James Morss Churchill

“ The method of performing the operation of acupuncturation is simple and easy, requiring neither practice to give dexterity, nor adroitness that it may be done with propriety. Anatomical knowledge of the human body is, however, necessary; as an imprudent application of it, by an operator ignorant of the structure of the part into which he introduces his needle, might be productive of bad consequences. ”

“ The Indians, however, do not confine their practice of Acupuncturation (or Zin-king, as they call it) to diseases of this kind. They puncture the head in all cases of Cephalalgia, in Comatose affections, Ophthalmia, &c. They puncture the chest, back, and abdomen, not only to relieve pain of those parts, but as a cure for Dysentery, Anorexia, Hysteria, Cholera Morbus, Iliac Passion, &c. Local diseases of the muscular and fibrous structures of the body, also often afford them occasions for its performance ”

“ Under the impression, however, that there exists a desire for speculation and discovery on the one hand, regulated and qualified by a moderate and proper degree of scepticism on the other, I shall presume a medium of the two extremes, and proceed without apology or preface to my subject, trusting, that the interesting facts which I have to relate, will elicit such attention and investigation, as will kindle a desire in some men, at least, to become acquainted with a process, which appears to rival the most successful operations for the relief of human sufferings. ”

“ A needle was now passed to the depth of an inch on each side of the spine, which, as I expected, terminated the disease in a few minutes, and it was with pleasure that I understood the next morning, that the man had gone to his usual employment.
This case illustrates the observations of the French physicians before cited, as 52to the efficacy of the remedy in injuries of this description: it is true that in my own practice it is a solitary example; but so decisive was the benefit derived from it, that the case proves a powerful corroboration of both Mr. Berlioz’s theory and practice. ”

“ I have not, in my own practice, ventured to use needles of greater length than one inch, and one inch and a half; and the instrument which I use is an ingenious adaptation of a common sewing needle to an ivory handle, constructed by Mr. Edward Jukes, Surgeon Accoucheur to the Westminster Medical Institution (see plate, fig. 1 and 2.)
Dr. Haime, and I believe the French surgeons who practice acupuncturation, use this long needle (three inches) and Mr. Demours, who appears to be a man of considerable mechanical genius, has lately invented a new apparatus for this purpose. ”

“ It is but rare that I introduce more than one needle at the same time, as a greater number does not appear to be more efficacious than a single one. I, however, depart from this rule (as will be seen from some of the cases) when the pain becomes fugitive from the effects of the instrument; which is a most encouraging symptom. In such circumstances, following the disease by introducing the82 needles where the pain has removed to, has always proved ultimately successful. ”

“ Berlioz in speaking of the diseases to which this remedy is applicable, says, “vague and wandering Rheumatism sometimes attacks the external muscles subser29vient to respiration; the patient is obliged to remain motionless; every motion of the trunk compels him to cry out; a deep inspiration is very difficult, and coughing occasions such cruel pains, that expectoration is impossible. Acupuncturation dissipates instantly this state of distress, and renders to the muscles their full liberty of action. ”

“ The operator should now and then stop to ask if the patient be relieved; and the needle should always be allowed to remain five or six minutes before it is withdrawn. This mode of introducing the needle, neither produces pain (or at least very little) to the81 patient; nor is productive of Hœmorrhiage, which Dr. Haime says arises from the fibres being separated, rather than divided by the passing of the needle; the former of which (the absence of pain) is a point in its favor, which few surgical operations possess. ”

“ The perforation made by a sharp smooth instrument like a needle, is of such a simple nature, that there is little83 danger of doing any mischief with one of this kind. Dr. Bretonneau, Physician to the “Hospital Général” of Paris, has made a number of experiments on puppies, the result of which is, that the Cerebrum, the Cerebellum, the Heart, the Lungs, the Stomach, &c. may be penetrated without occasioning the least pain or inconvenience. ”

“ To a surgeon, however, properly qualified, (and no other ought to perform this or14 any operation) no danger can arise; as the cautions are but few, and no risk is incurred, if they are attended to. It is only necessary that the operator, in introducing the needle, should avoid the course of large vessels, of nervous trunks, and of the tendons of muscles. It is not, however, proved, that the latter sustain injury from the puncture of the needle ”

“ He accuses the Japonese and Chinese, (to whom this operation he says is peculiar practising,) practising it too extensively, which has been partly the cause of its being disregarded by Europeans, and acknowledges that it was to Mr. Berlioz’s cases, which he has related in his “estimable work,” that he owed the fortunate application which he has made of this measure.
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The following cases are given by Dr. Haime, which he says support the Theory of Mr. Berlioz. ”

“ They must be exquisitely slender, finely polished, and carry a curious point, and with some degree of hardness, which is17 given by the maker by tempering, and not by any mixture, in order to facilitate their entrance, and penetrating the skin. But, though the country abounds with expert artists, able to make them in the highest perfection, yet none are allowed, but such as are licensed by the emperor. ”

“ The directions and nice rules for the performing of this curious operation are many, and require great skill and attention in the operator; and when duly performed, may be of excellent use, not only20 against the excruciating distemper, called Senki, but against many other topical ones, which are most commonly cured by the Indian Moxa, and other caustics. ”