Cupping therapy has been used in China for thousands of years. Review included 550 studies published between 1959 and 2008. Most studies were conducted in China, with 73 randomized controlled trials
Traditional medicine comprises knowledge from various societies before modern medicine. Up to 80% of Asian and African populations rely on traditional medicine. WHO defines it as knowledge used for health maintenance and treatment
Meridians are pseudoscientific pathways for life-energy "qi" in TCM. First attested in Han-era tombs texts from Changsha Kingdom. System divided into meridian channels (jingmai) and associated vessels (luomai)
TCM traces back to Shang dynasty (14th-11th centuries BCE) with acupuncture evidence. Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (1st century BCE) is oldest medical theory text. Chinese government promoted TCM in 1950s, including integration with Western medicine. TCM became popular during Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
Astragalus is a large genus of over 3,000 species in Fabaceae family. Native to temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere. Common names include milkvetch, locoweed, and goat's-thorn. Most species have pinnately compound leaves. Flowers form racemes with banner, wings, and keel petals
More than 400 acupuncture points exist, located on 20 main meridians. Meridians transport qi throughout the body according to TCM. Points are located using anatomical landmarks, palpation, and patient feedback