Brief History and Timeline of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been around for many centuries in Eastern medicine and, in recent years, has become a widespread, global phenomenon.
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The following article will explore the history behind acupuncture and how it got to where it is today. Let’s take a deeper look into the origins and past of this treatment right below.
Origins of Acupuncture
From at least as far back as 6000 BCE, acupuncture has been used in China. It was during these times that Bian stones were used, which are sharpened stones and bones that prick the body in different areas to treat different ailments and health concerns. Fu Xi, who was the first emperor of China, was thought to be the founder of acupuncture, being the first to develop treatments and therapies for Chinese medicine.
There is evidence to support that the practice had also been found in early tribes in Brazil, the Inuit people of the North Pole, and even the Bantu Tribe of South Africa. Otzi the Iceman, who died in 3300 BCE, was found in 1991 in the Alps by German hikers with tattoos on his body. These tattoos appeared to have marks placed at acupressure points to help aid some of the areas that he was struggling with. This gives the indication that the practice had already been used in other parts of the world, perhaps even before the practice of acupuncture started in China.
While Acupuncture has been used in other areas of the globe in the past, it became a much more established practice in China, with dynasties from the 11th to the 16th century developing schools dedicated to the subject. This led to a mass of clinicians studying and working in the field.
Most Notable Points in History
- In 2600 BCE, The Huangdi Neijing, otherwise known as ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’, is one of the most crucial texts on Chinese medicine, which includes information about acupuncture, yin and yang, qi, massage, and herbal medicine.
- During the Ming Dynasty in 1368 CE, acupuncture became one of the most renowned therapies used across China in addition to nutrition, herbs, moxibustion, and massage.
- Many other texts were developed over the years, with the treatment making its way to Japan in 552 CE with their copy of Zhen Jing, which teaches medicinal treatment to Japanese practitioners.
- In the 1500s, Acupuncture became a common practice in France as a result of French Jesuit missionaries travelling in Asia, and by the 1700s, it was used in medicinal treatments across Europe.
- In Australia, Acupuncture has a strong history thought to be from the high number of Chinese immigrants during the 1800s gold rush. In the 1970s, the Australian Government officially recognised Acupuncture as enabled to be medically insured through Health funds.
- In the USA, Acupuncture rose in popularity in the 1970s after President Nixon’s trip to China, and it took until 1997 for the National Institute of Health to accept the treatment, allowing it to be medically insured.
Present Day Treatment
Conclusion
In short, acupuncture has made a massive impact on the medical industry, and with its long history, it’s no wonder why more and more patients are turning to this treatment.
At New Leaf Clinic, we make it our mission to help provide pain relief to each of our clients. If you would like to book a session with us, get in touch with our team to start your journey.