Articles

The Foundations of Channel Theory

Abstract

Acupuncture is a rich and diverse method of treatment that has many different ways of assessing and treating the same symptoms and illnesses. However, this variety of methods and models can lead to confusion. The aim of this article is to present a simplified model of traditional acupuncture theory that can be used to balance the channels and thus restore the body to health. The theory presented is illustrated by case histories from the author’s own clinical practice.

The Use of Entry and Exit Points for The Face and The Thorax

Abstract

The flow of meridians was first described in the Spiritual Pivot Chapter 10 giving a specific order in which the meridians follow from one to the other. This order is often also referred to as the Chinese biorhythm or Chinese clock. Its uses are often found in Five Element acupuncture to suggest when is the best time to treat a particular meridian and other styles such as Tung and Balance Method where it is applied to balancing various meridians. It is rarely used in its capacity to treat the symptoms that can appear along the meridians themselves and their connections to other meridians. The aim of this article is to give a different approach to the use of entry and exit points to treat problems of the thorax and the face. This is to be done by looking at the pathways of the meridians, where the meridians begin and end according to classical texts, and using the relationships of the Chinese biorhythm clock to treat the affected areas.

The Origins of the Universe and the Four (or Twelve) Gates

A new approach for understanding the traditional point combination of the Four Gates as well as two new point pairings explained with a functional model of channel interactions and six element theory.

Abstract

The clinical application of the treatment protocol titled ‘the Four
Gates’ is known by almost every acupuncturist. This combination
of Liv 3 tai chong and LI 4 he gu is one of the bedrocks of modern
clinical psycho-emotional work in TCM. And yet, where does it
come from? why does it work? and when should it be used?
These are questions that are rarely asked and even more rarely
answered. The objective of this article is to shed light on this
point combination and at the same time introduce two other
possibilities that can be used instead of the traditional Four Gates.
And in addition to examining the Four Gates, there is also a story
to revise the elements and their interactions.