Korean 4-Needle Acupuncture (Saam/Sa-Ahm Chim)

A synopsis of Korean 4-Needle Acupuncture.

Introduction

Korean 4-Needle acupuncture, also commonly known as Saam Acupuncture, was developed 400 yrs. ago by a Buddhist monk called Saam Do In. This system uses four points among the five shu points to regulate imbalances in the Zang Fu and meridians. Almost 70% of acupuncturists in South Korea use this system making it the most widely used system of acupuncture in that country. Its clinical efficacy and safety make this system so popular.

Treatment methods

a)     Reinforcing method (ex. In SP deficiency)

·       Tonify the mother on affected meridian & mother meridian; HT8, SP2

·       Sedate the controlling element on affected meridian & controlling meridian; LV1, SP1

b)     Sedation method (ex. In LV excess)

·       Tonify the controlling element on the affected meridian & controlling meridian; LU8, LV4

·       Sedate the child element on affected channel & child meridian; HT8, LV2

c)     Cooling method (ex. ST heat)

·       Tonify water point on affected meridian & on the water meridian; UB66, ST44

·       Sedate the fire point on affected meridian & on the fire meridian; SI5, ST41

d)     Heating method (ex. KI deficiency cold)

·       Tonify the fire point on affected meridian & on the fire meridian; HT8, KI2

·       Sedate the water point on the affected meridian & on the water meridian; KI10, HT3

Technique:

·       Breath:

a)     Insertion with exhale = reinforcing

b)     Insertion with inhale = sedation

·       Needle direction:

a)     Direction of the channel = reinforcing

b)     Against the direction of the channel = sedation

·       Thumb direction

a)     Twist needle thumb forward -w small amplitude = reinforcing

b)     Twist needle with thumb moving backwards -w larger amplitude = sedation

·       After removing the needle

a)     Covering the point = reinforcing

b)     Not covering the point = sedation

Application

·       Treat the Right side for females and the Left side for males.

·       Treat the opposite side of the complaint; Ex. R) neck pain treat on the L).

·       Treat the Right for Lung organ or Qi problems, and for Liver organ or Blood problems, treat the Left.