[Discussion on the needling technique with filiform needle in acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2020 Apr 12;40(4):445-9. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20190409-k0003.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Through collecting the literature data of the needling technique with filiform needle in 20 acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China, the manipulation techniques with filiform needle were analyzed, such as the technique of needle insertion, the technique of reinforcing and reducing, and the management of acupuncture abnormal conditions, as well as manual techniques and analgesics methods. It is found that the era of the Republic of China was the transition period of traditional acupuncture techniques to the modern ones in acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials, in which, the twirling technique was predominated in the technique of needle insertion. In that period, the insertion technique of tube needle had been introduced and simplified, the theory and method of the new-style technique of reinforcing and reducing were emerged and the types of acupuncture abnormal conditions recorded in the teaching materials were different from those at present. Additionally, the applicable manipulation had not been specified nationally. There were the highly influential teaching materials, i.e. Advanced Acupuncture and Moxibustion Teaching Materials: Science of Acupuncture and Science of Moxibustion, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Teaching Materials and New Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China has been influenced by the transition of acupuncture-moxibustion education modes, the introduction of Chinese-translation version of Japanese acupuncture-moxibustion books, the academic thoughts of acupuncture masters and the manufacturing process of needle devices.

Keywords: acupuncture abnormal conditions; acupuncture techniques; teaching material; technique of needle insertion; technique of reinforcing and reducing; the Republic of China.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture / education*
  • Acupuncture Therapy / methods*
  • Moxibustion*
  • Taiwan
  • Teaching Materials