Professor Nguyen Tai Thu, Vietnam's acupuncture master, passed away on February 14 in Hanoi, aged 90.

The professor was born in 1931 and majored in acupuncture in China between 1952-1958. In 1967, he founded the Vietnam Acupuncture Association, which was the foundation of the Central Acupuncture Hospital in Hanoi.

Mr. Thu worked as director of the hospital from 1980 until 2007. He organized more than 500 training classes for medics across the country.

Here is a photo taken many years ago showing Professor Thu at work. His acupuncture methods have been successfully applied in Vietnam and nearly 50 countries. Photo: VNA

The acupuncturist wrote dozens of books on acupuncture and Oriental medicines and made great contribution to the evolution of Vietnam's acupuncture and traditional medicine sectors. His studies and researches are guidelines for a myriad of medics.

Mr. Thu's acupuncture methods, especially his techniques used to substitute or supplement anesthetic in surgery and detoxification for drug addicts, have been successfully applied in Vietnam and nearly 50 countries. His technique of analgesia acupuncture has been applied for more than 100,000 operations.

According to him, acupuncture is a traditional medical treatment with low prices and does not require modern equipment. It efficiently treats many acute and chronic diseases.

In 2005, Professor Nguyen Tai Thu received the title of honorary doctor by Mexico’s Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ).

The honor was given in recognition of the famous professor’s contributions as director of the Vietnam Acupuncture Hospital in Zacatecas, Mexico.

The UAZ also praised professor Thu for providing acupuncture treatment services to the poor in Mexico City and Monterrey City in a health care cooperation program between the two countries.

In 1995 and 2000, Professor Thu was awarded the titles "People's Doctor" and "Vietnam Labor Hero" by Vietnam’s State President.

He was also Vice President of the World Federation of Acupuncture Societies, President of Vietnam National Acupuncture Association, and President of Vietnam Relief Association for Disabled Children.

Devoting his life to teaching and practicing acupuncture, Mr. Thu said his greatest happiness is to see patients recover after being treated and to promote Vietnam’s invaluable traditional medicine to the world.

The memorial service will be solemnly held at the National Funeral Hall, No.5 Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi.