A brief history of Chinese Medicine and how it works

Note: This blog represents my current understanding of the topic. I welcome feedback :)

Acupuncture is part of Chinese Medicine which includes Herbal medicine, Qi Gong, Food Therapy, Tuina massage, cupping therapy and moxibustion (burning a herb called mugwort on or near acupuncture points). It is hard to know exactly how old Chinese medicine is because it is an ancient form of medicine but the oldest known Chinese medical book is called the Huangdi Neijing or The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic which is over 2000 years old. This book gives the theory and treatment principles behind Chinese Medicine. However, there is evidence that acupuncture was practiced before then because stone needles were found that date further back. It makes sense that this complex form of medicine evolved over hundreds or thousands of years and it is still evolving.  

Acupuncture has been shown to release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow to an area. It influences the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which controls functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, regulates stress responses , stimulates the release of hormones like serotonin which modulates our mood and endorphins which give pain relief. 

There is ongoing research into the benefits of acupuncture and how it works. Clinical trials are difficult to do because there is no set formula to treat a condition like migraine for example. From a Chinese Medical perspective, there are many causes of a migraine which require different points to be used. Acupuncture also has many styles so treatment varies on the client and the practitioner. It's important to note that although science may not understand fully how acupuncture works it doesn't mean it doesn't work. Science is always evolving and finding new ways to understand the complexity of the human body.