Cauterization of active points. Acupuncture therapy

ACUPUNCTURE AND CORRUSTION

Acupuncture, acupuncture (or Zhen Ju therapy) is one of the ancient and simple methods of treating and preventing diseases, used in the East (China, Japan, Vietnam). This method began to exist much earlier than treatment with herbs and medicinal substances.

Acupuncture method (Zhen) represents irritation by the injection of a sharp object to biologically active points located on a certain line (meridian or channel) or beyond. The founder of the zhen method is the Chinese physician Bian Qiao, who lived in the 5th century. BC e. He was one of the first to use acupuncture. In Vietnam, the skilled healer Thoi Vi, who lived in the 2nd century. BC e., mastered this method. In ancient times, needles were made from hard stone, so the method was called “stone needle treatment.” In 300 BC. e. Instead of stone needles, metal ones began to be used.

Tszyu method, or cauterization, represents irritation of certain points with heat. Special tinder or a cigarette are used as an irritant.

Zhen Jiu Therapy Method widespread in the East. Many ancient books and manuscripts that describe acupuncture methods, diagrams and drawings with points of influence have survived to this day. In 1027, a Chinese doctor Wang Wei proposed to cast two human figures in bronze with acupuncture points applied to them. The points were located on channels filled with colored liquid. When the point was found correctly, a fountain of liquid erupted. These figures have survived to this day. In modern medicine, it is recommended to irritate the points by introducing medicinal substances, exposure to currents, ultraviolet, infrared rays, and lasers. The Zhen Ju method continues to improve and is considered one of the best ways to treat and maintain health. Eastern medicine has its own special ideas about internal organs. She pays great attention to the function rather than the structure of organs. Another important postulate is the presence of a really existing invisible substance - a spiritual energy principle.

From the point of view of Eastern healers, all organs are divided into dense and hollow. Dense organs- this is the heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, lungs. According to some, these include the pericardium. The main function of dense parenchymal organs is the accumulation and conservation of energy that nourishes the body. Hollow organs– this is the stomach, gall bladder, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, three parts of the body (“triple warmer”). The main function of hollow organs is the synthesis and delivery of nutrients. Unusual organs are the uterus, brain, spinal and bone marrow, and blood vessels.

Acupuncture and moxibustion are two different therapeutic approaches that treat various diseases:

1. Acupuncture is the treatment of a disease by influencing biologically active points of the body by sticking (entering) various types of needles into them.

2. Moxibustion methods are the process of burning the moxa plant (wood) over specific acupuncture points of the body. "

Although acupuncture and moxibustion are often used together to treat ailments ranging from various internal ailments in the body to gynecological and pediatric diseases, acupuncture and moxibustion are two different therapeutic approaches in the treatment of various diseases.

Acupuncture treats diseases by puncturing acupuncture points on the body with various types of needles. But when cauterizing, certain moxa plants (wood) are set on fire and held over certain points of the body. Despite the differences in the equipment and materials used, the end result of the treatment and prophylactic procedures is similar.

Stimulating the body's major acupuncture points and channels improves the circulation of qi and blood through vital channels. The expected results often come quickly, with virtually no side effects.

The places where needles are inserted or heat (moxibustion) is applied are known as acupuncture points. By concentrating all your attention on certain points, you can get different effects and responses in the corresponding parts of the body. The discovery of these points and their stimulation led to the creation and implementation of the theory of channels and collaterals. Previously, acupuncturists believed that irritation (stimulation) with a needle at a certain point would affect other parts of the body in a given area. Impact on different acupuncture sites will also lead to similar results. Thus, acupuncturists studied the relationship between these points and developed the theory of channels and collaterals.

The vertically arranged "mainways" were described by ancient physicians as "canals", while the major and minor branches of these "canals" were designated "collaterals". In general, this network can be defined as consisting of 12 channels, 15 collaterals and 8 emergency (auxiliary) channels. This network extends throughout the body and connects various points of the body.

The points that form this network have been studied and discovered one by one during the long history of acupuncture and moxibustion. Archaeological excavations and historical data show that impressive results were obtained at the very beginning of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The earliest advances in acupuncture and moxibustion were recorded by Shima Qian in Shiji (Historical Records), a Han Dynasty historian. Confirmation of this fact is presented in the work “Biography of Bian Que,” a man who brought patients out of coma using the method of acupuncture (acupuncture).

Acupuncture and moxibustion have been popular treatments for thousands of years as a method of preventing and treating disease. These methods are an important and integral fact of Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture and moxibustion have been used to treat various diseases in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and other eastern countries. In China, this type of treatment is called zhen-ju therapy. In Europe it began to be used much later, only in the 17th century, where it received the name “acupuncture”.
The techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion, passed on by folk doctors from generation to generation, are distinguished by their exceptional diversity. Moreover, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Despite centuries of positive experience in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion in China and other Eastern and European countries, there is still no complete theory of their use.

The ancient Eastern theories of yin-yang, the five primary elements, the doctrine of “chi” energy, as well as the rules of “mother-son”, “noon-midnight” and others are currently only of historical interest.
Many scientists at different times tried to provide a theoretical basis for reflexology. Thus, according to the capillary theory, acupuncture leads to a change in capillary blood flow, which improves the exchange between blood and tissues. Modern data on the importance of the state of microcirculation in normal and pathological conditions confirm the need for its normalization in the treatment of diseases of internal organs.

The tissue theory is based on the assumption that certain substances are released when tissue is injured at the site of needle insertion, which stimulate biological processes, contributing to the healing of the body.
According to the histamine theory, during acupuncture, the content of histidine and the histamine formed from it are normalized, as a result of which the permeability of the vascular walls changes, blood flow and metabolism are normalized. The importance of humoral factors in the mechanism of acupuncture is confirmed in modern research.

Inserting a needle into tissue and resulting in increased breakdown of tissue molecules. Also, acupuncture changes the bioelectric characteristics of the skin. In this case, bioelectric currents arise, which have a therapeutic effect when the wavelength and frequency of their oscillations coincide with the same indicators of diseased organs. According to the “needle-antenna” theory, cosmic radiation is absorbed in the body, which leads to a change in energy metabolism. A specific feature of acupuncture, which distinguishes it from other types of reflex therapy, including physical therapy, is that during acupuncture the irritation falls on an extremely small area - the area of ​​the acupuncture point. In this case, not only the sensitive endings embedded in the skin (exteroceptors), but also proprio, baro, chemo and angioreceptors embedded in the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, ligaments, perineural and perivascular plexuses found along the needle are exposed to irritation (E. D. Tykochinskaya , 1979). Irritation of these various elements of deep proprioceptive sensitivity apparently explains those intended sensations that appear when a needle is inserted to a certain depth: distension, aching, numbness, warmth, “passage of electric current.”
Typically, acupuncture causes local, segmental and general reactions.
The local reaction to the insertion of a needle into an acupuncture point is expressed in changes in skin color, blood flow, temperature, and the appearance of an edematous ridge at the acupuncture site. Electrophysiological studies at this time reveal a change in electrical potential and resistance.

Essential for understanding the mechanisms of acupuncture is the understanding of the metameric principle of body structure. It is known that each metameter is innervated not only by one segment, but also overlaps with the upper and lower. In this regard, knowledge of segmental autonomic innervation is important. Thus, the innervation of the head is connected with the lower cervical and upper thoracic parts of the spinal cord; heart and lungs - with the upper thoracic; liver, gall bladder - with lower thoracic; kidneys and pelvic organs - with the lumbar spinal cord. These same sections innervate the skin, muscles and other organs and tissues.
Close connections between somatic and vegetative formations at the level of the spinal cord can create conditions for switching impulses from the somatic to the vegetative and vice versa.

The basis of the reflexology method is the doctrine of points of influence (acupuncture). Since ancient times, the localization of points and the course of meridians have not changed, but only been supplemented.
- Points of influence were called differently: active points, “Chinese”, “vital”, biologically active points, biologically active zones, acupuncture points, etc.
The existence of such points on the body of humans and animals has been known since ancient times. According to I. Niboyet (1973), they are detected from the moment of birth.

It is believed that the main elements of acupuncture points are nerves, the histochemical characteristics of which are different, as well as blood and lymphatic vessels and connective tissue with a large number of mast cells.
The latter are the most reactive elements, playing an important role in the metabolic processes of the body due to the secretion of heparin and histamine.
Heparin, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and other biologically active substances, released into the intercellular substance, change the state of this substance, blood and microcirculatory vessels.
Inserting a needle into tissue during acupuncture, using electropuncture or other reflexology methods also contribute to changes in the electrolyte composition in the areas of acupuncture points. And, as you know, electrolytes are of great importance in the activity of the autonomic nervous system and regulate many metabolic processes.
The diameter of the points during sleep and severe fatigue is about 1 mm. Upon awakening, as well as in cases of emotional stress and illness, the diameter of the points can increase to 1 cm or more.
Based on measuring the electrical conductivity of the skin, various devices are created to find acupuncture points. Sometimes the localization of acupuncture zones is determined by measuring skin potentials or by temperature gradient.
To find acupuncture points, anatomical landmarks (cavities, tubercles, bones, joints, muscles, etc.) have long been used. But not everywhere there are clear anatomical signs. In addition, it was necessary to find a unit of length that could be used when determining the distance from an anatomical landmark. For this purpose, an individual cun was used (the distance between two folds that are formed when the second phalanx of the middle finger is bent).
Areas of the body were divided into a certain number of equal parts, which were called proportional cunami.
Currently, the systematization of acupuncture points is carried out either by body region (Zhu Lian, 1959) or by meridians. Considering the fact that the meridian principle is increasingly being used in the practice of acupuncture.
Moxibustion (warming) in Chinese medicine

In ancient Eastern medicine, moxibustion (jiu) was used for treatment as often as acupuncture (zhen). Often these two methods were combined: warming acupuncture points after acupuncture; performing acupuncture on some points and warming others; warming up the needle inserted into the tissue and together enhance the effect.
In eastern countries, the cauterization technique with the formation of a bubble is still preserved; in European countries, only thermal cauterization is currently used.
Of the large number of methods united under the concept of “tszyu”, the most common are three types: wormwood cigarettes, wormwood cones, wormwood balls, put on the handle of a needle.
This method of reflexology is widely used in the treatment of various chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (often together with acupuncture), skin diseases, myositis, neuritis and neuralgia, etc. Thermopuncture is especially indicated for weakened patients, children, and the elderly.
Despite the widespread and long-standing use of cauterization, the mechanism of its action has not yet been sufficiently studied. R. M. Toyama (1975) indicates that moxibustion stimulates the body's defenses through the neuroendocrine, as well as through the reticuloendothelial system. E. D. Tykochinskaya (1979) notes the primary effect of moxibustion on humoral mechanisms, causing secondary changes on the part of higher regulatory vegetative centers.
The classical ancient Eastern technique of wormwood-cone cauterization is used for treatment quite rarely; the technique described by Zhu Lian (1959) of distant thermal exposure to skin points with smoldering wormwood cigarettes is more often used.
Depending on the medicinal purposes, wormwood-cigarette tsyu is divided into three types: thermal, pecking and ironing tsyu.
Thermal Ju method. The smoldering end of a wormwood cigarette is placed above the acupuncture point area at a distance of 1.0-1.5-2.0 cm, depending on the sensations experienced by the patient. Usually they achieve a feeling of pleasant warmth, after which they fix the cigarette at a certain distance. Depending on the decrease or intensification of sensations, the distance may vary. Thermal juju time is 5-10-15 minutes. This method has a calming effect and is used for chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, neuralgia, myositis, skin diseases, etc.
Pecking tszyu method. The smoldering end of a wormwood cigarette either approaches the acupuncture point or moves away from it. The movements are reminiscent of those produced when birds peck grain (hence the name of the method). At the same time, the burning sensation appears and then disappears. The duration of the procedure is 2-5 minutes per point. The method has a stimulating effect.
Ironing jiu method. The end of a smoldering wormwood cigarette is placed above the skin at a distance of 2.0-1.5 cm, and then the cigarette begins to be moved along the pathological focus, sometimes over a considerable distance. It is used most often for chronic pain syndrome and skin diseases.
In folk medicine of the East, other methods of cauterization are also used: direct application of a cone to the skin (with or without the formation of a burn), application of a cone or heating with wormwood cigarettes through a cut of fresh ginger, aconite cakes, salt, garlic, etc.
Tszyu's mechanism has not been fully revealed. Some scientists (D. S. Ermakov, 1976) have shown that during cauterization, the source of the thermal factor is infrared rays with a wavelength from 1 to 5.5 microns. A certain importance is also attached to the smoke of smoldering wormwood cigarettes, which has (according to E.D. Tykochinskaya et al., 1966) a bactericidal effect.
Currently, various devices and instruments are widely used for thermopuncture.

Cauterization is a fairly effective and safe method, but it should be used with caution in the face, scalp, and large vessels.
Another advantage of the method is that the patient can independently use Moxibustion after appropriate consultation with a doctor.

The impact is carried out in several directions at once: general massage, reflexogenic massage, effects on the spine similar to manual therapy and osteopathy, effects with needle rollers similar to acupuncture points, etc.

In ancient times, the main method with which Chinese doctors treated patients, “Zhen-ju,” originated. What is it? “Zhen” means acupuncture, “jiu” means moxibustion.

The art of acupuncture

Tradition connects the appearance of acupuncture with the name of the famous sage Fu-Xi, who lived at the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC. Tradition attributes to him the first observation of the heavenly bodies and the invention of the doctrine of yin and yang - the two principles of all things in the Universe. According to legend, he taught people to build houses and bridges, catch fish with a net and care for five domestic animals - a horse, a bull, a chicken, a pig and a ram. Fu-Xi was a great healer. He drew up instructions on how to avoid cold in winter and sweltering heat in summer, and how to maintain healthy air and good blood in the body. But his main achievement in medicine was the creation of the doctrine of vital channels and active points located on the human body.

Historical parallels: The estimated life time of Fu-Xi, the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC, coincides with the life time of the well-known Egyptian patron of healing, Imhotep (p. 35). Like him, Fu-Xi was not only a doctor, but also an astrologer and a builder.

“In ancient times,” says the legend, “when China was ruled by Fu-Xi, versed in many sciences, one of his subjects had a headache.” This man became so ill that he could not find peace either day or night. One day, while cultivating a field, he accidentally hit himself on the leg with a hoe and noticed a strange thing: the headache went away after this blow. Since then, local residents began to deliberately hit themselves on the leg with a piece of stone when they had a headache. Having learned about this, the emperor tried to replace the painful blows with a stone with injections of a stone needle, and the results were good. Later it turned out that such injections, applied to certain places on the body, help not only with headaches, but also with other diseases. It has been observed that exposure to certain points of the body leads to relief from pain or illness. For example, squeezing the central fossa of the upper lip helps lift the patient out of a state of fainting, and inserting needles at certain points at the base of the first and second fingers cures insomnia.

Historical parallels: Methods of influencing active points of the body are also known in the medicine of other nations. Residents of South Africa, wanting to be cured of many diseases, scratch certain points on the body with a shell; Arabs, when treating radiculitis, cauterize part of the ear with a heated metal rod; Eskimos inflict injections with a sharpened stone.

Many discoveries have been made in the field of biology and medicine, but one complex mystery has not been solved for several thousand years. This is the mystery of the “life channels” running along the surface of the body.

Each channel is associated with a specific internal organ. The channels of the body, like the points on them, are invisible, but they really exist, since there is a constant mutual dependence between them and the internal organs. The impact on internal organs through these points using acupuncture and moxibustion is the basis of one of the main methods of treatment in Chinese medicine. The first literary data on the use of this method date back to the 6th century. BC They are set out in the “Canon of the Internal” (“Nei-ching”, around the 2nd century BC) - one of the oldest medical books in China.

Historical parallels:

In modern medicine of the East and West, the doctrine of vital channels and active points located on the surface of the human body is widely used. With the help of various instruments in the area of ​​active points (often called BAT - biologically active points), electrical and magnetic phenomena were discovered, as well as radiation carrying certain information. Modern science tends to consider the qi energy concentrated at these points as a certain type of matter - electrical, magnetic, acoustic, light.

The first needles were made of stone. Later they began to make them from silicon or jasper, from bone and bamboo, from metals: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, stainless steel. There were 9 needle shapes; among them were cylindrical, flat, round, triangular, spear-shaped, needles with a sharp and blunt end.

Such needles were not only intended for acupuncture, they also served as surgical instruments. For example, a sharp “arrow-shaped” needle was used to open abscesses; a needle with a round end was used to split muscles during operations; a thin needle with a blunt end was used to treat those patients who were afraid of injections: instead of an injection, they simply pressed on the appropriate points. To treat children, “skin” needles were made, with which shallow, superficial injections were made. Modern needles are usually made of silver or high grade stainless steel. When introduced, they do not destroy tissue because they have a very thin rod.

Cauterization

The active points were affected not only by acupuncture, but also by cauterization. This method is sometimes mentioned in Chinese literature under such poetic names as “wonderful thunder needle” or “night torch hunt.” In the old days, it was believed that cauterization should cause a burn. “Irritation is without, effect is within” - says an old Chinese proverb. Cauterization was performed using a hot metal stick, lit sulfur powder, and crushed pieces of garlic.

Modern doctors usually use moxa (wormwood) for treatment, which gives only pleasant warmth during smoldering. It is traditionally believed that the effectiveness of moxibustion increases with the shelf life of moxa. For example, for the treatment of a disease that arose 7 years ago, moxa was recommended, which was stored for at least 3 years. Cigarettes and burning cones were stuffed with dried and tightly compressed wormwood; sometimes other medicinal plants were added to it. Moxibustion as a method of preventing and treating diseases has become widespread in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and many other Eastern countries.

Teaching the art of Zhen-Jiu

Comprehension of the art of “zhen-jiu” was very difficult and required a long time. The student had to study not only the location of active points on the “life channels”, but also the complex relationships between them. “You need to take a needle as carefully as approaching a tiger,” says an old Chinese proverb.

The first state institution where traditional medicine was taught - the Imperial Medical School - arose in China only in the Middle Ages. The school had 20 students, 1 teacher and assistant, 20 instructors and 20 needle makers. Of great importance for teaching was the creation of the first two bronze figures, which were cast in full human height under the direction of the physician Wang Wei-i in 1027. All the points and their names were marked on the surface of the figures. Each point corresponded to a deep channel for needle insertion. The outside of the figure was covered with wax, and the inside was filled with water: if the student inserted the needle correctly, a drop of water appeared on the surface of the figure. A year earlier, in 1026, Wang Wei-yi completed work on the Atlas of Points, which became the first officially accepted manual on acupuncture. From the 13th century Copying of figures began, the method of acupuncture went beyond China and began to spread to other Asian countries, then penetrated into Europe and America. In Russia, the first report about it was made in the late 20s. XIX century

Traditional Chinese medicine is also widespread in the modern world. In 1980, the World Health Organization recognized acupuncture as a scientifically proven method and recommended its use in the treatment of various diseases.

The main principle of the method is thermal stimulation of biologically active points. For this they use wormwood cigars,
which light and slowly rotate over the point of impact.

Wormwood has been used in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Impact on acupuncture points using wormwood cigars affects the course of Qi : redistribute energy to places where it is needed, replenish or reduce the intensity of Qi.

Advantages of the method:

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that in the cold, Qi energy “sleeps”, and warming stimulates the movement of Qi energy.

Moxibustion uses the healing herb wormwood, which penetrates well into the channels of the spleen, kidneys, gall bladder and liver.

Moxibustion replenishes Yang vital energy.

The property of wormwood is that, due to its bitter taste, it penetrates well into the channels of the spleen, kidneys, gall bladder and liver.

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Indications:

Colds (runny nose, acute bronchitis, cough, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, pleurisy);

Abdominal pain, acute inflammation of the stomach, stomach ulcer, constipation;

Sleep disorders, insomnia;

Hypertension, angina pectoris;

Diabetes mellitus;

Cholecystitis;

Prostatitis;

Keratitis, etc.

Cauterization will quickly relieve pain of various origins; will help relieve irritability and give calm; eliminates spasms, “revitalizes” the nerves.

Contraindications:

1. It is not allowed to do cauterization on open areas of the body (face, etc.);

2. Cauterization is not carried out on the surface of thin skin, joints,collection of tendons and nodes, blood vessels; in pregnant women in the lumbosacral region, lower abdomen, etc.

3. During periods of severe body fatigue, menstruation, psychological disorder, excessive sweating, etc.

4. Some infectious diseases, nervous diseases, fever, coma, convulsions, excessive physical fatigue.

Side effects and complications

1. Insomnia

2. Dry mouth

3. Redness on the skin

1. You cannot come to the procedure on an empty/full stomach.

2. After the procedure, you need to drink more warm water.

3. After the procedure, you should not take a cold shower.

The technique of cauterizing points with wormwood cigars (or moxatherapy) is described in detail in the oldest medical treatise known to mankind - “Jud-shi”, which is about five thousand years old. Even then, this technique was considered one of the most effective and is still considered so.

Exposure to certain points (Tzu-san-li, Guan-yuan, Qi-hei) with wormwood cigars prolongs life.

The effect on the He-Gu point has a rejuvenating effect, making the skin tightened and elastic. This effect is achieved due to the effect on the function of the ovaries and uterus, clearing the channels of the liver and spleen.

Tszyu therapy using wax or paraffin was also used. Melted wax was dripped onto the appropriate points, then wrapped around the area for a warm effect. This method of cauterization has proven itself in the treatment of bone tuberculosis.

For some time, the method of cauterization using sulfur was very popular. The sulfur powder was set on fire, wrapped tightly in paper, and a Tszyu therapy session was performed.