The Best Acupuncture & TCM Documentaries
We aim to bridge the world of TCM, to connect the global community. Part of that is Sharing the Wisdom, a series of interviews with familiar and less familiar teachers. In one of the episodes, we had the chance to speak with Mia Donovan, director of Dope is Death, a documentary about the evolution of acupuncture in the USA and its relation to The Young Lords and Black Panther. If you have not seen this one yet – then go for it.
In this blog, you will find, in random order, some of the most memorable documentaries about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Knowing acupuncture’s history and the current status is crucial for moving our profession forward.
By watching these documentaries, we get in touch with the world, learn something new or enjoy a wee bit of joyous escapism. Alternatively, you might want to share it with patients and family members who wonder about what you do.
If there is any film or series that we have missed, please write to us. If you want to write a review about any of these, we will be happy to share it with our worldwide readers.
Dope is Death
Watch our interview with editor Mia Donovan.
9000 NeedlesWinner of the Audience Award for Best Picture at Phoenix Film Festival 2010.
The Children’s Hospital of Orange County
From the Acupuncture Now Foundation, Getting to the Point – Episode 1.
Brought to you by the Acupuncture Now Foundation and award-winning filmmaker Doug Dearth (9000 Needles), this touching documentary chronicles the stories of two young boys diagnosed with brain cancer who were cared for at the children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in the city of Orange, Californi.
Facing the complications from brain surgery and their upcoming chemotherapy treatments, CHOC neurosurgeon Dr William Loudon suggests to Cade and Max’s parents that they try something outside the box and introduce them to CHOC hospital acupuncturist Ruth McCart. Over the next few years, this unique treatment approach will help ease the fatigue, nausea and pain common in people living with cancer.
After 15 Million Needles – The Life Story of Dr Zhu 針灸神醫朱明清
Prof. Zhu is the founder of Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture, one of four scalp acupuncture systems known in China. Throughout his 50-year career in TCM, Prof Zhu has never stopped teaching and treating patients and is sought after from every corner of the world.
Who am I
At the age of 3, Dr. Ming Jie Wu witnessed his father cure his sister’s asthma with ancient Chinese herbs. This left a deep impression on young Ming, who was amazed. At a tender age Ming decided to dedicate himself to the ancient practice of Taoist Chinese Medicine (TCM) like his father and grandfather before him. TCM is based on taoist philosophy. Health is achieved through the balance and harmony of the whole body system, mind and spirit. This interconnected and interdependent relationship is understood as yin and yang.
Experience Ming’s story, philosophy, and wisdom, as he teaches and heals in China and the U.S. His practices and beliefs are almost but lost in modern day. He encourages and teaches us to take back our power, gain a deeper understanding of “Who Am I” and maintain a healthy balance. We see that much of this is in stark contrast to the western approach to medicine and health. Ming wants us not to be a passive patient, but to learn how to take care of ourselves and then teach and help others.
Watch the entire film on the director’s page:
http://www.whoamifilm.com/watchfilm
The Tale of Chinese Medicine S1 EP1: Master of TCM
Return to Life
“Return To Li”e” is a documentary film which dives into the fascinating and promising world of Neuro-Acupunctur. We learn how Dr Jason Hao and Dr Linda Hao have developed this unique treatment and have teamed up with western medicine doctors and TCM practitioners to treat patients with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular sclerosis, stroke, autism and many other challenging neurological conditions.
Through personal, inspiring and heart-warming stories of patients who have benefited from Neuro-Acupuncture, the film explores the challenges and opportunities that come with bringing this miraculous treatment to those who need it most and the Neuro-AcupuncturInstitute’s’s desires to train more doctors and practitioners on this life-changing, and often, life-saving medicine.
*Top picture images are taken from the release kits of the films
