History of Western Acupuncture
Seven thousand years ago, it was noticed in
China that soldiers wounded in battle recovered from
certain diseases which had afflicted them for many years.
From these observations, the principal of piercing the skin
to cure disease was evolved.
It was later noted that it was not the size of the wound
that was important, but its exact location and depth of
penetration.
The Chinese began to simulate the arrow's action by
penetrating the skin artificially.
At first pointed wooden sticks were used, then thorns, and
later needles made of bronze and iron.
By the year 3,000 BC, it had been observed that stimulation
with different metals resulted in different effects.
This was subsequently disproved when it was shown to be the
difference in needling technique and not the composition of
the needles which produced the varying effects.
Today, the Acupuncturist uses needles manufactured of
specially processed stainless steel.