My apologies! I forgot to post this quiz! We will not hold a formal quiz tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Class Notes 6
POINT COMBINATIONS
CLASS NOTES: Extraordinary Vessels
There are a variety of interpretations of what the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are, and how they may be used. Here are two broad views of Extraordinary Vessels:
JOHN PIROG
Here is what John Pirog said with regards to the Extraordinary Vessels:
“By using the master points, the acupuncturist could extend the effects of his treatment to a deeper, more constitutional level of bodily function. And because the affected energies were deeper, the impact of the treatment was broader, extending beyond the extraordinary vessel to the many meridians that were connected to its route. The total system functioned like a great tree: the kidneys were the roots, the extraordinary vessels formed the trunk, the main meridians were its limbs and branches, and the essence was its sap.”
He then goes on to say that using master points is like clicking on icons to open up windows on a computer screen. The window for the extraordinary vessel might contain even more icons, representing the broad range of functions that an extraordinary vessel might representingpresent.
Pirog organizes the Eight Extraordinary Vessels into Yin (Ren, Chong, Yinqiao, Yinwei) and Yang (Du, Dai, Yangqiao, Yangwei), and Nuclear or Central (Ren, Chong, Du, Dai) and Peripheral (Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, Yangwei).
He further characterizes each Extraordinary Vessel role as follows:
Ren Mai : Store Yin energy.
Du Mai: Store Yang energy.
Chong Mai and Dai Mai: Circulate energy between Yin and Yang regions of the body.
Yinqiao Mai/Yangqiao Mai: Distribute energy between Yin and Yang surfaces of the anatomy.
Yinwei Mai/ Yangwei Mai: Link Yin and Yang aspects of energy together.
In further detail:
REN MAI:
Functions:
sea of Yin meridians
binds together Yin meridians, especially on lower abdomen
controls anterior chest and abdomen
closely connected to functions of abdominal organs, esp. kidney, bladder, uterus, lungs
stores essential qi that spills over from yin meridians
absorbs yin meridian repletion, esp. stagnant qi and blood
upper branch supplies face and eyes
Choose Ren mai when:
symptoms focused on lower abdomen
a lot of stagnation, especially yin substances such as blood and fluids
a lot of yin pathogenic activity: damp, cold, blood stagnation, phlegm
yin substance deficiency, blood deficiency
deficiency of yin organs, especially kidney and liver
lung symptoms in general
gynecological conditions
DU MAI:
Functions:
sea of yang meridians
supports and connects yang meridians, especially on upper back and head
controls head, neck, and back; controls marrow
central nervous system
stores essential qi that spills over from yang meridians
absorbs yang meridian excess, especially heat and internal wind
abdominal branch connects with penis, vagina, and lower ren mai
Choose Du Mai when:
symptoms on head, neck, back
symptoms of stiffness, pain in muscular exterior, spasms, tremors, convulsions
yang pathogenic activity: heat, internal wind
deficiency of yang and qi
deficiency of kidney yang
impotence, urinary disorders, sterility
YINQIAO/YANGQIAO:
Functions:
nourish muscles and joints of lower limbs
allow mobility of legs, control standing and walking
nourish and moisten eyes
harmonize spirit
possibly lift spirit to head
Choose Yinqiao/Yangqiao when:
visual symptoms
difference in tension between medial and lateral aspects of legs
general differences between Yin (deep) and Yang (superficial) pulse depths
difficulty walking or standing; epilepsy
CHONG:
sea of blood
regulates menses
controls ability of blood to nourish skin and hair
circulates blood uninhibited through body
nourishes 5 viscero and 6 bowels
sea of 12 meridians; flushese qi and blood through main meridians
helps move digestate
involved in both and spiritual heart organs.
DAI MAI:
links upper and lower halves of body from waist
links yin meridians (front) with yang meridians (back)
controls shaoyang
controls muscles of abdomen that support abdomen and back
Choose Dai mai when:
weakness and sagging of lumbar and lower abdomen
parapysis and hemiplegia
cold, damp, deficiency of lower body (leukorrhea)
upward rising yang disturbances of upper body including dizziness, headache, visual disturbances
stress disorders that combine excess yang in upper body with deficiency cold in lower body
YINWEI MAI/YANG WEI MAI
links respective yin and yang meridians together.
binds and strengthens mind and body; provide structural and psychological support’’
Choose Yinwei Mai/Yangwei Mai when:
weakness/limpness of body together with insecurity and mental disturbance
contralateral/ipsialteral symptom distribution.
HOW PIROG USES EIGHT EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS:
Determine if the patient’s problem is one of STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION, CIRCULATION, or LINKING. Then, choose the specific vessel involved.
Needle Master point of chosen channel.
Needle other points in treatment; HERE is where Pirog diverges from other stylists. He uses points on the trajectory of the Extras to bring essence to more specific channels.
Needle Coupled points of chosen channel.
WANG JU YI
Here is what Wang Ju Yi says about extraordinary vessels:
Wang Ju Yi wrestled with the concept of the extraordinary vessels, because they had a flow outside that of the regular channels. How could he conceive of such a flow? “One way to understand this is to think of the eight extraordinary vessels as representing the classical understanding of the slow movement of interstitial fluids, and possibly of cerebrospinal fluid. These fluids are ‘outside’ the flow of the blood, lymphatic vessels, and organs.”
He relies on a metaphor of waterways:
“While the twelve regular channels may be thought of as streams passing between mountain ranges, the extraordinary vessels may be likened to a wetland reservoir lying in the lowlands. In the spring when the streams are full, the wetlands absorb the overflow of water. In times of drought, on the other hand, the wetlands act as a source for filling the streambeds with needed water.”
To Wang Ju Yi, the eight extraordinary vessels are an “inter-regulator” that helps to regulate the 12 channel system when the regular 12 channel system cannot function. In other words, the eight extraordinary vessels are only used when more specific interventions on the 12 channels “don’t work.”
Wang Ju Yi’s notions of REN and DU are similar to the somewhat universal picture of REN and DU.
In addition to SI 3-UB 62 combos, he discusses points directly on the Extraordinary Vessels:
DU 1 is helpful for rectal prolapse/hemorrhoids;
DU 9 brings Yang to chest and stomach, and is used for chronic asthma or ulcers due to cold accumulation;
Du 12 is often used in pediatric developmental cases;
DU 19 is used to stimulate Yang to restore circulation through entire Du vessel, for back pain;
DU 21 can bring clear Yang to head in cases of dizziness, mental fogginess, etc;
DU 24 can help to calm the mind, and can be combined with REN 12 to treat speech problems (failure to connect thoughts to words).
In addition to Lung 7-Kidney 6, here are direct applications for Ren points:
REN 3 is for excess type bladder problems (prostatitis);
REN 4 with SPLEEN 6 can “reset” blood circulation, and with 4 Gates, “reset” qi circulation;
REN 6 is similar to REN 4, but has more of an effect on Qi;
REN 11 is used in combo with LI 10 and St 36 to stimulate digestion and post-natal qi;
REN 12 can both tonify and sedate the middle burner;
REN 17 reverses counterflow qi along Ren.
YINQIAO and YANGQIAO traverse the legs (and are thus used to treat all manner of leg problems) AND meet at the eyes (and are thus used to treat eye problems, including insomnia [too much eye opening] and somnambulance [too much eye closing]). We think of YINQIAO and YANGQIAO as a kind of see saw that modulates the amount of Yin and Yang in the body. Consider YINQIAO when there are COMBINED problems of the KIDNEY, SPLEEN, BLADDER, and MEDIAL EYE, and YANGQIAO when there are COMBINED problems of GALLBLADDER, BLADDER, STOMACH, LARGE INTESTINE, and LATERAL EYE.
UB 62 is often used for problems with balance and coordination of multiple muscle groups for walking and balance. “Elderly patients who have problems with coordination, or even younger patients who are clumsy, are often treated with this point.” This point is also used to treat insomnia or hypersomnia, as well as some forms of facial paralysis.
GB 20 and GB 15 are representative points on Yangqiao that may be used.
Kidney 6 may be thought of as the analog to UB 62, that is, as treating the medial muscles of the leg. However, Kidney 6 may also be thought as affecting the musculature surrounding internal organs (GI tract, swallowing, digestion). It is also considered to help with microcirculation to the brain. Kidney 6 is used to treat hypersomnia and epilepsy.
Kidney 8 is the Xi cleft of the Yinqiao, and can be used to treat certain types of DEPRESSION. It is most effective when depression involves symptom patterns that include pain/dysfunction of internal organs. Kidney 8 (Yinqiao) should be used when there is actual pain/discomfort, whereas Pericardium 6 (Yinwei) should be used when there is a vague sense of discomfort.
YINWEI and YANGWEI help to circulate energy throughout ALL Yin or Yang channels. YANGWEI is used to circulate energy (mainly source Qi, because SJ is the master point) throughout all Yang channels. YINWEI is used to nourish and irrigate all Yin channels (mainly blood, because Pc is the master point).
YANGWEI DISORDER: sensation of chills and fever (exterior deficiency); lack of Wei Qi. SJ 5
YINWEI DISORDER: “suffering from heart pain”, emotional angst tied to organ discomfort. Pc 6.
Kidney 9, the xi cleft of Yinwei, can be thought of as “a cleft point for all of the yin channels. Because the yinwei is associated with irrigation of yin in areas outside the reach of the twelve regular vessels, its cleft point (a moving point) stimulates movement in yin areas throughout the body. In the clinic, this point has been used in the treatment of TUMORS.”
CHONG integrates flow of blood to the internal organs, while DAI binds to influence the up and down movement of qi. CHONG is used when there are COUNTERFLOW symptoms (abdominal pain and/or cramping), especially when accompanied by odd internal movement felt by patient.
Spleen 4 is a helpful pain for COUNTERFLOW in general (nausea, stomach pain) but also hypertension leading to pulsing/fullness in head (remember that it modulates blood flow up).
WANG JU YI’s Different Combinations of Extraordinary Vessel Masters
Lu 7 + Sp 4: Harmonize blood circulation in reproductive organs; used to regulate menses when length of time between periods is irregular. Not appropriate for menorrhagia, amenorrhea, or painful menses.
Pc 6 + Kid 6: Diffusely irrigates Yin, combined with regulating effects of parasympathetic nervous system. Harmonizes nourishment and movement in internal organs. Symptoms: palpitations (or other heart irregularities) that are undiagnosed or stubborn to resolve; stomach pain/vomiting with no discernable disorder; plum pit qi; IBS.
SJ 5 + UB 62: Stimulate Yang circulation. Helpful in cases of sudden paralysis due to emotional/psychological causes.
SI 3 + Lu 7: For “improper Qi gong practice,” particularly of microcosmic circulation, in which Qi is stuck or blocked along the course of the microcosmic orbit due to improper practice.
CLASS NOTES: Extraordinary Vessels
There are a variety of interpretations of what the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are, and how they may be used. Here are two broad views of Extraordinary Vessels:
JOHN PIROG
Here is what John Pirog said with regards to the Extraordinary Vessels:
“By using the master points, the acupuncturist could extend the effects of his treatment to a deeper, more constitutional level of bodily function. And because the affected energies were deeper, the impact of the treatment was broader, extending beyond the extraordinary vessel to the many meridians that were connected to its route. The total system functioned like a great tree: the kidneys were the roots, the extraordinary vessels formed the trunk, the main meridians were its limbs and branches, and the essence was its sap.”
He then goes on to say that using master points is like clicking on icons to open up windows on a computer screen. The window for the extraordinary vessel might contain even more icons, representing the broad range of functions that an extraordinary vessel might representingpresent.
Pirog organizes the Eight Extraordinary Vessels into Yin (Ren, Chong, Yinqiao, Yinwei) and Yang (Du, Dai, Yangqiao, Yangwei), and Nuclear or Central (Ren, Chong, Du, Dai) and Peripheral (Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, Yangwei).
He further characterizes each Extraordinary Vessel role as follows:
Ren Mai : Store Yin energy.
Du Mai: Store Yang energy.
Chong Mai and Dai Mai: Circulate energy between Yin and Yang regions of the body.
Yinqiao Mai/Yangqiao Mai: Distribute energy between Yin and Yang surfaces of the anatomy.
Yinwei Mai/ Yangwei Mai: Link Yin and Yang aspects of energy together.
In further detail:
REN MAI:
Functions:
sea of Yin meridians
binds together Yin meridians, especially on lower abdomen
controls anterior chest and abdomen
closely connected to functions of abdominal organs, esp. kidney, bladder, uterus, lungs
stores essential qi that spills over from yin meridians
absorbs yin meridian repletion, esp. stagnant qi and blood
upper branch supplies face and eyes
Choose Ren mai when:
symptoms focused on lower abdomen
a lot of stagnation, especially yin substances such as blood and fluids
a lot of yin pathogenic activity: damp, cold, blood stagnation, phlegm
yin substance deficiency, blood deficiency
deficiency of yin organs, especially kidney and liver
lung symptoms in general
gynecological conditions
DU MAI:
Functions:
sea of yang meridians
supports and connects yang meridians, especially on upper back and head
controls head, neck, and back; controls marrow
central nervous system
stores essential qi that spills over from yang meridians
absorbs yang meridian excess, especially heat and internal wind
abdominal branch connects with penis, vagina, and lower ren mai
Choose Du Mai when:
symptoms on head, neck, back
symptoms of stiffness, pain in muscular exterior, spasms, tremors, convulsions
yang pathogenic activity: heat, internal wind
deficiency of yang and qi
deficiency of kidney yang
impotence, urinary disorders, sterility
YINQIAO/YANGQIAO:
Functions:
nourish muscles and joints of lower limbs
allow mobility of legs, control standing and walking
nourish and moisten eyes
harmonize spirit
possibly lift spirit to head
Choose Yinqiao/Yangqiao when:
visual symptoms
difference in tension between medial and lateral aspects of legs
general differences between Yin (deep) and Yang (superficial) pulse depths
difficulty walking or standing; epilepsy
CHONG:
sea of blood
regulates menses
controls ability of blood to nourish skin and hair
circulates blood uninhibited through body
nourishes 5 viscero and 6 bowels
sea of 12 meridians; flushese qi and blood through main meridians
helps move digestate
involved in both and spiritual heart organs.
DAI MAI:
links upper and lower halves of body from waist
links yin meridians (front) with yang meridians (back)
controls shaoyang
controls muscles of abdomen that support abdomen and back
Choose Dai mai when:
weakness and sagging of lumbar and lower abdomen
parapysis and hemiplegia
cold, damp, deficiency of lower body (leukorrhea)
upward rising yang disturbances of upper body including dizziness, headache, visual disturbances
stress disorders that combine excess yang in upper body with deficiency cold in lower body
YINWEI MAI/YANG WEI MAI
links respective yin and yang meridians together.
binds and strengthens mind and body; provide structural and psychological support’’
Choose Yinwei Mai/Yangwei Mai when:
weakness/limpness of body together with insecurity and mental disturbance
contralateral/ipsialteral symptom distribution.
HOW PIROG USES EIGHT EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS:
Determine if the patient’s problem is one of STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION, CIRCULATION, or LINKING. Then, choose the specific vessel involved.
Needle Master point of chosen channel.
Needle other points in treatment; HERE is where Pirog diverges from other stylists. He uses points on the trajectory of the Extras to bring essence to more specific channels.
Needle Coupled points of chosen channel.
WANG JU YI
Here is what Wang Ju Yi says about extraordinary vessels:
Wang Ju Yi wrestled with the concept of the extraordinary vessels, because they had a flow outside that of the regular channels. How could he conceive of such a flow? “One way to understand this is to think of the eight extraordinary vessels as representing the classical understanding of the slow movement of interstitial fluids, and possibly of cerebrospinal fluid. These fluids are ‘outside’ the flow of the blood, lymphatic vessels, and organs.”
He relies on a metaphor of waterways:
“While the twelve regular channels may be thought of as streams passing between mountain ranges, the extraordinary vessels may be likened to a wetland reservoir lying in the lowlands. In the spring when the streams are full, the wetlands absorb the overflow of water. In times of drought, on the other hand, the wetlands act as a source for filling the streambeds with needed water.”
To Wang Ju Yi, the eight extraordinary vessels are an “inter-regulator” that helps to regulate the 12 channel system when the regular 12 channel system cannot function. In other words, the eight extraordinary vessels are only used when more specific interventions on the 12 channels “don’t work.”
Wang Ju Yi’s notions of REN and DU are similar to the somewhat universal picture of REN and DU.
In addition to SI 3-UB 62 combos, he discusses points directly on the Extraordinary Vessels:
DU 1 is helpful for rectal prolapse/hemorrhoids;
DU 9 brings Yang to chest and stomach, and is used for chronic asthma or ulcers due to cold accumulation;
Du 12 is often used in pediatric developmental cases;
DU 19 is used to stimulate Yang to restore circulation through entire Du vessel, for back pain;
DU 21 can bring clear Yang to head in cases of dizziness, mental fogginess, etc;
DU 24 can help to calm the mind, and can be combined with REN 12 to treat speech problems (failure to connect thoughts to words).
In addition to Lung 7-Kidney 6, here are direct applications for Ren points:
REN 3 is for excess type bladder problems (prostatitis);
REN 4 with SPLEEN 6 can “reset” blood circulation, and with 4 Gates, “reset” qi circulation;
REN 6 is similar to REN 4, but has more of an effect on Qi;
REN 11 is used in combo with LI 10 and St 36 to stimulate digestion and post-natal qi;
REN 12 can both tonify and sedate the middle burner;
REN 17 reverses counterflow qi along Ren.
YINQIAO and YANGQIAO traverse the legs (and are thus used to treat all manner of leg problems) AND meet at the eyes (and are thus used to treat eye problems, including insomnia [too much eye opening] and somnambulance [too much eye closing]). We think of YINQIAO and YANGQIAO as a kind of see saw that modulates the amount of Yin and Yang in the body. Consider YINQIAO when there are COMBINED problems of the KIDNEY, SPLEEN, BLADDER, and MEDIAL EYE, and YANGQIAO when there are COMBINED problems of GALLBLADDER, BLADDER, STOMACH, LARGE INTESTINE, and LATERAL EYE.
UB 62 is often used for problems with balance and coordination of multiple muscle groups for walking and balance. “Elderly patients who have problems with coordination, or even younger patients who are clumsy, are often treated with this point.” This point is also used to treat insomnia or hypersomnia, as well as some forms of facial paralysis.
GB 20 and GB 15 are representative points on Yangqiao that may be used.
Kidney 6 may be thought of as the analog to UB 62, that is, as treating the medial muscles of the leg. However, Kidney 6 may also be thought as affecting the musculature surrounding internal organs (GI tract, swallowing, digestion). It is also considered to help with microcirculation to the brain. Kidney 6 is used to treat hypersomnia and epilepsy.
Kidney 8 is the Xi cleft of the Yinqiao, and can be used to treat certain types of DEPRESSION. It is most effective when depression involves symptom patterns that include pain/dysfunction of internal organs. Kidney 8 (Yinqiao) should be used when there is actual pain/discomfort, whereas Pericardium 6 (Yinwei) should be used when there is a vague sense of discomfort.
YINWEI and YANGWEI help to circulate energy throughout ALL Yin or Yang channels. YANGWEI is used to circulate energy (mainly source Qi, because SJ is the master point) throughout all Yang channels. YINWEI is used to nourish and irrigate all Yin channels (mainly blood, because Pc is the master point).
YANGWEI DISORDER: sensation of chills and fever (exterior deficiency); lack of Wei Qi. SJ 5
YINWEI DISORDER: “suffering from heart pain”, emotional angst tied to organ discomfort. Pc 6.
Kidney 9, the xi cleft of Yinwei, can be thought of as “a cleft point for all of the yin channels. Because the yinwei is associated with irrigation of yin in areas outside the reach of the twelve regular vessels, its cleft point (a moving point) stimulates movement in yin areas throughout the body. In the clinic, this point has been used in the treatment of TUMORS.”
CHONG integrates flow of blood to the internal organs, while DAI binds to influence the up and down movement of qi. CHONG is used when there are COUNTERFLOW symptoms (abdominal pain and/or cramping), especially when accompanied by odd internal movement felt by patient.
Spleen 4 is a helpful pain for COUNTERFLOW in general (nausea, stomach pain) but also hypertension leading to pulsing/fullness in head (remember that it modulates blood flow up).
WANG JU YI’s Different Combinations of Extraordinary Vessel Masters
Lu 7 + Sp 4: Harmonize blood circulation in reproductive organs; used to regulate menses when length of time between periods is irregular. Not appropriate for menorrhagia, amenorrhea, or painful menses.
Pc 6 + Kid 6: Diffusely irrigates Yin, combined with regulating effects of parasympathetic nervous system. Harmonizes nourishment and movement in internal organs. Symptoms: palpitations (or other heart irregularities) that are undiagnosed or stubborn to resolve; stomach pain/vomiting with no discernable disorder; plum pit qi; IBS.
SJ 5 + UB 62: Stimulate Yang circulation. Helpful in cases of sudden paralysis due to emotional/psychological causes.
SI 3 + Lu 7: For “improper Qi gong practice,” particularly of microcosmic circulation, in which Qi is stuck or blocked along the course of the microcosmic orbit due to improper practice.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Class Notes 5
POINT COMBINATIONS CLASS
CLASS NOTES 5
FIVE ELEMENTS TREATMENT
Five elements is a theoretical model, and not a completely consistent treatment strategy. There are many times when Five Elements treatments might look good in theory, but in actual execution (when taking other factors into consideration) doesn’t really make sense.
For example, the FOUR NEEDLE TECHNIQUE that is taught as the basic Five-Element-for-Dummies model can be useful sometimes, but not always.
FOUR NEEDLE TECHNIQUE is based on a simple strategy. First, determine if the problem is PRIMARILY one of EXCESS or DEFICIENCY (this can be difficult if you have a mix of excess and deficiency). If EXCESS:
SEDATE SON on the affected channel. So, for Liver Excess, sedate the son (or Fire), i.e. Liver 2.
SEDATE SON on HORARY channel. Son element is Fire, so sedate horary point: Heart 8.
TONIFY GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on affected channel. So, for Liver Excess, tonify metal (i.e. Liver 4).
TONIFY GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on HORARY channel. Metal. So, Lung 8.
For DEFICIENCY:
TONIFY MOTHER on affected channel. So, for Spleen Deficiency, tonify Spleen 2 (mother of earth is fire).
TONIFY MOTHER on HORARY channel. Heart 8.
SEDATE GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on affected channel. Metal. So Spleen 5.
SEDATE GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on HORARY channel. So Lung 8.
Notice a contradiction? A common pattern is Liver Excess with Spleen Deficiency. And yet, in both of these prescriptions, we are needling Heart 8 and Lung 8, BUT WITH OPPOSITE techniques. Problematic.
Remember that much of Five Element “style” acupuncture is determined not only be the manner of point selection, but also on how a diagnosis is reached. Some styles of Five Element acupuncture, for example, are more psycho-spiritual in nature, and rely upon a CSOE (Color-Sound-Odor-Emotion) that only arises during a relatively freeform (i.e. psychoanalytical) interview. Other styles rely upon pulse to determine the most deficient channel.
WHEN WOULD WE CONSIDER FIVE ELEMENTS?
We could consider Five Elements if we determine an imbalance occupies or influences channels that are not otherwise related. For example, the Lung and Kidneys do not have any other relationship with each other (channel-speaking) other than through their Five Element connections. If there is a problem involving both of these channels, then it is probably worth your while to consider using a Five-Element style treatment.
METAL - WATER PAIRINGS
Think of METAL-WATER pairings when there is a problem of a lack of WATER (Yin) nourishing the tissues of the Lungs (especially the throat).
Lung 7 - Kidney 6: extraordinary vessel pairing: often used clinically for problems affecting the throat (sore throat) because both Ren mai and Yinqiao mai go to the throat. This pair is also effective for problems with urination, and some types of lung-kidney type edema.
Lung 5 (water on metal) - Kidney 7 (metal on water): This pair is used to foster yin and regulate the lung. Used for chronic issues due to lung dysfunction with associated lack of kidney nourishment. For patients with chronic allergies and asthma. Effective for treating seasonal allergies.
Lung 5 (water on metal) - Kidney 6: used for acute conditions where lung is not receiving enough fluids, often due to accumulation of heat. Examples: loss of voice following external wind-heat, wind-dry, or fatigue.
WATER - WOOD PAIRINGS
Think of WATER - WOOD pairings when a lack of WATER (Kidney Yin) leads to “dry flammable WOOD” (i.e. variations of Liver Excess and Liver Fire).
Kidney 7 (metal on water) - Liver 2 (fire on wood): For Kidney Yin Deficiency with concurrent Liver Yang Rising leading to symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, red face, dry mouth, and red tongue.
Kidney 3 (earth on water) - Liver 3 (earth on wood): Similar to above, but tends to be used when symptom pattern is more of Kidney Deficiency than Liver Excess (Kidney Deficiency is PRIMARY). Used to “secure the source”, calm the Liver, extinguish wind. Symptoms: high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, seminal emission, vomiting, and other excess above deficiency below symptoms.
FIRE - EARTH PAIRINGS
Think of FIRE - EARTH pairings when there is a failure of nourishment and circulation of BLOOD leading to insomnia, low energy, shen disturbances, etc.
Heart 7 (earth on fire) - Spleen 6 (3 leg yin meeting): These two points have a beneficial effect on production and movement of blood. Used to tonify heart and spleen, foster blood, and calm spirit. Dual deficiency of heart and spleen leading to lack of blood nourishment to heart. Symptoms: palpitations caused by emotional stress, insomnia... GUI PI TANG, anyone?
WOOD - EARTH PAIRINGS
We of course think of WOOD - EARTH when there is an excess-deficiency problem centered on the digestive system; i.e. STRESS (Liver) related to digestive issues like IBS, diarrhea, nausea (Spleen).
Liver 2 (fire on wood) - Spleen 2 (fire on earth)
Liver 3 (earth on wood) - Spleen 3 (earth on earth)
EARTH - METAL PAIRINGS
(this happens to coincide with TAIYIN pairings, so will not be discussed separately)
WOOD - METAL
We think of WOOD - METAL whenever there is an insult along the controlling relationship, that is the Wood is rebelling against its overcontrolling grandmother Metal. Think of Lung symptoms tied to stress.
Liver 4 - Lung 5 - This is a combination from Kiiko Matsumoto style, which may best be understood through Five Elements. Liver 4 is metal on wood (controlling element). Lung 5 is water on metal (this is a mother-son relationship). The combination is used for (o)ketsu, or Blood Stagnation, and may best be understood as a form of Liver Qi and Blood Stagnation. By needling Liver 4, we are controlling wood. By needling Lung 5, we are draining metal and indirectly nourishing wood (through water). This seems paradoxical, but it can be seen as a way to "flush out" the liver.
Aside from the Kiiko Matsumoto understanding, we might use this pairing to treat coughing due to Liver insulting Metal (stress-related coughing).
Liver 4 - Lung 9 - This combo can be used when there is Liver Qi stagnation combined with Lung Qi deficiency (phlegm cough, low energy, etc.).
WOOD - FIRE
WOOD and FIRE are mother and son. Think of pathologies caused by Liver Qi stagnation/heat transferring over to the Heart. NOTE: You can address several of these issues via Liver - Pericardium (i.e. JUEYIN pairings) outlined in last class.
Liver 2 - Heart 8 - Liver Fire (due to Yin Deficiency) causing or related to associated Heart Fire (due to Yin Deficiency) symptoms: insomnia, palpitations, anxiety.
METAL - FIRE
METAL and FIRE share a controlling relationship. We rarely see this played out in practice, however. Points on Lung and Heart may be used together when there is a general Upper Jiao issue (i.e. simultaneous Lung and Heart heat/fire, or simultaneous Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency).
FIRE - WATER (This is identical to Shaoyin).
CLASS NOTES 5
FIVE ELEMENTS TREATMENT
Five elements is a theoretical model, and not a completely consistent treatment strategy. There are many times when Five Elements treatments might look good in theory, but in actual execution (when taking other factors into consideration) doesn’t really make sense.
For example, the FOUR NEEDLE TECHNIQUE that is taught as the basic Five-Element-for-Dummies model can be useful sometimes, but not always.
FOUR NEEDLE TECHNIQUE is based on a simple strategy. First, determine if the problem is PRIMARILY one of EXCESS or DEFICIENCY (this can be difficult if you have a mix of excess and deficiency). If EXCESS:
SEDATE SON on the affected channel. So, for Liver Excess, sedate the son (or Fire), i.e. Liver 2.
SEDATE SON on HORARY channel. Son element is Fire, so sedate horary point: Heart 8.
TONIFY GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on affected channel. So, for Liver Excess, tonify metal (i.e. Liver 4).
TONIFY GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on HORARY channel. Metal. So, Lung 8.
For DEFICIENCY:
TONIFY MOTHER on affected channel. So, for Spleen Deficiency, tonify Spleen 2 (mother of earth is fire).
TONIFY MOTHER on HORARY channel. Heart 8.
SEDATE GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on affected channel. Metal. So Spleen 5.
SEDATE GRANDMOTHER (controlling element) on HORARY channel. So Lung 8.
Notice a contradiction? A common pattern is Liver Excess with Spleen Deficiency. And yet, in both of these prescriptions, we are needling Heart 8 and Lung 8, BUT WITH OPPOSITE techniques. Problematic.
Remember that much of Five Element “style” acupuncture is determined not only be the manner of point selection, but also on how a diagnosis is reached. Some styles of Five Element acupuncture, for example, are more psycho-spiritual in nature, and rely upon a CSOE (Color-Sound-Odor-Emotion) that only arises during a relatively freeform (i.e. psychoanalytical) interview. Other styles rely upon pulse to determine the most deficient channel.
WHEN WOULD WE CONSIDER FIVE ELEMENTS?
We could consider Five Elements if we determine an imbalance occupies or influences channels that are not otherwise related. For example, the Lung and Kidneys do not have any other relationship with each other (channel-speaking) other than through their Five Element connections. If there is a problem involving both of these channels, then it is probably worth your while to consider using a Five-Element style treatment.
METAL - WATER PAIRINGS
Think of METAL-WATER pairings when there is a problem of a lack of WATER (Yin) nourishing the tissues of the Lungs (especially the throat).
Lung 7 - Kidney 6: extraordinary vessel pairing: often used clinically for problems affecting the throat (sore throat) because both Ren mai and Yinqiao mai go to the throat. This pair is also effective for problems with urination, and some types of lung-kidney type edema.
Lung 5 (water on metal) - Kidney 7 (metal on water): This pair is used to foster yin and regulate the lung. Used for chronic issues due to lung dysfunction with associated lack of kidney nourishment. For patients with chronic allergies and asthma. Effective for treating seasonal allergies.
Lung 5 (water on metal) - Kidney 6: used for acute conditions where lung is not receiving enough fluids, often due to accumulation of heat. Examples: loss of voice following external wind-heat, wind-dry, or fatigue.
WATER - WOOD PAIRINGS
Think of WATER - WOOD pairings when a lack of WATER (Kidney Yin) leads to “dry flammable WOOD” (i.e. variations of Liver Excess and Liver Fire).
Kidney 7 (metal on water) - Liver 2 (fire on wood): For Kidney Yin Deficiency with concurrent Liver Yang Rising leading to symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, red face, dry mouth, and red tongue.
Kidney 3 (earth on water) - Liver 3 (earth on wood): Similar to above, but tends to be used when symptom pattern is more of Kidney Deficiency than Liver Excess (Kidney Deficiency is PRIMARY). Used to “secure the source”, calm the Liver, extinguish wind. Symptoms: high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, seminal emission, vomiting, and other excess above deficiency below symptoms.
FIRE - EARTH PAIRINGS
Think of FIRE - EARTH pairings when there is a failure of nourishment and circulation of BLOOD leading to insomnia, low energy, shen disturbances, etc.
Heart 7 (earth on fire) - Spleen 6 (3 leg yin meeting): These two points have a beneficial effect on production and movement of blood. Used to tonify heart and spleen, foster blood, and calm spirit. Dual deficiency of heart and spleen leading to lack of blood nourishment to heart. Symptoms: palpitations caused by emotional stress, insomnia... GUI PI TANG, anyone?
WOOD - EARTH PAIRINGS
We of course think of WOOD - EARTH when there is an excess-deficiency problem centered on the digestive system; i.e. STRESS (Liver) related to digestive issues like IBS, diarrhea, nausea (Spleen).
Liver 2 (fire on wood) - Spleen 2 (fire on earth)
Liver 3 (earth on wood) - Spleen 3 (earth on earth)
EARTH - METAL PAIRINGS
(this happens to coincide with TAIYIN pairings, so will not be discussed separately)
WOOD - METAL
We think of WOOD - METAL whenever there is an insult along the controlling relationship, that is the Wood is rebelling against its overcontrolling grandmother Metal. Think of Lung symptoms tied to stress.
Liver 4 - Lung 5 - This is a combination from Kiiko Matsumoto style, which may best be understood through Five Elements. Liver 4 is metal on wood (controlling element). Lung 5 is water on metal (this is a mother-son relationship). The combination is used for (o)ketsu, or Blood Stagnation, and may best be understood as a form of Liver Qi and Blood Stagnation. By needling Liver 4, we are controlling wood. By needling Lung 5, we are draining metal and indirectly nourishing wood (through water). This seems paradoxical, but it can be seen as a way to "flush out" the liver.
Aside from the Kiiko Matsumoto understanding, we might use this pairing to treat coughing due to Liver insulting Metal (stress-related coughing).
Liver 4 - Lung 9 - This combo can be used when there is Liver Qi stagnation combined with Lung Qi deficiency (phlegm cough, low energy, etc.).
WOOD - FIRE
WOOD and FIRE are mother and son. Think of pathologies caused by Liver Qi stagnation/heat transferring over to the Heart. NOTE: You can address several of these issues via Liver - Pericardium (i.e. JUEYIN pairings) outlined in last class.
Liver 2 - Heart 8 - Liver Fire (due to Yin Deficiency) causing or related to associated Heart Fire (due to Yin Deficiency) symptoms: insomnia, palpitations, anxiety.
METAL - FIRE
METAL and FIRE share a controlling relationship. We rarely see this played out in practice, however. Points on Lung and Heart may be used together when there is a general Upper Jiao issue (i.e. simultaneous Lung and Heart heat/fire, or simultaneous Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency).
FIRE - WATER (This is identical to Shaoyin).
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Class Notes 4
Class Notes 4: Same Name Channels
When we talk about “Same Name” or “Hand-Foot” or “Same Energy” pairings, we are talking about two channels with the same nature (level of Yin/Yang energy) that work on some common function or dynamic. Wang Ju-Yi feels that such pairings are so fundamental and important that he refers to them as single channels, and not two pairs of channels working together.
WAYS TO UNDERSTAND THE SIX LEVELS: STEAMING DUMPLINGS
It is helpful to think of the six levels in terms of the dumpling steamer image.
“the steam radiating off the top has the outwardly-moving nature that characterizes TAIYANG” (SI and UB).
“the ability of the bamboo lid to regulate and maintain a slow release of steam is likened to the SHAOYANG” (SJ and GB) “classically described as ‘between the outside and the inside.’”
“the warm, transforming steam and the dumplings themselves within the steamer are likened to the YANGMING” (St and LI) “level that holds and warms while closing inward to interact with the yin levels below”
TAIYIN (Lu and Sp) “opens outward not to the world at large, but to the ‘outside of the inside’.” It can be “likened to the steam coming up off the boiling water that mixes with YANGMING at the place where the internal and external truly meet.”
SHAOYIN (Heart and Kidney) “is analogous to the upward-moving bubbles within the pot that serve as a pivot between solid yin substance of the heating pot itself [JUEYIN] and the outward-opening above [TAIYIN].”
JUEYIN (Pericardium and Liver) “is where yin becomes firm and begins to revert to yang. Here it is the solid iron pot that holds yin together while also being the place from which the transformation begins from yin to the yang of radiating heat.”
WAYS TO UNDERSTAND SIX LEVELS: SIX QI
Another way to understand the six levels is to think about the associated six Qi that these levels modulate or regulate. The six Qi are Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness and Fire. Each of these are natural environmental factors, and they also have a presence within the human body. It is when the six levels/channels fail to regulate these six Qi that they turn into pathogenic factors within the body.
TAIYANG regulates/modulates COLD
SHAOYANG regulates/modulates SUMMERHEAT
YANGMING regulates/modulates DRYNESS
TAIYIN regulates/modulates DAMPNESS
SHAOYIN regulates/modulates FIRE
JUEYIN regulates/modulates WIND
NATURE OF TAIYIN LEVEL
There are two primary functions of the TAIYIN level (Lung and Spleen):
DAMPNESS: Taiyin is “responsible for the integration of external dampness ... while also transforming internally-generated dampness and helping to create healthy fluids of the body.”
NUTRITION: “The TAIYIN is the source of the body’s post-natal qi. The spleen transforms food and drink to create the nutritive aspect of the blood.
(picture on page 63)
A particular insight of Wang Ju-Yi is that the TAIYIN dynamic works on the nutrition of the body at the CELLULAR LEVEL. The spleen works on this level specifically at that place where the arterial capillaries (carrying fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrition) meet the venous capillaries (carrying used/damaged blood, CO2, and waste). The lung works on this level through the exchange of oxygen and CO2 within the body. The two work together to insure that nutrition gets to every cell, while carrying away waste products.
We usually think of TAIYIN when there is the presence of overt dampness in the body: edema, for instance, or phlegm in the lungs. But Wang Ju-Yi extends the usage of TAIYIN to include any issue where there is a failure of cellular nutrition and fluid circulation. For example, Wang Ju-Yi uses the TAIYIN point combo Lung 5 and Spleen 9 to address certain kinds of skin disorders: “Certain types of skin disorders are appropriate for treatment with the TAIYIN channel. In these cases, there is often a loss of the normal nourishing/cleaning functions of the surrounding tissues. This is in contrast to skin disorders caused primarily by heat and/or deficiency of the blood.”
Wang Ju-Yi uses TAIYIN pairings to address several other problems, including immune system disorders and metabolic dysfunction. He often begins a sequence of treatments by addressing TAIYIN. “When regulating qi, it is often appropriate to choose TAIYIN. Moreover, difficult cases are like untying a knot: Sometimes you must clear the air by regulating the qi dynamic first so that you can expose the core of the knot. For this reason, it may appear that I am choosing TAIYIN fairly often, but actually I use TAIYIN to regulate, and then proceed to other channels in later stages of treatment as the root condition becomes more evident.”
Examples of TAIYIN pairings include:
Lu 5 - Sp 9 regulates TAIYIN qi dynamic analog would be FU LING + ZHU LING
Lu 9 - Sp 3 strengthens spleen qi to transform dampness analog would be BAI ZHU + CANG ZHU
NATURE OF SHAOYIN LEVEL
SHAOYIN “regulates the physiology of fire”. It is used to “drain fire and clear the heart while also dredging and opening the yin collateral vessels. The nature of the channel is thus to invigorate blood and transform stasis of blood and heat.”
Both SHAOYIN organs (the heart and kidneys) are SOURCES of metabolic fire (heat/warmth) in the body. The Heart is a source of fire through moving and circulating blood throughout the body; the Kidneys supply this through Mingmen Fire. The SHAOYIN CHANNELS, then, are used to regulate this fire/heat/warmth so that it does not become excessive and pathogenic.
Unlike TAIYIN, the SHAOYIN organs/channels do not work together, but rather have a relationship of dynamic tension. This has to do with the fact that although both Heart and Kidneys are SHAOYIN, their elemental natures are FIRE and WATER (on the controlling cycle). That is, the Heart and Kidneys don’t so much work together, as they BALANCE each other.
Sometimes, we have an excess of fire/heat in the Heart, and a deficiency of fire/heat from the Kidneys (Kidney Yin Deficiency); this leads to the situation of Heart Fire due to underlying Kidney Yin Deficiency (or too much Fire, too little Water). At other times, we have an opposite situation, where there is not enough fire/heat in either the Heart or Kidneys, leading to the accumulation of fluid and edema in the body (too little Fire, too much Water).
Ht 5 - Kid 6 (Heart Luo Collateral + Master point of Yinqiao) Addresses problems in microcirculation to brain and heart leading to cognition or speech problems. Also for insufficiency of Kidney Water leading to Heart Fire (emotional stuff).
Heart 5 - Kidney 4 (Both Shaoyin Luo Collateral points) Similar to the above. Also has an effect on Shaoyin collaterals. Does not have as strong an effect on the brain and heart (because no Yinqiao affinity). Can be used when there are hearing problems.
Heart 6 - Kidney 7 (Heart Xi Cleft, Jing River of Kidney) This is less used to treat actual Yin Deficiency in the Kidneys and Heart, and more to restore relationship and balance between the paired channels (i.e. for Heart-Kidney not Communicating). Examples: ADHD
NATURE OF JUEYIN LEVEL
The function of the JUEYIN is to “foster yin, nourish blood, and regulate distribution of blood to other channels.” JUEYIN also has the connotation of “spirit calming”, largely because of the relationship of blood to the spirit. JUEYIN also regulates Wind, because any “sudden changes” (Wind) in the internal environment are related to disturbances in the circulation of blood.
Note that both the Liver and Pericardium store blood. The Liver stores blood for the whole body, while the Pericardium (thought of as the blood vessels surrounding the Heart) store blood primarily for the Heart.
When we use JUEYIN, we often think of “dredging” the channels to move and restore normal blood circulation, and thereby address both spirit issues and Wind. To make things more complicated, however, according to Wang Ju-Yi, we shouldn’t use actual Liver/Pericardium points to “dredge”; rather, this is best left up to the associated Yang channel pairs: thus, SJ 5-GB 41...
Liver 5 - Pericardium 6: Dredges and unblocks the Jueyin channels and collaterals; irregular menses associated with qi stagnation, including symptoms involving a generalized lack of motivation. Blockage, but no heat.
Pericardium 7 - Liver 2: Similar to the above, but with the addition of heat. “likened to relaxing and expanding the channel so that stagnation and heat can move smoothly out of the channel and organs.” Irregular menses associated with irritability, restlessness. Insomnia, vascular headaches, menopause syndrome, irregular menses, ADD.
NATURE OF TAIYANG
TAIYANG channels (SI and UB) run on the most expansive, exterior portion of the body. They are where heat is discharged off the body like the steam of a bamboo steamer. TAIYANG is also the first line of defense in an external pathogenic attack.
In practice, TAIYANG point pairs often have more to do with addressing pain/stiffness/numbness issues running along the course of the back of the body, particularly in the lumbar area or neck. Here are some examples of TAIYANG point pairings:
SI 3 - UB 62 (extraordinary vessel pair) chronic and acute lumbar pain. Can also be used to clear heat and calm spirit (using Yang channels to clear excesses from paired Yin channels). numbness in extremities, hysterical paralysis, epilepsy, mania, motor skill problems, etc.
UB 63 - SI 5 (UB Xi Cleft point and SI river point) reduces acute pain along Taiyang pathway. often a firstline treatment for patients with acute low back pain. Also Taiyang type neck pain.
UB 64 - SI 4 (both source points) used more for chronic, deficient type back or neck Taiyang channel type pain.
NATURE OF SHAOYANG
SHAOYANG (GB and SJ) is the “pivot” between the opening of TAIYANG and the closing of YANGMING. SHAOYANG is used to “clear and drain heat while dispersing clumped qi.” It is an important level to look to whenever there is heat and qi stagnation in the body.
Because Shaoyang is good at “regulating” and “moving” heat and qi stagnation, and because yang channels in general are good at this function, and because Shaoyang is paired with Jueyin, one of the most important functions of Shaoyang pairs is to regulate qi and blood and heat in the Jueyin (most notably, the Liver).
SHAOYANG is supposed to regulate SUMMERHEAT, which can be seen as a combination of Heat and Dampness, requiring both heat-clearing and qi-moving to clear out.
SJ 5 - GB 41 (extraordinary vessel pair) clear and drain excess heat from the channel; example: Liver/GB fire leading to wind-fire rising upward with symptoms like vomiting, headaches, red eyes, nasal congestion, ear ringing, tooth pain, etc. other examples: tinnitus, conjunctivitis, dry-itchy eyes, dizziness, high blood pressure due to heat rising; also for pain along course of Shaoyang channel
SJ 6 - GB 34 (SJ river point, GB he sea point) strongly moves Shaoyang stagnation, but has less of a heat-clearing effect than SJ 5 - GB 41. used for constipation, abdominal distention, intercostal pain, sciatic nerve pain, shingles, pms (breast tenderness/irritability), dysmenorrhea.
NATURE OF YANGMING
The YANGMING (LI and Stomach) is the “interior of the exterior” (the front of the body). YANGMING is “full of qi and blood” and is the “warm core within Yang and the relatively solid place from which Yang begins to grow outward to its eventual dispersal to the external environment at Taiyang.”
YANGMING regulates Dryness. If there is abundant Qi and blood within a body (produced via YANGMING) then Dryness cannot take hold. Note, however, that because YANGMING hold and generate a lot of heat, there is always the potential for it to slip into Dryness and Yin Deficiency.
Examples of Yangming point combinations:
Stomach 36 - LI 11 (both He Sea points) regulates and strengthens Yangming function in cases where there is insufficient absorption/nutrition from food. Also used for “channel exhaustion” when improper treatment has led to exhaustion of qi of Yangming (facial paralysis, etc.)
LI 1 - Stomach 45 (both Jing Well points) clear and drain Yangming channel. For fire-toxin stagnation in Yangming channel leading to symptoms like toothache, hemorrhoids, or sleep disorders.
LI 4 - Stomach 43 (LI Yuan Source, Stomach Shu Stream) stomach qi deficiency; belching, distention, sounds in intestines, but NO vomiting.
LI 10 - Stomach 36 Note: Wang Ju-Yi does state that on the LI channel, LI 11 is a heat-clearing, regulating point, but LI 10 is more qi tonifying. Therefore, this combo is better when there is a situation of stomach qi deficiency.
When we talk about “Same Name” or “Hand-Foot” or “Same Energy” pairings, we are talking about two channels with the same nature (level of Yin/Yang energy) that work on some common function or dynamic. Wang Ju-Yi feels that such pairings are so fundamental and important that he refers to them as single channels, and not two pairs of channels working together.
WAYS TO UNDERSTAND THE SIX LEVELS: STEAMING DUMPLINGS
It is helpful to think of the six levels in terms of the dumpling steamer image.
“the steam radiating off the top has the outwardly-moving nature that characterizes TAIYANG” (SI and UB).
“the ability of the bamboo lid to regulate and maintain a slow release of steam is likened to the SHAOYANG” (SJ and GB) “classically described as ‘between the outside and the inside.’”
“the warm, transforming steam and the dumplings themselves within the steamer are likened to the YANGMING” (St and LI) “level that holds and warms while closing inward to interact with the yin levels below”
TAIYIN (Lu and Sp) “opens outward not to the world at large, but to the ‘outside of the inside’.” It can be “likened to the steam coming up off the boiling water that mixes with YANGMING at the place where the internal and external truly meet.”
SHAOYIN (Heart and Kidney) “is analogous to the upward-moving bubbles within the pot that serve as a pivot between solid yin substance of the heating pot itself [JUEYIN] and the outward-opening above [TAIYIN].”
JUEYIN (Pericardium and Liver) “is where yin becomes firm and begins to revert to yang. Here it is the solid iron pot that holds yin together while also being the place from which the transformation begins from yin to the yang of radiating heat.”
WAYS TO UNDERSTAND SIX LEVELS: SIX QI
Another way to understand the six levels is to think about the associated six Qi that these levels modulate or regulate. The six Qi are Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness and Fire. Each of these are natural environmental factors, and they also have a presence within the human body. It is when the six levels/channels fail to regulate these six Qi that they turn into pathogenic factors within the body.
TAIYANG regulates/modulates COLD
SHAOYANG regulates/modulates SUMMERHEAT
YANGMING regulates/modulates DRYNESS
TAIYIN regulates/modulates DAMPNESS
SHAOYIN regulates/modulates FIRE
JUEYIN regulates/modulates WIND
NATURE OF TAIYIN LEVEL
There are two primary functions of the TAIYIN level (Lung and Spleen):
DAMPNESS: Taiyin is “responsible for the integration of external dampness ... while also transforming internally-generated dampness and helping to create healthy fluids of the body.”
NUTRITION: “The TAIYIN is the source of the body’s post-natal qi. The spleen transforms food and drink to create the nutritive aspect of the blood.
(picture on page 63)
A particular insight of Wang Ju-Yi is that the TAIYIN dynamic works on the nutrition of the body at the CELLULAR LEVEL. The spleen works on this level specifically at that place where the arterial capillaries (carrying fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrition) meet the venous capillaries (carrying used/damaged blood, CO2, and waste). The lung works on this level through the exchange of oxygen and CO2 within the body. The two work together to insure that nutrition gets to every cell, while carrying away waste products.
We usually think of TAIYIN when there is the presence of overt dampness in the body: edema, for instance, or phlegm in the lungs. But Wang Ju-Yi extends the usage of TAIYIN to include any issue where there is a failure of cellular nutrition and fluid circulation. For example, Wang Ju-Yi uses the TAIYIN point combo Lung 5 and Spleen 9 to address certain kinds of skin disorders: “Certain types of skin disorders are appropriate for treatment with the TAIYIN channel. In these cases, there is often a loss of the normal nourishing/cleaning functions of the surrounding tissues. This is in contrast to skin disorders caused primarily by heat and/or deficiency of the blood.”
Wang Ju-Yi uses TAIYIN pairings to address several other problems, including immune system disorders and metabolic dysfunction. He often begins a sequence of treatments by addressing TAIYIN. “When regulating qi, it is often appropriate to choose TAIYIN. Moreover, difficult cases are like untying a knot: Sometimes you must clear the air by regulating the qi dynamic first so that you can expose the core of the knot. For this reason, it may appear that I am choosing TAIYIN fairly often, but actually I use TAIYIN to regulate, and then proceed to other channels in later stages of treatment as the root condition becomes more evident.”
Examples of TAIYIN pairings include:
Lu 5 - Sp 9 regulates TAIYIN qi dynamic analog would be FU LING + ZHU LING
Lu 9 - Sp 3 strengthens spleen qi to transform dampness analog would be BAI ZHU + CANG ZHU
NATURE OF SHAOYIN LEVEL
SHAOYIN “regulates the physiology of fire”. It is used to “drain fire and clear the heart while also dredging and opening the yin collateral vessels. The nature of the channel is thus to invigorate blood and transform stasis of blood and heat.”
Both SHAOYIN organs (the heart and kidneys) are SOURCES of metabolic fire (heat/warmth) in the body. The Heart is a source of fire through moving and circulating blood throughout the body; the Kidneys supply this through Mingmen Fire. The SHAOYIN CHANNELS, then, are used to regulate this fire/heat/warmth so that it does not become excessive and pathogenic.
Unlike TAIYIN, the SHAOYIN organs/channels do not work together, but rather have a relationship of dynamic tension. This has to do with the fact that although both Heart and Kidneys are SHAOYIN, their elemental natures are FIRE and WATER (on the controlling cycle). That is, the Heart and Kidneys don’t so much work together, as they BALANCE each other.
Sometimes, we have an excess of fire/heat in the Heart, and a deficiency of fire/heat from the Kidneys (Kidney Yin Deficiency); this leads to the situation of Heart Fire due to underlying Kidney Yin Deficiency (or too much Fire, too little Water). At other times, we have an opposite situation, where there is not enough fire/heat in either the Heart or Kidneys, leading to the accumulation of fluid and edema in the body (too little Fire, too much Water).
Ht 5 - Kid 6 (Heart Luo Collateral + Master point of Yinqiao) Addresses problems in microcirculation to brain and heart leading to cognition or speech problems. Also for insufficiency of Kidney Water leading to Heart Fire (emotional stuff).
Heart 5 - Kidney 4 (Both Shaoyin Luo Collateral points) Similar to the above. Also has an effect on Shaoyin collaterals. Does not have as strong an effect on the brain and heart (because no Yinqiao affinity). Can be used when there are hearing problems.
Heart 6 - Kidney 7 (Heart Xi Cleft, Jing River of Kidney) This is less used to treat actual Yin Deficiency in the Kidneys and Heart, and more to restore relationship and balance between the paired channels (i.e. for Heart-Kidney not Communicating). Examples: ADHD
NATURE OF JUEYIN LEVEL
The function of the JUEYIN is to “foster yin, nourish blood, and regulate distribution of blood to other channels.” JUEYIN also has the connotation of “spirit calming”, largely because of the relationship of blood to the spirit. JUEYIN also regulates Wind, because any “sudden changes” (Wind) in the internal environment are related to disturbances in the circulation of blood.
Note that both the Liver and Pericardium store blood. The Liver stores blood for the whole body, while the Pericardium (thought of as the blood vessels surrounding the Heart) store blood primarily for the Heart.
When we use JUEYIN, we often think of “dredging” the channels to move and restore normal blood circulation, and thereby address both spirit issues and Wind. To make things more complicated, however, according to Wang Ju-Yi, we shouldn’t use actual Liver/Pericardium points to “dredge”; rather, this is best left up to the associated Yang channel pairs: thus, SJ 5-GB 41...
Liver 5 - Pericardium 6: Dredges and unblocks the Jueyin channels and collaterals; irregular menses associated with qi stagnation, including symptoms involving a generalized lack of motivation. Blockage, but no heat.
Pericardium 7 - Liver 2: Similar to the above, but with the addition of heat. “likened to relaxing and expanding the channel so that stagnation and heat can move smoothly out of the channel and organs.” Irregular menses associated with irritability, restlessness. Insomnia, vascular headaches, menopause syndrome, irregular menses, ADD.
NATURE OF TAIYANG
TAIYANG channels (SI and UB) run on the most expansive, exterior portion of the body. They are where heat is discharged off the body like the steam of a bamboo steamer. TAIYANG is also the first line of defense in an external pathogenic attack.
In practice, TAIYANG point pairs often have more to do with addressing pain/stiffness/numbness issues running along the course of the back of the body, particularly in the lumbar area or neck. Here are some examples of TAIYANG point pairings:
SI 3 - UB 62 (extraordinary vessel pair) chronic and acute lumbar pain. Can also be used to clear heat and calm spirit (using Yang channels to clear excesses from paired Yin channels). numbness in extremities, hysterical paralysis, epilepsy, mania, motor skill problems, etc.
UB 63 - SI 5 (UB Xi Cleft point and SI river point) reduces acute pain along Taiyang pathway. often a firstline treatment for patients with acute low back pain. Also Taiyang type neck pain.
UB 64 - SI 4 (both source points) used more for chronic, deficient type back or neck Taiyang channel type pain.
NATURE OF SHAOYANG
SHAOYANG (GB and SJ) is the “pivot” between the opening of TAIYANG and the closing of YANGMING. SHAOYANG is used to “clear and drain heat while dispersing clumped qi.” It is an important level to look to whenever there is heat and qi stagnation in the body.
Because Shaoyang is good at “regulating” and “moving” heat and qi stagnation, and because yang channels in general are good at this function, and because Shaoyang is paired with Jueyin, one of the most important functions of Shaoyang pairs is to regulate qi and blood and heat in the Jueyin (most notably, the Liver).
SHAOYANG is supposed to regulate SUMMERHEAT, which can be seen as a combination of Heat and Dampness, requiring both heat-clearing and qi-moving to clear out.
SJ 5 - GB 41 (extraordinary vessel pair) clear and drain excess heat from the channel; example: Liver/GB fire leading to wind-fire rising upward with symptoms like vomiting, headaches, red eyes, nasal congestion, ear ringing, tooth pain, etc. other examples: tinnitus, conjunctivitis, dry-itchy eyes, dizziness, high blood pressure due to heat rising; also for pain along course of Shaoyang channel
SJ 6 - GB 34 (SJ river point, GB he sea point) strongly moves Shaoyang stagnation, but has less of a heat-clearing effect than SJ 5 - GB 41. used for constipation, abdominal distention, intercostal pain, sciatic nerve pain, shingles, pms (breast tenderness/irritability), dysmenorrhea.
NATURE OF YANGMING
The YANGMING (LI and Stomach) is the “interior of the exterior” (the front of the body). YANGMING is “full of qi and blood” and is the “warm core within Yang and the relatively solid place from which Yang begins to grow outward to its eventual dispersal to the external environment at Taiyang.”
YANGMING regulates Dryness. If there is abundant Qi and blood within a body (produced via YANGMING) then Dryness cannot take hold. Note, however, that because YANGMING hold and generate a lot of heat, there is always the potential for it to slip into Dryness and Yin Deficiency.
Examples of Yangming point combinations:
Stomach 36 - LI 11 (both He Sea points) regulates and strengthens Yangming function in cases where there is insufficient absorption/nutrition from food. Also used for “channel exhaustion” when improper treatment has led to exhaustion of qi of Yangming (facial paralysis, etc.)
LI 1 - Stomach 45 (both Jing Well points) clear and drain Yangming channel. For fire-toxin stagnation in Yangming channel leading to symptoms like toothache, hemorrhoids, or sleep disorders.
LI 4 - Stomach 43 (LI Yuan Source, Stomach Shu Stream) stomach qi deficiency; belching, distention, sounds in intestines, but NO vomiting.
LI 10 - Stomach 36 Note: Wang Ju-Yi does state that on the LI channel, LI 11 is a heat-clearing, regulating point, but LI 10 is more qi tonifying. Therefore, this combo is better when there is a situation of stomach qi deficiency.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
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