The spelling of the Mandarin Chinese word "jing ke" is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /t͡ɕiŋ kʰɤ/. The first syllable, "jing," is pronounced with an unaspirated voiceless palatal affricate (/t͡ɕ/) followed by the vowel "i" and the nasal consonant "ŋ," which is pronounced in the back of the mouth. The second syllable, "ke," is pronounced with an aspirated voiceless velar stop (/kʰ/) followed by the vowel "ɤ." This word refers to a subject area in traditional Chinese medicine and translates to "meridian theory."
Jing ke is a term from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that refers to a therapeutic technique and method used in acupuncture. Jing ke, also known as needle stimulation or needle manipulation, involves the skilled exertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles by an acupuncturist during an acupuncture treatment session.
In TCM, acupuncture is believed to promote the flow of vital energy, known as Qi, throughout the body to restore balance and alleviate health conditions. Jing ke is an essential aspect of acupuncture treatment, as it aims to enhance the effectiveness of needling techniques by stimulating specific acupuncture points.
The technique of jing ke involves various needle manipulations such as lifting and thrusting, twisting, and rotating. These techniques are utilized to elicit a response from the body, ranging from gentle sensations to deeper sensations often described as heaviness, numbness, or tingling. The acupuncturist may adjust the intensity and rhythm of the needle manipulations according to individual patient needs and the desired therapeutic effect.
Jing ke is known to facilitate the smooth flow of Qi and blood, disperse stagnation, and harmonize imbalances in the body's meridians or energy channels. Through the precise application of jing ke, acupuncturists aim to bolster the body's self-healing mechanisms, promote relaxation, and address a wide range of health conditions, including pain, musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and stress-related ailments.
In conclusion, jing ke is a technique within acupuncture that involves the manipulation of acupuncture needles to promote the free flow of Qi and restore balance and health in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine principles.
The etymology of the word "jing ke" (also known as "Jing Ke’s attempt" or "Jing Ke's assassination attempt") can be traced back to ancient China during the Warring States period.
The word "jing" (荊) refers to a type of thorny shrub or plant called "mace" or "galloping", which is native to the Jingjiang region in present-day Hubei province of China. The character "ke" (恪) means to respectfully carry out or perform a task.
The term "jing ke" is specifically associated with the historical event known as the "Jing Ke's assassination attempt". In 227 BCE, Jing Ke, a failed politician and an emissary from the Yan state, volunteered to carry out a mission to assassinate the powerful ruler of the Qin state, King Zheng (later known as Qin Shi Huang).