Acupuncture and Wu Li

The Chinese term for physics is Wu Li, which may be translated as "patterns of organic energy". Acupuncture is essentially an energy medicine, acting on the body's subtle energy system to bring about changes in the mind and the body. In order to begin to understand it in the western terms we must accept the interchangeable nature of energy and mass, and of mind and body. We must also accept that the essence of nature is change and indeterminate.

That these theories are bourne out by the world view of new physics is exciting, but if the technology of this new science were to be employed in research into the subtle energies of the body, of the meridian system and the nature of acupuncture points, great advances may be made into then understanding of energy medicine. In the past, equipment has not been available to detect subtle energies, but in the near future, with the use of recent technological advances, a truly scientific verification of acupuncture may not be far away.

Western medicine, despite its use of ultramodern equipment and extraordinary feats in such areas as laser therapy and genetic engineering, is in many ways still deeply rooted in the mechanical treatment view. As technology of modern medicine has become more advanced the treatment of patients has become more dehumanized. The body becomes separated into component parts of a machine and the patients feelings and emotions have little or no relevance to the functionality of this machine. The patients are encouraged to become passive receiver's and not an active inward healers.

The Chinese system of medicine does not see the body in such a mechanical way. Acupuncture addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the patient. The true essence of acupuncture is not to address a painful limb but to have an holistic approach to the patient lifestyle and general health.