ABSTRACT
Traditional oriental medicine has preserved the methods of treatment of human diseases through acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, and herbs. Although acupuncture research continues today, there are already proven treatments and data, which enable trained practitioners to apply acupuncture and moxibustion beneficially. To work effectively, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment has to proceed from an overall evaluation of the patient’s condition, which includes identification of any pathological patterns of the involved disease by using the four examination methods (refer back to inspection, auscultation, olfaction, and inquiry in Chapter 20). This chapter will outline the techniques used by a certified acupuncturist in establishing a program of treatment for the patient. The therapeutic program includes the general principles of treatment, the methods of treatment, general principles for the prescription of treatment, and the selection of points.
