What is Acupuncture and Moxibustion?

Acupuncture and moxibustion is the combined term for needling therapy and moxibustion therapy. Needling therapy involves inserting a filiform needle into the patient's body at specific acupoints and employing techniques such as twirling, lifting, and thrusting to treat diseases. Moxibustion therapy involves burning moxa wool and applying thermal stimulation by smoking or scorching the skin at specific acupoints, using heat to treat disease.

Acupuncture and moxibustion are among the various therapeutic techniques commonly used in ancient China for treating a wide range of conditions. It is a therapeutic modality unique to China. It is a method of "treating internal conditions from the exterior." By utilizing the actions of the meridians and acupoints, and applying specific manipulation techniques, it aims to treat systemic diseases. In clinical practice, based on TCM diagnostic methods, the disease cause is identified, the key to the disease is determined, the nature of the disease is differentiated, and it is established which meridian and which zang-fu organ the pathological change pertains to. The condition is further differentiated into exterior or interior, cold or heat, deficiency or excess patterns, enabling a diagnosis. Subsequently, a corresponding acupoint prescription is formulated for treatment. The goal is to unblock the meridians, regulate qi and blood, restore the relative balance of yin and yang, and harmonize zang-fu functions, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing and treating disease. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is a part of the medical heritage of our motherland and a unique national therapeutic method of our country. For thousands of years, it has made outstanding contributions to safeguarding health and propagating the nation. Even now, it continues to fulfill this role and is trusted by the broad masses.

Acupuncture and moxibustion, composed of "needling" and "moxibustion," is an integral component of Chinese medicine. Its content encompasses acupuncture theory, acupoints, acupuncture techniques, and related instruments. In the course of its formation, application, and development, it has acquired distinctive features of Chinese national culture and regional characteristics, constituting a precious heritage born from the cultural and scientific traditions of the Chinese nation.