What is the difference? Are they all effective?
“Japanese, Korean and Chinese acupuncture all have their foundations in traditional Chinese medicine, and all are very effective,” said Yihyun Kwon, PhD, DC, MSOM, LAc and Professor of Clinical Sciences at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS). “How acupuncture evolved in different regions of Asia reflects the culture and history of each region.”
Chinese Acupuncture
The acupuncture profession looks to China as the standard traditional model. In China, acupuncturists use big needles with a greater depth of insertion. They are trying to stimulate what is called the “De Qi” sensation, or “arrival of Qi” – life energy flowing through the body. A Chinese acupuncturist will try to enhance that sensation by gently rotating the needle. On a microscopic level, the surface of a Chinese needle is very rough, so patients will definitely feel the needle when it is inserted. This heightens the De Qi response.
“Current research shows that the De Qi sensation is really important,” said Dr. Kwon. “There is a better outcome after treatment.”
The Chinese also use more needles and insert them into a wider area of the body.
Additionally, Taiwan has a unique acupuncture system as well, called “Tung” acupuncture. It uses a completely different system with different points. The majority of points are closely located to bones, joints and nerves. The Tung system provides excellent and quick results for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Japanese Acupuncture
“The Japanese use thinner needles, and a gentler technique with shallow insertion. Their diagnostic assessment relies heavily on palpation of the abdomen, back and various pulses along the meridian system. In fact, Japanese style acupuncture is often called ‘meridian acupuncture’ for this reason,” said Hyundo Kim, PhD, MSOM, LAc and Assistant Dean of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at NUHS.
Western medicine moved into Japan much earlier than it did in other Asian countries through Dutch influence in the 1600s. Because of this, Japan has always had more of an interest in Western medicine than Asian medicine. Japan even prohibited Asian medicine under Emperor Meiji in the late 1800s. Later, acupuncture was finally allowed once again, but only as an occupation for the blind.
“This is why their style developed diagnostic methods that relied on palpation rather than sight – feeling the abdomen, back and meridian pulses rather than looking at visual characteristics of the tongue, eyes or fingernails,” said Dr. Kim. “This is also why they use a lot of acupressure as well, as this technique was very adaptable to blind practitioners.”
Korean Acupuncture
Diagnosis in Korean acupuncture is focused on a full constitutional analysis, an old concept rooted in Chinese medicine. A constitutional diagnosis requires a completely separate book of prescriptions. Korean acupuncture also focuses on the extremities, like the hand or ear.
Most of the standard acupuncture layouts in Korea use only four needles. In fact, Korean acupuncture is often called ‘four-needle’ technique, or Sa-am technique for this reason.
“The four needles are split two and two – two needles sedate or reduce excess Qi in one organ system, while two other needles tonify or increase Qi in a second organ system,” explained Dr. Kwon. “This balancing concept is the foundation behind four-needle acupuncture.”
“Even though China and Korea border each other, their scholars did not always communicate. That’s why their acupuncture and medical practices differ slightly. Also, some herbs used in Chinese medicine cannot grow in Korea’s climate. Many of the Korean herbal medicine formulas will thus add or substitute herbs that have similar effects but are more common in the Korean climate,” he continued.
National University’s Approach
“Here at NUHS, our foundation is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as all major styles are. While we provide a strong basis in TCM, we also give our students a taste of these other styles so that later, if they choose, they can go deeper on their own according to their interests,” said Dr. Kim. “We also offer in-depth post-graduate courses in more focused styles of acupuncture, such as Korean hand acupuncture technique.”
Explore more NUHS programs, including acupuncture, at a visit event, or learn more about starting a career with a degree in acupuncture. National University offers a Doctor of Acupuncture, Master of Acupuncture and a Master of Acupuncture with a specialization in Herbal Medicine.
For an appointment with an NUHS Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine clinician, call 630-629-9664.
Looking for career in a field that’s growing? Find out more about NUHS’ acupuncture programs here.
Photos:
Above: Dr. Kwon instructs an intern in proper needling technique and placement for a clinic patient.
Below: A hallmark of NUHS’ acupuncture programs is for students to receive a thorough anatomy education in the gross anatomy/cadaver lab. Here, Dr. Kim prepares two students by identifying key pathways for effective needling for their future patients.
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