The History of Acupuncture in Vietnam: From Ancient Times to Modernity

The History of Acupuncture in Vietnam: From Ancient Times to Modernity

Acupuncture, a traditional Vietnamese treatment method, has existed and flourished for thousands of years, leaving its mark on the history of medicine in Vietnam.

The Hồng Bàng Era (287-257 BC, over 4000 years ago): Acupuncture was recorded in the work “Lĩnh nam chích quái,” proving the existence of this healing method from the early period.

The Hùng Vương Dynasty: An Kỳ Sinh, from Hải Dương, used acupuncture to treat Thôi Văn Tử, confirming the role of acupuncture in healing.

The Thục An Dương Vương Dynasty (257-207 BC): Thôi Vĩ, a renowned physician at the time, used acupuncture to treat Ứng Huyền and Nhâm Hiệu, showing that acupuncture was widely used during this period.

The Lý Dynasty (11th Century AD): Nguyễn Chí Thành, also known as Khổng Minh Không Thiền sư, cured King Lý Thần Tông of madness using acupuncture, confirming the effectiveness of this treatment method in treating mental illnesses.

The Trần Dynasty: Trâu Canh, an ordinary citizen, saved the son of King Trần Minh Tông, Hạo Tức (who later became King Trần Dụ Tông), with acupuncture, demonstrating the effectiveness and prevalence of acupuncture among the people.

The Trần Duệ Tông Era: Nguyễn Bá Tĩnh (Tuệ Tĩnh), a brilliant physician of the era, wrote two classic works on medicine, “Nam thần dược hiệu” and “Hồng nghĩa giác tư y thư,” which included a significant amount of content on acupuncture, contributing to the advancement of acupuncture knowledge and techniques.

The Hồ Dynasty (1400-1407): Nguyễn Đại Năng wrote “Châm cứu tiệp hiêp diễn ca,” a collection of acupuncture knowledge that was used to disseminate and preserve traditional medical knowledge.

The Lê Hiền Tông Era: Thái y Viện, the highest medical institution of the Lê Dynasty, added “Châm cứu tiệp hiêp diễn ca” to its collection and reprinted “Nam dược thần hiệu,” confirming the role of acupuncture in medicine at that time. Additionally, the construction of the Y miếu Thăng Long temple demonstrated the respect and promotion of traditional medicine, including acupuncture.

The Late 17th Century (The Late Lê Dynasty): Acupuncture was spread to Europe, marking the global reach of traditional Vietnamese medicine.

The Late Lê Dynasty: Hải Thượng Lãn Ông, a talented physician, compiled “Hải Thượng y tông tâm lĩnh,” a comprehensive work on medicine that included a significant amount of content on acupuncture, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and acupuncture for future generations.

The Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1883): Vũ Bình Phủ compiled “Y thư lược sao,” a synthesis of acupuncture theory and practice in Vietnam, contributing to the preservation and development of traditional medicine.

The French Colonial Period (From 1867): Acupuncture was suppressed and banned by the French colonial government, but the people still preserved and spread acupuncture knowledge.

After the August Revolution: Acupuncture was revived and developed strongly, becoming one of the main treatment methods in Vietnamese healthcare.

1945: The World Acupuncture Federation was founded, marking the recognition and development of acupuncture globally.

1967: The Vietnam Acupuncture Association was founded, contributing to the enhancement of the role and prestige of acupuncture in the country.

10-12-1957: The Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association was founded, including acupuncture, demonstrating the harmonious combination and development of traditional medicine and modern medicine.

4-1982: The Acupuncture Institute was established under the leadership of Professor Nguyễn Tài Thu, contributing to the professional research, training, and application of acupuncture.

1969: Acupuncture anesthesia was developed, opening up new directions for the development of acupuncture in treating surgical diseases.

The 1st Century AD: India began using acupuncture, demonstrating the prevalence and effectiveness of acupuncture worldwide.

The history of acupuncture in Vietnam is a testament to the enduring development and effectiveness of traditional medicine. From its rudimentary techniques, acupuncture has been developed and widely applied, contributing to the improvement of health and quality of life for the Vietnamese people.