[Exploration on two methods of waiting for qi in needle insertion and withdrawal of acupuncture reinforcing and reducing technique recorded in Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine)].

Abstract

The reinforcing and reducing technique based on the speed of needle insertion and withdrawal is the important acupuncture technique recorded in Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). Regarding the speed of needle insertion and withdrawal, the timing of needle insertion and withdrawal is one of the key factors to judge the therapeutic effects. In the paper, the origin was studied on the two methods of waiting for qi recorded in Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), e.g. "waiting for respiratory qi" and "waiting for qi beneath needle"; and its application progression and clinical significance were explained. Of them, the "waiting for qi beneath needle" is mostly used to decide the timing of needle withdrawal and closely related to the therapeutic effects of reinforcing and reducing technique; and its application is fully developed in later generations. In Nanjing (Treaties on Difficult Questions), it stresses the needle insertion after waiting for qi with the assistant hand, lifting and thrusting manipulation is followed after arrival of qi beneath needle. This technique brings the impacts on the reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture in later generations.