Classic Acupuncture vs TCM (Part 1)
Classic Acupuncture vs/ TCM: History and a Curious French Connection Most acupuncturists nowadays have been trained according to TCM principles, which stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. But what if this type of acupuncture was traditional only in name? The difference between TCM and Classic (or authentic / truly traditional) is an important one, as it has a direct consequence on the efficacy of treatment. 1/ The historical making of the rift Today's approach of TCM was developed about 300 years ago by Cheng Zhong Ling (a.k.a. Cheng Guo-Peng). This medical theory is based on the Eight Principles, which studies the Tsang/Fou (Zang/Fu) or organ syndromes and combines acupuncture and pharmacopeia or Chinese herbs. TCM is therefore a relatively new discipline. On the other hand, Classic Acupuncture remains true to the ancient taoist tradition, based on the Yin/Yang and Five Elements theory, which dates back 2,400 years. Between the nineteenth and mid-twentieth centu...