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.




