The Languages of Healing: Linked by a Common Thread

Abstract

Though separated by different millennia, languages, levels of scientific advancement, and views of human physiology, both prehistoric and modern cultures have expressed concepts of evaluating and treating human illness that have remarkable overlap with those of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These similarities suggest these healing traditions likely are expressing a common, fundamental aspect of human anatomy and/or physiology. Prehistoric, ancient Egyptian, TCM, Mayan, myofascial pain, and myofascial meridian concepts of health and healing are discussed. Anatomical, clinical, and physiologic evidence is presented that suggests neuroanatomy is likely the common thread that unites these ancient and modern healing concepts. These findings should lead to an increased understanding of the anatomical and physiologic substrates of the beneficial clinical effects of acupuncture in treating pain and visceral disorders. This, in turn, should lead to novel, safer treatment techniques that combine modern technologies with ancient clinical acumen.