文档介绍：Evolution of Acupuncture for Pain Management
David H. Kim, MD
cupuncture has been in existence for thousands of years. to the most recent use of deep muscle “acupuncture” known
AA well-accepted practice in Asia, it was initially met with as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) or Trigger Point Nee-
great resistance in the West. However this situation has dling (TPN), which uses modern scientific principles. In fact,
changed dramatically with the advent of greater public this modern version, although sharing in philosophy, differs
awareness, clinical efficacy, low side effect profiles, and re- so much in practice that it may not be considered acupunc-
search evidence. Over one million practitioners provide acu- ture at all. In addition, other basic and clinical research find-
puncture outside of China. In the United States, over 11,000 ings relevant to acupuncture are cited.
physicians, both MDs and DOs have an The grow- There is a great deal of wisdom on the ancient ideas of vital
ing number of acupuncture schools opening up around the energy, balance, and harmony serving as a foundation upon
world is an indication of increasing utilization. With this which to build. Likewise, there is great value in the under-
“renewed” interest in an ancient but “alternative” treatment, standing of physiologic processes. Science can further refine
came many variations of the original theme found in the established, empirically observable principles and replace
Chinese Classic, the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s old ideas with newer ones that work better in our contempo-
Classic of Internal Medicine), which is one of the oldest med- rary context. Views from both the East and West remain
ical textbooks in existence. Today, it is not mon to find valid. I will use East and West as metaphorical descriptive
bining different acupuncture techniques terms for the sake of clarity. In fact, throughout this review,
and ideas. one will notice how East and West e togethe