Master Tung’s Acupuncture Underlying Principles

Master Tung’s acupuncture system is considered one of the most essential in the modern era, developed by a master who achieved remarkable results with minimal needles, even in complex cases. His acupuncture was rooted in a centuries-old secret family tradition. As he believed in preserving Chinese culture, including the knowledge and experience of traditional medicine, Master Tung decided to teach the method to students outside his family, thereby sharing this knowledge with the world. Since receiving his first students in 1962, his acupuncture has continued to expand globally, even after his passing in 1975.

All points, zones, and diagnostic maps mentioned above are fully integrated and searchable within the Tung’s Points.

I first encountered Master Tung’s acupuncture while studying the Balance Method with Ilan Migdali in 2007. Richard Tan, who developed the Balance Method, incorporated Master Tung’s acupuncture points into his system. Ilan suggested I read a book by Young Wei Chieh, one of Master Tung’s students, about these points. Initially, they seemed strange and perplexing to me, lacking a clear logic. The numbering system was unconventional, with many points placed on the fingers or spaces outside traditional channels. Master Tung assigned innervations to points, a concept absent from traditional acupuncture. This encounter sparked my curiosity, propelling me on a journey to discover the underlying principles of this method. If you feel the same sense of confusion, I have organized these principles into a clear, step-by-step Foundations Course to save you years of trial and error.

Initially, they seemed strange and perplexing to me, lacking a clear logic… This encounter sparked my curiosity, propelling me on a journey to discover the underlying principles of this method.

Master Tung’s writings do not describe the underlying principles and mechanisms of his acupuncture.  Rather, he encouraged his students to independently explore these concepts, leaving several clues. One of Master Tung’s most prominent students, Young Wei Chieh, who emigrated to the United States, introduced Master Tung’s acupuncture to the West. Young Wei Chieh asserts that the foundation of the method lies in the 14 primary channels and considers its acupuncture points as extra points. For several years, I approached Master Tung’s acupuncture through this lens and taught it accordingly.

In 2013, Chuan Min Wang, another of Master Tung’s students residing in the United States, published a book on Master Tung’s acupuncture, providing a new perspective. Wang contended that the system is not based on the 14 primary channels but on its own system of channels based on the five zang organs. After traveling to Taiwan in 2016 and studying with Lee Kuo Cheng, a student of Hu Wen Zhi (who studied with Master Tung), I received further confirmation that Master Tung’s acupuncture is based on the five zang organs.

After visiting Taiwan, I began investigating Master Tung’s acupuncture as a distinct acupuncture system, a perspective reflected in this site. This work is the culmination of extensive research and clinical experience. It shares my understanding of Master Tung’s acupuncture and outlines its guiding principles. Some of these principles are derived from the teachings of leading students, while others are based on my own interpretations of this method, as shaped by my rich clinical experience. I do not claim to represent a uniform, authoritative interpretation of Master Tung or his method. Rather, I wish to provide readers with insights that can facilitate the effective and professional application of his acupuncture system.

My aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by demonstrating how I apply Master Tung’s acupuncture. While exploring its foundations, my understanding of acupuncture in general has undergone significant changes. Master Tung’s acupuncture is based on a unique system that employs points and channels distinct from the traditional acupuncture taught in most contemporary institutions. This system exhibits ancient characteristics that predate the acupuncture of the 14 primary channels, allowing a different approach.

Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system that has evolved and adapted over millennia. Like any medicine, it requires continuous updates and innovations to remain relevant and vital. I will share my insights and experiences in Chinese Medicine, particularly Master Tung’s acupuncture. One of the most significant advancements in this field is energetic testing, pioneered by Dr. Paul Nogier in 1966. While the science behind it is not fully understood, the potential benefits for Chinese Medicine practitioners are substantial. Dr. Nogier’s energetic testing complements Master Tung’s acupuncture, and this site demonstrates how to integrate the two methods.