An historical review of "scientific acupuncture and moxibustion" in the 1950s -- Learning from the Soviet Union

Abstract

The medicine of the Soviet Union represented by Pavlov's advanced neurological theory played a major role in the medical system for the New China in the 1950s. In terms of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, it embodied in the 'scientific' reconstruction of main and collateral channels and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion, reported on acupoint electric measurement and skin active point, and developed acupuncture theory with Integrated Medicine. In this sense, 'learning from the Soviet Union', was one of the important factors for 'scientised acupuncture and moxibustion', which influenced the constructing of contemporary acupuncture and moxibustion in China and drove the development of 'scientised acupuncture and moxibustion'. In addition, inevitably, it led to some conflicts and contradictions between traditional medicine and modern sciences in the process of 'learning from the Soviet Union'. This review of 'learning from the Soviet Union', the analysis of its advantages and disadvantages, and synthesis of its experiences, will provide an historical reference to current development of traditional Chinese medicine.