TCM differentiation and acupuncture treatment for regulation of the sub-healthy state

TCM differentiation and acupuncture treatment for regulation of the sub-healthy state, by Gong Yanhua et al

According to the WHO, 60-70% of the world's population live in a state of 'sub-health'. Health is defined here as not only the absence of weakness or disease but a state of perfect physical, social and psychological health. Without corrective measures it is likely that sub-healthy states will eventuate in actual disease, and their prevention is therefore of great significance worldwide. This article reports on the effective use of acupuncture and moxibustion in resolving these states by basing treatment on the differentiation of excess, deficient and mixed syndromes and the disturbance of the five zang organs. Each of the organs is discussed with the standard TCM pathologies, point selections and techniques of tonifying and dispersing, including the appropriate use of the ear points, gua sha (scraping), bloodletting and cupping (e.g. the bloodletting and cupping together of Xinshu BL-15 and Ganshu BL-18 to purge Liver fire). No case histories or statistics are given and the conclusion is simply that acupuncture can play an active role in the regulation of the sub-healthy state.
JTCM March 2007