Origins of Acupuncture: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Results
- Karly Bannister
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
I have a deep love for China—its people, cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible shopping! Having lived there, I’m always dreaming of my next visit.
So when I talk about Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the Austrian Alps with what appear to be acupuncture-like tattoos, I share it with curiosity and reverence—not contradiction. This discovery opens the door to a fascinating possibility: that healing systems resembling acupuncture may have existed across multiple cultures, long before global communication was possible.
I earned my Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). During my four-year program from 2005-2009, I studied Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Western medicine, Asian bodywork, and Qigong. And I was taught that the roots of this powerful medicine could be traced back to ancient China.
In fact, the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), is the oldest known medical text in the world. Also known as the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon (黄帝内经), it is the most important written work of Chinese Medicine. It was compiled over 2,200 years ago during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and is regarded as the fundamental and most representative medical text. What is even more wild? It is still required reading in acupuncture schools because its teachings about acupuncture are still relevant and applicable today, thousands of years later!
European Roots?
What also amazes me is the revelation that a practice similar to acupuncture might have existed in Europe as early as 3300 BC. Ötzi, the first Iceman from the Copper Age, had tattoos that align with classical acupuncture points. This discovery opens a fascinating dialogue about the evolution of healing wisdom across cultures—possibly even simultaneously. Humanity may be more interconnected than we realize!
Innovation During the Warring States Period
When I teach about the Warring States period, I often mention how rulers of the time were known for commissioning replicas of important items—including scrolls and medical texts. This emphasis on replication and refinement may be one reason China excels in craftsmanship and innovation, even today. Consider the Terracotta Warriors—masterpieces of ancient art and precision and replication from the Warring States period. If such incredible achievements were possible then, why not the refinement of acupuncture, too?
Whether originating in the East or appearing in different forms across continents, acupuncture reflects something beautifully universal: the human desire to heal.
Discovery of Channels/Meridians
One of the most refined elements of Chinese medicine is the channel system, also known as meridians. It is said that the early pioneers of acupuncture would engage in profound meditation to perceive the body's energetic pathways. Although numerous points were recognized through clinical observation, this system embodies not just empirical findings but also an advanced inner understanding.
Why I Practice Master Tung Acupuncture
I personally favor the Master Tung family system of acupuncture, a powerful lineage passed down through Master Tung Ching-Chang (1916–1975), one of the most revered acupuncturists of the 20th century. Originating in Shandong Province and later brought to Taiwan, Tung’s system was a closely held family tradition. Once a secret system, Master Tung’s Acupuncture is known for its speed, precision, and results.
Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is based on the 12-channel meridian system, Tung’s system uses a unique set of acupuncture points—many of which are not found on the standard meridian charts. These points are organized by anatomical zones rather than traditional meridians.
Modern technology, such as functional MRI (fMRI), is now validating this ancient wisdom. Although originally passed down through oral tradition, Master Tung acupuncture is now being studied through functional MRI and clinical research. For example, imaging shows that needling specific Tung points light up brain regions correlated with the affected area—offering modern support for ancient knowledge.
Key Features of the Tung System
Fewer Needles, Greater Impact: Often referred to as "one-needle therapy," it uses fewer needles with dramatically effective outcomes.
Distal Point Treatment: Most points are located on the arms, hands, legs, and feet—but they can treat internal organ dysfunctions, pain, and systemic conditions anywhere in the body.
Energetic Balance & Correspondence: It applies concepts similar to Feng Shui and holographic balance—for example, the left hand can treat the right shoulder, or the foot can treat the head.
Three-Needle Combinations: Many protocols involve triplet point groups, known to synergistically improve the treatment outcome.
Immediate Results: This system is especially famous for giving instant pain relief or symptomatic improvement—making it a favorite among practitioners who want fast feedback and patients who want quick relief.
A Short and Non-exhaustive List of Clinical Applications
Chronic and acute pain (e.g., shoulder, back, sciatica)
Autoimmune conditions
Neurological disorders
Digestive, gynecological, and hormonal imbalances
Emotional regulation
I love using the Master Tung acupuncture system to treat acute shoulder and back pain. While these treatments often require more hands-on work—like cupping or massage in combination with acupuncture—the results are worth it. In my experience, pain is typically reduced by at least 50% during the session, and patients often report an additional 10–20% improvement by the time they walk out of the office.
For example, when treating right shoulder pain, I start by assessing the patient’s current pain level for reference. Then I apply acupressure to specific Master Tung points known to target right shoulder issues (I usually start with Spleen 9, pictured below).
Next, I'll ask the patient to indicate if they feel any tenderness—I'm specifically looking for a spot that feels like a deep bruise, even in the absence of injury. These tender points often correlate with effective treatment areas.
If tenderness is present, I ask the patient to gently move the affected shoulder while I continue to press the "reactive" spot. If this brings any noticeable relief, I proceed to needle those corresponding points. We continue this process—cycling through acupressure, slight movement or manual therapy like massage or cupping, acupuncture, and movement again—until we see a meaningful drop in pain levels or range of motion.
This dynamic, responsive approach honors Master Tung’s system while providing real, measurable relief for my patients. It consistently delivers results that make a real difference in people’s lives and can be sustained for weeks, months or even years. Now, you know why it's my favorite type of acupuncture to practice!
Thank you for doing this with me and check out the Youtube video that inspired this post!
