How old is eastern medicine

The Huangdi Neijing consists of conversations between the Yellow Emperor and his physician, outlining core concepts and medical knowledge of Chinese Medicine including acupuncture and moxibustion as the main tools for correcting imbalances and treating illness.

Although the Huangdi Neijing is seen to be the foundation of acupuncture, the origins of acupuncture have been observed by archaeologists dating back to BCE. Rather than metal needles, primitive acupuncture consisted of sharpened stones and long sharp bones, which would have more likely been used for surgery and lancing abscesses.

Illness was attributed to stagnation, deficiency, excess or improper movement of qi or blood, causing imbalances of yin and yang. These concepts were used to help explain physiology and disease in a time well before we could observe physiological processes through microscopes and lab testing, and went on to form the theoretical framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture gradually developed over the next few centuries becoming a standard medical therapy in China along with massage, diet, herbal medicine, bleeding and moxibustion. In 17th century China, there was a decline in interest in traditional practices and ancient medicines were thought to be riddled with superstition.

Developing traditional Chinese medicine in the era of evidence-based medicine: current evidences and challenges. Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Tai chi exercise for treatment of pain and disability in people with persistent low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Cochrane systematic reviews of Chinese herbal medicines: an overview. PLoS One. A randomized controlled trial of 8-form tai chi improves symptoms and functional mobility in fibromyalgia patients.

Clinical Rheumatology. Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community. New England Journal of Medicine. Safety surveillance of traditional Chinese medicine: current and future. Drug Safety. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Rewiring the primary somatosensory cortex in carpal tunnel syndrome with acupuncture.

Acupuncture for peripheral joint osteoarthritis. Tai chi chuan improves functional capacity after myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial. American Heart Journal. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine. Vickers AJ, Linde K. Acupuncture for chronic pain. If you are thinking of using TCM, a certified practitioner is your safest choice. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers separate certification programs in acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and Oriental bodywork.

TCM should not be used as a replacement for conventional or allopathic treatment, especially for serious conditions, but it may be beneficial when used as complementary therapy. Since some TCM herbal medicines can interfere or be toxic when combined with Western medicines, you should inform your doctor if you are using TCM. Health Home Wellness and Prevention. Learn more about Chinese medicine by visiting our blog or scheduling your appointment at our community clinic.

Skip to content. What Is Chinese Medicine? Chinese medicine is a rich medical system that has existed in some form for more than 3, years. Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in.