Traditional Chinese Medicine, Alternative Medicine, and Antiaging: Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Antiaging

Acupuncture and moxibustion is a traditional Japanese medical practice that uses needles or moxibustion to physically and thermally stimulate therapeutic points called meridians, and aims to alleviate symptoms, treat and prevent diseases, and promote health through the activation of the body’s natural healing response. The typical acupuncture needle is made of stainless steel or silver, with a diameter of 0.14–0.20 mm, and is inserted from about 1 mm to several centimeters depending on the condition. There are also noninsertion acupuncture methods that apply low-frequency electricity, attach small metal pieces (granular acupuncture), or press or rub the skin with a spatula-like tool. Moxibustion involves burning a lump of mugwort (moxa) collected from the glandular hairs of mugwort leaves on the skin. In recent years, warm moxibustion, which maintains a distance between the burning part and the skin and provides a warm sensation, has become common (Fig. 128.1). In the acupuncture and moxibustion medicine, there are 361 defined meridians throughout the body, which connect the six organs and six viscera through 14 lines called meridians, and each point has its own indications. However, the specificity of the meridians is not clear, and in actual treatment, the treatment points are often determined based on reaction points such as tenderness and muscle tension, and the condition. Acupuncture and moxibustion have traditionally played a significant role in the health management of the elderly, and in recent years, evidence is accumulating as a complementary and alternative medicine. Also, the effects of cosmetic acupuncture and moxibustion (health and beauty acupuncture and moxibustion) in the beauty field are being recognized for their value in “visual anti-aging.” This section discusses acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for symptoms and diseases characteristic of the elderly and frailty.