Acupuncture for Anti-aging

The Concept of Aging
The deterioration of the human body is a natural process that occurs over time. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), aging is closely related to the functions of internal organs, meridians, Qi (vital energy), and blood. While aging is inevitable, TCM suggests that proper care of the body and lifestyle adjustments can help delay this natural decline.


Causes and Mechanism of Aging
From the perspective of TCM, factors such as emotional imbalance, poor diet, overwork, or excessive sexual activity can accelerate physical deterioration. The key pathological mechanism often involves Kidney Qi deficiency and depletion of Jing (essence). Jing is the fundamental substance stored in the Kidneys and is essential for growth, development, and reproductive function. Its decline is viewed as a marker of aging.

Additionally, weakened Spleen and Stomach functions contribute to the aging process. When Kidney Qi and Jing are deficient and the digestive system is impaired, the body’s overall ability to function diminishes, resulting in imbalanced Yin and Yang—leading to signs of aging.


Symptoms of Aging
Symptoms commonly associated with aging include:

- Decline in cognitive function
- Emotional indifference
- Slower responses and reduced memory
- Poor muscle coordination
- Fatigue, cold limbs, dizziness, and insomnia
- Specific patterns in TCM related to aging include:

Kidney Jing Deficiency (肾精不足证):

Symptoms: Tinnitus, weak knees and lower back, memory loss, hair loss, loose teeth, pale tongue with thin white coating, and a weak pulse (especially at the "Chi" position which reflects Kidney health).
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency (脾胃虚弱证):

Symptoms: Emaciation, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, pale tongue with white coating, and weak pulse.
Heart and Lung Qi Deficiency (心肺气虚证):

Symptoms: Chest tightness, palpitations, coughing, shortness of breath worsened with movement, weak voice, pale lips and tongue, deep or irregular pulse.

Acupuncture for Anti-Aging
Acupuncture therapy for anti-aging focuses on tonifying Qi and blood, nourishing internal organs, promoting circulation in meridians, enhancing immunity, supporting regeneration, and expelling toxins. These actions contribute to improved vitality and longevity.

Core Principles of Anti-Aging Acupuncture:

Unblock the Meridians
Acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of Qi and blood. As written in the Lingshu – The 9 Needles and 12 Original Points: “When the meridians are unobstructed, Qi and blood flow freely.”
Ensuring free flow allows the body to function efficiently, preventing decline.

Regulate Deficiency and Excess
Balance is key in TCM. Internal organs must function in harmony. When imbalances arise due to constitutional weaknesses, pathogenic factors, or poor adaptability, acupuncture can regulate the body by tonifying deficiencies, draining excess, or both, depending on the condition.

Harmonize Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are the foundation of bodily functions. Acupuncture helps restore harmony between them by clearing stagnation, nourishing what’s deficient, and regulating organ functions—thereby slowing the aging process.

Common Acupuncture Points for Anti-Aging
Baihui (百会, GV20)

Located at the top of the head, where multiple Yang meridians and the Liver meridian converge. This point connects directly to the brain (the “Sea of Marrow”) and houses the Shen (spirit).
Used for: Mental clarity, insomnia, dizziness, depression, dementia, prolapse (e.g. uterus, rectum), incontinence.

Zusanli (足三里, ST36)

Located 3 cun below the knee and 1 finger breadth lateral to the tibia. Belongs to the Stomach meridian.
Used to: Strengthen the digestive system (Stomach and Spleen), boost Qi, treat bloating, indigestion, constipation, and improve immunity.
Commonly used with Sanyinjiao (SP6) to tonify both Qi and blood.

Sanyinjiao (三阴交, SP6)

Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus, along the posterior border of the tibia. Convergence of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians.
Used for: Regulating menstruation, supporting fertility, treating gynecological disorders (e.g. irregular periods, leukorrhea, postpartum issues), and male reproductive health (e.g. premature ejaculation, impotence).
Tonifies blood and Jing, harmonizes internal organ functions.

Guanyuan (关元, CV4)

Also known as “Dantian”, located 3 cun below the navel along the midline.

Used for: Tonifying Yuan Qi (Original Qi), warming Kidney Yang, enhancing vitality, treating chronic fatigue, immune deficiency, and weakness due to prolonged illness.

Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to anti-aging by harmonizing the body’s internal systems. Through promoting circulation, regulating organ function, and restoring balance between Yin and Yang, it helps maintain vitality, delay aging, and improve quality of life.

_____________________________________

Article by

贾靖雯 中医师
TCM Dr. Pimpitch Muchalintamolee (Jia Jing Wen)