Download acupuncture and Chinese medicine articles
Below is a collection of articles on acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine written by Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto and published in peer-reviewed medical journals, academic publications and leading complementary medicine magazines. All articles are available to download free as PDF files.
These articles span research studies, academic papers, clinical translations and magazine features, and cover subjects from ear acupuncture and wind aetiology in Chinese medicine to herbal regulation, dietary therapy and the philosophical foundations of TCM. They are freely available to patients, students and practitioners with an interest in Chinese medicine. To read summaries and full descriptions of each article, visit the main articles page.
Research studies
Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Cocaine/Crack Abuse: A Review of the Efficacy, the Use of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Protocol, and the Selection of Sham Points
This peer-reviewed research paper analyses the clinical evidence for ear acupuncture in the treatment of cocaine and crack cocaine addiction. It examines the efficacy of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol and critically evaluates the selection of sham acupuncture points in control groups — an issue central to the reliability of acupuncture research. Originally published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 10, Issue 6, 2004. doi:10.1089/acm.2004.10.985. This paper has been cited by over 100 subsequent research studies.
Academic papers
DVD Review — Acupressure for Natural Pain Relief in Labour
A review of a public information DVD on acupressure techniques for natural pain relief during labour, assessing its suitability and accuracy for a general audience. Originally published in the European Journal of Oriental Medicine, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2012.
Disorders of the Spleen and Stomach
A translation of a clinical treatise on disorders of the Spleen and Stomach as understood within traditional Chinese medicine, with particular reference to Chinese herbal medicine treatment strategies. Written by leading Chinese physician Professor Shi and translated into English for the first time by Attilio D'Alberto. Originally published in The Lantern, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2005, and in the ATCM Journal, Volume 22, Issue 1, 2015.
The Development of Wind Aetiology in Chinese Medicine — Part One: Historical Theory
The first part of a two-part academic paper tracing the concept of Wind as a pathogenic factor in Chinese medicine from its earliest roots in ancient Chinese philosophy and shamanic culture through to its systematisation in the classical medical texts. Explores how Wind theory evolved from demonological explanations of illness to a sophisticated medical framework. Originally published in Chinese Medicine Times, Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2006.
The Development of Wind Aetiology in Chinese Medicine — Part Two: Clinical Application
The second part of the Wind aetiology series focuses on how Wind theory is applied in clinical practice — how internal Wind arises from Blood and Yin deficiency, and how it manifests as neurological, musculoskeletal and vascular disease in the body. Originally published in Chinese Medicine Times, Volume 1, Issue 3, June 2006.
A Comparison of the Influence of Chinese and Western Philosophies on the Development of TCM and Western Medicine
A comparative analysis of how Chinese philosophical traditions — particularly Daoism and Confucianism — and Western philosophical traditions shaped the development of their respective medical systems. Examines why Chinese medicine developed a systemic, pattern-based approach while Western medicine developed a reductionist, disease-based model.
A Discussion of the Eight Strategies (Ba Fa) from the Aspect of Herbal Formulary
An examination of the classical eight therapeutic strategies of TCM — sweating, vomiting, purging, harmonising, warming, clearing, tonifying and reducing — as applied specifically to the formulation of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions. Bridges classical theory with modern clinical practice.
An Interview with Zhiyun Bo, Inventor of Abdominal Acupuncture (Fu Zhen)
An interview with Professor Zhiyun Bo, the Chinese physician who developed abdominal acupuncture (Fu Zhen) — a specialised system of acupuncture that uses points on the abdomen to treat the whole body through a microsystem representing an early stage of human foetal development. Professor Bo discusses the theoretical origins, clinical applications and development of the technique.
Cellular Memory Explained by Chinese Medicine Theory
A theoretical paper exploring the phenomenon of cellular memory — the reported retention of personality traits and behavioural tendencies following organ transplantation — through the lens of Chinese medicine's Zangfu (organ system) theory, which holds that the organs are not merely physical structures but repositories of emotion, memory and spirit.
The Concepts of Chinese Medicine
An accessible overview of the core theoretical concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, including yin and yang, qi, the Five Elements, the meridian system and the organ systems. Written for readers seeking a grounded introduction to how TCM understands health and disease.
DNA Staining Reveals the Existence of the Meridian Sub-Systems
A review of Korean biomedical research using DNA staining techniques that identified previously unrecognised anatomical structures corresponding to the meridian channels and acupuncture points of Chinese medicine. Examines the implications of this research for the scientific understanding of acupuncture's physiological mechanisms.
The Regulation of Herbal Medicine in the UK and Europe
An analysis of the regulatory landscape governing the practice and supply of herbal medicine in the United Kingdom and across Europe, including the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive and its impact on practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. Examines the challenges and opportunities of statutory regulation for practitioners and patients.
The Withering of Yin — A Mid-Life Crisis
A clinical discussion of the concept of Yin deficiency as it manifests in mid-life — particularly in the perimenopausal period — drawing on classical Chinese medical theory and its application to conditions including menopausal symptoms, insomnia, anxiety and tinnitus.
Thermal Imagery Research Using Moxibustion on the Acupuncture Meridian System
A review of infrared thermal imaging research that has been used to visualise the warming effects of moxibustion along the acupuncture meridian channels, providing measurable physiological evidence for the existence and clinical activity of the meridian system.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction According to Chinese Medicine Theory
A theoretical paper applying the diagnostic frameworks of traditional Chinese medicine to the understanding of cocaine addiction — examining how the stimulant effects of cocaine relate to Kidney Yin and Yang dynamics, and how TCM principles can inform the treatment of addiction and withdrawal.
Magazine articles
Getting to the Point: Why Acupuncture is More than Just Needles
A magazine feature written for a general audience explaining that acupuncture is not simply the insertion of needles but one component of a complete system of healthcare that includes Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion and dietary therapy — all built on a sophisticated theoretical framework developed over 2,500 years. Originally published in Wopaa, Volume 1, Issue 4, 2008.
Eating Right for Your Climate
A practical guide to Chinese dietary therapy, explaining how traditional Chinese medicine classifies foods by their warming or cooling properties and how eating in alignment with your local climate and constitution can support good health, improve digestion and strengthen immunity.
