What Is Acupuncture in the Neijing Suwen: Part Two

The Huangdi Neijing Suwen, or Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, doesn't explicitly use the term "acupuncture" as it is commonly understood today. However, the text does describe the use of needles and the concept of needling specific points on the body to influence the flow of Qi, which aligns with the fundamental principles of acupuncture.

In the Suwen (Basic Questions), there are discussions about the meridians, which are pathways through which Qi flows in the body. The text suggests that the balance and flow of Qi are crucial for maintaining health, and it describes the concept of acupoints along these meridians. The Neijing Suwen outlines the idea that when there is an imbalance or blockage of Qi, inserting needles at specific points can help restore the harmonious flow of vital energy, thus promoting health and preventing illness.

While the Neijing Suwen doesn't provide a detailed, systematic guide to acupuncture as we know it today, it lays the philosophical and theoretical foundation for traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture practices. Modern acupuncture has evolved to incorporate additional knowledge from anatomy, physiology, and clinical research, but it still draws on the ancient principles outlined in texts like the Neijing Suwen.

In summary, the Neijing Suwen doesn't explicitly use the term "acupuncture," but it does describe principles and practices that align with the foundational concepts of acupuncture as it is understood and practiced today.