Acupuncture and oriental body work: traditional and modern biomedical concepts in holistic care--conceptual frameworks and biomedical developments.

An introduction to the history and basic concepts underlying acupuncture and Oriental body work was presented in the April 2000 (14:3) issue of Holistic Nursing Practice. The functioning of Yin and Yang organs and meridians are addressed in this article, along with the diagnostic frameworks of Five Elements or Phases and Eight Principle Patterns. Contemporary biomedical developments in the use of acupuncture are discussed, along with research on the endorphin system as a biomediary of acupuncture. Possible applications to nursing are discussed.