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.