Sa-Am Acupuncture (Four-Needle Technique)

Presentation

Sa-Am acupuncture (四岩, also spelled Saam) is a traditional Korean acupuncture system developed by Buddhist monk Sa-Am in the early 17th century (Joseon period, circa 1644). This unique system exclusively uses the 60 Shu-antique points located between elbows/knees and finger/toe tips, rigorously based on Five Element theory.

Sa-Am's fundamental principle is using only 4 needles per treatment: 2 tonification and 2 dispersion needles, selected according to Five Element generation and control laws.

Creator: Buddhist monk Sa-Am (四岩), Korea, early 17th century.

Core Principles

• Five Element Shu-antique points: each meridian has 5 Shu points (Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, He-Sea), each associated with an element.
• Generation law: to tonify a deficient meridian, tonify the 'mother' element point on the meridian AND on the 'mother' meridian.
• Control law: simultaneously disperse the 'controller' element point on the meridian AND on the 'controller' meridian.
• Treatment formulas: one tonification and one dispersion formula for each of 12 meridians = 24 main formulas, each using exactly 4 needles.

Main Indications

• Any pathology diagnosable through Five Elements and Zang-Fu
• Emotional disorders: anger (Liver-Wood), anxiety (Heart-Fire), overthinking (Spleen-Earth), grief (Lung-Metal), fear (Kidney-Water)
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Insomnia and fatigue

Session Overview

Diagnosis relies on precise identification of the imbalanced meridian and element. Only 4 needles are inserted, all on extremities (hands and feet). Tonification needles are stimulated in the meridian flow direction, dispersion needles against it. Retention: 15–30 minutes.

Contraindications

• Incorrect elemental diagnosis (counterproductive)
• General acupuncture contraindications
• Pregnancy: certain foot Shu-antique points are prohibited