Thinking on acupuncture depth / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

With acupuncture depth as a perspective, some related issues are discussed in this paper. Firstly, the possible reasons of divergence on needling depth are explained. Secondly, by literature retrieval, the advantages and disadvantages of the clinical efficacy of deep needling and shallow needling are explored, and the essential value of shallow needling is emphasized in promoting acupuncture. Thirdly, due to the placebo acupuncture that led to the controversy of the curative effect of acupuncture, it is crucial to establish a method of modern system of scientific research which should be suitable for the development of acupuncture. Finally, the "cun" in acupuncture is inappropriate to transform into millimeter, and the standardization of acupuncture should focus on the improvement of curative efficacy. From the acupuncture depth, it is clear that there are plenty of problems in acupuncture, which could not only limit the development of acupuncture, but also affect the future of acupuncture.