Acupuncture

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acupuncture (zhen jiu 針灸) is a therapeutic method within traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi through the meridians. The term zhen jiu actually encompasses two practices: zhen (針, needling) and jiu (灸, moxibustion — burning dried mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm and tonify). Both are used to restore the body’s functional balance according to the principles identified through pattern diagnosis.

Herbal Medicine (Zhong Yao)

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chinese herbal medicine (zhong yao 中藥) is the largest branch of traditional Chinese medicine’s therapeutic practice. Where acupuncture works through the meridian system to regulate Qi flow, herbal medicine works through the digestive system and the body’s metabolic processes to supplement deficiencies, clear excesses, and restore functional balance. In clinical TCM practice, herbal medicine and acupuncture are often used together, each addressing the pattern through different routes.

¶Classifying herbs: the four properties and five tastes

TCM classifies herbs not by their biochemical composition (as Western pharmacology does) but by their functional effects on the body. Two primary classification axes organize the materia medica:

Clinical-Practice on emsenn.net

Acupuncture

Herbal Medicine (Zhong Yao)

¶Classifying herbs: the four properties and five tastes