Time: The Stone Age

Place: China

Character: Our Ancestor

Event: Our Ancestor discovers that by inserting a sharp rock sliver into a bumped area, the skin is punctured, pus and blood flow out, and the pain is diminished. Even more interesting is that when the rocks are placed under the hot sun to heat up then placed on the area of pain, there is also a soothing effect. After continuous trials, strangely enough, he discovers that by striking or applying heat to a point other than the wounded area, the pain is also lessened.

Time: January, 1986

Place: Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Character: American Senator Barry Goldwater, a westerner; Chung Chieh, Chairman of the Department of Acupuncture at Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan.

Event: Senator Goldwater experiences a stiff neck and swelling of the shoulder. After arrangements were made, he receives acupuncture treatment from Dr. Chung.

After examination, Dr. Chung determines the cause as being pain due to over-exertion. He inserts a needle into a point on Goldwater's left hand. Dr. Chung tells Goldwater to slowly and carefully turn his neck. Goldwater smiles saying, "It's much better." The doctor who usually accompanies him asks, "Really?" Goldwater nods his head quickly as the doctor who has accompanied him on his trip shakes his head continuously.

Dr. Chung then inserts another needle into a point on Goldwater's left foot. The patient remarks, "I feel complete comfort already!" After the cause was determined he received treatment for his waist and knee.

Originally, Goldwater needed someone to assist him to get up out of a chair. Then, in front of everyone's eyes, he suddenly stood up on his own. Not only did he continue to stand up and sit down, but also he twisted his waist back and forth, and even began to dance. His accompanying doctor still looked on as he shook his head.

The former story is based on deduction while the latter is a testimony, believe it or not!

Relief from pain is one of the wondrous effects of acupuncture. Pain is a type of self-conscious manifestation. If modern medicine is unable to determine the cause, then Chinese medicine refers to it as "neuralgia." Western medicine usually prescribes the patient with a pain reliever, but may cause sour stomach, or may bring on such side effects as an ulcer. On the other hand acupuncture is "to the point."

In 1980, the W.H.O. formally announced more than forty different disorders which it recognizes as being treatable effectively with acupuncture, including respiratory, stomach, eye, neurological, and muscular and orthopedic disorders. (For a detailed listing please refer to Acupuncture--Facts and Figures.) Acupuncture has become even more valued with international recognition. Now, acupuncture clinics and research organizations are popping up all around the world, and the number of patients seeking treatment is increasing day-by-day.

People are attracted by acupuncture's good results, high safety record, and low cost. However, these good points must be built upon a foundation of an able physician.

Where can you find an able physician?

Generally speaking, the basic standard is that the doctor has a license to practice medicine. Ideally speaking, the doctor should have knowledge of western medicine, and a dialectic base in Chinese physiology and pathology. Then a complete checkup of the patient can be done. Physicians with more than three years of clinical experience are better skilled.

For example, after some patients receive needle insertions they experience a phenomenon known as "acupuncture dizziness." This is a temporary neurological shock. You'll be back to normal after lying down for a while. If the physician is inexperienced, then he or she will be unable to determine whether it is "acupuncture dizziness" or an actual shock, and let the opportune moment for emergency treatment slip by.

Although acupuncture has progressed and developed in modern times, yet when it comes to clinical treatment there are still many unanswered questions worth further research.

It looks like before long acupuncture will be playing an even more important role. If the ancient Chinese medical proverb which says "All illness cured with one needle" can be achieved, then Time magazine may choose acupuncture as its next Man of the Year.

Standard Charges for Acupuncture Treatment in Public and Private Hospitals[Picture]

[Picture Caption]

The beds are seldom empty in the Department of Acupuncture at Taipei Municipal Hoping Hospital.

Acupuncture is effective in treating some disorders, but if the body is physically lacking, then it will not be of any use. The patient should understand which treatments are suitable for acupuncture treatment.

A slice of ginger is placed under the moxa punk in order to decrease any chances of harm to the patient's skin. (photo by Arthur Cheng)

While inserting a needle, the patient must relax; otherwise the muscles will tighten and affect treatment.

Laser acupuncture is mild. There isn't any pain when the needle is inserted, but since chin tao (energy) is limited, insertion can only take place on the hands, arms, feet, and ears. (photo by Arthur Cheng)

Shown here: electricity applied to a needle.

Both before and after insertions the internal chi will undergo a change. The change in chi is reflected by this instrument.

This bronze statue displays the meridians and channels found all over the human body. Those who study acupuncture refer to it. (photo by Arthur Cheng)

Acupuncture is effective in treating some disorders, but if the body is physically lacking, then it will not be of any use. The patient should understand which treatments are suitable for acupuncture treatment.

A slice of ginger is placed under the moxa punk in order to decrease any chances of harm to the patient's skin. （photo by Arthur Cheng）

While inserting a needle, the patient must relax; otherwise the muscles will tighten and affect treatment.

Laser acupuncture is mild. There isn't any pain when the needle is inserted, but since chin tao （energy） is limited, insertion can only take place on the hands, arms, feet, and ears. （photo by Arthur Cheng）

Shown here: electricity applied to a needle.

Both before and after insertions the internal chi will undergo a change. The change in chi is reflected by this instrument.

This bronze statue displays the meridians and channels found all over the human body. Those who study acupuncture refer to it. （photo by Arthur Cheng）