Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
by David Bai

Acupuncture was first developed in China as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and other disorders. Classical Chinese acupuncture is characterized by at least three features; (1) it has a long-standing history of several thousand years in practice; (2) it has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience by various practitioners at different times; and (3) it is guided by a unique theoretical system that is considered indispensable to its survival and success today.

Classical Chinese acupuncture lays its foundation on the meridian system, a networked energy pathway of the body. This system connects Zang-fu organs and circulates Qi and blood. Every organ network has a corresponding meridian, and the Qi-energy flows through the body just as rivers and streams ebb and flow across the surface of the earth. Disorders of many kinds are generally perceived as imbalances of the body's Yin-Yang and Qi-blood, or blockage of some specific meridians by pernicious influences or other pathological products. Needle treatment with properly selected points and combination of other therapeutic techniques can help the body clear the blockage and restore the balance.

In recent years, Chinese acupuncture has encountered new challenges from the Western world but still keeps its momentum. With the help of modern technology, Chinese researchers and acupuncturists have developed many new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques with proven effects. Unfolding the mystery of acupuncture is the major task of our acupuncture training program at the SSC Acupuncture Institute, and you are welcome to join us in this endeavour.

Japanese Meridian Acupuncture
by Mark Dreu

The Japanese meridian system of acupuncture was developed in this century about the same time as TCM in China. Its theoretical foundation is derived from the medical classics - the Su Wen, Ling Shu, and Nan Jing. Many practitioners of meridian therapy in Japan are blind, and based on their heightened sense of touch have developed extremely delicate needling techniques based on touch and pulse diagnosis to correct the circulation of Ki (Qi) in the 12 meridians. The emphasis in this system is on having the practitioner feel and correctly interpret the response of the Ki (Qi) in the patient, and using pulse diagnosis for immediate feedback for every aspect of practice (point location, point selection, needling technique, etc.).