True Acupuncture
This site is dedicated to “True Acupuncture” as taught by George Soulie de Morant. The goal of this site to provide information regarding Morant’s teachings about True Acupuncture to help inform practitioners and patients alike. There will be information regarding many different styles of acupuncture, contrasting and comparing those styles with each other and with Morant’s views. None of this should be taken as a statement of better than or worse than. It is here for understanding and learning what True Acupuncture is, regardless of the theoretical viewpoint one holds.
What is True Acupuncture?
If you search for “True Acupuncture,” you will no doubt find responses for “sham acupuncture vs. true acupuncture,” however, that is not the what we speak of, but rather a lower level of acupuncture. George Soulie de Morant first described True Acupuncture in his book Chinese Acupuncture when he described the three different levels of acupuncture:
“There are many kinds of acupuncture. One is simplistic and primitive. It consists of puncturing the place of pain without considering any other knowledge. Except for conditions of recent, acute pain, such treatment gives only partial, short-term relief.
Another method, somewhat better, uses points in memorized formulae. Problems are treated with little attention given to the patient or the action of the needles; i.e., in order to tonify or disperse such and such an organ, such and such a point is used; for this particular symptom, that particular point is used. This method allows moderate regulation of the organs, but does not treat the underlying cause of the problem, nor control the vital energy.
The truest form of acupuncture, which we describe here, enables the practitioner to evaluate imbalances of the vital energy, the basis of all functional illness. This is achieved above all through the study of the pulses. True acupuncture is founded on the relationship between the organs, based on the circulation of energy, a system which often differs from the Western anatomical physiological model. The method demands that we locate the exact center of each point, where its action is at a maximum. Although there are failures, these are rare. . .”
From Morant’s statement we learn that there are clearly three “levels” of acupuncture, although he did not speak directly on the subject of different styles. Morant also clearly states in his text that a practitioner may utilize the first two levels of acupuncture, but only when necessary and usually only after applying True Acupuncture first.
“The first method, which could be called local acupuncture or even primitive acupuncture, is rather simplistic and consists of puncturing the center of the pain indicated by the patient. It is used by people who do not know the location of the points, their effects, the pulses, or the circulation of energy. It does not require any study. This method is used for pains, swellings, or local inflammation, without taking into consideration that in Chinese medicine pain is recognized as a sign of dysfunction of a neighboring meridian or of the associated organ. True acupuncture occasionally uses this method after treating the root problem to remove what is called ‘the branch,’ the symptom. Even without using this method, the branch disappears some time after the underlying problem is resolved by true acupuncture.”
This is a very important consideration. It is unfortunate that in our current era, the first two levels are solely practiced with few practitioners performing True Acupuncture. This may be due to the fact that the Chinese have traditionally kept their secrets close. Morant even noted that the Chinese had never put into writing True Acupuncture theory:
“To fight off disease successfully by manipulating the energy of the body, one must fully understand the differences between the three methods grouped under the name of acupuncture. The Chinese cite only two, but in reality there are three.”
Although the Chinese did not explicitly describe True Acupuncture in written text, it was known by masters of acupuncture and the basic ideas are presented in the “classical texts” of Chinese Medicine. Fortunately for us, Morant studied under such masters and passed along a profound understanding of acupuncture. Unfortunately, in the West, few have picked up this understanding and most rely on the first two levels; many relying only on the first level.
Why call it “Classical”
Just to make a brief note of this, as we will post a longer discussion on why we’ve chosen to use the phrase “Classical True Acupuncture” vs Morant’s original “True Acupuncture” (translated from Morant’s french term “le vrai acuponcture.”)
First, it is our opinion that in order to perform the highest level of acupuncture, one would need to be very gifted and/or “enlightened.” Thus, the word “true” by itself implies the absolute epitome, and we are fully aware of our own short comings. Therefore, a “cushion,” so to speak, is necessary.
Secondly, the term “classical” implies studying from the “original source,” however, acupuncture has no original written sources left. The Nei Jing (specifically the Ling Shu) frequently refers to the “ancient texts,” therefore the Ling Shu cannot be the source of “classical acupuncture” (if one investigates the history of acupuncture). Furthermore, we believe (note that we did say believe) that the true source of acupuncture has always been passed from master to student and that George Soulie de Morant was a fortunate student of real masters of True Acupuncture. As a result, it is our opinion (yes, we said opinion) that Morant passed along true classical “source” information about acupuncture that was not previously available in writing.
It is for these reasons that we are referring to this style or “level” of acupuncture as “Classical True Acupuncture.” The terminology bridges the gap between perfection and what a “normal” person can learn and apply. From our experience, Morant shows a depth of understanding that we have not seen anywhere else and our opinion is that it is based on source information passed down from those who could perform “True Acupuncture.”
How is Classical True Acupuncture is different?
The practice of Classical True Acupuncture is considerably different than the practice of other “levels” and styles of acupuncture. For instance, we focus largely on pulse diagnosis of the radial pulses—pulse diagnosis that takes into account all the body’s systems, and their inter-related dependencies, while not only focusing on the mere quality of the pulse or just symptoms.
Therefore, you will note that Classical True Acupuncture practitioners will spend considerable time feeling the radial pulses before inserting any needles, as well as after insertion of each and every needle. Furthermore, when possible they will continue to feel the pulses while locating and needling the center of a true acupuncture point. This is done because we are concerned with needling the absolute center of an acupuncture point (an area 1 to 2 mm in diameter), for missing the center of the point by as much as 2 mm can reduce or nullify the effects of the treatment. Without such detailed focus on the pulses and point location, Classical True Acupuncture can never be accomplished.
Finally, you will note that very few acupuncture points are needled, typically only one to a few points during a treatment, and in rare cases or in conditions that require the application of the first two levels of acupuncture, more needles may be utilized—the first two levels of acupuncture always utilize many needles. Lastly, Classical True Acupuncture does not require the considerable number of treatments that other levels and styles require.
With Classical True Acupuncture, a practitioner may often reschedule you for a follow up visit simply to reevaluate how well the treatment is going and not for actual treatment (often at no charge to you). The theory is that if your body is responding to the treatment, inserting more needles will only disrupt the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Only when the effects of the treatment begin to diminish should you be needled again; this may be a week to several weeks from your last needling and possibly only one treatment is needed in acute and simple conditions.
If you have previously been told that you are required to have multiple treatments per week and for an extended period of time to see results, give Classical True Acupuncture a chance to prove that this is not true. Currently there are many “styles of acupuncture” that insists on numerous treatments per week to see results. We strongly disagree and have found that it is rarely the case that a patient will need a second treatment within the same week if Classical True Acupuncture has been applied.
What can Classical True Acupuncture treat?
This level of acupuncture was used by George Soulie de Morant as a primary care modality and he achieved as good results, if not better, as compared to Western Medicine, especially in those cases where Western Medicine had no treatment or only symptomatic treatment. This is not a form of acupuncture that treats only pain. It treats the individual and their constitution, thus it has a wide range of benefit for the patient regardless of their symptoms or “root” condition. Most importantly, this level of acupuncture restores proper functions to the organs, bowels, and other systems of the body. By restoring the proper functions of these systems, general health is improved on a wide range of conditions.
Furthermore, it provides great benefit as a preventative medicine. With the detailed examination of the radial pulses, a practitioner of Classical True Acupuncture can find disharmonies long before they develop into serious pathologies and are not mislead by symptomatology that masks the root underlying condition, thus it is wise to have checkups with a Classical True Acupuncturist just as you would have a physical exam with a Western MD.
Classical True Acupuncture provides a natural holistic tool to take control of your health. It works on the underlying imbalances that facilitate pathology, thus it has a wide range of use beyond what current “leaders of medicine” believe.
Getting around the site
Over time this site will have a forum, but until more information is posted to enourage in depth discussions, that will have to wait. At this time, most articles written will be placed in categories and we will do our best to ensure that the categories are arranged in the most useful manner possible.
One of the easiest ways to find your way around will always be the sitemap. Make use of it regularly, though it may look scary at times.
Contacting us
Please use the contact form on the contact page if you need to drop a note about anything or if you would like to become a contributing author.
Find an Acupuncturist
Please see the Acupuncture Directory to find an acupuncturist in your area that practices this style of acupuncture.
Helping the site
We hope you will help the site by contributing with relevant comments when the forum is up and running and for those who would like to join in as contributing authors you are most welcome too. Our goal it to raise the level of acupuncture through understanding how it works and not by theoretical discussion and blind beliefs, thus come prepared to push your current understanding of what acupuncture is and what it can do.