Professor GAO Zhen-wu's experience in "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture

Abstract

On the base of the theory on "the subtlety of acupuncture relying on the quick or slow needle insertion by the timing" recorded in the Chapter One of Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot) and the clinical application, professor GAO Zhen-wu created three core factors of "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture and summarized in the paper. The speed of deqi after needle insertion indicates the rising and falling of vital qi and pathogen in the body, which guides the selection of corresponding reinforcing or reducing needling techniques. At the stage of needle manipulation and the regulation of qi activity, the quick or slow insertion and withdrawal of needle and needle manipulation, as well as the duration of needle retaining may control the speed of qi arrival. At the stage of the change in qi transformation after needling, the speed of qi activity should be observed carefully before and after needling so as to determine the effect of reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture. Gao 's idea on "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture runs through the whole process of acupuncture. It takes the speed of deqi as the core of reinforcing or reducing effect of acupuncture. This technique of acupuncture simplifies the operation of reinforcing and reducing procedure and is more applicable in clinical practice.