Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine uniquely relates specific mental and physical functioning to corresponding energetic channels called meridians that are associated with internal organs. Qi balance is described in terms of Yin and Yang. Human beings are considered healthy when the Qi circulating in each meridian is balanced in forces of Yin and Yang, sufficient in amount, and moving freely in the correct direction. As one of the major treatment modalities of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the oldest and most commonly used medical procedure in the world. Acupuncture has been used alone or integrated with Western medicine to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and addiction. The literature to support the use of acupuncture is encouraging for some psychiatric problems but too limited to draw definitive conclusions. This chapter reviews the basis for acupuncture and describes current research indicating its use, particularly in psychiatric disorders.