Asian, Chinese Head of an acupuncture figure, Chinese, late Ming dynasty, c 17th century

Asian, Chinese Head of an acupuncture figure, Chinese, late Ming dynasty, c 17th century. This wooden figure of a man nearly a metre tall was used in acupuncture teaching in China. Acupuncture is a medical technique which has been practised in China for over 3000 years. It consists of the insertion into the skin of fine needles, at the points or meridians relating to the tissue or organ believed to be disordered. By inserting the needles into the paths taken by the ïchi or ïqi, the life force which flows around the body, the paths become unblocked and harmonious energy flow and good health is restored. Acupuncture became a very popular form of alternative therapy in the West in the 1970s, at a time when there was considerable interest in Eastern philosophies and religion. ©SSPL/Science Museum