What is Classical Acupuncture?

Classical Acupuncture is acupuncture preserved as it was at the height of its development in the centuries spanning the Han dynasty, (206 BCE-220 CE) and the Song dynasty (960-1279). It has, as its base, the Classical medical texts of the Han dynasty and is enhanced by the interpretations of these texts by the great masters who followed, including the internationally renowned Jeffrey Yuen.

How does Classical Acupuncture differ from TCM?

A Very Brief History of Classical Acupuncture

Nearly all acupuncturists today in the United States and in China practice a modernized and vastly simplified version of acupuncture which is distinctly different to the medical practices that existed in China prior to Communism. This simplified, modernized practice is known by the somewhat misleading name "Traditional Chinese Medicine" (TCM), and was developed during the enormous cultural change in China in the 20th century.

Following the Revolution of 1911 which marked the end of the last (the Qing) dynasty, a period of intense Westernization occurred. The established medicine which had reached its height of development between the 2nd and 12th centuries and which had served the country immeasurably well, was banned because it had come to be viewed as outdated or a quaint curiosity that was unsuited for a new society aspiring to new ideals. Little room was left for China's ancient and spiritually rich practices of the past.  The re-invention of the wheel began.

After Communism was introduced in 1949, a long period of mass Nationalization took place. This involved sweeping reform. All aspects of Chinese culture, ranging from medicine to martial arts and even dance were standardized in accordance with the Communist ideal. Under Mao, prominent medical practitioners from throughout the country were gathered into committees for the purpose of formulating standardization. They were directed to construct a version of the practice of acupuncture whose formulaic nature could be relatively easily and quickly learned en masse; one that could be taught relatively quickly to practitioners in remote regions; one that could be used to treat large numbers of patients concurrently. Ultimately, these committees of prominent doctors developed a curriculum which was then enforced in all the schools that were teaching Chinese medicine. The new modern practice which could well have been called MCM (Modern Chinese Medicine), became known as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and as with all things political, adopted a moniker representing an uncomfortable mix of fact and fiction.

In order to facilitate the speedy training of new practitioners, much of the subtlety, and some may argue the spiritual bedrock, of diagnosis and treatment of diseases which is explained in detail in the various Classical (particularly Han dynasty) texts was omitted. In the broadest terms, meridians (energy pathways) were simplified and pathological conditions were grouped into about 80 "patterns" (groups of symptoms) for standardized diagnoses and treatments. In many cases, whole tracts of theory were disregarded as part of the deliberate effort to simplify the practice. These omissions can be cited as reasons for the often held belief today that acupuncture is not always effective or that it must be accompanied by herbs in order to function effectively. Herbal supplementation is not necessary with Classical Acupuncture, although attention to modifications in one's diet is often critical for a treatment to be both effective and long-lasting.

Classical Acupuncture utilizes 74 meridians (energy pathways). TCM uses 12 meridians and extends a gesture toward 8 others. While Divergent, Luo and Sinew meridians are omitted from TCM practice entirely. With a vast array of options available to them, practitioners of Classical Acupuncture are able to choose any or a combination of the 74 meridians for very specific treatment.

Classical Acupuncture Renaissance

The world's foremost transmitter of Classical Chinese Medicine is the renowned Mr Jeffrey Yuen, Taoist doctor and priest; 88th generation of his Taoist lineage: Yu Ching Huang Lao Pai, (Jade Purity School, Yellow Emperor/Lao Tzu sect), and the 26th generation of Chuan Chen Lung Men Pai (Complete Reality School, Dragon Gate Sect). Through his tireless teaching efforts worldwide and locally as the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Swedish Institute School of Acupuncture and Oriental Studies in New York, Mr. Yuen has traveled the world to teach many grateful practitioners the original Classical form complete with its infinite complexity, dramatic effectiveness, and its profound Taoist roots.  He is one of the most effective modern communicators of the ideas and concepts found in the often complex, and sometimes arcane, foundational Chinese medical texts.