Wonders of

Alternative Medicine
(WOAM)
CLX203
2020 S1
 Concepts and
practices of
TCM
Treatment
Diagnosis

Smell & Hear

Link to organs Pulse
Observation (e.g. tongue)
Qi
Affected by:
Weather
Food we eat
Our emotions
Acupuncture &
Acupressure
Acupuncture video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnKPNw9K2Ng
Overview
 Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Current practice in Singapore
History and principles
How acupuncture works
What happens during acupuncture

 Acupressure
Difference between acupressure and
acupuncture
Common acupoints
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Diet & nutrition
Exercise, stress reduction & lifestyle
Massage - Tui Na


What is Acupuncture?
针刺


What is Acupuncture?*
Acupuncture is needle stimulation of acupressure
points along the meridian to restore chi flow

Treat mainly acute and chronic pain

Qi = "life energy" or "life force," which

flows within us. Sometimes, it is known as
the "vital energy" of the body.
Current Practice in Singapore*
40% of TCM physicians are practicing acupuncturist
Almost all government hospitals have a
TCM/acupuncture unit

* TCM Board Annual Report 2016


84% of chronic pain patient use CAM.
49% of patient use acupuncture.
Acupuncture Practice in Singapore*
Singapore Government Policy*
1st Jan 2002, Registration of acupuncturists
Non western trained medical personnel

A) Approved local qualification in TCM

 Singapore College of TCM
 Institute of Chinese Medical Studies
 NTU Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine

B) Approved foreign qualification in TCM

 Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
 Chengdu University of TCM
 China Academy of TCM
 Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
 Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
 Shandong University of TCM
 Shanghai University of TCM
Overview
 Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Current practice in Singapore
History and principles
How acupuncture works
What happens during acupuncture

 Acupressure
Difference between acupressure and
acupuncture
Common acupoints
The Origins of Acupuncture
Ancient ‘needles’ *

Flower thorns

Sharpened stones, bamboo slivers and animal bones

Ancient ‘needles’
Acupuncture Needles Today*
Hair-like needles
Various lengths
Stainless steel
Silver and gold too
Sterile and
individually packed
Single-use only
Principles*
The principles of Acupuncture are similar to those
governing the use of TCM herbs and formulations
Common themes:
Yin & Yang
Five elements and “Zang Fu” system
The concept of “qi” and blood
Holistic approach to healing
Concepts pertaining to acupuncture only:
Meridians
Acupoints
Yin and yang in TCM*
Perfect balance (or dynamic equilibrium) of yin and
yang: good health

If there is too much yin or yang, the remedy is to

dispel ( 泻 )
If there is too little yin or yang, the remedy is to

replenish ( 补 )
Does acupuncture has a scientific
explanation?*
Yes and no
Acupuncture works based on empirical evidence
Clinical studies have shown that it is effective
The mechanisms are not entirely understood but
some theories have been postulated, such as
Hyaluronic acid (HA) model (ion release)
Neurochemicals e.g. endorphins, serotonin,
acetylcholine
Placebo effect
Poassible that certain
biomolecules are
released
 Channels and meridian points

 meridians are a network of 'energy

channels’ that run through the body

Acupoints is any of the supposed

energy points on the body where
acupuncture needles are inserted or
manual pressure is applied during
acupressure

According to classical acupuncture theory, it

is believed that the disorder of visceral
conditions and organs is reflected at specific
points, either on the skin surface or
underneath, which are generally called
acupoints 
Moxibustion and Cupping – related to
stimulating acupressure points

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant mugw

ort
materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface
of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi
in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Other forms of moxibustion
Do the Needles Hurt?
Needles are
No. They are as fine as a cat’s whisker. long, fine and
soft

Numbness, tingling or mild soreness

Acupuncture relaxing and many fall asleep

Insert & remove Fast and precise

painlessly twirling or rotating the needles flexibly
Acupuncture-side effects

Alcohol swab to Punctured lung

prevent infection (sharp stabbing pain
when breathing)
Overview
 Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Current practice in Singapore
History and principles
How acupuncture works
What happens during acupuncture

 Acupressure
Difference between acupressure and
acupuncture
Common acupoints
Acupressure
Difference between acupuncture and
acupressure*
Acupressure uses fingers, other body parts or
non-invasive tools to stimulate the acupoints

Acupuncture is applied for health issues whereas

acupressure can be used for general wellness

Acupuncture is more precise and provides

quicker relief

Acupuncture must be performed by a trained

acupuncturist whereas anyone can learn and
apply acupressure
Health Benefits
Relieve stress and tension
Relax mind and body
Increase in blood circulation
Aids in the removal of toxic waste
Health Benefits
Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches
Promote the healing of injuries
Increases energy levels
Increase overall feeling of well-being
Decreasing labour pains
Introduction to Meridians and
Acupoints*
There are 365 regular
acupoints known today
located on 12 regular
meridians and 8
extraordinary meridians
Acupoints are considered
energy vortices where
flow of qi (and blood) in
the body can be
regulated
Hegu ( 合谷 )
Arm Yang Ming
Meridian (Large
Intestines)
Relieves aches and pains
e.g. headache,
toothache, avoid use
during pregnancy
 Arm Jue Yin Meridian
(Pericardium)
Neiguan ( 内关 ) Relieves nausea, insomnia
Fengchi ( 风池 )
Leg Shao Yang Meridian
(Gall Bladder)
Relieves headache, colds
and fever
Zusanli ( 足三里 )
Leg Yang Ming Meridian
(Stomach)
Relieves indigestion,
constipation and
diarrhoea
 Cautions*
Never press on an open wound, swollen or
inflamed skin, a bruise, surgery scar, varicose
vein, or broken bone.
Avoid acupressure if you have a contagious
disease, an infectious skin disease, or a serious
heart, kidney, or lung disorder.
Certain acupressure points must
be avoided during pregnancy. Be
sure to tell your practitioner if you
are or may be pregnant.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)*

Balance

Diagnosis