TCM III - The Acupuncture Channels

Question 1

The acupuncture channels

Answer 1

The channels are a continuous circuit of Qi moving around the body.
* The pathways follow the anatomy, like water courses through a landscape
* They enter deep to reach the organs and emerge near the surface where the acupuncture points are located
* Acupuncture points are located at precise anatomical locations, usually in the spaces between anatomical features

Question 2

Headaches, for example

Answer 2

• Knowing the pathways of acupuncture channels helps decide which channels to select for treatment
• For example, a temporal headache might be treated by needling points on the gallbladder channel
• A frontal headache might be treated by needling points on the stomach channel
• Occipital headaches might be treated by needling points on bladder channel

www.youtube.be/qem4HQFQZC1U

Question 3

Book: The spark in the machine

Answer 3

• Daniel Keown’s book The spark in the machine is a recent attempt at describing acupuncture channels in Western medical terms
• It discusses the physical location of acupuncture channels and how it correlates with the fascia – connective-tissue that defines and encapsulates muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, blood vessels and internal organs
  “Acupuncture is the study of energetic lines of connection in the body. These lines of connection run through the lines of least resistance -fascia; and pool in places where change occurs – organising centres.” Daniel Keown, the spark in the machine (singing dragon, 2014)

Question 4

Fascia

Answer 4

• Fascia Consist mainly of collagen, which is semi-crystalline in structure; on bending, fascia generates tiny electrical currents
• Qi is described as electrical in nature, a ‘substance of intelligent cooperation’ – an ‘intelligent metabolism’
• The complex folding and unfolding of the developing embryo into organs and limbs creates enduring facial connections, which have identifiable relevance to the acupuncture channels

Question 5

Channel palpation – Diagnosis of imbalances

Answer 5

Palpation of the Channels offers useful diagnostic information
* Channel imbalances may affect organ functions
* Organ imbalances may show up in the channels
* There is therapeutic value as soon as you begin to palpate the channels, so be mindful of your touch

Question 6

Channel palpation: observations

Answer 6

Pay attention to:
* Muscle tone
* Colour: paleness, redness, discolouration etc.
* Temperature
* Moisture (or dryness)
* Pain and ‘reactivity’
* Nodules and textures beneath the surface

Question 7

Channel palpation: Practicalities

Answer 7

The skilled practitioner develops ‘Finger eyes’ to see below the surface.
* Use a light touch at first and then gently increased pressure. Always ask for feedback
* Be aware of issues surrounding touch and exposing the body. Support the limb
* Look at the person and feel the reaction of the tissues and for signs of discomfort
* Follow along the channel, looking and listening with your ‘thumb’

Question 8

Palpation findings

Answer 8

Palpation may reveal:
* Mild redness = Qi Stagnation
* Intense redness = Heat
* Weak of soft tissue = Qi Deficiency
* Clammy or puffy = dampness
* Dry = Yin, Blood or Fluid deficiency
* Cold = Cold or Qi deficiency
* Hot = Heat
* Tender or tight = Qi stagnation
* Nodules = Phlegm or Blood stasis
* String of small nodules = Dehydration

Question 9

Systemic imbalances

Answer 9

• Localised stagnation of Qi, Blood, Phlegm or Heat Is best treated with acupuncture or massage.
• Systemic imbalances such as dampness, dehydration, Qi deficiency and Qi stasis can be greatly improved with changes to diet and lifestyle
• For the appropriate advice on diet and lifestyle, please refer to lectures 1 and 2

Question 10

The Lung channel

Answer 10

• The Lung channel starts in the stomach
• It joins the large intestine (its Yang pair) & travels up through the cardiac orifice.
• It enters the lungs, ascends to the throat, and then emerges on the anterolateral surface of the chest at LU-1
• It descends lateral to the biceps brachii to the cubital crease at LU-5, and on through the radial aspect of the anterior wrist
• It ends at the radial nail point of the thumb at LU-11

Question 11

The Spleen channel

Answer 11

• The Spleen channel begins at the medial nail point of the big toe at SP-1.
• It runs along the medial border of the foot, follows the groove along the medial border of the tibia, and the antero-medial aspect of the thigh to the lower abdomen, before entering the stomach (its Yang pair).
• It emerges again and rides up the lateral border of the rectus abdominis to LU-1, and descends to terminate on the mid-axillary line at SP-21