Factors Affecting the Curative Effects

There are many factors which may affect the curative effect of acupuncture and moxibustion including every aspects in the procedure of treatment concerning both the acupuncturist and the patient. The acupuncturist should be careful in diagnosis, treatment and nursing; while the patient should have confidence and actively cooperate with the acupuncturist in the treatment. Among these factors, proper treatment, correct selection of acupoints and performance are the most important ones.

(1) Factors Concerning Therapeutic Principles
The acupuncture and moxibustion therapy includes acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, etc. Acupuncture also includes pricking collateral for bloodletting, and   moxibustion includes moxibustion with moxa cone and moxa roll as well as needle warming moxibustion. These methods can be used independently or in combination according to the pathological conditions. One should not simply make use of the one and neglect the rest. Only correct use of different therapeutic methods can produce satisfactory curative effect.

(2) Factors Concerning the Use of Acupoints
1. Guidance of the Theory of TCM
The acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is developed on the basis of the theory of TCM with the application of the theories of yin-yang and five elements as well as meridians, viscera, qi, blood and body fluids in analyzing pathogenesis, identifying the location of disease and defining yin and yang, exterior and interior, cold and heat as well as asthenia and sthenia. These aspects are prerequisite to the selection and combination of acupoints. 
2. Combination of Differentiation of Syndromes with the Differentiation of Diseases
Differentiation of syndromes should be emphasized in the selection and combination of acupoints according to the theory and principles of meridians and acupoints. At the same time modern medical knowledge is required to diagnose diseases and for the improvement of specificity of acupoint selection and formulation of prescription.

(3) Factors Concerning the Manipulation
1. Concentration
Since acupuncture and moxibustion therapy uses needles and lighted moxa to directly stimulate the body of the patient, the acupuncturist should be very careful in all the procedure of treatment. This is not only for the prevention of accidents, but also for careful observation of the reactions of the patient to the stimulation for the purpose of timely adjustment of the treatment in order to achieve satisfactory curative effect.
2. Consideration of Constitutional Difference
The degree of acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation should be monitored according to the pathological conditions and the constitutional difference of the patient. Both excessive and insufficient stimulation will make it difficult to achieve satisfactory curative effect. The modification of the stimulating degree requires correct application of proper needling techniques as well as careful clinical practice and rich experience.v