We start by tapping on the karate chop point.

I use the tips of all four fingers of my right hand to tap the outside of my left hand. Use the same pressure you would use if you were tapping on a table to make a drumming sound. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. If you have long fingernails, use the pads near the end of your fingers to tap. Next, we move to the top of the head and then we'll work down the body, making the points easy to remember. Use the fingertips on one or both hands to tap the top of the head. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The eyebrow points are lo ated at the beginning of the eyebrow, nearest the enter of the fa e. I use the index and middle fingers together, on both hands, to tap the two eyebrow points. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The side of the eye points are lo ated on the bone at the side of the eye. It's not so lose to the eye that it feels like you're poking yourself, and not so far away that you are tapping at the temple. Using the index and middle fingers together, tap on both side of the eye points at the same time. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The under the eye points are on the bone lo ated under the eye about even with the pupils. Using the fingertips of the index and middle fingers, gently tap this spot under both eyes. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. Now tap under the nose with the index and middle finger of one hand. The spot is roughly midway between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lip. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The chin point is not really on the hin! it is mid"way between the bottom of the lower lip and the hin, in that indentation area. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The collarbone spots are lo ated about one in h down and over towards the outside of where a man would tie his tie. I use four fingers together on ea h hand to tap the ollarbone spots. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. #n alternative is to pat both spots at the same time with the flat of one hand, with about the same pressure as you would pat a baby's ba k to help it burp. The under the arm point is lo ated about $ in hes below the armpit. I lift my left arm and use the four fingers of my right hand to tap under my left arm. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. These are the points in the short form of %&T that we will be using.

#dditional tip' I often find that returning to the top of the head helps the round feel omplete. (ou an end repeated rounds at any point. (ou an start at the eyebrow or top of the head. (ou an leave out points, too. )emember that the energy system is onne ted! ea h point you tap resonates throughout the system. I also en ourage you to learn to use your intuition early in your use of %&T. The *e+uen e. ,- Note your starting intensity ./",/-' 000000 1- While tapping on the karate hop point, say the following three times, stating your physi al or emotional pain as specifically as possible .the 2set"up3-'

%ven though I feel this 000000000000000, I deeply and ompletely a ept myself.4
5- Tap on ea h of the points in se+uen e, approximately 6"7 times ea h, stating your pain .the 2reminder3-' 2This000000000004. " Top of head " %yebrow " *ide of eye " Under eye " Under nose " 8hin " 8ollarbone " Under arm " 9a k to top of head. $- Take a deep breath: 6- Note your ending intensity ./",/-' 000000. If above a 21,4 repeat the steps above. (ou an also make the following hanges' " ;aking the statement more spe ifi ! what is the best way to des ribe what you are now feeling< " (ou an modify the set"up statement in step .1- to 2%ven though I still have some of this 000000000000000, I deeply and ompletely a ept myself.4 " ;ake the reminder phrase as you tap the points 2)emaining 000000000000000.4 Telephone lients who travel and who may not have internet a ess when treatment is re+uired are advised to print the above before travelling. 8opyright'

www.thrivingnow.com

For those who are interested in which meridian point is tapped upon in the basic recipe here is a very good map of those points and their corresponding meridians.

Legend; BL 2 = Bladder 2 = EB = Eyebrow etc.GB = Gallbladder, ST = Stomach, K = Kidney, GV = Governing Vessel, CV = Conception Vessel, SP = Spleen, LU = Lung, TE 3 = Triple Energizer 3 = Gamut, LR = Liver, SI = Small Intestine, LI = Large Intestine, PC = Pericardium or Circulation-Sex, HT = Heart. How we do that is by choosing either: 1) RUBBING the "Sore Spot" on the upper chest (see model below) -OR2) TAPPING on the "Karate Chop" spot on the side of the hand. The part were trying to get out of the way is that internal saboteur that urges you to "Go on, have a slice of cake just this once!" while your real goal might be to refrain from empty calories or avoid eating sugar. Rubbing the Sore Spot OR tapping the Karate Chop point while saying the EFT Setup phrase effects a PR correction that puts this "saboteur" part of yourself to sleep while you perform the rest of the EFT routine. Below is a model showing the specific EFT accupoints that you will be tapping on. Of these, the "Sore Spot" on your upper chest represents a general area rather than one specific, tiny point your own particular Sore Spot may be a little above, below or to one side. To Find the Sore Spot: Feel gently around your upper chest (usually a couple of inches above where the breast tissue begins) until you hit a tender area that will be your Sore Spot. As with most of the EFT acupoints, the Sore Spot exists bilaterally, on either side of the body, the Spot on either side may be used. I gently rub with the whole of my loosely-held fist, in a gentle circle atop the sore spot. Dont rub too hard! This is junction of neurolymphatic tissue, and can be a very tender place! It is however thought by many to be a bit more effective than the Karate Chop. Youll know by trying both which is best for you. To Find The Karate Chop: If you cannot find your Sore Spot, you may tap on the Karate Chop point instead. Its right on the side of your hand, directly in the middle, between the place where your little finger attaches to your hand, and the wrist.Tap using the pads of all four main fingertips to cover the whole side of the hand. Most practitioners find it superpowers their practice to turn the hands sideways, and bang the two Karate Chop points against one another while repeating the Setup Statement (see below). Using either of these places on the body will help to make sure no part of you covertly wishes to keep your problem. The effectiveness generally lasts from twenty to thirty minutes much more time than you will actually need Once that part is out of the picture, your tapping will be much more successful. The full PR Correction Procedure is part of every EFT session and is below. Take a test go on both areas and decide which you feel more comfortable using.

EFT IN A NUTSHELL "Heres How!"

The Really Pared-Down Nutshell: Memorize The Basic Recipe, below. Aim it at any emotional, physical or spiritual problem by customizing it with an appropriate Setup affirmation and Reminder Phrase (below). Where necessary, be persistent until all aspects of the problem have vanished.

Specifics To Ensure Success

Just remember, I f Necessity is the mother of Invention, then "SPECIFICITY is the mother of Success" in all things as well as EFT! Be VERY SPECIFIC in terms of actual incidents youre treating yourself for. Tapping on "my sadness when Dad didnt come home for two days", then "my fear when Dad didnt come home", and "seeing Dads empty chair at dinner" is much more effective than tapping on a "global feeling of anxiety due to abandonment". Separate emotions or "scenes" of incidents that happened to you require separate tapping sessions to completely dissolve. Such as the sadness, then fear, then the scene of Dads empty chair are all separate tappings. Treat all the separate incidents and emotions you can find and with persistence, the negativity surrounding your central issue will come tumbling down! Memorize the tapping points below, and then begin the Basic Recipe, below.

Note on Abbreviations: The letters and numbers to the sides of each point refer to the accupuncture meridian and the number of the point on the meridian. "Side of Eye" for instance, is Gallbladder Meridian, point #1. The Collarbone point/s are the twenty-seventh points on the Kidney Meridian. I include this information for students of accupuncture and accupressure and your own information.

THE BASIC EFT "RECIPE"

1. First Step, Rate Your SUDS Not soapsuds, but Subjective Units of Distress. Before you begin the tapping sequence rate your SUDS, or the strength and intensity of the emotion or physical symptom youre dealing with on a scale of 0 to 10. The top of this scale, 10, is the worst your situation could get, and 0 being completely gone. Write this number down youll be looking at your progress later on by referring to it. Why do we take this step? Because EFT is so effective that people often forget how upset they were after tapping Dr. Callahan referred to this the "Apex Problem" but it doesnt occur when we take the simple precaution of writing our SUDS numbers down. Noting them in a journal is a good way of seeing how far youve come on a particular issue, and with your general life circumstances over time. It also helps when you are testing the results you get with EFT.

2. The Treatment Setup We use a very specifically worded affirmation to begin our EFT work. Once you have a very specific incident, symptom or other problem in mind that youd like to apply EFT to, you will plug it into this affirmation: "Even though I have this _______________________ (fill in the blank with your SPECIFIC fear, pain, etc) I DEEPLY and COMPLETELY ACCEPT myself!"

Do you realize how little we tell ourselves that even with all our problems, we accept ourselves anyway? Even if you dont believe it initially, this statement WILL have a powerful, positive impact upon your relaxation and wellbeing.

Example Set Up Statements: "Even though I have this inability to approach my boss about a raise because she scares me to death, I Deeply and Completely Accept Myself!"

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"Even though I have this pain in my shoulder where the ball hit me, and I felt like and idiot in front of the guys, I Deeply and Completely Accept Myself!"

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"Even though breaking up with Jim hurts so bad and Ive cried so hard Im sick to my stomach, I Deeply and Completely Accept Myself!"

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"Even Though I have this miserable migraine headache, I Deeply and Completely Accept Myself!"

Heres where that Karate Chop or Sore Spot comes in. Go on and fill in your own words to describe what youre working on but make them as simple as possible. Say this phrase THREE TIMES while continuously rubbing the Sore Spot -ORtapping the "Karate Chop" point on the outside edge of either palm. This neutralizes any small part of yourself that may, for whatever reasons, wish to keep you in that negative emotion, situation or feeling and is also known as the "PR Correction" (see above). Tapping the Karate Chop point works almost as well as rubbing the Sore Spot to neutralise these "internal saboteurs", and can be helpful for those who cant find their Sore Spot or whove rubbed it so much that the "sore" has gone away. This treatment setup corrects for any part of you that may be invested in keeping the negativity for whatever reason, allowing you to perform the EFT process successfully. 3. The Tapping Sequence (first set) The part that you filled in for The Setup phrase (eg; "this headache") becomes your Reminder Phrase to use while tapping. As an example, for The Setup "Even though I have this headache, I DEEPLY and COMPLETELY accept myself", the Reminder Phrase would be "this headache". To start the sequence, tap 10 times on each of the following energy points while repeating your Reminder Phrase at each point: (refer to the diagram above) Note: While tapping the eye points, we always tap on the bony socket that surrounds the eye, NEVER on the eyeball itself. 1st Set Tapping Points: Crown (top of head, where a marionettes string comes out), 3rd eye (middle of forehead), Eyebrow, Side of Eye, Under Eye, Under Nose, Chin, Collar Bone, Under Arm, Under Breast.

4. The Tapping Sequence (second set) Tap 10 times on each of the following energy points while repeating your customized Reminder Phrase at each point. Two sets make one Round of EFT Tapping. It doesnt matter which side you start on. 2nd Set Tapping Points: Crown, 3rd Eye, Eyebrow, Side of Eye, Under Eye, Under Nose, Chin, Collar Bone, Under Arm, Under Breast, tap inner sides of both wrists together to end the set. 5. Re-Take Your SUDS Rating Take your SUDS rating again, after each round of two sets. Observe your SUDS move down, down, down. If the intensity you feel about the problem is going down, then keep tapping and focusing on the various different aspects of the problem until you reach zero. If youre at zero, youre done! If not, keep going. It takes so very little time and works fantastically well. ***IF YOU ARENT GETTING ANYWHERE after three rounds of tapping (6 full tappings of the points from top of head to lower body) add The 9 Gamut Procedure below and do Long Form EFT:

Long-form EFT & The 9 Gamut Procedure

If you arent making much headway with EFT and your issue doesnt seem to be moving, use this process which "pingpongs" the new instructions deeply into your mind. How does this work? By bringing balance back to the energies in the two hemispheres of our brain, and getting them to work as one. The humming that youll do during the 9 Gamut Procedure (below) engages the right side of your brain, counting engages the left brain, and the eye movements synch the two hemispheres together in working towards your goal. There is also evidence to suggest that we encode negative experiences in the brain by what position our eyes were in as they happened. Since we usually dont know where that was at the time of the particular trauma or unpleasant memory, a thorough scanning of the eyes around a circle in the Nine-Gamut helps lift this coding out of our system. The full procedure is explained below but first a word about: Long-Form EFT To do Long-Form EFT which is EFT in its original format, you will add the finger tip points to the first round of your tapping routine. To do this, youll tap down to the under breast point, then choose one hand and start tapping, with two fingers of the other hand (to add weight to your tapping) on the outside edge of the fingernail. Where youre tapping is the side of the finger pointing towards your belly-button if youre holding your hand out in front of you. As you tap the finger points, repeat your Reminder Phrase, on the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and little finger, then on the karate chop point. From the Karate Chop, proceed on to the Nine Gamut Procedure:

The Nine Gamut Procedure: That Which Turns Self-Saboteurs Into Helpful Friends
Tap continuously on your "Brain Balancer" or Gamut Point. This point is located on the back of your hand between the little finger and ring finger, half an inch towards your wrist. Put your index finger where you can feel the "V" of the little and ring finger bones come together on the back of the hand. Youll feel a little "valley", or slight depression at this point. Tap here, while keeping your head faced straight forward, not moving your head. Tap on the Gamut Point as you:

(1) Close Eyes (2) Open Eyes (3) Eyes look hard down on the floor, to your right (4) Eyes look hard down on the floor to the left (5) Roll your eyes in a complete circle (6) Roll eyes in a complete circle going the other direction

(7) Hum (dont sing words) 5 seconds of a song a simple "do-re-mi" scale is suggested (8) Count to 5 (9) Hum (dont sing) 5 seconds of a song
Stop tapping on the Gamut Point, take a deep breath in and out. This is the end of your First Round. Take your SUDS rating and note whether it went down or not. Write down your number. Go back and do a second round without the Nine-Gamut to comprise a set. Rate your SUDS again. Keep going until your SUDS is at a zero

CHAPTER 3: COMMONLY USED MERIDIAN POINTS

The following is Chap e! 3 f!o" R# C# S$hafe!% DC% PhD% &ICC's (es )selling (oo*: +Applie, Ph-sio he!ap- in Chi!op!a$ i$.
The following "a e!ials a!e p!o/i,e, as a se!/i$e o o0! p!ofession# The!e is no $ha!ge fo! in,i/i,0als o $op- an, file hese "a e!ials# Howe/e!% he- $anno (e sol, o! 0se, in ang!o0p o! $o""e!$ial /en 0!e wi ho0 w!i en pe!"ission f!o" ACAPress# All of D!# S$hafe!'s (oo*s a!e now a/aila(le on CDs% wi h all p!o$ee,s (eing ,ona e, o $hi!op!a$ i$ !esea!$h# Please !e/iew he complete list of available books.

The Theoretical Basis of Meridian Therapy .................. 3.1

Theoretical Concepts ............................................ 3.1 The Nonneural Theories .......................................... 3.1 The Neural Theories ............................................. 3.2 The Cutaneovisceral Reflex .................................. 3.2 The Viscerocutaneous Reflex ................................. 3.3 Segmental and Intersegmental ffects ........................ 3.3 Near and !istant ffects .................................... 3." The #ate Control Theor$ and Its Clinical Significance ....... 3." Scientific vidence ......................................... 3.% mpirical vidence .......................................... 3.%

Meridian Triggerpoints and Their Palpation ................. 3.&

Standard 'ethods of Stimulation ................................. 3.& Site (ocation ................................................... 3.& (ocating )oints ................................................. 3.* +ac,ground .................................................. 3.* )reparation ................................................. 3.* T$pes and Characteristics of -cupuncture )oints ............. 3.. lectrical -nal$sis ......................................... 3.. The /uman Inch .................................................. 3.0

Major Points: Locations, Primary Indications, and Precautions

)oints on the (ung 'eridian ..................................... 3.0 )oints on the (arge Intestine 'eridian .......................... 3.11 )oints on the Stomach 'eridian .................................. 3.11 )oints on the Spleen 'eridian ................................... 3.12 )oints on the /eart 'eridian .................................... 3.12 )oints on the Small Intestine 'eridian .......................... 3.13 )oints on the 2rinar$ +ladder 'eridian .......................... 3.13 )oints on the 3idne$ 'eridian ................................... 3.1% )oints on the /eart Constrictor 'eridian ........................ 3.1& )oints on the Triple /eater 'eridian ............................ 3.1& )oints on the #all4ladder 'eridian .............................. 3.1& )oints on the (iver 'eridian .................................... 3.1* )oints on the Conception Vessel 'eridian ........................ 3.1* )oints on the #overning Vessel 'eridian ......................... 3.1. -larm )oints .................................................... 3.10 'aster )oints ................................................... 3.10 -ssociation )oints .............................................. 3.10

Closing Remarks ..................................................

3.21

References ........................................................
3.21

Chap e! 3:

Co""onl- Use, Me!i,ian Poin s

his chapter delineates a few of the many theories attempting to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture point (acupoint) stimulation and meridian therapy. Stimulation of specific points on the body as a mechanism for pain control has achieved great interest in this country in recent years. The majority of studies center on stimulating endorphin production in the body. See Ta(le 3#1. Antidotal and clinical evidence as well as patient records from Oriental cultures point to numerous cases where specific point stimulation has affected visceral and functional disease processes. n the context of physiologic therapeutics! the location! primary indications! and precautions associated with the major points (ie! those most commonly used) are reviewed.
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After 0ields 1672

3oth 4estern and 5astern specific points on the body. able to integrate the best of into a single health)care

cultures developed systems for treating t is hoped that future generations will be traditional 4estern and Oriental medicine delivery system for all people. 112

The Theo!e i$al 2asis of Me!i,ian The!ap0orms of stimulation to specific sites on the s'in have been used for at least %666 years. $owever! it is only in the last 7& years that comprehensive studies of acupuncture as an alternative therapy have been seriously underta'en in this country. The fact that meridian therapy has a beneficial effect on the control of disease processes seems evident today on the basis of empiric evidence and clinical studies. Theo!e i$al Con$ep s

Although it generally matters little to patients as to why they get well under a certain therapy! they do! however! expect that the doctor rendering that therapy has an acceptable explanation and understanding of the biologic mechanisms that are probably involved. That is! the patient has a natural tendency to believe that their doctor selects a particular procedure of treatment for their condition on the basis of his or her 'nowledge of the nature of their problem! and the 'nowledge of the underlying principles behind a particular method of therapy. Also! since the study and effective application of meridian therapy re8uire some basic 'nowledge of its theoretical scientific basis! the need for this explanation is established.

n the case of meridian therapy! a number of theories have been advanced that generally fall under the headings of 9:eural9 or 9:onneural9 concepts. These concepts attempt to explain the scientific basis for the biologic effects of meridian therapy in terms of our present understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Although scientific verification of the concept of 9vital energy9 as a physiologic probability and the 9meridian9 system as an anatomical fact have yet to be conclusive! verification for some of the effects of meridian therapy does exist on the basis of these concepts. 18 2 The Nonne0!al Theo!ies

One of the most commonly mentioned nonneural concepts attempts to explain the meridian system by proposing an elaborate conducting system of what is referred to as 93ong $an -ucts and /orpuscles.9 This theory! put forth by a :orth .orean physiologist and acupuncturist! .im 3ong $an! is a histologic description of elongated tubular cells lying deep in the s'in. $an also thin's that a 9uni8ue9 fluid circulates through these channels! which contains a high concentration of ribonucleic and other amino acids. $an believes that this fluid travels slowly through the meridians! completing a cycle each 7; hours. 13% 62 $an<s theory! however impressive as it might be! has for all practical purposes been refuted by other investigators. .ellner has shown that some of this theory is based on artifacts occurring in preparation of the histologic slides! and other attempts at duplicating the wor' of $an reveal that he was probably describing the lymphatic channels of the body. 19% :2 =arious other theories have attempted to explain acupuncture and the existence of the meridians. 172 0or example! magnetic fields! 8uantum mechanics! contraction waves of s'eletal muscles! discharging of electrical potentials! and the release of histamine and epinephrine by stimulation of points have all been put forth as possible mechanisms. Others have li'ened the pinpric' in the body to the electrical discharge of a condenser. At one time! 0elix #ann proposed a theory based on the lateral line system in fish. These theories! along with others! have now been dismissed in favor of one of the neurologic explanations. One of the most recent theories has been postulated by .oyo Ta'ase in >apan who concluded that the so)called ?i energy circulating through a 9meridian9 in acupuncture therapy is actually extravascular sodium. 1;2 $is studies involved the use of radioisotopes. The Ne0!al Theo!ies

t is generally conceded that the mechanisms of many effects of

acupuncture are similar to but not identical to those of the nervous system. There are many 8uestions! however! that remain unanswered. 1<2 4hen an acupuncture point is stimulated! it has been observed that the patient will often experience a change in seconds and this change fre8uently occurs at the opposite end and contralateral side of the body from the point stimulated. The exact mechanism of this action is not yet fully understood! although certain aspects appear to be based on established neurophysiologic concepts. This indicates that some type of nerve conduction occurs! as nerve fibers transmit impulses at an extremely rapid rate through their pathways. Such a rapid speed of conduction excludes the blood and lymphatic systems as possible mediators of this response. THE CUTANEO5ISCERAL RE&LE=

Acupuncture is founded on the premise that stimulation of the s'in has an effect on distant internal organs and functional mechanisms of the body. =arious experimental data tend to support the involvement of a cutaneovisceral reflex. 11>3132 +roof for the existence of such a reflex has strong scientific support. n a series of experiments! .unt@ and $a@elwood stimulated the s'in on the bac' of rabbits and rats and noted changes in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract that were related to the dermatomal segment stimulated. 11631:2 n Aermany! 4ernoe stimulated a small segment of the s'in of fish and amphibians with silver nitrate and! after a delay of several months! demonstrated vasoconstriction of the part of the intestine dermatomally related. 1172 After these experiments! he deduced that vasodilation was mediated by a spinal reflex and that vasoconstriction was mediated by a postganglionic sympathetic reflex. Travell and Bin@ler found that complete and prolonged relief resulted when trigger points on the front of the chests of patients with angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction were infiltrated with procaine or cooled with ethyl chloride. 11;2 Thus! the cutaneovisceral reflex is of prime importance in acupuncture. t is strongly believed that! by its mediation! an acupuncture needle placed in the correct part of the s'in is able to influence the related organ or diseased part of the body. :ew hypotheses are being brought forth rapidly. 0or example! it has been established for years that the ear is a hologram of the body as a whole! and this is the basis of auriculotherapy. $owever! -ale has recently proposed an elaborate hypothesis that most any part of the body is a hologram of the body as a whole. 11<2 THE 5ISCEROCUTANEOUS RE&LE=

:ext! an explanation of how a visceral problem can relate to areas of the s'in should be given. One method is by postulating the viscerocutaneous reflex. The importance of such a reflex rests in two primary areasC (D) diagnosis and (7) lowering the threshold of stimulation re8uired in treatment with acupuncture. 18>2 =arious researchers have attempted to show that visceral problems may refer to the s'in and give rise to trigger points! acupuncture points! andEor subluxations. 1813832 -iagnostically! certain superficial areas have long been 'nown to relate to an underlying visceral condition such as pain at #c3urney<s point in appendicitis! in the left arm in angina pectoris! and of the right shoulder in gallbladder disease. t is often noted clinically that a disease in an internal organ will produce pain! tenderness! hyperesthesia! or hypesthesia! etc! in some area of s'in. The viscerocutaneous reflex is thought to be mediated by un'nown pathways of the sympathetic chain. 1862 The Head-McKenzie Sensory Zone! as described by >udovich and 3ates! shows how visceral pain can radiate to certain parts of the s'in. A familiar example is cardiac ischemia with radiating pain to the left arm. 189% 8:2 n this context! 4ernoe stimulated the rectum of a decapitated plaice electrically and found that the s'in became pale. $e also stimulated areas of the gastrointestinal tract of the eel and cod and noted that in each case the s'in became lighter over an area of several dermatomal segments. 1872 t can therefore be readily appreciated that a visceral problem can exhibit in a specific dermatomal segment via a viscerocutaneous reflex and that the stimulation of the s'in can have a distinct effect on a related visceral area via a cutaneovisceral reflex. SE?MENTAL AND INTERSE?MENTAL E&&ECTS

#ost of the reflexes used to explain the effects of acupuncture are segmental and follow specified dermatomal patterns. 18;33>2 Others! however! are intersegmental. 0or instance! stimulation of acupuncture points of the foot has been shown to affect organs over D6 dermatomes away. 131% 382 A possible explanation of this phenomenon is via the long reflex of Sherrington. 133% 362 n contrast! those reflexes that fit into the dermatomes are segmental reflexes! often referred to as Sherrington<s short reflexes. The scratch reflex of a dog is a good example of an intersegmental cutaneomotor reflex. NEAR AND DISTANT E&&ECTS

One of the most perplexing problems is that some of the effects of acupuncture cannot be explained neurologically by either segmental or intersegmental mechanisms. 0or example! the effects of stimulating the acupuncture points of the head cannot be readily explained. $owever!

some research has shown that a distinct reflex may probably exist between the nose and the heart or between the turbinates and the sexual organs. 139% 3:2 Some scientific explanation for this is therefore li'ely. The scientific proof for these reflexes is important! but it does not fully or even ade8uately explain exactly what happens according to the empiric results obtained. The /hinese for many years have attempted an explanation in the philosophical terms of Taoism with reference to FinEFang (law of opposites) and to the circulation of biologic energy (life force! ?i 1pronounced chi2). THE ?ATE CONTROL THEORY AND ITS CLINICAL SI?NI&ICANCE The next consideration is the more recent Gate Theory, as described in /hapter 7. Although this theory! originally set forth by #el@ac' and 4all! has been amended to some extent! it is basically the same as originally proposed! and it would be well to summari@e it here. 13733<2 The gate theory holds that the large myelinated nerve fibers of the s'in have an inhibitory effect! when stimulated! on the small pain)evo'ing fibers that enter the same segment of the cord. 16>2 The large! rapid) conducting! alpha and beta fibers of the s'in conduct impulses via the dorsal columns to the brainstem and from there to the cerebral cortex. Small diameter! slow)conducting / fibers convey protopathic or pathologic and traumatic pain signals of the small fibers that arise from the deeper tissues of the body. f this were not so! the body would be in a constant state of pain. The stimuli from the dermis specifically produce inhibition in the cells of the substantia gelatinosa of Bolando! which is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. t is believed that the dermal stimulus depolari@es the cells here! which renders them incapable of receiving and transmitting pain signals. Thus! painful stimuli are bloc'ed (ie! the 9gate9 is closed)! according to #el@ac' and 4all. f! however! the small fiber system is excessively stimulated by some disease process! the small fiber system then gains dominance and the patient perceives pain. t is then said that the pain gate has been opened by the increased stimulation from the small fibers of the deep somatic and visceral tissues. This theory has many practical applications in clinical practice. 0or example! let us suppose that the 9gates9 are open and the patient is in severe pain. 4hat can be done to relieve this sufferingG Studies have shown that the inhibitory effects are enhanced when the large diameter fibers of the s'in are sufficiently stimulated and the pain gate in the dorsal horn may be closed. n addition! these fast)conducting fibers may also arouse inhibitory responses in the brainstem that produce a downward projection of impulses to various levels of the spinal cord that further inhibit the transmission of pain signals that would normally

progress to the brain. 1612 t is by way of this system of inhibitory projections that the full value (ie! relief from pain) can be reali@ed. Surgical research on patients with intractable pain has shown that the implantation of a dorsal column stimulator (ie! T5:S) can often completely bloc' the transmission of painful or protopathic impulses. 168% 632 SCIENTI&IC E5IDENCE

#eridian therapy with needles! moxa! electrical stimulation! or by means of other modalities most li'ely wor' by such a mechanismH vi@! by bloc'ing pain signals in or to the brain by projecting inhibitory impulses to the thalamus andEor cerebral cortex and ultimately to the cord! and finally! by bloc'ing noxious stimuli through the pathophysiologic reflex and thus producing muscular relaxation. Therefore! it should be noted that acupuncture is veiled in empiric evidence. Obviously! then! current scientific proof for acupuncture explains in part much of what happens when acupoints are stimulated. Although the #el@ac')4all theory explains how pain pathways can be bloc'ed! it does not ade8uately explain any possible locali@ed tissue changes that are 'nown to occur. 3y extension of this theory! however! local tissue changes may be postulated on the basis of locali@ed vascular changesH ie! improvement in the local microcirculation. 1662 Becent studies! several without a credible basis! have been advocated. n 0rance! 5/A readings on heart patients showed improvement after acupuncture treatments. 1692 n Bussia! a sensitive stethoscope supposedly noted different sounds over acupoints. The Bussians also noted a difference in the s'in temperature over acupuncture points. #uch research still needs to be performed. t appears to be that there are demonstrable entities called acupuncture points! but scientific verification for chartable meridians connecting these points is still wanting at this writing. $owever! according to a DIJ& paper from Bussia referring to research being conducted at the -epartment of :eurology of the .iev nstitute for +hysicians! #acheret and his associates have shown the existence of complex functional relationships between various parts of the human body and the internal organs. Their findings appear to support the existence of 9channels9 that are identical to those that the Orientals call meridians. 9The Kbody channels< in their peripheral lin' are connected with somatic and vegetative conductors running both independently in the form of nerve trun's! and li'e plexuses that get around the vessels and the muscles and reach the Kroot< spinal cells and truncus sympathicus nodes from which the corresponding segmental associations pass to the internal organs.9 According to these researchers! the channels in their central lin' constitute the conductive

pathways

of

the

spinal

cord

and

the

brain.

16:2

EMPIRIC

E5IDENCE

The volume of recently ac8uired empiric evidence cannot be denied. To mention just a few for example! 0ields has shown that acupuncture! through the stimulation of endorphins! is an effective modality in the treatment of pain! behavior modification! relief of the symptoms of drug withdrawal! and stimulating the autoimmune system. 1672 After treating just one point for acute dysmenorrhea in D6 patients! Slagos'i found complete effectiveness in the resolution of the pain syndrome. 16;2 Tseung and =a@harov describe case after case of musculos'eletal disorders! anxiety and depression! growth problems! primary infertility! impotence! induction of labor! episcleritis! chronic asthmatic bronchitis! and can'er sores (aphthous stomatitis) that responded to acupuncture after failing to respond under 4estern medical treatment. 16<% 9>2 .it@inger! a medical doctor! believes that even if acupuncture may achieve good! even spectacular! results by itself! he recommends combining it with neural therapy (electrical)! manipulative therapy (chiropractic)! and other standard physiotherapeutic modalities when vertebrogenic disorders are treated. $e states that 9/ombining acupuncture with manipulative therapy for a bloc'age is not only feasible! but also in some cases! the only correct procedure to achieve a therapeutic brea'through.9 1912 Shafsha' compared the effectiveness of electroacupuncture to that of standard physiotherapy in the treatment of tension myositisC I%.%L responded completely to electroacupuncture and I6.IL recovered completely in response to physiotherapy. 1982 4hile acupuncture per se has not been as effective in treating disorders of a purely psychic nature! it has been in relieving physiologic disturbances. Odell reports that when it is used in conjunction with hypnosis and visuali@ation techni8ues! it has shown to be a consistent and invaluable tool in a behavioral reprogramming techni8ue. 1932

Me!i,ian T!igge!poin s an, Thei! Palpa ion

S an,a!, A$0p0n$ 0!e "e ho,s: Me ho,s poin s a!e $o""onlof s i"0la e, S i"0la ion (se/e!al

D. Msing %6)! %7)! or %;)gauge! DE7 to D)DE7)inch stainless steel needles that are carefully inserted at specific preselected sites for durations ranging from a few seconds to 76 minutes or more.

7. Msing electrical stimulation with any modality designed for this purpose. %. ;. &. *. Msing Msing a specially designed finger neon or blunt or infrared instrument thumb laser (teishin). pressure. (controversial).

Msing a helium

Msing tiny beads sometimes called acupatches or acu-aids.

Other methods of stimulation include use of moxa (a herb that is burned near or on the s'in)! spar's from a hand)held device! and microcurrent stimulators! to name a few. 4hen low)volt electric modalities are used in stimulating acupoints! it is generally believed that a fre8uency of approximately & pulses per second (pps) is ideal for maximal endorphin release. The intensity of current! using a small diameter electrode! should be as high as the patient can comfortably tolerate. Stimulating the most painful trigger point contralateral to the patientNs pain (eg! elbow) while the patient moves the involved part has been found effective in rapidly alleviating musculos'eletal pain. n summary! when acupuncture sites are stimulated by means of low) volt electric current! several factors should be 'ept in mindC D. The exact site of the point or of its contralateral partner must be stimulated. 7. %. ;. A The The small diameter electrode must be be be used. selected. determined.

correct correct

fre8uency duration

must must

t should be noted that many of these factors are also important when other methods are used. Si e Lo$a ion

Acupuncture points are usually tender to the touch and located in palpable depressions under the s'in. Although most pertinent sites are usually tender! there are many situations where a lac' of normal tenderness at a site may also be diagnostic. As previously described! recent evidence suggests that acupuncture wor's by means of an extravascular transport mechanism. This means

that the points will be located at a certain depth below the s'in surface. Some research studies indicate that stimulation primarily affects the nervi vasorum (autonomic fibers congruent with the blood vessels)! and this further lends credence to inserting the needle to a specific depth. Lo$a ing Poin s

Of prime importance in meridianEtrigger point therapy are the proper palpation and locali@ation of the acupoint. 3ut first! a specific definition of a meridian point should be attempted. 0elix #ann states that in all diseases! physical or mental! tender areas are present at certain points on the surface of the body Opoints that disappear when the illness is cured. $e calls these sites acupuncture points. n /hinese literature! we find descriptions of over a thousand of these points. The more common %*& points are located on certain fixed lines or pathways called meridians. t is our opinion that an acupuncture point is! in many instances! identical to the trigger point described by Travell or the concepts described by #atsumoto and $iyodo in their writings. n locating important acupoints for treatment and meridian dysfunction! one techni8ue involves systemic palpation (ie! of alarm points) of the body at predetermined sites. These points will be described later in this chapter. 2AC@?ROUND The palpating hands of the examiner contain sensitive nerve endings that are 8uite perceptive to changes in tissue tone! temperature! texture! surface humidity! etc. The fingertips are particularly well supplied with touch and pressure receptors! while the dorsal surface of the hand is especially endowed with heat receptors. 0or these reasons! both the fingertips and the bac' of the hand should be used during the evaluation procedure. As examiners gain experience in point location! they will find it increasingly easier to locate critical sites. Acupoints will often be found that are spontaneously tender. 0or instance! a patient with appendicitis will point to #c3urney<s point as being ex8uisitely painful. ndividuals with headaches often relate a spontaneously tender area on the nuchal line of the occiput. n other cases! areas will be painful only when pressure is applied. #any of the points above the an'les and in the hand and wrist belong to this category. A third type of acupoint is not tender even when moderate pressure is applied. #any acupuncture points are of this type. PREPARATION

n searching for the acupuncture point! the patient must first be positioned in a comfortable position. The patient should be disrobed in such a fashion that the points are readily accessible to palpation. /are must be ta'en in all cases to preserve the modesty of the patient. As during the routine physical examination! it is generally best to have the patient undress and then robed in a gown that ties in the bac'. The waist band of the patient should be loosened for comfort and to afford free access to points of the lumbar! sacral! and lower abdominal areas. #ost examiners find it convenient to begin the examination with the patient seated on a low stool! and then transfer the patient to a comfortable cushioned table for examination in the prone and supine positions. +rior to searching for acupuncture points! the doctor should remove any jewelry that might scratch or irritate a patient. +ersonal hygiene! as always! is of utmost importance. The examiner<s hands should be thoroughly washed before and after each examination. TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS O& ACUPUNCTURE POINTS Se/e!al -pes of a$0p0n$ 0!e poin s o! lesions "igh ,is$o/e!e,: (e

D. Fibrositic nodules. #ost commonly! the fibrositic nodule will be the point located. This area feels li'e a small node or mass of tissue several millimeters in diameter. t will be tender to pressure and often spontaneously painful. t is similar to the fibrositic rheumatoid nodules often located at the bac' of the nec'! in the shoulders! or in the lumbar area. 7. Indurated areas. n many instances! a hard (indurated) area will be found. nstead of a nodule! the palpator might feel a locali@ed area of tense muscle fibers in a muscle. %. Atrophic areas. n other cases! the acupuncture point might be characteri@ed as a locali@ed swollen and discolored area or an atrophied area of tissue. ELECTRIC ANALYSIS

The examiner might be unable to locate acupuncture points by palpation. n these cases! it may be of value to ma'e use of one of the many electric devices available for their detection. These instruments measure s'in resistance to an electric current! showing areas where the resistance is altered. Once a point is locali@ed! whether manually or with an electric device! it should be carefully mar'ed with a s'in pencil or felt) tipped pen and then charted in the patient<s records so that a comparison can be made from one visit to another.

n >apan! :a'atani mapped out areas of altered s'in resistance into pathways that correlate with meridians. $e treats the most altered points. This system is called Ryodoraku, 1962 which! when translated! means ood electroconduction system. The fact that an acupuncture point exhibits altered electrical resistance allows an examiner to determine specific sites by using any instrument that measures (objectively with an ohmmeter or subjectively by the intensity of the sound made by an instrument) s'in resistance at an isolated point. t is presently thought that sites that are reactive (ie! involved in a complaint)! especially when we are dealing with a musculos'eletal complaint! are more conductive than surrounding tissue. These points are usually more tender and conduct current more readily (less resistance to an electric current). These points give a higher reading on an ohmmeter and produce a louder sound. /hinese physicians refer to these sites as ah shi (ouch) pointsH American physicians usually call them as trigger points. f the correct site is chosen for stimulation! the most common reaction will be hyperemia (histamine reaction) around the point stimulated. Also noted! especially when needles are used! will be a sensation of tingling or numbness radiating or referred distally from the site stimulated. This sensation is called the de!i (also spelled tae chi). 1992 A lac' of hyperemia or de8i appears to correlate with poor results! thus indicating that the proper site was not treated. n DIJ;! studies conducted by F . #. Sin showed that acupuncture stimulation not only gave good symptomatic relief in inflammatory disease but also suppressed the underlying progress of the disease. 19:2 The H0"an In$h

3esides palpation and measuring electrical resistance! charted acupuncture points can be located by using a topographic system of anatomical measurement. The unit of measure is called the human inch, tsun, or cun, and the system of measurement uses the patient<s own anatomical proportions to establish the parameters to be used in (D) locating points and (7) determining the depth of needle insertion. The human inch for a particular patient can be determined by measuring the distance between the patient<s two joint creases of the volar surface of the middle phalanx of the middle finger when it is flexed. t can also be determined by measuring the width of the patient<s thumb. 5ither hand can be used unless one thumb has been deformed by trauma or disease. Once the human inch is 'nown! various portions of the patient<s body may be measured lengthwise or transversely and that measurement

may be divided into a certain number of human inches. 3ecause a human inch is a proportional measurement for a specific individual! the number of cuns on a body part (eg! a forearm or leg) is approximately the same whether the patient is young or old! tall or short! or lean or obese. 1992 The only exception to this is where obvious growth! surgical! or pathologic asymmetries are present (eg! disproportionate limb)trun' dwarfism).

MaAo! Poin s: Lo$a ions% P!i"a!In,i$a ions% an, P!e$a0 ions

As the result of millions of observations of patient responses over several centuries! Oriental physicians have charted over %66 major points on the body and have attributed certain related functions to these locations. As a general rule! however! it is thought that any locali@ed point in an area of musculos'eletal pain can be stimulated to inhibit pain in that location. n DIJ;! +eter 5c'man! #-! +h-! developed a schematic model of the general effects of acupuncture. 1972 n the following sections! we will attempt to describe the most common sites of stimulation and the indications for treatment as cited by various authorities. 4e must state une8uivocally! however! that little or no scientific verification has been done in the 4est to substantiate these projected effects. Thus! the reader is cautioned to use every possible diagnostic tool available necessary to evaluate the patient<s complaints and to use this chapter as a reference to those sites used by Oriental physicians. The complete validity of the effects described must await further research substantiation.

Poin s on he L0ng Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he l0ng BLUC "e!i,ian a!e LU)1 an, LU)7#

LU)1
Lo$a ion# The site of this point (Phongfu) is found on the anterior lateral aspect of the chest. Msing your finger! palpate below the clavicle and see' a tender spot in the space between the first and second rib! approximately * cun lateral to the anterior midline of the chest. In,i$a ions# This point is the alarm point for the lung meridian! thus it may be tender in any condition related to the lung meridian. This site is primarily used for chronic respiratory complaints because it is the major point influencing the lungs. Stimulation may also be made at this site for shoulder disorders! especially those exhibiting painful adduction.

LU)7
Lo$a ion# This point ((ie8ue) may be found just lateral to the radial artery at a spot D.& cun from the transverse crease on the volar aspect of the wrist! proximal to the styloid process of the radius. A slight depression mar's the site of (M),. In,i$a ions# According to some authorities! this is one of the seven master points of the body. ts primary indication is in the reduction of locali@ed edema of musculos'eletal origin.

Poin s on

he La!ge In es ine Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he la!ge in es ine BLIC "e!i,ian a!e LI)6% LI) 11% an, LI)8>#

LI)6
Lo$a ion# 4hen the thumb and index finger are brought together! such

as when ma'ing a fist! this point is fre8uently located at the highest spot on the domed muscle bulge between the thumb and index finger. #ore specifically! the point is half way between the proximal and distal aspects of the 7nd metacarpal! just lateral to its radial side. In,i$a ions# This point ($o'u or $egu) is another master point. #any authorities feel it is the most powerful acupoint of the upper body. t has been studied most extensively and is stimulated more often than any other site of the body. 5xtensive research has established a connection between stimulation of this site and alleviation of pain in the upper extremity and anterior nec' or head. Stimulation of this site with electrodes attached to inserted needles is used to bring about anesthesia in the lower jaw or scalp prior to dental wor' or during certain surgical procedures. 4hen it is used in combination with the most tender trigger point (Ah shi)! pain in the upper extremity and anterior nec' or head can be alleviated. 4e have also found that prolonged stimulation at this site (eg! over D& minutes with needles) will trigger evacuation of the bowels in a patient who is constipated and promote drainage of body fluids. 4hen used in combination with other sites! ( ); may also influence other conditions. 0or exampleC LI)6 LI)6 LI)6
P!e$a0 ions:

D D D

LI)11 ST)3: SP):

O O O

dermatologic gastrointestinal gynecologic

complaints complaints complaints.

As his is a highl- sensi i/e poin % a,/e!se !ea$ ions ha/e (een !e$o!,e, wi h his si e% he "os f!eE0en of whi$h is s-n$ope. Thus! if the patient complains of wea'ness! faintness! or nausea during therapy! the treatment should be discontinued. This site is also contraindicated during pregnancy! except to promote labor or medical abortion.

LI)11
Lo$a ion# The location of this point (?uchi) is located just distal to the lateral end of the transverse crease of the elbow joint when the arm is flexed on the forearm. This point is fre8uently tender. In,i$a ions# This point is treated for pains associated with lateral epicondylitis (eg! 9tennis elbow9 syndrome) and is a special point used in

the treatment of acute torticollis. Some studies have also indicated that! when stimulated bilaterally! it may lower blood pressure and affect the motor aspects of the nervous system. Msed in conjunction with ( );! it may be useful in the management of dermatologic and allergic nasorespiratory complaints.

LI)8>
Lo$a ion# This point (Fingxiang) is found at the nasolabial groove on the side of the nasal ala. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this site promotes drainage of the nasal sinuses and may be effective in combination with other focal sites in the treatment of facial paralysis.

Poin s

on

he

S o"a$h

Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on ST)89%

he s o"a$h BSTC "e!i,ian a!e ST)8% ST)7% an, ST)3:#

ST)8
Lo$a ion# This point (Sibai) is found just below the orbit of the eye at the site of the infraorbital foramen. In,i$a ions# Stimulation at this site promotes drainage of the maxillary sinuses and is another site that may be used in patients with facial paralysis. P!e$a0 ions: ?!ea $a!e "0s (e a*en o a/oi, (!0ising he sensi i/e iss0es in his a!ea. njury may readily lead to subcutaneous hemorrhage (ie! a 9blac' eye9).

ST)7
Lo$a ion# This point (Qiaguan) is found in the depression of the inferior border of the @ygomatic arch! just in front of the condyloid process of the mandible. +alpation of this point should be made when the patientNs mouth is closed. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is effective for patientNs experiencing painful T#> dysfunction and may be effective for patients with facial nerve palsy.

ST)89
Lo$a ion# This point (Tianshu) is located at the level of the umbilicus! 7 O% cun lateral to the midsagittal line! at the border of the rectus abdominis muscle. In,i$a ions# This point is the alarm point for the large intestine. t appears that therapy here is effective in treating many gastrointestinal disorders. t is often treated in conjunction with /=); and /=)D7.

ST)3:
Lo$a ion# This point is found in a depression that is % cun below the plateau of the tibia! located between and slightly distal to the tibiofibular articulation. The depression is located about one finger<s width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. In,i$a ions# This point (-usanli) is another of the seven master points of the body! and many authorities feel it is the most powerful acupoint of the lower body. t is thought to be the major body point for systemic tonification. 3ecause of its location! it is also used in the treatment of conditions locali@ed in the lateral aspect of the 'nee joint. Several studies have related this point to the cellular elements of the bloodH thus! it has been indicated by some to be effective in the treatment of anemia and to increase the white cell count in patients with infections. Stimulation of this point is often used in conjunction with ( ); (thought to be the most powerful acupoint of the upper body) in the treatment of

chronic gastrointestinal complaints.

Poin s

on

he

Spleen

Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he spleen BSPC "e!i,ian a!e SP): an, SP)<#

SP):
Lo$a ion# This point (Sanyinjiao) is found on the medial aspect of the an'le on the lower calf. t can be located by placing the lateral aspect of an an'le on the opposite flexed 'nee (as in the familiar male seated position) and placing the little finger of your hand (flexed 'nee side) on the medial malleolus of the exposed an'le so that the thumb points toward your flexed and rotated 'nee. The point is located % cun up the medial aspect of the calf! proximal to the medial malleolus. The point is located just posterior to the border of the tibia. In,i$a ions# This point is called the crossroads of the three "in meridians of the leg because the spleen! liver! and 'idney meridians transverse at this site. -ue to this fact! the point has multiple indications. As one of the seven master points! it is often used in the treatment of patients with gynecologic disorders! especially irregular or painful menstrual complaints and male sexual dysfunctions. t is also referred to as the master of the circulatory system as it affects various vascular conditions such as patients with cold extremities or those that bruise easily.

SP)<
Lo$a ion# This point (Finling8uan) is located on the medial aspect of the 'nee joint! just below the lower border of the medial condyle of the proximal tibia. In,i$a ions# This point is primarily stimulated in the treatment of

patients with osteoarthritis of the 'nee or sprains of the medial collateral ligaments.

Poin s

on

he

Hea!

Me!i,ian

The!e a!e wo "aAo! poin s on he hea! BHTC "e!i,ian: HT)3 an, HT)7#

HT)3
Lo$a ion# This point (Shaohai) is located when the patientNs elbow is flexed. t is between the medial end of the transverse antecubital crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus. +alpation reveals an extremely tender point. In,i$a ions# This point is treated in medial epicondylitis (eg! golferNs elbow) or other disorders of the medial aspect of the elbow. Some authorities report success in treating this point in patients with angina) li'e symptoms.

HT)7
Lo$a ion# This acupoint (Shenmen) is located on the ulnar surface of the anterior wrist! just proximal to the pisiform bone. 5xact locali@ation places this point in a depression located just to the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon! just medial to the ulnar artery. In,i$a ions# This specific point is stimulated in an attempt to relieve patients with symptoms of nervousness! irritability! anxiety! depression! hypertension! insomnia! and abnormal forgetfulness.

Poin s on

he S"all In es ine Me!i,ian

he s"all in es ine BSIC "e!i,ian a!e SI)3% an, SI)1<#

The "aAo! poin s on SI)<%

SI)3
Lo$a ion# To locate this point ($ouxi)! ma'e a tight fist and note the small triangular bulge on medial aspect of the supinated hand. The point is located at the end of the transverse crease just proximal to the head of the &th metacarpophalangeal joint. In,i$a ions# This point is treated when patients have pain in the contralateral lower bac' region and in patients suffering with various types of arthritis.

SI)<
Lo$a ion# To locate the exact site of this point (jian@hen)! have the patient hold their relaxed arm at the side. n this position! the point is located D cun above the top of the posterior axillary fold. In,i$a ions# This point is stimulated whenever a patient complains of pain when reaching or putting their arm behind their bac' (extension plus internal rotation) or when a patient exhibits signs of degenerative joint disease of the shoulder joint.

SI)1<
Lo$a ion# This point (Tinggong) can be found by placing an index finger just anterior to the tragus of the ear and palpating for the gap between the tragus and the temporomandibular joint when the patient opens the mouth.

In,i$a ions# This site is stimulated in various disorders of the ear such as earache! hearing loss! or tinnitus. P!e$a0 ions: Ca!e "0s (e a*en when 0sing a nee,ling p!o$e,0!e o a/oi, "aAo! ne!/e an, /as$0la! s !0$ 0!es in his a!ea#

Poin s on

he U!ina!- 2la,,e! Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he (la,,e! B2LC "e!i,ian a!e 2L)1>% 2L)83 F89% 2L)31% 2L)91% 2L)96% 2L)97% an, 2L):>#

A large portion of the bladder meridian is composed of points called as association or associated points. These points! which will be described later in this chapter! are located along the medial most aspect of this meridian. They appear to be related to specific viscera in a manner similar to that described in #eric Analysis where specific spinal segments are related to specific organs.

2L)1>
Lo$a ion# This point (Tian@hu) is located two finger widths lateral to the midline below the occiput in the suboccipital musculature just lateral from the border of the trape@ius muscle. In,i$a ions# This site is thought of as the atlas of acupuncture. Stimulation here is believed to have profound effects on the autonomic nervous system. ts stimulation may also relieve patients with thoracic outlet syndromes! and perhaps! suboccipital headaches! suboccipital myalgia and tenderness! or torticollis.

2L)83%

2L)86%

an,

2L)89

Lo$a ion# These three points (Shenshu! ?ihaishu! and -achangshu) are found two finger widths lateral to the midpoints of the spinous processes of (7O(%! (%O(;! and (;O(&! respectively! in the intervertebral depressions between the thoracic transverse processes or lumbar mamillary processes. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of these points is made in patients with low) bac' pain! usually bilaterally! and sometimes combined with stimulation of A3)%6 andEor other points. The choice of specific stimulation in this area depends on the determined level of spinal involvement.

2L)31
Lo$a ion# This point (Shangliao) is found in the depression of the first sacral foramen. In,i$a ions# This is an important point in the treatment of =syndromes! lumbar sprains and strains! and other afflictions of the lower bac'. Some reports of experiments with male animals indicate that treatment of this point may elevate sperm 8uantity.

2L)91
Lo$a ion# This point (Finmen) is found in the longitudinal midline of the posterior thigh! halfway between the gluteal and popliteal creases. In,i$a ions# This is an important point in the treatment of low)bac' pain! especially when there is sciatic radiation to the thigh.

2L)96
Lo$a ion# This posterior point (4ei@hong) is located on the transverse crease of the posterior 'nee! in the center of the popliteal space. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is made in patients with arthritis of

the

'nee

or

sciatic

pain

that

radiates

to

the

'nee.

P!e$a0 ions: f needling is conducted! it is best to slightly flex the joint so that tension will be removed from the popliteal tissues. /are must be ta'en not to pierce one of the many vascular structures in this area.

2L)97
Lo$a ion# This point (/hengshan) is found halfway down the bac' of the calf! at the longitudinal midpoint between the 'nee and the an'le joints! at the split of the gastrocnemius muscle. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is indicated in cases of sciatica that manifest pain radiating to the calf.

2L):>
Lo$a ion# This point (.unlun) is found on the external side of the an'le! at a level of the midpoint of the lateral malleolus longitudinally and halfway between the Achilles tendon and the lateral malleolus transversely. In,i$a ions# This site has been found to be of value in patients with generali@ed body pain! foot problems! and sciatic)li'e pains that radiate from the lower bac' to the an'le.

Poin s

on

he

@i,ne-

Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s of he *i,ne- B@IC "e!i,ian a!e @I)1% @I)8% an, @I)87#

@I)1
Lo$a ion# This point (Fong8uan) is found on the plantar surface of the foot in a depression at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole! between the 7nd and %rd metatarsophalangeal joints. In,i$a ions# Although one of the most tender acupuncture sites of the body! this point is one of the best sites to stimulate when a patient has problems related to the feet. t is also stimulated in patients with dry s'in and complaints of impotence.

@I)8
Lo$a ion# This point (Bangu) is found just anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus of the an'le. f an imaginary line is drawn from the midpoint of the foot (midpoint between the front and bac')! the point can be located in a depression at the anterior)inferior border of the navicular bone. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is often made when patients show signs of excessively moist s'in (ie! hyperhidrosis).

@I)87
Lo$a ion# The site of this point (Shufu) is found in the depression between the Dst rib and the lower border of the clavicle! just lateral to the manubrium of the sternum. In,i$a ions# This point is often referred to as the 9reset button9 by 'inesiologists. #anual stimulation of this site is thought to temporarily balance the meridians or to 9reset9 them before muscle testing or chec'ing for overall energy balance in the meridians.

Poin s on

he Hea!

Cons !i$ o! Me!i,ian

There is only one major point of the heart constrictor ($/) meridian! HC):. t should be noted that this meridian is also referred to just as fre8uently by many authorities as the pericardium (+) or circulationEsex (/S or /Q) meridian.

Lo$a ion# This point (:eiguan) is found on the anterior surface of the forearm! directly in the midline! 7 cun from the largest transverse crease of the wrist. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is indicated for patients presenting with thoracic pain (eg! rib pain! intercostal neuralgia! postherpetic neuralgia! thoracic strainEsprain! and painful disorders of the lungs). Some authorities have reported that stimulation of this site may stop singultus (hiccups)! although we have yet to have our first success using this point for hiccups.

Poin s

on

he

T!iple

Hea e!

Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he !iple hea e! BTHC "e!i,ian a!e TH)9 an, TH)17#

TH)9
Lo$a ion# This point (4aiguan) is positioned on the dorsum of the wrist! exactly in the center! at a point two cun proximal from the flexure crease of the wrist. t is located directly opposite to $/)*. In,i$a ions. This site is the major point of energy balance in the body. Stimulation of this point is thought to e8uali@e the autonomic nervous system.

TH)17
Lo$a ion# This point (Fifeng) is found posterior to the earlobe in the depression located between the mastoid bone and the angle of the mandible. In,i$a ions# The indications for stimulating T$)D, are hearing loss! tinnitus! and earache. P!e$a0 ions: f needling is performed! inse! ion o a ,ep h g!ea e! han 1)1G8 $0n is a(sol0 el- fo!(i,,en.

Poin s

on

he

?all(la,,e!

Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on ?2)81%

he gall(la,,e! B?2C "e!i,ian a!e ?2)8>% an, ?2)36#

?2)8>
Lo$a ion# This point (0engchi) is found just inferior and medial to the mastoid process! in a depression (usually tender) that is located between the sternocleidomastoideus and the trape@ius muscles. In,i$a ions# This site! one of the seven master points! influences the autonomic nervous system. t is also an excellent point to stimulate in patients with suboccipital headaches. P!e$a0 ions: 4hen needling! the line of insertion is directed toward the opposite eye. -eep insertion of a needle greater than D)DE7 cun may trigger adverse effectsH thus! such depth is forbidden.

?2)81
Lo$a ion# The site of this point (>ianjing) is located midway between the spine and the acromion of the shoulder. 4ith the patient seated! hands folded in the lap! head forward! run your palpating finger from the tip of the acromion halfway up toward the spine! splitting the trape@ius down the middle. The site will be found as a tender depression at the halfway point. In,i$a ions# This is probably the best point there is to stimulate patients with muscle spasm in the upper half of the body. P!e$a0 ions: Pe!pen,i$0la! nee,le inse! ions a!e ,is$o0!age,. nsertion should be at an angle directed toward the midline. -o not exceed a depth of D cun! as the apex of the lung might be punctured.

?2)36
Lo$a ion# This point (Fangling8uan) is found in a depression located anteroinferiorly to the head of the fibula. In,i$a ions# This point appears to be the best site on the body to influence patients with muscle spasm! especially spasm in the lower half of the body. The point may also be stimulated in patients with pain on the lateral aspect of the thigh andEor leg.

Poin s
The "aAo!

on
poin on

he
he li/e!

Li/e!
BL5C

Me!i,ian
is L5)3#

"e!i,ian

Lo$a ion# This point (Taichong) is found on the dorsum of the foot between the Dst and 7nd metatarsals! approximately 7 cun from the margin of the web between the toes.

In,i$a ions# This point is often stimulated in an attempt to detoxify the body and for the treatment of patients with neurologic complaints. Some evidence indicates that it is one of the best points on the body for treating patients with migraine.

Poin s on

he Con$ep ion 5essel Me!i,ian

There are two unilateral meridians on the bodyC one on the anterior midline that bisects the chin! navel! and pubis (the conception vessel or Ben meridian)! and one on the posterior midline that cuts through the spinous processes (the governing vessel or -u meridian). The!e a!e wo "aAo! poin s on he $on$ep ion /essel BC5C% C5)6 an, C5);#

C5)6
Lo$a ion# This point (Auanyuan) is located in the anterior midline! % cun below the navel. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is thought to affect patients with pelvic disorders (eg! menstrual pain! gastroenteritis! polyuria! etc). Treatment may also be given to this point to generally relax the patient.

C5);
Lo$a ion# This point (Shenjue) is found in the center of the navel. In,i$a ions# This is a Hfo!(i,,enH poin nee,le,. ha sho0l, ne/e! (e

Poin s on

he ?o/e!ning 5essel Me!i,ian

The "aAo! poin s on he go/e!ning /essel B?5C "e!i,ian a!e ?5) 3% ?5)16% ?5)1:% ?5)8>% an, ?5)8:#

?5)3
Lo$a ion# This point (Faoyangguan) is found between the spinous processes of (; and (&. In,i$a ions# This point is a good point to treat for low)bac' pain.

?5)16
Lo$a ion# This point (-a@hui) is found between the spinous processes of /, and TD. In,i$a ions# This point is used in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndromes! nec' pain! and shoulder pain. t is referred to as a reunion point because it interconnects with other meridians and often ta'es on the functions of those meridians.

?5)1:
Lo$a ion# This point (0engfu) is found directly in the midline just below the external occipital protuberance! at the base of the occiput. In,i$a ions# Stimulation of this point is used in the treatment of suboccipital headaches. Some studies have indicated a relationship between this point and the endocrines.

?5)8>
Lo$a ion# This point (3aihui) is located in the midsagittal line of the scalp! on a line drawn between the apex of both ears. In,i$a ions# Belationships have been drawn between this point and treatment of patients with hemorrhoids and hypertension.

?5)8:
Lo$a ion# The site of this point is found at the philtrum! in the angle formed by the nose and the upper lip. In,i$a ions# 0irm manual stimulation of this point is indicated in patients who feel faint.

Ala!"

Poin s

As previously described briefly! there are several reflex points for the meridians that are located on the anterior surface of the body. Spontaneous pain! pain on pressure! or excessive electropermeability at one of these points may indicate that some disorder is present in the associated meridian. 0or example! it is empirically claimed that spontaneous pain at (M)D indicates a problem in the lung meridian! whose alarm point is (M)D.

All alarm (#u) points are located on the ventral surface of the thorax and the abdomen! and each point is associated with one of the D7 main meridians and its function. Six of the meridian alarm points are located on the conception vessel meridian! thus they are unilateral. The other six alarm points are bilateral! giving a total of DJ alarm points in all.

t is thought by Oriental physicians that tenderness or pain elicited by light pressure on or spontaneous pain at any of these points indicates that the meridian has excessive energy (/hi). Tenderness only on heavy pressure indicates that there is a deficiency of /hi. Aenerally! the alarm points are associated with the Fin types of diseasesH vi@! those diseases associated with cold! depression! and wea'ness.

Ta(le 3#8 lis s he ala!" poin s fo! he 18 "e!i,ians an, gi/es he ana o"i$al lo$a ion of ea$h#

Ta(le 3#8# Ala!" Poin s of he 2o,Meridian Alarm Point Location

2ILATERAL POINTS
Lung Liver Gallbladder Spleen Kidney Large intestine LU-1 LV-14 GB-24 LV-13 GB-25 ST-25 1 cun below clavicle, lateral interspace of 2nd 3rd ribs On vertical nipple line, between 6th7th ribs On vertical nipple line, between 7th8th ribs Anterior tip of 11th rib Anterior tip of 12th rib 2 cun lateral to navel

MIDLINE POINTS
Heart constrictor Heart Stomach Triple heater Small intestine Bladder CV-17 CV-14 CV-12 CV-5 CV-4 CV-3 Midsternal, nipple level, 3/4ths down from episternal notch 6 cun above navel, just below xiphoid process 4 cun above navel, epigastrium, midway between the xiphoid process and navel 2 cun below navel 3 cun below navel 4 cun below navel

Mas e! Poin s
The seven master points are the primary points of the body! and! according to some authorities! they are used more fre8uently than other points. Aenerally! they will all be tender to the touch and the effects from stimulating them are usually pronounced. These points! in review! areC LI)6 SP): 2L)96 LU)7 ST)3: ?2)8> L5)3

Asso$ia ion Poin s

Associated points were briefly described with the bladder meridian. An association point (or associated point! as it is sometimes called) is a reflex site for an affiliated meridian. Aenerally! it allegedly becomes tender when the meridian<s /hi is abnormally disturbed. All meridians have an associated point. This point is located along the bac' on the medial course of the bladder meridian! D)DE7 cun from the

spinous processes! on either side of the vertebral column. That is! all association points may be found approximately two finger widths lateral to the midline of the spine. There are also associated points that do not correspond with a specific meridian. See Table %.%.

Ta(le 3#3# Asso$ia e, Poin s

Meridian (M $/ $T A= (= A3 S+ ST T$ . ( S 3( Association Point 2L 13 2L 16 2L 19 2L 1: 2L 1; 2L 1< 2L 8> 2L 81 2L 88 2L 83 2L 89 2L 87 2L 8; Location 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T3 and T4 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T4 and T5 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T5 and T6 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T6 and T7 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T9 and T10 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T10 and T11 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T11 and T12 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between T12 and L1 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between L1 and L2 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between L2 and L3 1-1/2 cun lateral to spinous processes, between L4 and L5 At the level of the S1 foramen At the level of the S2 foramen

n this context! a special point to be noted is . )7,. This point is located on the anterior surface of the body and supposedly acts as an associated point for the entire series. t is sometimes referred to as the 9home of all associated points.9 Some authorities contend that these association points! when tender! are the best points to treat for tonification or sedation of the affiliated meridian because of a lesser possibility of an adverse reaction or side effects. The associated points have certain characteristics in contrast to the alarm points! according to 0elix #annC D. /lassically! they are points of sedation. Sedation of an association point in turn causes sedation of the meridian preceding it and the meridian that follows it. This is typically the reverse of what occurs when alarm points are stimulated. 7. These points! because of their general calming effect! are used in Fang diseases such as those associated with fever andEor overexcitation. %. Association points also serve well as points of tonification.

;. /hinese osteopathy uses these points in the correction of minor displacements of the vertebrae.

Closing

Re"a!*s

Although needling procedures are fre8uently described in this chapter! the s'illful use of penetrating techni8ues re8uires speciali@ed instruction beyond the scope of this discourse. $owever! this information as presented will be of extreme value when non)needling techni8ues (eg! electric stimulation) are used in adjunctive therapeutics.

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:eurological mechanisms in the

experience

Acupuncture

and

,lectro-Therapeutics

Research,

;C7,O%&!

DI,I.

Fue SC Acupuncture for chronic bac' and nec' pain. Acupuncture and ,lectro-Therapeutics Research, %C%7%O%7;! DI,I. var sc_project=5984804; var sc_invisible=0; var sc_security="59c6a52d";
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J Appl Physiol. 2006 Mar;100(3):926-32. Epub 2005 Nov 3.

Modulation of cardiovascular excitatory responses in rats by transcutaneous magnetic stimulation: role of the spinal cord.
Zhou Yi Syuu W, Hsiao I, Lin VW, Longhurst JC. Department of Medicine, Medical Science 1 C240, College of Medicine, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4075, USA. wzhou2@uci.edu

Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of magnetic stimulation on the reflex cardiovascular responses induced by gastric distension in anesthetized rats and compared these responses to those influenced by electroacupuncture (EA). Unilateral magnetic stimulation (30% intensity, 2 Hz) at the Jianshi-Neiguan acupoints (pericardial meridian, P 5-6) overlying the median nerve on the forelimb for 24 min significantly decreased the reflex pressor response by 32%. This effect was noticeable by 20 min of magnetic stimulation and continued for 24 min. Median nerve denervation abolished the inhibitory effect of magnetic stimulation, indicating the importance of somatic afferent input. Unilateral EA (0.30.5 mA, 2 Hz) at P 5-6 using similar durations of stimulation similarly inhibited the response (35%). The inhibitory effects of EA occurred earlier and were marginally longer (20 min) than magnetic stimulation. Magnetic stimulation at Guangming-Xuanzhong acupoints (gallbladder meridian, GB 3739) overlying the superficial peroneal nerve on the hindlimb did not attenuate the reflex. Intravenous naloxone immediately after termination of magnetic stimulation reversed inhibition of the cardiovascular reflex, suggesting involvement of the opioid system. Also, intrathecal injection of deltaand kappa-opioid receptors antagonists, ICI174,864 (n=7) and nor-binaltorphimine (n=6) immediately after termination of magnetic stimulation reversed inhibition of the cardiovascular reflex. In contrast, the mu-opioid antagonist CTOP (n=7) failed to alter the cardiovascular reflex. The endogenous neurotransmitters for delta- and kappa-opioid receptors, enkephalins and dynorphin but not betaendorphin, therefore appear to play significant roles in the spinal cord in mediating magnetic stimulation-induced modulation of cardiovascular reflex responses.

Battlefield Acupuncture for the Clinical Practitioner

By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");Recently, I have received several requests for information on battlefield acupuncture, a term first used in 2001 by my friend and colleague Col. Richard Niemtzow, MD, PhD, who serves as a consultant for complementary and alternative medicine to the Surgeon General of the Air Force. I have served with him on the board of Directors of the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute. It was recently announced that the U.S. Air Force will begin training physicians being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in a specific type of treatment. The treatment uses small needles in the skin of the ear to block pain in as few as five minutes and can last for several days or longer. The procedure was initially introduced in 2008 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), where it was applied to wounded service members and local patients for pain relief, with significant results. The hospital, located near Ramstein Air Base in Germany, is the largest and most modern U.S. military medical facility outside the United States. One of the pain specialists at LRMC personally experienced a 25 percent increased range of motion and a 50 percent reduction in pain for chronic shoulder and upper back pain he had endured for several years. As a result of his outstanding success, this pain specialist recruited his most challenging patients, for whom traditional pain treatment had offered limited relief. Within minutes of the needles being inserted, many said their pain was reduced by up to 75 percent. A 25 percent reduction would be considered a success with traditional pain medications. Despite its name, battlefield acupuncture is not purposely designed to replace standard medical care for war-related injuries, but rather to assist in pain relief and in many cases eliminate the need for pain medication for acute and chronic pain. This procedure is extremely easy to learn and may be taught to anyone in an extremely short time. It allows a provider to confidently complete a treatment and expect a good result within minutes. There are virtually no complications and patients are subjected to little or no discomfort. It has been reported that only approximately 15 percent of patients do not respond to this acupuncture procedure, but of those who do, their pain reduction often averages about 75 percent. The frequency of application and the duration of relief vary with each patient, but treatment can progress from about two times a week to as little as once a month or longer. In some cases, further acupuncture treatment may not be required. There are five specific ear points that are classically used; however, many practitioners only use two. The five points are: Wonderful Point (also known as Point Zero), Shen Men, Omega 2, Thalamus and the Cingulate Gyrus. The Cingulate Gyrus point and the Thalamus are the two points all practitioners use. As in so many acupuncture procedures, practitioners may place the points in different locations. The Cingulate Gyrus has also been called the Subcortex by Terry Oleson, PhD (international authority on auriculotherapy). Beate Strittmatter, MD, a German authority, places it

slightly differently (see Illustration). Personally, I use both locations just to make sure I cover all of my bases. The Omega 2 point is on the internal of the helix. Due to the thinness of the auricle at this point, any stimulation from the exterior will contact the Omega 2 point. Some may wish to approach this point from the interior, but I personally go from the exterior. The Thalamus point is directly opposite on the internal side of the exterior points known as the Temple or Sun. Most battlefield acupuncture practitioners approach the Thalamus from the internal position. However, I have always felt this point could be accessed just as easily by stimulation of the Temple (Sun) points from the exterior, and have used it that way for years. The official procedure uses gold semi-permanent needles, which are placed directly into the point and left to fall out on their own in a day or two. I have seen marvelous results with low-level laser directly to the points, as well as electronic stimulation. Conventional acupuncture needles may be stimulated for 10 minutes. Then use an acu-patch, which is a small stimulation sphere attached by flesh-colored adhesive. This can be left in place for several days or longer. This procedure is too valuable to overlook in your general practice. It is easy, quick and effective. Do not limit yourself to just acute or chronic pain with this combination of points. It is also extremely effective in anxiety, neurosis, neurasthenia and any psychological or stress-related issues.

The Low Back Thru Asian Eyes

By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Besides the common cold, more people worldwide, and in particular, people in contemporary Western nations, seek a doctor's care for lower back pain than the combined total of all other health conditions. GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");It then stands to reason that classic local acupuncture (meridian acu-therapy) points found in the low back region (see figure A) would be, without question, the most significant local points for the treatment of the number-one health condition worldwide. A review of these points, and utilization of just a few of the ones shown, will elicit incredible clinical response for low back pain in the majority of cases. There are additional points which are legendary for low back pain that are not found directly in the lumbar region. However, to the veteran practitioner, as well as the uninitiated, the local points illustrated here can and do illicit impressive response when stimulated by a variety of physiotherapeutic means or acupuncture needles. Figure A is one that you will definitely want to clip and save for further review. The information here is way too important to do otherwise. Virtually every point illustrated will have a specific effect on lumbalgia. BL 23, BL 25, BL 27, BL 28, BL 52 (47), and Du (GV) 2, 3, 4, and 5 are well-known for their success in treating low back pain. The "Du" meridian, otherwise known as the Governing Vessel (GV), is a midline spinal meridian running from the perineum over the spinous processes,

coursing over the head and ending just under the upper lip between the front two teeth. On this meridian, we find some of the most powerful acupuncture points on the body for treating a variety of conditions, other than the obvious low back pain: Du 2 - Expels interior wind, strengthens the low back and calms spasms and convulsions. Du 3 - Below the fourth lumbar; tonifies yang, and strengthens the lower back and legs. Du 4 - "Gate of Life" below the spinous of the second lumbar; nourishes the original chi, tonifies kidney yang, known as the Ming Men, "Gate of Vitality," and strengthens the lower back. Du 5 - Below the first lumbar spinous; for pain and stiffness of the low back, diarrhea and indigestion. Du 6 - Below the 11th spinous, historic area of chiropractic application according to Palmer. Du 7 - Below the 10th thoracic spinous; for epigastric pain, pain and stiffness of lumbar spine. Du 8 - Below the ninth thoracic spinous; expels interior Wind and relaxes tendons, sinews. All of the acupuncture points beginning with BL 18 and progressing thru BL 28 are 1.5 tsun, or two fingerbreadths bilateral to the midline corresponding to the Du (GV) meridian. Each of these points is named after its specific association, thus "associated" (shu) points. The names of the associations are by abbreviation; the neophyte will just need to use a slight bit of imagination to understand their significance. BL 19, between T10 and T11, is associated with the GB or Gallbladder. Knowledge of the working mechanism of the Gallbladder meridian from an acu-practic standpoint will open up an entirely new world of healing. BL 19 specifically relaxes the diaphragm; therefore, it is used for chronic hiccough or anytime the diaphragm is involved. It also is known to pacify the stomach. For example, the Liver associated point BL 18, between T9-T10, has a very strong significance on the eyes as well as on the muscles, tendons and ligaments. This point moves stagnant chi in addition to resolving damp heat and expelling wind. The two points known as BL 20 and BL 21, specifically associated with the Spleen and Stomach, respectively, are classic points to resolve musculoskeletal conditions as a result of dampness. They are located opposite of the lower spinous of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae. This is an historic area of the body, as it, along with Du 6 and Du 7, is the area D.D. Palmer referred to as "Kidney." This area was adjusted in every condition, regardless of the diagnosis. It corresponds to the "Earth" element in acupuncture and is an area of extreme significance. I can be so bold as to say that every DC should consider some type of stimulus action on this area of points, on every patient who visits the office for care. The point known as BL 22, or associated point to the Triple Heater (San Jiao) meridian, is a classic healing point. It is located two fingerbreadths opposite of the lower border of the spinous of the first lumbar. This point, along with BL 25 (Large Intestine) and BL 27 (Small Intestine), will have startling effects on gastrointestinal dysfunction, including colitis, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, etc. The Kidney associated point, namely BL 23, just opposite the lower spinous of L2, is one of the most known points on the body. It affects the entire Kidney network, including bone, marrow, ears and Kidney essence. It has a very strong effect on lumbar pain, tinnitus, dizziness, deafness, edema and asthma. It is a very significant point. The last associated point is BL 28, opposite the second sacral foramen. It is extremely significant for regulating the bladder, opening water passages affected by the lower burner of the Triple Heater. It strengthens the back and knee and has a strong effect on pain in general. It has a close interrelationship with the atlas vertebrae.

The BL points, which are located another 1.5 tsun lateral to the associated BL points, or four fingerbreadths from the Du (GV), are extremely significant. These points seem to be overlooked far too often compared to the ones previously discussed. The points of the second channel have two distinct numbering sequences which are universally accepted; however, in the U.S., we have seen a gradual takeover of the system which begins at the top point of the outer channel as BL 41, as opposed to BL 36, as known by two generations of practitioners over the past 30 years. For convenience sake, I have identified the points of the lower back outer channel by both numbering systems. The point known as BL 52 (47 on older charts) is a very significant point in line with BL 23 and Du 4, which is located just under the spinous of the second lumbar vertebrae. It is known to strengthen the lower back, strengthen the Kidney and affect will power, thus its name, zhishi (Will Power Room). BL 51 (46) just above BL 52 (47) is known to regulate the TH meridian, ensuring smooth spreading of TH chi through the heart and upper burner. Subluxation at this point is critical to the function of the body. BL 47 (42), at the lower border of the ninth thoracic spinous, is significant in that it regulates the chi of the Liver and has strong healing factors with the Spleen and Stomach. BL 49 (44) specifically affects the Spleen, and is known to stimulate both memory and concentration. BL 49 is located just below the 11th thoracic spinous. BL 53 (48) is an extremely vital point for bladder function, as evidenced by its name, baohuang (Bladder Vital). This point is 3 tsun or four fingerbreadths bilateral to the second sacral foramen. This point is just opposite BL 28, which is the associated point for the Bladder. Examine figure A carefully. These points, which have such spectacular significance, are something that every DC is in intimate contact with on a daily basis. Appreciating their presence and understanding their importance will serve the practitioner and patient quite well. General stimulation with a mechanical, noninvasive device known as a teishein, a simple piezo stimulator, and of course, one of the easiest and most effective devices, a 5mw 635nm laser pen, are ideal ways to stimulate acupoints. These are readily available and very inexpensive. Obviously, needles are a phenomenal way to stimulate points; however, the meridian acu-practic approach, utilizing a host of noninvasive means, is of great clinical significance. Keep this graphic in a convenient location and refer to it often. If you are typical, you too will see some spectacular response. Drop me a note of your success, and best wishes for a fantastic 2005.

Now Hear This" -- Part 3

By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC In part one of "Now Hear This" (April 25, 1990), we introduced you to a system of healing known universally as "auriculotherapy." In that installment, we asked you to save the graphic illustrated, as the rest of the series would hinge on the chart of the ear and the various reflex points which were printed in that issue. GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");If for some reason you failed to keep that issue, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to my attention, at P.O. Box 1003, Carefree, Arizona 85377, U.S.A., and we will send you an ear chart for your use in this series of articles. A good excuse why you failed to keep it or how you lost it will insure its arrival much quicker than a poor excuse. "The dog ate it," "It blew out the window of the car," or "My brother flushed it down the toilet" will be considered as poor excuses. In part two (May 23, 1990), the concepts and basic philosophies regarding the practice of

auriculotherapy were discussed, as well as concepts of point selection and specifics about certain points. Using the geography approach to finding points will ease your frustrations immensely. Part three is an incredibly important installment as it covers 92 specific formulae which historically and classically carry a 90 percent success rate or better. These are the prescriptions you will see used in the hospitals and clinics of the People's Republic of China and throughout the world, for that matter. I will be escorting another tour of China next March; watch "DC" for further information. Auriculotherapy is as simple to use as common sense would dictate. There is nothing difficult about it, especially if you learned its approach from this series of articles. Remember, auriculotherapy is simply a "this for that system." In other words, you use "this" point for "that" condition. Don't think for a second it takes someone with an acupuncture background to create a formula for a specific condition. Remember, you studied anatomy, physiology, etc., and are quite capable of using common and intellectual sense to put together formulae from your own thought process, which will be as good as the ones I present to you in these pages. However, I will admit the formulae I present to you are pretty good to say the least. Try these formulae on your difficult cases, as well as your easier ones. It makes the difficult ones easy and the easy ones a snap. Any form of stimulation will suffice; however, my personal favorites are laser, light-emitting diode, electronic, and needle, in that rapidly descending order of importance. Don't have any of the aforementioned? Finger pressure may suffice but nowhere as effectively as the techniques previously mentioned.

Formulae From Personal Experience Point Book SECONDARY POINT Subcortex; back of head.

SUBJECT INTERNAL MEDICINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

DISEASES

MAJOR POINT Internal nose; adrenal gland; forehead; lung.

Common Cold

Acute and Chronic Infectious Hepatitis

Liver; sympathy; Shen-men; spleen.

Internal secretion; kidney.

Bacterial Dysentary

Large intestine; small intestine; lower segment of

the rectum; Shenmen; internal Malaria Subcortex; internal secretion; liver; spleen; adrenal gland. Stomach; sympathy; Spleen; abdomen. Shen-men.

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Acute and Chronic Gastritis

Gastric Ulcer

Subcortex; Stomach; sympathy; duodenum. Shen-men.

Duodenal Ulcer

Duodenum; sympathy; Shenmen.

Subcortex; stomach.

Spasm of the Stomach

Stomach; sympathy; Upper abdomen; Shen-men. lower abdomen.

Enteritis

Large intestine; lower segment of rectum; sympathy; Shen-men. Small intestine; stomach; pancreas; gallbladder; sympathy; spleen.

Small intestine; spleen.

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Indigestion

Large intestine; San-chiao; Shenmen.

Nausea and Vomiting Stomach; Shen-

Subcortex;

men; back of head; sympathy. Diarrhea Large intestine; small intestine; sympathy; Shenmen. Large intestine; lower segment of the rectum; subcortex

esophagus.

Lower segment of the rectum; spleen.

Constipation

Sympathy.

Distended Abdomen

Abdomen; SanSmall intestine; chiao. large intestine; stomach; sympathy.

Intestinal Colic

Small intestine; sympathy; Shenmen.

Upper abdomen; lower abdomen.

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Bronchitis

Bronchi; Shen-men; Sympathy; back Ping-shuan adrenal of head. gland.

Lobar Pneumonia

Lung; thorax; adrenal gland; internal secretion.

Shen-men; subcortex.

Bronchopneumonia

Lung; bronchi; sympathy; Shenmen.

Adrenal gland; back of head; internal secretion.

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Asthma

Sympathy; ShenLung; back of men; adrenal gland. head; internal secretion; pants.

Alveolar Emphysema Lung; bronchi; sympathy; Shenmen.

Back of head; adrenal gland.

Pleurisy

Lung; thorax; adrenal gland; internal secretion.

Subcortex; Sanchiao.

Pleural Adhesions

Thorax; adrenal gland; internal secretion.

Subcortex; Shenmen.

Cough

Shen-men; adrenal gland.

Back of head; lung.

Pressure on Chest

Sympathy; heart; thorax.

Back of head; lung.

Chest Pain

Corresponds to the locality; Shen-men.

DISEASE OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Myocarditis

Heart; internal secretion; sympathy.

Back of head.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Heart; sympathy; Shen-men.

Subcortex

High Blood Pressure

Depressing point; sympathy; Shen-

Depressing groove.

men; heart. Low Blood Pressure Sympathy; heart; back of head; adrenal gland.

Peripheral Circulatory Disturbances

Corresponds to the locality; internal secretion; adrenal gland.

DISEASES OF THE BLOOD SYSTEM

Leukopenia

Back of head; Liver; spleen; heart; diaphragm; internal secretion. sympathy. Liver; spleen; diaphragm; sympathy; Shenmen; internal secretion. Kidney; urinary bladder; sympathy; Shen-men; liver. Cervical vertebrae; neck; Shen-men. Back of head; heart.

Thrombopenic Purpura

DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE SYSTEM

Acute Nephritis

Adrenal gland; internal secretion; spleen.

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM

Neck Pain

Hypertrophic Spondylopathy

Corresponds to the locality; internal secretion; adrenal gland; subcortex. Shoulder joint; shoulder; Shenmen.

Kidney; Shenmen.

Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Clavicle; adrenal gland.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Shen-men; kidney; internal secretion; back of the head; corresponds to the locality. INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE MENTAL AND NERVOUS SYSTEM Trigeminal Neuralgia Cheeks; upper jaw; lower jaw; Shenmen; back of head. Kidney; Shen-men; back of head.

Subcortex

External ear.

Meniere's Disease

Subcortex; stomach.

Sciatica

Ischium; Shen-men; buttock; back of Adrenal gland. head. Kidney; internal secretion; brain axis; back of head; San-chiao. Shen-men; kidney; back of head; heart;stomach.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Epilepsy

Subcortex

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE SYSTEM.

Renal failure

Kidney; urinary bladder; sympathy; Shen-men.

Adrenal gland; back of head.

Enuresis

Urinary bladder; brain; point of support. Uterus, external

Back of head.

Impotence

genital organs; testicle; internal secretion. Premature Ejaculation Uterus; external genital organs; testicle; internal secretion; Shenmen. External genital Testicle; internal organs. secretion; Shenmen; adrenal gland.

Epididymitis

Prostatitis

Prostate; urinary bladder; internal secretion. Thyroid; internal secretion; brain; Shen-men. Thyroid; internal secretion; brain; Shen-men. Brain; internal secretion; sympathy; Shenmen; urinary bladder. Gallbladder; sympathy; Shenmen.

Back of head.

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Cervical vertebra.

Diabetes Insipidus

SURGERY

Cholelithiasis

Liver; duodenum.

Chronic Cholecystitis Gallbladder; liver;

Internal secretion.

sympathy; Shenmen. Chronic Pancreatitis Pancreas; internal secretion; sympathy; Shenmen. Kidney; ureter; sympathy; Shenmen.

Renal Calculus

Subcortex.

INTERNAL MEDICINE DISEASES OF THE MENTAL AND NERVOUS SYSTEM

Headache; Dizziness. Back of head; forehead; Shenmen; subcortex.

Insomnia; Plenty of Dreams.

Shen-men; heart; kidney; back of head. Heart; kidney; Shen-men; back of head; stomach. Corresponds to locality; adrenal gland; Shen-men. Mammary gland; internal secretion; back of head; adrenal gland. Mammary gland; internal secretion; back of head; Subcortex

Neurasthenia

Cellulitis SURGERY

Mastitis

Mammary Abscess

adrenal gland. Dysmenorrhea Gynecology Uterus; internal secretion; sympathy; Shenmen. Uterus; internal secretion; ovary; adrenal gland; kidney. External genital organs.

Amenorrhea

Endometritis

Uterus; ovary; internal secretion; adrenal gland.

Vulvar Pruritus

External genital organs; back of head; adrenal gland; Shen-men; lung; internal secretion.

Ophthalmology

Hordeolum; Chalazion. Acute Conjunctivitis

Eye; liver; spleen.

Eye; liver. Lower segment of the rectum; Shenmen.

Anal Fissure

Large intestine; spleen.

Prolapse of Anus

Lower segment of Spleen the rectum; large intestine; subcortex. Subcortex;

Internal Hemorrhoid; Lower segment of

External Hemorrhoid.

the rectum; large intestine.

spleen; adrenal gland. Back of head; adrenal gland.

Cystitis

Urinary bladder; kidney; sympathy; Shen-men.

Prostatitis

Prostate; urinary bladder; internal secretion; kidney.

Back of head.

Orchitis; Epididymitis.

External genital Testical; internal organs. secretion; Sshenmen; adrenal gland.

After-effects of Corresponds to the Subcortex; back INTERNAL MEDICINEDISEASES Cerebral Hemorrhage locality; Shen-men; of head. OF THE MENTAL AND adrenal gland; NERVOUS SYSTEM internal secretion. Temper; Shen-men; kidney; subcortex. Corresponds to locality; lung; back of head; internal secretion. Lung; internal secretion; back of head; adrenal gland; corresponds to locality. Lung; Shen-men; back of head; internal secretion;

Migraine

Infantile Eczema DERMATOLOGY

Anaphylactic dermatitis

Urticaria

adrenal gland. Cutaneous Pruritus Shen-men; lung; back of head; internal secretion; adrenal gland. Lung; internal secretion; back of head; adrenal gland; corresponds to locality. Lung; internal secretion; testicle; cheeks. Shen-men; lung; internal secretion; adrenal gland. Kidney; liver; eye1; eye2; eye. Liver; eye2; eye. Kidney; liver; eye2; eye. Tongue; mouth; internal secretion; heart. Kidney; back of head; internal ear; external ear.

Vitiligo

Acne

INTERNAL MEDICINE DERMATOLOGY

Dermatitis Solaris

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Glaucoma

Night Blindness

Diplopia

STOMATOLOGY

Glossitis

Impaired Hearing OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Otitis Media

Kidney; internal ear; internal secretion. Internal nose; adrenal gland; forehead. Internal nose; adrenal gland; forehead. Back of head; stomach. Kidney; urinary bladder; heart; liver; sympathy; internal secretion.

External ear.

Epistaxis

Nasosinusitis

INTERNAL MEDICINE ----THE OTHERS

Seasickness; Trainsickness. Edema with Indistinct Origin

Internal ear; Shen-men.

Low Grade Fever Apex of the auricle; with Indistinct Origin apex of tragus; adrenal gland; internal secretion; liver; spleen; Shenmen.

Seven Years and Seven Months Ahead of Schedule

By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC As I reflect on my columns, I have come to the stark realization this issue will mark my 19th installment, including the one on Hand Miracle Points I wrote several years before becoming a "regular" columnist in October 1988. GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");I am continually intimidated, as I'm sure many of you reading this are, how Don Petersen Jr. and his exceptional staff can produce a tabloid of this caliber twice a month and provide it free of charge to every doctor of chiropractic, chiropractic student and supplier known to exist on planet earth. The whole logistics of the monumental amount of detail which goes into each issue is mindboggling. Here I am, one journalist of a staff of scores whose only obligation is to meet my simple deadline with a copy ready to print in time for the next issue. Every month I promise myself and assistant editor, Debi Pugliese, "I will provide you with several month's articles in advance," and every month I'm federal expressing my column on the last day, as Dynamic Chiropractic holds the presses. Unfortunately, and as you can imagine, most of the other contributors have a similar problem. If I haven't said it before, allow me to say it now, "Keep up the good work, Don." Well, my new year resolution for 1990 was to stay significantly ahead of my schedule to help lighten the load in the editorial office at press time. Suddenly, a flash of brilliancy came over me! I am aware of 91 specific miracle points over and above the ones I have previously discussed in the pages of "DC." I could write a column and show an illustration of each one of them, include case histories and comments on the 91 points and, lo-and-behold, I would be "seven years and seven months" ahead of schedule. However, as I began to contemplate all of the significant factors in acupuncture/meridian therapy I have not touched on, such as ear acupuncture, cerebral acupuncture, Ryodoraku examination, five element correlation, and approximately 70 additional items I would like to discuss with you right now, the decision was made to share all 91 miracle points with you this month. Don, Debi, I'll send you a specific acupressure formula for stress induced gastric ulcer and be expecting my federal express package on the last day as usual. Somewhere in the course of Asian history, the concept of acupuncture was established. When, where and how is a mystery today, and in all liklihood will remain that way. During this 5,000 (or more) year history, a number of specific reflex points occurring on the body and outside of the traditional meridians were firmly established. These points were referred to as "extra" points or more popularly as

"miracle points" for their incredible success in a specific problem. I could very easily write a column on each one of the 91 points to be presented in this article; however, it's important to remember "what you see is what you get." In other words, each point illustrated here is found in a specific location and has been shown to be extremely effective in a specific malady. Keep this article in a safe and known location and refer to it often. What you are to be presented with is advanced acupuncture of the highest degree as these points are generally known to and used only by masters. I personally use these points in my clinic and have likewise shared them with hundreds of students who constantly report to me of their success. Even though I cannot explain why they are effective, the clinical effects are extremely noteworthy. A few points: one Tsun is the widest distance across the thumb. Three Tsun is a measurement which is four fingersbreadth wide. A "Fen" is one tenth of a Tsun; therefore, "5 Fen" is one half of a Tsun. Please try these points. Incidentally, point #90 is one of the most significant points on the body for breech presentation. I know of nothing else which carries the same predictable success rate. I personally have dozens of case histories to my credit. I can say the same thing for at least 40 of the points illustrated here. Remember, these points may be stimulated with a variety of non-invasive techniques to include teishein, piezo-electric, electronic, laser, finger pressure, or (state law-allowing and properly trained) needle stimulation. Neophytes, please stay with non-invasive techniques. Miracle Points 1. Yuchien -- One Tsun lateral to LI 15 (shoulder pain/frozen shoulder) 2. Chihhsueh -- One Tsun lateral to CV 21 (asthma/cough/intercostal neuralgia) 3. Tanchuan -- 1.8 Tsun lateral to ST 16 (chronic bronchitis/asthma/emphysema) 4. Tsuoyi -- One Tsun L & R of ST 18 (mastitis/pleurisy) 5. Shihtsang -- 3 Tsun lateral to CV 12 (anorexia/ulcer/indigestion) 6. Yintu -- 5 Fen lateral to CV 12 L & R anorexia/ulcer/indigestion) 7. Hunshe -- One Tsun lateral to CV 8 (dysentery/indigestion) 8. Yicheng -- One Tsun lateral to CV 14 (premature ejaculation/impotence/scrotal eczema) 9. Shenhsi -- One Tsun inferior to ST 32 (diabetes) 10. Chienhsi -- 3 Tsun from upper border of patella when knee is bent (weakness or paralysis of lower limb/knee symptoms) 11. Kuanku -- 1.5 Tsun superior to ST 36 (arthritis of knee) 12. Hsihsia -- At lower border of patella (gastrocnemius myo cramp)

13. Lishang -- One Tsun above ST 36 (lower extremity circulatory disturbance) 14. Liwai -- One Tsun lateral to ST 36 (lower extremity myo power improvement point) 15. Lanwei -- 2 Tsun inferior to ST 36 (inability to raise and lower legs easily) 16. Naoching -- 2 Tsun superior to ST 41 (sleepiness/giddiness/forgetfulness) 17. Chienshu -- Between LU 2 and LI 15 (shoulder joint pain/poor movement) 18. Chiensanchen -- One Tsun superior to anterior axillary crease (shoulder pain/frozen shoulder) 19. Yeling -- 5 Fen superior to anterior axillary crease (shoulder pain/frozen shoulder) 20. Meihua -- 5 Fen superior and inferior to Yintu (#6) (anorexia/ulcer/abdominal complaints) 21. Tsechien -- One Tsun inferior to LU 5 in line with middle finger (goiter/forearm pain/paralysis with contraction upper arm) 22. Tsehsia -- Two Tsun inferior to LU 5 (toothache/forearm pain) 23. Hengwen -- 5 Fen lateral to SP 15 (4 Tsun lateral to CV 8) (polhidrosis/weakened body) 24. Chenching -- 3 Tsun lateral to CV 6 (constipation/irregular menses) 25. Waisuman -- One Tsun lateral to KL 14 (5 Fen lateral to CV 5) (irregular menses) 26. Paichungwo -- One Tsun superior to SP 10 (eczema) 27. Hsiyen -- In the two eyes of the knee-lateral is ST 35 (knee pain) 28. Chengming -- 3 Tsun superior to KI 3 (edema lower limb/epilepsy) 29. Shaoyangwei -- 7.5 Fen above upper border medial malleolus (lupus erythematosis/chronic leg eczema) Posterior Body 30. Hsinshih -- 1.5 Tsun lateral C3 spinous (stiffness/occiput pain/neck pain) 31. Chuchueh -- Slightly below medial upper vertebral border of scapula (pain in shoulder girdle) 32. Wuming -- Below T2 spinous (insanity/seizures) 33. Chuchuehshu -- Below T4 spinous (bronchitis/asthma/inter. neuralgia) 34. Liangyen -- 1.5 Tsun lateral to T6 spinous (acute conjunctivitis/hordeolum) 35. Shupien -- One Tsun lateral to T10 spinous (jaundice/cholecystitis) 36. Yaoyi -- 3 Tsun lateral to L4 spinous (low back) 37. Chungkung -- 3.5 Tsun lateral to L5 spinous (low back pain) 38. Yaoken -- 3 Tsun lateral to 1st sacral (foot symptoms/sciatic/low back) 39. Chengchien -- Between BL 57 & BL 56 (restores myo power to lower extremities) 40. Chuanshengtsu -- On heel tendon middle of superior border (low back pain/sciatica/difficult labor) 41. Nuhsi -- On the heel middle of bone (gingivitis) 42. Chungku -- Below C6 spinous (neck pain/common cold) 43. Pailau -- 2 Tsun superior to GV-14 and one Fen lateral (cough/neck pain)

44. Chuche -- 5 Fen lateral to T3 spinous (pneumonia/lung complaints/low back) 45. Chiensanchen -- One Tsun superior to posterior axillary crease (shoulder pain) 46. Houyeh -- At the exact end of posterior axillary crease (frozen shoulder) 47. Liangyenshu -- 2.0 Tsun lateral to T5 spinous (liver disfunction/myocramps) 48. Chichuan -- 2 Tsun lateral to T7 spinous (asthma/bronchitis) 49. Pachuihsia -- Below T8 spinous (diabetes/asthma) 50. Choushu -- Between olecranon and lateral epicondyle (elbow joint pain) 51. Loshang -- 3 Tsun above TH 5 (deafness/paralysis of arm) 52. Yaochi -- Below 2nd sacral (epilepsy) 53. Hsianenliu -- 2 Tsun above radial crease (lower toothache) 54. Tsuping -- One Tsun superior mid dorsal wrist crease, 4 Fen lateral (shock/cardiac failure) 55. Nuehman -- Between middle and ring finger (asthma) 56. Yinshang -- 2 Tsun above BL 51 (low back pain/sciatica/stiff neck) 57. Houchimen -- 1/2 way between coccyx and greater trochanter (sciatica/difficult labor) 58. Tsouku -- One Tsun below midline of line between coccyx and trochanter (sciatica) 59. Linhou -- Just posterior to GB 34 one Tsun (arthritis of knee) 60. Linghouhsia -- 5 Fen below Linhou (knee problems/sciatica) 61. Tannangtien -- One Tsun below GB 34 (cholecystitis/cholelithiasis/round worms) 62. Neiyangchih -- One Tsun below wrist crease (sore throat/infantile convulsion) 63. Fenyen -- (night blindness) 64. Muchichchiehhengwen -- (opacity of cornea) 65. Fengkuan -- (infantile convulsion) 66. Szupfeng -- (infantile indigestion/whooping cough) 67. Chiutienfeng -- (vitiligo) 68. Chingling -- Wailaokung Weiling (pain in hands/fingers/arthritis) 69. Pahsieh -- (pain/stiffness arthritis) 70. Yimeng -- One Tsun posterior to TH 17 (cataract/glaucoma/night blindness) 71. Taiyang -- 1 1/2 Tsun lateral to external canthus (migraine/eye disease) 72. Erchien -- On the skull where ear fold strikes (eye disease/migraine) 73. Tiho -- Most prominent part of mandible (lower toothache/facial nerve involvement) 74. Yuwei -- 1 Tsun lateral to external canthus (migraine/facial pain) 75. Lineting -- At the proximal toe crease of 2nd & 3rd toe (epilepsy/any type toe pain) 76. Toukuangming -- Directly above pupil at upper margin of eyebrow (conjunctivitis/eye

disease/migraine) 77. Yuyao -- Middle of eyebrow (facial nerve involvement/eye twitch) 78. Shangyianghsiang -- 5 Fen inferior to medial canthus (rhinitis/nasosinusitis/eye twitch) 79. Sanhsiao -- Middle of nasiolabial sulcus below LI 20 (nasal stiffness/rhinitis/facial nerve involvement) 80. Keliao -- Directly below ST 34, same level as CV 24 (facial nerve involvement/gingivitis/toothache) 81. Waiyuyeh -- 3 Fen lateral and one above laryngeal prominence (salivation/apoplexy/deaf mutism) 82. Hungyrin -- 5 Fen lateral to laryngeal prominence (acute & chronic laryngitis) 83. Echung -- One Tsun above Yintang (migraine) 84. Yintang -- Between eyebrows (migraine/high BP/nasal & eye disorder) 85. Shanken -- Middle of line connective inner canthus (obscure vision/headache) 86. Chiapi -- Border of nasal cartilage and bone (sinusitis/nasal stuffiness) 87. Shanglienchuan -- Middle upper border hyoid bone (salivation/stiffness in tongue/apoplexy) 88. Tsuhsin -- One Tsun posterior to KL 1 (gastrocnemius myo cramp/headache) 89. Chienhouyinchu -- 5 Fen anterior and posterior to KL 1 (leg ulcers/plantar foot pain/hypertension) 90. Hsiaochihchien -- Tip of small toe (turns inverted fetus/difficult labor) 91. Hsiankunlun -- One Tsun below Kunlun BL 60 (low back pain-foot pain)

For Your Eyes Only

By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Each time I visit the People's Republic of China, which now numbers nine times, I come away with new insight into a variety of matters. I recall so very well my 1980 trip where our delegation was privileged to tour a multitude of clinics, hospitals, and institutes. GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");We were fortunate to observe a variety of healing techniques to include two brain surgeries, a thyroidectomy, and a gastric resection, all performed under acupuncture. Even though everyone on the trip was of the chiropractic discipline, we were just as enamored had we been surgeons or anesthesiologists. One visit which stands out in my memory of that trip, which is one of my favorite recollections of China, is the visit to the primary school which housed grades three through seven. Chinese children are a delight. Despite the fact they are so cute, they are warm, friendly, open, and cheerful. As we toured the school, I was fascinated by the picture in each classroom of Karl Marx and Joseph Stalin placed in the front of the room where we in America might expect to see George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

However, one of the posters which I kept seeing throughout the school was an exercise chart. I couldn't help but notice this chart as it was posted in a multitude of locations. Even though I do not read Chinese, I was able to interpret the chart as an ocular acupuncture exercise chart. Not fully understanding the chart's objective, I inquired of our interpreter who explained that twice a day in schools and factories all over China, the students and workers stop what they are doing and massage specific acupoints which have a historic response in strengthening eyesight and promoting healthy eyes. Due to the fact that Orientals historically have weak eyesight, it was quite impressive to realize how many of the Chinese actually must wear glasses as opposed to our Western civilization. The exercises shown here are a direct reproduction of the Chinese chart which abounds in schools and factories: Exercise 1 addresses the BL2 acupoint, whereas Exercise 2 and 3 deal with the BL1 and ST3 points respectively. Exercise 4 deals with special effect acupoints in the eyebrow, and also includes TH23, GB1, and ST1. The technique is incredibly easy and effective. My advice is to stimulate with your fingers with medium firmness, twice a day, the points shown in this illustration. The eyes should remain closed during the exercise and should be repeated four times, twice a day. The time it takes you to conduct these exercises will be well worth the effort. It is not unlikely, as with many acupuncture procedures, you may see some immediate improvement. If not, be patient and perform the exercises every day. For the amount of time and effort invested, you will be amply rewarded. So When Are You Going to Have a Baby? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC My Favorite Procedure By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simply Simple) By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The Chakras and the Flying Seven By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC When the Student Is Ready -- The Teacher Shall Appear By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The First 50 Words By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Edema and Swelling -- What Can Be Done? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Relieving Motion and Morning Sickness By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC WARNING! This Article Is Not for the Weak of Heart By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Controlling Allergies By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC "Supercharging" the Immune System By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC

Joyful Sleep By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Asian Healing Techniques Contemporary or Traditional Chinese Medicine? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Acupuncture or Meridian Therapy: Are They the Same? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC How I Almost Blew It By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Why Acupuncture Now? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The Mysteries of Chinese Qigong By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC My Encounter with the "Wolfboy" By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC "Don't Get Your Feet Wet, You'll Get a Cold" -- the Environmental Factors of Acupuncture By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC | First prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Last |

The Ultimate Acupuncture Point Formula for Relieving Low Back Pain
By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Low back (lumbar) pain has been reported to be one of the most common conditions for which sufferers worldwide seek medical attention. It has numerous causes and can never be lumped into one specific etiological category. GA_googleFillSlot("dynamicchiropractic_com_Articles_Pages_Rectangle");The same is true for treatment. There are numerous treatments available, of which chiropractic and acupuncture have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness in the majority of low back pain syndromes. The most important treatment goals are to achieve a successful level of pain reduction followed by correction and stabilization of the condition. Most low back pain suffers will wholeheartedly agree that pain relief is paramount, and as quickly as possible. In my almost four decades of acupuncture and chiropractic practice, I have seen thousands of cases of low back pain that have been successfully treated. Only the very rare case has had to be referred for surgery. In the vast majority of cases, regardless of the specific cause, the patient has experienced significant pain relief in a very short period of time with the administration of a specialized acupuncture point formula. In many cases, pain relief was considerable before chiropractic and/or physiotherapy procedures were even implemented. This formula is by no means a cure-all for every lumbar pain syndrome, but has proven the test of time in countless cases. It does not do what chiropractic can do regarding structure, nor does it do what physical therapy, soft-tissue treatment, physiotherapy, therapeutic massage and other non-invasive procedures can do to strengthen muscles, ligaments or tendons. Its primary application is for early pain

relief. As most practitioners of acupuncture are vitally aware, there are specific points on the body that are key to most low back conditions. The points, SI 3, BL 62, BL 40 (54) and "surround the dragon" are usual points of application. It stands to reason that there are many other points that may be selected for a variety of reasons and diagnosis, but as far as a general overall pain-relief application, the aforementioned acupuncture points are classic. It's important to note that any additional points that a practitioner has used successfully may be added to this basic formula without disrupting its effectiveness. In my experience, approximately 90 percent of typical cases of low back pain can be predicted and expected to positively respond when one uses the three major "30" points along with the previous mentioned points. These three powerful points are known as GB 30, BL 30 and ST 30. GB 30 is directly over the sciatic nerve notch, a third of the way from the head of the femur on a line drawn from the tip of the coccyx. BL 30 is two-fingers breadth (1.5 tsun) from the midline (GV-DU MO), bilaterally level with the fourth sacral foramen. This is level with the top of the vertical buttock crease separating the right and left gluteal areas. ST 30 is precisely two tsun bilateral to CV (REN) 2, which is directly at the level of the symphysis pubes. When one uses the additional points of CV 3, KI 12, CV 4 and KI 13, the clinical response can be potentially raised another percentage point or two. KI 12 is one-half tsun bilateral to CV 3, which is one tsun superior to CV 2. KI 13 is one-half tsun bilateral to CV 4, which is one tsun superior to CV 3. These four points, along with ST 30, are all points on the lower abdomen. Most practitioners and patients will find it unusual at first to use these points, since the pain is in the back. However, its polar opposite effects and the fact that the lower Kidney meridian is the direct opposite of the huo tuo jia ji points on the back make them some of the most powerful points for low back pain on the body. So, in essence, the ultimate low back pain acupuncture formula for general pain relief, antiinflammatory effects, increased blood flow and relaxed supporting muscles consists of the following points: SI 3, BL 62, BL 40 (54), GB 30, BL 30, ST 30, CV 3, KI 12, CV 4, and KI 13, in addition to the huo tuo jia ji points in the area of involvement and local GV points, with GV4 (ming men) being specific for lumbar pain. If you use this formula for low back pain as a substitute for, or in addition to, points which have shown success in your own practice, it is the very rare patient who will not see outstanding clinical pain relief in a very short time. It is imperative that other procedures such as gua sha, direct low-level laser, cold therapy and heat therapy also be used. However, these acupuncture points can lead to successful symptom resolution without the use of ancillary treatment. Even though I always recommend 12 treatments in cases of lumbar pain as a trial of therapy, I fully expect to discharge the patient from acute pain relief to stabilization care within the first four visits. Do not become discouraged if on some occasions it takes longer. However, the better you become with this procedure, the better your response will be. These points are ideally treated with needles, but laser, electronic and percussive stimulation also may achieve favorable response. Needle retention should be no longer than 10 minutes with either electrical or manual stimulation. All the best for your success using this formula. Drop me a note and share some of what I expect will be dramatic and successful responses. I would love to share your experiences in a future article. You can also contact me and request a graphic of these points should you wish to see them on a human form

for easy application. Simply send your request for the Ultimate Low Back Acupuncture Formula directly to my e-mail address. All the best in 2010, the Year of the Tiger. Spinal Hua Tuo Therapy By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Real vs. "Sham" Acupuncture: Challenging Recent Negative Research By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC When Acupuncture Becomes "Dry Needling" By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Answering the Question: Now What Do I Do? By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The Acupuncture-Connective Tissue Connection By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO An Acupuncture Reflex System Used in Classical Chiropractic By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The Spinal Subluxation and Its Treatment by Acupuncture By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Ear Acupuncture: "Which Ear Do I Treat?" By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC The WHO Guidelines on Acupuncture Education: A Must-Read Report! Part 2 of 2 By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC An Extremely Effective, Simple Cold and Flu Treatment By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC "Now Hear This" -- Part 3 By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC "Now Hear This" -- Part II By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Seven Years and Seven Months Ahead of Schedule By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Korean Hand Acupuncture -- Part V By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Korean Hand Acupuncture -- Part 2 By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Electro-Meridian Imaging (EMI): Case Histories By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Contemporary Acupuncture Diagnosis: Electro-Meridian Imaging By John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC Microcurrent Electro-Acupuncture: Bio-Electric Principles, Evaluation and Treatment Book Review by Steven Lavitan, DC, LAc By Steven Lavitan 1 2 Next Last |

Acupuncture Treatment Formulas A - C

ABDOMINAL PAIN BACK ACHE

CV 4 5 6 8 P6 GB 27 GV 20 26 KI 15 16 17 18 19 20 LI 4 8 9 SP 1 2 4 5 6 9 15 16 21 ST 24 25 26 27 36 37 38 39 40 43 44 BL 16 25 43 48 57
ACNE

GV 4 14 SI 6 14 TW 3 6 BL 9 10 11 23 24 25 29 50 51 54 55 60 62 63 65
BACK PAIN

P6 LI 4 11 LU 11 LV 11 14 SP 6 10 ST 36
ALCOHOLISM

GB 25 26 GV 5 6 7 10 12 14 KI 7 15 SP 2 3 5 TW 3 BL 33 40 54 60
BELCHING

CV 12 13 P6 KI 21 ST 36
BLURRED VISION

GB 8 LI 4 SP 6 ST 36
ALLERGIES

LI 4 11 BL 12 38

P1 GB 4 13 14 15 16 17 41 43 GV 16 18 20 21 22 HT 5 KI 1 4 LI 2 SI 6 ST 8 BL 1 2 4 5 6 18 23
BREAST PAIN

P13 GB 41 42 SI 1 SP 5

Boiron Homeopathic for Hay Fever and Allergies

ALOPECIA

ST 18
BRONCHITIS

GB 20 11 LI 4 11 BL 16 23 38 54
ALZHEMER'S DISEASE

P8 KI 9 LI 5 ST 23 45 TW 2 10
AMENORRHEA

CV 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 P69 GB 10 11 18 20 21 GV 10 12 14 HT 3 KI 3 21 22 23 26 27 LI 4 8 10 11 LU 1 3 5 6 8 9 LV 1 14 SI 14 15 SP 18 ST 10 14 15 36 TW 3 10 BL 8 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 36 37 38 39 41 42 43
CALF CRAMP

CV 2 3 4 5 6 GV 1 4 KI 5 12 14 LI 4 LV 8 SP 6 8 10 ST 29 36 BL 18 20 23 25 37 38 60
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

GB 30 34 SP 6 ST 31 BL 50 54 55 56 57 61 63
CATARACT

CV 17 GV 14 20 LI 4 11 LV 3 ST 36 BL 10 15 60
ANEMIA

P6 GB 1 2 3 14 20 41 GV 14 20 28 LI 4 11 LU 9 LV 3 ST 1 2 6 14 TW 1 5 23 BL 1 2 8 10 11 18 64 67
CERVICAL PAIN

GB 43 GV 4 20 KI 1 LI 4 11 LV 8 14 SP 6 10

GB 21 GV 14 LI 4 SI 10 11 12 13 14 15 TW 3 5 15

ST 44 BL 11 12 15 17 18 20 21
ANGINA PECTORIS

BL 11 13 60
CHEST PAIN

CV 14 15 P123456789 GB 20 GV 8 11 12 HT 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 KI 1 4 5 23 24 LI 4 LU 5 9 LV 3 SI 1 ST 19 36 TW 6 7
ANKLE PAIN

P 5 6 GB 34 HT 6 8 9 KI 21 24 24 26 27 LU 1 2 4 7 8 9 LV 14 SI 1 11 SP 18 19 21 ST 13 14 18 19 TW 5 6 BL 14 15 17 19 24 25 42
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

GB 39 40 42 LV 6 ST 41 BL 58 63
ANOREXIA

CV 4 6 P68 GB 20 GV 4 LI 4 11 LV 8 SP 6 ST 36 BL 17 18 20 38
COMMON COLD

CV 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 P26 GB 6 28 GV 9 HT 3 7 KI 3 17 22 23 24 25 26 27 LI 4 11 LV 4 13 SP 1 2 4 8 9 19 20 ST 19 20 21 22 23 36 39 42 44 45 TW 1 BL 13 17 18 19 20 22 40 41 42 44 46 57 64
ANOSMIA

CV 12 GB 18 19 20 GV 14 16 LI 4 11 SP 6 ST 36 TW 4 5 BL 11 12 13
CONJUNCTIVITIS

GB 20 GV 16 23 LI 4 19 20

P7 GB 1 4 14 20 37 42 GV 12 14 LI 4 5 20 LU 9

SP 4 ST 6 8 BL 1 2 17 21
ANXIETY

LV 2 ST 1 2 36 44 TW 23 BL 1 2 10 18 20
COLITIS

CV 14 17 P7 GV 15 24 HT 4 5 6 7 8 9 KI 1 4 9 LU 4 10 LV 2 5 SI 3 4 7 ST 36 40 BL 14 20
ARM PAIN

CV 6 GB 28 KI 2 7 15 LI 4 LU 8 LV 2 8 11 SP 1 9 14
CONSTIPATION

P56 GB 21 HT 2 5 3 LI 1 4 10 11 12 15 16 LU 5 6 SI 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ST 36 TW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
ARTERIES

CV 1 4 6 12 P6 GB 24 27 28 34 HT 5 KI 6 8 15 16 17 18 LI 2 3 4 6 11 13 LV 1 2 3 8 12 SP 3 5 6 13 15 16 ST 22 23 25 26 27 28 36 TW 6 BL 23 24 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 38 45 46 48 50 52 56 57 58
COUGH

CV 3 SP 10 ST 36 BL 17
ARTHRITIS

P6 GB 34 GV 14 LI 4 11 15 LV 2 SI 9 SP 5 ST 36

CV 6 12 16 17 20 21 22 23 P24 GB 8 10 11 20 21 44 GV 9 10 11 12 14 23 KI 1 3 19 22 24 27 LI 4 11 13 15 18 LU 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 LV 14 SI 1 2 15 SP 5 14 18 20 ST 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 25 36 38 40 41 TW 5 10 BL 11 12 13 14 15 17 20 21 37 38 42 43 44 45

TW 5 BL 8 10 11 58 60
ASTHMA

CV 6 12 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 GB 19 20 23 25 35 GV 10 12 14 KI 1 2 3 4 5 6 LI 4 8 LU 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 LV 8 14 SI 4 14 15 SP 21 ST 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 36 TW 3 5 BL 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 36 37 38 40 51

DEAFNESS

CV 2 5 23 P234579 GB 1 2 3 4 10 11 15 17 20 23 25 41 43 44 GV 15 16 20 HT 5 6 LI 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 17 19 LV 3 5 6 8 SI 1 3 5 8 9 16 17 19 ST 1 4 7 36 38 TW 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 16 17 18 19 21 23 BL 1 18 23 65
DEPRESSION

CV 3 6 12 P46 GV 4 13 14 20 HT 3 7 LI 4 LV 3 LU 4 SP 6 BL 13 15 38

DIABETES

CV 4 12 P6 GV 26 HT 6 KI 2 5 7 LV 2 SP 6 ST 33 36 BL 13 15 17 20 22 23 26 28 29 31 32 34 50
DIARRHEA

CV 4 5 6 8 9 12 13 P6 GB 25 26 39 GV 3 4 5 6 KI 8 13 14 LI 10 11 LV 6 8 13 SP 3 4 6 14 15 ST 16 22 25 34 36 37 39 TW 6 18 BL 10 21 22 23 24 25 28 35 43
DIVERTICULITIS

CV 6 SP 6 ST 25 BL 25
DIZZINESS

GB 4 8 20 41 43 GV 14 17 19 20 24 KI 1 LU 3 ST 8 36 BL 3 5 9 10 12 40 62 64 65 67
DRY MOUTH

GB 44 LI 3 LU 11 ST 19 TW 4

DYSPEPSIA

CV 5 6 10 11 12 13 P6 GB 25 GV 5 KI 1 19 20 LI 4 13 LV 3 8 13 14 SP 3 4 5 6 7 ST 21 22 23 25 36 44 45 BL 17 20 21 25 42
EAR ACHE

GB 11 ST 7 TW 19
EDEMA

CV 5 6 8 9 11 GB 28 GV 28 KI 7 LI 6 LV 13 SP 8 9 ST 22 25 28 43 BL 20 22 23 27 47 52
ELBOW PAIN

P3 HT 1 3 5 9 LI 10 11 12 13 15 LU 5 SI 7 TW 10
EMPHYSEMA

CV 12 13 15 16 17 20 21 GV 4 10 12 14 HT 3 6 KI 1 3 4 9 20 LI 1 LU 5 7 8 9 11 LV 1

SI 14 SP 21 ST 13 14 16 36 40 BL 11 12 13 17 18 22 23 36 37 38
ENDOMETRIOSIS

GB 26 28 29 GV 2 4 KI 2 8 LV 5 SP 9 12 ST 29 BL 23 30
ENURESIS

CV 4 6 GV 1 KI 3 11 LV 1 9 SP 6 ST 23 25 36 BL 22 27 28 32 33
EYE PAIN

GB 1 11 16 44 GV 23 LI 3 4 5 11 ST 8 TW 23 BL 1 2 6 18 58
EYE REDNESS

LI 4 LV 3 TW 1 2 3 BL 18
EYE (STYE)

GB 14 LI 4 LV 3 SP 1 9 ST 2 36

FEAR

HT 4 5 8 KI 1 4 LI 13 ST 36 TW 18 BL 23 38 47 66
FEVER

P39 GV 4 13 14 16 HT 9 LI 1 2 4 5 11 LU 10 11 SI 5 SP 2 ST 43 TW 1 3 5 6 15 BL 5 11 12 13 19 39
FINGER PAIN

SI 4 7 8
FLANK PAIN

P128 GB 34 39 40 41 GV 5 LV 13 SP 17 19 20 21
FOOT PAIN

GB 39 41 KI 2 3 LV 3 ST 34 41 44 TW 3 4 BL 55 56 61 62

GALLSTONES

CV 10 12 13 GB 34 LV 13 14

ST 36 TW 6 BL 18 19
GASTRITIS

CV 10 12 13 14 15 P5678 KI 20 LI 4 11 LU 5 LV 13 SP 4 5 ST 19 21 22 23 24 28 36 37 TW 6 8 BL 13 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 66
GENITAL PAIN

CV 1 GB 30 GV 1 KI 10 11 12 LV 4 8 12 BL 47 49 50
GINGIVITIS

GB 4 12 GV 27 LI 4 SI 8 16 17 18 ST 4 5 42 44 45 TW 2 20
GOUT

LV 2 3 4 SP 4 5 6 ST 44 BL 39
HEADACHE (HANGOVER)

CV 5 GB 4 8 20 KI 1 SI 1 ST 2 8 44

TW 12 BL 60
HEADACHE (FRONTAL)

GB 14 20 GV 14 20 23 24 LI 4 SI 1 ST 8 BL 2 63
HEADACHE (MIGRAINE)

CV 4 12 GB 1 4 5 6 8 9 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 38 44 GV 19 KI 10 11 LI 4 10 11 LU 6 SP 6 ST 8 36 44 TW 3 5 10 22 23 BL 2 7 10 62 67
HEART PALPATAIONS

CV 4 12 14 P67 GB 35 HT 5 7 KI 25 ST 36 BL 12 15
HEEL PAIN

KI 3 4 SP 5 BL 57 60 61
HEPATITIS

GB 24 34 GV 14 LV 4 13 14 ST 36 BL 18 19 20 21

HERNIA

CV 2 3 4 5 6 7 GB 26 27 KI 6 LV 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 SP 5 6 12 13 14 ST 23 26 27 28 29 43 BL 29 30 32 55
HICCUPS

CV 6 12 13 15 17 22 P68 GB 20 24 GV 16 26 KI 3 17 18 LI 5 9 LU 6 LV 2 8 13 14 SP 3 ST 11 13 18 25 36 BL 14 17 18 19 21 38 40 41
HYPERTENSION

CV 12 P89 GB 20 25 34 HT 7 KI 1 3 LI 11 LV 2 3 13 SP 6 ST 36 40 BL 15 19 54
HYPERTHYROID

CV 22 23 P6 GB 1 20 21 26 GV 12 14 KI 15 LI 4 ST 2 9 10 26 BL 10 11

HYPOTENSION

GV 20 25 26 HT 1 5 6 KI 1 LV 3 SP 6 ST 9 36 BL 15 17 18 22 23 38
IMMUNE SYSTEM

LI 4 11 SP 10 GV 14 20 ST 36
INCONTINENCE

CV 1 2 3 4 6 GB 34 GV 4 20 HT 8 ST 22 36 BL 22 23 24 25
INFLUENZA

P6 GB 20 GV 13 14 16 LI 4 LU 7 9 10 SP 15 ST 36 TW 5 BL 11 12 38
INSOMNIA

CV 4 6 12 P67 GB 17 20 41 44 GV 4 18 19 20 24 GV 4 18 19 20 24 HT 6 7 KI 1 6 24 LI 1 4 LU 9 10

LV 2 10 SI 3 SP 1 2 6 9 ST 12 27 36 40 45 TW 16 BL 13 15 18 20 21 23 26 30 39 42 62
JAW (LOCK JAW)

CV 24 GB 7 GV 20 LI 4 19 ST 5 6 7 44 TW 6 17 22
KIDNEY STONES

GB 26 34 KI 3 SP 6 ST 36 BL 22 23 24 25 26 27 46 47
KNEE INFLAMMATION

GB 31 33 34 39 GV 3 KI 10 SP 9 BL 54 56
KNEE PAIN

GB 30 33 34 39 GV 12 14 KI 1 10 LV 4 7 8 SI 2 SP 9 10 ST 33 34 35 36 BL 53 54
LEG PAIN

GB 28 29 30 31 34 37 39 40 41 KI 2 8 10 LV 9 11 SP 6 9 10

ST 31 32 38 BL 49 54 56 57 58 62 63 64 65
LIVER CIRRHOSIS

LV 3 9 14 SP 10 ST 36 BL 18 19 20 23 24 25
LOW BACK PAIN

GB 25 26 27 28 29 30 34 GV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 KI 3 7 LV 2 3 4 9 11 13 SI 3 SP 2 3 8 ST 31 36 37 BL 13 18 22 23 25 26 30 31 32 33 34 35 49 51 54 55 60 62 63 64 65
LOW BACK SPRAIN

GB 34 KI 9 LV 6 SP 8 9 BL 23 24 25 50 51 55
MENSTRATION (IRREGULAR CYCLE)

CV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 GB 26 34 41 GV 2 KI 2 3 5 6 8 13 14 15 LV 1 2 5 9 11 SP 1 6 9 10 ST 25 30 36 BL 18 23 31 32 33 34
MENORRHAGIA

CV 3 4 5 6 HT 1 8 KI 2 10 LV 1 2 3 6 SP 1 2 6 8 ST 10 12 36 TW 3

BL 23 54
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

GB 41 GV 12 HT 1 LV 3 5 SP 10 ST 43
MUSCULAR DYSTOPHY

CV 4 6 12 P6 GB 34 35 GV 4 KI 27 LV 8 13 14 SI 3 SP 6 ST 25 36 BL 20 21 22 25 54 57 60
NAUSEA

CV 12 P46 GB 14 HT 4 LU 4 9 5 LV 3 13 SP 1 ST 18 24 36 TW 5 7 BL 19 21
NECK PAIN

GB 4 20 21 36 39 40 GV 13 14 16 LI 4 11 LU 7 SI 3 6 13 14 15 ST 5 TW 5 10 15 17

NECK SPRAIN

GB 20 SI 3 14 TW 10 16 BL 12 64
NECK STIFFNESS

GB 7 13 19 20 21 36 39 GV 10 14 15 16 18 19 HT 3 LI 1 11 LU 7 SI 3 4 5 7 14 15 16 19 ST 6 11 TW 5 10 12 15 16 BL 1 2 4 10 11 12 64 65 66
OBESITY

GB 34 LI 4 LV 3 SP 6 ST 36
OTITIS EXTERNA

GB 2 LI 1 4 11 SI 19 ST 7 TW 3 22
OTITIS MEDIA

GB 2 3 12 20 21 41 LI 4 11 SI 14 15 17 19 ST 6 7 36 TW 5 17 19 21
PARKINSON'S DISEASE

CV 4 GB 20 GV 4 12 20 SI 3

PNEUMONIA

CV 12 17 22 GV 12 14 KI 24 25 26 27 LI 4 10 11 13 LU 1 5 6 7 9 LV 14 SI 14 ST 13 14 15 16 36 TW 5 6 BL 11 12 13 14 15 20 23 36 37 38
PROSTATITIS

CV 3 4 GV 4 SP 6 9 ST 36 BL 23 28 47
PSORIASIS

P6 LI 4 11 15 LV 3 SP 6 10 ST 25 BL 25
RECTAL PROLAPSE

CV 2 3 4 8 P6 GB 20 GV 1 2 4 20 KI 1 5 15 SP 4 6 9 12 ST 15 25 26 36 TW 1 3 7 BL 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 34 57 58
SCAPULA PAIN

SI 8 9 10 11 13 14 TW 15

SCIATICA

GB 25 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 GV 3 4 KI 4 LV 4 SP 2 4 6 9 ST 31 36 BL 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 48 49 50 51 53 54 57 58 60 64
SHOULDER PAIN

GB 4 20 21 29 30 HT 2 LI 11 14 15 16 LU 2 SI 3 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ST 32 38 TW 3 6 10 13 14 15 16 BL 10 21 37
STOMACH ACHE

CV 9 P5 GV 8 KI 18 LU 1 SP 2 3 4 5 ST 19 20 21 36
STROKE

CV 12 24 P569 GB 12 15 20 21 30 34 39 GV 12 15 16 20 26 HT 9 LI 1 4 9 10 11 LU 10 11 LV 2 ST 36 TW 10 BL 10 18 25 54 62
SYNCOPE

CV 8 GB 43

GV 20 26 HT 3 9 LU 11 LV 1 SI 3 5 ST 36 45 BL 3 38 58
TACHYCARDIA

GB 20 HT 3 7 KI 25 SI 14 SP 19 ST 36 BL 10 11 12 38
THIGH PAIN

GB 30 LV 11 SP 5 ST 32 BL 51
THROAT SORENESS

CV 22 KI 1 2 3 6 LI 1 2 3 4 11 17 18 LU 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 LV 3 SI 17 19 ST 9 10 11 12 TW 1 2 3 6 BL 11 15 54
TINNITUS

GB 2 4 10 11 12 20 21 42 GV 4 20 LI 4 5 6 SI 2 3 4 5 9 16 17 ST 36 44 TW 1 2 3 5 17 18 19 21 22 BL 8

TOOTH ACHE

CV 24 GB 2 4 5 6 10 12 17 GV 16 26 KI 6 LI 1 4 6 10 11 LV 2 3 ST 6 36 42 44 TW 5 17 LI 4 specific for lower jaw ST 44 specific for upper jaw

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

CV 24 GB 1 11 14 20 41 LI 4 11 20 LU 7 LV 3 SI 4 8 18 ST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 36 40 44 BL 2
TRISMUS (LOCKJAW)

CV 24 GB 7 GV 20 LI 4 19 ST 5 6 7 44 TW 6 17 22
ULCER (GASTRIC)

CV 10 12 13 14 P68 HT 5 7 LI 4 13 LU 5 SP 1 ST 36 38 TW 6 BL 17 18 19 20 22 23 25 38 44 45
UTERUS PROLAPSE

CV 1 6 GV 20

KI 1 2 3 11 LV 8 12 SP 6 ST 36 BL 31 32
VENERIAL DZ (GONORRHEA)

CV 1 2 3 4 KI 4 7 8 9 10 12 18 LV 1 4 SP 6 11 12 15 ST 25 31 BL 22 24 26 27 28 31 32 33 34 35 48 57 61
VERTIGO

CV 4 6 12 P167 GB 3 4 8 13 15 16 17 20 21 34 41 43 GV 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 HT 3 5 6 7 KI 1 3 LI 1 2 4 LU 3 10 LV 2 3 SI 3 7 15 SP 6 ST 2 7 36 40 41 TW 2 3 12 23 BL 1 2 5 6 8 9 10 11 15 16 17 18 20 23 40 58 60 62 65 66 67
VOMITING DUE TO PREGNANCY

CV 22 P6 KI 21 ST 36 BL 17
WRITERS' CRAMP

P58 LI 3 4 5 11 LU 6 7 9 10 11 SI 4 6 TW 4 6

Heart: Fire energy yin organ

The heart is called the 'King' of the organs. The Internal Medicine Classic states: 'The heart commands all of the organs and viscera, houses the spirit, and controls the emotions.' In Chinese, the word for 'heart' (shin) is also used to denote 'mind'. When the heart is strong and steady, it controls the emotions; when it is weak and wavering, the emotions rebel and prey upon the heart mind, which then loses its command over the body. Physiologically, the heart controls the circulation and distribution of blood, and therefore all the other organs depend upon it for sustenance. Thoughts and emotions influence the function of various organs via pulse and blood pressure, which are controlled by the heart, where emotions arise. Internally, the heart is functionally associated with the thymus gland, which is located in the same cavity and forms a mainstay of the immune system. Extreme emotions such as grief and anger have an immediate suppressive effect on the immune system by inhibiting thymus function, a phenomenon that has long been observed but little understood in Western medicine. Externally, the heart is related to the tongue, to which it is connected by the heart muscle. The color and texture of the tongue thus reflect the condition of the heart. Speech impediments such as stuttering and mutism are often caused by dysfunction or imbalance in heart energy. Facial complexion, which is a direct reflection of blood circulation, is also a major external indicator of heart function. Fire energy makes the heart the dominant organ of summer, during which season the heart must increase circulation to the surface in order to dissipate excess body heat.

<!-google_ad_client = "pub-9083241656453263"; /* 468x60, created 4/22/09 */ google_ad_slot = "3814615952"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //-->Heart/Mind
Paired Organ: Small Intestine Color: red with slight blue tint Peak Hours: 11am-1pm Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion, adrenals, thyroid, prostate, pituitary Functions: pulse/circulation, house of the spirit

Heart: Psycho Emotional Aspects

The Heart's associated organ is the Small Intestine; its element is Fire. Long-term memory, thinking, emotions, intimacy, cognition, intelligence, and ideas are all dominated by the function of the Heart. The Heart is sometimes called The Emperor, or "supreme controller of all Yin and Yang organs". The Heart houses the body's spirit (Shen). The Heart dominates sleep; if the Heart is strong the patient will fall asleep easily and sleep soundly. If

the Heart is weak, the patient's mind will "float," resulting in an inability to fall asleep, disturbed sleep, or excessive dreaming. The Heart's positive psycho emotional attributes are love, joy, peace, contentment, propriety, insight, wisdom, orderliness, forgiveness, and courtesy. Its negative attributes are hate, guilt, shock, nervousness, excitement, longing, and craving. ... It is only recently that the intelligence system of the heart has been discovered. The heart is not just a pumping machine. It is an intelligence system. It is in fact the most intelligent system of all our brains, with its own receptors, its own electromagnetic force, from 45 to 70 times more powerful than the brains of the neocortex, and the only force capable of changing our own DNA. It can turn the mortal into immortal, glial cells into heart cells, mortal center into immortal walls in any cell. It is in fact he heart that turns each one of us from dead into living cells. No one of us is human until the heart beats. And vice versa, that first beat of the heart is what makes us human. In summary we can affirm the following: a) The heart contains its own nervous system and nerve ganglia that process information and send it to the neocortex. b) Th heart is a hormonal gland producing its own neurotransmitters, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrin, the catechlomines, which affect the kidneys, the adrenal gland, the circulatory system and the neocortex. c) The heart generates from 45 to 60 times more amplitude electrically than what we call the brain, plus all emotions alter the heart's electrical field. d) Electricity emanating from the heart of person A can be detected and measured in the brain waves of persons near or touching person A. e) Cellular memory resides in the heart cells, as can be seen from transplant cases. f) DNA can be altered in the hands of a person practicing head/heart "entrainment," or what we know as yoga. The second beat, and the first in what will determine our identity, is the amygdala. The amygdala starts forming immediately after the heart's first beat. It stores all the memories of our life in the womb, with the placenta, the water, the fluids of life and the terror of losing them, and also the joy of being fed, of bouncing, of moving. But the amygdala stores also the life of the mother, her depressions, her fears, her life. And this accumulation of memories goes on in us till the age of three. Which means that all this time we have lived, our life has been recorded for us in the amydgala. After the age of three the hippocampus matures in us. In it conscious memories are stored and we have access to them However, the hippo campus, we, have no access to the memories and the life we lived in the amygdala of the previous three years, even if from this point on amygdala and hippo campus converse with each other ( Carter, Rita, 1998). What happens to the memories of the amygdala? They become our individual nightmare, the invisible conditioning of all our actions, the blind spot of our lives, the origin of all our terrors, the unknown reason why we do what we done even when we do not know why we do it. This is the reason why there is karma, and why we speak of previous lives, and we create, those vengeful gods waiting to destroy us around every corner, and the faces of the gods are so distorted and our bodies are paralyzed with fear and inaction. And this is why there is yoga. Can we destroy these nightmares to which we have no access to, can we change those distorted faces of the gods, can we dissolve our conditioning? The answer is, of course, yes, and the path is YOGA. And this, why? Because the conditioning of the amygdala can only be removed by the intelligence system previous to it, and this is the heart, with its electromagnetic force and its power of transformation. Otherwise, the amygdala can act on its own by passing the intelligence centers of the neocortex. The gunas keep acting in spite of our good intentions. We live in vain tied to the wheel of samsara.

The Heart Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories

This channel begins at the heart and emerges via the surrounding blood vessels to pass down through the diaphragm to the small intestine. Another internal branch extends through the throat to the eye, and a connecting channel goes to the tongue. A third branch goes first to the lung before surfacing at the center of the armpit. From here the channel descends along the inner aspect of the arm on the opposite side of the biceps to the lung channel, passing the inner end of the elbow crease. It continues down to the tip of the little finger by the corner of the nail on the thumb side.

Internal Trajectories of the Heart Meridian

The heart, hand shao yin vessel, starts at the center of the heart, comes out and permeates the supporter of the heart, goes down to and spirally wraps the small intestine. A branch following the supporter of the heart surrounds the throat and passes up to and makes contact with the supporter of the eye. The main meridian following the supporter of the heart goes up to the lungs, comes out below the armpit, and then starts at HT-1. The heart meridian has its origin in the heart itself, but does not permeate the heart, rather it permeates the "supporter of the heart", probably the aorta and other major blood vessels entering and exiting the heart. Following the descending abdominal aorta, the descending part of the small intestine, spirally wrapping the small intestine. The branch that passes upwards, surrounding the throat, and going to the "supporter of the eyes" (the optic nerve), probably follows the blood vessels passing up into the head, i.e., the carotid artery. The main meridian passes from the "supporter of the heart," probably along the

pulmonary artery, to the lungs and thence to the side of the body, exiting at HT-1. A passage from the Su Wen tells us how the heart and uterus are related: When the menstruation doesn't come, it means that the blood vessel of the uterus is stagnant. The vessel of the uterus, belonging to the heart (meridian), spirally wraps the inside of the uterus. In this case, qi rises up and presses the lungs from the lower parts. The heart qi cannot pass down smoothly, therefore the menses do not come. There are several important distinctions regarding the heart meridian trajectory. The heart meridian does not permeate the heart itself, rather it permeates the "supporter of the heart", which becomes the descending abdominal aorta. This vessel is palpable as the moving qi between the kidneys. The energetic consequences of this distinction are enormously important. We feel that this is making a very direct statement about the energetic nature of the heart, especially about the relation of the heart to the blood and to the Shen. As we shall see later in this text this has a major influence on how we understand the nature of the source, the source qi, the moving qi between the kidneys, and ultimately the way in which the authors of the Ling Shu understood the origins of life. The relationship between the heart and the uterus is very significant. Some authors see the uterus as the place where the moving qi between the kidneys resides. This tends to reinforce the energetic connections that the heart has to this source. Further, it is the superficial trajectory of the supporter of the heart that is the main meridian. This is possibly one reason why many great practitioners have consistently refused to treat the heart meridian directly.

Small Intestine: Fire-energy yang organ

Known as the 'Minister of Reception', the small intestine receives partially digested food from the stomach and further refines it, separating 'the pure from the impure', then assimilating the purified nutrients and moving the impure wastes onwards to the large intestine for elimination. Associated with the heart by Fire energy, the small intestine controls the more basic emotions, as reflected in the Chinese term duan chang ('broken intestines'), which is equivalent to the English term 'broken heart'. Its energy meridian runs into the head, where it influences the function of the pituitary gland, the 'master gland' whose secretions regulate growth, metabolism, immunity, sexuality, and the entire endocrine system.

Small Intestine
Paired Organ: Heart Color: pink Peak Hours: 1pm-3pm Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion Functions: absorbs nutrients, digestion and elimination

Small Intestine: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

The Small Intestine influences the patient's mental clarity, judgment, and powers of discernment. The ability to distinguish relevant issues with clarity before making a decision is attributed to the Small Intestine. The Small Intestine Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories

This channel starts on the other corner of the little fingernail from the heart channel and follows the edge of the hand to the wrist, where it turns slightly to flow up the forearm, close to the outer edge of the (ulna) bone. Passing the elbow at the "funny bone", it continues up the back of the arm, behind the shoulder joint. It then curves across the shoulder blade to connect with the governing vessel at GV-14 as do all yang channels. It crosses forward to the hollow above the collarbone where the internal branch penetrates, first to the heart, then along the esophagus to the stomach, before connecting with its own organ, the small intestine. From the collarbone region the superficial path continues up behind the muscle on the side of the neck (sterno-cleido-mastoid), then over the cheek to the ear. Two internal branches separate on the cheek. They lead to the gallbladder channel on the outer corner of the eye, and to the bladder channel at BL-1 on the inner corner.

Internal Trajectories of the Small Intestine Meridian

After rising up the arm from SI-1, a trajectory passes to ST-12: ...then it enters, ST-12, [passes down to] and spirally wraps the heart. It circles down and around the throat [and esophagus], passes through the diaphragm to the stomach, then permeates the small intestine.

This trajectory is generally accepted and uncomplicated. The Lei Jing author comments that CV-10 is the "place of the small intestine". Thus, it may be reflective of the small intestine.

Pericardium: Fire-energy yin organ

Known as the 'King's Bodyguard', the pericardium is the heart's protective sack. Although it is not recognized as an organ in Western physiology, it is regarded in Chinese medicine as a Fire-energy organ whose special function is to protect the heart. Not only does the pericardium provide the heart with physical protection, its energy also protects the heart from damage and disruption by excessive emotional energies generated by the other organs, such as anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys, and grief from the lungs. In the Chinese system of health, extreme outbursts of the Seven Emotions are regarded as powerful disruptors of internal energy balance and major causes of disease. Without the pericardium to protect it, the heart would be subject to injury from the radical fluctuations in energy caused by every emotional up and down of the day. The pericardium also helps regulate circulation in the major blood vessels that run in and out of the heart. Emotionally, pericardium energy is related to the loving feelings associated with sex, thereby linking the physical and emotional aspects of sexual activity. It does this by moderating the raw sexual energy of the kidneys with the all embracing love generated by the heart.

Pericardium
Paired Organ: Triple Burner Color: purple red Peak Hours: 7pm-9pm Mental Qualities: love, sex Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion Functions: protects the heart

Note: The Pericardium Meridian is also commonly referred to as the "Heart Constrictor" Meridian and the "Circulation-Sex" Meridian

Pericardium: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

The Pericardium has a powerful influence on the patient's mental and emotional states. Its goal is to "create feelings of joy and/or pleasure for the emperor (Heart)." The Pericardium Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories This channel begins in the middle of the chest at the pericardium. A branch descends internally through the diaphragm to the upper, middle, and lower burners. From the starting point a branch of the main channel crosses the chest to emerge just outside the nipple. It then ascends on the surface around the front of the armpit and flows down the arm, through the biceps muscle. At the elbow crease it passes just to the inside of the biceps tendon, then down the middle of the front of the forearm, between the heart and lung channels to the wrist. It crosses the middle of the palm to PC-8 where it divides. The main channel continues to the outer corner of the middle fingernail, and a connecting branch goes to the fourth finger to join the triple burner channel at TB-1.

Internal Trajectories of the Pericardium Meridian

The vessel of the master of the heart, hand jue yin, heart wrapping luo [pericardium], starts at the inside of the chest, comes out and permeates the heart-wrapping luo, passes down through the diaphragm, then timelessly spirals down through the triple warmers. The "inside of the chest" is commonly viewed as CV-17. The internal trajectory starts at CV-17, then passes to the pericardium. From here it passes downwards, probably along the aorta or the esophagus, through the diaphragm, then "timelessly" spirally wraps the triple warmers.

The idea of timelessness offers fascinating insights into the nature of the triple warmers. The character we translate as timeless is li . This character has a number of different meanings, including "to pass through" and "successively." Our selection of "timeless" is based on the Nan Jing and Zhuang Zi. We propose that this interpretation ameliorates commonly emphasizing the absolute energetic nature of these concepts. In a discussion relating to the reasons why there are five yin organs and six yang organs, the Nan Jing comments:

The triple burner has the function of dividing the source qi and controlling each of these qi. This has a name but no form. Another passage discusses the same problem: The master of the heart with the triple warmer are the outside and lining of the body. They have a name but they have no form This idea of "no form", in this context, is usually seen to refer to the absence of a physical organ in the body for the set of functions which we identify as the triple warmer. It actually has much deeper implications than the absence of physical substance The term "no form", wu xing, is used by Zhuang Zi. We feel that the Nan Jing references the idea of no form from Zhuang Zi. Absolute jing has no form. The jing is tinier than the small [the concept of smallness]. Rough jing has form. No form means that it cannot be divided further. The idea of no form does not simply refer to absence of material substance. It refers to the essential change of state between matter and energy, to the basic underlying substrate of material substance. Much like the concept of the atom in pre-relativistic physics, or quarks and multidinous sub-atomic particles of current physics, it is the theoretical smallest particle of matter. The "absolute jing" is the precursor of matter or form. While it is always delightful to find an idea of such sophistication in an

ancient medical text which Western scientific prejudice has overlooked, this is not such a rare idea. Other classical texts have referred to the concept of no form in similar terms and we will meet this idea again in our studies. For now, however, the essential information that we must relate to the interior energetics from classical description is the sense that rather than the attachments of so many imaginary wires, the connections indicated are the confluence of quintessential forces. What occurs at this intersection is not completely described by a terminology that allows us to think of the connection of simple electrical currents. It is more like the opposed coils of a generator or transformer where the currents create a change of state or a cyclotron where matter becomes energy. While admitting that the "passing through" translation of the character li is sufficient for the description of the body's interior "wiring diagram," and certainly less subject to the criticism of orthodox translation, it lacks the recognition of the profound relativism of the classical idea of energy. It is not just that the trajectory of the pericardium intersects the triple warmer. The pericardium and triple warmer intertwine and become identical. It is not just that both the triple warmer and pericardium have no material organ. Both are gateways to an energetic environment that is not limited by the boundaries of form. Space, matter, and time are not descriptions that suit the "tiny absolute jing." These are the dimensions of form, not the boundaries of energy.

We feel at least poetically justified to allow the concept of timelessness to indicate that this deep, interior connection represented for the classical authors a boundary where the particular human energies of the body meet and become the more absolute energies of cosmology Regardless of our reader's willingness to accept our feelings that there is a tremendous relativism in the ideas, the fact remains that the master of the heart, the heart-wrapping luo (pericardium) is intimately connected to the triple warmer. It carries out similar functions. There are effectively three distinct

aspects of this meridian. The first is the branch, arm jue yin, which emerges at PC-1 and passes down the arms to PC-9. The second is the heart-wrapping luo which is a trajectory that passes only around the heart, in normal usage, the pericardium. The third is the master of the heart. There are many places (for instance Ling Shu) where these three names are used in reference to the one meridian. Diagrammatically these three aspects can be seen as follows: The master of the heart most logically relates to the aorta. It is an extension of the heart; branching from this is the heart-wrapping luo and the arm jue yin. That arm jue yin branches from the master of the heart is something we can derive by inference from an understanding of how the other meridians branch from their main pathways, and from the text of the Ling Shu: The heart-wrapping luo is the vessel of the master of the heart. The master of the heart is likely the main pathway, with both arm jue yin and the heart-wrapping luo as branches. The master of the heart carries out the functions of the shen; the heart stores the shen. The pericardium, heart-wrapping luo, functions to protect the heart from all types of disturbance. If the heart is injured, the shen will be disturbed and this will result in death or an incurable disease. The master of the heart functions energetically as a communicative pathway for the shen between the heart and the moving qi between the kidneys. In conceptualizing these pathways and functions, it is even possible to see this pathway as the meridian of the "small heart" or ming men: The Su Wen says, "AT the sides of the seventh vertebra on the inside, is the small heart." Mr. Yang, the writer of the Tai Su, says, "There are twenty-one vertebrae in the person. Counting upwards from the lower parts, to the sides of the seventh vertebra, on the left is the kidney, on the right is ming men. Ming men is the small heart." The Nan Jing says, "The source of the heart comes out at PC-7; thus PC7 belongs to arm jue yin. Wrapping-luo, helping fire, this is the meridian of the small heart." This particular passage from Liu Wan Su gives us a significant description of the pericardium meridian, as it is commonly called, and its various internal trajectories. This significance will become clearer in later chapters. For now, however, we may expand our diagrammatic representation of the internal trajectories to the kidney (see last figure).

Triple burner: Fire-energy yang organ

This organ-energy system, which is not recognized in Western physiology, is called the 'Minister of Dykes and Dredges' and is responsible for the movement and transformation of various solids and fluids throughout the system, as well as for the production and circulation of nourishing energy (ying chee) and protective energy (wei chee). It is not a single self-contained organ, but rather a functional energy system involved in regulating the activities of other organs. It is composed of three parts, known as 'burners', each associated with one of the body's three main cavities: thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. An ancient Chinese medical text states: 'The Upper Burner controls intake, the Middle Burner controls transformation, the Lower Burner controls elimination.' The Upper Burner runs from the base of the tongue to the entrance to the stomach and controls the intake of air, food, and fluids. It harmonizes the functions of heart and lungs, governs respiration, and regulates the distribution of protective energy to the body's external surfaces. The Middle Burner runs from the entrance to the stomach down to its exit at the pyloric valve and controls digestion by harmonizing the functions of stomach, spleen, and pancreas. It is responsible for extracting nourishing energy from food and fluids and distributing it via the meridian system to the

lungs and other parts of the body. The Lower Burner runs from the pyloric valve down to the anus and urinary tract and is responsible for separating the pure from the impure products of digestion, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating solid and liquid wastes. It harmonizes the functions of liver, kidney, bladder, and large and small intestines and also regulates sexual and reproductive functions. Some medical researchers believe that the Triple Burner is associated with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain which regulates appetite, digestion, fluid balance, body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, and other basic autonomous functions.

Triple burner
Paired Organ: Pericardium Color: orange red Peak Hours: 9pm-11pm Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion Functions:regulates transformation and transportation of bodily fluids, and...

It's originally referred to as the 'Triple Burner', but 'Triple Warmer' and 'Triple Heater' are also commonly used.

Triple Burner: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

The Triple Burners are considered the Ambassadors or "intermediaries" for the body's Yuan (Original) Qi. On a psychological level, they can be used to move Qi and lift depression derived from stagnation of Liver Qi. When the Triple Burners, which regulate the consciousness, are full, the consciousness becomes stable and the Mind's intent is benevolent and kindhearted. The Triple Burners are also linked with the Heart and Pericardium and are affected by the emotion of joy. When the energy of the heart is strong and pure (without guilt), and the desires and thoughts of an individual are at peace, then the energy of the boy's sexual essence (Jing) will spread into the Triple Burners, and the Blood will flourish within the individual's vessels. If the "fire of desire" is allowed to Heat and combine with the energy of the Triple Burners, the energy of the individual's sexual essence will overflow, mixing itself with the energy of the Mingmen and will leave the body via the reproductive organs and tissues. This leads to Jing and Qi depletion. The Triple Burner Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories Beginning on the fourth (ring) finger, by the outside corner of the nail, the triple burner channel passes between the knuckles of the fourth and fifth fingers to the wrist. From here it ascends between the two bones of the forearm (radius and ulna), through the tip of the elbow, and up the back of the arm to the shoulder. Behind the top of the shoulder it joins the small intestine and the governing vessel channels. Then it rises over the shoulder to the collarbone region, descends internally to the pericardium in the upper burner, and then to the abdomen and the middle and lower burners. Re-emerging from the chest at the collarbone, the channel ascends the side of the neck and around the back of the ear. One branch rises internally to meet the gallbladder channel on the forehead, then descends to join the small intestine channel on the cheek. The superficial branch continues to the front of the ear and crosses to the outer corner of the eyebrow, where it joins the gallbladder channel again.

Internal Trajectories of the Triple Warmer Meridian

Having passed up the lateral aspect of the arm from the ring finger, the triple warmer meridian passes to ST-12: [It] comes in at ST-12, then passes down to CV-17, disperses [into the chest], and drops down into the pericardium. It then passes down through the diaphragm, circles down through and permeates the triple warmers. A branch starting at CV-17 passes back up to ST-12. When the meridian "disperses" into the chest it is like a pervasive spray. The stream widens and becomes less dense, the picture is one of rain covering and moistening rather than a river passing through. Notice also that it does not spirally wrap the pericardium. Rather, it "drops down" as if it filtered through after dispersing from CV-17 into the chest.

This idea helps us see the relationship of the triple warmer to the breathing process. Perhaps this relationship to breath and the movement of breath downward to below the umbilicus is related to the action of "dispersion into the chest." Air is drawn into the lungs upon inhalation; once inside the lungs (inside the chest), it then mingles with the triple warmer pathway which is dispersing into the chest.

Then, it filters down to the the pericardium. From there it may circle downward through the triple warmers. This downward movement through the triple warmers may well be the means by which the qi of breathing arrives below the umbilicus where it is an important ingredient in the formation of the source qi and the nourishment of the source.

Excercise for strengthening Manipura

Breath of Fire: This is a rapid diaphragmatic breathing, designed to clean toxins from the body and stimulate Kundalini. Sit in an upright posture with back straight and legs relaxed. Using the muscles of your abdomen, SNAP in your diaphragm, causing a quick exhale to escape through your nose. Keep the mouth closed. By relaxing the abdomen, air will natually enter your nose and chest, causing an inhale. When this process is comfortable, repeat quickly, causing several quick, sequential exhales. Do in sets of fifty, with a long, deep breath at the end of each set. Three sets of 50 are usually a good place to start. After a while you can pace yourself according to what feels right. Bow Pose: Lie on your stomach, hands to the side and relax. Take a deep breath and bend yourknees while arching your back so that your hands grab onto your ankles. Let your hands do the work of maintaiining the arch while you rest your body as much as you can in this strange position. Breath deeply and let the breath rock you back and forth slightly. If you can hold this for a while (30 sec. to 2 mins.) you will feel an energizing of your solar plexus. Pike Pose: Hard to maintain without practice, this little gem tightens tummy muscles and develops balance. From a position of resting on your back, bring your feet and legs up (knees as straight as possible) to make a V-shape with your torso. Hold as long as possible then relax

Meridian Earth

The symbol above represents the flow of energy between the cosmic meridians of solar and lunar

energies and the elemental energies of meridian earth. The outer lines of energy symbolize the cosmic rays and the inner line the flows between the earth and moon is the flow of life force or pranayama. The upper point represents the moon while the lower point represents meridian earth.

There are two cycles which manifest within the five stages of transformation. The creation or nurturing cycle where by each element provides the basis and nourishment for the next element or phase. e.g. Wood nourishes Fire which nourishes Earth and so on as seen by the clockwise direction of the circle in the diagram below. The destruction or controlling cycle whereby each element controls or balances another element and in turn is controlled or balanced by yet another element. e.g. Fire controls Metal but is controlled by Water which is itself is controlled by Earth and so on as by the grey arrows of balance within the circle in the diagram Above.

Meridian (geography)
This article is about the geographical concept. For other uses of the word, see Meridian. On the earth, a meridian is a 'straight line' on the earth's surface between the North Pole and the South Pole (in fact, half of a great circle). Considering the meridian that passes through Greenwich, England, as establishing the meaning of zero degrees of longitude, or the Prime Meridian, any other meridian is identified by the angle, referenced to the center of the earth as vertex, between where it and the prime meridian cross the equator. As there are 360 degrees in a circle, the meridian on the opposite side of the earth from Greenwich (which forms the other half of a circle with the one through Greenwich) is 180 degrees; longitude, and the others lie between degrees and 180 degrees; of West longitude in the Western Hemisphere (west of Greenwich) and between 0 degrees; and 180 degrees; of East longitude in the Eastern Hemisphere (east of Greenwich). You can see the lines of longitude on most maps. The term "meridian" comes from the Latin meridies, meaning "midday"; the sun crosses a given meridian midway between the times of sunrise and sunset on that meridian. The same Latin stem gives rise to the terms Ante Meridiem and Post Meridiem

Meridian Time
In the study of astronomy, keeping accurate time is critical. Astronomical time keeping has to do with the celestial meridian. Every point on earth has a celestial meridian. It is a line on the celestial sphere, an imaginary sphere containing the earth, which goes from the north celestial pole to the south celestial pole and intersects the zenith, the point directly above a point on earth. The celestial poles are extensions of the terrestrial poles into space. A picture of the zenith and celestial meridian for a spot on earth is shown below.

Figure 1: This image shows the zenith and celestial meridian for a spot on earth. There are two common ways of keeping time, in relation to the rotation of the earth, and in relation to a phenomenon which has a constant period. The first method is not completely accurate because of the variations in the speed of the earth's rotation, but is useful for astronomical purposes. Solar and sidereal times fall into this category. The second method uses a phenomenon which has a constant period such as the vibration of a certain material. Pendulum, quartz and atomic clocks fall into this category. Because of the counterclockwise, or eastward, rotation of the earth, a point fixed in space as seen from earth moves in a westward direction. This accounts for the sun "rising" in the east and "setting" in the west. A day is always divided into 24 hours. For every method of measuring time explained here, a day is divided into 24 hours, an hour into 60 minutes, and a minute into 60 seconds.

Apparent Solar Time

Apparent solar time is measured in relation to the apparent position of the sun. An apparent solar day is the amount of time the sun takes to pass through the celestial meridian twice. Apparent noon is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial meridian of a point on earth. Because of the variations in the

rotation speed of the earth and because the earth speeds up and slows down on its way around the sun, apparent solar days vary in length and are not an accurate method of keeping time.

Mean Solar Time

Mean solar time is in relation to the mean sun. The mean sun is a point which moves uniformly around the earth along the plane of the ecliptic, but is usually not is the same position as the real sun. The real sun, as viewed from earth, does not move uniformly because of the elliptical nature of the earth's orbit and because of the slight variations in the earth's rotation period. A mean solar day contains 24 solar hours, the time it takes for the mean sun to be on a point's celestial meridian, the mean noon, twice. It is measured from midnight to midnight with midnight being hour 0. A solar day is divided into 24 solar hours, each solar hour is divided into 60 solar minutes, and solar minutes are divided into 60 solar seconds. A solar year is the time the earth takes to make a revolution around the sun, from one vernal equinox to the next. A solar year is sometimes called a tropical year and is equal to 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45.51 seconds, or 365.24219 days, in solar time. A solar year is affected by the precession of the equinox. A solar month is one twelfth of a solar year. The moon also creates an interval of time known as a synodic, or lunar, month. A lunar month is the time between two new moons and is equal to about 29.53 days.

Sidereal Time
Sidereal time is measured in relation to the stars or the vernal equinox. A sidereal day is the time the celestial meridian takes to intersect the vernal equinox twice. Sidereal noon is the instant when the vernal equinox is on the celestial meridian. There are two types of sidereal time, mean and apparent. Mean sidereal time is measured with the mean vernal equinox, apparent sidereal time is measured with the true vernal equinox. Mean sidereal time is more uniform than apparent sidereal time because of the small constant changes in the position of the equinoxes. Either way, the length of a sidereal day is affected by the precession of the equinoxes. A sidereal rotation period is the time the celestial meridian takes to pass through a certain star twice. It is not affected by the precession of the equinoxes. A mean sidereal day is equal to 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.091 seconds of mean solar time. The earth's sidereal rotation period is equal to 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.099 seconds of mean solar time. The difference in length of the sidereal day versus a sidereal rotation period is accounted for by the precession of the equinoxes. Sidereal days are divided into sidereal hours, minutes, and seconds like solar days, but the length of a sidereal hour is slightly shorter than a solar hour. 366.2422 mean sidereal days are equal to 365.2422 mean solar days because of the extra rotation the earth gets in relation to the sun as it orbits the sun. This is illustrated below.

Figure 2: This image shows the direction the celestial meridian is pointing at noon of sidereal time (left) and solar time (right). Notice that the sidereal noon hour circle always points in the same direction in relation to stars, but the solar noon hour circle changes positions in relation to the stars as the earth

orbits the sun. The direction the solar noon hour circle points changes in relation to the stars because it always points to the sun, thus making the solar day longer than the sidereal day. In other words, the solar noon hour circle has to "catch up" to the sun because the earth has moved about one degree in its orbit since the last solar noon which makes it look as if the sun has moved one degree to the east. This accounts for the small difference in lengths of the sidereal and solar days. A sidereal year is the time the earth takes to be in the same location in relation to a background star twice. In other words, it is the time it takes for a planet to be between the sun and a certain star twice. It is about 20 minutes longer than the mean solar year because of the precession of the equinoxes. It is equal to 365.25636 mean solar days. A sidereal year, unlike a solar year, is not affected by the precession of the equinoxes. A sidereal month is the time the moon takes to make one trip around the earth in relation to the stars. In other words, it is the time the moon takes to be between the earth and a certain star twice. A sidereal month is equal to about 27.3 days. A sidereal period is the time a secondary, such as a planet or moon, takes to complete one complete revolution around its primary in relation to the stars. This is different from the sidereal rotation period. The earth's sidereal period is the sidereal year. The moon's sidereal period is the sidereal month. Sidereal time is used with the equatorial coordinate system. If a certain hour circle is on the celestial meridian, one sidereal hour later the next hour circle will be on the celestial meridian. The celestial sphere completes one rotation in relation to the earth every sidereal day.

Universal Time
Universal time is the precise measurement of time used as the basis for civil time keeping. It is also usually used for recording the precise time of an astronomical observation. The abbreviation for universal time is UT. Universal time is a precise form of mean solar time, time which is in relation to the mean sun, but is calculated from, and thus related to, local sidereal time at the Greenwich meridian. Universal time is solar time at the Greenwich meridian and thus is sometimes called Greenwich mean time. It should be noted, however, that UT is measured from midnight to midnight, with midnight being hour 0. Prior to 1925, Greenwich mean time began at noon. To eliminate confusion, it is recommended that Universal time be used instead of Greenwich mean time when referring to this system. Universal time is calculated from precise astronomical observations. The form of universal time calculated directly from astronomical observations is called UT0 and suffers from all of the irregular motions of the earth. UT0 corrected for the Chandler wobble is called UT1. UT1 is used for many celestial navigation applications because it accurately accounts for the long term uniform changes in the earth's rotation rate. UT1 corrected for the annual and semiannual changes in the earth's rotation rate is known as UT2. Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, is kept by atomic clocks and is more uniform than UT1. UTC is based on International Atomic Time, which defines a second as 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation of the ground state of cesium-133. UTC is used for all civil time keeping. Because it is desirable to keep UTC time close to the actual rotation speed of the earth, it was internationally agreed that UTC would be kept within 0.9 seconds of UT1. Leap seconds are introduced every year or so into UTC to keep it within 0.9 seconds of UT1. These leap seconds are always introduced after the last second of a month, usually June 30 or December 31. A leap second can be either negative or positive but so far only positive leap seconds have been necessary. Most references to time are in relation to UTC.

The difference in UTC and UT1 is that any atomic clock can be made to keep UTC, however, the only "clock" capable of keeping UT1 is the earth itself.

The Time Sphere

The current time for every point on earth can be thought of as being carried on a giant sphere around earth which is rotating in a clockwise, or westward, direction on the earths axis. The speed at which this sphere rotates is defined by the method of measuring time you are using. For sidereal time, this sphere moves slightly faster than for solar time. This sphere is illustrated in the following animation. It has twenty-four sections, or hours, each taking up 15 degrees of the sphere. The sphere has an hour circle for noon or midnight (0 hours) which is anchored to the point of reference. For solar time, this point is the sun, for sidereal time, this point is the vernal equinox. Time on earth is measured by how much time has elapsed since the last time the reference point was on the celestial meridian, thus, the time elapsed since the last time the reference point was overhead gets greater in a counterclockwise direction on this sphere. The different lengths of the sidereal and solar days is because of the constant relative motion of the two reference points.

Meridian Channels Within The Pysical Body

Cause & Affect Of The Meridian Eco System On The Body

As we all know the planets eco system is one of great importance for the survival of the human race. What a lot of us don't know is that the meridian energies of the earth play an important roll in our day

to day lives. See the meridian energies supply the human energy system with the powers of the earth and although we can not see them they are there and have always been there. The new age movement of this time period is aware of the earth meridian and charge off the earth by using grounding techniques. But what about the rest of the meridian energies that go unnoticed as we live our lives each and every day. These energies are as important as the earth meridian because we need a balance between the seven meridian energies. It is important that we have this balance because without this balance we experience problems with our auric field and that in turn descending into our physical body as illness. It also affects us emotionally as well. With the state of the eco system of the earth today this is more important that ever. See at certain points in the seasons each year the meridian energies of the earth are out of balance and this happens due to climate changes and our orbit around the sun as the earth spends part of its orbit at a closer proximity than it does at other times of the year. What I mean by this is in the summer season we are closer to the sun and in the winter season the sun is further away. It is in the summer season that the meridian energies of nature and water are both affected by the solar meridian in ways like drought. As the environment dries the meridian energies of water the nature becomes weakened by this change and that in turn weakens our energy system which means we need to focus on charging both the water and nature meridian more often so that we remain balanced.

The Cosmic Meridians

Solar Meridian
As we orbit around the sun the solar meridian plays an important role upon the earth. as the season changes so does the vibrational levels of the earth meridians change. A good example of this is the dry season as you will all know the nature meridian under goes a change in the dry season and as we can all observe the landscape changes colour but it is not only the colour that changes the energy of the nature meridian depletes as the water meridian decreases with the dryer climate. But in the wet season both the nature and water meridian thrive in the wet season.

Lunar Meridian
The lunar cycle at certain points of the month the moon faces our planet this is what's known as the full moon and the rest of the time it is off set. See we all know that the lunar cycle affects our oceans and waterways. As the lunar cycle plays an important roll in environmental changes in the water meridian and with this affect on meridian in turn the meridian energy that is supplied by the water meridian are affected. The cosmic meridian is stronger than the water meridian so in turn the human energy system is in turn affected by this change. As we are over loaded on Cosmic meridian energy and depleted on the water meridian energy. That is why we act differently around the time of the full moon. To balance this out we need to focus on charging more with the water meridian.

Meridians Of Meridian Earth

Ether Meridian - Spirit
The etheric meridian is also know as the fifth elemental house of the meridian or spirit. Etheric ether is strongest in the early hours as the four etheric winds pass into the physical plane between 4am and 7am this movement of energy is known as prana or life force energy. Then there is the climate have you noticed that we always end up with colds and flu's in the winter months when the solar and lunar cycles are blocked by cloud cover. The climate of where we live is affected by rain, hail, and snow. The reason why we experience colds and flu's around this time is the fact that the DOE or dead organ energy that we release into the environment and the environment release is then caught in our atmosphere and that in turn affects the human energy system. Which then in turn affects the physical energy system and this is known as illness such as colds and flu's. So to counter this problem we need to focus more on charging in the Cosmic meridian to keep a clear head and the ether meridian for the throat area of the body and air meridian for the chest and lungs area of the physical body and the energy system.

Nature Meridian
The nature meridian is also one of great importance because it is the cleansing meridian of the earth. The nature meridian takes the negative forces of the earth like carbon dioxide and cleanses it and reproduces it as air. But we as humans cut away the forest of meridian energy so then the nature meridian weakens. In turn our energy system is weakened by this affect. The way to counter this problem is by replanting as we use and bring greenery into our homes and in doing this we are cleansing, charging, and healing our energy system so we can charge off the nature meridian.

The nature spirits of the Earth are called Gnomes.

Subgroups Of The Nature Meridian Elves Brownies Dryads Nymphs Durdalis Hamadryads Pans Satyrs Dryads are tree nymphs in Greek mythology. In Greek drys signifies 'oak,' from an Indo-European root *derew(o)- 'tree' or 'wood.' Thus dryads are specifically the nymphs of oak trees, though the term has come to be used for all tree nymphs in general. "Such deities are very much overshadowed by the divine figures defined through poetry and cult," Walter Burkert remarked of Greek nature deities (Burkert 1986, p174). Normally considered to be very shy creatures, except around the goddess Artemis who was known to be a friend to most nymphs. Hamadryads are Greek mythological beings that live in trees. They are a specific species of dryad,

which are a particular type of nymph. Hamadryads are born bonded to a specific tree. If their tree died, the hamadryad associated with it died as well. For that reason, dryads and the gods punished any mortals who harmed trees.

Air Meridian
What about the air meridian? It is an extension of the nature meridian energy that gives life to the planet and we draw it into our bodies all the time. As we all know pollution plays a big part in our lives and it is pollution that has affected the air meridian and ether meridian with CFC and other gas particles that affect our lives and our health. We gather this negative energy of CFCs and other gasses in our energy systems as well and that in turn causes illness in the physical body as well. We can counter this problem by living in cleaner environments like the country or surrounding ourselves with plant life if we live the the city. We can also balance this problem by air meridian charging the other way to counter this problem would be to find cleaner and greener ways to live by stopping the pollution of our planet and restoring the air meridian to its natural order in the meridian eco system. Air - Sylphs The sylphs are the air spirits. Their element has the highest vibratory rate of the four (beside earth, fire, water). They live hundreds of years, often reaching one thousand and never seeming to get old. They are said to live on the tops of mountains. The leader of the sylphs is a being called Paralda who is said to dwell on the highest mountain of Earth. Sylphs often assume human form but only for short periods of time. The vary in size from being as large as a human to being much smaller. They are volatile and changeable. The winds are their particular vehicle. The work through the gases and ethers of the Earth and are kindly toward humans. They are usually seen with wings, looking like cherubs or fairies. Because of their connection to air, which is associated with the mental aspect, one of their functions is to help humans receive inspiration. The sylphs are drawn to those who use their minds, particularly those on creative arts.

Fire Meridian
The fire meridian has been used by all of us for heating, and cooking since the very start of our existence on this planet. But the fire meridian has a greater power then just a way of cooking and heating it is a natural power of the earth and a very powerful meridian and we can use to fire meridian in our defence techniques and our Shielding techniques to protect our selves when we are under attack. Fire - Salamanders The salamanders are the spirit of fire. Without these beings, fire cannot exist. You cannot light a match without a salamander's being present. There are many families of salamanders, differing in size, appearance, and dignity. Some people have seen them as small balls of light, but most commonly they are perceived as being lizard-like in shape and about a foot or more in length. The salamanders are considered the strongest and most powerful of all the elementals. Their ruler is a magnificent flaming being called Djin. Those who have seen him say that he is terrible, yet awe-

inspiring in appearance. Salamanders have the ability to extend their size or diminish it, as needed. If you ever need to light a campfire in the wilderness, call to the salamanders and they will help you. It has also been said that salamanders (and the other elemental beings) can be mischievous at times. For example, a fiery temper and inharmonious conditions in a person's home can cause these beings to make trouble. They are like children in that they don't fully understand the results of their actions. They are greatly affected, as are all nature spirits, by human humankind's thinking.

The Water Meridian

The water meridian is the most important meridian of the earth and is one of the cleansing and life giving meridians as well but it also supports the meridians of nature and earth. Then in turn air and ether and as we pollute the water meridian we also affect all of these meridians. So this in turn affects us all and it is this imbalance that we must fix. One way to do this is to find cleaner ways of living. The other way to do this is by charging off the water meridian more often. Water - Undines The undines are the elemental beings that compose water. They are able to control, to a great degree, the course and function of the water element. Etheric in nature, they exist within the water itself and this is why they can't be seen with the normal physical vision. These beings are beautiful to look at and are very graceful. They are often seen riding the waves of the ocean. They can also be found in rocky pools and in marshlands. They are clothed in a shimmery substance looking like water but shinning with all the colors of the sea, with green predominating. The concept of the mermaid is connected with these elemental beings. The undines also work with the plants that grow under the water and with the motion of water. Some undines inhabit waterfalls, others live in rivers and lakes. Every fountain has its nymph. Every ocean has its oceanids. The undines closely resemble humans in appearance and size, except for those inhabiting smaller streams and ponds. The undines often live in coral caves under the ocean or on the shores of lakes or banks of rivers. Smaller undines live under lily pads. The undines work with the vital essences and liquids of plants, animals, and human beings. They are present in everything containing water. There are many families of undines, as the chart indicates. The ruler of the undines is a called Necksa. The undines love, serve, and honor her unceasingly. They are emotional beings, very friendly and open to being of service to human beings. The smaller undines are often seen as winged beings that people have mistakenly called fairies. Those winged beings are seen near flowers that grow in watery areas. They have gossamer wings and gossamer clothing. Subgroups Of The Water Meridian Limoniades Mermaids

Naiads Oceanid Oreads Potamides Sea Maids Water Spirits The Naiads (from the Greek ?????, "to flow," and ????, "running water") were a type of nymph who presided over fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks, as river gods embodied rivers, and some very ancient spirits inhabited the still waters of marshes, ponds and lagoon-lakes, such as preMycenaean Lerna in the Argolid. Naiads were associated with fresh water, as the Oceanids were with saltwater and the Nereids specifically with the Mediterranean; but because the Greeks thought of the world's waters as all one system, which percolated in from the sea in deep cavernous spaces within the bosom of the earth, to rise freshened in seeps and springs, there was some overlap. Arethusa, the nymph of a spring, could make her way through subterranean flows from the Peloponnesus, to surface on the island of Sicily. In his Dionisiaca, (XVI.356; XXIV.123) Nonnus gave the naiads the nonce-name Hydriades ("water ladies").

Earth Meridian
As for the earth meridian then earth is our home and if we look after our home world then our home world will look after us. The way we do this is by finding cleaner and greener ways to live and to stop depleting our resources. The other is by grounding to the earth every now and then and balancing our energy system. The meridian energies exercise chart will show you which charging, cleansing, healing techniques you need for your area and the charging, cleansing, and healing techniques will help you balance out your energy system and this in turn will bring us all better health and a happier life style. Earth Spirits

Organs Of The Ether Meridian

Lung: Metal-energy yin organ
Known as the 'Prime Minister', the lungs control breath and energy and assist the 'King' heart with the circulation of blood. The Internal Medicine Classic states: 'Energy is the commander of blood; when energy moves, blood follows. Blood is the mother of energy; where blood goes, energy follows.' This intimate relationship between breath and pulse, blood and energy, is the basis of Chinese breathing exercises. Breathing controls cellular respiration, and shallow irregular breathing is therefore a major cause of low vitality and insufficient metabolism. The lungs also control the skin, which 'breathes' via the opening and closing of pores and is responsible for adjusting body temperature through perspiration and shivering. The skin is where the radiant energy of resistance emanates, forming the first line of defense against noxious environmental energies such as heat and cold. Flu and the common cold are caused by

impairment of radiant skin energy's capacity to resist external invasion, and symptoms of these diseases usually settle in the lungs and bronchial tract. Pallid skin and poor complexion are common indications of weak lungs. The nose is the external aperture of the lungs and the gate of breath. A clogged or runny nose is another indicator of ailing lungs. Breathing directly controls the autonomous nervous system, and this relationship is the basis for almost every system of yoga and meditation. By regulating the autonomous nervous system and governing energy and pulse, breathing forms a direct bridge between body and mind and may be utilized to keep the two in balance.

Lung
Paired Organ : Large Intestine Color : pure white Peak Hours : 3am-5am Physical Branches : nose, skin, body hair, mucus Functions : accepts pure fluids from spleen, which are then mixed with air, and circulated through the meridians, circulates Wei Qi

<!-google_ad_client = "pub-9083241656453263"; /* 468x60, created 4/22/09 */ google_ad_slot = "3814615952"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //-->Looking at the branches of a tree it can be seen that each larger branch splits in two. Each smaller branch then splits in two, and so and so on until the branches become leaves. Each leaf, then, begins with a single vein, then splits, by two, into smaller and smaller veins, until they reach the individual cells are exposed to the air. This is the same way the lungs are formed. Even more interesting is the relationship between trees and humans. Plants breathe in CO2 and breathe out O2, while humans and animals breathe in O2 and breathe out CO2. Thus trees can be considered, the lungs of the earth.

Lungs: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

It is said that the Lungs are "the priest" or The Minister of Heaven and are responsible for establishing

the foundation of Qi for the entire body. The Lungs house the body's Seven Corporeal Souls (Po) and are responsible for self-protection and self-preservation. The Lungs positive psycho-emotional attributes are righteousness, dignity, integrity, and high self-esteem; their negative attributes are disappointment, sadness, grief, despair, anxiety, shame, and sorrow.

The Lung Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories

The lung channel begins deep in the solar plexus region (middle burner) and descends to meet the large intestine. Winding up past the stomach, it crosses the diaphragm, divides, and enters the lungs. It then re-unites, passes up the middle of the windpipe to the throat and divides again, surfacing in the hollow region near the front of the shoulder (LU-1). From here it passes over the shoulder and down the anterior (front) aspect of the arm along the outer border of the biceps muscle. It reaches the outside of the biceps tendon in the elbow crease (LU-5), and continues down the forearm to the wrist just above the base of the thumb (LU-9). The channel crosses the height of the thumb muscle to finish at the corner of the thumbnail.

Internal Trajectories of the Lung Meridian

The Ling Shu describes the internal trajectories of the lung meridian thus: The vessel of the lungs, hand tai yin, starts at the middle warmer. It comes down and then spirally wraps the large intestine. It then returns to and circles the entrance of the stomach, coming up, and permeates the lungs, then going to and coming out at the sides.

We may interpret this description in the following manner: The starting place is seen as CV-12 (middle of the stomach): from here it passes to CV-10 (exit of the stomach), then up to CV-13 (entrance of the stomach) then down to CV-9 (dividing place of water). Next it transverses the lower part of the large intestine, by way of the greater omentum or possibly the mesenterial folds, following the length of the large intestine and spirally wrapping it until it reaches the rectum. From here it returns to CV-13, then passes up to the lungs, permeating the lungs. It then follows the 'supporter of the lungs, the bronchii and trachea, to pass out to the surface at LU-1". We can also view the first stages of the meridian as a spiral from a three-dimensional perspective:

Large intestine: Metal-energy yang organ

The large intestine is called the 'Minister of Transportation'. It controls the transformation of digestive wastes from liquid to solid state and transports the solids onwards and outwards for excretion through the rectum. It plays a major role in the balance and purity of bodily fluids and assists the lungs in controlling the skin's pores and perspiration. Coupled with the lungs by Metal energy, the large intestine depends on the lungs for movement via the expansion and contraction of the diaphragm, which works like a pump to give impetus to peristalsis by regulating abdominal pressure. Thus sluggish bowels may be stimulated and constipation cured by deep diaphragmic breathing and by tonifying lung energy. Conversely, congested lungs and clogged bronchial passages may be cleared by purging the bowels.

Large Intestine
Paired Organ: Lungs Color: off-white Peak Hours: 5am-7am Physical Branches: nose, skin, body hair, mucus

 Functions: absorption of fluids, elimination of solid wastes

Large Intestine: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

The Large Intestine relationship to the Lungs makes it equally affected by the emotions of sadness, grief, and worry. An energetic imbalance in the Large Intestine can result in physical weakness and provoke emotional introversion, accompanied by feelings of depression, irritability, discouragement, distress and apathy. Strong emotions of fear or panic can produce an energetic-stool reflex reaction in the Large Intestine resulting in a spontaneous defecation.

The Large Intestine Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories
The large intestine channel begins by the outside corner of the index fingernail. It runs along the edge of the finger, between the two tendons of the thumb at the wrist joint (LI-5) and along the bony margin of the outer edge of the arm (the radius bone) to the elbow. The point LI-11 is situated at the outside of the elbow crease, which is visible when the arm is bent. From here the channel continues to the point LI-15 on the outside of the shoulder muscle. It then crosses the shoulder blade and meets the governing vessel below the 7th cervical vertebrae at point GV-14. It descends internally to connect first with the lung and then the large intestine. From the shoulder a branch travels upward over the muscle at the side of the neck (sterno-cleido-mastoid) to the cheek, passing through the lower gums, then over the top lip. It terminates beside the opposite nostril, where it links to the stomach channel.

Internal Trajectories of the Large Intestine Meridian

The Ling Shu describes the internal trajectories of the Large Intestine meridian thus: It comes into ST-12, down to and spirally wrapping the lungs, then down to the diaphragm, and then permeates the large intestine. We may interpret this description in the following manner: From ST-12 the trajectory passes to and spirally wraps the lungs; then, following the aorta, it passes downward through the diaphragm. Here it splits to permeate the large intestine. Several commentators, including Hua Shuo, think that this

trajectory involves ST-25.

Excercise for strengthening Vishuddha Chakra - Throat Cobra

Step by Step 1. Lie prone on the floor. Stretch your legs back, tops of the feet on the floor. Spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Hug the elbows back into your body. 2. Press the tops of the feet and thighs and the pubis firmly into the floor. 3. On an inhalation, begin to straighten the arms to lift the chest off the floor, going only to the height at which you can maintain a connection through your pubis to your legs. Press the tailbone toward the pubis and lift the pubis toward the navel. Narrow the hip points. Firm but don't harden the buttocks. 4. Firm the shoulder blades against the back, puffing the side ribs forward. Lift through the top of the sternum but avoid pushing the front ribs forward, which only hardens the lower back. Distribute the backbend evenly throughout the entire spine. 5. Hold the pose anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds, breathing easily. Release back to the floor with an exhalation.

Fish Pose
The fish pose is the natural successor of the shoulder stand and should be used as a counter pose to the stand. The pose implies a compression of the spine and neck to counter the stretch obtained while in the shoulder stand or Bridge and Plough poses. There are several benefits of this pose. It helps expand the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to take in more air and to become more accustomed to deep breathing techniques. It also strengthens the neck muscles, makes the nerves more responsive and increases spinal flexibility. To execute this pose lie on the floor with the back and legs straight and close together. The spine should

be straight and parallel to the floor. The arms should be straight, position under the thighs. The palms should be together, stuck to the floor while the elbows are as close to one another as possible. Press the elbows onto the floor and arch the back while inhaling deeply. Keep the weight of the body on the elbows and move the head back until it reaches the floor. Exhale while holding this pose. Relax the legs and allow the chest to expand while inhaling deeply. To come out of the pose slowly lift the head and then release the pressure from the elbows.

Shoulder Stand
This pose is very popular with yoga practitioners and is considered one of the best yoga asanas. However, to properly execute this pose deep breathing must be used otherwise it will be little more than an acrobatic looking position. This pose was adopted by gymnasiums and sports training facilities and can be performed by both men and women with maximum efficiency. The pose begins by lying on the back. The legs should be straight and close together, while the arms are parallel to the torso. Next raise the legs towards the ceiling, and point the toes upward. Allow the weight of the body to rest on the neck muscles and the deltoid muscles of the shoulders. Support the back and legs into the vertical position by allowing the hands to give the lower back the balance it needs. Breathe deeply while going into the pose. The pose should be held with the legs and spine straight. Breathe slowly and deeply while concentrating on the thyroid gland which is located in the neck. The shoulder stand has profound effects on this gland and increases its tone. Hold this pose for a couple of minutes for the best effects. To come out of the pose curve the back and knees simultaneously and lower them to the ground. Remove the hands and place them flat on the floor. When the back is flat on the floor straighten the knees and lower the legs gently.

Organs Of The Water Meridian

Bladder: Water-energy yang organ
The bladder is called the 'Minister of the Reservoir' and is responsible for storing and excreting the urinary waste fluids passed down from the kidneys. As an organ the bladder has only this function, but as an energy system the bladder is intimately related to the functions and balance of the autonomous nervous system. That's because the bladder energy meridian runs along the back of the body from head to heal, with two parallel branches flowing along each side of the spinal column. These four branches of the bladder meridian exert a direct influence on the sympathetic and parasympathetic trunks of the autonomous nervous system, whose condition of modern life, over activates the sympathetic system, causing tension and pain along the spine and its periphery. This tension and pain may be relieved by stimulating the flow of energy along the spinal branches of the bladder meridian. Such stimulation induces total relaxation by switching the autonomous nervous system over to the restful, restorative parasympathetic mode. Chinese massage therapy focuses primarily on these four spinal branches of the bladder meridian because of their direct influence over the autonomous nervous system, which regulates all the body's basic vital functions.

Bladder
Paired Organ : Kidneys Color : deep blue Peak Hours : 3pm-5pm Physical Branches : autonomous nervous system Functions : stores and eliminates urine

<!-google_ad_client = "pub-9083241656453263"; /* 468x60, created 4/22/09 */ google_ad_slot = "3814615952"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //-->Bladder: Psycho-Emotional Aspects
An imbalance in the Bladder can cause such psychological symptoms as habitual fear, lack

of decision making capability and a diminished moral character. If the imbalance becomes chronic, it results in such emotional responses as jealousy, suspicion, and holding on to long-standing grudges.

The Bladder Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories

The bladder channel begins at the inner corner of the eye, rising up through the eyebrow (BL-2) over the forehead and skull to join the governing vessel at GV-20. Here it enters the brain, re-emerging as a superficial path at the nape of the neck. This path continues over the base of the skull (occiput), where it divides again into two branches that descend parallel with the spine. The inner branch diverts briefly to meet GV-14 before continuing to the sacrum, then on down the back of the thigh to the center of the knee-fold. An internal branch connects with the kidney and then the bladder, after separating at the lumbar region. The outer branch passes from the occiput along the edge of the shoulder blade and descends to the buttock, continuing down the thigh to meet the other branch at the knee. The single channel continues down the center of the calf muscle and passes behind the outer ankle to the outer tip of the little toe.

Internal Trajectories of the Bladder Meridian

The vessel of the bladder, foot tai yang, starts at BL-1 and passes over the head. The main meridian is the first line on the back, the shu points line. It then: ...comes down the shu line to the lumbar area and goes into the body, spirally wraps the kidneys, then passes down to and permeates the bladder. This quotation is usually understood to mean that after spirally wrapping the kidneys, the trajectory descends through or with the ureter to the bladder, to permeate the bladder. It is

possible that in passing from the lumbar area to spirally wrap the kidneys it passes through the renal artery.

The Associated points, or Back-Shu points, are a set of points located along the bladder meridian running down the sides of the spine. These points are associated with each of the Twelve organs of the body, via the dorsal and ventral nerves coming out from the spine which supply those particular organs.

Kidney: Water-energy yin organ

Known as the 'Minister of Power', the kidney is regarded as the body's most important reservoir of essential energy. The original prenatal energy (yuan chee) which forms the basis of life is stored in the kidney organ-energy system, which is why the kidneys are also known as the 'Root of Life'. In the Chinese view, the kidney organ system also includes the adrenal glands, which consist of the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. These glands sit like hats on top of the kidneys and secrete a wide range of essential hormones that regulate metabolism, excretion, immunity, sexual potency and fertility. Destruction of the adrenal cortex is fatal. The kidney system also includes what the Chinese call the 'external kidneys': the testicles in men and the ovaries in women. Thus the kidneys control sexual and reproductive functions and provide the body's prime source of sexual vitality, which the Chinese regard as a major indicator of health and immunity.

The kidneys themselves are responsible for filtering waste metabolites from the blood and moving them onwards to the bladder for excretion in urine. Along with the large intestine, the kidneys control the balance of fluids in the body. In addition, they regulate the body's acid-alkaline balance (pH) by selectively filtering out or retaining various minerals. The kidneys, particularly the adrenal glands, are especially vulnerable to damage from excessive stress and sexual abuse. In the Chinese view, such damage is a major cause of immune deficiency, low vitality, and sexual impotence. The kidneys control the growth and development of bones and nourish the marrow, which is the body's source of red and white blood cells. Weak kidney energy is therefore a prime cause of anemia and immune deficiency. The Chinese view the spinal cord and the brain as forms of marrow, and therefore poor memory, inability to think clearly, and backache are all regarded as indicators of impaired kidney function and deficient kidney energy. Kidney vitality is reflected externally by the condition of head and body hair and is associated with the aperture of the ears. Tinnitus (ringing ears) is thus a sign of kidney dysfunction. The kidneys are the seat of courage and willpower, and therefore any impairment in kidney energy results in feelings of fear and paranoia. Intense fear can cause involuntary urination, a phenomenon also known to Western medicine.

Kidney
Paired Organ : Bladder Color : light flame blue Peak Hours : 5pm-7pm Mental Qualities : fear, paranoia Physical Branches : ears, bones, urine, head and pubic hair, brain, marrow Functions : stores prenatal essence, filters the blood

Kidney: Psycho-Emotional Aspects

The Marrow produced from the Kidney Jing flows into the brain. The thinking ability is strengthened when Qi and Blood in the cerebral cortex are abundant. With the increase of thinking activity, a circle of light develops within the body's Taiji Pole. The individual's innate intelligence (Yuan Shen) is represented by the intensity of light. The degree of accumulated spiritual energy is reflected by the number of light circles developed within the Taiji Pole. These circles of light can be best observed when first waking. By placing slight pressure of the external eye lids the inner light of the Taiji Pole is projected onto the optic nerves, reflecting an image of the circle of light. If the circle of light is complete, it reflects a strong, healthy condition. If the circle of light is dark within its center (similar to a doughnut), this reflects a Deficient condition. If the circle of light is broken or interrupted, it reflects an extreme Deficiency.

The "memory zone," as well as the "thought center" are also located in the cerebral cortex and will not develop until the Kidney Channels travel through the spine, along with the Liver Channels, to reach the cortex. When the Qi of these two channels is abundant, the memory function is keen.

The Kidneys house the body's will power (Zhi). They control short-term memory and store data. The Kidneys provide the capacity and drive for strength, skill and hard work. A patient with strong Kidneys can work hard and purposefully for long periods of time. Consequently, when the Kidneys are in a state of disharmony, the patient can sometimes be driven to a state of excessive-compulsive working habits (a workaholic). A patient with weak Kidneys will lack strength and endurance. The Kidney's positive psycho-emotional attributes are wisdom, rationality, clear perception, gentleness, and selfunderstanding. The negative attributes are fear, loneliness, insecurity, and shock (which attacks the Heart first then descends into the Kidneys to become fear).

The Kidney Channel Pathway, Acupuncture Points, and Internal Trajectories

This channel begins under the little toe, near the end of the bladder channel, and crosses through KD-1 to the inner edge of the foot. It loops behind the inside ankle bone to the heel, then rises along the inner aspect of the leg, intersecting the spleen channel at SP-6, before continuing up the calf and the inner thigh. Here its pathway becomes deeper and goes to the base of the spine, where it joins the governing vessel. Rising internally in line with the lumbar spine it enters the kidney, descends to the bladder, and surfaces at the pubic area. It connects with the conception vessel in the lower abdomen and then rises over the body to the collarbone. Internally a branch leaves the kidney to enter the liver and lung, and continues up to the throat and tongue. From the lung another branch flows to the heart and chest and joins the pericardium channel.

Internal Trajectories of the Kidney Meridian

The kidney meridian begins below the small toe, then comes across the foot to the "heart of the sole" (near KI-1), then to KI-2, and up the leg along the kidney meridian pathway. At the thigh it goes interior: [It] passes up the spine, permeates the kidneys, and spirally wraps the bladder. According to most sources the kidney meridian has a complex series of trajectories. Once the meridian goes internal at the thigh, it passes to the spine at GV-1, then up the spine (an indefinite distance), back down the spine and out to KI-11. From KI-11 it superficially passes up to KI-16. At KI-16 an internal trajectory circles backward between the skin and the peritoneum, almost following the dai mai (girdle vessel) trajectory. The meridian then enters and permeates the kidneys. Then, passing downward through the ureter to the bladder, it spirally wraps the bladder. This path also passes out to CV-3 and CV-4.

From KI-16 an external meridian passes up to KI-21. Here, another trajectory goes internally to and through the liver and up through the diaphragm into the lungs. There are two main interpretations of the trajectory after it reaches the lungs. The first posits that from the lungs the meridian passes along the pulmonary vein to the heart and spirally wraps the heart. It further travels to the "inside of the chest", usually seen as CV-17. CV-17 is the reflex point of the "inside of the chest" and may be a synonym for upper qi hai. A second interpretation proposes that the internal trajectory ends at the lungs and that from KI-21 the external meridian passes up to KI-25. From this point a trajectory passes inward to spirally

wrap the heart and reach to the "inside of the chest", CV-17. Since Yoshio Manaka's research suggests that KI-25 is a better reflex point, or mu point, for the heart than the traditional point, CV-14, the second interpretation would thus be better justified. Regardless of interpretation, it is interesting to note that the kidney meridian has a trajectory that spirally wraps the heart, an energetic connection usually reserved for the coupled yin-yang meridians. These kidney meridian deviations from the usual relationships have major energetic consequences and ramifications.

Excercise for strengthening Svadhisthana Chakra

Excercise for opening the second chakra involve working with movement in the hips and lower abdomen. Simple self-nurturing acivity, such as long, hot baths, showers or swimming should not be overlooked. Nurturing ourselves is the first step to receiving or giving nurturance to others. The Goddess Pose - Lie flat on your back and relax. Relax especially the legs, pelvis, and lower back. Bend your knees, bringing your feet in close to your buttocks. Slowly allow your knees to part, allowing the weight of the legs to stretch the inner thighs. Try to relax. Do not push your legs farther than is comfortable. Hold this position for two minutes or more. Then slowly bring your knees together again. This puts us in touch with our sexual vulnerability, which paradoxically must be understood before we can fully open ourselves up on this level. Pelvic Rock - Starting on your back with legs bent, slowly begin to rock your pelvis upward and downward with each breath. Inhale fully into your chest and belly, exhale fully, and upon the end of each exhale, push slightly with your feet so that your pelvis comes off the ground pushing the small of your back into the floor beneath you. Hip Circles - From a standing position, bend your knees slightly, and drop your pelvis forward so that it is directly in your central line of gravity. Keeping the knees bent and

flexible, rotate the pelvis in smaller then larger circles. The head and feet should remain in the same place while the pelvis alone does the moving. Try to make the movement as smooth as possible. Leg Lifts - This excercise helps move energy through the pelvis, often into the upper chakras. It is a classic Kundalini excercise, and a wonderful energizer. Lie on your back and relax. Lift your legs six to 12 inches off the floor and spread them apart at this height. Bring together again and then kick our again. Rest after about five of these. Then bring your legs perpendicular to the floor and spread to each side. Bring together and down. Repeat until tired. Raising legs should be accompanied by an inhale, while lowering the legs should be accompanied by an exhale. This excercise is a strong Kundalini-raiser with powerful results. It is important not to strain and to avoid sore muscles. Stay in tune with the body. <!-google_ad_client = "pub-9083241656453263"; /* 468x60, created 4/22/09 */ google_ad_slot = "3814615952"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //-->Wingmaker Products Inspirational Writings
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Meridian Organs And Meridian Foods

Food For Thought - Introduction

As we all known the human body is made up mainly off water and to ensure we maintain of healthy body and energy system it is important that we supply the human body with water or the water meridian as it is known the the wingmaker. but on the other side of the coin what about the other meridians and the meridian organs are they not important to. See the all the foods that we eat carry energy some bad and some good never the same the energy of food helps maintain healthy organs, mind, and body. but how do we know which foods are good and which are bad. take the old saying five plus a day. Five fruit or vegetables a day that is this is ok but what if we only supply half the meridian organs with much need meridian energy that we find in food. Isn't this is the bad habit that if we continue with over long periods of time. wouldn bring about dysfunction in the other organs of the body that lack the meridian energy. And would this cause health problem's in those areas were the organs vibrational energy is lower and there is an inefficiency in the organs of that meridian. see it is important to reciver a good balance of meridian energy to ensure good health. So what we are going to do here is look at the different foods and how there inpact on the human body and the human energy system. Food for thought wouldn't you agree?

Foods of the Meridian

Earth Meridian foods
Root Vegatables, Carrots, parsnip, turnips, potatoes, and all the other types of food that come from the earth.

Earth Meridian Organs Stomach Meridian

Paired Organ : Spleen Color : deep yellow Peak Hours : 7am-9am Physical Branches : Muscles, lips, mouth, saliva Functions digestion : absorption of postnatal energy Meridian energy : Earth Chakra : First/ Base Chakra

Spleen-Pancreas
Paired Organ : Stomach

Color : Orange yellow Peak Hours : 9am-11am Physical Branches : Muscles, lips, mouth, saliva, lymphatic system Functions : Cleanses and 'modifies' the blood Meridian energy : Earth Chakra : First/ Base Chakra

Water Meridian Foods

Water, Mineral Water, Seafood, and Fish and all the other foods that come from the sea.

Water Meridian Organs Bladder

Paired Organ : Kidneys Color : deep blue Peak Hours : 3pm-5pm Physical Branches : autonomous nervous system Functions : stores and eliminates urine

Kidney
Paired Organ : Bladder Color : light flame blue Peak Hours : 5pm-7pm Mental Qualities : fear, paranoia Physical Branches : ears, bones, urine, head and pubic hair, brain, marrow Functions : stores prenatal essence, filters the blood

Fire Meridian Foods Fire Meridian Organs Heart/Mind

Paired Organ: Small Intestine Color: red with slight blue tint Peak Hours: 11am-1pm Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion, adrenals, thyroid, prostate, pituitary Functions: pulse/circulation, house of the spirit

 Small Intestine
Paired Organ: Heart Color: pink Peak Hours: 1pm-3pm Physical Branches: blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion Functions: absorbs nutrients, digestion and elimination

Nature Meridian Foods

Leafy Green vegatables, Celery, Cabbage,Wheat, Grains, Brown and white rice, Pumkin, Beans, and peas just to name a fue. and all of the other foods that come form the land.

Nature Meridian Organs Gallbladder

Paired Organ : Liver Color : yellow green Peak Hours : 11pm-1am Mental Qualities : resentment Physical Branches : eyes, tendons, tears, nails Functions : stores and excretes bile, one of the Six Extraordinary Organs

Liver
Paired Organ : Gallbladder Color : deep green Peak Hours : 1am-3am Physical Branches : eyes, tendons, tears, nails Functions : stores the blood, governs the free flow of qi

Ether Meridian
Good old Fresh Air, Prana breathing

Lung
Paired Organ : Large Intestine Color : pure white Peak Hours : 3am-5am Physical Branches : nose, skin, body hair, mucus Functions : accepts pure fluids from spleen, which are then mixed with air, and

circulated through the meridians, circulates Wei Qi

Large Intestine
Paired Organ: Lungs Color: off-white Peak Hours: 5am-7am Physical Branches: nose, skin, body hair, mucus Functions: absorption of fluids, elimination of solid wastes

And as they say five plus a day or as it should be said Five Meridians Plus A Day will ensure good health in the meridian organs and a good vibartional flow of energy in the human energy system. preparation of foods is also important because there are many different away of preparing food some good and some not so good.

Grilling
Grilling food drys the food out and breaks down the balance of the meridian energy.

Baking
Can be good for meats if the meat is placed of a rack so that the fat can run free of the meat and the meridian energy holds to gether better if the meat id cooked slowly.

Boiling
Boiling vegatable is not so good for the meridian energy because you end up boiling the goodness out of the vegatable and you over load the vegatable with energy from the water meridian.

Streaming
Streaming foods is the best way to protect the meridian energy of the food as it locks the energy into the food as it is cooking. And remember organic foods are always best because they hold a higher vibration then theated foods. <!-google_ad_client = "pub-9083241656453263"; /* 468x60, created 4/22/09 */ google_ad_slot = "3814615952"; google_ad_width = 468;

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What is Chi?
Chi, often written as Qi (pronounced chee) could be described as a type of bioelectricity and is the life force in and around us. It cannot normally be seen without the aid of Kirlian photography, but it can be felt and its effects can be seen. Numerous cultures describe a matrix of subtle energies that support and animate the physical body. This energy is called Chi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese, Prana in India and Tibet, and Nefesh in Israel. Sufis call it Baraka, Christian mystics call it the Holy Spirit and the ancient Greeks called it Pneuma. Hahnemann, father of homeopathy, referred to it as "vital force," and in chiropractic it is called the "innate intelligence." Our bodies are composed of a series of energy systems which are interwoven and superimposed. The correct functioning of these systems forms the basis of our health. Energetically charged fluids are pumped through the lymphatic system, the blood circulatory system, interstitially, through the bone marrow and spine, around the brain and so on. The Chi flows through a system of meridians which are like channels within the energy body. Chi is all around us in the environment and inside us; our body is dependant upon this Chi to continue functioning. We obtain Chi from the air, food, water, the Sun, warm places, the moon, the Earth, stars, and several other places in the environment. When we are born we also have an abundant supply of Chi stored our abdomen, which will usually deplete gradually through the course of our lifetime if we do not replenish it by way of Chi Gung exercises! There are several types of Chi in the body and its circulation is rather complicated (see Chi Circulatory System).

Meridians
Like a network of rivers nourishing a landscape, the meridians are the channels through which Chi flows, nourishing and energizing the body. These channels exist within the energy body but you wont find them on the operating table! Collectively, they form the matrix within which the physical body functions. They also act as a network of communication between the mind, the physical body and the more subtle energy body.

One theory on the structure of Meridians is the Hyaluronic Acid Hypothesis: This model shows how energy can flow in the body along the Meridians, but there are no channels to be found on dissection of the body. In this model, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) molecules are pulled into position by the electromagnetic charge around the arteries and veins. This explanation is based on the work of Dr. E.W. Nordenstrom, author of the book "Biologically Closed Electrical Circuits", which shows that there are different electrical charges present in arteries and in veins. This difference causes a flow of electrical current between the arteries and veins. In physics, when there is a flow of ions along a wire there is also an electromagnetic field generated around that wire. Thus, Dr. Nordenstrm hypothesises that the human body has an immense network of blood vessel "cables" that are surrounded by electromagnetic fields. It is these fields that proposedly hold in place Hyaluronic Acid molecules that create functional channels inside of which flow ions. This flow of ions is the "Chi." Hyaluronic Acid facilitates energy transfer and is a key component in the systems which enable mechanical movement of the body. Research also suggests that hyaluronan plays an important role in brain development. There are twelve main meridians (Jingluo) in the body, each associated with a particular element and organ system. The meridians are typically listed in Yin/Yang pairs: Lung (arm-yin) and Large Intestine (arm-yang) - Metal Stomach (leg-yang) and Spleen (leg-yin) - Earth

Heart (arm-yin) and Small Intestine (arm-yang) - Fire Bladder (leg-yang) and Kidney (leg-yin) - Water Pericardium (arm-yin) and Triple-Warmer (arm-yang) - Fire Gallbladder (leg-yang) and Liver (leg-yin) - Wood

The arm-yin meridians flow from the torso along the inner edge of the arms to the fingers. The armyang meridians flow from the fingers along the outer edge of the arms to the head. The leg-yang meridians flow from the head down the torso and along the back of the legs to the toes. The leg-yin meridians flow from the toes along the inner edge of the legs to the torso. The Chi in a given meridian is strongest during a specific two-hour period of the twenty-four hour day. The way Chi travels in this cycle through the meridians is referred to as the Meridian Clock. When this flow is balanced and harmonious, we experience physical and emotional well-being. When the flow is blocked, intermittent or deplete, we experience physical or emotional disease. Chi Gung and acupuncture are practices which help us to maintain a healthy flow of Chi throughout the body. Meridian Clock indicating associated health conditions

Along with the twelve main meridians, there are also the Eight Extraordinary Meridians - the Du, Ren,

Dai, Chong, Yin Chiao, Yang Chiao, Yin Wei and the Yang Wei Meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are the first to form in the human embryo. They represent a deeper level of energetic structuring, and play an important role within the practice of Chi Gung