Professor Nguyen Tai Thu, Vietnam's top acupuncturist, passed away on Sunday morning in Hanoi. 

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

The professor was born in 1931 and started his acupuncture career in 1952 in China. In 1967, he founded the Vietnam Acupuncture Association, which laid the foundation for the Central Acupuncture Hospital in Hanoi.

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

Author of dozens of books on acupuncture and Oriental medicines, Thu greatly contributed to the development of Vietnam's acupuncture and traditional medicine sectors. His studies and researches serve as guidelines for a myriad of medical practitioners.

Professor Nguyen Tai Thu. Photo courtesy of VOV.

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 introduced to nearly 50 countries.

His technique of analgesia acupuncture has been employed during more than 100,000 operations.

Thu is also a master of New Acupuncture, a technique using long and big needles to connect acupuncture points and body meridians. The New Acupuncture has proven effective in treating diseases such as paralysis, strokes, obesity, cerebra vascular accidents, etc.

"Acupuncture is a traditional and low-priced medical treatment that does not require modern equipment. It ensures efficiency and treats many acute and chronic diseases," Thu said.

In 2006, he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ) in Mexico in recognition of his contribution to the development of acupuncture in health treatment in this country.

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.

His funeral will be held at the National Funeral Home at 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, according to his family.