Acupuncture is about life itself. Return
As I understand it the origin of acupuncture is in human experience and consciousness. In the observation of life, the self, others and the world around us. Acupuncture is not exclusive to China although the Chinese developed the key concepts which underpin much of the theory today. There are many many strands of acupuncture and theories about how and why it works from the witch doctor or shaman at one end of the scale to the scientist at the other. But one thing which is obvious, because the patients consistently tell us it is so, is that it works.
And the only thing that I care about is what the patients say!
So Im not really interested in complex research to try and "prove scientifically" (whatever that means) that acupuncture works. And Im not really interested in an argument with anyone about which "type" of acupuncture works best or what you "must" know in order for it to work. This is because my own observation is all I have to go on and its only when I can see, hear, feel and understand something that it can be true (as is the case for everyone). In my opinion and from my observations acupuncture is not about what you know or what you do but its about how you know it, how you do it, who you are and what you create from that. Certificates, degree's or letters after your name mean nothing if your patients don't feel the benefit of your treatment.
Acupuncture theory is a tool we use to develop as healers and helpers of people and without our own involvement it means nothing. Some people choose academia as their way of involving themselves if that is their choice and if it works for them. Others find a strand of Chinese Medicine theory or Japanese techniques with which they develop a particular relationship, but essentially these are all self-development tools. So my intention as a teacher is to empower my students with their own feelings and involvement with acupuncture in their own way. A course in acupuncture is a course in self-development. Of course the discipline of learning theory and practice is important but only as a starting point for a students own empowerment.
And then all that will matter is what their patients say!
Choosing an acupuncture course