I. An overview about the development of accupuncture and similar methods
There are many curing methods based on stimulation of accupuncture points (called shortly as points in the following). Among them accupuncture (inserting needles into points) is the oldest and most basic one, that applies the medical Jing-Luo theory since the ancent age. Other techniques including pressing the points, massage, cupping near the points, etc.
Since the 1950s there are many research to further develop the traditional accupuncture method. Hundreds of new accupuncture points have been discovered. The mode of action of Jing-Lou points are investigated with modern techniques and is more understood now. This helps to increase the curing and preventional effects of the treatment.
Many equipments have been developed for accupuncture treatment: electrical accupuncture device, device to search ear’s accupuncture points, device for measuring level of electrical of the human skin, leser accuouncture device, hot-cold diagnostis equipment, etc. An example of the combination of traditional medicine and mordern technology is the anesthetic by accupunture method. In opposite to other anesthetic method, this one does not interupt the effect of nervous system by paralyzing nerve cells temporarily.
Other methods for stimulating accupuncture points include Akaben method (a thermo-based japanese method for searching the points), Yamamoto (also a japanese method for searching arching points), inserting needle under the skin, under the periosteum, cupping, micropuncture (puncture at ear, nose, on the palm, etc.), liquid-puncture (inject medicine into the point), heating the neede being punctured, electrical accupuncture, cold puncture (with cooled needed), laser puncture, untrasonic puncture, catgut-embedding (insert self-vanishing catgut into accupunture points and let it stimulate them over a long period), etc.
II. Catgut-embedding, Dr. Le Thuy Oanh’s method
The catgut-embedding (or in other word catgut inserting) is a method that inject and embed self-vanishing catgut to the accupuncture points. The catgut then stimulate those points over a long period. So it is similar to the traditional accupuncture but is more effective. Catgut-embedding can be seen as a special variation of accupuncture that has been further developed and where traditional and modern medicine techniques are combined to each other
Biochemical measurements have shown that the catgut-embedding increases level of protein and carbohydrate that is advantagous. Beside that the stimulation caused by the embedded catgut improves the circulation and has positive effect to the surrounding of the embedded point or to the paralyzed body parts. Helps to build better muscles, strengthen it. New nerve wihtin muscle may come to life.
In Vietnam this method is utilized first in 1972 in army hospitals number 103, 108 and 91, in Hanoi Traditional Institute, etc. In 1982 paralyzed children were treated with this method under supervision of dr. Nguyen Tai Thu in Vietnamese Accupuncture Institute.
In 1988-1989 this methos was utilized for curing asthma, numbness, lameness, allergy, epilepsy, dumb, deaf, etc.in a central army hospital and there were positive results in certain cases
Dr. Le Thuy Oanh introduced this method to Hungary in 1990. Since then the method has been introduced in several medical organizations like in Traditional Association, in Budapest Yamamoto Accupuncture and Rehability Institute, in Debrecen Childrenhouse. We achieved good results in many difficult cases so the method has gained acceptance and recognition from many patients. People came to us not only from Hungary but from abroad, too. From August 1998 we travel once a month to France to cure children born with lameness, dumb or deaf.
We can say tha Hungary is the 1st European country where catgut-embedding is introduced.
The catgut-embedding was originated from the traditional accupuncture. By now this method has been developed into a special curing method. Since 1989 we has been developed a special instrument for catgut-embedding. With it the catgut-embedding is less painful, causing less blooding and the sterilization is also easier
This method is very versatile, it was applied to 45 days old child, applied to patient has been lame for 22 year. The method were utilized for curing thousands of people with our own designed special needle and we have reached good results.
