Traditional Medicine in Asia

The science of acupuncture–moxibustion
is an important component of traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM). It is the study of
the meridians and collaterals, acupoints,
acupuncture techniques, and the laws of
prevention and treatment of diseases by
acupuncture–moxibustion. Thousands of
years ago, ancient Chinese medicine used
bian stone (needle stone) as an instrument
for the treatment of diseases, and then
discovered the points and invented special
acupuncture instruments. Gradually, the
“theory of meridians and collaterals”, a
system of treatment rich both in practice and
in theory, was founded, and has been
applied worldwide. For thousands of years,
acupuncture–moxibustion has contributed
immensely to the growth and health of the
Chinese population. Today, even with the
rapid development of medical science, it is
regarded as an important part of the
Chinese cultural heritage.
Since the foundation of new China, the
science of acupuncture–moxibustion has
developed rapidly due to the attention and
support provided by the Government.
Numerous studies have been carried out,
particularly in the functional mechanism of
acupuncture–moxibustion, which has
given it a leading role in modernizing TCM.
Research on the mechanism of acupu-
Chinese acupuncture–moxibustion
Chinese acupuncturemoxibustion
Deng Liangyue
ncture analgesia has revealed some sectors
of the functional mechanism of acupuncture.
These achievements have been
internationally recognized in academic
circles, and China thereby enjoys a preeminent
position in this field. In the 1950s,
scientific research on acupuncture–
moxibustion concentrated on publishing
and popularizing the basic knowledge of
this science and generally summarizing the
clinical practice of acupuncture–
moxibustion. In the 1960s, clinical
research on acupuncture–moxibustion and
acupuncture anaesthesia was carried out.
In the 1970s, numerous organized studies
were undertaken on the clinical
applications and principles of acupuncture
anaesthesia and on the mechanism of
acupuncture analgesia. In the 1980s,
research on the clinical applications and
principles of acupuncture–moxibustion
and acupuncture anaesthesia as well as
research on meridians and collaterals, was
brought together in an organized and
planned manner. In November 1987, the
World Foundation of Acupuncture–
Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) was
established in China, with its head office
in Beijing. Professor Hu Ximin of China was
elected president of the First Conference
of WFAS. In the 1990s, the science of
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