An Introduction to the Saam Acupuncture Tradition
This weekend course provides a foundation for the Saam Korean monastic acupuncture tradition. This foundation allows the student to begin using this system in their clinic immediately after the completion of the course.
This course at a glance
Date
June 6-7, 2026
Day/Time
Sa/Su, 9:00–17:00
Hours
14 hours
Teacher
Toby Daly
Language
English
Cost
CHF 495.–
Recognition TCM Fachverband
Label No. 26000
About this course
This weekend course provides a foundation for the Saam Korean monastic acupuncture tradition. This foundation allows the student to begin using this system in their clinic immediately after the completion of the course.
The course begins with an examination of the classical roots of the tradition, drawing from the Yi Jing, Huang Di Nei Jing, and Nan Jing texts. Theory and concepts from these classical texts will be assembled into a framework of Yin/Yang, Five Phase, and Six Conformation based principles. These principles provide the diagnosis and treatment strategies for the tradition.
To move from theory to clinical application, on the morning of the second day students will work in groups to apply their newly acquired understanding of theory to case studies. Feedback provided by the instructor and discussion with colleagues will strengthen your grasp of theory. In the afternoon, clinical demonstrations will enhance your ability to apply the system in your own clinic.
In this two day class we will explore:
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The classical foundations of Saam acupuncture
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Connections with the Yi Jing
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Evaluating physical, mental, and emotional signs and symptoms
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Point selection and methods
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How Saam is similar and different from other acupuncture methods
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The importance of correct diagnosis and reversing faulty treatment
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Case studies
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Practice applying the methods
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Integrating into your current practice
About the Teacher
Toby Dali
Toby began studying Chinese medicine in 1997 with a Korean Buddhist monk trained in the Saam tradition. He earned his master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2002 upon completion of training at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco and Chengdu University in China.
During his four years of training in San Francisco, he interned with the prominent acupuncturist Dr. Angela C. Wu and learned to apply the lofty theories he was studying in school into the pragmatic setting of a busy clinic. In 2013, he developed the Chinese Nutritional Strategies app to provide digital access to the wealth of Chinese dietary wisdom.
In 2016, he completed a PhD in Classical Chinese Medicine under the guidance of 88th generation Daoist priest Jeffery Yuen. In 2021, he developed the Chinese Medical Characters app to enable direct access to foundational Chinese medical terms and concepts. In 2023, he published his first book An Introduction to Chinese Medicine.
This year he published The Saam Acupuncture Tradition: Classical Roots & Clinical Application. His current focus is on sharing his 25 years of clinical experience with the Saam tradition.