Traditional versus modern Acupuncture

SUMMARY

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on ancient Chinese concepts of health and disease, including the theories of Yin-Yang, Qi, Change, Five Phases, the Six Evils, oriental diagnostic methods and the necessity for balance/control in all aspects of life. Some of these concepts are considered irrelevant to western-trained professionals. Others are highly relevant.

Acupuncture (AP) is part of TCM. It is based primarily on a knowledge of the location and function of AP points . In western concepts, AP is based on a knowledge of the input/output terminals of a two-way system of data transmission between superficial reflex (reactive) points and the organs or parts which are related to these points via the neuro-endocrine system.

AP diagnosis and therapy depend in part on TCM concepts. Mastery of traditional AP (TAP) demands years of study under expert teachers. Most western professionals will not invest the time and effort needed for that.

The basics of AP and Cookbook methods can be learned in 40-120 hours of concentrated course-work and 6-12 months part-time home-study. That training (combined with western medical knowledge) can produce excellent clinical results in properly selected cases.

Success with AP therapy demands a knowledge of medicine and basic AP. Those who have not studied or will not study the basics of both systems delude themselves and their clients/patients if they try to use AP in any but the simplest of cases. The more a clinician knows of TCM and western medicine, the greater the probability of being able to select an effective regime of therapy for the patient.