History of Acupuncture

Written by Morgan Rigney, R.Ac

Acupuncture originated in China, evolving from prehistoric practices using sharpened stones and bones to a sophisticated system documented in the 4th century BCE Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, though the medicine is far older and was passed down by spoken word prior to this. Before the 4th century BCE, there is no record of Acupuncture being used and taught; however, there is a prevalence of herbal therapy and Chinese Medical Theory that has been found. Chinese Medical history is intertwined with shamanistic beliefs, and it developed alongside other medical practices, such as herbal medicine and massage, gradually becoming a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The practice has been continuously refined over centuries, with detailed compendia and anatomical models developed during the Jin and Southern Dynasties.

Early origins and development

Prehistoric era: The earliest evidence of acupuncture-like practices comes from the use of sharpened stones and bones for lancing abscesses or drawing blood, a technique represented by the ancient Chinese character "Bian".
Shang Dynasty (c. 1000 BCE): Archeological evidence from this period includes early acupuncture needles and inscriptions on bones that suggest a sophisticated approach to medicine, likely influenced by shamanistic practices.
Neolithic Period: Some theories suggest the practice may have evolved from massage during this time, with the discovery of acupuncture credited to the legendary Emperor Huangdi, who is also credited with the invention of written language.

Codification and systematization

Han Dynasty (c. 200 BCE): The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine) was written around this time, providing the first comprehensive description of acupuncture techniques and the meridian system that underpins the practice.
Jin and Southern Dynasties (265–581 AD): Acupuncture continued to develop during this period of chaos, leading to the creation of numerous compendia and anatomical charts that helped standardize the practice.

Refinement and global spread

Bronze models: Bronze figures showing acupuncture points were created as teaching tools, with one dating back to the 15th century AD.
Global spread: Acupuncture was introduced to Korea and Japan in the 6th century AD and later spread to Europe and North America between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Modern era: A 1971 article by James Reston in The New York Times helped popularize acupuncture in the United States, sparking widespread research into its effectiveness and mechanisms.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine

All Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in Canada study a system of medical theory called Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though Chinese Medicine has a long history of use in China and elsewhere in the world (4000+ years!), the medicine was revived and standardized under Chairman Mao's leadership to provide medicine to rural communities. It is this system of medicine that most Chinese Medicine practitioners complete in colleges/universities across Canada.

The Traditional Chinese Medical framework is organized based on historical understandings of the body and its anatomy, though it is notably different from the practice of Classical Chinese Medicine, which I will explain below. The organs, channels and body systems are compartmentalized, and their various disorders create a roadmap for treatment of both internal and external disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, as was practiced throughout China and still is to this day, has a strong focus on herbal medicine, using Chinese-specific herbs. Though most practitioners in Western countries (Canada, US, UK, etc.) practice Acupuncture and/or a mix of the two, the theoretical framework relies heavily on herbal remedies. The efficacy of treatment utilizes herbal remedies for both "tonification" techniques and "reduction" techniques, and Acupuncture is primarily focused on "reduction". This is to say, when we see a deficiency of blood, yin, yang, or Qi, we would primarily treat this with herbal formulas.

Though Acupuncture can be used to treat deficiencies, it is exceptionally effective at "reducing excess" disorders. It is for this reason that Acupuncture is so effective for pain. It "reduces" tension, inflammation, and nervous stimulation in the body tissues, having a substantial effect on not only the physical form, but the patient's mental experience, as well.

Every practitioner of Acupuncture (other than physiotherapists practicing IMS), has studied this medicine in detail, though some choose to branch into other forms of the medicine. Each practitioner develops a style of their own and works in a modality they resonates with.

Classical Chinese Medicine

As we have discussed, Traditional Chinese Medicine was an amalgamation of existing Chinese medical practices. Before this consolidation, there existed many types of theories; however, the oldest written theoretical framework is that of Classical Chinese Medicine.

This ancient theory of medicine was passed down for (historians believe) millennia by spoken word. It was not until 2600 BC, the first medical text was written on paper by Emperor Huang Di. He wrote the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine or the Huang Di Nei Jing (Inner Classic) and the Su Wen (Basic Questions). These texts are still read when studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, though they are not applied as often in Acupuncture (primarily used in Herbal Formulas). However, there are those who study these foundational texts and practice in this way.

Classical Chinese Medicine, though similar in some ways to Traditional Chinese Medicine, has a far more rudimentary understanding of the human body. Though it is simplistic in its nature, it is no less accurate and in depth. In fact, the connections between what the Emperor wrote all those millennia ago to modern medical theory are astounding.

In my belief, there are few true Masters of Acupuncture left in this world, but many that exist still teach new students, imparting this knowledge as they did even back then. And, though we all might aspire to master our craft as they did and do, Chinese Medicine is a perpetual study, a constant companion, and an invigorating challenge.