Acupuncture: Its Place in the History of Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Acupuncture, as an important and unique part of traditional Chinese medicine, has played a major role in the health care of the Chinese people, occupying a significant place in the history of traditional Chinese medicine. This can be seen from the following four points: 1. Acupuncture - One of the Earliest Healing Arts in China Many primary sources show that acupuncture, perhaps together with moxibustion, emerged as one of the earliest healing methods in the history of Chinese medicine. It has been arguably a foremost therapeutic method ever since its development. In the history of Western medicine certain legendary figures, in ancient Greece for example, have been cited as originators of the art of medicine. Similarly in ancient China, three legendary characters have been regarded as the founders of Chinese medicine. The earliest is Fu Xi, also called Bao Xi, a legendary tribe leader who was believed to have made many innovations, such as the production of nine kinds of needles. 1 The second is Shen Nong, the Divine Husbandry Man, who was said to have taught the art of husbandry, and discovered the curative virtues of herbs by tasting a hundred different varieties. 2 The third is Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, who was said to have discussed medicine, including acupuncture, with his ministers and who, like Fu Xi, was credited with having made nine kinds of needles. 3 These legends reflect, to a certain extent, the historical facts of the early origins of Chinese medicine. We may think of the legendary figures as embodiments of ancient Chinese ancestors