Acupuncture Techniques
Constitutional Medicine: Sa Sang ["4 Constitution"] theory is a traditional
Korean medicine, which was founded by Jae-Ma Lee and systematically theorized in
his book “Dong-Yi-Soo-Se-Bo-Won” [the principle of life preservation in oriental
medicine] in 1894. Major distinctions between the different constitutions comprised
of predisposed weaknesses and strengths, physiology, pathology, emotional orientation
and nature. Each type shares similar aspects of bodily structure, function,
and metabolism, as well as psychological and behavioral characteristics. Constitutional
medicine is useful not only for categorization, but also to diagnose and determine
appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatments. Appropriate nutritional recommendations
are also made based upon Constitutional medicine categories.
• Tae-Yin People in this group usually have a round or oval face. They
are good-natured and warm-hearted, though they can be stubborn and don’t easily
reveal their inner feelings. They are dignified, conservative, ambitious and pragmatic.
Born with a cool physical vitality they should eat foods that are “warm” in nature
or protein rich. They have a weak-functioning lung, and should eat foods that can
protect them.
• So-Yin This group generally have an oval-shaped face and have the so-called “sleepy eyed” look. They are usually moderately thin. They are introverted, delicate, meditative, and detail oriented. Having a cold physical vitality they should choose foods that are “hot” in nature. They often have a weak digestive system.
• Tae-Yang The characteristics of this group are that the body type is somewhat
like an inverted triangle. The look is sharp, sensitive and intelligent. They are
outspoken, inquisitive, arrogant, intelligent, creative and idealistic. Tae-Yang
are born with a warm physical vitality and therefore, foods that have a "cool" nature
are recommended.
• So-Yang For this group the eyes are the most prominent facial feature;
they are not necessarily large, but are sharp and sparkling. They have large shoulders
and thin strong looking ankles. They are extroverted, passionate, sentimental, impulsive
and competitive. So-Yang constitution has a hot physical vitality therefore, foods
which have a "cold" nature are best.
Balancing Techniques: For patients with internal or complicated pathological
issues, the balancing theory is applied by observation of the pulse of the patient.
After the imbalance in the specific meridian is determined, the points are then
selected to harmonize the organs affected by the imbalance. In terms of the points
used for this theory, it corresponds to the same acupuncture points of the 14 meridian
system, however the point selection and techniques are unique to the Balancing
Theory. For example, based on the pulse of the patient, the needle may be inserted
in different directions and the retention time may be lengthened or shortened
either to apply the tonifying or sedating methods.
Master Tung’s Points: Developed by a Taiwanese physician with a familial lineage in Traditional Oriental Medicine, it has it's own independent system from the 14 meridian based system. Some of the acupuncture points that have been time-tested in displaying great results directly correspond to the 14 meridian systems, while numerous other points are completely novel and distinct from the commonly accepted points. Also some of the same corresponding points have new indications and usages apart from the standardized points. The most common use for Master Tung’s points is relief of acute pain. Some points display instant relief of acute sprain and strain, which is different than the results of the 14 meridian system.
Four Needle Technique:
Based on the Five Element Theory, the Korean Four Needle Technique identifies the
organ or the meridian that is out of balance. Depending on the diagnosis of Excess
or Deficiency, four acupuncture points are selected to either reinforce or sedate
the affected organ or meridian. It is a unique system that relies on the meridians’
inter-connection and dependency, thereby regulating the imbalanced meridian.
Nagano Acupuncture Technique:
Developed by a Japanese physician, the Nagano Acupuncture technique is uniquely
based on diagnosis by touch. Through the palpation sequence, diagnosis and treatment
methods are established. Abdominal examination and palpation and palpation of the
Fire points (Five Element Theory) of each meridian are the most common diagnosis
methods. The most common indication for this technique includes boosting the immune
system, abdominal disorders, nervous system disorders, and balancing the endocrine
system.




