Discussion on clinical application and regularity of the theory of "mind-regulating" in clinical acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.

Abstract

The active role of "Shen" (mind) in the process of disease treatment has always been valued by scholars of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). "Tiaoshen" (mind-regulating) is regarded as the fundamental component of TCM therapy. "Mind-regulating" acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, as a treatment method for both body and mind, is consistent with the present bio-psycho-social medical model. In recent years, a large number of clinical studies have confirmed the exact efficacy of "mind-regulating" acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. This article reviewed the clinical applications of that in psychosomatic diseases, neurological diseases, and digestive diseases over the last decade. This article also summarized the research progress of various "mind-regulating" acupuncture and moxibustion methods, investigated the theoretical connotations of "Tongdu Tiaoshen" (dredging Governor Vessel and regulating mind) acupuncture, "Shugan Tiaoshen" (soothing liver and regulating mind) acupuncture, and the "Tiaoshen needling technique" (mind-regulating needling technique), and generalized the main acupoint selection rules. Lastly, future development directions were provided for the theoretical basis of clinical application of "mind-regulating" acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for further improvement.