By Sihwan Jin
My introduction to SAAM acupuncture began through a family TCM practitioner, a disciple of renowned Korean Medicine practitioner Master Kim. Intrigued by SAAM acupuncture's principles and effectiveness, as well as its understanding of the theoretical connection between the elements of Earth, Qi and the human body I found myself drawn deeper into its practice. I decided to further enhance my understanding by attending SAAM acupuncture classes with Master Kim's disciple (my TCM Practitioner) and a study of textbooks on Traditional Korean Medicine. With my further studies in TCM acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, SAAM acupuncture provides a complimentary framework through which disharmony and imbalance in the body can be identified, diagnosed and treated.
What is SAAM Acupuncture?
SAAM (舍岩) acupuncture is thought to have started 300 years ago during Korea’s ChoSun Dynasty. There is a touch of mystery and legend surrounding the origin of SAAM acupuncture however the common story is that a Korean Monk who was a travelling healer had stopped for a time in the shelter of a cave to pursue a deep study of two ancient texts - the I Ching and the Huang Di Nei Jing (one of the founding Chinese medicine texts). Taking the principles of Yin and Yang and five elements from the I Ching as well as the theoretical understandings of Chinese medicine from the Huang Di Nei Jing, the monk came to an understanding of Earth, healing and the body. It is from this understanding that SAAM acupuncture was born, with ‘SA’ in Korean meaning house and ‘AM’ meaning boulder to represent the cave from which the style originated.
SAAM Acupuncture’s principles have been passed down through a text ‘SAAM’s Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion (舍岩道人針灸要訣)'. The style was misplaced for a period of time however was recently revived by Master Kim in the 1980’s. The style itself embodies a gentle and powerful approach, melding together the theories of Yin and Yang, Five Elements and Six Qi, creating a combined theory capable of dealing with both physical and mental issues.
So what is Six Qi?
In the scope of SAAM acupuncture and TCM, the concept of Six Qi brings a new dimension. Imagine Six Qi to represent feelings in the weather - each carrying it’s unique qualities: Tai Yin (Dampness/Soft), Yang Ming (Dryness/Sharp), Shao Yin (Emperor Fire/Heat), Tai Yang (Cold/Fluid), Jue Yin (Wind/Inward Energy), and Shao Yang (Light/Gathering Fire/Outward Energy).
Traditional Medicine views humans as a mini version of Earth, when one of the Six Qi's such as Yang Ming (dryness) or Jue Yin (wind) is not in balance it manifests as illness. Healing and harmony in the body is created through the balance between the Five Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood) and the Six Qi. When putting together the energetic properties of Five Element and Six Qi we are left with twelve different meridians, SAAM acupuncture uses these twelve meridians to exert influence within our bodies.
By using different meridians to harmonise the body system, practitioners can address both the physical and mental aspects of an illness, helping the patient along their journey to wellness.
In SAAM acupuncture, the combination between the Six Qi and Five Elements creates a symphony of balance and harmony. So, the next time you step into the world of SAAM acupuncture, remember the interplay of the Six Qi and the Five Elements. It's a lively dance of nature's rhythms and the body's wisdom—a dance floor where healing happens, one step at a time.
SAAM acupuncture is commonly practiced in conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine and is traditionally used for a large variety of conditions including:
- Internal conditions
- Gynaecological conditions
- Chronic conditions including chronic pain
- Mental health
- Sleep
- General Health
Sihwan Jin is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with further training in SAAM Acupuncture and Sa Sang (Four Constitution) Medicine as well as studying Chinese herbal medicine with Steven Clavey. He uses a combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to provide his patients with a balanced, effective and harmonious approach to healing.
Sihwan is available for appointments at The Grove on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Book Online or call the Grove on 96547181