

Around 700 A.D. the first medical school was set up in Salermo and some 300 doctors were instructed in acupuncture and massage. Acupuncture flourished in China until 1932 when Chang Khi Chek took power in China. He brought western medicine to China and acupuncture was banned in the cities. When Mao Tse Tung took over in 1945 and Chang escaped to the island of Formosa (now Taiwan), the doors to China were closed to the west and acupuncture again was restored as the method of healing in a country devoid of antibiotics and western medical thinking.

In 1972 President Nixon opened the doors to China. A New York Times journalist James Reston was in China at the time and had an emergency appendectomy with acupuncture used as the anesthetic. This brought great noteriety to acupuncture and renewed interest in this form of treatment. Europe was introduced to acupuncture from French Indochina (now Vietnam). The French sparked interest with the works of Dr. Nogier. Since that time medical interest in the subject has grown apace, underpinned by a number of important discoveries pointing to the effectiveness of Acupuncture.

The practice of acupuncture is not currently regulated in Ireland. As a member of Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association I comply with their codes of ethics and best practice and carry full insurance. All members adhere to the guidelines the Department of Health and Children report of 2006 has recommended in the practice of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.