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The rapid growth of interest in the teishin and enshin (Chinese: tizhen and yuanzhen) in the West and in Japan is a curiosity in the modern practice of traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM). Several acupuncture styles in Japan have all but abandoned the use of normal acupuncture needles in favour of non-invasive treatment with the teishin. This tool is mentioned in the Lingshu (Divine Pivot) in its discussion of the ‘nine classical needles’. In appearance it can look much like a metal toothpick, though modern teishins can vary considerably in length and other features. From the Lingshu we have an approximate idea of the original dimensions of these Han Dynasty tools, and the intended effect of treatment with them, but we have no idea what the techniques looked like 2000 years ago. This article considers historical references to these tools and discusses how acupuncturists in Japan and in the West have been developing how best to understand and use this unassuming tool.

Anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance are among the most common symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection, and are seen in postCOVID (long COVID) syndrome long after the initial infection has cleared. Meanwhile, many people without COVID infection have experienced psychological disorders due to lockdown and the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in managing conditions of anxiety, depression and insomnia. The authors provided treatment for many cases of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance throughout the coronavirus pandemic from March 2020. In this article, the authors summarise 69 self-referred cases treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in their clinics. The treatment phase lasted between one month (four treatment sessions) and three months (12 treatment sessions). More than 60 per cent of these patients reported total relief of their symptoms, about 35 per cent experienced a significant reduction of symptoms, and just five per cent did not experience any improvement. This review of cases suggests that psychological disorders associated with COVID-19 can be well controlled and/or relieved by acupuncture, especially those that occur as part of post-COVID syndrome.

Data from a study examining participants use of acupuncture for antenatal anxiety and depression was analysed to inform about referral barriers and concerns by New Zealand midwifery acupuncturists. Most participants (60 per cent, n=27), were happy to refer to traditional acupuncturists, especially if they knew them personally (69 per cent, n=31). However, 30 per cent (n=15), had concerns about traditional acupuncturists’ knowledge of pregnancy issues, their lack of collaboration with other health providers, and specific treatments being administered by some acupuncturists. Other barriers for referral included midwives’ knowledge of acupuncture research evidence and their awareness of the different types of acupuncture and the scope of traditional acupuncture. Barriers for pregnant women were cost, the need for repeated visits, as well as their understanding of acupuncture and what it can be used to treat. In conclusion, midwifery acupuncturists are interested in referring to traditional acupuncturists; specialist obstetric acupuncture teams would likely help to remove some of the barriers that currently prevent referral of pregnant women for traditional acupuncture treatment.

The use of cannabis in Chinese herbal medicine is documented in the various Ben Cao (materia medica) from the last 1800 years. Only the seeds (ma zi ren/hou ma ren) tend to be used in the modern clinic. The last mention of using cannabis flower (ma hua) for medicinal purposes is in the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) written by Li Shizhen in 1593 CE. It is unclear why cannabis flower was dropped from the materia medica, whether for political reasons, agricultural preferences for more fibrous varieties of the plant, lack of effectiveness as a medicine, or other reason. Due to the recent resurgence of cannabis as a medicine, this systematic review of the literature aimed to find out if ma hua holds value as a herb that should be incorporated into the modern practice of Chinese herbal medicine. The Chinese herbal medicine classification of cannabis was also explored to identify any contraindications to the use of ma hua.

The subject of this study was a young woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia, whose physical pain had been unresponsive to six months of various medical interventions, including acupuncture. As a last resort the single point Renzhong DU-26 was needled based on the patient’s symptoms and their psychological context. The significant positive outcome of this treatment prompted an investigation into the fundamental mechanisms associated with this particular acupoint. Its specific location on the face, strategically positioned between areas associated with heaven (yang) and earth (yin), aligns this point with the human level of Chinese cosmology; its established function as a resuscitation point may be intricately connected to this symbolic significance. This case report thereby advocates for incorporating both a symbolic and a personalised approach in acupuncture diagnostics.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common developmental disability. The aetiology of ASD remains unknown, though both genetics and environment are likely involved. Children with ASD have deficits in socialemotional reciprocity and demonstrate restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. Some studies have shown that a child’s development may be closely related to their early tactile experiences. There has been much effort to identify effective treatments for ASD. This literature review elaborates on the theoretical background and application of a form of massage based in Chinese medicine known as Qigong Sensory Training, as well as other forms of massage for the treatment of ASD.