Bian stones

Bian stones are pointed stones that were historically used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are generally considered to be a precursor to acupuncture, utilising heated pointed stones (instead of acupuncture needles) in the treatment of back and neck pain. The stones are made from a variety of materials found along the coastline of Shandong, China.

Therapy

Bian stone therapy^[1] is one of humanity's oldest medical practices. The Bian-stone technique refers to the use of stone-based equipment to perform massaging, heating and other operations. The devices are called bian stone tools. Bian-stone includes both the bian-stone technique and the tool. When used in medical institutions for therapeutic purposes, it is referred to as Bian-stone treatment.

Before acupuncture and moxibustion appeared, ancient Chinese people selected certain kinds of stone and ground it into a therapeutic tool that featured a sharp tip or an edge. Such shapes allowed the stone to be applied to the human body in different ways. The puncturing and pressing methods eventually evolved into acupuncture, while the heated-stone application evolved into moxibustion.

This technique disappeared during the Han Dynasty.^[2] The source of the material for making Bian-stone has been identified as Sibin floating stone. Bian stone appliances have since been devised and developed and therapeutic techniques explored.

Researchers have also investigated TC documents. Bian-stone is the first technique of the five major ancient medical practices of the “Yellow Emperor” (these five are: Bian-stone, Bian-stone tool, moxibustion, medicine, guided by Rocker).

Influence

Bian stone necklace.

Bian stone has been applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine for various soft tissue injuries, especially, cervical spondylosis, acute or chronic lower back pain,^[3] as well as skin disorders.

Clinical practice

The therapy is usually started with a traditional Chinese massage to open up the body's meridians, followed by a series of Bian stone treatments with pre-heated bian stone. This therapy can be coupled with other traditional Chinese medicine therapy, such as acupuncture, or cupping to achieve the optimal effect on cervical vertebra^[4] disease.

References

Further reading

• Lo, Vivienne (2002), "Spirit of Stone: Technical Considerations in the Treatment of the Jade Body", Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies 65 (1): 99–128, doi:10.1017/s0041977x02000058.   – via JSTOR (subscription required)