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
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Class Notes 3
INTERNAL-EXTERNAL RELATED CHANNELS
According to Wang Ju-Yi, the second method of combining channels occurs on Internal-External related, or Husband-Wife channels. This method is used when there are two channels involved: both members of a husband-wife pair. As all husband-wife pairs belong to the same element, oftentimes this means a problem focused on a single element.
Consider all such problems, and pairings. What sorts of themes/problems would you expect to address via these channel pairings?
Lu- LI --> a METAL issue:
St-Sp --> an EARTH issue:
Ht-SI --> an IMPERIAL FIRE issue:
UB-Kid --> a WATER issue:
Pc-SJ --> a MINISTERIAL FIRE issue:
GB-Liver --> a WOOD issue:
COMBINATION METHODS
There are three common methods for combining points on internal-external related channels: 1) Yuan Source - Luo Connecting; 2) Yuan Source (Yin channel) - He Sea (Yang channel); 3) Combining points of the same class (i.e., two Jing Well points together). There are other, rarer methods of combining points, but we won’t consider them fully here.
Method 1: Yuan Source - Luo Connecting
It is sometimes hard to understand why the Luo Connecting point is used on the Yin channel in some cases, and on the Yang channel in others. The Source-Connecting Rule (from John Pirog’s book) is used to try to clarify which Lou Connecting point (Yin or Yang) and which Yuan Source point (Yin or Yang) to use. The rationale behind using the Yuan-Luo combination is that you want to tap into or build Yuan source qi (Yang qi) into a deficient channel, and vent pathogenic or excessive energy from another channel through the Luo Connecting point. So, usually (not always), you can use the Yuan Source of a deficient channel, and the Luo Connecting point of an excessive channel.
It is important when using the Yuan-Luo combo to consider:
WHICH CHANNEL IS IN EXCESS?
WHICH CHANNEL IS IN DEFICIENCY?
It is also important to consider (especially in cases of an external attack):
WHICH CHANNEL WAS AFFECTED FIRST?
WHICH CHANNEL WAS (OR WILL BE) AFFECTED NEXT? (Note that sometimes the Yuan-Luo combo can be seen as a PROACTIVE strategy that fills a deficient channel so that it can better withstand an incoming attack).
The quote to remember when choosing (and understanding) Yuan - Luo combos is:
“Needle the SOURCE point at the SOURCE of the problem, and needle the CONNECTING point at the channel with the CONNECTED issues.”
Let’s try to clarify via a couple of examples.
Lung 7 - LI 4 is a common combo, used to treat the initial stages of a Wind Cold attack. There must or should be nasal symptoms, among other things. The nasal symptoms (symptoms ABOVE the throat, where the LI channel flows) represent the fact that the LI channel has been AFFECTED FIRST, and is in RELATIVE DEFICIENCY (because it is involved directly with the battle against the pathogenic factor). The Lung channel, meanwhile, is still relatively free from pathogenic invasion (perhaps the upper regions of the internal pathways and collaterals are occupied).
We therefore needle the Yuan of the SOURCE channel (the channel that has the original invading force), and the Luo of the channel with the connected issues (the channel that has yet to be occupied).
For another example, we could look at Sp 3 - St 40. Here, the SOURCE is the Spleen channel, where Dampness has lodged, preventing the smooth transformation and transportation of fluids. We want the Yuan Source energy of Sp 3 to tonify Yang Qi in the Spleen. We needle the Luo of the Stomach in order to vent out the Damp Phlegm that results from the deficient Spleen.
Other examples include Kidney 3 - UB 58, and Liver 3 - GB 37.
Examples:
***Lung 7 - LI 4
*Lung 9 - LI 6
***Sp 3 - St 40
*Sp 4 - St 42
*Heart 7 - SI 7
*Heart 5 - SI 4
***Kidney 3 - UB 58
*Kidney 4 - UB 64
**Pericardium 6 - SJ 4
*Pericardium 7 - SJ 5
***Liv 3 GB 37
*Liv 5 GB 40
Method 2: Yuan Source (YIN) - He Sea (YANG)
Another common method combines the Yuan Source point of a Yin channel with the He Sea point of a paired Yang channel. Here are some representative examples:
**Lung 9 - LI 11
***Sp 3 - St 36
*Heart 7 - SI 8
***Kid 3 - UB 40
*Pericardium 7 - SJ 10
***Liv 3 - GB 34
What are we doing with these combos? We are 1) tapping into the Yuan Source Qi of the Yin channel, and 2) using the regulating effect of the Yang He Sea point to either vent out excess energy, or simply get energy flowing in the right direction to assist #1. As the Yang He Sea point is associated with the Yang organ of the pair, and as the Yang organ and Yin organ are tied together, this assists in a mutually beneficial and balancing effect for both Yin and Yang organs.
Method 3: Same Point Class
This is the least common of the three most common methods of point combining for internal-external pairs. Here are a few examples:
Lung 11 - LI 1 for sore throat.
Lung 5 - LI 11 for rebellious Lung qi (coughing, wheezing) associated with excessive heat in the body.
Sp 9 - St 36 for combined problems of Spleen and Stomach involving a failure of urination production (retention of dampness) and a failure of bowel movement (either diarrhea or constipation).
Kid 10 - UB 40 for urinary problems, combined with some level of Kidney deficiency; also perhaps for low back pain.
Pc 6 - SJ 5: perhaps this has more to do with Eight Extras, but this is a pair that is used to safeguard the interior and vent the exterior.
According to Wang Ju-Yi, the second method of combining channels occurs on Internal-External related, or Husband-Wife channels. This method is used when there are two channels involved: both members of a husband-wife pair. As all husband-wife pairs belong to the same element, oftentimes this means a problem focused on a single element.
Consider all such problems, and pairings. What sorts of themes/problems would you expect to address via these channel pairings?
Lu- LI --> a METAL issue:
St-Sp --> an EARTH issue:
Ht-SI --> an IMPERIAL FIRE issue:
UB-Kid --> a WATER issue:
Pc-SJ --> a MINISTERIAL FIRE issue:
GB-Liver --> a WOOD issue:
COMBINATION METHODS
There are three common methods for combining points on internal-external related channels: 1) Yuan Source - Luo Connecting; 2) Yuan Source (Yin channel) - He Sea (Yang channel); 3) Combining points of the same class (i.e., two Jing Well points together). There are other, rarer methods of combining points, but we won’t consider them fully here.
Method 1: Yuan Source - Luo Connecting
It is sometimes hard to understand why the Luo Connecting point is used on the Yin channel in some cases, and on the Yang channel in others. The Source-Connecting Rule (from John Pirog’s book) is used to try to clarify which Lou Connecting point (Yin or Yang) and which Yuan Source point (Yin or Yang) to use. The rationale behind using the Yuan-Luo combination is that you want to tap into or build Yuan source qi (Yang qi) into a deficient channel, and vent pathogenic or excessive energy from another channel through the Luo Connecting point. So, usually (not always), you can use the Yuan Source of a deficient channel, and the Luo Connecting point of an excessive channel.
It is important when using the Yuan-Luo combo to consider:
WHICH CHANNEL IS IN EXCESS?
WHICH CHANNEL IS IN DEFICIENCY?
It is also important to consider (especially in cases of an external attack):
WHICH CHANNEL WAS AFFECTED FIRST?
WHICH CHANNEL WAS (OR WILL BE) AFFECTED NEXT? (Note that sometimes the Yuan-Luo combo can be seen as a PROACTIVE strategy that fills a deficient channel so that it can better withstand an incoming attack).
The quote to remember when choosing (and understanding) Yuan - Luo combos is:
“Needle the SOURCE point at the SOURCE of the problem, and needle the CONNECTING point at the channel with the CONNECTED issues.”
Let’s try to clarify via a couple of examples.
Lung 7 - LI 4 is a common combo, used to treat the initial stages of a Wind Cold attack. There must or should be nasal symptoms, among other things. The nasal symptoms (symptoms ABOVE the throat, where the LI channel flows) represent the fact that the LI channel has been AFFECTED FIRST, and is in RELATIVE DEFICIENCY (because it is involved directly with the battle against the pathogenic factor). The Lung channel, meanwhile, is still relatively free from pathogenic invasion (perhaps the upper regions of the internal pathways and collaterals are occupied).
We therefore needle the Yuan of the SOURCE channel (the channel that has the original invading force), and the Luo of the channel with the connected issues (the channel that has yet to be occupied).
For another example, we could look at Sp 3 - St 40. Here, the SOURCE is the Spleen channel, where Dampness has lodged, preventing the smooth transformation and transportation of fluids. We want the Yuan Source energy of Sp 3 to tonify Yang Qi in the Spleen. We needle the Luo of the Stomach in order to vent out the Damp Phlegm that results from the deficient Spleen.
Other examples include Kidney 3 - UB 58, and Liver 3 - GB 37.
Examples:
***Lung 7 - LI 4
*Lung 9 - LI 6
***Sp 3 - St 40
*Sp 4 - St 42
*Heart 7 - SI 7
*Heart 5 - SI 4
***Kidney 3 - UB 58
*Kidney 4 - UB 64
**Pericardium 6 - SJ 4
*Pericardium 7 - SJ 5
***Liv 3 GB 37
*Liv 5 GB 40
Method 2: Yuan Source (YIN) - He Sea (YANG)
Another common method combines the Yuan Source point of a Yin channel with the He Sea point of a paired Yang channel. Here are some representative examples:
**Lung 9 - LI 11
***Sp 3 - St 36
*Heart 7 - SI 8
***Kid 3 - UB 40
*Pericardium 7 - SJ 10
***Liv 3 - GB 34
What are we doing with these combos? We are 1) tapping into the Yuan Source Qi of the Yin channel, and 2) using the regulating effect of the Yang He Sea point to either vent out excess energy, or simply get energy flowing in the right direction to assist #1. As the Yang He Sea point is associated with the Yang organ of the pair, and as the Yang organ and Yin organ are tied together, this assists in a mutually beneficial and balancing effect for both Yin and Yang organs.
Method 3: Same Point Class
This is the least common of the three most common methods of point combining for internal-external pairs. Here are a few examples:
Lung 11 - LI 1 for sore throat.
Lung 5 - LI 11 for rebellious Lung qi (coughing, wheezing) associated with excessive heat in the body.
Sp 9 - St 36 for combined problems of Spleen and Stomach involving a failure of urination production (retention of dampness) and a failure of bowel movement (either diarrhea or constipation).
Kid 10 - UB 40 for urinary problems, combined with some level of Kidney deficiency; also perhaps for low back pain.
Pc 6 - SJ 5: perhaps this has more to do with Eight Extras, but this is a pair that is used to safeguard the interior and vent the exterior.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Class Notes 2: Text Notes
POINT COMBINATIONS
CLASS NOTES 2
THE PROCESS OF POINT SELECTION
In many texts on the art of point selection, the process is broken into two stages: a general “brainstorming” phase, and a more specific phase, in which only the best and most appropriate points are selected.
For example, in Robert Johns’s book, “The Art of Acupuncture Techniques,” Johns talks about a POINT MATCHING phase and a POINT SELECTION phase.
POINT MATCHING “means choosing types of points that match the diagnosis. It is correspondence of the diagnosis with acupuncture points of appropriate therapeutic value. Point Matching is general in character. It determines all the possible points that can treat a problem.”
POINT SELECTION is “choosing specific points from the larger number of acupuncture points determined by Point Matching. Point Matching is general; Point Selection is specific. This distinction is made in order to provide more clarity in the final selection of points used for treatment.”
In Wang Ju-Yi’s book, “Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine,” there is a similar idea; however, some key differences are that Wang Ju-Yi looks at problems from a CHANNEL perspective first (and his idea of a CHANNEL corresponds more to the 6 Energy Levels rather than the Zang Fu channels), and only after selecting affected channels does he narrow his focus down to point selection. Also, Wang Ju-Yi’s system does involve channel palpation as a means for confirming hypothesized diagnoses, so in this sense, it is a biased system of sorts. (Page 40)
Regardless of the nuances, the central idea is that, in an ideal situation, the practitioner goes through a general phase of brainstorming, and then chooses/selects the best points of those for treatment. POINT PAIRINGS and COMBINATIONS helps in this process, because one is able to do more with less.
WHEN SHOULD WE USE SPECIFIC POINT CLASSES? A General Approach
Thinking about the Speed, Depth, and Extent of Flow Problem.
Think about the “speed” of flow in the channel, and how we could “restore” the flow to normal.
If we want to “MOVE” the energy in a channel/organ, we would BEST use:
Jing River
He Sea
Xi Cleft
If we want to “BUILD” the energy in a channel/organ, we would BEST use:
Shu Stream
Yuan Source
If we want to “RELEASE” pressure in a channel/organ, we would BEST use:
Jing Well
Xi Cleft
Luo Connecting
2) Think about the “depth” of the problem in the channel.
Shallow/External Problems are best treated via:
Jing River (and distal transport points)
Deep Problems are best treated via:
He Sea
3) Think about how widespread the problem is (i.e. one channel, paired channels, more than two channels)?
If the problem occurs in multiple channels, consider using:
Luo Connecting - Yuan Source
THE 8 PARAMETERS
Excess?
Jing Well
Xi Cleft
Deficiency?
(of Qi/Yang) Shu Stream
(of Yin) Ying Spring
Heat?
Ying Spring
(Yangming or Shaoyang)
Cold?
Shu Stream
Yin?
(Yin deficiency) Ying Spring
Yang?
(Yang deficiency) Shu Stream
Sometimes He Sea
Internal?
He Sea
External?
Jing River
sometimes Luo Connecting
Other Considerations:
Is there swelling?
Xi Cleft
sometimes Luo Connecting
Is there pressure in a channel?
Jing Well
Xi Cleft
Is the problem acute?
Jing Well
Xi Cleft
sometimes Jing River
Is the problem chronic?
Ying Spring
Shu Stream
Yuan Source
He Sea
Is there pain/bleeding?
Xi Cleft
SELECTING POINTS ON THE CHANNEL WHERE THE DISEASE IS LOCATED.
This is only effective when at least one of the following conditions exists:
Where onset of disease is relatively recent and condition has not yet begun to affect other channels.
Where other organs and channels are generally healthy.
Where disorder is primarily located in muscles or tendons, such as acute injuries and pain.
EXAMPLE:
A 35 year old male patient has begun to suffer from a swollen, sore throat (it started yesterday). He has a superficial rapid pulse, and a tongue with normal body color and a thin white coat. The patient suffers from no other symptoms, and is otherwise very robust.
POINT COMBINATIONS: ON A SINGLE CHANNEL (Not Local-Distal or Chain and Lock Method)
Let’s return to the point classes, and consider all the possible permutations of combining points on a SINGLE CHANNEL.
JING WELL COMBINATIONS
JING WELLS are used to release PRESSURE in a channel in EXCESS, and can be used in some cases to build flow in a channel in DEFICIENCY.
*Jing Well - Ying Spring --> This combo can be used for situations when there is a pressure buildup in a channel combined with deficiency heat. This means a mixed EXCESS and DEFICIENCY situation, on a SINGLE CHANNEL, which is strange, and difficult to read/diagnose if it does occur. The only real example of Jing Well-Ying Spring combo that is viable is Stomach 45 - Stomach 44, and that is only because Stomach 44 is an exceptional Ying Spring point in that it treats EXCESS heat in the Stomach channel.
examples:
Lu 11-Lu 10, LI 1-LI 2, St 45-St 44, Sp 1-Sp 2, Ht 9-Ht 8, SI 1-SI 2, UB 67-UB 66, Kid 1-Kid 2, Pc 9-Pc 8, SJ 1-SJ 2, GB 44-GB 43, Liv 1-Liv 2
*Jing Well - Shu Stream --> This is not a particularly viable combo, except perhaps in situations when you are building/tonifying energy in a channel. One point is primarily involved in releasing pressure, while the other is building Yang qi. Usually, you don’t want to be doing both of these things to a channel at the same time. Again, in some cases, you can use Jing Well points to BUILD energy in a channel (example: Kidney 1...), but even in these situations, it is rare to combine both points.
Lu 11-Lu 9, LI 1-LI 3, St 45-St 43, Sp 1-Sp 3, Ht 9-Ht 7, SI 1-SI 3, UB 67-UB 65, Kid 1-Kid 3, Pc 9-Pc 7, SJ 1-SJ 3, GB 44-GB 42, Liv 1-Liv 3
**Jing Well - Jing River --> One point releases energy/pressure in the channel, while the other flushes energy out of the channel to restore proper flow. Perhaps this combination could be used; at least, it somewhat makes sense.
Lu 11-Lu 8, LI 1-LI 5, St 45-St 41, Sp 1-Sp 5, Ht 9-Ht 4, SI 1-SI 5, UB 67-UB 60, Kid 1-Kid 7, Pc 9-Pc 5, SJ 1-SJ 6, GB 44-GB 38, Liv 1-Liv 4
**Jing Well - He Sea --> These points work at opposite “ends” of the channel, one working at the deep end, with a quick flow, and the other at the shallow end, releasing pressure. We don’t see this combination used very often, although it could potentially have its uses. For instance, St 45 - St 36 could be used to release pressure from an excessive stomach channel AND regulate and restore proper flow to the Stomach channel/organ.
Lu 11-Lu5, LI 1-LI 11, St 45-St 36, Sp 1-Sp 9, Ht 9-Ht 3, SI 1-SI 8, UB 67-UB 40, Kid 1-Kid 10, Pc 9-Pc 3, SJ 1-SJ 10, GB 44-GB 34, Liv 1-Liv 8
*Jing Well - Yuan Source --> For the same reason as above (Jing Well-Shu Stream), not a particularly viable option.
LI 1-LI 4, St 45-St 42, SI 1-SI 4, UB 67-UB 64, SJ 1-SJ 4, GB 44-GB 40
***Jing Well - Xi Cleft --> This is a potentially good combination, especially when there is a great deal of “pressure” in the channel, pain and swelling and excess. Examples would include: Lung 11 - Lung 6; Stomach 45 - Stomach 34
Lu 11-Lu 6, LI 1-LI 7, St 45-St 34, Sp 1-Sp 8, Ht 9-Ht 6, SI 1-SI 6, UB 67-UB 63, Kid 1-Kid 5, Pc 9-Pc 4, SJ 1-SJ 7, GB 44-GB 36, Liv 1-Liv 6
**Jing Well - Luo Connecting --> Again, a potentially good combination, if we are going to try to release pressure in a channel. Remember, the Luo Connecting channel is like an offramp. This combo would probably be best if there was a channel excess combined with collateral issues.
Lu 11-Lu7, LI 1-LI 6, St 45-St 40, Sp 1-Sp 4, Ht 9-Ht 5, SI 1-SI 7, UB 67-UB 58, Kid 1-Kid 4, Pc 9-Pc 6, SJ 1-SJ 5, GB 44-GB 37, Liv 1-Liv 5
***
YING SPRING COMBINATIONS
Ying Spring points are best when there is Deficiency heat/fever or chronic heat.
*Ying Spring - Shu Stream --> Ying Springs are for yin deficiency heat; Shu Streams are for yang deficiency with Dampness/Phlegm. While it is possible to have both going on at the same time, it is rare and difficult to diagnose this along a single channel.
Lu 10-Lu 9, LI 2-LI 3, St 44-St 43, Sp 2-Sp 3, Ht 8-Ht 7, SI 2-SI 3, UB 66-UB 65, Kid 2-Kid 3, Pc 8-Pc 7, SJ 2-SJ 3, GB 44-GB 43, Liv 2-Liv 3
**Ying Spring - Jing River --> Ying Springs clear yin deficiency heat. By some interpretations, Jing Rivers also nourish yin through movement of qi and fluids (think Kidney 7). This can be a potentially viable combination. An example would be: Kidney 7 - Kidney 2, or Lung 8 - Lung 10. Just remember that Jing Rivers have a quick motion that makes them favorable for EXTERNAL conditions, whereas Ying Springs are more suitable for chronic (internal) deficiencies.
Lu 10-Lu 8, LI 2-LI 5, St 44-St 41, Sp 2-Sp 5, Ht 8-Ht 4, SI 2-SI 5, UB 66-UB 60, Kid 2-Kid 7, Pc 8-Pc 5, SJ 2- SJ 6, GB 43-GB 38, Liv 2-Liv 4
**Ying Spring - He Sea --> Ying Springs clear yin deficiency heat. He sea points move and regulate at a deep level. This combination is potentially viable. St 44 and St 36, for example, might work for Stomach Heat along a channel (manifesting with a red face, frontal headaches, etc.) combined with Stomach organ stagnation and heat (rebellious stomach qi, constipation, etc.).
Lu 10-Lu 5, LI 2-LI 11, St 44-St 36, Sp 2-Sp 9, Ht 8-Ht 3, SI 2-SI 8, UB 66-UB 40, Kid 2-Kid 10, Pc 8-Pc 3, SJ 2-SJ 10, GB 43-GB 34, Liv 2-Liv 8
*Ying Spring - Yuan Source --> not very viable (due to reasons outlined above).
LI 2-LI 4, St 44-St 42, SI 2-SI 4, UB 66-UB 64, SJ 2-SJ 4, GB 43-GB 40
*Ying Spring - Xi Cleft --> While it may appear that these points can go together, Ying Springs are for deficiency heat, while Xi Clefts address pain/stagnation in a channel. This can be sort of ambiguous, because one is a more chronic deficiency condition, while the other is a more excess condition.
Lu 10-Lu 6, LI 2-LI 7, St 44-St 34, Sp 2-Sp 8, Ht 8-Ht 6, SI 2-SI 6, UB 66-UB 63, Kid 2-Kid 5, Pc 8-Pc 4, SJ 2-SJ 7, GB 43-GB 36, Liv 2-Liv 6
**Ying Spring - Luo Connecting --> This combo would be used for deficiency heat combined with problems along the collateral. This is definitely a possible scenario.
SHU STREAM COMBINATIONS
***Shu Stream - Jing River --> The Shu Streams are best thought of as tonification points; the addition of the Jing River acts as an accelerant, moving energy along a channel. This is potentially a good combo. An example would be Lung Qi Deficiency with an external Wind invasion (Lung 8 - Lung 9).
Lu 8-Lu 9, LI 3-LI 5, St 43-St 41, Sp 3-Sp 5, Ht 7-Ht 4, SI 3-SI 5, UB 65-UB 60, Kid 3-Kid 7, Pc 7-Pc 5, SJ 3-SJ 6, GB 43-GB 38, Liv 3-Liv 4
***Shu Stream - He Sea --> This is also potentially viable. When there is a yang qi deficiency of a channel/organ, combined with a need for deep regulation of the organ level. In actuality, this combo is used more for paired Yin-Yang channels, with the Yin Shu Stream/Yuan Source point, and the Yang He Sea point.
Lu 9-Lu 5, LI 3-LI 11, St 43-St 36, Sp 3-Sp 9, Ht 7-Ht 3, SI 3-SI 8, UB 65-UB 40, Kid 3-Kid 10, Pc 7-Pc 3, SJ 3-SJ 10, GB 42-GB 34, Liv 3-Liv 8
Shu Stream - Yuan Source --> The same point on Yin channels; on Yang channels, not particularly significant as a combo.
*Shu Stream - Xi Cleft --> These points are somewhat in opposition to one another. One tonifies/builds energy in the channel, while the other is releasing energy suddenly. This is usually seen as inappropriate, sort of like trying to fill a bathtub while it is being drained.
Lu 9-Lu 6, LI 3-LI 7, St 43-St 34, Sp 3-Sp 8, Ht 7-Ht 6, SI 3-SI 6, UB 65-UB 63, Kid 3-Kid 5, Pc 7-Pc 4, SJ 3-SJ 7, GB 42-GB 36, Liv 3-Liv 6
**Shu Stream - Luo Connecting --> This is viable, especially since shu streams are also yuan sources, and Yuan Source points and Luo Connecting points are a frequent combination... HOWEVER, it is usually not the case that we combine these points on the SAME CHANNEL.
Lu 9-Lu 7, LI 3-LI 6, St 43-St 40, Sp 3-Sp 4, Ht 7-Ht 5, SI 3-SI 7, UB 65-UB 58, Kid 3-Kid 4, Pc 7-Pc 6, SJ 3-SJ 5, GB 42-GB 37, Liv 3-Liv 5
**Jing River - He Sea --> Both points have a movement function, and when combined, could powerfully move and regulate energy to restore proper channel/organ function. I might use this when there is a need to regulate a channel from the deepest points out.
Lu 8-Lu 5, LI 5-LI 11, St 41-St 36, Sp 5-Sp 9, Ht 4-Ht 3, SI 5-SI 8, UB 60-UB 40, Kid 7-Kid 10, Pc 5-Pc 3, SJ 6-SJ 10, GB 38-GB 34, Liv 4-Liv 8
**Jing River - Yuan Source --> Again, this is potentially viable. Tonify and move.
LI 5-LI 4, St 41-St 42, SI 5-SI 4, UB 60-UB 64, SJ 6-SJ 4, GB 38-GB 40
**Jing River - Xi Cleft --> This combo is potentially useful, when there is a need to flush out a channel, combined with an excess of pressure within the channel.
Lu 8-Lu 6, LI 5-LI 7, St 41-St 34, Sp 5-Sp 8, Ht 4-Ht 6, SI 5-SI 6, UB 60-UB 63, Kid 7-Kid 5, Pc 5-Pc 4, SJ 6-SJ 7, GB 38-GB 36, Liv 4-Liv 6
*Jing River - Luo Connecting --> This is only occasionally useful on a single channel.
Lu 8-Lu 7, LI 5-LI 6, St 41-St 40, Sp 5-Sp 4, Ht 4-Ht 5, SI 5-SI 7, UB 60-UB 58, Kid 7-Kid 4, Pc 5-Pc 6, SJ 6-SJ 5, GB 38-GB 37, Liv 4-Liv 5
HE SEA COMBINATIONS
***He Sea - Yuan Source --> As implied earlier (in Shu Stream combinations), this is a viable combination (although usually with paired Yin-Yang channels).
**He Sea - Xi Cleft --> This combo is potentially useful, especially when there is acute pain/pressure combined with a need to regulate at the organ level (release pressure via bowel movement, etc.).
Lu 5-Lu 6, LI 11-LI 7, St 36-St 34, Sp 9-Sp 8, Ht 3-Ht 6, SI 8-SI 6, UB 40-UB 63, Kid 10-Kid 5, Pc 3-Pc 4, SJ 8-SJ 7, GB 34-GB 36, Liv 8-Liv 6
**He Sea - Luo Connecting --> This combo is potentially useful in some situations, when you have organ/bowel stagnation combined with collateral issues. I can think of applications for Stomach 36 - Stomach 40, for example...
YUAN SOURCE COMBINATIONS
*Yuan Source - Xi Cleft --> not viable, for reasons already stated.
***Yuan Source - Luo Connecting --> very viable. Used to restore balance between paired channels (although not very often on a single channel).
XI CLEFT COMBINATIONS
**Xi Cleft - Luo Connecting --> This is potentially viable, to release pressure on a single channel.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Syllabus
Syllabus
Course Title/No: Advanced Acupuncture Point Combination
Credits/Hours:
Prerequisites:
Instructor: Randy K. Otaka
Day/Time: Thursdays, 7:30-10:00
Recommended Texts:
“Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine : Wang Ju-Yi’s Lectures on Channel Therapeutics” by Wang Ju-Yi and Jason D. Robertson
Course Objective: The objective of this course is to teach students how to intelligently combine acupuncture points to achieve the greatest effect with the fewest points.
The Course Blog: I have created a blog for the students of this course.
The address of the blog is:
icaompointcombinations.blogspot.com
Presently, all materials of the blog are open and accessible to anyone. If students wish to close access to the blog, then everyone who wishes to use the blog must create and submit a valid gmail account.
Homework:
Every week, one student must bring in a case study for the class to review. The name and any other identifying information of the patient should be redacted. The diagnosis and acupuncture points used in the treatment should not be displayed (although these should be brought so that we can compare our class results with what was decided in the treatment). We will be practicing the diagnostic process and point selection process on this case.
Also, every week, students must come up with a "reverse case study" for one of the point combinations that we have reviewed. This "reverse case study" should clearly represent the given point combination, but it should not be a simple listing of indications for the point combination. Try to "embellish" your case study with enough information that it seems like a real, believable patient. One or more of these reverse case studies will be used in the next week's quiz. You must email me the reverse case study you have written before Sunday at: mid.error@gmail.com
Quizzes:
There will be an online quiz posted after each class. You can take this quiz to prepare for the paper quiz that will be administered the following week. You will not be graded on the online quiz, but you will be graded on the paper quiz.
Course Outline:
1) Thursday, September 5th.
General Outline of Treatment Steps: Intake, Diagnosis, Treatment Plan, Execution.
The Influence of Style
General Principles/Types of Point Combinations.
A Review of Important Point Classes.
2) Thursday, September 12th.
Review of Important Point Classes, continued.
A Closer Look at Diagnosis/Treatment Plan: Channel Differentiation, Channel Selection.
Point Selection (Combinations) on a Single Affected Channel.
3) Thursday, September 19th.
Point Selection (Combinations) on Internal/External Paired Channels.
4) Thursday, September 26th.
Point Selection (Combinations) with Associated Hand-Foot ("Same Name") Channels.
5) Thursday, October 3rd.
Point Selection (Combinations) with Five Elements (Five Phase) Relationships.
6) Thursday, October 10th.
Point Selection (Combinations) with Eight Extraordinary Vessels.
7) Thursday, October 17th.
Empirical Points
Local Point Groupings
Point Constellations: Triangles, Squares, Pentagons, Hexagons
8) Monday, October 24th.
Other Styles: Richard Tan/Master Tong Style, Shudo Denmei Style.
9) Monday, November 4th.
Other Styles (continued): Yoshio Manaka Style, Kiiko Matsumoto Style.
Review
10) Monday, November 11th.
FINAL.
Grades are determined by the following criteria:
25% Quizzes, 50% Final, 25% Homework
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