The spread of Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its use and popularity have evolved significantly over time, both in China and globally.
TCM in the form of Acupuncture goes back to the new Stone Age in China. That is 8000 to 3000 BC. The first comprehensive documentation of Acupuncture as an organised system of diagnosis and treatment appears in ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ from the Han dynasty 206 bc-220 AD. This text established core concepts like Qi that remain central to Acupuncture theory today.
From its origins in China
Acupuncture gradually spread to neighboring countries: firstly,
- Japan
- Korea
- Then onto other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka and India.
Introduction to the West
In the west, Acupuncture first of all became known in Europe in
- Russia – which has a long tradition due, in part, to the long border between the USSR and China
- France in the 1500’s via Jesuits and travellers
- Germany
- England
- USA and Canada,
- At a similar time it arrived in Australia and New Zealand.
- It gradually spresad to other European countries such as Holland, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Spain and Ireland.
Ireland
TCM Acupuncture, meaning Acupuncture practises as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first introduced to Ireland by Professor Thomas Shanahan in the early nineteen eighties, when he set up practices in both Dublin and Galway. Professor Shanahan then went on to set up the first college of TCM in Ireland, the ICTCM, in order to meet the demand for highly qualified TCM professionals both in Ireland and the UK. The ICTCM is now in its 43rd year of turning out highly trained Professional TCM Practitioners, fulfilling its mission to continue to enhance the reputation and spread of TCM globally.
