Master Tung’s Magical Acupuncture Method
Master Tung’s Acupuncture and Family Traditions
Dr. Tung Ching-Chang (1916-1975) [a.k.a Master Tung] has been regarded as one of the greatest Acupuncture Masters of our time. He was born in 1916 into a middle class "Acupuncture family" in the Northern part of China. He began his life as a young acupuncturist at the age of 18 where he treated patients regardless of their ability to pay. His first clinic was closed while he served in the KMT army during WWII where his skills helped many of his fellow soldiers. At the conclusion of the war, he returned home to open his second clinic, which was closed when he returned to the KMT army to fight the communists led by Mao Ze-Dong.
At this time, while serving in the KMT army he left communist run China for Taiwan. This is where he lived and practiced, always treating and caring for patients regardless of their ability to pay for services. Throughout his career it is estimated that he treated over 400,000 patients and it is estimated that 100,000 of these were without fees.
The "Tung Family Style of Acupuncture" is different from that of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine, please refer to my history page for a more complete definition) in its use of diagnosis model, acupuncture points, methods, doctrines, etc.
It is true that some of Master Tung's points can be located on the 14 Regular Acupuncture Channels. The majority, however, are not the same as the PRC State Mandated TCM Acupuncture system. The two primary techniques used in Master Tung's Family Style are Distal (extremity) Acupuncture points and Blood “Letting.” His unique techniques of utilizing holographic images of body systems on the extremities and successive insertion of three needles in a therapeutic “region” (Dao Ma Technique) enables the patient to evaluate the changes immediately and give feedback right away. This in turn reduces the number of needles needed and gives patients the ability to become active participants in their treatment. (Unlike most other styles of Acupuncture, this method allows immediate adjustment of the Acupuncture needle protocols to maximize each single session.)
In many cases, patients notice instant change and relief of the primary condition being treated. The secrets of Master Tung's Techniques and Points were passed down over generations within his family until he decided to reveal them to his students while practicing in Taiwan. He brought his amazing family style to the next generation of practitioners for the benefit of generations of patients to come.
Master Tung passed away in 1975. His students now promote his family style. Through these masters, in their own right, I have been able to study, learn, and practice the beauty of Master Tung's rich Family Style of Acupuncture.
I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Robert Chu for his willingness and passion for sharing Master Tung's Acupuncture and his wealth of clinical experience; to Dr. Maluer for his wealth of knowledge and translation of Master Tung's work for us, the western practitioners; to Dr. Susan Johnson for her continued advancement in the access to the gifts of Master Tung's Acupuncture. And finally, I would like to give special thanks to Miriam Lee, the California-based Acupuncturist who was first to attract attention to Master Tung's Acupuncture style in America. She was also instrumental in legalizing acupuncture in the state of California, which helped bring Acupuncture to a national level in the United States.