Plum Blossom Needling

Question 0

What is 5, 7 or 18 needles called?

Answer 0

Plum blossom
7star needle
Arhat

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Consists of shallow insertion and withdrawal of a needle device made up of multiple needles. It’s more than 2000yrs old.

Question 2

When do u use plum blossom based on skin observation?

Answer 2

Abnormal appearance, tension Of skin or dif. Skin colour can be an indication of zang fu pathological change or a musculoskeletal problem.

Question 3

How can p.b. Help with previous issue?

Answer 3

It can break stagnation and encourage circulation of qi and blood and promote normal function of channels and collaterals while harmonizing yin and yang. It can Tx disease or expel epf.

Question 4

What are common uses for p.b?

Answer 4

Blood letting with/out cupping

Facilitating the free flow of qi

Question 5

What are some conditions Tx with p.b?there are 13 listed.

Answer 5

1. When there is epf invasion and it’s sitting in the superficial layers.
2. Conditions Tx with points on du and UB channels. Observation of area is important.
3. Eye problems.(myopia)
4. Internal, surgical, gyno, paediatric disorders.
5. Atrophy
6. Alopecia, acute onset..tap and apply ginger
7. Varicose veins, tap lightly over the protruding veins in a zigzag motion without causing any bleeding
8. Common cold, tap in medial bladder lines and both sides of nose.
9. Constipation , tap on points on lower abdomen and on back of the lumbosacral region.
10. Migraine, tap on the nape of the neck on the affected side, pc6, sj5 and in sacral region.
11. Acute conjunctivitis. Area of c1-c4, around eyes, GB 20, taiyang and li4.
12. Atrophy of upper extremity, on hand Yangming , cervical vertebrae, both sides of sacrum and huatojiajis t1-t7
13. Atrophy of lower limbs. Tap on cutaneous regions of foot yang Ming and huatojiajis from l2- sacral area.

Question 6

What are the contraindications?

Answer 6

Not on face
Not on skin lesions and ulcerations
Not on very weak patients

Question 7

What is the proper technique for p.b?levels of intensity

Answer 7

Steady and accurate tapping, 90degree angle with snapping lifting motion. 70 to 90 times per minute
Intensity: light- slight redness, needles don’t penetrate, only irritate
Moderate- needles penetrate at a superficial level, with minimal traces of blood.
Heavy- more visual traces of blood that may look like a rash with blood effusion. Patients response has to be watched.
Tap harder on acupuncture points.
Follow the flow of qi for reinforcing or counter flow for reducing.

Question 8

Frequency of Tx?

Answer 8

Once a day or every other day.

One course is 10 sessions , 3 dys rest between courses.

Question 9

What’s the position of patient?

Answer 9

Tx on back can be done prone lying or sitting position with head on pillow or on the crossed arms of the patient.