Traditional versus modern Acupuncture

On top of these, modern AP adds

n. needling points in the affected dermatome or along the innervation of the affected area

o. needling Scalp, Ear, Face, Nose, Hand or Foot Zone points associated with the affected area (e.g.) Scalp zone "Lower Motor Area" for leg paralysis; Hand point "Loin and leg" for lumbago/sciatica etc.

By far the most common prescription is a combination of Ahshipoints and local points and distant points on the affected Channel. This may seem to be a simple matter to resolve but a look at any standard chart will show the difficulties. One must limit the number of needles to 6-12 in most sessions. Therefore one must discriminate which local and distant points are most relevant). The textbooks (as individual texts) do not help much either. A careful study of the texts shows that there is major variation between them in their choice of points for specific conditions. One solution to the problem is to construct a database from many textbooks and to use the computer to do a frequency ranking on the points for specific conditions. In this way, the most commonly recommended points for any specific condition can be output in seconds.

COOKBOOK AND MODERN AP

Although Classical AP is also practised in Europe, USA, Soviet countries, Taiwan and Japan most countries, MODERN AP in those countries is a much simplified version. It needs less study of the more difficult classical concepts but it demands competence in western medicine as the foundation for sound diagnosis good clinical success. The following aspects will be discussed:

1. WESTERN CONCEPTS OF REFLEX DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

2. COMPUTER DATABASES

3. COOKBOOKS

4. TAIWANESE/JAPANESE APPROACH TO AP

5. COMBINATION OF MODERN AP AND WESTERN MEDICINE

6. THE FUTURE ?