For the third year running, following the fantastic feedback from previous years’ students, Gil Ton and Shaun Goodman are returning to ICOM in October to teach the foundations and advanced course of Master Tung’s Acupuncture.
Foundation Course program
Master Tung Acupuncture Foundation Course program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of this style. It is divided into three engaging parts:
Master Tung Acupuncture Foundation Course program
1 Introduction to Principles and Methods
In this first section, we delve into the essence of Master Tung acupuncture, setting the stage for your learning journey. You will explore:
- Tung Ching Chang – The Master Behind the Technique: Discover the fascinating background of Tung Ching Chang. This style of acupuncture was passed down over generations within the Tung family until Master Tung decided to share the knowledge with a small group of disciples.
- 14 Channels vs. 5 Zang Approach: Gain insights into Master Tung’s distinctive approach to acupuncture and how it differs from TCM. Both channels and treating the 5 Zang are hallmarks of Master Tung’s approach.
- The Twelve Zones in the Body: Alongside channels, Master Tung Acupuncture divides the human body into twelve zones. Points are grouped by body area, so for example, 1-1 tells you the points are on the fingers.
- The Shen Jing Concept: Learn about the concept of Shen Jing, a fundamental aspect of Master Tung acupuncture. This theory targets the root of the pain, and it’s often translated as the “reaction zones.”
- The Dao Ma Needle Technique: Learn the art of the Dao Ma needle technique, a precise and effective method that distinguishes Master Tung acupuncture from other modalities. It is known for its ability to generate greater levels of de qi, which is one of the unique aspects of this style.
- The Dong Qi Method: Explore the intricacies of the Dong Qi method, an advanced technique that enhances the therapeutic impact of acupuncture. Master Tung believed that the quicker and stronger the de qi, the better the clinical outcome will be.
- Long Retention of Needles: Discover the benefits of prolonged needle retention and how it can be applied to enhance the healing process. Often needles are retained for 40 minutes but some Tung practitioner’s even leave needles in for hours if required.
- Holographic Needling: Unveil the mysteries of holographic needling, a technique that taps into the interconnectedness of the body’s meridians. There is the concept of the “Up Down Right Left Balancing Method,” so for example, 22-2 on the right-hand side can be used to treat plantar fasciitis on the left foot.
- Guiding Needling Technique and Zang Fu Bie Tong Method: Master the art of guiding needling and the Zang Fu Bie Tong method, which are essential tools in the Master Tung acupuncture repertoire.
2 The Most Commonly Used Points
The second part of the course focuses on familiarising you with the most frequently used acupuncture points within the twelve zones. You’ll explore points in zones 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, and 10-10, gaining practical insights into their applications and therapeutic combinations. This includes learning things such as the:
- Name
- Location
- Shen Jing
- Indications
- Combinations
3 Demonstrations and Practice
You will now be able to put your new knowledge into action as you participate in hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions. Each zone will be explored and practiced, ensuring you are well-prepared to apply Master Tung acupuncture confidently.
The course has been designed to ensure that you get ample time to learn, practice, and play with Master Tung’s style of acupuncture. With over 38 hours of teaching, few courses teach this level of content and depth. We are really keen for you to understand how to use Master Tung as an entire framework for treatment rather than just adding points for their therapeutic effect without understanding why.
Our aim is to create a community of Master Tung practitioners who support one another in adopting this incredible style of acupuncture even after the course has finished. That’s why we have Facebook and WhatsApp group communities of practice to help people embed what they have learned. This has been much loved and well-used by students of the Master Tung course.
Louisa took the foundation course last year, and her new skills have transformed her practice. Listen to what she has to say:
Dates
Initial online lectures consisting of three 3-hour Zoom sessions:
10 September, 17 September & 24 September 6-9pm UK time (7pm AMS time)
3-day in person lectures and demonstrations at ICOM in East Grinstead, UK
3-5 October 9am-6pm
2 hour follow-up Zoom session
Weds 22 October 6-8pm UK time (7-9pm AMT)
Workshop Details
Registration Link: International College of Oriental Medicine
Location: International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM), Green Hedges Avenue, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1DZ (UK)
Registration Options: Full three-day program, Day 1 only, or Days 2-3
Prerequisites: Completion of an introductory course in Master Tung’s acupuncture
Materials: Comprehensive course notes will be provided
Advanced Course program
This comprehensive, three-day workshop focuses on two main topics:
Bloodletting Therapy
Day 1: A comprehensive examination of bloodletting techniques, discussing their mechanisms, tools, and particular applications within Master Tung’s acupuncture system.
Clinical Applications for Common Disorders
Days 2-3: Diagnostic principles and treatment strategies for common clinical conditions utilizing Master Tung’s acupuncture.
This program is designed for practitioners who have completed an introductory course in Master Tung’s acupuncture and wish to enhance their clinical skills. Participants may register for the entire three-day program or choose Day 1 only (Bloodletting Techniques) or Days 2-3 (Diagnostic Principles and Clinical Applications).
Day 1: Bloodletting in Chinese Medicine
Introduction
Acupuncture encompasses three fundamental therapeutic tools: needling, moxibustion, and bloodletting. To achieve superior clinical outcomes, skilled practitioners must master and integrate all three techniques. Within Master Tung’s acupuncture system, bloodletting holds particular significance as a powerful therapeutic intervention. This first day of our workshop will explore this essential technique’s theoretical foundations and practical applications, providing participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate bloodletting into their clinical practice.
Workshop topics
Bloodletting in the Ancient Texts
- Historical Context and Development
- Key References in Classical Texts
- Evolution of Bloodletting Techniques
Effects and Mechanisms of Bloodletting
- Physiological effects
- Energetic perspective
- Clinical indications and contraindications
Bloodletting Instruments and Techniques
- Traditional and modern tools
- Sterilization and safety protocols
- Demonstration of techniques
Bloodletting in Master Tung’s Acupuncture System
- Theoretical foundations
- Integration with Master Tung’s point system
- Holographic Correlation Utilizing Bloodletting
Approaches Using Bloodletting
- Classic Approach – Collateral Channels
- Bloodletting of Specific Acupuncture Points in Master Tung’s System
- Local Bloodletting Techniques
- Holographic Correlation Utilizing Bloodletting in Master Tung’s Acupuncture
Emotional Disorders and Bloodletting
- Theoretical framework
- Point selection strategies
Applied Learning
- Case Discussions
- Technical Demonstration and Practice.
Day 2-3: Diagnostic Principles and Treatment of Common Clinical Conditions
Introduction
During these two days, we will explore common clinical disorders encountered in daily practice. By carefully examining these conditions, participants will learn to apply the diagnostic and treatment principles of Master Tung’s acupuncture system more effectively. This hands-on approach connects theory with practical application, enhancing practitioners’ ability to identify effective treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes.
Diagnostic and Treatment Principles
- Understanding Biao Ben (root and branch) in Master Tung’s approach
- Disease Mechanisms (Bing Ji [病機]) in Master Tung’s Acupuncture
- The external manifestation of disease (Su Wen Chapter 5)
- The connection between diagnostic findings and Dao Ma groups
- Key points for treating the root in zones 77 and 88
- Case studies demonstrating diagnostic principles
Common Clinical Conditions
Lower Back Pain and Disc Herniation
- Differential diagnosis:
- Strategies for selecting points
- Protocols for treatment
- Clinical cases and demonstrations
Cervical Disc Herniation
- Treatment protocols
- Practical applications
Shoulder Disorders
- Differential diagnosis of common shoulder conditions:
- Trigger points and dry needling for rotator cuff muscles
- Key points and combinations
- Integration of bloodletting techniques when appropriate
- Treatment demonstrations
Joint Disorders
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Hip joint disorders
- Strategies combining needling and bloodletting
Respiratory System Disorders
- Upper respiratory conditions (common cold, rhinitis, hay fever, sinusitis)
- Lung disorders (pneumonia, asthma, chronic cough)
- Key points and combinations
- Case discussions and demonstrations
Menstrual Disorders
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Irregular menstruation
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Key point combinations and treatment strategies
Dermatological Conditions
- Master Tung’s approach to skin disorders
- Integrated treatment protocols
Emotional and Mental Disorders
- Application of Master Tung’s system for emotional conditions
- Key points and combinations
- Integrating of bloodletting when appropriate
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical foundations of bloodletting in Chinese medicine and Master Tung’s system
- Safely and effectively apply bloodletting techniques in clinical practice
- Integrate diagnostic findings with appropriate point selection strategies
- Apply Master Tung’s acupuncture approaches to a range of common clinical conditions
- Develop comprehensive treatment plans incorporating needling and bloodletting when appropriate
Workshop Details
- Dates: 3-5 September 2025
- Location: International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM), Green Hedges Avenue, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1DZ (UK)
- Registration Options: Full three-day program, Day 1 only, or Days 2-3
- Prerequisites: Completion of an introductory course in Master Tung’s acupuncture
- Materials: Comprehensive course notes will be provided
- Registration Link: International College of Oriental Medicine
About the Instructor
Shaun Goodman, L.Ac., brings over 30 years of expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Trained directly under Master Lee Kuo Cheng in Taiwan, he maintains a busy clinic. He is recognized internationally for integrating Master Tung’s methods with modern diagnostic techniques. He authorized a comprehensive book on Master Tung’s acupuncture (2024). Shaun has developed a comprehensive and user-friendly app for Master Tung’s points. It is designed for practitioners and students of Tung’s acupuncture. It provides detailed information on the locations of Master Tung’s points, their associated needling techniques, and the various conditions they can address.
For more information, Tung’s acupuncture
