Arbeitsgemeinschaft für
Klassische Akupunktur und Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin e.V.

(Work Group for Classical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine e.V.)

• Michael van Gorkom, Secretary
  Wisbacherstr. 1
  D-83435 Bad Reichenhall
  Tel.: +49 (0)8651 690 919 (Tues and Thurs  8-10 a.m.)
  Fax: +49 (0)8651 710 694
  e-mail: sekretariat@agtcm.de

The Work Group was established in 1954 as an organisation for both basic and advanced training in acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From its inception, Work Group was defined as a community of individuals meeting together, based upon their profound interest in the study of Chinese medicine and philosophy. This commitment encompasses professional backgrounds that include healing practitioners, medical doctors, veterinarians, sinologists and philosophers. Thanks to their knowledge and involvement, the Work Group has evolved into an institution recognised for its expertise in Chinese medicine in Germany.

The Work Group logo represents classic Chinese natural philosophy which is the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine.

1. The 8 trigrams of Fu Xi, which served to code the concepts of heaven and earth, are represented in their pre-mundane order and arranged in a manner that they touch one another. Thus a stylised circle evolves which follows from the text of Shuo Guzo, III § 11: “... the creative is the heaven, is round....” Consequently the periphery of our logo signifies heaven with its possibilities of coding.
    
2. Heaven embraces earth which rests in the circle as a square.
    
3. The familiar monad is in the centre of the figure, symbolizing the all-encompassing interplay of yin and yang. It represents the implication of yin in yang and vice versa.
   This logo is an independent representation of the unity of heaven and earth based upon original depictions.
   Structural elements of the Work Group encompass its individual study circles which include related work groups, training centres and specialised departments.
   Five regional study circles have been established (West, South, North, East and Central circles) which organise their activities on a grass-roots level. Responsibilities include the organisation of professionally advanced training for members and other interested professionals.
   The theme-oriented departments include ear acupuncture, ancient Chinese medicine scripts, Qigong and Tuina. They are organised supra-regionally with the purpose of preserving, developing and sharing the knowledge of these disciplines.
   Superb quality in education and training is guaranteed within the five training centres for Classical Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Centre for Traditional Chinese Pharmacology and the Centre for Advanced Studies.
   The Work Group's International Acupuncture Conference is held annually in Rothenburg ob der Tauber around Ascension Day. It provides a forum for international encounters and exchange of knowledge.