Preface

China, a country with a long history and civilization, has accumulated and formed its unique traditional Chinese culture in the development of humanity, which has given birth to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM culture, the distinctive cognition and crystalized wisdom about human-nature and life-health-disease, outstanding in the splendid civilization of human, has contributed tremendously to the survival and reproduction of mankind. Distinguished in the world culture by its nationality, regionality, inheritance, inclusiveness and sense of identity, TCM has become a window for foreign friends to understand Chinese culture.

TCM containing approaches to healing and maintaining health is a technology evolved through generations of Chinese doctors using it in clinical practice. Absorbing the philosophical views to human, universe and life, it emphasizes the overall relationship between human body and nature, or the dynamic balance between yin and yang, within five elements and between man and environment. It requires individualized treatment considering the syndrome, the patient's intrinsic condition, the time and environment of illness, based on information collected by means of Wang (inspection), Wen (auscultation and olfaction), Wen (inquiring) and Qie (palpation and pulse feeling), paying attention to the changes of the tongue and the pulse. It contains a pharmacological system that summarizes the qualities of herbs such as four properties, five tastes, tendency of movement, meridian preference and toxicity, stresses different ways of herb processing, and highlights compatibility in compound prescription, having all ingredients serve their own and enhancing roles to reinforce insufficiency or reduce excess. Its inventory of methods to maintain wellness and treat diseases cover acupuncture, moxibustion, Tuina, massage, Guasha, cupping, diet, medicinal liquor, Qigong, Taiji and many others. It attaches particular importance to preventive health care such as “to prevent before disease and to avoid exacerbation after disease”, advocating mental adjustment, regular routine, proper diet and exercise to help people stay healthy and prolong life.

On 16 November 2010, upon the proposal of China, Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine was approved by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage to be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the domain of knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe. Becoming an intangible cultural wealth shared by humanity indicates high recognition of the international community for TCM as well as its remarkable contribution to human society.

TCM for its preserving health and preventing disease is attracting increasing attention worldwide as people's pursuit of health upgrades along with social development. It is shining with great vitality especially when nowadays the idea of returning to nature prevails. With various forms of treatment, wide range of diseases treatable, proven effectiveness with less toxic or side effects, TCM is very popular among the general public. According to The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), acupuncture and moxibustion of TCM is being used in 183 countries and regions. As China continues to open up and Chinese culture goes globally, we project deepened international exchange and cooperation, higher awareness and more use of TCM—it will surely make greater contribution to the cause of health.

WFAS with its headquarters in Beijing, China, is an international organization in official relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Category-A Liaison with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Since its establishment on 22 November 1987, WFAS has expanded from 55 member societies to 246 from 70 countries and regions, estimated to represent 400, 000 acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners around the world. Among all, there are 90 member societies in 30 countries or regions along the Belt and Road. On 14 November 2013, it was approved at the Eighth General Assembly and World Conference on Acupuncture-Moxibustion of WFAS in Sydney, Australia, that 16–22 November every year are the “World Acupuncture Week”. This is to commemorate 22 November, the founding day of WFAS, and 16 November, the day on which acupuncture and moxibustion of TCM was inscribed on the Representative List. During that week, WFAS calls on TCM communities in all countries to organize commemorative activities such as free clinics, consultation and exhibition. From 2014, WFAS organizes the Belt and Road Tour of Acupuncture-Moxibustion of TCM, which consists of a series of events such as high-level meeting, academic exchanges, free medical consultation, lectures, exhibitions, and education and training programs, aiming to promote the culture, knowledge, education, public awareness and development of acupuncture-moxibustion in different parts of the world. The Exhibition Featuring Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has been held in more than 20 countries and regions including Russia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, Italy, and the Netherlands, not only facilitating exchange but also enhancing recognition and influence of acupuncture and moxibustion worldwide.

A Pictured Introduction of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine presents information about this medicine from a cultural perspective with which authors hope to help TCM practitioners, the international communities and the general public understand the centuries-old origin of acupuncturemoxibustion, appreciate its profound culture, give trust to its theories, apply its diagnostic and treating techniques and practice its approaches to preserving health. Main contents in this book cover inscription and protection of acupuncture-moxibustion of TCM as an intangible cultural heritage, its history, theories of meridians and acupoints, diagnostic and treating techniques, health preservation, representative inheritors, modern development and international transmission. Written in Chinese and translated into other official languages of the United Nations, namely English, French, Russian, Spanish and Arabic, this book may be found useful among various groups in understanding acupuncturemoxibustion of TCM—more cultural and scientific details for the UNESCO system, facts about its knowledge and international transmission for governments, and methods to keep fit for the general public.

The year 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the inscription of acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With the support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), the organizations responsible for inheritance and protection of acupuncture-moxibustion of TCM including WFAS, China Association of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of CACMS, made joint efforts to compile this A Pictured Introduction of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine in multiple languages. We present it as a gift to celebrate the 10th anniversary as well as the World Acupuncture Week in good will to promote acupuncture and moxibustion of TCM around the world. However, confined by the authors'understanding and the context for translation, mistakes and imperfections seem inevitable. We welcome and appreciate comments from our readers.

By authors in Beijing

16 March 2020