Acupuncture: A true symbol of traditional Chinese culture
The central principle of acupuncture calls for needling the lower to cure the upper, and treating the exterior to cure the interior. The opposite of this holistic principle would be to treat the head when the head aches and the foot when the foot hurts. A comparison of treatments for toothache and headache by Cang Gong and Hippocrates clearly shows the difference between the two types of therapy. (See Table)
Although acupuncture is only one of many holistic healing systems, it is the only one that offers a concrete expression of holism. For instance, Chinese herbal medicine is also holistic; however, what happens inside the body after administration of the herbs is invisible. The actions of the herbs can only be deduced from their curative effects. For instance, flaming upward of the stomach fire may manifest as headache, toothache, or even mania. Herbs with cold and purgative properties are therefore administered to cool the stomach fire, in order to relieve headache and toothache and tranquilize mania. This treatment is analogous to taking away firewood from under a cauldron in order to stop boiling. It is absolutely holistic, but it is not possible to see what is happening inside the body during the course of treatment. By contrast, practitioners of acupuncture will treat the condition by needling ST44-Neiting, a point located on the foot, to cool the stomach fire. The symptoms on the upper part of the body can be effectively relieved through this distal treatment, a visible application of the holistic principle of "needling the lower to cure the upper."
Holism is an abstract concept. It is invisible. Acupuncture, in its integration of Human and Nature, the microcosm and the macrocosm, the physical (the body) and the metaphysical (qi), offers a tangible expression of this invisible concept. Acupuncture makes holism visible and concrete. It is nothing less than visible holism.
Acupuncture is not merely a healing art, but a vivid symbol of thousands of years of Chinese culture. Acupuncturists have the honor of inheriting and practicing not only a system of medicine, but a system of holistic thinking as well.
Table Treatment of toothache and headache by Cang Gong and Hippocrates
|
|
Cang Gong
|
Hippocrates
|
|
Toothache
|
A senior official of Qi State had tooth decay. Dr. Cang appliedmoxibustion on Hand Yangming of the left side. He also suggested the patient gargle with a decoction of Flavescent Sophora to clean his mouth and kill worms. The cause of the problem was said to be invasion of wind and eating before bed without rinsing the mouth. From Historical Records, 105: 491.
|
Pains that arise about the teeth: if the tooth is decayed and loose, remove it; if it is not decayed or loose, but produces pain, dry it out by cautery; medications that are chewed are useful as well. These pains occur when phlegm invades beneath the roots of the teeth; some teeth are decayed by phlegm, others by foods, when they are weak by nature, have caries, and are poorly fixed in the gums. From Hippocrates, Vol. V, Affections 4:13.
|
|
Headache
|
The Prince of Zhichuan had a headache. After examining his pulses, Cang Gong ascertained that the condition was caused by upward movement of yang qi, due to the patient lying down with wet hair. In addition to headache there was also a sensation of heat in the body and restlessness. Dr. Cang sprinkled cold water on the patient's head and needled three areas on bilateral Foot Yangming on the lower limbs. The patient was cured immediately. From Historical Records, 105:491.
|
If pains befall the head, it benefits the patient to warm his head by washing it with copious hot water, and to carry off phlegm and mucus by having him sneeze. If, with these measures, he is relieved of his pain, that suffices; but if he is not relieved, clean his head of phlegm, and prescribe a regimen of gruel and drinking water ... If, from time to time, pain and dizziness befall the head, the above administrations are also of benefit; it helps, too, if bloodis let from the nostrils or from the vessel between the eyes. If the disease in the head is protracted and intense, and does not go away when the head is cleaned out, you must either incisethe patient's head, or cauterize the vessels all around it. For, of the possible measures that remain, only these offer a hope of recovery. From Hippocrates, Vol. V, Affections 2:9.
|
The copyright of the article Acupuncture: A true symbol of traditional Chinese culture is owned by Bai Xinghua. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
