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WHAT IS CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MODERNIZED ACUPUNCTURE AND CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
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WHAT IS CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

 
  According to Classicalacupuncture.com, “Classical Acupuncture is acupuncture preserved as it was the height of its development in centuries spanning the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220CE) 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.”

Two main types of treatments are provided by Classical acupuncturists.
Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine) focuses on following nature and destiny, and this is the best attitude to keep healthy in any healing modality. However, by the time of Song dynasty (11th century), Chinese practitioners made an attempt to change their own destinies. They found the portal (points) to access to our DNA and constitution. This treatment also could lead to unfolding one’s hidden abilities as well as treating hereditary issues.		  
   
   
 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MODERNIZED ACUPUNCTURE AND CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

 
  Modernized acupuncture is called TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It was developed under communists in 1950’s in China. Chinese communists simplified many traditions into TCM so that they could train people in a short duration. Also, TCM was made to cooperate with and incorporate principles of Western medicine. Many parts of traditional studies were omitted.

TCM focuses on treating symptoms while Classical Acupuncture focuses on treating the roots of diseases. TCM is standardized, whereas Classical Acupuncture is more individualized, based on natural philosophy (Daoism).

Classicalacupuncture.com has a more detailed explanation. “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; an inappropriate form of medicine for a new society aspiring to new ideals. Little room was left for China's ancient and spiritually rich practices of the past.
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.

Medicine was included in this nationalist movement in the 1940s and 50s. Prior to that time the varieties of medicine, including the varieties of acupuncture that were practiced, were as numerous as the dialects or the cuisines. 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. The committees of prominent doctors, under order of the new political powers, sought to agree on basic principles that were common in each of their various styles of medicine. Ultimately they 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.

In order to facilitate the speedy training of new practitioners, much of the subtlety 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 advised. ”		  
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WHAT DOES CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

 
  Classical Acupuncture can treat any condition and symptoms. Classical Acupuncture is not only for treating disease but also cultivating who you are. Also, many people seek it for preventing disease and breaking patterns and habits. As a result, it can help improve one’s ability in any aspect.  
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ABOUT EIKO INOUE, M.S., L.Ac.

 
  Eiko Inoue is the last direct descendent of a Samurai lineage, and was born in the west of Japan and was raised by her Buddhist family members in a small village, near where her ancestors ruled once a long time ago.
In ancient times, her ancestors were healed by their Japanese swords. Whenever they were wounded in battles, they placed their swords on their injuries. It was the origin of acupuncture therapy in her lineage.
During her childhood, she was treated by her mother with herbs, and was given massage therapy by her grandmother, whose father was a master of martial arts in Kyoto, Japan.

Also, she received her M.S. from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York. There, she studied Classical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with Jeffrey Yuen, 88th generation Daoist priest of the Jade Purity School, Yellow Emperor/Lao Tzu Sect and the 26th generation of Complete Reality School, Dragon Gate Sect.
Eiko is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of New York and NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Diplomat. Her first essay in the U.S. was published in the Journal of the Acupuncture Society of New York in 2005. She has also been on a Japanese FM radio show to speak about Chinese Medicine.		  
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