Classical Five Element Acupuncture >> History

Traditional Asian medicine, including acupuncture, is a tree with many branches. Over thousands of generations, each cultural region developed its own philosophy and methods of healing. Lineages evolved as knowledge was passed down under a system of apprenticeship, often within families. Each lineage had its own strengths and special methods, which were often held in secret. This natural evolution allowed a great diversity and abundance of knowledge to develop, from folk healers in the countyside to the classical physicians of the high court.

The origins of acupuncture are in neolithic China, at least 4000 years ago. Along with the Chinese writing system and other arts, acupuncture spread to the cultures of East Asia, especially to Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Today, each of these countries has its own systems of acupuncture.

An important shift occurred with the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The new Communist government set out to create a national health care system, and to standardize medical education. While enormous strides were made in health care, many of the traditional medical lineages were lost in the process of standardizing education. Some were suppressed for ideological reasons. Others were lost within mainland China but have survived elsewhere, when physicians' families fled overseas.

In the 20th century, emigrants from east Asia carried these systems with them to the West, and Westerners began to travel to Asia to study acupuncture. Classical Five Element Acupuncture was brought to the West by J.R. Worsley, a British osteopathic physician. He learned this system in the traditional manner, through apprenticeship under masters in Asia. He was dedicated to passing it on in the same way it had been taught to him. Today, to maintain the lineage of Classical Five Element Acupuncture, the Worsley Institute oversees a list of certified training programs and approved practitioners. It is highly recommended that anyone seeking treatment choose an approved practitioner or a graduate of a certified program.