Acupuncture originated in ancient China. The earliest record dates back a few hundred years before the Common Era. The technique was likely developed during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-221 AD). Historically, the discovery of acupuncture was credited to the Chinese Emperor Huangdi in 2500 BC. However, the development predated him and took place during the Neolithic Period, 5000 BC to 6000 BC.
Practice and Development
Acupuncture uses very thin needles, about the width of a human hair, to stimulate points on the body. It is generally safe when done by a trained practitioner. Research suggests acupuncture may work by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Over time, variants of acupuncture developed based on different philosophies. Today it is practiced around the world.
The first documentation describing acupuncture as an organized system is in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine from 100 BCE. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, during the Ming dynasty, The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion was published with principles of acupuncture on which modern practices rest. From the 17th century, interest declined.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways creating energy flow through the body responsible for health. Disruption of this flow causes disease. These observations were from living subjects as dissection was forbidden.
Key Figures in Acupuncture
Shi Xue Min is known as the “Father of Acupuncture” for his 50-year career making significant contributions. Waichi Sugiyama, a 17th-century blind acupuncturist in Japan, invented the shinkan tube aiding needle insertion still used today. He established over 40 acupuncture schools for the blind and was skilled in abdominal diagnosis and palpation.
Professor ZHENG Kui-shan has obtained achievements in about 70 years’ clinical treatment, scientific studies, and teaching. He is a famous specialist of acupuncture and moxibustion sciences.
Acupuncture in India
Acupuncture was first introduced to India in 1959 by Dr. B.K. Basu in Kolkata. Over 60 years, it has spread to rural, semi-urban, and urban areas in India.