[A new interpretation of "yin needling"]

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Acupuncture Techniques
• Medical History

Background:

• Yin needling is one of the "twelve needling methods" from the Lingshu: Guanzhen.
• Historical medical texts provide evidence for its application.
• Previous interpretations may require re-evaluation based on textual analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize textual evidence from key classical Chinese medical texts.
• To propose a novel interpretation of the conceptual framework and clinical application of "yin needling".
• To clarify the definition and usage of "yin needling" in historical context.

Main Methods:

• Textual synthesis of Lingshu, Suwen, Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing, and Huangdi Neijing Taisu.
• Analysis of historical annotations and critical commentaries.
• Reinterpretation of specific characters and terms within classical descriptions.

Main Results:

• Identified a likely scribal error in the term "shuai", suggesting it should be "zu".
• Reinterpreted the character "cui" in "cui ci" as fire needling.
• Redefined "yin needling" as simultaneous bilateral fire needling for treating yin and cold pathogen diseases.

Conclusions:

• "Yin needling" is a specific fire needling technique.
• This technique is indicated for diseases stemming from yin and cold pathogens.
• The study provides a refined understanding of a historical acupuncture method.