TCM Acupuncture: Diagnosis, Treatment & Practitioner Secrets

Section 1: Principles of Needle Therapy

Yellow Emperor addressed Qibo: “Having synthesized your teachings on the Nine Needles into a systematic doctrine, I now seek your critique. Let posterity inherit this wisdom through worthy disciples alone.”

Qibo bowed solemnly: “I attend reverently to Your Majesty’s insights.”

Yellow Emperor expounded:
“Effective acupuncture demands mastery of:

  1. Pathogen Localization: Discern left/right, upper/lower, yin/yang, and blood-qi dynamics.
  2. Meridian Topography: Map the 365 acupoints and four vital seas (Qi, Blood, Marrow, Grain).
  3. Technique Differentiation: Apply dispersing knots, supplementing deficiencies, and contralateral needling (left disease treated via right meridians).
  4. Prognostic Signs: Observe facial hues correlating to zang-fu pathologies; palpate skin texture (warm/cold, smooth/rough) to identify pathogenic factors.

Key protocols:

  • Upper Jiao Disorders (above diaphragm): Guide qi downward
  • Lower Jiao Imbalances: Reinforce via He-sea points
  • Yang Deficiency: Moxibustion at ST36 (Zusanli)
  • Channel Collapse: Prioritize tonification with prolonged needle retention

Section 2: Clinical Nuances & Needling Techniques

Diagnostic Precision:
“Frigid pathogens manifest as chills and tremors; latent ‘orthopathic evils’ show only subtle complexion changes. Master physicians intervene at meridian qi disturbances, while lesser practitioners await overt symptoms—often permitting somatic collapse.”

Supplementation Method:

  • Prep skin with gentle massage to relax tissues
  • Insert needle perpendicularly with controlled rotation
  • Retain until deqi manifests, then withdraw slowly sealing the acupoint

Drainage Technique:

  • Swift insertion following meridian direction
  • Wide needle rotation to expel pathogens
  • Rapid withdrawal maintaining open puncture

Section 3: Practitioner Selection Criteria

Yellow Emperor instructed Leigong:
“Assess candidates through practical trials:

  1. Visual Acuity Experts: Diagnose via complexion analysis
  2. Auditory Specialists: Discern pathological breath sounds
  3. Eloquent Communicators: Transmit medical knowledge
  4. Deft Practitioners: Perform needling and qi regulation
  5. Gentle Therapists: Administer tuina and daoyin
  6. Ritualists: Conduct incantations for psychosomatic disorders

Vetting Protocol:
“Test manual aggression via turtle compression assay: Brutal hands kill within 50 days; compassionate practitioners preserve life beyond this period.”