The Origin and Development of the Art of Acupuncture

The Suwen original: "素問"; the "Basic Questions," the first half of the most fundamental text in Chinese medicine consists of twelve volumes. It is known to the world as a book of dialogues between the Yellow Emperor and his physician, Qi Bo. However, when one examines its underlying meaning, it is likely not the words of a single era, nor was it written by a single hand. Liu Xiang a prominent Han dynasty scholar and bibliographer identified it as a work written by the various princes of the Han state. Master Cheng likely referring to the influential Song dynasty philosopher Cheng Yi stated that it emerged at the end of the Warring States period. Its general nature is very much like the Book of Rites, which was a compilation by Han dynasty scholars and circulated alongside the teachings of Confucius and his grandson, Zisi.

Chapters such as the "Secret Canon of the Spiritual Orchid," the "Five Constant Powers," and the "Great Record of the Six Origins" titles of specific chapters within the Suwen exist solely to clarify the principles of Yin and Yang the concept of dualistic harmony in nature and the Five Elements original: "Wuxing"; the five phases of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These chapters explain how these forces generate and control one another, matching them with natural virtues and applying them directly to the human body. The various descriptions of healthy complexions, pulses, names of diseases, and the essentials of acupuncture treatment all derive from and expand upon these principles.

Thus, Huangfu Mi’s Jiayi Jing The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, written c. 260-282 CE and Yang Shangshan’s Taisu The Grand Basis, a 7th-century reorganization of the Inner Canon are also rooted in this text, though they contain slight variations. The fundamental laws for physicians do not exceed what is found in this book. However, according to the "Treatise on Literature" in the Book of the Western Han, there is the Inner Canon in eighteen volumes and the work of Bian The text likely refers to Bian Que, a legendary physician of the 5th century BCE, but cuts off here...

[Anatomical Illustration: Posterior View of the Human Body]

This diagram illustrates the locations of acupuncture points along the back of the head, torso, and limbs.

Head and Neck:
Labels include the Back Vertex (Houding), Rigid Interval (Qiangjian), Brain Door (Naohu), Wind Mansion (Fengfu), Mute’s Gate (Yamen), Wind Pool (Fengchi), Celestial Pillar (Tianzhu), Completion Bone (Wangu), Jade Pillow (Yuzhen), and Brain Hollow (Naokong).

The Governor Vessel (Du Mai):
The central line of points descending the spine:
Great Hammer (Dazhui), Way of Happiness (Taodao), Body Pillar (Shenzhu), Spirit Path (Shendao), Spirit Tower (Lingtai), Reaching Yang (Zhiyang), Muscle Contraction (Jinsuo), Central Pivot (Zhongshu), Middle of the Spine (Jizhong), Suspended Pivot (Xuanshu), Gate of Life (Mingmen), Yang Pass (Yangguan), Lumbar Transporter (Yaoshu), and Long Strong (Changqiang).

The Bladder Meridian (Pangguang Jing):
Two parallel lines on either side of the spine. The inner line corresponds to the internal organs:
Great Shuttle (Dazhu), Wind Gate (Fengmen), Lung Transporter (Feishu), Heart Transporter (Xinshu), Liver Transporter (Ganshu), Gallbladder Transporter (Danshu), Spleen Transporter (Pishu), Stomach Transporter (Weishu), Kidney Transporter (Shenshu), Large Intestine Transporter (Dachangshu), Small Intestine Transporter (Xiaochangshu), and Bladder Transporter (Pangguangshu).
The outer line includes: Attached Branch (Fufen), Door of the Corporeal Soul (Pohu), Vital Region (Gaohuang), Spirit Hall (Shentang), Sigh of Pain (Yixi), Diaphragm Pass (Geguan), Gate of the Ethereal Soul (Hunmen), Yang’s Network (Yanggang), Abode of Thought (Yishe), Stomach Granary (Weicang), Vital Gate (Huangmen), Residence of the Will (Zhishi), Bladder’s Vitals (Baohuang), and Sequential Edge (Zhibian).

Upper and Lower Limbs:
Points include Shoulder Well (Jianjing), Upper Arm Transporter (Naoshu), Middle of the Crease (Weizhong), Mountain Support (Chengshan), and Reaching Yin (Zhiyin) at the foot.