Ahn, Chang-Beohm; Jang, Kyung-Jun; Yoon, Hyun-Min; Kim, Cheol-Hong; Min, Young-Kwang; Moon, Hyuck-Chol; Koo, Sung-Tae

Objective: To review the theoretic basis of the Sa-Ahm 5 Element acupuncture devised about 360 years ago, papers and books were researched. Methods: Total of 59 books and papers ranging from ancient Huang Di nei jing to modern Bio Medical Acupuncture for Pain Management were researched to study the basic theory of it in relation to the 5 Shu points, Results: Gao-mu in Chinese Ming dynasty, for the 1st time, had used 5 Shu points based on creation cycle as tonification and sedation treatment respectively and named it as 'tonification and sedation treatment of self meridian' but since then, this method, without special reasons, has been rarely used until Sa-Ahm's new doctrine that include the concept of destruction cycle was asserted. Conclusions: Sa-Ahm 5 Element acupuncture is a method which uses 5 Shu points from the viewpoints of simultaneous tonification and sedation methods which are based on promotion and control cycles. Though it is nowadays mostly-used method in accordance with practitioner's points, it needs to be set guidelines by which to effectively practice Sa-Ahm acupuncture.

Sa-Ahm 5 Element acupuncture; 5 Shu points; Tonification and Sedation Treatment; Clinical Guidelines; Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture

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