Yoshio Manaka, MD

with Kazuko Itaya and Stephen Birch

'
 CHASING THE DRAGON'S

TAIL

THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF

ACUPUNCTURE IN THE WORK OF

YOSHIO MANAKA

Yoshio Manaka

Kazuko Itaya

Stephen Birch

PARADIGM PUBLICATIONS BROOKLINE, MASSSACHUSETTS

1995

/
 Chasing the Dragon's Tail
The Theory and Practice of Acupuncture in the Work of Yoshio Manaka
Yoshio Manaka, Kazuko Itaya, Stephen Birch

1995, 2008 Paradigm Publications

ISBN 10: 0-912111-32-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-912111-32-2

Library of Congress Number: 95-10827

All rights reserved. Under penalty of law, no part of this publication

may be reproduced, stored in a retreival system, or transmitted
in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Paradigm Publications
www.paradigm-pubs.com

Distributed by
Redwing Book Company
202 Bendix St
Taos, NM 887571
www.redwingbooks.com

Cover illustration and chapter headings by Yoshio Manaka

Cover design by jack Boyce
Illustrations and Drawings by Herb Rich III

Fourth Printing 2008

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION iii
PREFACE v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS viii
INTRODUCTION ix
GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY xxix
DESIGNATION xxxvii
SECTION 1: SIGHTING THE DRAGON 1
CHAPTER 1: ACUPUNCTURE; TRADITION & TRANSMISSION 3
CHAPTER 2: THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM 17
SECTION 2: IN PURSUIT OF THE DRAGON:
RESEARCHING AND EXAMINING TRADITIONAL THEORIES 39
CHAPTER 3: YIN-YANG THEORY 41
CHAPTER 4: THE CHANNEL SYSTEM: f!NGLUO THEORY 49
CHAPTER 5: THE 8 EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS AND THE OcTAHEDRAL MODEL 81
CHAPTER 6: THE FIVE PHASES 87
SECTION 3: REACHING FOR THE TAIL: TRADITIONAL CONCEPTS IN
PRACTICE: REGULATING THE SIGNAL SYSTEM 109
CHAPTER 7: SYNTHESIZING DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 111
CHAPTER 8: DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT 127
CHAPTER 9: CLINICAL TREATMENT: STEP ONE 155
CHAPTER 10: CLINICAL TREATMENT: STEPS TWO AND THREE 183
CHAPTER 11: SYMPTOM CONTROL TREATMENT: STEP FOUR 205
CHAPTER 12: HOME THERAPIES: STEP FIVE 245
SECTION 4: RIDING THE DRAGON:
CASE STUDIES FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE 263
CHAPTER 13: CASE STUDIES FOR STEPS ONE AND TWO 265
CHAPTER 14: ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES FOR TOTAL TREATMENT 285
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: PRESSURE PAIN: PATTERNS, INTERPRETATIONS, ORIGINS 311
APPENDIX 2: SELECTED RESEARCH PAPERS OF MANAKA AND ITAYA 327
APPENDIX 3: YI f!NG SYMBOLS AND SIGNALS IN ACUPUNCTURE 363
APPENDIX 4: ON THE SAYOSHI AGENT 375
APPENDIX 5: A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE FIVE PHASES 391
APPENDIX 6: FURTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE X-SIGNALS 413

BIOGRAPHY OF YOSHIO MANAKA 425

BIBLIOGRAPHY 421
INDEX 429

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 DEDICATION

Dr.Yoshio Manaka died November 20th, 1989. Many mourned the loss of a
gentleman and a genius, a true Renaissance man. The manuscript for this text had
been approved in all but its printed form by that date. It has been particularly
difficult for those of us working on this book to break our tangible connection
with the master and get the book to press. Finally we have been able to make
this transition. We hope that our efforts have been worthwhile and we apologize
for the delays.

Shu Ha R i
 PREFACE

As a young man preparing for medical school, I was absolutely convinced

that everything my science teachers taught was "true." I had no doubts; the world
was secure and comfortable. Studying medicine was to be the extension and appli-
cation of all that I had learned, and was expected to learn; the body's "ultimate
truths" would soon be revealed to me. I began preparing in advance and bought a
large medical textbook. I read this book with great excitement, from cover to
cover. There were descriptions of the increasingly complex inner world of the
body, biochemistry and biophysics applied in a seemingly endless manner.
But why this doubt, these nagging unanswered questions, a sense of disap-
pointment? Where were those truths I knew existed, but had not yet studied? Was
it possible that medicine had overlooked something? Memory of an earlier experi-
ence was flooding my mind. I recalled my arrival at the age of eight at English
boarding school. Departure from home and familiarity had left me emotionally
unsettled for a period of time. I had spent the first several years coming down
with one malady after another, and was constantly in and out of the sick room.
One day, when returning from such an episode to confront two weeks of study to
be done in one, I had decided that enough was enough. It was another five years
before I even caught a cold!
Because of this experience I knew with absolute certainty that I had decided
when I would get sick, when those bronchial and upper respiratory infections
would set in. It was not a purely biochemical event. This was experiential knowl-
edge that none could deny. Yet, years later as I read the medical text, I discovered
that medicine seemed to know nothing about this phenomenon. I was distressed.
I had expected that an increase in the complexity and detail of what I studied
would explain my own experience. But, it was completely absent! Was this experi-
ence true only for me or was it a more general truth? Could many (or possibly all)
diseases come from mental and emotional distress? I did not know. But I did
know that medicine's picture of the world neither asked nor answered my ques-
tion. For me, this was an unacceptable flaw.
This and other questions lead me to study philosophy instead of medicine.
What better place could one turn to find answers? I could not have been further
from the truth. I did learn the great thinkers and the assumptions that had
spawned the modem world, its science and medicine. I did learn the reason for the
unwillingness or inability of medical science to tackle my question. But I came no
closer to answering the question myself. In all its wondrous complexity, philoso-
phy came no closer to explaining the reality of my experience. And, if a theory
were incapable of explaining the most elementary of things - one's own experience
- what use was the theory?

/
vi Preface

In hindsight, it is easy to explain these conflicts. I wanted truth and found

only contradiction and assumption. The more I studied, the ~ore complex the
questions became. Truth was not, after all, out there for the takmg. It was. an elu-
sive, slippery devil. These conflicts and questions steered me towards Ind1an and
Chinese thought, where I found more acceptable truths, that is, truths that served
my need. I discovered that everything was relative. My appreciation of these sim-
plistic yet adaptable metaphysical descriptions finally led me to study acupu~c
ture. Here, I hoped, I would learn not just another truth, but how to do somethmg
with the truths I knew. I could help people improve the quality of their lives.
I soon learned that acupuncture was not a truth. Instead, I found a host of
seemingly contradictory systems that came laden with perspectives, viewpoints
and different assumptions, all of which seemed to have some clinical validity. I
also found that there was a price to pay for this knowledge. All the science that I
had studied seemed irrelevant and cumbersome. These systems were no more
accepting of science than science was of mental and emotional factors. Truth again
proved elusive and exclusionary.
At first this was acceptable; I was gaining knowledge about a phenomenon I
had experienced, and I was learning how to use this knowledge to good purpose.
But, as my studies broadened my earlier questions resurfaced in new guises.
Surely there must be someone addressing these issues and conflicts? Elusiveness
made the problem interesting, but contradiction and exclusivity were unaccept-
able. Wasn't there a middle ground, some way of reconciling different truths?
It was in this context that I first encountered the work of Dr. Yoshio Manaka
of Japan.
My introduction to his work came in 1982 while working on a variety of book
projects as a teaching assistant. I was intrigued and delighted by his ideas and his
gentle and effective treatments. As I continued to work, I was gradually intro-
duced to more of his ideas, research, and theoretical descriptions of acupuncture. I
was once again confused. It was satisfying to find someone who was attempting to
bridge science and acupuncture, but he was using terms - topology, isophasality,
octahedrality- that were unfamiliar. It was not easy to grasp how these concepts
related to acupuncture. His ideas seemed vast and sophisticated, but adrift.
By the time of Dr. Manaka's 1985 seminar in San Francisco, I was beginning
to piece parts of his model together, but still it seemed like shimmering moonlight
on a heaving ocean. When he invited me to study with him at his hospital in
Odawara, Japan, I was very honored. I was to help with the writing of this book,
so my studies intensified and my reading was directed to new areas as I tried to
keep pace with his teaching. I was not prepared for the intellectual shock, the
breadth and depth of his work and practice.
This was more than just the shock of losing a naive expectation, an experience
that was hardly new. I had met a sensitive and brilliant giant, the equal of whom I
had never known before. I was a minor composer confronting the genius of
Mozart, a petty magician in the company of a real wizard. I watched Dr. Manaka
transform the so-called "pseudoscientific speculations" of an obscure, traditional
medical theory into a rational scientific model. His unusual experiments and mod-
els suddenly became clear for the first time. I could see the importance of his work.
Here were the foundations of a new model that was capable of explaining and
exploring both traditional and modem theories without trivializing either. Here,
the elusive nature of truth was assumed, not hidden by the parochial exclusivity
that dominated so many others. Dogma was transformed to inclusivity and free-
dom of thought.
 Preface vii

Neither was this a merely theoretical edifice. Almost every aspect of the
model he proposed was based on clinical tests, observations, and years of success-
ful clinical practice, not merely his own, but that of a network of skillful and dedi-
cated workers many of whom were honored experts. Dr. Manaka's co-worker, Dr.
Kazuko Itaya, had taken these seeds and germinated her own original research and
undertaken years of dedicated research. In more than twenty years of work evi-
dence after evidence had been compiled. I knew that their work was significant; in
it lay answers to my questions.
I came to this work forewarned. I knew of my disposition to search for truth;
I was aware of my rational and irrational inclinations. I understood the phased
acquisition of knowledge. We move from one stone to another as we cross the
river of ignorance. But the work of Manaka and Itaya is more than just a stone in
the river. It is a significant island over which we cannot see, and the distance to its
furthest bank is as yet unkown. I believe the importance of their achievements is
multi-levelled, requiring careful examination. It is here that my work begins.
It is a great honor for me to work on this book. I hope that my journey of dis-
covery and daily clinical use of their ideas has made me capable of the task and
that my efforts will achieve at least two major goals:
- First, I hope that I can clearly and systematically organize and make acces-
sible their theoretical, experimental, and clinical materials. As we will see, this sys-
tematization is both a necessity and a travesty. I hope I have erred on the side of
necessity.
- Second, in the introduction, I would like to delineate some of the impor-
tant levels of Manaka and Itaya's work. There are crucial philosophical, method-
ological, and clinical issues that are ignored by most authors and researchers of
acupuncture. I believe that these are addressed by the work of Manaka and Itaya.
It is here that I would like to begin my examination and expressing my respect for
the junzi, :ft =f , for his ineffable kindness, wisdom, and wit.
In the garden of his home in Odawara, Dr. Manaka had a bust which he
sculpted of the famous English philospher, Bertrand Russell. In recognition of his
admiration for Russell, I offer a parallel between their work with this short quote
from Russell's later life:
I am in no degree ashamed of having changed my opinions. What physicist who
was active in 1900 would dream of boasting that his opinions had not changed?
Dr. Manaka's ideas have evolved continually. At the pinnacle of his life, his
ideas reached a level of refinement that could only come after many years of prac-
tice, research and study. It is only natural that ideas which seemed advanced in
the past, seem a little unrefined or unfinished today. This is a struggle that many
experience with their work. I see it as the mark of a true creative genius.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than is dreamt of in your phi-
losophy.
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet I:v, p. 166.

STEPHEN BIRCH
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to study with Dr. Yoshio Manaka.
It is not often that one meets a teacher who is truly gifted, talented, and generous. I
cannot thank Dr. Manaka enough for his great kindness, for extending his hospital-
ity and educating me at his hospital in Odawara in the summers of 1986 and 1988.
Nor can I thank him sufficiently for his enthusiasm, his warm support, and his con-
tinued generosity. I can only hope that my efforts in this work have gone some
way towards expressing my gratitude. I am profoundly grateful to his associate,
Dr. Kazuko Itaya, for her generosity, kindness, and support. Their work is truly
inspiring, and I hope it will now reach a wider audience.
My thanks must go to many others in Japan. In particular, Dr. Junya Manaka
and his wife Setsuko Manaka were very kind and helpful. The whole staff of the
Manaka Hospital also showed great consideration and patience with my bumbling
ways. Dr. Manaka's assistants, Morii-san, Okusada-san, Komiya-san, and Takumi-
san, were extremely thoughtful and generous of their time; in particular Hiromasa
Okusada-san. The two of us spent most of my evenings in Japan in 1986, as well as
several months here in Boston, in 1987, working together, translating, sharing
ideas, brainstorming. Without his support and his contributions, I probably could
not have completed my work on this book. I think he will go far in the field.
Last, but not least, I must thank my family and friends for supporting and
helping me. In particular, my wife Junko, for her invaluable assistance with trans-
lation, and for her constant understanding and support. I thank my father, who
helped me with research particulars and made important contributions; my moth-
er, sisters, and brother for their nurturing and patience. Thanks go to Bob Felt and
Martha Fielding for their unswerving support and friendship; to Nigel Wiseman,
Marty Feldman, and Mark Friedman for their suggestions; and to my patients for
teaching me about health and healing.

STEPHEN BIRCH
 ~~

INTRODUCTION
~
To fully understand the work of Yoshio Manaka, it is important to place it
in its wider context. If we examine the diversity of approaches and theories in
acupuncture, and the paradigmatic issues confronting the field, we can see clear-
ly that Manaka's research arose from knowing that for acupuncture to be accept-
ed in the West it would be necessary to explain the diversity of the field while
simultaneously bridging the traditional East Asian and Western scientific para-
digms. It is here that Manaka was uniquely qualified to make significant contri-
butions.

THE CURRENT ''CRISIS"

In the late twentieth century, acupuncture and East Asian or Oriental tradi-
tional medicine - herbal medicine - have sewn many new seeds and germinated
many young shoots around the world. This has occurred both because of the
impact of Western science and culture on the East and the reciprocal impact of
Eastern culture and science on the West. There has been transmission and com-
munication.
In Eastern traditional medicines there have always been many different
schools of thought. Now, there are a great many more, both from the global
migration from these centers and from the influx of Western science, methodolo-
gy, and medicine. Everywhere that acupuncture and East Asian medicine have
traveled, some form of intermarriage has occurred. New theoretical constructs,
new lines of research, new emphases grow; new methods of measurement, new
methods of diagnosis and treatment spring forth. In contrast, and partially in
response to this heterogeneity, attempts to preserve "original truths" also have
been put forward. Many traditionalist schools have arisen, each of which carries
its own banner, each of which quotes the classics to justify an often singular point
of view. There is perhaps more research and debate in the fields of acupuncture
and East Asian medicine today than during any other time in history.
We can divide these new traditions roughly into three general categories or
approaches. In the first, only the traditional language of the medicines is permit-
ted. Everything is defined within that language. Little or no attempt is made to
use or incorporate scientific or medical language and concepts. These traditions
attempt to retain the original integrity of the medicine. In my earliest work with
Kiiko Matsumoto, I adhered to this approach, assisting in the presentation of pre-
viously untranslated traditional ideas [FE, EV]l Other examples of this approach
include the keiraku chiryo, or "channel treatment" school that began more than
x Introduction

fifty years ago in Japan, and is now slowly emerging in the U.S. and Europe.
Another, the "Traditional Acupuncture" school, was first articulated in England
during the 1960's and then spread to the U.S. in the 1970's. Perhaps the most wide-
spread example can be found in the approach of the "Traditional Chinese
Medicine" (TCM) advocates who follow the ba gang bian zheng school which gained
popularity in China during the 1960's and spread to the U.S. and Europe in the
1970's and 1980's.
The historical developments of this system are quite interesting. The ba gang
bian zheng first surfaced in the early 1700's in a little known herbal treatise, gradu-
ally gaining popularity in the field of herbal medicine. It was incorporated into
the theoretical and diagnostic language of Chinese acupuncture in the 1960's,
during the turmoil of the early Mao years. Though the system itself used only the
language of traditional medicine, a concerted effort was made to present it in a
scientific and terminological framework that was acceptable to Western medical
standards. The language of the system remains technically that of traditional
medicine, i.e., the terms used are traditional terms (yin, yang, qi). Thus it is classi-
fied according to the definitions above as a "traditional approach." However,
because its creators actually intended it as a kind of scientific approach, it could
arguably be classed in the third approach described below, the "integrationist
approach."2
These schools of thought select from, and adhere conservatively to, variations
of the traditional theories described in the early Chinese medical classics. Qi, yin-
yang, five phase, channel and zang-fu theories, are the essential premises of the
medicine. They are derived from ancient texts that provide an inspirational validi-
ty, confirmed by more than two thousand years of clinical practice. These, I label
"traditional approaches."
In the second approach, anything not scientifically measurable (or already
measured), or anything couched in non-scientific language, relying on concepts
such as qi or channels, is dismissed as pseudoscience, or worse, metaphysics and
superstition. For the proponents of this approach, the only valid models of
acupuncture and East Asian medicine are those based in scientific study and obser-
vation that strictly adhere to scientific methodology. This approach is character-
ized by the dismissal or trivialization of concepts that do not easily relate to mod-
em ideas. For example, these systems often dismiss all acupoints that do not corre-
late with known neuroanatomical structures, or which cannot be related to trigger
or motor points that are already scientifically validated.3
This approach demands the dismissal of traditional methods of diagnosis and
patient assessment, such as radial pulse palpation, considered irreconcilable with
modern Western medical practice [ATP, 29]. I label these the "scientific"
approaches. Their proponents, including Mann, Baldry, and Ulett, consider "sci-
entific truths" to be determined only by the strict methodology that is the single
acceptable justification of medicine. This conceptual school has gathered adherents
parallel with the growth of the practice of acupuncture in the West, finding favor
among those who are unwilling to dismiss the clinical evidence that acupuncture
"does something," but who cannot accept a rationale based on traditional concepts
and measurements. Importantly, and to an extent rarely discussed, this hard sci-
ence approach actually accounts for a considerable body of Chinese work and is in
practice often found in works favored by the TCM school of thought.4 While the
traditional concepts are maintained, they are often defined in reductionistic terms.
The Chinese, for example, frequently label such things as qi, jing, shen, etc., under
the rubric "fundamental substances" in a quasi-scientific manner.s
 Introduction xi

A third approach tries to find correlations of acupuncture and East Asian

medical models with Western medical systems, explaining the terms and concepts
of each in the language of the other. This is the "integrationist" approach. It
attempts to avoid rejection of the models and concepts of either system, seeking
instead to create a delicate symmetry between them. A good example of this
approach is Yves Requena's Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture. Dr. Requena's
broad and brilliant attempt to explain concepts from traditional literature in the
clinical and theoretical terms of Western biomedicine is perhaps the most sophisti-
cated of the integrationist approaches. Often the analysis and technology adopted
by these approaches discovers information and correlations not described in the
traditional literature. This has led to the development of adapted versions or new
syntheses. Good examples of this can be seen in the work of Dr. Voll in Germany,
and from Japan, in the work of Dr. Nakatani.6 Both these methods base their
starting point on findings that the channels and their acupoints are measurable
electrically. From this common base, each group has evolved unique equipment,
techniques and theories.
Each of these three general approaches to acupuncture and East Asian medi- .
cine is important. These categorizations are not inclusive of all styles of acupuncture.
There are a series of new non-traditional therapies that fit none of these categories.
The auriculotherapy of Dr. Nogier from France and the Koryo Sooji Chim hand
acupuncture of Tae Woo Yoo from Korea are each modem systems that cross the
boundaries of these general categories. As an overall schematization, however, these
three categories define the various guidelines for acceptance of the truths of the med-
icine.
Within and between each of these three categories there is much discussion,
debate, and conflict. In large part this serves to exhaust the resources and distract the
proponents of each system from issues that remain unaddressed. Yet the existence of
disagreement is integral to attaining medical and scientific growth. These three
approaches are necessary as part of a developmental process. Unfortunately, the
axiomatic truths of each system are defined so as to exclude the truths of any other
system. This is particularly obvious between the first and second approaches, where
the various traditional and scientific practitioners find little basis for agreement.
While less obvious in the third approach, the exclusivity built into both Eastern and
Western paradigms allows hidden contradictions to remain unchallenged.
Problems are posed at many levels, one of which is terminology. For
instance, in the Western practice of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, the
term gan .Iff means something a little different depending on who uses the term.
It denotes a rough correspondence to the Western term, "liver." The Eastern
usage of gan refers to something different than the liver, although it may include
that organ, or some anatomical and functional component. Consequently, the use
of terms is confusing and contradictory between different schools of thought. The
problem is worse with the most common terms of acupuncture and East Asian
medicine, such as qi ._ or jing luo ft. , which have no historical counterpart in
the West or epistemological parallel in science. There are not even equivalent
terms that can be used. Sinologists, translators, and scientists have struggled
with this problem for years. While some headway may have been made,7 only
the surface has been scratched. Underlying paradigmatic questions remain unad-
dressed.
A further and related problem is that of social acceptance. For all we know,
acupuncture and East Asian medicine may actually work better in the East than in
the West because its basic concepts are already familiar. Further, the sociological
xii Introduction

process of disease and healing that is regarded by some as important in health and
disease already impacts medical systems in their native countries. Hidden expecta-
tions and psychological attitudes can, of course, play a significant role in the heal-
ing process. Again, progress has been made, but even this investigation has only
just begun [FCM, xvii-xxxvii]. However, these too are essentially surface issues;
the most critical differences lie at the level of the Eastern and Western knowledge
paradigms.
In his Introduction to Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, Ted Kaptchuk begins
to define this question, though he leaves it largely unanswered. He argues for the
integration of Western psychological and psychosomatic concepts into the
acupuncture and East Asian medical models so that practitioners may address the
greater emphasis on those issues in the West. While it is greatly to Kaptchuk's
credit that he has recognized and framed the issues, questions of emphasis in the
somatic and psychological origins of disease are at root philosophical and not soci-
ological. Until the underlying assumptions are examined and explored, the anthro-
pological and sociological issues remain isolated and unresolvable [FCM, xvii-
xxxvii].
The assumptions which support social, mental, and linguistic differences are
more significant. The conflict at this level gives rise to many of the surface con-
flicts, like a submerged leviathan that disturbs the surface of the sea. If we are to
make any headway in resolving these problems, we need to recognize that conflicts
are only useful when they engender negotiation, mutual acceptance, and a recogni-
tion of the need to strive for compromise. Refusal to examine these issues cannot
change the mutually exclusive standoff where the various schools of thought are
mired.
Compromise has been sought in several avenues, none of which have
resolved fundamental differences. The integrationist approach has evolved techni-
cal means for finding common ground and constructing a model that is at least
partially acceptable to both views. For sinologists and translators, the solution has
required avoiding the established terminology of any and all the schools so that
methods capable of distinguishing the subtle nuances of both the English and East
Asian languages could develop apart from the charged atmosphere of loyalty to
approach. For medical anthropologists, proffered solutions outline methods of
adapting medical systems so that they may recognize social and attitudinal differ-
ences.
These are all admirable approaches, representing honest and necessary
attempts to solve existing problems. Without the lessons of parallel and similarity
in the works of authors such as George Soulie de Morant and Yves Requena, the
field's source of study and imagination is impoverished. Without the linguistic pre-
cision of a translator such as Wiseman,B we are afloat on a sea of unspoken assump-
tions where both similarities and differences are lost to examination. Without the
anthropological insights and precise methods of an Unschuld,9 we have no means
of study or comparison. But, for the traditional and scientific practitioners, these
approaches cannot reconcile their differences. These two groups logically exclude
one another. Without a paradigmatic solution, the translational and anthropologi-
cal attempts of the integrationist approaches must ultimately fail to direct the course
of acculturation.
The compromise which we seek must do much more. It must address issues
and resolve conflicts at the most fundamental level. World views, the fundamental
assumptions and axioms of knowledge itself, must be examined. If we construct a
broader paradigmatic model and develop a language capable of embracing the
 Introduction xiii

opposing viewpoints, we are then able to resolve conflicts and aid in the mutual
acceptance of Eastern and Western medicine.
As we shall see in Manaka's work, the theories of acupuncture and East Asian
medicine stand on the same theoretical ground with Western science. Apparent
conflicts exist because we ignore or refuse to acknowledge twentieth century sci-
ence itself, which has moved beyond the older Newtonian sciences that dominate
medicine and biology. Modem Western science shares premises with acupuncture
and East Asian medicine. This has been noted before [TaoP], but as yet has been
given little attention in science, acupuncture, or East Asian medicine. The parallels
and similarities are so strong that they can not be ignored.
Western science, Western methodology, and their offspring, Western medicine,
require a reinvestigation of their own roots in the nineteenth century. So too must
acupuncture and East Asian medicine reexamine their roots in earlier eras. The tradi-
tional schools of thought that depend on ancient classics, and the scientific schools of
thought whose rationale are inextricably tied to the assumptions of an earlier science,
share this responsibility. Because we must meet issues that cross the boundaries of
these disciplines, everything should be investigated. If similarities can give us a com-
mon language, we will possess a powerful tool for resolving both intertraditional and
interdisciplinary conflicts. However, let us remember, as Max Planck admirably stat-
ed:
A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making
them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new gen-
eration grows that is familiar with it
[SMR, ix-x].
The current political realities and power struggles may not surrender to a
common solution, but they will simply fade as the confluences of personal, finan-
cial, and intellectual interests age and are replaced. Nor will the development of
an embracing philosophical model magically resolve all conflicts. Yet the synthesis
and development of a new language and model, such as those Manaka offers in the
pages of this book, may well serve as a lighthouse to guide us away from the rocks
of exclusionary dissent, assured mutual discontent, and probable destruction. It
can protect us from unacceptable alterations of the medical system, what Kaptchuk
aptly termed "a mutant based on fantasy" [FCM, xxxvi].

PARADIGMATIC WORLD VIEW ASSUMPTIONS

With the exception of politically influenced modern Chinese works on
acupuncture and East Asian medicine, both practitioners and scholars agree that
these medical systems are founded on a non-reductionist paradigm [SCC, 2:556].
All things in the world interact with all other things in varying degrees. This is
typically, and most generally expressed, by the following schema:
heaven I person I earth
This image of the most basic levels of interaction is found in the Yi Jing, in
many early philosophical and scientific texts, and throughout the medical literature.
Human existence (and in fact all forms of life) are the result of the interaction of
heaven and earth, relative symbols referring to general cosmic organizing princi-
ples or forces. Inherent in this world view is the idea that one cannot really describe
separate objects. Everything exists in a web of relations. They are thus non-
reducible. Almost all the early medical texts take these ideas as first premises.
Joseph Needham has written a beautiful characterization of these interrelationships:
xiv Introduction

Things behaved in pa:ticular ways not n~cessa:i.ly ~ecause of prior. actions. or

impulsions of other thmgs, but because thetr posttwn m the ever-movmg cycltcal
universe was such that they were endowed with intrinsic natures which made
that behaviour inevitable for them. If they did not behave in those particular ways
they would lose their relational positions in the whole (which made them wh~t
they are), and turn into something other than themselves. They were thus parts m
existential dependence upon the whole world-organism. And they reacted upon
one another not so much by mechanical impulsion or causation as by a kind of
mysterious resonance
[SCC 2, 281].
Reductionism, on the other hand, is the mainstay of modern Western biology,
chemistry, and medicine [SMR, 29p]. All things are seen as reducible to their sepa-
rate parts (atoms, molecules, cells, etc.). The study of these parts allow us to
describe the thing studied by combining the properties of the separate parts:
The basic tactic of natural science is analysis: fragment a phenomenon into its
components, analyze each part and process in isolation and thereby derive an
understanding of the subject. In physics, chemistry, even biology, this tactic has
worked splendidly
[SMR, 62].

Today both scientists and philosophers take ontological reduction for granted.
Vitalism is dead. Organisms are "nothing but" atoms, and that is that.
[SMR, 51].
It is also clear that the Eastern theories are non-dualistic in nature. No clear
distinction between mind and body and no separation of mind and body exists.lO
This is generally held to be true, although there are examples in the traditional lit-
erature where the reverse opinion is also held. This has led one author, in a thor-
ough analysis of the issue, to conclude:
What we have found is that this heterogeneous collection of early Chinese medical
writings reflects many still-evolving, ambiguous, even conflicting views on this
subject. Much of the evidence is in line with the basic perspective of a unified
body and mind; yet, not to be denied or overlooked, other important evidence
reveals that conceptions of the mind are at points definitely distinguishable, if not
sharply divided, from conceptions of the body. In other words, high-level general-
izations made in the past about Chinese approaches to the mind-body problem are
basically correct; but they do not go far enough.ll

While thus not altogether "correct," this view of the non-dualist nature of
acupuncture and East Asian medicine must be accounted for in a treatment of the
subject, all the more so since most of the literature supports this view.
Discussions in the medical literature clearly reflect this non-dualistic attitude.
It is typically said, for example, that anger will "injure" the gan (liver),12 yet if the
gan develops a problem, anger and irritability may result [ECA, 68; FCM, 236; EV,
256]. In modern medicine and biology, dualism is prevalent. Ever since Descartes'
famous "cogito ergo sum" ("I think therefore I am,"), the mind and body have been
studied and treated as separable and separate entities. The body is viewed as a
machine that can function independently of the mind [SMR, 24]. In the West this
has presented a considerable difficulty to medicine [SMR; TSM, 59p ], whereas in
acupuncture and East Asian medicine, Humpty Dumpty never fell from the wall
and no effort was required to put him back together again. No clear separation of
mind and body was made, thus there was no need to reassemble the parts [HD]. It
is significant that in the modern Western literature on acupuncture and East Asian
medicine, there is little reference to the non-dualistic nature of Chinese thought.l3
 Introduction xv

A third distinct difference between East Asian philosophical views and

~estern philosophical views is thatof causality versus acausality. Western science
1s based on a cause-effect model where all things--fullow-adirect causal logic. A
moving object striking a stationary object will cause that object to move in a particu-
lar direction, with a particular velocity, that is directly calculable from the velocity
and angle of collision, and the masses of both objects. The presence of streptococ-
cal bacteria will cause a streptococcal infection. Disease is seen as a disorder of
mechanisms [STM, 14], and mechanisms are pure cause and effect models. While
it is recognized that the cause and effect model of disease is becoming unmanage-
ably complex [STM, 60], causality is still assumed even where it cannot be empiri-
cally demonstrated. Yet acupuncture and East Asian medicine are, for the most
part, acausal. Causality for the Chinese was quite different. It was, as Needham
states, based on a philosophy of organism:
Nothing was un-caused, but nothing was caused mechanically. The organic sys-
tem in the prompter's book governed the whole. And the characters in the eternal
dramatic cycle were, as has been said, in existential dependence upon the totality
of the system.
[SCC 2, 283].
There are the Yin and the Yang. All things have their chi-kang [fixed positions
and motions with regard to other things in the web of nature's relationships].
The sun, moon and stars signify punishment or virtue, and their changes indicate
fortune and misfortune. Metal, wood, water, fire and earth conquer each other
successively, the moon waxes and wanes alternately. Yet these normal (changes)
have no ruler or governor.If you follow it [Heaven's way] virtue will be attained,
if you violate it there will be misfortune.
[SCC 2, 255].
These quotes state succinctly what I have termed the acausal model of
acupuncture and East Asian medicine, when seen in distinction to Western science's
causality model. It is the network of relationships that provides an indeterminate
result. If one is able to follow the rules of this network, the dao (tao), one will
remain virtuous and healthy. Conversely, not following the rules will lead to poor
health and disease [SW, ch 1,2p].
Multiple factors taken together are seen as causing disease. This is not cause
and effect in the normal sense; rather it is the interaction of a multiplicity of phe-
nomena, which under the right circumstances will lead to disease. Stomach pain
develops as a result of an increased caffeine intake irritating a patient's already
complex condition, where factors such as poor diet, alcohol consumption, cigarette
smoking, menstrual difficulties, tight musculature, poor exercise habits, home and
work stress, each contribute.
In a recent lecture, Paul Unschuld drew attention to the fact that traditional
Chinese medical theories are rife with reductionist and causal theories and refer-
ences, what he has identified as the "ontological" approach, while we in the West
have as yet only really focused on and selected from the holistic or "functional"
aspects.14 It is true that not all the theories of acupuncture and East Asian medi-
cine fall within the category of this synthetic or holistic approach to health and dis-
ease, yet many of the important theories do, specifically those of yin and yang and
the five phases, which are particularly important in acupuncture. Thus a valid
approach to acupuncture and East Asian medicine must address both levels, but
first we must at least solve the not inconsiderable problems associated with under-
standing the "functional" approach, which is essentially non-reductionist, acausal,
and non-dualist. The "ontological" approach mostly seems to occur in reference to
the origins and causes of disease, while the "functional" approach refers to and
xvi Introduction

describes the healthy dynamic systems. In this regard, the principal difficulty for
the traditional, the scientific, and the integrationist approaches to acupuncture
resides in the following question:
- How can we describe the non-dualist, non-reductionist and acausal med-
ical systems of acupuncture and East Asian medicine in the dualist, reductionist,
and causal language of the West, especially Western science and medicine? Indeed,
can we make such a description?15
Clearly, this is a problem for the scientific and the traditional approaches, but
it is particularly problematic for integrationist approaches where a reciprocity of
description is taken for granted. With their backs to the wall, the proponents of the
scientific approaches can always argue that there remains a logical possibility that
one day all the mechanisms of acupuncture and East Asian medicine will surren-
der their secrets to scientific methods [SMR, 138p]. But, as we will see, this too
runs into difficulty. With the advent of subatomic physics, relativity, and quantum
theories, twentieth century science overturned the basic assumptions of a dualist,
reductionist, and causal world that are implicit to modem medicine and the scien-
tific approaches to acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Thus, the question
applies for not only their approach to Eastern ideas, but to all Western science
itself. As a consequence, serious methodological questions arise.
The problems for the traditional approach are many-leveled. There are obvi-
ous scholarly and anthropological difficulties that must be addressed. As soon as
we translate acupuncture and East Asian medical literatures into our language, as
soon as we import these medicines with all their cultural underpinnings into
another culture, we meet this problem. The language and concepts we use in these
transitions contain implicitly all the paradigmatic assumptions of the new culture.
In the U.S. and Europe, these are essentially dualist, reductionist, and causal.
Thus in the Traditional Acupuncture schools of Britain and the U.S., an
emphasis on the "psychospiritual" components of disease has developed. This
does not accurately reflect the original acupuncture literature, because the distinc-
tion made could not have existed. The two terms, psychological and spiritual, can-
not be made whole as easily as they are combined to make the single term "psy-
chospiritual." This raises the question as to whether this particular school of
thought should be considered an integrationist adaptation rather than a traditional,
conservative movement. In a further confusion of conceptual terms, the school
places great emphasis on the diagnosis of a "causative factor" (CF), the single
underlying cause of disease. It is clear that this school must attend to at least the
dualist- non-dualist, causal- acausal dualities in its rationale.
In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach, the Chinese Marxist
reliance on empirical findings (i.e., what works), sacrifices methodology and theo-
ry. The logical view of TCM in the West lies somewhere between the non-reduc-
tionist, non-dualist, and acausal logic of the traditional literatures and the reduc-
tionist, dualist, causal logic of Western biomedicine. Much of the traditional litera-
ture is ignored as it cannot be made to fit the mold of empirical theories [FCM,
xxxii-xxxv; MCHI, 229p].
This is epitomized in the following statement, which presents an inherently
unacceptable position:
Retaining only the theories that have practical value will do no damage to the the-
oretical body of Chinese medicine. Indeed, it will help eliminate the constraints,
develop it further, and raise it to the standard of a modern medicine.
[FCM, 18].
 Introduction xvii

This ignores correct scientific methodology to such an obvious extent that such
statements are more often than not deleted by Western translators whose views per-
mit such expurgations. The assumption that the clinical techniques utilized in
China today have no bearing on the outcome of clinical studies of systems and ideas
outside of the current Chinese model is simply and prototypically bad study design.
Applications of particular techniques are rooted in the theories that produce them.
It is poor inquiry to use those techniques for investigation of the practical value of
other systems and theories. These assumptions do not allow accurate judgments
about the practical value of a particular theory. To think that no damage is done to
the theoretical body of Chinese medicine is naive at best. By attempting to modern-
ize and Westernize its presentation, traditional Chinese medicine has created a con-
ceptual void. Without an acceptable methodology, it cannot be acceptably Western.
Using materialist and Marxist logic, it cannot be traditionally Eastem.16
Traditional systems must be able to explain themselves to the modem (and
Western) world. Logically, it is not acceptable to subsume ideas from both para-
digms, thereby attempting to create a new vision of the medicine, without address-
ing their fundamental contradictions. Nor is it logically acceptable to ignore these
fundamental questions by focusing instead on a plethora of clinical results. The issue
is not that acupuncture and East Asian medicine observably work (although this too
is an important question, sorely in need of appropriate resources and rigorous stud-
ies); it is rather, what consistent logical description can we make of what we observe?
A system which addresses and answers this paradigmatic conceptual ques-
tion stands on firmer ground. If it is possible to generate a larger world view that
sacrifices neither the conceptual integrity and ingenuity of the traditional theories
nor the conceptual richness of modem science, we will have a model capable of
carrying acupuncture and East Asian medicine successfully and globally into the
twenty-first century. Indeed, if this model is to be successful, it must mutually
embrace both paradigmatic systems [SSR].
Before examining and detailing such a model, one already in parallel devel-
opment for Western medicine, it is important to discuss those developments in the
physical sciences that demand the revolution in biological and medical thought. If
we ignore these developments, we will miss the most promising solutions to our
problems, and be consigned by the future to "the museum of medical oddities." If
anything is clear, it is that all the social, political, or intellectual schools of thought
now used to define acupuncture and East Asian medicine will be unable to meet
this challenge.

THE WESTERN PARADIGMATIC DISSOLUTION

Since the major developments of twentieth century theoretical and experimen-
tal physics are known through many technical and popular works, little needs to be
said here. It will be sufficient to look at conclusions relevant to our discussions,
with regard to the paradigmatic world view. These developments are not the only
developments of this century that have radically challenged the old paradigm.
Troubling discoveries in the study of chaotic and thermodynamic systems, especial-
ly mathematical models of these, are also bearing the layman's paradigm to its
grave. Besides these changes in scientific speculation, equally important changes in
inquiry methodology have occurred. It is now clear that not only have the reduc-
tionist, dualist, and causal assumptions of the old paradigm been called into ques-
tion, but that non-reductionist, non-dualist, and acausal methods must be used.
There is simply no other option. At the leading edge of many fields of inquiry,
xviii Introduction

such systems are developing, with the outcome that rich vocabularies and models
with which to examine acupuncture and East Asian medicine are now available.
With Einstein's original formulations of the theory of relativity and the devel-
opment of quantum mechanics, the notion of a world reducible to its separate com-
ponents came under fire. In physics, at least, this concept met its end, but in the
life sciences, biology and medicine, for example, it still prevails. Foss and
Rothenberg, Dossey, Capra, and others argue for the need to update the life sci-
ences so that they come into line with these developments.
Probably the clearest and strongest theoretical and experimentally validated
expression of the non-reducible nature of the world can be seen in Bell's theorem
from the 1960's.17 Bell's theorem continues an argument begun by Einstein. He
shows that it is possible for any particle in the universe that has interacted with
another to afterward respond instantaneously to a change in the second particle,
regardless of the distances separating them. The implications of this are enormous.
At the very least, the reductionist program will no longer hold its ground. It is
possible, even probable, that all things in the universe are interacting with all other
things, all of the time. It is only in our imagination that they are separate:
This seems to imply that in some sense all these objects constitute an indivisible
whole.
[STM,100]

The Cartesian conception of reality as consisting of separate parts, joined by local

connections, is incompatible with quantum theory.
[TurP, 83]
This theory and its experimental validation further demonstrate that the
cause and effect model is incorrect.
If the statistical predictions of quantum theory are true, an objective universe is
incompatible with the law of local causes.
[STM, 98].
In relying on simple perceptions and experiments, the influences of non-local
phenomena can be neither measured nor ruled out. Thus, attempts to construct
simple cause-and-effect models are doomed to failure. Modern physics tells us
that the world does not function in such a manner. Note, too, that it is not that we
have failed to construct adequate cause-and-effect models; it is that adequate
cause-and-effect models cannot be constructed.
The dualist program fares no better. Bell's theorem and the Einstein-Rosen-
Podolsky thought experiment on which it was founded also show an interdepen-
dence and interconnectedness between mind and matter. This is clearly seen in
Heisenberg's famous uncertainty principle, which places limits on our observa-
tions and measurements of nature:
Heisenberg stressed that the laws of nature no longer deal with elementary particles,
but with our knowledge of these particles- that is with the contents of our minds.
[SMR, 144].
The conclusions and implications of this are well stated by Bernard d'Espagnat:
The doctrine that the world is made up of objects whose existence is independent
of human consciousness turns out to be in conflict with quantum mechanics and
with facts established by experiment.
[SMR, 145].
 Introduction xix

Thus the old scientific paradigm is no longer correct or appropriate. The

world is non-reducible, non-dualist, and acausal; theoretical physics has experi-
mentally confirmed this. We cannot separate the human subject from the world.
We are the participator in an indivisible whole, both affected by and affecting all
things. We are immediately reminded of the web of nature's relationships which
lies at the heart of the traditional Chinese world view.
What can we learn and use from this? By what methods, and with what lan-
guage should we describe the world? These remarkable developments have prompt-
ed some scientists to describe quite different models of nature. The physicist David
Bohm, for example, has developed a theory in which most of what is, is not perceiv-
able or measurable; it is hidden or enfolded in space. The perceivable and measur-
able world, the world that our senses detect, is like the ripples on an ocean where
everything beneath this surface is hidden from us, and all parts are derived from this
ocean. He describes how the activities and rules of this hidden or implicate order
have great significance relative to the observable or explicate order, that which we
can sense.18 In this manner he can describe many of the findings of twentieth century
science. He also uses the holographic paradigm to describe this implicate order. He
proposes that the universe is a hologram, wherein all parts of the whole contain
images of the whole. With this model and its vocabulary, he is able to describe the
world in non-reductionist, acausal, and non-dualist language. His, and related mod-
els, have proven fruitful for describing mind-body interactions, in exploring whole-
ness and acausal events. As we will see, this is a useful starting point for developing
a model and language for acupuncture and East Asian medicine.
According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a closed sys-
tem increases with time. Systems eventually degenerate to a state of disorder or
chaos, or so it was believed. In the last few decades, researchers from around the
world and from many disciplines have been discovering that the reverse is actually
true.l9 As systems degenerate to disordered or chaotic states, they spontaneously
show signs of order again. This may seem insignificant or unimportant, but it rep-
resents perhaps one of the most important scientific advances of the twentieth cen-
tury. Hidden within chaotic systems are very fine, complex, ordered structures.
Chaos brought an astonishing message: simple deterministic models could pro-
duce what looked like random behavior. The behavior actually had an exquisite
fine structure, yet any piece of it seemed undistinguishable from noise.
[Cha, 79]
Chaos was the end of the reductionist program in science:
Simple systems give rise to complex behavior. Complex systems give rise to sim-
ple behavior. And most important, the laws of complexity hold universally, car-
ing not at all for the details of a system's constituent atoms.
[Cha,304]
In the reductionist view, properties of a system are seen as the result of the
sum of the properties of the component parts of the system. In the new paradigm,
properties of the whole system, which are not dependent on the component parts
of the system, and which obey universal laws, are seen as being essential to the
behavior and regulation of the system:
Chaos brought to life a new kind of physiology, built on the idea that mathemati-
cal tools could help scientists understand global complex systems independent of
local detail.
[Cha,280].
xx Introduction

These startling findings provide a rich language and conceptual framework

for modeling properties of complex whole systems. Like Bohm's theory of the hid-
den or implicate order, they give us words for describing hidden or enfolded
orders in the body, such as those described by the medical theories of China, which
are not accessible through the reductionist, dualist, and causal logic and language
of the old scientific paradigm.
These changes in science have necessitated a change in the way we model
nature and a change in the way we inquire into nature. It is here, in the develop-
ment of appropriate models and language, that we find probable solutions to the
questions raised above. They allow us to describe the concepts of acupuncture and
East Asian medicine in terms that are remarkably similar to the original Chinese
concepts. The language may at first seem strange, and until the necessary concep-
tual developments are complete, these technical languages must remain.2

EMERGING FRAMEWORKS AND MODELS

Two of the most common conceptual models that have been used to describe
nature, and how humans interact with nature, are General Systems Theory and
Information Theory. Some authors believe that the use of these conceptual frame-
works may be the only possible solution to the very complex models of nature that
have sprung up in this century and which bypass the usual reductionist, dualist
and causal impasse [SMR].
General systems theory proposes that we model the hierarchical nature of life
as a series of systems that mutually interact. This model implicitly recognizes the
non-reductionist, non-dualist, and acausal nature that has been demonstrated by
twentieth century physics.
Systems are integrated wholes whose properties cannot be reduced to those of
smaller units. Instead of concentrating on basic building blocks or basic sub-
stances, the systems approach emphasizes basic principles of organization.
[TaoP, 266].
Each person consists of innumerable systems, the various organs, tissues, cells,
molecules, atoms, subatomic particles. Each person is part of a small group, a fam-
ily, which is part of a larger community, which is part of a larger group. Each level
or system has its own organization and associated activities, but each level acts on
each other level; it is an indivisible whole.
Information theory allows descriptions of complex phenomena when the
mechanisms and processes are either known or unknown:
"Information" is a complex concept that has been given various definitions in
such fields as thermodynamics, communications and probability theory.
Generally speaking, it is a measure of the order existing in a system - a certain
degree of order represents information - and it implies the deliberate selection of
one event out of a number of possibilities.
Information is any pattern of events in time and space ... The form or structure
of the body has informational content. 21
It has been noted that organisms constantly exchange energy with the envi-
ronment. This is part of life's adaptive processes; however, it is the informational
exchange that is more significant in this adaptive process. The energy is of course
important, but change results from the information content of the energy.22 The
ingestion of food, fluids, air, the reception of sense data and behavioral stimuli all
represent informational input. The excretion of waste (gaseous, fluid, solid), the
 Introduction xxi

e~p.enditure ~f energy through work, behavior, all represent informational output.

L1vmg orgamsms are open systems, meaning that their information is both input
and output.
In the systems model, what passes back and forth between each interacting
system or level is information:
Living systems exhibit multi-leveled patterns of organization characterized by
many intricate and nonlinear pathways along which signals of information and
transaction propagate between all levels, ascending as well as descending.
[TaoP, 282].
Information theory thus allows us non-dualist, non-reductionist, and acausal
descriptions of nature.
Information rather than causality describes processes within or between organized
systems. The most general model of a natural process on which scientific explana-
tion may be based is no longer the movement of a particle under the action of a
force, but the storage (or organization) and the transmission of information with-
in a system.
[SMR, 182].
This seems to fit the criteria for an appropriate language to describe living things in
the manner of modem physics.
The findings of modern physics have led to the conclusions that while
processes in nature may follow simple rules, the processes themselves are actually
complex. Biological systems are particularly good examples of this complexity.
The systems described by physics are simple systems and are the exception not the
rule; complexity is almost always encountered:
[This will] demand a completely new vocabulary. Crucially, for example, the
quantities that change will be informational in nature.
Simple systems of the type traditionally studied in physics (where states and
dynamical laws in the form of differential equations constitute a highly idealized
scheme) from complex systems "describable by a web of informational interac-
tions"
[CB, 159].
Ideas called "software laws" by Paul Davies (see Dr. Manaka's use of this
analogy in chapter four) allow such distinctions.
Living systems are just such complex systems with a "web of informational
interactions." The software laws are not logically derivable from the underlying
hardware laws, the physical processes; they relate to emergent phenomena and
properties, i.e., they relate to non-reducible properties which arise as a product of
whole body activities. The use of information and systems theories as a framework
for describing these properties, and for resolving the methodological problems of
Western science and medicine, is encountered in many places.23
I would not be the first to point out parallels in traditional Chinese theories
and systems theory,24 but repetition of these ideas is useful, as is noting the paral-
lels of traditional Chinese ideas to information theory [HD, 417-422]. Numerous
other parallels can be drawn. Needham's characterization of the web of relations
within which everything in Chinese thought is seen to exist [SCC 2, 255,556], and
the web of informational interactions characterized by Davies [CB, 159], represent
significant similarities, not only for their similar language, but also for their para-
digmatic similarities.
xxii Introduction

In Chinese thought the three-leveled system of heaven-person-earth is

described in many places. In the application of information theory generalized to
open systems, i.e., biological systems, we find strong parallels [AC, 101-104]. The
living organism receives information from both the terrestrial environment and the
larger (solar) environment. This information feeds back to and constrains (inter-
acts) through each level. In the three-leveled system, the various qi of heaven,
earth, and people interact. The information subsets of the larger (solar}, closer (ter-
restrial}, and living organism (person) interact. In this many-leveled system
(described in Hara Diagnosis), qi passes back and forth between all levels, as general
and specific forms of qi, described by different traditional theories according to the
levels involved in the exchange. Changes at any level eventually filter down
through all levels. In the multi-leveled systems described in the modem scientific
literature, information passes back and forth between each level. A change in any
one level effects a change throughout all levels.
As well as parallels in structure and language, we can see possible parallels in
content. The term "qi" is used in the traditional literature in a manner that is in
many respects identical to the use of the term "information." In the traditional lit-
eratures, the term qi is used to refer to both the body in its physiological stuff, and
in its processes and derived properties; that is, in a quantitative-qualitative man-
ner, and to identify tiny non-quantitative signals or relational properties that pro-
duce effects; that is, in a purely qualitative manner. In scientific literature, the term
information is used to refer to the same properties. It can name the physiological
stuff, various quantitative energies, and as well tiny qualitative signals which we
can determine exist only through their actions. The term "qi" is at the heart of the
ability of traditional theory to describe the web of nature's relations. The term
"information" is likewise at the heart of the ability of modem science to describe
the web of interactions now known to exist within nature. The term qi is used to
refer to and describe both mental, emotional, and physical phenomena. The term
information is also used in this non-dualist manner.
The parallels of use, meaning, and context are numerous. Systems theory and
information theory languages are clearly able to describe the paradigmatic world
view assumptions of traditional Chinese theories. Thus, these languages and their
theoretical frameworks meet the criteria for the development of a model that
encompasses both the Western and Eastern paradigms, allowing logically consis-
tent descriptions and the formulation of experimental procedures adequate to both
models.
It is here, in the development of a model of acupuncture and East Asian med-
icine using systems and information theory models, that Dr. Manaka has made his
most valuable contribution. Coming from his background of science, Manaka
studied acupuncture and East Asian medicine extensively. Through years of clini-
cal treatments, study, and research, and through the development of numerous
innovative techniques, he arrived at a coherent model of acupuncture as a method
of modifying the biological information systems. This idea culminated in the pub-
lication of a landmark paper in March of 1986.25
By implicitly recognizing the problems and contradictions between Western
scientific practices, theories, and methods, and Eastern scientific practices, theories,
and methods, he avoided the pitfalls that had trapped most researchers in the field
of East Asian medicine and acupuncture. Further, by recognizing the far reaching
implications of systems theory and information theory, and adapting them so as to
describe the traditional Eastern framework, he developed a model connecting both
Eastern and Western systems without contradicting either. This, in turn, has
 Introduction xxiii

allowed for systematic examination and testing of traditional theories and practices,
something which is sadly missing in most current research. Manaka focused on the
demonstration of anomalies - phenomena not explained in the scientific paradigm -
and thus was able to achieve significant progress in the study of traditional concepts.
Manaka's model, still in its infancy, recognizes the following:
- Qi is difficult to measure and define. In the traditional literature it is an
important concept and can be modeled after the concept of information. It does
work and brings about (functional) change.
- Qi, information, flows through the body in organized patterns, through
pathways, generally the jingluo, the channel systems. Jingluo allow interpenetra-
tion of information from the superior to inferior, anterior to posterior, left to right,
exterior to interior, and vice versa. (This is most evident in Manaka's octahedral
model of the channel system.) It allows for the distribution of information
throughout the body.
- Jingluo, information channels, may represent biological structures or sys-
tems that developed early in evolution and through embryological development.
As such, it may be that they are regulated by simple rules and systems that have
been in existence before the development of more advanced and sophisticated reg-
ulation systems, like the nervous and hormonal systems. Yin-yang antagonisms
seem to define one such set of rules. The five-phase system seems to define anoth-
er set of rules and systems. These may represent primitive biological systems or
organizing principles that function in the global regulation and distribution of
information.
- Yin-yang and five-phase systems are operationally defined by signals.
These signals have a very low energy content, but high information content. These
signals can be changed or modified by applying appropriate low-energy signals to
loci, the xue or acupoints of the channels. Specific acupoints are receptor sites for
specific signal inputs; that is, they have yin-yang, five phase, and other characteris-
tics. Thus, very exact changes in the channels and flow of information can be
brought about with appropriate signals at the appropriate loci.
-Essentially, this information system upholds the known physiological sys-
tems as a more primitive regulatory system.
Ideas such as these have been alluded to by other authors, but not in such
depth and detail, and usually only as a theoretical modei.26 Manaka's models key
explicitly into methods of diagnosis and treatment thus representing a unique
combination of theory, research, and practice. It should be noted that each stage
and statement in the model is both theoretically justified by the traditional medical
literature and verified by clinical research and clinical efficacy. This can be said for
no other model. Dr. Manaka has called this the "X-signal system;" "X" because
the exact nature of the signals are usually not known. While Katsumata and I spec-
ulate on the possible nature of these signals (see appendices 4 and 6), it is interest-
ing to notice another parallel in structure. In the Dao De Jing of Lao Zi, the famous
first line states: "The dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal dao." Perhaps in
anticipation of future developments, Dr. Manaka has recognized the essentially
unknowable nature of the signals.
This model not only recognizes paradigmatic differences between Eastern
and Western world views, it also addresses significant epistemological prob-
lems. The methods by which we inquire into or gather knowledge about nature
-the decisions and judgments that sit behind what we will inquire about, how
we will inquire into it, and by what standards or guarantors we judge our
xxiv Introduction

inquiry as successful - are very important. John Ratcliffe from the University of
California at Berkeley has written an important paper relative to these issues.27 He
argues that the dichotomy between quantitative and qualitative research is false;
all research is essentially qualitative, since subjective judgments lie behind all the
facets of research:
All data are theory-, method-, and measurement-dependent. That is, 'jacts" are
determined by the theories and methods that generate their collection; indeed, the-
ories and methods create the facts.
This means that how the problem will be defined, which model(s) of inquiry will
be considered to be relevant to the problem as defined, where one shall look (and,
by implication where one shall not look) for evidence - and even what one shall
consider to be constitutive of evidence - are all determined by the paradigmatic
"map" or world view to which the scientist is committed.
Judgments made by the researcher determine what will constitute knowl-
edge. The guarantor of validity, that which is judged to be sufficient evidence,
determines the acceptability of observed data as fact. It is interesting to note that
these guarantors of validity have, over the centuries, gone through several evolu-
tionary steps. Ratcliffe notes that the first inquiry system establishing a guarantor
of validity was that of Liebniz, using the deductive system through which truth is
grasped by analytical deduction. This was followed by the Lockean system, the
inductive method, where truth is established through experience, that is, through
empirical content. This was followed by the third system, Kant's synthetic system,
where truth is established through a combination of the inductive and deductive
inquiry systems. Hegel's dialectical system is the fourth system. Here truth is seen
primarily as a function of conflict. This is a method that allows a further synthesis
of the earlier systems. The fifth and most recent inquiry system is that of Singer,
the relative inquiry system. This explicitly recognizes that assumptions, world
views, govern the knowledge gathering process, that truth does not exist indepen-
dent of the human mind. Thus, all truth is only true relative to the goals and objec-
tives of the inquirer and inquiry. Each of these inquiry methods have specific uses
today, being appropriate for tackling specific problems.28
Since traditional acupuncture, as well as we can determine, came with no
inquiry methodology that we know of, it is important to determine our own
methodology for investigating acupuncture and East Asian medicine. If we come
to the study of acupuncture with preconceptions of what it is, how it might work,
and with what methods it may be studied, we must also come with a considerable
knowledge of its theories and practices. If not, we limit the scope of our study
enormously and devalue whatever pronouncements our studies produce.
Virtually all acupuncture research falls short of these requirements, either because
the experimenter lacks knowledge, or because the inquiry methods applied to spe-
cific problems are inappropriate. This is not a reprimand, more a statement of fact.
Almost all researchers in the field have come to their studies with good intentions,
but almost none have asked the basic research questions. Since, as we have seen,
the traditional Chinese world view is similar to the emerging twentieth century
world view, the fifth inquiry method, the relative inquiry method, is most appro-
priate. This allows the theoretical components of the traditional theories to be
treated seriously by the inquirer.29 Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
While Manaka did not use Ratcliffe's labels, he adopted a relative approach,
taking all theoretical concepts seriously until they were shown to be either wrong
or trivial. Further, he developed a flexible approach to his studies. This allowed
him to examine many components of the traditional systems.
 Introduction xxv

In his study of acupuncture, Dr. Manaka brought a unique combination of

knowledge and methods. He had a deep knowledge of the traditional literatures.
In his large library he had all the major classics and their commentaries, as well as
many texts on acupuncture from countries around the world. He was fluent in
Japanese, Chinese, German, French, and English, with research skills in several
other languages. He had an in-depth knowledge of the most significant traditional,
integrationist, and scientific approaches to practice. He had detailed knowledge of
the paradigms of both Western scientific medicine and traditional East Asian medi-
cine, and was fluent in the paradigmatic conflicts. He also had a good working
knowledge of theories on the cutting edge of science and an incredible knack for
developing models and methods.
This book is a product of his rare combination of skill and knowledge.
Manaka was the first to have tested acupuncture on its own terms and to have
developed scientific models not paradigmatically at odds with the theories and
methods they set out to explain. This is truly a unique and valuable contribution.
Others, such as you and I, must now undertake the daunting task of rigorous-
ly exploring Manaka's theories and claims. But only if we persevere will progress
be made and will acupuncture attain its true potential.
We cannot be so rich to disperse enough money to everyone. But we can be wise
enough to enrich other people's knowledge with our own mental devotion.
- Yoshio Manaka, 1987
STEPHEN BIRCH
VVAL~,~SSACfnJSETTS, 1995

NOTES
1 A comprehensive reference listing of citations and abbreviations appearing in this introduction
may be found following these notations.
2 Nathan Sivin has good discussions of this point: "One of the explicit aims of the Great
Proletarian Cultural Revolution became to produce a synthesis of the two systems [i.e., the traditional
and scientific] that would be fully scientific without being foreign or elitist." See Sivin, N., Traditional
Medicine in Contemporary China, Ann Arbor: Center for Chinese Studies, 1987, p. 19. See below for fur-
ther discussions of this point.
3 See for _example: Mann, F., Acupuncture: The Ancient Chinese Art of Healing and How it Works
Scientifically, New York: Vintage Books, 1973; Gunn, C.C. et al, "Acupuncture loci: A proposal for their
classification according to their relationship to known neural structures," Amer. Jour. Chin. Med. 4 (2):
183-195 (1976); and Ulett, G.A., Principles and Practice of Physiologic Acupuncture, St. Louis: Warren H.
Green Inc., 1982.
4 See for example: Han, J.S., The Neurochemical Basis of Pain Relief by Acupuncture, Published pri-
vately by the author at Beijing Medical University. See also the books of abstracts from China, e.g.,
Anon., National Symposia of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Acupuncture Anesthesia, Beijing, China, June
1979.
5 For examples of this in English, see: Kaptchuk, T., The Web That Has No Weaver (chapter 2), and
The Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture, (p. 36). Nathan Sivin's translation of the Revised Outline of Chinese
Acupuncture, in his publication, Traditional Medicine in Contemporary China, renders perhaps the most
dil'ect expression of the modem Chinese opinion on this subject. This text states, for example, that
"Ch'i, blood (hsueh), ching, and the dispersed body fluids (chin-yeh) are the indispensable material foun-
dation of the body's vital activities"; and again, "Ch'i has two senses; one is physiological function or
motive force and the other is subtle, refined matter which has a nutritive function." Sivin is very aware
of the absurdity of this terminology - material foundation, refined matter, etc. He footnotes his own dis-
agreement: "This account, although typical of recent writing, differs considerably from the classical
understanding," and refers the reader to his discussion of the subject. See: Sivin, N. op.cit. p. 237.
6 Voll, Reinhold. "Twenty years of electroacupuncture diagnosis in Germany; a progress report,"
Amer. J. Acup. 3: 7-17 (1975); Voll, Reinhold, Special EAV issue, Amer. Jour. Acup. (1978). See also,
Nakatani, Y. and K. Yamashita, Ryodoraku Acupuncture, Tokyo: Ryodoraku Research Institute, 1977.
xxvi Introduction

7 See Nigel Wiseman's immense and important work, the Glossary of Chinese Medical Terms and
Acupoints. In addition, see Paul Unschuld's important contributions to the field, Medicine in Ch~n.a: A
History of Ideas; Medicine in China: Nan Ching: The Classic of Difficult Issues; and Approaches to Trad1tzonal
Chinese Medical Literature. Joseph Needham made some interesting early comments on the problem of
translation in East Asian medicine in his mid-1970's critique of Manfred Porkert's approach to the prob-
lem. See Needham, J., and Gwei-Djen Lu, "Problems of translation and modernisation of ancient
Chinese technical terms," Annals of Science 32:491-502 (1975).
8 See Wiseman's translations and works based on his translations, including Fundamentals of
Chinese Medicine, Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, Grasping the Wind, Glossary of Chinese Medical
Terms, and Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica.
9 See Unschuld's numerous translations, including Medicine in China, A History of Ideas; Medicine
in China, the Nan-Ching Classic of Difficult Issues; Medicine in China, A History of Pharmaceutics; Medical
Ethics in China; and Forgotten Traditions in Ancient Chinese Medicine.
10 Good discussions of this can be found in the following articles: Ikemi, Y., and A. Ikemi, "An
oriental point of view in psychosomatic medicine," Advances 3:4 (Fall1986), pp. 150-157; and Shen, G.J.
"Study of mind-body effects and qigong in China." Advances 3:4 (Fall1986), pp. 134-142.
11 Chiu, Martha Li, Mind, Body, and Illness in a Chinese Medical Tradition, Ph.D. diss., 1986, p. 165.
12 See for example, Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen, chapter 5; Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture, p.45.
Good discussions can be found in Shen, G.J .. "Study of mind-body effects and Qigong in China," op.cit.
13 Mention can be found in the Introduction of Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, p. 2. There is
a further reference to this idea - though less directly stated - in the Introduction to Fundamentals of
Chinese Medicine, pp. xxi-xxii in particular.
14 Unschuld, Paul, "The dual approach to healing in Chinese medicine: Ontological and func-
tional understandings of illness," lecture given at the New England School of Acupuncture, April 11,
1989. See also: Unschuld, Paul, "Traditional Chinese medicine: Some historical and epistemological
reflections," Soc. Sci. Med. 24:12 (1987), pp. 1023-29. More recently see, "Epistemological issues and
changing legitimation: Traditional Chinese medicine in the twentieth century," in Leslie, C., and A.
Young, Paths to Asian Medical Knowledge, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1992. Other authors
have drawn attention to the "mechanistic" and thus causal nature of many of the early medical specula-
tions. For an interesting and thorough discussion, see Epler, D.C., "Bloodletting in early Chinese medi-
cine and its relation to the origin of acupuncture," Bulletin of the History of Medicine 54 (1980), pp. 337-
367.
15 Questions like this have been asked by some authors, typically not in the primary acupunc-
ture literature, but rather in secondary literatures. See e.g., Aakster, C.W., "Concepts in alternative
medicine," Soc. Sci. Med. 22:2 (1986), pp. 265-273. See also, Patel, M.S., "Problems in the evaluation of
alternative medicine," Soc. Sci. Med. 25:6 (1987), pp. 669-678.
16 In the Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture (p. 11), yin and yang are described as a "naive concept
of materialism and dialectics." In Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine (p. 18), yin-yang and five-phase theo-
ries are described as being based on rudimentary dialectics and necessarily incomplete. In the Zhongyi
Mingci Shuyu Xuanshi (p. 1 p, p. 7 p), edited by the Chinese Medical Research Institute of the Guangdong
Chinese Medical School (People's Hygiene Publishing Company, 1973), yin-yang and the five phases
are described as primitive dialectical materialism. Perhaps the originators of yin-yang and five phase
theories did not have Marxist dialectics in mind. Historically, at least, it would be better to say that
Marx (albeit unintentionally) had Chinese philosophy in mind. Kaptchuk states the problem well in his
Introduction to the Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, p. xxxiv-xxxv:
The self justification of East Asian medicine was taken outside of its own methodology. By
appealing to a combination of 19th century shallow positivism (i.e. "empirical practices of
the masses") and 20th century watered-down dialectical materialism (i.e., "yin-yang is a
rudimentary dialectic"), East Asian medicine ceased to be a coherent point of departure for
illness and health and became a corpus needing rescue from modern science. The tendency
that has existed for the last thirty years in China to be "interested in the empirical efficacy
of traditional practice, not in the traditional theoretical framework, which supported these
practices," reached full bloom . ... China's synthesis (which itself is always changing and
itself has been affected by Western questions and research) is the product of complex cultur-
al, historical and political forces.

17 For good discussions of this theorem see Dossey, Larry, Space, Time and Medicine, pp. 98-101,
and Capra, Fritjof, The Turning Point, pp. 83-85.
18 David Bohm, Wholeness and the Implicate Order. See also: Ken Wilber, ed. The Holographic
Paradigm and other Paradoxes.
 Introduction xxvii

19 For good discussions of this see: Gleick, James, Chaos, Making a New Science; Prigogine, llya,
and Isabelle Stengers, Order out of Chaos; Davies, Paul, The Cosmic Blueprint; Mandelbrot, Benoit, The
Fractal Geometry of Nature; also Foss and Rothenberg, The Second Medical Revolution; and Dossey, Larry,
Space, Time and Medicine.
20 We are certainly not the first to draw attention to and use these parallels. The physicist Wing
Y. Pon, a native Chinese living and working in California, has developed models using exactly these
parallels. Some of his work was published privately, most is not yet published. See for example: Pon,
Wing Y., Journey into a Science of Reality I-III, San Jose: East West Institute for Sciences and Philosophy,
1978. His use of these recently developed conceptual frameworks is unparalleled in my knowledge.
21 Cunningham, A.J., "Information and health in the many levels of man: Toward a more com-
prehensive theory of health and disease," Advances 3:1 (1986), pp. 32-45.
22 Ibid.
23 Foss and Rothenberg make the most extensive and cogent argument regarding these develop-
ments and their necessary inclusion in the medical model. They develop the notion of "infomedicine,"
rather than biomedicine, which they see as necessarily containing all the restrictions of modem science
not grounded in twentieth century physics, where the infomedical model has none of these disadvan-
tages. This is discussed throughout the Second Medical Revolution. Many other authors have used simi-
lar models and analogies. See for example: Capra, Fritjof, The Turning Point, pp. 265-304; Cunningham,
A.J. "Information and the many levels of man: Toward a more comprehensive theory of health and dis-
ease," Advances 3:1 (1986), pp. 32-45; Engel, G.L., "How much longer must medicine's science be bound-
ed by a seventeenth century world view?" in K.L. White (ed.), The Task of Medicine, Menlo Park,
California: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 1988, pp. 113-136. For discussions of the biological
extensions of these models, see for example: Schoffeniels, E,. Anti-Chance; Brooks, D.R. and E.O. Wiley,
Evolution as Entropy. For interesting discussions of the origin of information, see: Gleick, James, Chaos,
Making a New Science, pp. 255-262.
24 See for example: Ikemi,Y. and A. Ikemi, "An Oriental point of view in psychosomatic medi-
cine." Advances 3:4, pp. 150-157, 1986. See also the works of Wing Y. Pon referenced above.
25 Manaka, Y. and K. Itaya, "Acupuncture as intervention in the biological information system.
(Meridian treatment and the X-signal system)," Address given at the annual assembly of the Japan
Meridian Treatment Association, Tokyo, March 29-30, 1986. Published in English in the Journal of the
Acupuncture Society of New York 1:324, 9-18, 1994. In this paper he proposed that a low-energy signal
system comprises the essence of the theories and effects of acupuncture. He provided preliminary evi-
dence for this model from theoretical and experimental biology and his clinical research and practice.
26 For example, several Chinese researchers have concluded after extensive reviews of current
research that the channels must be a "higher and more complicated system" linking all other systems in
the body together. See Zhao Jianguo and Zhang Linying, "Review of the current status of acupuncture
and channel theory," Amer. Jour. Acup. 14:2 (1986), pp. 105-109. One Chinese researcher has proposed
that the channels function as a "third equilibrium system" which mediates between the body surface
and the viscera. See Meng Zhaowei, "The third equilibrium system-meridian system," Jour. Chin. Acup.
Moxib. 1:1-2 (1987), pp. 62-64. Other Chinese authors have proposed that the channels of acupuncture
function as a "latent information feedback network of the human body's regulating systems," where
information about the body's current state is conveyed by the channels between "special cells" that lie
along its path, producing general regulatory effects in the body. See Chong Jang Xia and Jia Rui Lin,
"A new kind of stimulator for dredging human body's channels," IEEE Eng. Med. & Bioi. Soc. lOth
Annual Int. Con. (1988), pp. 1250-1251.
Other authors and researchers from different parts of the world have arrived at similar conclu-
sions. William Tiller, in reviewing the literature and uses of electrodermal instruments, has drawn a
model showing how it might be possible for information about the state of function of the internal
organs to reflect to acupoints at the skin surface, and how information can be sent back from these
points to their corresponding organs to produce functional changes. These points at the surface
"become information access windows to the functioning state of specific organ and body systems." See
Tiller, William, "On the evolution of electrodermal diagnostic instruments," Jour. Adv. Med. 1:1 (1988),
pp. 43-72. Some researchers in Austria have specifically related the systems of acupuncture to "systems
theory" and proposed physiological models that match these theories. See Feigl, W. and E. Feigl, "The
pathophysiology of acupuncture: An abstract," Amer. Jour. Acup. 13:3 (1985), p. 280, originally from the
Deutsche Zeitschrift fur Akupunktur 28:2 (1985), pp. 36-40.
27 Ratcliffe, J.W., "Notions of validity in qualitative research methodology," Knowledge, Creation,
Diffusion, Utilization 5:2 (1983), pp. 147-167.
28 Ibid.
29 Ibid., p. 157.
xxviii Introduction

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE INTRODUCTION

[AC]: E. Schoffeniels, Anti-Chance.
[ATP]: Baldry, P.E., Acupuncture, Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Conditions.
[CB]: Davies, Paul, The Cosmic Blueprint.
[Cha]: Gleik, James, Chaos, Making a New Science.
[ECA]: Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture
[EV]: Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Extraordinary Vessels.
[FCM] Wiseman, Nigel, et al., Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine.
[FE]: Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Five Elements and Ten Stems.
[HD]: Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea.
[MCHI]: Unschuld, Paul, Medicine in China: A History of Ideas.
[SCC]: Needham, Joseph, Science and Civilization in China.
[SMR]: Foss and Rothenberg, The Second Medical Revolution.
[SSR]: Kuhn, Thomas, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
[STM]: Dossey, Larry, Space, Time, and Medicine.
[SW]: Su Wen
[TaoP]: Capra, Fri~of, The Tao of Physics.
[TurP]: Capra, Fri~of, The Turning Point.
 GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY

A meaning of a word is a kind of employment of it. Giving grounds, however,

justifying the evidence, comes to an end; but the end is not certain propositions
striking us immediately as true, i.e. it is not a kind of seeing on our part; it is our
acting, which lies at the bottom of the language game.
- Ludwig Wittgenstein, On Certainty

I am not a translator, I am a collector of ideas. I have helped describe and col-

late the ideas in this book, but do not claim the role of professional translator, nor is
this book essentially a work of translation. The use of terms that are not of English
origin is Dr. Manaka's, whose written English was excellent. Thus, I have transmit-
ted his ideas as best I could in terms that strove to express his understanding. The
Japanese, no less than the Chinese, use the characters of written Chinese. Thus
Japan has never needed translations in the sense these are required in the West.
Furthermore, this is not a generic work where the language must reflect the cultural
scope of Chinese medicine, but a specific attempt to define ideas like qi, yin-yang,
and five phases- something rarely attempted. As well, while Dr. Manaka clearly
understood that written translation resources are essential for insuring the public
access and scrutiny that Eastern no less than Western sciences require, he supplied
this work with practical tests that others may confirm. For these reasons, very few
comments on the use of terminology in this text are required.
First, the viewpoint and assumptions of an inquirer cannot be separate from
the inquiry. Translation and speculation are both methods of inquiry. To use
terms which have technical meanings, without providing a glossary of technical
definitions, is an invitation to misunderstanding, as readers assume that their own
understandings apply. Failure to define is thus at best confusing; at worst, it com-
pletely invalidates the information. To use terms that have origin in another lan-
guage, and thus depend on the assumptions of the inquirer to great extent, without
providing the assumptions that lie behind the translations, is hardly honest.
There are a number of terms used in the text that come from the traditional
Chinese literatures. These have either been translated or only romanized. Terms
such as qi and yin-yang are probably untranslatable in the usual linguistic sense.
Indeed, as is argued in the text, it may be the language of mathematics that most
effectively translates these terms. These terms typically feature in discussions
throughout the text and are explored through analytic and comparative means; for
example, describing how qi shares much with the concept of information.
However, while translating the word qi as information would dramatically make
that point, it would reflect a grandiosity quite unlike Dr. Manaka.
xxx Glossary of Terminology

Terms such as jing luo, wu xing, jing jin, bu, xie, shi, xu, have been translated in
a variety of ways that depend on the viewpoints of various authors. ]ing luo are
variably translated. The first European attempt came from France where they were
translated as "meridians." Other common translations include "channels and col-
laterals," "channels and connecting channels," "conduits," "conduits and net-
work vessels." A brief study of the etymology and use of these terms showed that
they each capture some, but not all, of the meaning of the Chinese. For example,
the term "meridian" has implications associated with celestial movements, the
division of the heavens by invisible lines, and by extension, lines of force. The term
channel generally refers to some pathway along which fluid moves, and secondari-
ly has meanings such as "channels of information." The term conduit is not that
dissimilar to the term channel, except perhaps in being more specifically used.
Each of these words captures some of the connotations of jing luo. They have been
analogized to passageways of water as the qi flows through them, a fact confirmed
by the names of important acupoints. They are also insubstantial and nonvisible,
and define the surface of the body from top to bottom, section by section.
How to decide which term is most appropriate? Dr. Manaka used the term
"meridian" when speaking or writing in English because this was the word common-
ly used by the English speakers he first encountered. The term seems to imply some-
thing more subtle, less gross than a channel, which is usually something tangible with
a definite shape, depth, and size. "Meridian" implies a logical rather than physical
quality. However, the argument that information flows in channels is telling, particu-
larly since Manaka's work shows that the jing-luo are passageways for the flow of
something (e.g.: signals, information). Thus, I decided on the term "channel."
The term wu xing has been translated elsewhere as "five elements." While there
are some who still wish to justify a relationship to the Western ideas of elements, this
translation is now generally recognized to be less accurate than "phases." Phase
implies change and interaction, key features of this logical system, where element car-
ries with it the sense of immutability that is at the conceptual root. Manaka used the
term phases and his research seemed to show that the wu xing are something similar
to a phase. Manaka's own term, "isophasality" has been reserved for technical pre-
sentations of his ideas. Again, the practical value of an easily recognizable differen-
tiation between the classic term and the proffered theory is of some value.
The jing jin are more difficult; in the past they have been translated by
European authors as the "tendino-muscular" meridians or channels. Recently
they have been rendered as the "channel sinews" or "muscle meridians" or "con-
duits." The term jin seems to refer to anatomical structures that include the ten-
dons, ligaments, muscles, and all the other associated structures, such as nerves
and blood vessels. The term muscle is thus a limitation of scope. However, by
extension it does include other related structures. The term "sinew" is relatively
broad and encompasses all these structures. However, those who want a more
physical and less functional reference to musculature do object. "Sinews" refer to
the tendons in most medical dictionaries. The term "tendino-muscular" is interest-
ing, but limited. In anatomical literature the term one encounters is "musculo-
tendinous" not "tendino-muscular."
I used the term "channel sinew" for this text because of the following consid-
erations. First, Unschuld uses the term muscle with a footnote that defines this as
including the sinews; Needham takes note of the nature of the jing jin as being
neuro-muscular; Shibata argues that the term jin refers to the muscles and all their
associated structures, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Thus there is
good precedence among those who have offered a rationale.l
 Glossary of Terminology xxxi

The terms bu and xie used to be translated as "tonification and dispersion" or

"tonification and sedation," and are more recently translated as "supplementation
and draining." In this particular case, Dr. Manaka's clinical experiments and
explorations determined the choice. In chapter one he explores the concept clini-
cally and experimentally, rather than pedagogically (as we are doing here). This
investigation shows that in any of these translations there is a great inadequacy,
because they do not match the experimental results. As a consequence, the terms
only appear when discussed where they are translated as "supplementation and
drainage." The terms do not appear in the clinical sections, because the treatments
there have different goals; they are designed to regulate the signal system, not to
add to or subtract from the physiological system.
The terms shi and xu suffered the same fate. Translations such as "excess and
deficiency," "repletion and vacuity," "repletion and depletion" do not fit clinical
and experimental findings. In the text, when they are encountered, they are ren-
dered as "repletion and vacancy" because that was Manaka's choice, but then are
shown to be neither.
Surprisingly, this covers almost all the traditional terms that appear in the
text. What is unique in Dr. Manaka's approach is that rather than pure scholarly
and pedagogical analysis, he designed clinical experiments to explore the meaning
of the terms. Most of the time he has found that the terms really do correlate to
some entity or functional system, but often in a manner different than the implica-
tions of the popularly used English words. For those interested in the translation
of terms from the Chinese, Nigel Wiseman and Paul Unschuld's contributions are
by far the most significant.2 In the text proper, whenever the words "I" or "my"
are used these terms refer to Dr. Manaka. Whenever the term "we" is used, it
refers to Manaka and Itaya. I have tried to keep myself out of the text as much as
possible. The reader will find a few notes that begin "S.B." This is where I
thought I could clarify the text.
There are other terms which arose in the Western literatures, especially scien-
tific terminology not often encountered in the study of acupuncture. Often the text
itself provides these definitions. Our reasons for inclusion of these terms in this
text are numerous, but can be summarized as an attempt to highlight fundamental
issues and formulate clear and sufficient models upon which and to which
research can be carried out.
We have selected theoretical paradigms and models that use languages capa-
ble of solving or avoiding these fundamental problems, i.e., capable of bridging the
differences. These often utilize mathematical terms and concepts derived from the-
ories that are forging new horizons in the fields of physics and biology. The fol-
lowing is a brief explanation of some of the terms used in this text. To a specialist
knowledgeable in a particular area, these definitions will be inadequate since they
are meant as summary explanations. References have been provided for readers
wishing to research further.
Finally, it should be noted that this text discusses many specialized tech-
niques not yet described extensively in English, such as the techniques of Japanese
needling, moxa, moxa on the head of the needle, intradermals, bloodletting, cup-
ping, the Manaka wooden hammer and needle (peg), and the use of the Hirata
zones. Readers desiring additional information regarding clinical applications of
these techniques may look to a subsequent title, Birch, S. and J. Ida, Japanese
Acupuncture, A Clinical Handbook, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications, 1995.

STEPHEN BIRCH
xxxii Glossary of Terminology

TERMINOLOGY
DISSIPATIVE STRUCTURE: This term was first coined by Ilya Prigogine, who
received a Nobel prize for his work on dissipative structures. It refers to a system's
use of entropy (see below) for maintenance and development. In a closed system,
order slowly breaks down and entropy ensues, but in the real world where open
systems are the rule, systems interact continuously with their environment. This
allows a continuous exchange of energy between the system and its environment,
which is believed to underlie the development of order in the system. This is most
clearly seen in systems that are far from equilibrium, i.e., that are on the brink of
chaos. In these states, systems show self-organizing properties that push the
system into a newly ordered state; they dissipate energy into the environment,
allowing order to develop with the energy remaining in the system.
"A dissipative structure evades the degenerative effects of the second law lf ther-
modynamics- see also below] by exporting entropy into its environment."
Dissipative structures interact and exchange with their environment. "In all
cases the system is driven from equilibrium by an external forcing agency, and
adopts a stable form by dissipating away any perturbations to its structure. Because
energy is continually dissipated, a dissipative structure will only survive so long as
it is supplied with energy (and perhaps matter too) by the environment."4
ENTROPY: In a broad sense, entropy refers to a state of disorder in a system.
The higher the entropy, the greater the disorder. The second law of thermodynamics
states that the entropy of a closed system will increase over time. In a narrower
sense, entropy is a measure of a system's unavailable energy. The more entropic a
system is, the less available energy there is in the system. Recent studies in chaos
have called the second law of thermodynamics into question, since it has been shown
that the state of chaos (disorder/entropy) contains within it the seeds of order, or
hidden orders. Chaotic systems can spontaneously give rise to ordered systems.S
HOLOGRAPHY - HOLOGRAM, HOLOGRAPHIC PARADIGM, HOLOMOVEMENT:
Holography is the study of three-dimensional images created using light waves
that interfere with each other. The image created is called a "hologram." An inter-
esting fact about holograms is that each portion of the hologram contains within it
an image of the whole hologram. This unusual feature has led a number of
researchers in various fields to speculate that holographic modeling may explain
how "holistic models" work. For example, the brain may use holographic model-
ing.6
The physicist David Bohm has gone much further in his modeling of nature.
He argues that the entire universe is a hologram. 7 This model has allowed him to
explain and resolve certain difficulties in experimental physics. The new model
that he (and others) have evolved is called the "holographic paradigm" (see below
for discussions of "paradigm.") The importance of this model is that it allows
descriptions of how non-local events can produce local changes and how local
events can produce non-local changes, that is, how every part of the universe com-
municates with all the other parts of the universe. The term "holomovement"
refers to that which carries the information specific to an "implicate order" (see
below) in an undivided and unbroken totality.
HOMEOSTATIC MECHANISMS- FIVE PHASE, YIN YANG INTERACTIONS: A homeo-
static mechanism is a mechanism that serves to restore an original state of a system.
In biological organisms homeostatic mechanisms are extremely important, since
most biological activities occur within very narrow biochemical and thermal limits.
Optimal biological activities are maintained when the homeostatic mechanisms are
 Glossary of Terminology xxxiii

able to keep the internal environment within those limits. Any shift outside those
limits can lead to decreased biological activity and malfunction, that is, disease. In
the earlier chapters of this text we will show how many of the traditional Chinese
theories, such as the five phase and yin yang theories, are partially descriptive of
how the body regulates itself.
Yin yang interactions describe how antagonistic/syntagonistic parts of the
body regulate each other, or at least how those antagonistic/syntagonistic parts
can be utilized therapeutically to initiate such regulation. In the "octahedral
structure" (see below), the yin yang antagonistic halves of the body serve to regu-
late the overall distribution of qi around the body. When problems occur, treat-
ments can be given that activate these regulatory functions to restore a healthier
balance (e.g., the general distribution of qi around the body.) The five-phase inter-
actions also describe how different functional systems within the body regulate the
activities of other functional systems. If one phase goes out, the others function to
return it to its more normal state. Should this be insufficient, such that pathologies
occur, treatments may be devised to activate the phasal interactions, thus helping
the whole system restore a more normal state of balance. These two regulatory
mechanisms represent significant first line homeostatic mechanisms in the body.
{The nature of these phasal interactions and regulatory functions are analyzed
mathematically in appendix 5.)
INFORMATION- THEORY, SYSTEMS, FLOW: Information is a general term that
refers to both energy and matter. It occurs within organisms and between organ-
isms. In more general terms, it occurs within and between systems (see below); it
describes the interactions between parts and wholes, between systems.
Information theory is a theory that uses the concept of information to make broad
statements about the object of the theory.
"Information" is a complex concept that has been given various definitions in
such fields as thermodynamics, communications and probability theory. Generally
speaking, it is a measure of the order existing in a system - a certain degree of
order represents information - and it implies the deliberate selection of one event
out of a number of possibilities . ... Information is any pattern of events in time
and space. ... The form or structure of the body has informational content.B
In the sense of traditional physics, information is neither matter nor energy.
Rather, the concept of information brings into play the two older antipoles of mat-
ter - namely, form and consciousness. . . . One must take "probability" and
"information" as objective and, at the same time, as subject-related concepts.9
The term "information" and the informational view of nature are becoming
increasingly central in science and in medicine. Basically, use of the term "infor-
mation" allows descriptions of systems and the complex interactions within and
between systems, in such a way as to give more accurate descriptions of the
processes at work. It allows a logical description of nature in more comprehensive
or holistic terms, which is more in keeping with experimental physics than the sev-
enteenth century world view still prevalent in much of the scientific community.
Many in the medical community demand the full development of information the-
ory in medicine. The infomedical model is becoming more important as a replace-
ment for the traditional model.lO
IsoPHASALITY: This term was first coined by Dr. Manaka in relation to the
ancient Chinese theory of the five phases. Each phase is described as having a series
of (horizontal) interactions with each other phase, for example, the engendering and
restraining cycles. Within each phase numerous (vertical) correspondences are
described. For example, each phase has corresponding organs, channels, colors,
xxxiv Glossary of Terminology

sounds, tastes etc. In its broadest sense, the term "isophasal" refers to these verti-
cal sets of relationships or correspondences. In a narrower, more clinically orient-
ed sense, the term refers to a set of same (iso-) phenomena. For example, each
meridian has an "earth" acupoint on it. These earth acupoints are all isophasal to
each other. This means that they all manifest some similar characteristics. A spe-
cific signal produces the same response at all these acupoints but not other acu-
points. For example, the color yellow when applied to earth acupoints elicits the
same response from each meridian to which it is applied, but not at any other acu-
points. A technical definition of the term can be found in chapter six. The term is
occasionally used outside the field of acupuncture. (It does appear occasionally in
topological theories and models; see below for a brief discussion of the term
"topology.")
MAGNETIC POLES: In this text we use the terms "north magnetic pole" and
"south magnetic pole". We denote the north magnetic pole as a positive polarity
agent, and the south magnetic pole as a negative polarity agent. In the context of
our discussions, the north magnetic pole of a magnet is that pole of a magnet
which repels the points of a compass, while the south magnetic pole of a magnet is
that pole which attracts the point of a compass. This is based on the idea that the
geographic north pole of the earth is the geomagnetic south pole. If one is using
magnets that are denoted opposite to this definition, one would expect to see the
reverse reactions to those described in this text.
OCTAHEDRAL THEORY OF STRUCTURE-FUNCTION REGULATION: This theory was
first formulated by Dr. Manaka. It refers to the ancient yin-yang categorizations of
the body into antagonistic halves, for example inferior-superior, anterior-posteri-
or. Examples of this ancient categorization have appeared in medicine and biology
(see chapter five). Our own testing of the body also has shown these antagonistic
tendencies (again, see chapter five.) Clinical methods designed to take advantage
of these ideas have proven useful and have led us to formulate the theory that
there is a hidden structure or symmetry in the body that probably arose early in
evolutionary and embryological development. This structure is more a kind of
"structure-function" regulatory mechanism; e.g., in traditional terms, the circula-
tion and distribution of qi is regulated in part by this yin-yang, antagonistic-syn-
tagonistic structure.
ORDER- IMPLICATE ORDER, EXPLICATE ORDER: The term "order" has multiple
meanings. In this text, the term is used primarily to describe or refer to the state
and degree of structure of a system. The more "ordered" a system is, the greater
its internal structure and the more the functions or purposes of the system can be
realized. Entropy, disorder, or chaos refer to the breakdown of the structure of the
system. In most instances, diseases or pathological conditions could be character-
ized as a breakdown of the order of the system and an increase of the disorder of
the system. Order also implies a set of rules that govern the system's behavior.
Many times these rules are known, and can be described, in the terms of David
Bohm, as being of the "explicate order." Many times the rules are not apparent or
are unknown, or hidden. These can be described, again following David Bohm, as
being of the "implicate order." We have found, for example, that there are "hid-
den orders" in the body, hidden structures, which have functions that do not nor-
mally manifest, i.e., are not clearly apparent to us. In the octahedral structure
model (see above), we have found just such a hidden order, a structure hidden in
the body which seems to have important regulatory functions in the body (see
chapters three and five for details).
 Glossary of Terminology xxxv

PARADIGM: A paradigm is a pattern or model. In the context of this work, the

term "paradigm" refers to the system of world views which comprise the model of
nature or the world held by a culture or group of people. The ancient Chinese sys-
tem of world views is quite different from the world views underlying modem
Western cultures. What lies behind these systems of world views are different sets
of assumptions about how the world is. For example, since at least the seventeenth
century, one of the Western assumptions about nature has been that the world, and
all things in it, are reducible to their component parts. Understanding those things
is a process of analyzing the parts and compiling the information to reproduce the
thing. Typically, but not exclusively, the ancient Chinese made an opposite
assumption: one cannot separate anything from the whole web of reactions in
which it is immersed in the world, thus one cannot simply reduce an object to its
component parts to understand it. Interestingly, with new findings in the field of
physics, scientists are also seeing the world now as irreducible, creating what is
called a "paradigm shift."ll
SAYOSHI: This term was first coined by Yasumasa Katsumata. In English it
means something like "phantom function." When objects are placed close to the
surface of a body, the body receives certain influences from those objects. In the
living body, these influences are received without the involvement of any con-
scious or sensory mechanism. All objects have their own specific influences, the
functions of which can be transmitted to one object and then from this to other
objects. In the living body these functions are different from the known physiolog-
ical functions. Katsumata has called these functional factors sayoshi. Sayoshi has
the following characteristics:
1. It remains in a space after an object has been removed from that space.
2. It can be removed by moving any conducting substance (excluding insula-
tors) over it.
3. It can be carried by one object to another object. This is called the "replica-
tion effect."
4. It can be propagated by electromagnetic waves (high frequency current
inside the body.) Therefore it can be said that sayoshi is not material. Katsumata
calls these electromagnetic waves which carry sayoshi "molecular waves."
5. In the living body, the sayoshi of an object acts on the sayoshi of the body
and can produce physiological changes.
Sayoshi is a kind of static quality in space, like an electromagnetic or gravita-
tional field. However, electromagnetic and gravitational fields are very much
dependent upon the substances that produced the fields, and will be moved with
the substance, whereas the sayoshi effect can remain in the space once occupied by
the substance that generated it, even after the substance has been removed. This is
an essential difference between sayoshi and ordinary known fields. According to
Einstein's theory, the already known fields are transmittable in light fields, where
they have no stationary mass and do not have energy in a stationary condition.
Substances with mass cannot be transmitted to remote places by means of electro-
magnetic waves. Sayoshi is transmittable by them, but has no mass; thus it cannot
have substance. In modem science, all things are composed of either substances
and, or fields, all phenomena occur along with these. Sayoshi is neither substance
nor field. Consequently, sayoshi is not explicable by any known theories.
Appendix 4 has further discussions and examples of the concept of sayoshi,
with a mathematical analysis of the vector properties of sayoshi, especially with
regards the properties of the acupuncture needle.
xxxvi Glossary of Terminology

SYSTEMS THEORY - OPEN SYSTEM, CLOSED SYSTEM, SIGNAL SYSTEM: "Systems

are integrated wholes whose properties cannot be reduced to those of smaller
units. Instead of concentrating on basic building blocks or basic substances, the
systems approach emphasizes basic principles of organization."12
Normally our senses lead us to perceive the world in discrete units. We tend
to see objects as separate from each other, and from force of habit, we tend not to
perceive how things interact with each other. The ancient Chinese world view
included the idea that all things interact with each other all the time. The develop-
ing scientific world view is the same: all things interact with each other all the
time. But our ordinary language is not really capable of describing the world and
these interactions like this. Systems theory is a theoretical model that allows just
such descriptions. Foss and Rothenberg, in their book, The Second Medical
Revolution, have described this in some depth. The use and equivalency of systems
theory to the ancient Chinese medical models is explored in the conclusion of Hara
Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, by Matsumoto and Birch.
An open system is a system which exchanges information (energy, matter,)
with its environment. All living organisms (systems) are thus open systems. A
closed system is a system which exchanges no information with its environment.
(See the discussions of dissipative structures and entropy above.)
The signal system is a term coined by Dr. Manaka. It refers to a model that he
has developed of how things interact, typically at more subtle levels. Information
passing between things and within things is generally referred to as a signal. Often
the exact nature of such signals are unknown, especially in the field of acupunc-
ture. Hence he has named this the "X-signal system," "X" because of the fre-
quently unknown nature of the signals.
This model is important because it has allowed the development of a theoretical
model which is equivalent to the traditional Chinese model of acupuncture, and
which is experimentally testable. Until considerably more is known of what the
ancient Chinese were describing in their medical models, it is premature to limit the
scientific description of any of those models to concepts and models available to us
now. Typically the technology we use to make our measurements gives limited mea-
surements, making it difficult to be certain that what is measured is the same as that
to which the Chinese referred. Until the phenomena clearly associated with acupunc-
ture theory and practice can be more comprehensively analyzed, it is perhaps wiser
to use less specific language in describing them, by selecting terms such as "informa-
tion" or "signals." This at least is reflective of the vagueness of the original Chinese
descriptions and is able to resolve some of the paradigmatic differences between the
traditional Chinese world views and the traditional (post-seventeenth century)
Western world views. (See the introduction to this text for further discussion.)
TOPOLOGY - HOMEOMORPH: Topology is the branch of mathematics dealing
with three-dimensional geometric forms, both physical and imaginary. It deals
with space - the topological space, the phase space - and the properties of solids.
In particular it is useful for describing those properties of solids which remain
unchanged through a series of different deformations of an object (see chapter 2 for
discussions and examples of this). Some of these properties, such as connected-
ness, allow a description of how the whole system behaves. When an object is
deformed by stretching, bending, etc., the old form and new form retain certain
properties in common. The two forms are then homeomorphic to each other.
Topology is also useful in modem physics in the analysis of complicated electrical
networks, for example, and in the analysis of oscillating systems. This last use is
important in the growth of studies in the nature of chaos and chaotic rhythms.
 Glossary of Terminology xxxvii

ENDNOTES
1 See for example, Paul Unschuld, Nan Ching: the Classic of Difficult Issues, p. 113; L. Gwei-Djen
and J. Needham, Celestial Lancets, p. 51. For a discussion of this issue and Shibata's ideas, see
Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, p. 149. This is reinforced by
Wiseman's note that he chose "sinew" to preserve the vagueness of jin in Chinese. In the medical liter-
ature the symptoms associated with the jing jin are mostly symptoms of muscle pain, muscle spasm,
muscle cramps. To exclude the term muscle from the translation might lead the English-speaking prac-
titioners away from the obvious clinical association . But, the jing jin not having been experimentally
investigated by Dr. Manaka left me with no choice. The reality that we do not know what, if anything,
is in these jing, or whether they may only represent projections of information, perhaps with the signa-
tures described by Williamson and Kaufman, Biomagnetism (op.cit) makes the term "channel sinew"
acceptable, since it is less rigidly material.
2 See for example Wiseman's immense work, Glossary of Terms in Chinese Medicine. For Paul
Unschuld's contributions, see for example, his Nan Ching: The Classic of Difficult Issues, and the proceed-
ings of the 1986 Symposium on translation methodologies and terminologies edited by Unschuld, in
Approaches to Traditional Chinese Medical Literature, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1989.
3 Davies, P., The Cosmic Blueprint, New York, Simon and Schuster, 1988, p. 85.
4 Ibid., p. 84. For good discussions of this concept, see: Prigogine, Ilya and Isabelle Stengers,
Order Out of Chaos, New York: Bantam Books, 1984.
5 For good discussions of these issues, see: James Gleick, Chaos, Making a New Science, New York:
Viking Penguin, 1987.
6 See for example, Wilber, Ken, The Holographic Paradigm and Other Paradoxes, Boulder:
Shambhala Publications, 1982.
7 See for example, David Bohm, Wholeness and the Implicate Order, London: Ark Paperbacks, 1980.
8 Cunningham, A.J., "Information and health in the many levels of man: Toward a more compre-
hensive theory of health and disease," Advances 3:1, pp. 32-45, 1986.
9 Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker, The Unity of Nature, 1980, quoted from Jahn, R.G. and B.J.
Dunne, Margins of Reality, San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987, p. 298.
10 For good discussions of these issues in medicine, see: Lawrence Foss and Kenneth Rothenberg,
The Second Medical Revolution, Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1987. For more general discussions of
the applications and importance of the information theory model, see: Alastair Cunningham,
"Information and health in the many levels of man: Toward a more comprehensive theory of health and
disease," Advances 3:1, pp. 32-45, 1986. For more technical discussions and descriptions, see: Ernest
Schoffeniels, Anti-Chance, New York: Pergammon Press, 1976.
11 For good discussions of these concepts, see Capra, F., The Turning Point, New York: Bantam
Books, 1982; and Foss, L. and K. Rothenberg, The Second Medical Revolution.
12 Capra, F., The Turning Point, New York: Bantam Books, 1985, p. 266. In the systems model,
what passes back and forth between each interacting system or level is information (see above). Like
the use of information theory, systems theory allows descriptions of how a person, for example, inter-
acts with all internal and external systems, i.e., it allows an holistic description of the person.
 DESIGNATION

Paradigm Publications is a participant in the Council of Oriental Medical

Publishers and supports their effort to encourage explict statement of the methods
and sources used to produce Oriental medical texts in English. This text was origi-
nally composed in English but reports research performed by the authors and pub-
lished in Japanese. The clinical and basic research methods employed are docu-
mented in the text. The definition of the technical terms used by Dr. Manaka are
given in the Glossary. Those not noted in the glossary follow Wiseman, Glossary of
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Points.
 SECTION ONE:

SIGHTING THE DRAGON

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CHAPTER ONE

ACUPUNCTURE:
TRADITION AND TRANSMISSION

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies are believed to have originated in

China approximately two thousand years ago. As a traditional medical practice,
they encompass several treatment methods. The main method is the use of needles
to puncture the skin. Secondarily, moxibustion is used to warm or cauterize points
on the skin. Bloodletting, cupping, scratching needle techniques, and fire needle
techniques are supplementary methods. The enormous clinical value of acupunc-
ture and moxibustion therapies is evidenced by their continued and extensive use
in modern China, their spread centuries ago to other Asian countries, such as
Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and their more recent arrival in the West, where they
have weathered even the rigorous scrutiny of Western science and medicine,
revealing some of their secrets to scientific method.
The tradition of acupuncture and moxibustion is rooted in, and based on, a
few ancient medical texts, such as the uan Di ble" Jing SU-. Wen, Huang Di Nci Jing
Ling Shu, and Nan Jing ( 'rca 300 BC to 100 AD, texts t at ave formed a ric intel-
1ectual radition through countless commentaries, developments, extensions, and
explanations in numerous subsequent texts.I
Throughout this long and venerable history, a complexity of theories and
clinical systems have evolved. In some cases these have retained their original
form, and in other cases, they have adapted to the passage of time, transforming
under the scrutiny of clinicians and scholars.

TRANSMISSION
In ancient times people did not have the mechanisms for storage and trans-
mission of knowledge that we have today. Technology was not in the hands of a
few specialists, but in the hands of " doers," craftsmen and artisans. These crafts-
men and artisans practiced acupuncture and moxibustion and developed high lev-
els of expertise without the formal education that is emphasized today. They
amassed experiential knowledge and the know-how of important clinical methods,
passing their knowledge on in the classical texts. Using right-brain pattern recog-
nition more than left-brain analytic methods, they constructed sophisticated meth-
ods and systems that achieved clinical success without the appearance of the schol-
arly and coherent methodologies that are so important to us today.
4 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

There are Western scholars who claim that no Western scientific methods
were practiced in ancient China, that acupuncture and moxibustion are justified
only as folk medicines with traces of shamanism. Methods such as applying sim-
ple, naturalistic philosophies, and using theories such as yin-yang and five phases
to explain complex medical phenomena, are seen by such Westerners as thorough-
ly unscientific methodologies, inappropriate for the modern world. Yet the preva-
lence of this Western intellectual chauvinism is at odds with the facts. Many excel-
lent therapeutic systems were developed in China; many excellent methodologies
and technologies, among them the early use of magnets, compasses, gun powder,
and astronomical instruments, had their nascence in ancient China.2 At the time of
the European Middle Ages, at least twenty influential ideas and technologies had
been imported from China to the West, but only two had been exported to China.
Something of a paradox can be glimpsed between the historical facts and the
claims of some scholars.
We would hope that such evidence might encourage us to set aside haste in
judging the cultural legacies of others and in adapting them too abruptly to our
own cultures. We might discover that taking the theories and language of
acupuncture and moxibustion out of clinical context, and solely at face value, is not
highly useful. We might discover that without a broader appreciation of the rich
background and legacy of these medicines, it is all too easy to misinterpret them.
We must at least acknowledge the continued survival and success of these medi-
cines in the modern world.3 Not only has the practice of acupuncture and moxi-
bustion gained acceptance at the professional level, but these traditional therapies
have also made considerable gains in the medical delivery system.4
As acupuncture as a medical delivery system is transmitted from its ancient
Eastern origins to modern Western cultures, it is essential that we recognize and
understand the difficulties inherent in such transmission. For it is only by so doing
that we may be able to grasp the nature of acupuncture and moxibustion and
develop consistent and powerful clinical methods. By first recognizing these diffi-
culties and then developing strategies to address them, we may find that we are
not only able to clarify and verify many of the classical theories, we are - with
good research methodology - able to encounter phenomena not yet described and
develop new, more comprehensive theories and powerful clinical procedures that
are potentially more suitable to the modem world. By raising questions in a frame-
work broader than most other researchers use, and suggesting research methods,
we may be able to point the way to a more thoughtful approach to the study of
acupuncture and moxibustion.s

UNCLEAR TERMINOLOGY
Such a diversity and wealth of literature exist in the native languages of
China and Japan that sifting through the traditional ideas and clinical applications
requires the skills of scholars as much as the clinical insight of practitioners.
Archaic and classical Chinese create particular translational problems that require
specialized philological work. The classical texts described people, health, and dis-
ease using different terms than those familiar to us today. To compound this
obstacle, the general concepts described in these early texts are often rooted in clin-
ical experience and thus do not lend themselves to interpretation by intellectual
endeavor alone. Careful coordination and cooperative methods of translation are
required. Even given such coordination, perhaps we can never really know what
was meant by terms two thousand years old. Perhaps our modem languages and
experiences simply do not entertain equivalent concepts.
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 5

Many use the arcane jargon of the old texts without really understanding its
meaning. This is particularly true because of the predominance of left-brain think-
ing and cognition in the modern world, and its broad application to all things.
However, we should recognize that the terms of these arcane jargons are often keys
that are essential to a deep understanding of acupuncture and moxibustion. They
require appropriate and reasonable methods of examination, analysis, and testing,
before they can be understood accurately and coherently. One day, as when
Champollion deciphered the Rosetta stone, a genius will decipher and explain
these key terms. When this happens many will be surprised by the immensity and
importance of this cultural legacy.
A good example of this conceptual and translational difficulty is the term qi,
#\, in Japanese ki. The Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen is generally acknowledged to be
the primary extant text in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion. Of the more
than fifty thousand characters comprising this text, over eleven hundred (about
one in fifty characters) are the term qi. It is obvious that this term has considerable
significance. According to tradition, everything is composed of qi in one form or
another; all movement involves qi. There have been many translations of the term
by scholars and practitioners alike, all of which pose difficulties. We commonly
find translations such as "vital force," "vital energy," "life force," "energy,"
"breath," "spirits," "air," "pneuma," "influences," all of which represent some
specific aspect of the term, or a generalization of its concept, but rarely both.
In a modern Chinese dictionary, we can see that the term qi is given quite a
wide variety of meanings: "gas; air; breath; smell, odor; weather; airs, manner;
spirit, morale; to make angry, to get angry; bully, insult; [in Chinese medicine] vital
energy, energy of life." Obviously, the term is used in many different senses in
everyday language. Characterizing all these different meanings and nuances with
a single term or translation is difficult. Qi is expressed in personality and in emo-
tional context. In Japan, we greet people by asking how is their yuan qi: "0 genki
desu ka?" As practitioners, we treat people with our qi. Certain techniques of
breathing and gymnastics such as qi gong and tai ji build and master the qi. The
classical literatures of China and other East Asian countries provide many exam-
ples of simple expressions of the universal and encompassing nature of qi:
Heaven and Earth have correct qi;
its form is flexible and fluid.
In the lower parts it is in the rivers and mountains on earth;
In the upper parts it is in the sun and stars in the sky;
The human being is said to be overwhelmingly
and universally soaked in it.
- The zheng qi song of the Wen Tian Xiang, before 200 BC.
Life is the follower of death and death is the predecessor of life,
but who knows their cycles?
Man's life is due to the conglomeration of the qi,
and when they are dispersed, death occurs.
- Zhuang Zhou, in Science and Civilization in China II p.76.
In everyday language and context, the term qi in China and Japan has multi-
ple shades of meaning and uses, from classical to modern times. When a child
inherits characteristics of his or her parents, this is traditionally said to be the xian
tian qi, the "before heaven qi," or "prenatal qi." It is recognized that some form of
qi passes from parents to their offspring. In the twentieth century, we understand
this as details of the DNA, chromosomes, genes, etc. Likewise, when someone
catches a cold or flu, it was traditionally said to be an external pathogen, a xie qi,
such as cold, wind, damp, dryness, summerheat, or heat. Today we use theories
of bacteria and viruses. In ancient times, and still in the modern literature, these
6 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

and related phenomena all come under the general heading of qi in some adverse
form. It is evident that we cannot define clearly the term qi, but, as we will see, it
may be possible to suggest an understanding of its nature based on numerous clin-
ical experiences and researches. What is important in our attempts to clarify and
understand such terms is the nature and consistency of the research methodology
we use.
Qi poses particularly complex difficulties because it is essentially a qualitative
rather than quantitative concept. It is thus not open to simple quantitative method-
ology. But what of quantitative terms? Are they more readily resolved? The term
cun for example, loosely translated as "body division" or "body inch," is clearly a
quantitative term. Yet similar problems arise with this term. According to the tra-
ditional literature, the term cun refers to some distance on the body surface that is
different in each body area, and different according to each individual. But in the
descriptions of each acupoint, the needle depths for insertion are also given in cun.
Little or no indication is given as to which length of cun is meant for each point. It
appears that there must be some acceptable standard length for this cun. For
Westerners and Asians, the actual length of the cun will vary, because, for the most
part, Westerners are taller and of larger body build. Should there be one standard
for Asians and another for Westerners? Researchers who have tried to answer this
and related questions come to quite different answers. The standard distance of
one cun in Japan is now 3.3 em, but other estimates vary from 2 em to 3 cm.6 In
China, attempts at standardization of the cun have also been made. One study
states, for example, that one cun is 22.3 +/- 0.14 mm? These ranges in length are
quite different. How do we resolve this problem? Perhaps the relative definition is
best, because it depends on the body area and individual differences. But to the
scientific mind, this is not a happy solution. A quantifiable standard is much more
acceptable.
Translation of the "organs," the zang fu, is also particularly difficult. The
original terms and their modem English equivalents can be seen in the following
table:

Zang Organs Western Equivalent Organs

xin heart
gan liver
pi spleen
fei lung
shen kidney
xin zhu (xin bao luo) heart governor I master (pericardium)

FuOrgans Western Equivalent Organs

xiao chang small intestine
dan gallbladder
we stomach
dachang large intestine
pang guang bladder
san jiao triple burner (triple warmer)

We all know that the traditional Chinese terms refer only partly to the physi-
cal organs and their physiological functions, those described by Western anatomi-
cal labeling. The traditional terms also refer to functions not described by Western
science. This translational problem is particularly difficult for the xin zhu/xin bao
luo, the san jiao, and pi. It is far from clear that there is even a functional equivalent
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 7

for the san jiao in the Western literature. The xin zhu/xin baa Iuo is not always seen
as the.~ericardium, as_H has other functions clearly not related to the pericardium.
The _Pt. mvolves what m Western terms may be described as pancreatic functions,
but 1t 1s commonly seen as the spleen, which has none of the digestive functions of
the pi.
There are approximate functional equivalents for the other organs, but for
these three, it is hard to see such near equivalence. What is the best way to trans-
late these terms? To a Western-trained doctor, rendering the standard anatomical
references can be misleading. But the terms must be translated and those seen in
the preceding table, which are in common use, can be at best only approximations,
carrying with them many cultural biases. Such problems must of necessity be rec-
ognized as unresolvable, at least until some creative individual invents a reason-
able methodology for comprehensive understanding.

INCONSISTENT TERMINOLOGY
A particularly difficult problem with which we must contend when dealing
with the literature of acupuncture, and more broadly East Asian or Oriental medi-
cine, is the inconsistent use of the same terms by different authors, in different
books, in different periods. Often the same terms are used by different authors at
different times to mean different things. This has created great confusion and con-
siderable difficulty for translators.
For example, the terms shao yang, tai yang, yang ming, tai yin, shao yin, and jue
yin, when found in the classical acupuncture texts (the Su Wen, Ling Shu, Nan Jing),
primarily referred to the pairs of arm and leg yang or yin channels, being a sixfold
pairing of the twelve channels. In the herbal literature, especially in the Shang Han
Lun, the terms referred more to the stages of progression of disease and the degree
of penetration into the body of pathogens. In even earlier pre-medical texts, the
terms referred to six periods of the year of sixty days each.s These multiple uses
have created considerable difficulty and confusion.
Other examples abound. For instance, the use of the terms bu (supplementa-
tion or tonification) and xie (drainage or dispersion) raise many interesting ques-
tions and difficulties. The term bu generally is understood to mean the supplemen-
tation or replenishment of vacancies or insufficiencies, where xie means the rid-
ding, draining, or breaking down of repletions or fullnesses. But there are a
greater number of ideas about how these goals should be achieved, some of which
are obviously unclear.
In massage therapy, massaging with the flow of the channel is said to be sup-
plementing, while massaging against the flow of the channel is said to be draining.
Yet, if KI-ll- a reflex point for the bladder channel- is sore, applying a light,
stroking massage, following the directional flow of the bladder channel down the
legs, will eliminate the pressure pain on this point. By stroking in the opposite
direction, we can cause the pressure pain to return. Thinking in terms of supple-
mentation or drainage in a case like this might be inappropriate. These same phe-
nomena would occur regardless of whether the pressure pain on KI-ll is a sign of
bladder repletion or vacuity. Instead, we need to redefine the terms clearly, or per-
haps to not use them at all in this context.
The herbal tradition describes the use of supplementation (bu) and drainage
(xie), but sometimes with opposite meaning to their use in acupuncture and moxi-
bustion. For instance, earlier this century, the Japanese herbalist Yumoto Kyushin
defined pulmonary tuberculosis as a febrile disease and prohibited the use of moxa
to treat it- because of the supplementing and warming effects of moxa. Yet,
8 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

famous moxibustionists such as Takeshi Sawada and Bunshi Shiroda took great
exception to this idea. They had unusually go?d results treatin? ~ulmonary ~ber
culosis using only moxa. How do we recone1le these contradictions? Cons1stent
research methodologies might help to resolve these difficulties.
In the classical texts the following techniques were all seen to be important
methods of supplementation and drainage:
1. The use of inhalations and exhalations
2. Needling against or following the flow of the channel.
3. The selection of specific points.
4. The use of finger pressure.
5. The use of slow and quick techniques.
6. The choice of moxa or needles.
7. The depth of insertion of needle.
8. Blowing or not blowing on the burning moxa.
Many contradictions and problems can be discovered when using these various
techniques. For example, the classic notion of the supplementing point and drain-
ing point can be contradicted. In our research, we have found that these points can
produce the same effects depending on how we stimulate or influence them. We
have devised powerful clinical methods based on their simultaneous use.
Another interesting example of textual inconsistencies can be found in the
numerous interpretations of radial pulse diagnosis. In the following table, while it
can be seen that most texts share a general agreement over the guan or "bar" posi-
tion and the cun or "inch" position, it is equally evident that the chi or "foot"
position of the radial pulse is different in virtually all cases. This poses consider-
able difficulty in diagnostic consistency and is one reason why numerous other
diagnostic techniques have arisen to help confirm, or deny, what is felt in the
pulse.
If we study the table on the following page, we can see various interpreta-
tions of the three positions of the radial pulses on the left (L) and right (R) arms in
the superficial (yang) and deep (yin) positions.9 Many interpretations other than
these eight can be found, as can different translations of the same passages, but we
can clearly see differences in these samples.
There are many more examples of confusion or inconsistency in the literature.
Some may have stemmed from the widespread use of simple mnemonic rhymes.
When they were written, they may have served as useful learning devices for stu-
dents who were almost always clinical apprentices as well. Today these rhymes
are often confusing and difficult to understand, and have contributed to irregular
translation.
Other unclarities may have arisen through attempts to simplify the literature,
especially the introduction of simple formulary approaches. Such approaches were
likely invaluable for the study of acupuncture, particularly for beginning students
who could thereby obtain reasonable results quickly. However, as diminishing
attention was given to the more traditional concepts of restoring balance and har-
monizing the whole body (a concept, as we will see, that is essential to the practice
of acupuncture), more information became lost. Further, many such formularies
were given simplified explanations. Over generations, this approach lead to the
creation of treatment strategies based on reduced information; understanding
became more difficult.
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 9

Comparison of radial pulse diagnoses

Text Position Side Yang level Yin level
SuWen cun R LU chest
cun L HT CV-17
guan R 5T 5P
guan L diaphragm LR
chi R KI abdomen
chi L KI abdomen
Nanling cun R LI LU
cun L 51 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi R TB PC
chi L BL KI
Nan ling Ben Yi cun R LI LU
cun L 51 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi R TB PC
chi L mingmen KI/BL
Qian lin Yao Fang cun R LI LU
cun L 51 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi L (?)TB
chi R KI/BL ??
Mailing cun R LI LU
cun L 51 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi R child door/TB/KI/BL -
chi L left Kl BL
Mailing Tu Shuo cun R LI LU
cun L 51 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi R TB mingmen
chi L BL KI
Lei ling cun R - LU
cun L PC HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L GB LR
chi R 51/mingmen Original yang/KI/BL
chi L LI/TB Original yin
Yi Zong lin lian cun R chest LU
cun L CV-17 HT
guan R 5T 5P
guan L diaphragm/GB LR
chi R LI Kl
chi L 51/BL TB
10 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

EXPERIENTIAL ADAPTATIONS
In both historical and modem times, the practice of acupuncture has involved
employment of differing treatment levels or differing treatment targets. Some
focus only on the patient's symptoms and apply needles with the intention of alle-
viating or ameliorating those symptoms. (A common form of this therapy is shi?~
ki ryoho or stimulation therapy.) Others focus on the state of the flow of the qt m
the meridians or channels, and apply needles to correct the flow of qi. (A common
form of this therapy is keiraku chiryo or channel therapy.) Still others adopt some
middle ground between these two and combine both aspects in treatment.
Significant variations in approach and teaching methods are the result of
these different focuses. As a result, studying acupuncture and moxibustion can be
difficult and confusing for the beginner. Recognizing this, many translations,
schools, and traditions within the field of acupuncture and moxibustion simplified
the techniques for study and for teaching so that the student might learn more easi-
ly. (A good example of this process is the barefoot doctor training in China.)
These simplifications tried to reduce and rationalize major parts of the field into a
single coherent system. Though helpful at face value, over time many useful con-
cepts were ignored or simplified to the point of inaccuracy. This is clearly seen in
the T.C.M. system most popular today, the bagang bianzheng, where essential com-
ponents of channel theory, as well as structural, five-phase, and biorhythmic con-
cepts are ignored or simplified to mere aphorisms. It is fine to do this; within the
delivery system established in China it is effective and useful. For the beginner, or
those whose place in the system will be essentially paramedical, the approach is
satisfactory. Yet when examined in detail this system creates basic problems. For
example, the popular notion that an acupoint has specific, defined effects, a key
concept in this system, disintegrates quickly when we raise the question as to how
specific effects were defined and what tests determined their validity.
We must also address the fact that the functions of acupoints can vary from
patient to patient. Changes occur in the points based on daily biorhythms, biologi-
cal changes, changes following infection,lO surgery, etc. If we ask what points are
good for asthma we may be able to list a few that will produce a 50-60% success
rate with asthmatic patients. But what of the other 40-50%? These same acupoints
do not have the same characteristics. This may be an easy way for students to
study acupuncture and moxibustion, but in a clinical setting it rapidly becomes
limiting and overly complicated. When there are many points said to be good for a
given condition, how do we select the ones to use? What parameters are used in
the decision process? The more parameters, the more complex and difficult the
decision becomes. Yet, the more simplistic the criteria, the lower the rate of treat-
ment success. The clinician with many years experience can decide with ease
which points to use, but how does the beginner decide?
Many years ago I treated a patient who had a twenty-year history of asthma.
I treated her asthma by burning moxa at CV-22 (at the center of the jugular fossa).
This completely eliminated her symptoms. It was more than twenty years before I
heard from this patient again. She was only beginning to experience a return of
her asthma; apparently, that single treatment had eliminated her chronic asthma
completely! Because of this experience should I conclude that burning moxa on
CV-22 is effective for asthma?
Likewise, many years ago I was treating a difficult and stubborn case of
trigeminal neuralgia. Various forms of therapy had so far been helpful, but only
with short-lived success. Since I was researching and studying the eight extraordi-
nary vessels at the time, I decided to try the extraordinary vessel confluence-jiaohui
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 11

points, SI-3 and BL-62, with TB-5 and GB-41, using silver and gold needles shal-
lowly inserted on the side of the body opposite to the pain. This completely elimi-
nated the pain! Should I then have concluded that this was the treatment of choice
for trigeminal neuralgia?
The interesting questions about these case studies are more to do with
methodology. The problems exist at three basic levels. First, at what level of use
and experience should an observed clinical effect be incorporated into the body of
clinical literature? That is, at what point can we say that moxa at CV-22 is good for
asthma, or that gold and silver needles at the yang wei mai and yang qiao mai effec-
tively treat trigeminal neuralgia? Second, how are such effects differentiated with-
in the corpus of clinical literature and when is it acceptable for such observations to
submit to experiential adaptation? That is, how do we determine when and how to
use these treatments? Third, who is qualified to make such decisions and what is
th~ appropriate methodology for making them? This last question is bound to be
culturally and historically dependent. The way such findings may be interpreted
in modem China or modem Japan will be quite different, depending on the theo-
retical perspectives of the interpreter.
Let us imagine that it is nearly four hundred years ago in China and I am a
good friend of Yang Ji-Zhou, the author of the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng. Because of this,
he might have included these treatments in his text of 1601, despite the limited
experience of my two cases. Today, almost four hundred years later, practitioners
and students reading his text will place enormous trust in my results because they
were included in this great and revered text, and because my friend's reputation in
later centuries is excellent. Is this a sufficient criteria for making general proclama-
tions about the treatment of asthma and trigeminal neuralgia?
What if these treatments were to go through the mill of heuristic adaptation
and later authors transmitted my results by saying only that CV-22 is good for
asthma, or TB-5 is good for trigeminal neuralgia, without including the method I
used (moxa) or the theory of the extraordinary vessels? What if translators then
simplified the terms with which I diagnosed these conditions? Would these points
reliably produce the desired results or would there be only a statistical percentage
of patients who were helped?
These are particularly difficult questions because methodology is something
remarkably lacking in traditional literature. Simplifying the accretion of therapeu-
tic effects observed over the centuries into a list of functions is useful for the begin-
ner. But who sifted through the literature? What standards and models did they
apply to interpret it? What assumptions did the compilers and translators bring to
their work?
We have no simple answers to these questions, but we have at least tried to
address them by devising methodologies appropriate to the ideas. Because of the
great diversity of information that has developed over the centuries, we have
found that generally it is better to have a more flexible model and method. Even
within the lifetime of a single practitioner, many changes of theory and practice
can occur. Imagine how much more complex this is with thousands of practition-
ers. In modem practice we often see such changes; a particular practitioner may
develop a specific methodology that yields a model changing over time.
Dr. Paul Nogier, the founder of auriculotherapy, first defined very specific
points and areas in the ear with specific point recipes for each disease. But now,
after many years of practice, he has found that there are three overlaying maps
which may be active simultaneously.ll He has a rather complex method for using
these findings, but for the beginner and general clinician he simply recommends
12 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

auriculotherapy using pressure pain points in the ears. This initial approach is
easy for the student to learn because of a clear methodology and systematization.
However, as the clinical findings and theories become more complex, they are
more difficult for the beginning student to grasp. The second approach, the
approach of auriculomedicine, is difficult for the student to learn, and is perhaps
only really comprehensible to clinicians, as it is more experiential and less intellec-
tual.
As clinical practitioners develop more expertise, their techniques and strate-
gies often evolve, leading to quite different approaches. This is necessary for both
individual and general growth, but is typically not within the grasp of students.
Hence students are generally exposed to a systematized approach that tries to side-
step these issues. But, just as in a game of chess or in a fencing match, the players
must modify their techniques based on their opponent's reaction, in medicine, the
practitioner must do the same based on the response of the patient. Often the sim-
plified systematic approaches that beginners learn are not sufficiently flexible to
allow for such modifications. What is important is the need for, and utilization of,
a creative and consistent research methodology and methods of assessing the
effects of treatment. We can take nothing at face value because without clinical
tests and confirmation, we have no real idea of what these simplifications mean.

RESEARCH DIFFICULTIES
In recent years much scientific research has been done on the nature and
mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion. While this is laudable, it often
leaves unanswered questions as to what the classical acupuncturists were doing. A
major focus of this research has been the neurological effects of acupuncture, but
this is really only one part of what happens during therapy. The effects of treat-
ment are complex and entwined. Some are hidden and hard to measure. Yet as we
hope to demonstrate, these minute signals and responses are probably the most
important occurrences and the ones most closely allied to classical theory and prac-
tice.
Many scientific researchers in acupuncture tend to take a narrow perspective
in their research, unfortunately neglecting the larger picture and losing sight of the
general significance and effects of acupuncture. Such a perspective also creates
poor clinical research and practice. This was evidenced in a recent symposium of
the Society of Japanese Acupuncturists and Moxibustionists on the systematization
of the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar problems. Instead of looking systemical-
ly at lumbar problems, it focused only on the diagnosis and treatment of the lum-
bar region. While this may be a good "scientific" approach, this simplistic, reduc-
tionist approach can only fail to achieve a complete understanding.
This method ignores the simple clinical reality that we are frequently able to
treat lumbar problems without touching the lumbar region. Unfortunately, mod-
em scientific researchers and acupuncturists scorn traditional theories (channel
theory, five-phase theory, etc.). This may be simply the result of their inability to
devise suitable tests or to develop equipment sensitive enough to research these
theories. Whatever their reasons, this mental bias in their approach biases their
results.
Scientific research is further hampered by its own unattainable concept of
rigor. The double blind study is the supposed pinnacle of clinical research, yet in
acupuncture research, it is impossible to perform a true double blind study. Some
of the effects involved in acupuncture and moxibustion are so subtle that they are
impossible to block or eliminate. These effects are more than the placebo effect,
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 13

which is a thorn in the side of any medical researcher. They manifest at more sub-
tle levels, such as the simple touch of the patient by the therapist. We can show
how touch can have a series of effects, two clearly demonstrable ones being the
touch of the thumb versus the touch of the little finger. Both these techniques pro-
duce notably different effects depending on where the touch occurs. Even the best
designed double blind studies involve touching the subject in some manner, if only
to insert the needles. How are we to account for the potential effects of touching
contact? Further, in certain styles of acupuncture practice, the success of treatment
depends in part on the practitioner's qi for its efficacy. How can these effects be
eliminated and leave a viable form of treatment to be studied?
Another related problem in the scientific analysis of acupuncture arises at a
more basic level. The premises that comprise the foundations of acupuncture and
East Asian medicine are quite different from the premises that support Western sci-
ence and medicine. As a consequence, applying Western premises to the analysis
of acupuncture and East Asian medicine may, at times, be like trying to slice a loaf
of bread with a chain saw: it is possible, but very little of the bread remains. The
following passage from the Tang dynasty medical sage, Sun Si-Mo, expresses some
of these differences:
There are diseases whose interiors are the same, but whose exteriors are different,
and vice versa. Therefore the repletion and vacuity of the zang and fu, the
smoothness and blockages of the blood vessels, ying, and wei cannot be observed
[solely] by the ears and eyes, [instead they] can be elucidated by pulse diagnosis.
There are floating, sinking, wiry, and tight [categories] of pulse in the blood ves-
sels. There are high, low, shallow, and deep flows in the different inductive
[acu]points. There are differences in the thickness, thinness, hardness, and soft-
ness of the skin, muscles, and bones. Only a person who uses his heart [/mind]
delicately can tell these differences.12

Western medical analysis needs objective signs and indications before diag-
nosis and treatment are determined. Here, traditional Chinese medicine is seen as
relying primarily on subjective assessments, in particular, intuitive observations
and decisions. This is a significant difference between Western methodology and
Chinese or Japanese traditional medical methodology.
While scientific research is important for mapping some of the effects of ther-
apy, it rarely addresses the important questions regarding what it was that the
classical texts tried to describe. It is self-limiting in a field such as acupuncture,
where it is impossible to rule out or describe the subtle effects - which are possi-
bly the more important effects - and is thus not very helpful in achieving the goal
of a consistent research methodology. This does not, however, rule out the use of
scientific knowledge and technology for achieving this goal.
The current attitudes toward the research and the teaching of acupuncture
and East Asian medicine in Japan arose during the Meiji era. The government was
desperately and hastily trying to modernize Japan. The medical systems of that
time, including acupuncture, moxibustion, anma (massage), and herbal medicine
were Westernized, both in their theoretical descriptions and the manner in which
they were allowed to be taught. The traditional theories were completely thrown
out, and, with the exception of the blind practitioners of acupuncture, moxibustion,
and anma, who were allowed to continue as part of the government's social policy
towards the blind, all other practitioners were banned from practice. The Ministry
of Education set the curriculum for the education of the blind. The committee that
decided this curriculum submitted the following plan:
14 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

Since the channel is a concept not considered by Western mediciJ!e, it shall be

omitted and instead of talking about the jing xue, channel acupomts, the term
kong xue, acuholes, will be used.
The kong xue will be taught solely by their anatomical locations and their effects
[main indications].
Treatments for particular diseases will be given simply by listing combinations of
kong xue for each disease.
The principles in this plan still seem to be in operation in most schools of
acupuncture in Japan. The scientific study of acupuncture typically takes these
Meiji-era modernizations as fundamental to research protocols. As a consequence,
most research ignores the basic principles and premises of acupuncture. This prob-
lem is not limited to Japan. Also in China, for example, following the political
changes of the late 1940's and the cultural revolution of the 1960's, acceptable
methodology for the study of acupuncture underwent enormous revision.
Political, social, and cultural influences play important roles in the determination
of methodology and protocol. Modem politics usually has had little patience for
the ancient and traditional theories of China.
If we are truly to appreciate and understand acupuncture and moxibustion,
we must take an open-minded approach. We must contend with the difficulties of
transmission of knowledge posed by the differences of culture and language, and
acknowledge that much of the information described has been derived from clini-
cal experience and thus may not be amenable to a strict Western analytical, acade-
mic method. Who in the modem world, where scientists are making fundamental
discoveries so rapidly that they need constantly to redefine principles, would want
to state that a particular body of "scientific knowledge" and the methodologies on
which it is based, represents a fixed, immutable constant of universal application?
If the standards and methodologies of traditional Western science are inappropri-
ate for modem Western medicine, how much more is this true for East Asian medi-
cine?l3

TOWARDS A MEDICAL EVOLUTION

The interaction and evolution of different medical systems is a phenomenon
dependent on many factors. Paul Unschuld describes the integration of East Asian
and Western medicines in three stages: coexistence, cooperation, and integration.
These stages appear on three fronts: the methods or means, the personnel, and the
systems used. The progression through these three stages is already underway,
particularly in China where East Asian and Western medical systems have evolved
through coexistence and cooperation toward an integrated approach. But, in gen-
eral, the evolution of personnel and systems will take more time. In China, person-
nel coexist and are beginning to cooperate, but have not come close to an integrat-
ed approach. The systems, however, are neither cooperating nor integrating, mere-
ly coexisting. This is a complex issue; there are many methodological considera-
tions that must be resolved before further evolution can occur. It is our hope that
the theories, methods, and clinical procedures that we have developed and that we
present here will point the direction for others to follow. Perhaps the models we
describe in this text will help this evolution through cooperation and integration of
the medical systems.
To be honest and fair to these theories and clinical medicines, we should
approach them with unbiased minds; we should not prejudge based on current
standards. Throughout the long history of acupuncture and moxibustion many
 Acupuncture: Tradition and Transmission 15

geniuses devised and described powerful theoretical models and clinical tech-
niques. Some of these have survived to modem times, but many have sunk into
obscurity to await rediscovery. We should never dismiss something because we
are unable to understand it, or because it does not fit clearly into our current model
of how things are. As clinicians, researchers, or scholars, we can only make
progress in unravelling the Rosetta stone of East Asian medicine with open minds
and willingness to participate in this research adventure. It is our purpose in this
book to give examples of how one can begin to approach the Rosetta stone, to hold
up a beacon to light the way. Throughout the theoretical sections we will discuss
classical theories, raise questions as to their meanings, and describe clinical
research methods by which these theories can be confirmed and described.
We think that the research methods and clinical tests we have devised and
the good clinical results we have obtained will justify our theoretical conclusions.
But, probably more than anyone, we recognize the inherent limitations and possi-
ble contradictions of all these ideas. It is in this light that we would like to clarify
our purposes and methods with a simple yet profound saying that arose in the tra-
dition of the tea ceremony and has continued as a traditional teaching method:
In Japanese, -;r li8i ~ is termed shu ha ri; in Chinese, it is termed shou po li.
Simply put, this means what we absorb and obey, we must eventually break away
from (so as to begin our own new tradition). To merely follow our teacher's tradi-
tion is not sufficient, but it is a necessary starting point. If we take the wisdom of
shu ha ri, we can develop a suitably flexible mind and approach, and begin to make
real progress.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 Paul Unschuld lists more than 130 commentaries in Chinese and Japanese on the Nan Jing
alone. See: Medicine in China: Nan Ching, the Classic of Difficult Issues, 653-669.
2 Joseph Needham's multi-volume work, Science and Civilization in China, gives an exhaustive and
enlightening recital of such discoveries. See especially volumes III, IV and V.
3 In Japan, for example, acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine have attained a level of
clinical success that compares well with Western medicine. These therapies are often found integrated
with allopathy. Research is often government-sponsored and conducted at prestigious universities and
medical schools. In China in the last twenty years, considerable government-sponsored research has
been conducted. In France, acupuncture training is conducted as a post-graduate specialization for
medical doctors. Numerous other countries use and recognize acupuncture and moxibustion to varying
degrees.
4 In Japan, for instance, such therapy is favorably viewed by the populace. In a study conducted
from 1975 to 1976 by researchers at the Chiba University Oriental Medicine Research Association, the
researchers found that acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine were favorably judged by those
who participated in the study. Questionnaires were sent to more than 2200 patients who came for ther-
apy. With nearly half responding, the statistics clearly showed that most patients had tried Western
medical therapy (75%) before coming for acupuncture, moxibustion, or herbal therapy. Most gained
improvement or abatement of their symptoms (approximately 70%) following therapy using one of
these three methods. Most patients reported that they would use or recommend these therapies in the
future (approximately 60%) and most felt that both modem (Western) and traditional (East Asian) med-
ical systems were necessary (80%). Clearly, in Japan, the existence of diverse medical systems is seen as
favorable and complementary.
5 S.B.: Some serious attempts have been made to broach the problems of translation and trans-
mission. Among the best descriptions are in the work of Nigel Wiseman. His introduction to Glossary of
Chinese Medical Terms is a thorough analysis of the topic, and the work itself is notable for the inclusion
of Asian clinicians in the process of term selection and definition.
6 For instance, Dr. Yoshio Nagahama defined one cun as three centimeters (see Shinkyu Chiryo no
Shinkenkyu p. 21). Dr. Haruto Kinoshita defines it as two centimeters (see Illustration of Acupoints p. 12).
7 Chen Weichang et al., "The determination of the depth of puncture for the development of
needling sensation," National Symposia of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Acupuncture Anesthesia, June
1-5, 1979, pp. 113-114.
16 Acupuncture: Tradition & Transmission

8 This is also seen in the medical literature. See for example, Nan Jing 7 (Paul Unschuld, Medicine
in China: Nan Ching, the Classic of Difficult Issues, p. 122).
9 From Y. Manaka, Ilea no Tameno Shinjutsu Nyumon Kuoza p. 135, Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha
1958, 3rd edition. The books referenced come from the following approximate dates: Su Wen, 300 BC;
Nan Jing, 100 BC- 100 AD; Nan Jing Ben Yi, 1361 AD; Qian fin Yao Fang, 652 AD; Mai Jing, 300 AD; Mai
Jing Tu Shuo, circa 290 AD; Lei Jing, 1624 AD; Yi Zong fin Jian, 1742 AD. For a more complete discussion
of the interpretation of the six pulse positions, see Birch, S., "An historical study of radial pulse six posi-
tion diagnosis: Naming the unnameable," Journal of the Acupuncture Society of New York 1:324, 19-32,
1994.
10 As is evidenced in trigger points; see: Travel J. and S.H. Rinzler, "The myofascial genesis of
pain," Postgrad. Med. 11 (1952), p. 425-434. See also, Melzack, R. et ai.,"Trigger points and acupuncture
points for pain; correlations and implications," Pain 3:3-23 (1977).
11 P. Nogier, From Auriculotherapy to Auriculomedicine, Saint-Ruffine: Maisonneuve, 1983.
12 Y. Manaka, quoting from the Qian fin Yao Fang in "The treatment of several diseases of the
neck, shoulders, and arms by acupuncture and moxibustion," Modern Oriental Medicine 3:4, 1982.
13 S.B.: There have been many publications on the problems of research methodologies in
Western medicine, a number of which are referenced in the introduction.
 CHAPTER Two
THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM

What cannot be seen is called evanescent;

What cannot be heard is called rarified;
What cannot be touched is called minute.
These three cannot be fathomed
And so they are confused and looked upon as one.
Its upper part is not dazzling;
Its lower part is not obscure.
Dimly visible, it cannot be named
And returns to that which is without substance.
This is called the shape that has no shape,
The image that is without substance.
This is called indistinct and shadowy.
Go up to it and you will not see its head;
Follow behind it and you will not see its rear.

-D.C. Lau, tr, Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching XIV:70.

In a way, the whole idea of the tao was the idea of a field offorce. All things orient-
ed themselves according to it without having to be instructed to do so, and without
the application of mechanical compulsion.
- J. Needham, Science and Civilization in China II:293.

Most living systems exhibit multilevel patterns of organization characterized by

many intricate and nonlinear pathways along which signals of information and
transaction propagate between all levels, ascending as well as descending.
- Fritjof Capra, The Turning Point, p.282.

In our years of practice and research, we have unravelled many stories. In so

doing we have found a story of our own that draws on both classical Chinese theo-
ries and modem scientific research. This fusion we have named the "X-signal sys-
tem." We think that this is an apt name because what we are describing is something
hidden, virtually unknown, but something essential to the practice of acupuncture
and moxibustion. We can only paint a picture in broad brush strokes, leaving the
work of filling in the details to others. This, too, is one of the goals of this book, to
stimulate more good clinical research.
18 The X-Signal System

From this research, and from the perspective of the signal system, we have
developed a systematic and comprehensive treatment plan with many alternative
treatment methods. In our presentation of this material, we hope that you will be
able, by example, to devise your own treatment style. We feel that this is important,
not only for your own growth and development, but for the continued growth of
acupuncture and moxibustion.
If we appear at any time to be making fixed and absolute statements, you are
well advised to review the text. When I begin to lecture an audience, regardless of
who they are, I often begin by saying, "Don't believe what I'm going to tell you." It
is our purpose only to show by example how you, the reader, can mold your own
practice and perform your own clinical tests and research.
As we present the X-signal system at its current state of evolution, we will
explain how we see it as related to various theories and practices of acupuncture and
moxibustion. We will elaborate some classical theories and the tests, researches, and
methods of verification that we have developed and implemented to explicate them.
These theories include channel theory; the unidirectionality of channel flow; the
closed circuits of the channel flow; yin-yang theory and its relationship to body struc-
ture, topology, and thus the extraordinary vessels through octahedral theory; the
five-phase theory and its relationships to isophasality as a branch of topology, and
the five-phase engendering ("creative") and restraining ("destructive") cycles.
Our simple, demonstrable tests that confirm these theories also use simple sta-
tistical research methods such as the meridian imbalance diagram (M.I.D.),l and sim-
ple technological tools that influence the body without stimulating the nervous sys-
tem. Tools including various polarity agents such as the thumb and little finger, the
north and south magnetic poles, the positive and negative polarities of different met-
als, and the ion-pumping cords, have been particularly useful for mapping charac-
teristics of the X-signal system. We believe these characteristics lie at the heart of the
classical theories.

THE THEORY OF THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM

The theory of the X-signal system as the biological system that lies at the heart
of acupuncture and moxibustion theory and practice can be stated as follows:
There is a primitive signal (information) system in the body that has embry-
ological roots, but is masked by the more advanced and complex control (regulation)
systems. Thus, the original signal system is hard to find or see. This primitive sys-
tem is able to detect and discriminate internal and external changes and plays a role
in regulating the body by transmitting this information. This system serves as the
modus operandi of acupuncture.
We have been able to make the following observations about the X-signal sys-
tern:
- We cannot explain it with neurophysiology because it manifests and is
manipulated clinically with minute stimuli or influences that cannot be clearly said
to affect the nervous system.
- The agents of therapy and their biological actions cannot be explained by cur-
rent neurophysiology.
- As part of the signal system, the vertical relationships - the channel systems
- can be used very successfully.
 The X-Signal System 19

- It manifests in and through certain acupoints that are topologically related,

structurally, functionally, and biorhythmically.
- The octahedral theory, as a general theory of the relationships between struc-
ture and function, is an essential component of the signal system.
- It appears to fit well with and provide a model of explanation for many clas-
sical acupuncture theories and concepts.
- Holographic principles appear to play some part in the signal system.
We feel that this signal system is a biological system as yet undiscovered by
biologists and anatomists. This is why we have called it the X-signal system. The
nature of the signals transmitted throughout the body, the nature of the information
flow, is not yet clearly defined. It appears to operate at a more primitive and deeper
level than many of the flows of biological information- neural, hormonal, biochem-
ical - that have been clearly defined by modem science. Many parts of this system
can be described generally and rationalized using general information theory and the
abstract mathematics of geometry and topology.

Since it does not manifest through commonly known biological laws, its bio-
logical effects and significance need to be carefully distinguished from the known
effects of the anatomophysiological systems. This is particularly important because
many of the biological effects of acupuncture and moxibustion are the result of direct
stimulation of the anatomophysiological systems, especially the neurological system,
which tends to mask the effects of the signal system.

Having recognized this, we have devised many clinical experiments and

invented many clinically useful polarity agents, such as the ion-pumping cords, the
ion beam device, and the electrostatic adsorbers. These devices provide minute stim-
uli or influences so that only the signal system is stimulated. Insertion of needles
with stimulation activates both the signal system and the anatomophysiological sys-
tem, with an array of physiological responses. The clinical rules of the five phases, for
example, are difficult to explain by anatomophysiology, as are ideas that materialize
the qi and the channels. But, when taking advantage of the signal system, we can see
the operation of these rules clearly. With careful examination and use of the correct
devices, we have been able to isolate and map specific characteristics of the signal
system. As well, we have found that there are great therapeutic benefits to be gained
by deliberately influencing the signal system.
Mention here of the concept of appropriate scale is pertinent. To look at a par-
ticular phenomenon, we must use glasses that are suited to the scale of the phenom-
enon. If we want to examine the general anatomical structure of an organ, we can
examine it with the naked eye. If we want to understand the cellular structure, we
must use a microscope. If we want to understand the molecular structure of each cell,
we must use the scanning electron microscope or an equivalent scanning instrument.
Without appropriate modelling and tools for each scale, we can determine nothing
about the phenomenon studied. This is as true in the study of acupuncture as in any-
thing else. If the nature of what we are dealing with in acupuncture is very subtle
and, to most people, unobservable and imperceptible to the naked eye, we must
devise appropriate methods and tools of observation coupled with appropriate mod-
els.
The appearance of the dragon we are chasing is elusive. It is so well masked by
the clouds of rationalism and dogmatism that we can only glimpse it at specific times
in specific conditions.
20 The X-Signal System

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES OF THE SIGNAL SYSTEM

The Acrasiales amoeba is a slime mold inhabiting the Wand woodlands and
forests. Under normal conditions, it is a single-celled organism that lives an inde-
pendent existence. Yet, when unfavorable conditions arise, the single-celled organ-
isms aggregate to form a multi-celled organism. This larger organism forms a stem
and spores, which are released into the environment, where on contact with a favor-
able medium, they grow and live independently again. This phenomenon is an
unusual biological cycle. In spite of the fact that the organism does not have the
anatomophysiological systems of higher organisms such as the nervous and hor-
monal systems, it is able to perform this complex multicellular function. Obviously
it has a signal system, parts of which have been recently mapped, but we still do not
have a clear understanding of its operation.
Even harder to understand is the mechanism of insect communication, as it
seemingly violates the laws of chemistry. It has the added difficulty of minuteness of
scale. For example, the pheromone, which is a kind of sex hormone, is secreted in
very small amounts by females to attract male partners. It has been shown to have
powerful effects over relatively huge distances. The concentration of the pheromone
in the air must be beyond Avogadro's number, since known amounts of pheromone
that are released into the air at a fixed site are able to attract males over sizable dis-
tances. Based on simple calculations we must conclude that the pheromone molecule
is having an effect at a dilution that leaves no original molecule of the pheromone
present. This is a well-documented phenomenon that has even found commercial
application in insect control, but has as yet defied rational explanation. It is not yet
known how a substance can have an effect in the absence of molecules of that sub-
stance.

This phenomenon is also seen in the field of homeopathy, where commercial

and medical applications have been used for more than a century. Homeopathy is a
form of therapy where small amounts of very dilute solutions are taken as medicine.
Preparation involves soaking the chosen object (plant, mineral, etc.) in pure water
and then adding one part of this solute to nine parts alcohol. This is mixed and then
diluted in water to a 1 in 10 concentration, called "01'" This is then diluted, again
to a one in ten concentration of the 01 solute, now called "02." This process of dilu-
tion continues to a "010" dilution. At each stage of dilution the solution is vigor-
ously shaken. At stage 010, the solution is ready for use, being one of low potenti-
zation. With a continued dilution to 030 (a relatively highly potentized dilution),
there are no molecules of the original substance left in the solution, since the dilution
has passed Avogadro's number. In a single mole of a substance there are roughly 6 x
1026 molecules of that substance present (1026 = 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.)
Very potentized dilutions can go as far as 0100. At these levels of dilution there can
be no probability that any molecule of the original substance is present.
When solutions such as these are used, they defy the rational understand-
ing of chemistry and pharmacology. Yet the therapeutic effects of homeopathy
are too well known to dismiss.2 Experimenters in Russia and Scotland have
shown that solutions diluted beyond Avogadro's number do have effects that can
be measured. In 1933 in St. Petersburg, Perusson examined the effects of solu-
tions diluted to 10-120. He examined the effects of a super-diluted solution of
mercuric chloride on the action of the salivary enzyme ptyalin, which converts
starch to sugar. Even at a dilution of 10-120 the mercuric chloride solution was
able to affect the rate of starch to sugar conversion.3
 The X-Signal System 21

From 1946-1952, William Boyd of Edinburgh performed thorough experi-

ments to verify Perusson's findings. His research seems to be quite legitimate. He
used solutions of mercuric chloride at a concentration of I0-61 and found that this
dilution of solute was also able to affect the rate of starch to sugar conversion.4
These results raise fundamental questions about our assumptions and presump-
tions in chemistry and biochemistry.s More recently, researchers in France caused
quite a stir when they published the results of a study that showed similar super-
diluted effects (antiserum diluted to I0-120). Attempts were made to disprove this
recent study; at best, the skeptics have been able claim only that there must be an
unknown error. 6
Some modern homeopathic researchers have speculated that the original mol-
ecules of the substance, prior to dilution, actually imprint or stencil themselves per-
manently into the original solute, spatially rearranging the molecules in some way.
After many dilutions, this original stenciling survives, even though molecules of
the original substance are not present. This stenciling is as yet unproven. How
does it work? Is it something electrical? No one clearly knows. The authors of the
recent antiserum study in France speculated that "transmission of the information
depended on vigorous agitation, possibly inducing a submolecular organization of
water or closely related liquids ... Water could act as a template for the molecule,
for example by an infinite hydrogen-bonded network, or electric and magnetic
fields."7
A similar, perhaps stranger, phenomenon was recently observed by
Yasumasa Katsumata, a Japanese physicist and acupuncturist. He has found that
any substance that has occupied a certain space will leave some of its properties
in that space after the substance has been removed. He has called this sayoshi,
"phantom function."8 Mr. Katsumata suggested that the phenomenon is related
to the rotation of the earth towards the west, and the rotational gravitational vec-
tor. This phenomenon can be seen in other instances and defies clear explanation
or refutation.
That the body responds to super-dilute solutions of a substance and to phan-
tom functions, suggests that there are systems at work other than the anatomo-
physiological systems with which science is familiar. We believe that these phe-
nomena occur at the signal level.
There are numerous examples of such phenomena in nature, as our daily
experiences can confirm. At a wine-tasting competition, a skilled wine taster can
sip a small amount of wine and distinguish, from among the minute amounts of
hundreds of different chemicals present in the sample, which wine it is and even
where the grape was grown and where the wine was bottled. Here, a refined
development of the olfactory and gustatory senses can discriminate unbelievably
tiny differences. This is difficult to explain with neurological principles, it is too
complex and the discriminations are made too quickly. Surely there must be other
mechanisms at work!
A professional baseball player can hit a ball accurately when it is travelling so
fast that it exceeds the reaction time of the nervous system. How is this possible?
We can speculate that the strength of the stimulation, the amount of energy (signal)
necessary to produce the desired effects, is dependent on the total field in which
the energy is received/perceived. At night a car headlight can be blinding, but at
midday, it may even be difficult to see. The pheromone released in a field can have
profound effects, but if many similar chemicals are released at once, are the effects
as strong? Not only do these low-level effects need to be carefully observed, but
they also need to be carefully discriminated from the myriad of other effects that
22 The X-Signal System

may be happening simultaneously. As we will see, this becomes significant when

we try to examine the effects of certain stimuli on the body. If the n~rvous system
is also stimulated, we cannot recognize the effects of the low-level stimulus.
The structure, symmetry, and asymmetry of the body may also demonstrably
participate in the signal system. For example, in experiments with limb b~d tr~ns
plantation in salamanders, it is possible, if the bud is transplanted at the nght hme
in the right place, to cause a symmetrically opposing bud to form spontaneously,
balancing the asymmetry of the transplantation. The salamander, a relatively
primitive organism, can be said to have a latent tendency to keep its symmetry.

Figure 2.1: Symmetrical limb bud growth in salamanders

Likewise in the fiddler crab, which has one large claw and one small claw; if
the large claw is removed, the small claw will develop to become the large claw
and the severed stump will grow a small claw.

Figure 2.2: Asymmetric claw regrowth in the fiddler crab

There is an original asymmetry in this crab that is naturally restored if it is
disrupted. In this case, regrowth of the claws is an example of regeneration.
Regeneration tends to be limited to certain structures in lower order animals. For
instance, a frog or salamander can regenerate a severed limb, while a lizard can
regenerate a severed tail. But in higher organisms, where the biological systems
are more complex, this form of regeneration does not usually occur except in lim-
ited cases, in very specific conditions, with specific stimuli applied.9 We can gen-
eralize that the ability to restore normal structure, to return to an original symme-
try or asymmetry, is higher in lower-order organisms but decreases as we ascend
the evolutionary scale. In biological organisms, this can be seen at the level of
organismic allocation of energy to different functions in the body. Specializations
that benefit the organism in some respects- greater mobility, greater adaptability-
require the sacrifice of other functions - decreased regenerative abilities. Great
gains in one area are often offset by losses in other areas. What are the mechanisms
and signals responsible for these growths? The latent tendencies towards symme-
try in the salamander and asymmetry in the crab are clear but not explicable. In
these cases we can say that the signal system is responsible for the phenomena
observed, but this too needs further clarification.
 The X-Signal System 23

ORIGINS OF THE SIGNAL SYSTEM

Professor Ernest Schoffeniels of the University of Liege has helped consider-
ably to develop the use of information theory in biology, particularly with his dis-
cussions of "generalizing information theory to open systems." His book L'anti
Hasard (Anti-chance) is particularly interesting and useful. He applies thermody-
namic theory and information theory to the process of biological evolution, and in
so doing casts new light on the nature of biological systems. In a 1984 lecture in
Tokyo he summarized his conclusions thus:
In recognizing that biological systems are cybernetic networks, the conclusion is
reached that there are two main languages in biology: molecular and electrical.
Since a molecule can be an information, operations befalling it in a metabolic
sequence are informational and enzyme catalysis is the executor of these opera-
tions. The problem of information transmission can now be introduced: genera-
tor of information, encoder of information, information channel, receptor of infor-
mation. Additionally, one has to define the properties of the transducer whose
effect is to transform one language into another thus allowing for tuning of the
generator and receptor.
Two fundamental problems only partially answered are those of conservation and
combination of biological information. Application of classical information theo-
ry to the calculation of the information content of biological systems is beset with
contradictions. To understand the cause of these setbacks, it is useful to review
the most important points of information theory, establishing relations so derived
with classical thermodynamics. Then one must consider the problem from the
angle of information accumulation in the course of time within the DNA, a true
integration of different information received by biological structures and there-
fore, derived from Prigogine' s and Eigen 's theories, to consider the evolution of
biological structures in relation to a changing environment. This leads to a deter-
ministic mechanism of evolution.
Thus it is on the background of genetic information that systems develop which
allow interaction of an informational nature with the environment. Herein lies
the importance of the generalization, epitomized in the feedback organism-envi-
ronment, that in an evolving environment, an organism can only evolve.

His theories are quite complex and very powerful. What is of importance to
us here is his idea that the DNA, the biochemical memory of the cell, contains
enfolded layers of information that are derived from the most primitive of organ-
isms at the earliest stages of evolution. Much of this information is biochemical,
some may be structural. It is well known that the structures of biological molecules
can encode information beyond the atomic sequencing of the molecules. With the
right influence, stimulus, or circumstance, this stored information can be made to
manifest as a particular sequence of events or actions even in more advanced
organisms.
Thus, it may be that just as the salamander and fiddler crab have stored in
their genetic memory a certain tendency towards symmetry or asymmetry, the
slime mold has the information required to cause its pluricellular state to arise and
govern its return to the unicellular state. With the right stimulus this information
is released from within the layers of DNA so that the resulting activities and
changes ensue. While we agree in principle with Schoffeniels' thesis, we should
add that the complexity and diversity of bioinformational effects make it unlikely
that DNA is the sole repository of this information. There are probably other sys-
tems capable of storing biological information.
We can observe the natural order of each event that occurs and measure the
phenomena at each stage. There is an unobservable higher order of organization
24 The X-Signal System

that governs these activities and changes. This can come from organismic and
even global levels of organization. If, for example, the Gaia hypothesis is correct,
all living organisms would be functional parts of a larger organism.lO In this case
the higher order of organization would be literally global and hidden levels of
functional organization would exist everywhere around us. The ability to see this
higher order is entirely dependent on the scope of the method we choose to search
for it. Mathematicians, physicists, astronomers, meteorologists, and researchers in
many disciplines have begun to uncover even more general, and probably uni-
versal, higher orders in nature. There are organizing principles and levels of orga-
nization that appear only when the correct method of analysis, commonly com-
puter-enhanced mathematical analysis, is used. For example, one astronomer dis-
covered that simple geometric organizing principles were capable of explaining
complex, apparently random, celestial orbits.
The key, he believed, was the repeated stretching and folding of phase space in the
manner of a pastry chef who rolls the dough, folds it, rolls it out arin, folds it;
creating a structure that will eventually be a sheaf of thin layers. 1
There are unobservable orders of organization in nature, like the multilayering of
phase space or French pastry. These are important to the behavior of objects in
nature, and can only be discovered with the appropriate analysis. These hidden
higher orders describe rules that govern the flow of information, only the effects
of which can be observed.
Observable, unobservable, lower and higher orders of organization are not
too dissimilar to the notion of the conscious and unconscious mental realms. The
unconscious realm lies hidden beneath the conscious, and by all accounts appears
to be much deeper and larger than the conscious. This concept is similar to David
Bohm's idea of an explicate order behind which lies an implicate order. The impli-
cate order is enfolded or hidden within the explicate, but is neither observable nor
measurable; it is only knowable through the existence of certain phenomena,
because sometimes we are able to roll time backwards and perceive its manifesta-
tions. This implicate order is likewise much deeper and vaster than the explicate
order. As Bohm himself states:
It is being suggested here, then, that what we perceive through the senses as
empty space is actually the plenum, which is the ground for the existence of
everything, including ourselves. The things that appear to our senses are deriv-
ative forms and their true meaning can be seen only when we consider the
plenum, in which they are generated and sustained, and into which they must
ultimately vanish. This plenum is, however, no longer to be conceived through
the idea of a simple material medium, such as an ether, wnich would be regarded
as existing and moving only in a three dimensional space. Rather, one is to begin
with the holomovement in which there is the immense "sea" of energy. . .. This
sea is to be understood in terms of a multidimensional implicate order ... while
the entire universe of matter as we generally observe it is to be treated as a com-
paratively small pattern of excitation.12
The notion of holomovement is a specific extension of the idea of a hologram.
As we will see later, the holographic paradigm also has its place within acupuncture
theory and practice, and may be an important component of the signal system.
Homo sapiens are as much a part of this holomovement as all else. We are
equally subject to the flow, storage, and transmission of biological information as
are other organisms and are equally capable of manifesting expressions of this
hidden order, of the latent tendencies enfolded into our genetic background. We
can see numerous examples of this, many of which are described in the next two
chapters.
 The X-Signal System 25

CLINICAL EXAMPLES OF THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM

In acupuncture therapy, we can apply a very tiny influence (too small to be
called a stimulus) to an acupoint and produce changes in an area of the body that
is unrelated via neurophysiology. For example, we can place a north-facing mag-
net on the large intestine point in the auricle and the reaction at the large intestine
source point, LI-4, on the same side decreases. Reversing the magnet in the auri-
cle, so that the south pole faces the point, increases the reaction at the same LI-4.
On the opposite auricle, placing the south-facing pole on the large intestine point
reduces reaction at the original LI-4, while the north pole increases the reaction.
The polarities reverse if we stimulate the opposite side.
This phenomenon is essential to an understanding of acupuncture, as it
demonstrates right-left, north-south antagonisms. We can cite many examples of
hidden relationships in the body and of the action of the signal system. The next
two examples are derived strictly from the clinical practice of renowned practi-
tioners, medical doctors who, as practicing acupuncturists, have devised new
methods of diagnosis.
Dr. Reinhold Vall measures the DC electrical resistance at the jing points of
the channels, next to the nails of the fingers and toes. He diagnoses channel and
organ dysfunctions by their variations in electrical resistance. He uses homeo-
pathic remedies as his treatments. This is his original method for selecting the
appropriate remedy and quantity of remedy. He calls it "Medikamententestung." If
this test describes some channel abnormality or organ dysfunction, he selects an
appropriate remedy sample that the patient holds in one hand while the physician
remeasures the points. If the numerical values are restored to normal, then this
remedy is seen as appropriate for that patient's problem. His theory is that the
remedy is able to affect the electrical resistance in the channels through the sam-
ple. This is not explicable through normal pharmacological action, but somehow
the sample sends a signal through a glass ampule to bring about a measurable bio-
logical change.
The second example is similar, although not quite so mysterious. Dr.
Yoshiaki Omura has advanced the hi-digital 0-ring test, a type of kinesiological
test, and reports similar phenomena. The patient tested makes a ring with the
forefinger and thumb. The therapist tries to pull the digits apart, while the patient
tries to resist. The degree of resistance is assessed by the therapist. If the patient
has an organic disease, he is asked to place his other forefinger on the skin of a
region affected by the disease, e.g., over the liver in liver problems. The patient
exhibits little power of resistance. The therapist then retests the patient, while the
patient holds a sample medication. If the medication is correct, the power of resis-
tance will increase. If the dosage is too high, the patient will not have the power
to resist. The signals involved somehow affect the power of grip. They must be
stimulating the nervous system to change the grip, but what signals the nervous
system is unclear.
It is evident from these examples that these effects are not transmitted
through anatomophysiological systems. Some other signal system is involved,
part of what we have called the X-signal system.

TOPOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM

Our research and work have shown that the signal system is also related to
more gross structural properties of the body. That is, some behaviors and func-
tions of the body are closely tied to the three-dimensional structure or symmetry
26 The X-Signal System

of the body. For example, the body can be described by three-dimensional halves
- upper-lower, left-right, front-back - as an octahedron, which can be shown to
affect the behavior or functions of the body.
As an example, we might examine the "pressure perspiration reflex" discov-
ered by Professor Kentaro Takagi. He found that if pressure is applied to one side
of the body, maximally at the nipple level, perspiration will occur only on the oppo-
site side of the body. The dividing line will be at the exact center of the body. If
pressure is applied, for instance, to the upper right side and the lower left side, per-
spiration will occur only in the upper left and lower right portions of the body. If
the pressure is reversed, the perspiration is reversed, again with the dividing lines
at exactly the center lines of the left-right, inferior-superior sections.

Figure 2.3: Pressure perspiration reflex on opposite quadrants of the body.

Similarly, if pressure is applied to a point on both sides of the upper body, per-
spiration will occur only on the lower portions of the body. These quadrantal rela-
tionships appear on both the anterior and posterior portions of the body and are
not at all explicable by neurophysiology. Instead, they seem to be manifestations
of a certain octahedral symmetrical tendency. This octahedral symmetry is enfold-
ed or hidden within the body, manifesting only in specific conditions.
We propose that this symmetry is an essential part of acupuncture theory, as
well as of the signal system. Biological, clinical, and medical examples of this
model can be found throughout this text.
The general theory of the octahedral model can be summarized as follows:
Prior to the current stages of evolution, organisms did not possess the complex
information systems that now exist. Organisms had a primitive signal system, the
X-signal system, which is now retained as a rudimentary biological information
system. The reason some of the more subtle techniques employed in acupuncture
can be so remarkably effective is that the X-signal system is accessed in some fash-
ion.
 The X-Signal System 27

The octahedral system is part of the hidden order. The signal system func-
tions to access biological information derived from the structure and function of
our primitive ancestors and our earliest stages of embryogenesis. This idea is
essentially topological. Applying topological theory to biology we are able to
explain the signal system in greater detail and trace its origins in evolution and
embryology. More than this, taking a generalized topological view of the body as
our starting point allows us to more clearly understand the relationships of struc-
ture and function, pathological deviations and normal variations (biases). From
this, we have been able to devise simple but powerful treatment procedures and
reliable diagnostic assessments.
We may use a limited definition of topology: The study of those properties
retained by an object under deformation such as stretching, bending, squeezing,
but not breaking or tearing. One immediate consequence is that injury or surgery
on the body with the formation of scars will disrupt the normal flow of informa-
tion. This occurs not only as an "energy blockage," but as a distortion or disrup-
tion of the information flows associated with the properties describable by topol-
ogy.
A lump of modelling clay molded first into a sphere, then a cube and then
some other random shape retains certain properties:

Figure 2.4: Modelling clay in sphere, cube, etc

Examples of these properties are: connectedness, separability, regularity,
compactness. A donut-shaped ring of clay molded into a cup with a handle has
the same properties as the cup, even though their appearance is different.

Figure 2.5: Donut

These shapes are homeomorphic. Similarly, a double-holed donut shape can
yield a double handled cup, both of which retain the same properties.

Figure 2.6: Double handled cup

The size and shape of the object is not important in topological descriptions.
By examining it from this perspective, we can propose descriptions of biological
28 The X-Signal System

systems and their properties that otherwise might not be made. Topological rea-
soning allows us to describe how octahedral symmetry, with its inherent proper-
ties, may have arisen through the course of evolutionary and embryological devel-
opment.
This may seem extremely abstract; however, the implications of this idea for
biology are enormous. As with information theory, these properties do not need
to be defined clearly. We can propose that this topological theory is a subset of
information theory that pertains to certain aspects of information transmission
and storage. It allows us, for example, to describe how phenomena occurring in
the body can produce manifestations elsewhere. Just as we can define the flow of
electrons, ions, and chemicals as information, so, too, can the transmitted effects
described by the language and concepts of topology be classified as an (unde-
fined) information flow. Recent studies in the geometry of nature describe prop-
erties that belong to the whole system being analyzed which are not describable
with reference to the component parts of the system. Many of these studies have
revolved around the investigation and description of chaos. It has been found that
chaotic systems can spontaneously give rise to order. Underlying the seemingly
chaotic systems are what appear to be universal layers of order, describable geo-
metrically and mathematically:
In the 1980s, chaos brought to life a new kind of physiology built on the idea that
mathematical tools could help scientists understand global complex systems
independent of local detai/.13

Interestingly, the use of this method is very effective for describing the hid-
den order contained within an object. Some, like Benoit Mandelbrot, believe that
these geometric properties- in his words "fractal orders" -are universal in nature
and require only a few rules to decode.l4 Perhaps the theories of yin-yang and the
five phases are such rules.
We can see more than structural relationships by the use of topology theory.
The changes of an object through space and time come under the purview of
topology; thus the normal timing of physiological events, of biorhythms, also falls
within its realm.15 We can use this to reexamine the classical Chinese descriptions
of biorhythms where the flow and interrelationships of the channels, the numer-
ous five-phase relationships, can be viewed from an isophasal perspective.
"Isophasality" refers to the synchronous harmonic effects, or resonances, pertain-
ing to the various phase shifts of bioenergetic and biorhythmic occurrences.l6 For
example, in clinical practice, if we find a pattern of synchronous occurrences in the
body- areas of tenderness, tension, pulse qualities, and symptom complexes-
that correlate to the earth phase, then the earth points of each of the channels are
therapeutically available, especially those of the more biorhythmically active
channels. By whatever means, these acupoints resonate with or are in harmony
with that specific pattern of phase energetics and can have profound effects upon
it. All earth points are isophasal, having in common some properties not shared
with other points. The same commonality can be found to hold true for other
classes of points. With delicate experimentation and examination we have been
able to map some of these properties. We can also look at both evolution and nor-
mal development from a topological perspective.
From the moment of conception to the moment of death, the organism
retains essentially the same topological structure, the same homeomorphic prop-
erties, even though it has undergone numerous changes and transformations.
Organisms thus retain certain properties that may or may not have manifested at
 The X-Signal System 29

these various stages of development. Clinically, we can draw parallels between

t~e first divisions of the fertilized ovum to the dividing lines of the left and right
sides of the body, the axis of the ren mai and du mai in classical theory, and the
dividing lines of the superior and inferior parts of the body, the axis of the dai mai
in classical theory.

@
r-------------~~--------------~

Single Cell

RenMa~ DuMai ~
~ TwoCells

RenMai, DuMa-i 11--J,Qt Four CeUs

DaiMai II

9 0
Figure 2.7: The first division gives rise to the ren mai-du mai axis.
The second division gives rise to the dai mai axis.

Thus, we can see the possible embryological roots of octahedral theory, as the
left-right, superior-inferior portions are clearly delineated in this development. The
anterior-posterior portions may be delineated in the same manner. The physical
body retains properties that were active and important at all stages of embryogene-
sis, many of which are now latent, awaiting the correct stimulus, circumstance, or
bias, to manifest again.
Evolution can be viewed as the progressive extension of topological principles
and properties. If for example, we take a simple donut-shaped structure, we can
imagine the hole on one side representing a mouth and the other as the anus:

I Figure 2.8: Donut shape

As this donut shape is flattened, we can derive a tubular structure, somewhat
similar to primitive organisms, such as a worm, with a mouth, gut tube and anus:

Figure 2.9: Tubular structure

Manipulation of various areas of this tubular organism yields elementary limb
formations, as are found in fish fins:

Figure 2.10: Fish limb formation

30 The X-Signal System

Further development of these structures yields the arms and legs. Finally we
arrive at structures like those of mammals and indeed people:

Figure 2.11: Structural outline of mammalian and human forms

Because there is continuity in the reproductive cycles of successive genera-
tions, where development occurs against the background of genetic information,
we can argue that organisms alive today, such as mammals, fish, and people, all
retain those same properties that were present in the earliest and throughout all
later stages of evolution. Schoffeniels states this point quite clearly:
The content of a biological system increases in the course of its development since
it represents an integration of all the modifications which it has undergone and
which it has imposed on the environment/?
Within the body many such systems exist, each of which are subsystems and
have subsystems within them. Properties that developed early on in the evolution
of these systems will have been integrated into the total biological system.
Whether or not these properties manifest depends mostly on need and response.
If they are not needed for survival, they may not manifest since that would repre-
sent an unnecessary expression of information, a waste of energy. Their manifes-
tation would be obviated as well by the evolutionary development of more effi-
cient information systems, such as the neurological system, having specific tar-
gets, hormones and other molecules with specific on-off activation sites. These
supercede, but do not eradicate, the more primitive properties that belong to the
signal system. The more primitive systems may be made to manifest in response
to the correct stimulus.
We can give numerous examples to demonstrate these ideas. We propose
that some theories and techniques of acupuncture either describe certain of these
properties or use them to obtain therapeutic effects. Yin-yang, channel, and five-
phase theories have proven successful tools for exploring and taking advantage of
the signal system.

ExPERIMENTS WITH THE BIOELECfRICAL NATURE OF THE X-SIGNAL

The information flow of the signal system can be viewed as molecular and/ or
electrical in nature, though some of the preceding examples suggest that there are
other mechanisms at work. While certain molecular and electrically mediated
effects of acupuncture and moxibustion have been documented in various research-
es on the anatomophysiologic system effects, the subtle effects pertaining to the sig-
nal system have not been clearly defined. From our own research we can suggest
that some are electrical or electromagnetic in nature. Our main reasons for saying
this are as follows:
 The X-Signal System 31

1. With the correct application of polarity agents to the body, we are able to
bring about almost instantaneous changes, such as decrease or increase of pressure
pain and tension at specific acupoints. These rapid changes occur too quickly for
them to be molecular. As we have already stated, stimulus from polarity agents is
too minute to affect the nervous system, so neither are the effects neurological.
2. The various polarity agents that we can use for testing and treating operate
essentially from an electrically positive and negative polarity, and thus we can rea-
son that their effects are at least in part electrically mediated. Examples of these
polarities are as follows:
Polarity agent Positive Negative
two-metal contact zinc
~~fger silver
bi-polar magnet contact* north pole south pole
digital contact thumb little finger
ion-pumping cords red clip black clip
ion-beam apparatus red electrode black electrode
electrostatic adsorbers positive stick negative stick
* See the glossary for magnetic pole definitions

These various polarity agents produce repeatable results and effects. Reversing
polarities will reverse the effects.
For example, ST-27 is the Manaka diagnostic point for the large intestine. If
right ST-27 has pressure pain, placing a north-facing magnet on right Ll-4 will
decrease the ST-27 pressure pain. Reversing the magnet so that the south pole
faces to right Ll-4 will cause the ST-27 reaction to return. This reversibility elimi-
nates the possibility of a placebo effect or another psychological phenomenon, and
demonstrates that a genuine response is occurring. Although these tests cannot be
repeated indefinitely, this type of procedure can be applied on a specific point sev-
eral times, after which the reactive points will become insensitive regardless of the
polarities applied. This may occur because of overstimulation, with the flip-flop
effects of polarity reversal.
When the two-metal contact technique is used, the electrical effects are sim-
ilar to, but differ from, a metal battery. These two metals do not make contact as
in a metal battery because they are not inserted into the body fluids, but are placed
on the body surface. A metal battery has two metals inserted into a conducting
medium.
We know from experiments, clinical results, and observations, that each of
these agents produces some electrical polarity so that minute electrical currents
flow, but these are very difficult to measure; often they are simply too small to
measure. We can further suggest that the mechanisms of these minute currents are
probably one or more of the following:
1. The semi-conductor network of the interconnected large molecules
throughout the body described by Szent-Gyorgyi and Oschman.18
2. The ionic currents that flow through the cardiovascular system from var-
ious local microscopic areas to other local microscopic areas, described by
Nordenstrom.19
3. The DC electrical current system said to flow through the perineural cells,
described by Becker.20
4. Other currents as yet not clearly mapped and other systems as yet undescribed.
32 The X-Signal System

Many of these effects and mechanisms are denied or ignored by researchers

because they are hard to measure. Anatomophysiologic system effects, the effects of
acupuncture and moxibustion on the neurological, neurohumoral, hormonal and
cardiovascular systems, are easier to measure and document. The essential problem
is that both the anatomophysiological system and signal system are activated when
the body is stimulated using needles and moxa. Since the anatomophysiological
effects are clearer and more easily measured, these tend to obscure the subtler signal
system effects. But using polarity agents, applying very small biases to the body, we
can bypass the anatomophysiological system effects and thus more clearly observe
the signal system at work.

BIASOLOGY
The concept of bias is useful for describing very subtle influences in the body.
We might go so far as to say that the concept of bias is an important idea for handling
the hidden aspects of the body, as they pertain to the functions of the signal system
and thus the theories of acupuncture and moxibustion. A bias can be described with
examples such as the following:
1. In bowling, the lopsidedness of a ball causing its curved path.
2. A mental inclination or leaning.
3. A slanting or diagonal line cut or sewn in cloth.
4. In engineering, a steady force, voltage, magnetic field, applied to a device to
establish a reference level or determine a range of operation.
In the medical field we can find examples of biases, such as the methods of Drs.
Vall and Omura which utilize the bias effects of substances brought in close contact
with the body surface. In psychoanalysis the concept of the Freudian complex can
be seen as a bias. A small incident in a patient's childhood biases that person
throughout their life until they confront the incident and relieve the bias it creates.
Similarly, an irrational fear of spiders or monsters can be a hidden bias.
In our own practice we once had a nurse come for treatment of shoulder pain.
She had a scar on her lower limb from an osteomyelitic problem that had occurred
many years before. Injection of one cc. of novocaine subcutaneously into this scar
eliminated the shoulder pain. In this case we can describe the old scar as biasing the
body and causing secondary problems. This can happen with any scar and has been
reported as a common problem with scars from abdominal and other surgeries.
Similarly, a patient who came for treatment of chronic shoulder and low back pain
felt that she had nowhere else to tum and was depressed about her condition. After
good results had been obtained, it was necessary to relieve the mental bias she had
concerning the condition, which had predisposed her to perpetuate the condition.
To prevent its returning, an anti-bias was given by simply telling her that the
Western disease name she had been given was no longer accurate. Since simple
treatment of her liver channel was able to cure the condition, it was only a liver
channel problem. She was told that she should stop worrying about it, a tactic that
proved successful.
After the war, I had a distraught male patient who was depressed, anxious, and
worried that he was dying. His family was concerned as he was slowly wasting
away and seemed very sick. Recognizing that the man had nothing organically
wrong with him, yet might well eventually die because of the emotional bias, I told
him that as an experienced doctor I was always able to predict when a patient was
soon to die and that I would tell the patient when this was about to happen, but that
in his case it was not going to happen now. Of course, because the patient trusted
 The X-Signal System 33

me, I was able to counterbias the negative bias and the man recovered soon there-
after. Only recently did I hear from the man's family that he had passed away,
some forty years after he was "dying."
Other examples of bias might include a patient with a toothache, who creates
a secondary distortion and bias by chewing only on the side that does not hurt, so
as not to irritate the toothache. This causes other problems later. Any repeated
imbalance movement can trigger a bias. Someone who writes extensively with
only the right hand, or who plays tennis only with the right arm, will bias the
body and eventually may have problems.
We can see that in each case we need an anti-bias or a suitable counter-bias
for the particular problem at hand. This requires a simple means for finding the
bias and a simple means for testing the applicability of a particular counter-bias.
A successful counter-bias will release the bias and allow both the secondary bias
effects and the original functional problems to change. The use of polarity agents
to achieve this is extremely helpful, especially because the polarity agent itself
generates a tiny electrical/magnetic bias. When applied to the appropriate points,
this can be a very potent counterbias.
Thus we can use the study of biases, biasology, as a useful means for exam-
ining our diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, since it allows us a multi-disci-
plinary synthesis and rationalization of our understanding of the body's hidden
signal system, the X-signal system. We can use the concept of the bias outside of
the medical realm to examine other facets of the signal system. For instance, in the
practice of Zen Buddhism, there is the concept of satori. This refers to a particu-
lar conscious state that is achieved at a particular moment in time. Usually satori
occurs when some small phenomenon occurs, such as the sound of a bamboo
shoot falling in a bamboo grove, or the light tap of the zen monk's staff on the sub-
ject's shoulders.
These are clear examples of bias, a tiny stimulus given at a critical moment.
In the realm of biometeorology the tiny but significant effects of the geomagnetic
field are seen as a favorable bias to the organism, as they are essential to the cor-
rect timing and integration of physiological events. In all cases, the bias refers to
some minute or subtle influence, analogous to the minute signals of the X-signal
system.
When we apply such a minute stimulus or bias, we are able to observe the
topological nature of acupuncture and moxibustion theory and practice. We can
also observe some of the complex relationships between structure and function,
symmetry and asymmetry. Using these observations, we have derived new clini-
cal laws, rules, and methods of treatment. For instance, looking at some of the
body's natural asymmetries, such as the position of the liver and gallbladder on
the right, and the stomach, spleen, and heart on the left, we might expect to find
particular asymmetrical patterns, if any of these organs or their associated func-
tion sets develop problems.
We would expect these asymmetries to bias the body in particular patterns.
This is what we actually find. The liver, being in the upper right abdominal quad-
rant, will produce a particular pattern of tension and pressure pain in the body.
The right-sided subcostal tension that develops as a result of a functional liver
problem in fact biases a whole set of muscle groups, producing a range of other
problems. Reactions often will be found on the left sartorius, left internal oblique,
right external oblique, right serratus anterior, right rhomboideus major, and the
right rhomboideus minor muscles when liver problems occur. This particular spi-
ral of muscle bands is a functional set, as can be demonstrated using kinesiological
34 The X-Signal System

techniques. It is associated with the liver, because the liver is in the upper right
abdominal quadrant and tends to bias this muscle set.

Figure 2.12: Functional muscle group

A simple procedure such as placing the right hand palm down on a magnet
heater, or the left foot sole down on a magnet heater, will generally release these
tensions and tendernesses throughout the functional muscle set. In releasing the
pattern of muscle reactions, the body structure is subtly altered and liver function
improved. Any number of procedures can be used to achieve the same effects,
their goals generally being to relieve reactions of the upper right and lower left
body areas.
Ideas such as bias can be useful in this context. A bias can be an unbeliev-
ably small event that radically changes the behavior of a whole system. It can
change the system in a favorable direction or an unfavorable direction. In this
sense it is similar to the low-level signals which we have postulated lie at the heart
of acupuncture practice. Small, seemingly insignificant changes in the body
develop; these bias the body and cause functional changes to occur. Development
of tension throughout the spiral band of muscles that cross over the liver slowly
causes functional changes in the liver. Application of a small dose stimulation -
bias - can push - bias - the body so that it tends towards a more healthy or nor-
mal functional state. Disease may begin at a sub-cellular level and then spread,
biasing the rest of the system. Treatment can similarly start at a very minute but
strategically powerful level, and counter-bias the system.

Using the meridian imbalance diagram (M.I.D.), we are able to confirm these
observations objectively and track a patient's progress before, during, and after
treatment. The M.I.D. procedure was specifically designed as a means of observ-
ing and statistically demonstrating structure-function relationships, particularly
octahedral relationships. It provides simple, objective statistical measures of a
patient's overall energetic state, described in classical theory as yin-yang balance.

When we consider the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies as

occurring primarily through the X-signal system and secondarily through the
anatomophysiological systems, we can also gain insight into the possible mecha-
nisms of action that infuse both classical and modern clinical observations and
systems. For instance, why is it that one point on the body surface can be
observed to affect one area or part of the body and yet a point close to it, in the
same dermatome, can affect a totally different area or part of the body? It seems
clear that these effects cannot be neurological.
Further, how can we understand the various simple and complex systems of
reflexology? We can find modern descriptions of how all parts of the body reflect
 The X-Signal System 35

somewhere on the feet, hands, nose, eyes or auricles. (Of these, the hand reflexol-
ogy of Tae Woo Yoo and the auricular reflexology of Nogier and the Chinese are
particularly useful.) As we have already suggested, if we consider the theories of
the holographic paradigm, where all aspects of the whole reflect or contain all
other parts of the whole, as descriptive of part of the signal system, we can begin
to see how such systems may work. These reflex points and areas are able to
receive and send very specific information to specific areas of the body.

THE X-SIGNAL SYSTEM IN ACUPUNCTURE & MOXIBUSTION THERAPY

It is important that we do not confuse the neurological and humoral effects
of acupuncture, so thoroughly researched and described in needle analgesia and
anesthesia research, with the signal system effects. The analgesic and anesthetic
effects are seen to a lesser degree in normal acupuncture and moxibustion than
when deliberately applying acupuncture analgesic and anesthetic techniques.
Likewise the signal system effects are seen to a lesser degree in normal practice
and more clearly in the subtle practices of the traditional keiraku chiryo, or channel
(meridian) treatment schools, when very tiny influences are given in treatment.
Acupuncture anesthesia uses strong stimulation and counter irritation to
produce anesthetic and analgesic effects. In the American movies, when a cowboy
was shot, his friend would feed him whisky and then apply an upper cut to the
jaw. Then the friend could remove the bullet lodged in his body. Acupuncture
anesthesia is like this. With a strong stimulation, people become faint; if the stim-
ulus is strong enough, the operation is easy. But we should not think of using
acupuncture anesthetic methods for treatment of general or subtle problems!
While admittedly it is difficult to discriminate the clearer neurological and
humoral effects of acupuncture from the subtler effects of the signal system, if we
consciously try to use the signal system, we can produce remarkable results. This
is because this system participates in the therapy regardless of whether we think
about it or not. Our research suggests that the clinical effects of channel therapy-
based acupuncture that we describe in this text occur primarily at the signal sys-
tem level.
The signal system either regulates the informational systems in the body,
which in turn regulate the energy systems, or it directly regulates the energy sys-
tems. Either way, if we can learn to control the signal system, which requires only
the tiniest energy or signal input, we can produce dramatic effects throughout the
information and energy systems. If there is an error signal in the information sys-
tem and we learn how to correct this signal, many problems in the energy systems
can be corrected. Because the observations of these error signals require only sim-
ple diagnostic checks and are corrected by tiny influences or energy inputs, sim-
ple diagnostic and therapeutic systems can be developed. Indeed, because the
input required is so small, we are often able to stimulate or influence the body
with only a simple touch or non-invasive application. Since needles may not be
used or needed, the risks are greatly reduced and safety greatly enhanced.
Before finishing these discussions of the signal system, let us briefly return
to our earlier question of how it relates to the theories of acupuncture and how, for
instance, might we understand the rather difficult concept of qi. In the last chap-
ter we looked at the problems involved in accurately translating the term qi. We
can now state more clearly that the term is untranslatable into a specific Western
word. Rather, it should be rendered as vague and wider term, such as "informa-
tion." Qi has uses that imply physiological process. In this sense information
36 The X-Signal System

refers to the whole sequence of events in the process and may involve all the
known equivalent biochemical and physiological components. Qi also has uses and
functions that imply less tangible processes, transformations, and exchanges. The
term "information" is equally vague, referring only to the fact that something is
transmitted, transformed, or produces change. Qi does work, is the result of work
done, and is the medium of regulation.
Yin-yang and the five phases have the same difficulty of translation. In the
medical literature, many of these functions can be clearly described in the terms we
use to explain the information and energy systems: the neurological, biochemical,
storing, dissipating, or assimilating functions of modem biomedicine. Yet, many of
the functions and ideas described by the ancient Chinese cannot be rationalized in
that way. All we have are descriptions of various qi functions, movements, interfaces
and transformations. The Chinese descriptions are like a qi signal system, parts of a
larger system, the X-signal system in our words. Relative to their uses in classical
medical literature, we can now explain these terms with reference to the signal sys-
tem model that we have developed. The terms "yin-yang" and "five phases" are
used to categorize and describe interrelationships. In signal system terms, they
describe the characteristics of components of the whole body and how they interact
and regulate, at a primitive biological level, through information/ signal exchange
(qi). The twelve channels represent pathways of information/signal transmission
and sites of information/ signal reception. Thus, they have yin-yang and five-phasal
characteristics and acupoints. The eight extraordinary vessels represent what are
probably the remnants of a primitive biological structure that functions to globally
regulate the body, through distribution of qi, both in the sense of what does work and
what regulates activities - information/ signals.
One final question we should raise: what is it that prompted the ancient
Chinese to describe these things? How were they able to observe and discern things
that are virtually undistinguishable to us in modem times? We have proposed
already that perhaps they were using more right-brain pattern recognition and obser-
vation. In the West and in modem times, the tendency is to use left-brain patterning.
If this is true, then we can say that the ancient Chinese had a finer, more developed
sense of intuition. Perhaps because of their simpler, more natural life styles, they
may have been more attuned to natural phenomena and could perceive aspects of
nature that are difficult for us to see. This would be true of all simpler, more natural
cultures, not just the ancient Chinese. We can cite the Micronesian natives who had
the ability to navigate thousands of miles over open waters in small sailing boats
without maps or compasses.
While it is harder for us to see these aspects of nature that are now hidden for
us, we can use the same rules that the ancient Chinese described. With careful appli-
cation, we may discern and observe these rules and devise methods of using them
with powerful clinical effects. We can now examine more thoroughly some tradi-
tional acupuncture theories and show with simple experimentation (that you may
repeat for yourself) how the signal system rests at the heart of acupuncture as its
modus operandi.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 S.B.: The term "Meridian Imbalance Diagram" has been retained because of the number of
papers already published which refer to it as such.
2 S.B.: Even the queen and royal family of Britain have an homeopathic doctor as their primary care
physician.
3 See The American Homeopathic Association Bulletin.
4 English Homeopathic Journal, 1954.
 The X-Signal System 37

5 S.B.: For an interesting discussion of scientific research into the effects and mechanisms of home-
opathy, see: Manning, C.A. and L.J. Vanrenen, Bioenergetic Medicine East and West, Berkeley: North Atlantic
Books, 1988, pp. 65-89.
6 Davenas, E. eta!., "Human basophil degranulation triggered by very dilute antiserum against
IgE," Nature 333:816-818, 30 June, 1988. For the disclaimers of this study, see pages 787 and 818 of the same
issue of Nature.
7 Ibid.
8 In acupuncture, this is relatively easy to demonstrate. Normally, placing a small, north-facing
magnet at LU-10 will reduce the tension and pressure pain of LI-4 on the same hand. If instead the mag-
net is held anywhere from a few centimeters to several meters away from LU-10, while pointing the mag-
net at LU-10, the same effects can be observed as when placing the magnet directly on LU-10. However,
this occurs only when the magnet is held east of the acupoint. If the magnet is held to the north, west or
south, the effect disappears and the pressure pain at LI-4 is unchanged. This effect can be observed using
other tools and other points. See Appendix 4 for further presentation of sayoshi.
9 S.B.: See for example studies on the partial regeneration of fingertips accidentally severed in chil-
dren, where regeneration only occurs under special conditions. Illingworth, C.M. and A.T. Barker,
"Measurement of electrical currents emerging during the regeneration of amputated fingertips in chil-
dren," Clin. Phys. Physiol. Meas. 1:1,p.87-89, 1980.
10 Lovelock, J., Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth.
11 Gleick, J., Chaos, p. 149.
12 Bohm, D., Wholeness and the Implicate Order, pp. 191-192.
13 Gleick, J., Chaos, p.280.
14 Ibid., p.238.
15 See for example Winfree, A.T., The Geometry of Biological Time, New York: Springer-Verlag, 1980.
16 Amore clinically based definition of the term "isophasal" can be found in chapter six.
17 Schoffeniels, E., Anti-Chance, p.103.
18 Oschman, J.L., "The connective tissue and myofascial system," Rolfing 1981 conference, unpub-
lished paper.
19 Nordenstrom, B., "Biologically closed electric circuits: clinical, experimental and theoretical evi-
dence for an additional circulatory system," Stockholm: Nordic Medical Publications, 1983. Taubes, G.,
"An electrifying possibility," Discover, April1986, p.23-37.
20 Becker, R.O. and G. Selden, The Body Electric.; Becker, R.O. and A.A. Marino, Electromagnetic Fields
and Life.
 SECTION Two
IN PURSUIT OF THE DRAGON

RESEARCHING AND EXAMINING

TRADITIONAL THEORIES AND CONCEPTS

the universe is a vast organism with now one and now another component
taking the lead - spontaneous and uncreated it is, with all the parts of it cooperat-
ing in a mutual service which is perfect freedom, the larger and the smaller play-
ing their parts according to their degree.''
J. Needham, Science and Civilization in China II p.288.
 CHAPTER THREE

YIN-YANG THEORY

The concepts of yin and yang are central to the theories of East Asian medi-
cine. Explication of these terms in the professional literature depends on context,
author, and era; their meaning carries as many subtleties, nuances, and facets as the
term qi. The multiplicity of their correspondences make it difficult to design an
encompassing and coherent definition. Even the use of terms like "positive" and
"negative" to express their polar nature is inadequate. There is clearly no scientif-
ic definition available. For the purposes of our research, we propose to use clinical
procedures and tests to focus and clarify our understanding of these concepts.
Many conceive of yin and yang as fixed entities or ideas, sometimes almost
palpable entities. Our perceptions and methods of analysis always define the
polarities with various syntagonistic and antagonistic tendencies. It is difficult to
see the underlying, indivisible unity of which yin and yang polarities are but
appearances. Realistically, they are just relative ideas, simultaneously syntagonis-
tic and antagonistic, complementary and opposite. In some sense they are like a
moebius strip. First examination shows two surfaces, and we can say that one side
appears yang, and the other yin; but with closer inspection we find that there is
only one surface: its duality is just a relative appearance. We can further imagine
that the relative balance of yin and yang surfaces in the body form a large, complex
mobile:

Figure 3.1: The balance of a mobile

42 Yin-Yang Theory

Here many pendants balance antagonistically against one another, often with
one against many at the various fulcra. Total balance and harmonization consists
of all the partial balances throughout the mobile. Left-right balance is not free from
the superior-inferior or anterior-posterior balance. All facets are organically relat-
ed. Different parts can become unbalanced, but generally the whole remains rela-
tively balanced.
The concept of balance is not a rigid, strictly defined idea. In dynamic sys-
tems such as the human body, or nature in general, rigidity is not possible. Balance
is always an oscillation around a reference point. For example, a pendulum always
appears to swing back and forth over the same point, but its real motion is much
more complex. When analyzed statistically it appears to be balanced; but at any
particular time, its motion may not be balanced at all. When standing upright, the
center of gravity always sways back and forth over some reference point that lies
directly below the center of the body. Blood pressure, body temperature, and prob-
ably all physiological processes oscillate through some normal range. This home-
ostatic process is vital in dynamic and living systems. Without it, order likely could
not prevail. The concept of balance is thus flexible and not rigid. Yin and yang bal-
ancing or harmonization is something similar; it is always relative and moving.
Such are the dynamic balances of life.
Historically, in Chinese medical tradition, yin and yang were viewed as oppo-
site polarity concepts used to assess disease and to design treatments to restore bal-
ance. We think that there are two ideas basic to this concept. First, there are con-
cepts relating to changes within the environment: terrestrial, celestial, bodily, sea-
sonal, and the changing condition of the disease. Yin increases, peaks, and gives
rise to yang. Yang increases, peaks, and gives rise to yin. This concept has been
described extensively, and many familiar examples can be cited.
For example, during the course of a year the relative state and flux of yin and
yang is quite complex. At the summer solstice, in June, yang energy is said to be
already peaking, after which it begins to decline, while yin ascends. But in actual-
ity, the warmest days come in July and August, after the actual peak of yang, dur-
ing the time yang is declining and yin ascending (yang gives rise to yin.) There is
a lag between reality and appearance. This same phenomenon occurs during the
winter: yin peaks at the winter solstice in December, but the coldest days come in
January and February. In this context, yin and yang are not absolute and separate.
In yin there is yang and in yang there is yin, as is graphically portrayed in the yin-
yang taiji symbol.

Figure 3.2: The tai ji symbol

YIN-YANG IN TOPOLOGY
The second perspective views the yin-yang components of the physical body
as a system of syntagonistic-antagonistic relationships. We say that these are topo-
logical relationships. This differs from the first concept of yin and yang within and
 Yin-Yang Theory 43

engendering one another. Now we consider yin and yang as separate: in yin there
is no yang, in yang there is no yin, and there are relatively clear yin-yang bound-
aries. This second concept has been given little attention in the field, yet it is a per-
spective that we have found particularly useful because it correlates to the channel
system, and the flow and regulation of qi.
The classical yin and yang correspondences, such as those referring to the
structural, topological relationships of the body, have notable clinical utility.

Body portions
yang superior posterior left
yin inferior anterior right

If we take these three structural, functional yin-yang divisions and draw

"dividing lines" as polar axes of the body, we can define eight areas of the body,
eight octants. Together these illustrate octahedral theory, the concept of a structur-
al symmetry enfolded into the body.

left-right posterior
dividing line Yang

left-right
anterior superior-inferior
dividing line dividing line

Yin
Figure 3.3: Structural octahedral body symmetry
Research abounds which corroborates octahedral theory. The pressure perspi-
ration reflex tests of Professor Takagi are one example, mentioned earlier. Takagi
demonstrated that these perspiration effects could be elicited with needle stimula-
tion to single acupoints. Interestingly, he found that shallowly and deeply inserted
needles elicited different responses. Stimulation that clearly produced strong ner-
vous system reactions (deeper needling) did not manifest this octahedral symmetry.
Needling with little (or no) nervous stimulation was able to manifest the symmetry.
Our theory of the signal system, responding to tiny electrical bias or stimulation,
predicts such differences.
Other biological and medical examples of octahedral symmetry can be refer-
enced.1 The non-pathological harlequin flushing of the newborn clearly manifests
left-right asymmetries.2 The familial condition, painful harlequin flushing, mani-
fests clear left-right, anterior-posterior, and superior-inferior asymmetries.3 Some
researchers have noted left-right, superior-inferior asymmetries in the distribution
of biopotentials.4 Superficial lymph drainage is clearly quadrantaJ.S Opioid pep-
tides have shown left-right, inferior-superior, medial-lateral limb specificity in
acupuncture analgesia.6
We have devised simple tests to demonstrate and validate the octahedral
model. The use of north and south magnets on the large intestine points of the a uri-
44 Yin-Yang Theory

de to relieve pressure pain at LI-4 is one example. If right LI-4 has pressure pain,
north (+) at the right large intestine point of the auricle will reduce the reaction,
while south(-) will increase it. South(-) to the left large intestine auricle point will
reduce reaction, while north (+) will increase it. We can take this simple experiment
further. First, we can compare left and right LI-4 points after each application of the
magnets. Second, we can also place the north and south magnets on the points
directly behind the large intestine points on the posterior surface of each auricle.
When doing this we obtain the following results:
Magnet Auricle point RightLI-4 Left Ll-4
north(+) right LI point decrease increase
south(-) right Ll point increase decrease
south(-) behind right LI pt. decrease increase
north(+) behind right LI pt. increase decrease
south(-) left LI point decrease increase
north(+) left LI point increase decrease
north(+) behind left LI pt. decrease increase
south(-) behind left LI pt. increase decrease

We can see that it is difficult to reduce the reaction on one side without increas-
ing the discomfort on the other side. A north magnet syntagonistically affects one
side, the same side, and in so doing it antagonistically affects the other side. In this
relationship the magnetic polarity has relative effects on LI-4 of one side of the body
that are dependent on left-right, posterior-anterior antagonisms. This pressure-pain
relief method causes relief on one side, but creates an antagonistic pain on the other,
further demonstrating the structural symmetrical properties enfolded into the body
which we postulate are the product of evolutionary and embryological develop-
ment, and part of the X-signal system.
This same type of test can be applied to other auricle points to elicit the same
pattern of changes. For instance, for a subject experiencing pressure pain at LR-14,
we can place north and south magnets on the left and right auricle liver points and
on the points directly behind them on the posterior surface of each auricle. This
gives the following results:
Magnet Auricle point Right LR-14 Left LR-14
north(+) right liver point decrease increase
south(-) right liver point increase decrease
south(-) behind right liver pt. decrease increase
north(+) behind right liver pt. increase decrease
south(-) left liver point decrease increase
north(+) left liver point increase decrease
north(+) behind left liver pt. decrease increase
south(-) behind left liver pt. increase decrease

The same pattern of responses- right-left, anterior-posterior polarities- again

occurs. These examples also indicate that the auricle points manifest on the poste-
rior portion of the auricle, directly posterior to the same point on the anterior por-
tion, where most of the auricular points are located. These points seem to show
antagonistic tendencies.
In the physical octahedral body, applying north and south magnetic poles to
points on one side of the body will cause reduction of pressure pain on a point on
the same or opposite side. We can demonstrate not only the right-left, anterior-pos-
terior antagonisms, but also the inferior-superior antagonisms. If we place two
strong magnets (over three thousand gauss) with north and south contacting either
side of the anterior and posterior midlines, we can produce reductions in pressure
 Yin-Yang Theory 45

pain in specific areas of the abdomen. These areas vary according to where we place
the magnets:

~~ !@,J.
------+-------
~~J, !
------+-------
~ ~
Figure 3.4 (i) Figure 3.4 (ii)
(i) - If we place a north magnet to the left and a south magnet to the right of the midline above
the navel on the abdomen, pressure pain on the left side of the abdomen reduces
(ii) - If we place the two magnets below the navel line, north on the left and south on the right,
the right side of the abdomen shows pressure pain reduction.
This procedure compares the right-left dividing lines. If we then try the same
experiments with the anterior-posterior dividing lines, we find the following:

~~ J. !
------+-------
~
Figure 3.4 (iii)
(iii)- Placement of the magnets on the back again reverses the effects. Above the navel line, north
on the left and south on the right produces reduction on the right side of the abdomen .

~~ !J,
------+-------
~
Figure 3.4 (iv)
(iv)- Below the navel line, north on the left and south on the right produces reduction on the left
side of the abdomen .

N = north magnet .U. =reduction of pressure pain

S = south magnet 1t = increase of pressure pain
46 Yin-Yang Theory

~~~ J
('(\
! \_
~ ./
(~k-kl
t!
------+-------
(~\
Figure 3.4 (v) Figure 3.4 (vi)
(v)- Placing south on the left lateral side of the chest on the anterior portion and north on the left
lateral side of the chest on the posterior portion will cause a reduction in the upper right quadrant (URQ)
and lower left quadrant (LLQ) reactions .
(vi)- Reversing the positions of the north and south magnets causes the URQ and LLQ reactions
to return.

(backside! t ! (-kside) ~ !
------+------- ------+-------
(~}_ 1~\
Figure 3.4 (vii) Figure 3.4 (viii)
(vii)- Repeating the same test procedure on the right side will cause the phenomena to reverse.
South on the right anterior and north on the right posterior lateral portions of the chest will cause the
URQ and LLQ reactions to increase.
(viii)- North on the right anterior and south on the right posterior portions of the lateral chest will
cause the URQ and LLQ reactions to decrease.

~~ ~~ t!
------+------- "'
! !
------t-------
,......... AT(""'
{~\
t I J, /

tbachideJ ~\
Figure 3.4 (ix) Figure 3.4 (x)
(ix) - Placing south on the LLQ and north on the lower left lumbar region causes the URQ and
LLQ reactions to increase.
(x) - Placing south on the RLQ and north on the right lower lumbar region causes the URQ and
LLQ reactions to decrease.

N = north magnet .U. = reduction of pressure pain

S = south magnet 1t = increase of pressure pain
 Yin-Yang Theory 47

If we use this method to examine the boundary lines that pass through the
navel to delineate superior and inferior regions, similar reversals of reactive areas
occur depending on the polarity of the magnets.
These simple tests clearly demonstrate all three sets of antagonisms and polar-
ities that compose the octahedral model. What is significant here is not just the par-
ticular mechanisms that underlie each expression of octahedral antagonism, but
also the general rules behind all these mechanisms. The fact that the body manifests
a set of antagonisms is most important. We must ask: what are the biological func-
tions of such a structure? We have speculated on the role such a system may play
in the management and distribution of energy. In primitive organisms this would
be a very significant aspect of regulation. In higher organisms its significance may
be reduced by the multiplicity of other mechanisms that have evolved, but it may
still play a biological role similar to the role it plays in more primitive organisms. In
terms of acupuncture and the regulation of energy (qi), the octahedral antagonism
is significant. The boundary lines of this octahedral symmetry are all yin-yang
antagonisms: inferior-superior, anterior-posterior, right-left.
As we shall see in later chapters, we can devise powerful treatment procedures
based on octahedral theory, which is an essential part of the overall picture, the sig-
nal system.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 In chapter two we also referenced our development and use of the M.I.D. as an objective, statis-
tical means for demonstrating the octahedral model. See also, Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara
Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, pp. 228-231.
2 See for example: Mortensen, 0. and A. P. Stougard, "Harlequin colour change in the newborn"'
Acta Obst. et. Gynec. Scandinav. 36, 352-359, 1959.
3 See Hayden, R. and M. Grossman, "Rectal, ocular and submaxillary pain," Amer.Jour.Diseases
Childhood 197:479-482, 1959. Dugan, R. E., "Familial Rectal Pain," Lancet, April1972, p. 854; Mann, T.P.
and J. E. Gee, "Familial rectal pain," Lancet, May 1972, pp. 106-107; Diggle, J. H., "Familial proctalgia
with painful harlequin flushing," unpublished manuscript.
4 Hori, S. et al., "Objective consideration of the correspondence between pulse diagnosis and
quadridemarkation of the body," abstract, Amer. Jour. Acup. 13:1, p. 80, 1985. From Jour. Jap. Soc. Acup.
33:4, p.420-426, 1984.
5 See for example Kapit, W. and L. Elson, Anatomy Coloring Book, p. 69, New York: Harper & Row,
1977.
6 Edisen et al., "Regional and lateral specificity of acupuncture-induced action of blood-factor
effects inhibiting flexor reflex in the rabbit'" Physiol. Chern & Phys. & Med. NMR 15, p. 189-199, 1983.
 ),1'.\~
Y~~~
~
CHAPTER FOUR

THE CHANNEL SYSTEM:

/ING LUO THEORY

Like yin-yang, the concepts of the jing luo, the channels or meridians, and their
xue, the acupoints, are central to the traditional theories of acupuncture and moxi-
bustion. Along the course of the channels were said to flow the qi, blood, ying, and
wei. Each channel was described as having a direction of flow and as being con-
nected in a continuous circuit. On this circuit the more than 360 acupoints were
described by their locations, categories, and general use.
The term jing luo refers generally to the channel system, but this involves more
than the vertical trajectories, the jing mai, and includes the connecting horizontal tra-
jectories, the luo mai. Other channel systems in the body describe different func-
tional sets. Each category has different associated functions, with overlappings
among all categories.
Type No. Function
jing mai (primary channels) 12 connecting to internal organs & external
limbs & joints
luo mai (connecting vessels) 15 interconnect the organ-channel system
qi jing mai (extraordinary vessels) 8 regulate the channel system
jing jin (channel sinews) 12 connect with body musculature
jing bie (channel divergences) 12 branching & leading back to the channels
jing shui (water channels) ?? referenced only briefly and obscurely

The acupoints are found only on the shi si jing (fourteen channels): the twelve
jing mai (primary channels) and two of the qi jing mai, the ren mai and du mai. All
other channels intersect acupoints on these fourteen channels and have no acu-
points of their own. According to our model, use of the twelve primary channels,
the channel sinews, and the extraordinary vessels are usually sufficient to regulate
the body through the octahedral and (iso)phasal components of the signal system.
If we examine aspects of their nature, origins, and functions, and apply it to our
model of the signal system, we can discover how the twelve primary channels, the
channel sinews and the extraordinary vessels regulate the body through the octahe-
dral and phasal components of the signal system.
Few attempts have been made to clarify the nature of the channels and acu-
points or to confirm the various theories related to them. If we examine the diffi-
culties associated with studying these phenomena, we may be able to describe a
50 The Channel System: Jing Luo Theory

variety of tests, experiments, and theories that both demonstrate and clarify their
nature. We have already stated that the channels and acupoints seem to be an
essential component of the X-signal system. In demonstrating this we can not only
demonstrate traditional theories, but describe new clinical rules and devise useful
clinical procedures.

PATHWAYS OF THE TWELVE PRIMARY CHANNELS

In chapter ten of the Ling Shu we find simple, concise, and very abbreviated
descriptions of the pathways of the twelve primary channels. These descriptions
form the basis of most later descriptions. There have always been difficulties
understanding these ideas. As with many other classical discussions through the
long history of Chinese medicine, numerous inconsistencies and variations arose as
different ideas about their pathways, natures, and functions were added by differ-
ent authors. Perhaps the most commonly cited descriptions can be found in the Shi
Si Jing Fa Hui of the fourteenth century, which gives detailed, relatively clear
descriptions of each channel. But if we examine modern acupuncture texts from
around the world, we find variations for each of the twelve channels and many of
their acupoints.
Many books describe the bladder channel as having two parallel trajectories,
the first one and one half cun (divisions) and the second three cun lateral to the
spine. Other books describe three parallel trajectories, the third being half a cun lat-
eral to the spine. Still other texts describe the third trajectory as being down the
spine itself. There are also variations in location and order of specific acupoints.
Some believe that the order of the bladder channel and its acupoints passes from
the line one and one half divisions lateral to the spine (BL-11 to BL-35 at the base
of the spine), to the top of the line three divisions lateral to the spine (BL-36), then
down the back and the leg to BL-50. Others believe that the medial line first
descends the leg to the popliteal crease then rises to the top of the lateral line on the
back.
How do we approach these differences to determine if one is right, or more
correct, than the other? Proponents of each theory claim clinical results to support
their theory. But what does this mean and how are we to evaluate these claims?
In some German 1 and English2 texts we find descriptions of the abdominal
pathways of the stomach and kidney channels that are more lateral than those
most other texts describe. When questioning some of these authors, we found that
this theory derived from a literal interpretation of some sketches from sixteenth
century and early seventeenth century acupuncture texts. The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng
is often cited. This text presents somewhat primitive and exaggerated representa-
tions of the pathways of these two channels. Again, the proponents of these inter-
pretations lay claim to clinical results as support for the acceptance of their
sources.
We can see in the following illustrations from the Zhen Jiu Ju Ying of 1529 that
the stomach channel trajectory is not shown as moving closer to the midline of the
abdomen as is described by most sources. Instead, it remains more lateral, rough-
ly on a line that passes through the nipple. Likewise, the kidney channel is shown
much further lateral to the midline than is typical. Again, these pictorial trajecto-
ries have their proponents, despite the written descriptions in the same texts. The
textual discussions of point location do not match the illustrations in the same
book. The written descriptions place the channel trajectories closer to the midline
than the representative diagrams.
 The Channel System: Jing Luo Theory 51

Figure 4.1: Ancient channel trajectories of the stomach and kidney

In addition to variations of actual channel trajectories from school to school,
there are many variations of acupoint location. Two illustrative examples show the
scope of this problem. In China today, LU-7 is located in the small hollow on the
radius, one and one half divisions proximal to the wrist crease. In Japan, it is usu-
ally located one and one half divisions proximal to the wrist crease on an imaginary
line between LU-9 and LU-5, that is, between the radius and radial artery.3 Similarly,
LI-2 is usually said to lie on the large intestine channel distal to the metacarpopha-
langeal joint. Yet others place it at the middle phalangeal joint. Again, good clini-
cal results are claimed for either location.

Figure 4.2: Alternate locations of LU-7 & LI-2

Anyone familiar with more than one traditional view of acupuncture and
moxibustion can recount similar examples. Many questions exist regarding which
theory or interpretation is correct. These differences and unresolved contradictions
fuel the fires of skepticism in the scientific community. Those who believe that
acupuncture and East Asian medicine are simply nonsense point to these inconsis-
tencies with glee. Such inconsistencies also have had a negative impact in the
52 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

acupuncture community, where many who study acupuncture and moxibustion do

not believe in the existence of the channels. They consider only the acupoints, and
often not even the classical acupoints. The problem is large and difficult to resolve.
We saw earlier how the requirements of scientific rigor often force the
researcher to ignore precisely those ideas to which their attention should be given.
These philosophical and methodological problems are exacerbated when acupunc-
turists posit that the channels are just a conceptual idea, perhaps only a heuristic
device. The various interpretations and variations of pathways and locations are
used as evidence of this. Thus, in both the West and East Asia, there is controversy
as to the existence, nature, and usefulness of the channels and their acupoints.
Essentially the problem becomes one of verification and research. How does
one demonstrate that one theory or interpretation is valid, or that it is more valid
than another? Is it possible to resolve the textual inconsistencies? This is made even
more difficult because each school and tradition claims that clinical success vali-
dates its particular viewpoint. Clinical success does not guarantee the validity of a
theory. It requires that we address the equally difficult problem of defining what we
mean by " success." When different traditions claim success in their treatments,
what independent standards do we use?
The problem is further compounded by the difficulties inherent in actually
measuring the channels and acupoints, of mapping them scientifically. If the chan-
nels and acupoints are indeed real, then they should have some material basis in the
body. My friend the late Dr. Yoshio Nakatani of Japan, the founder of the Ryodoraku
school, measured and used the electrical characteristics of the channels and acu-
points, especially the source-yuan points.4 Dr. Reinhold Voll of Germany mapped
the channels and acupoints electrically and diagnosed by measuring electrical prop-
erties at the terminal or jing points.5 Dr. Robert Becker of the United States has mea-
sured the electrical characteristics of the channels and acupoints.6 Dr. Li Ding Zhong
of China has presented dramatic evidence for the existence of the channels through
his study of dermatological diseases? He also presents evidence for the channels
derived from the phenomenon of propagated sensations, a phenomenon first
described in Japan in the 1950s, occurring in a small percentage of people.S In this
last category, with insertion of a needle into a specific acupoint, sensitive persons
can describe the trajectories of the channels based on the sensations that they expe-
rience. Many practitioners have had patients who have at least some ability to
describe these propagating sensations.
r--"\"W. . ......-:-r---,

Figure 4.3a: Map of propagating sensations on patient's shoulder and back.

 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 53

The preceding figure shows the pathways described by a blind channel-sensi-

tive person after needling GV-14. Drs. Rokuro Fujita, Masao Maruyama, and Yoshio
Manaka examined this patient. Notice the various lines over which he would con-
sistently feel the propagating sensations. This was a particularly interesting case.
GV-14 is located below C7 (cervical seven) according to one theory, below C6 (cer-
vical six) according to another, and below T1 (thoracic one) according to yet anoth-
er. The examiners took advantage of this sensitive patient's descriptions to investi-
gate these different locations. It was found that needling any of the three locations
produced the same propagations. Each was felt in three directions.
However, when a large magnet was placed on the patient's shoulder close to
GV-14, the different locations produced different radiations when the point was nee-
dled. The C6 location radiated only to the bladder channel; the C7 location only to
the gallbladder channel; and the Tllocation only to the small intestine channel, each
point producing a different directional effect.

Figure 4.3b: Differing propagating sensations following magnet placement.

When thinking about this phenomenon and these different directional effects,
we reasoned that they might be related to the electromagnetic fields of the body, that
small changes in the fields would change the pathways of propagation. We think
that this is probably a better way to understand the phenomenon. This example
makes obvious the difficulty of drawing any concrete conclusions about exact chan-
nel pathways or acupoint locations.
If we study every researcher's tests and studies, we find that each researcher
describes different pathways and different acupoint locations. Often these path-
ways and point locations are quite different from the classical descriptions. As with
the classical and modern acupuncture literature, there is little consensus regarding
exact trajectories, pathways, and locations. These findings only seem to add to the
controversy. How can we understand these seemingly contradictory ideas and
descriptions?
We think it is possible to reach some acceptable understanding by considering
the following:
- The roles or functions of the channel system.
- The probable evolution of the channel system concepts.
- The probable mechanisms of observation used by the ancients who first
described the channel systems.
If we are able to imagine ourselves living at the time when the channel system
was first being described and systematized, we may be able to gain some insight
54 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

into what the channels were thought to be. What were the likely observations that
inspired the ancient Chinese to speculate and then develop channel system theory?
Perhaps coupling these speculations with simple clinical tests and demonstrations
using "polarity agents," that is, working from the demonstrable channel phenom-
ena themselves, we may be able to resolve some of the contradictions and difficul-
ties.
For staunch skeptics who question what the channels "really" are, our
methodology will be unacceptable. There likely will never be a satisfactory answer
for such questions, at least until the advent of an as yet unconceived measuring
method. Perhaps such questions of reality are far too problematic, as they are
rarely (if ever) resolved. The hidden assumptions, the manner in which the ques-
tion is asked, and the methods chosen to find the answer, always color or preselect
the research findings. Even the most ardent objectivists recognize that purely
objective research is theoretically and practically impossible. Thus, questions of
reality are rarely the terrain of the scientist.9 Often the ability to ask the correct
question is as important as finding an answer.

CHANNEL SOFTWARE VERSUS HARDWARE

Many authors have taken an analogy from computer science to distinguish
the software of a system from its hardware. For example, Davies has suggested
that there are software laws that cannot be logically derived from the underlying
hardware:
We are therefore led to entertain the possibility that there exist "software laws"
in nature, which govern the behavior of organization, information and complexi-
ty. These laws are fundamental, in the sense that they cannot logically be derived
from the underlying "hardware laws" that are the traditional subject matter of
fundamental physics, but they are also compatible with those underlying laws . ..
The software laws apply to emergent phenomena, inducing their appearance and
controlling their form and behavior.lO
Perhaps the channels operate as software, as emergent properties of the body's
hardware.
A few years ago, on a trip to Paris, we had the good fortune to visit the
Sorbonne museum. There, an historical collection of scientific hardware, scientific
equipment and curiosities, was displayed. It was interesting to see so many dif-
ferent hardware devices, practically all of which are now out of date or have failed
to survive. The software, the theories behind such a diversity of hardware, are nei-
ther so numerous nor so complex, but the physical outcome is sufficiently vast to
fill a museum with their skeletons. Perhaps there is some similarity between this
and the channels. One could see in this museum that the software has remained
practically unchanged, while the hardware rapidly comes and goes. Perhaps it is
not critically important to know the hardware of the channels, since treatments can
be devised without that information.
We can report many clinical cases where the significance of the channel soft-
ware is clearly the most important information. For example, at the Kitasato
Institute, Ms. Itaya treated a patient for amenorrhea. This patient had received
numerous hormonal treatments that were ineffective. Physical exams showed her
in good health except for the amenorrhea. She had tried various Western medical
treatments during the last three years without success and was finally told by the
physicians that her case was hopeless. However, we could find a very clear East
Asian medical diagnosis for her condition. In this case, the channels were an essen-
tial key to successful diagnosis and treatment.
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 55

While the hardware or mechanisms of these imbalances remain unclear, we are

able to make diagnoses and perform successful treatments using just the software,
the theories that are based on the unknown hardware. Such is often the case in the
practical application of systems or methodologies. For example, an expert river
fisherman can almost intuitively judge the best weather and river conditions and
select the part of the river that will yield the best catch. Despite there being little
hardware or physical evidence to support the methodology of expertise in river fish-
ing, such expertise truly exists. Similarly, a professional baseball player is able to hit
a ball that is travelling at very high speeds with incredible precision. The rate at
which the ball travels is on the order of ten times faster than the speed of the nerve
signals that must occur for the player to strike the ball. The hardware for such
expertise is thus difficult, if not impossible, to describe. A high level of technology
can be developed without any scientific foundation, as long as one has the ability to
perform the appropriate input-output analysis of the observable phenomena.
Expertise or knowledge of the channel software is a form of understanding the
body's "blackbox."ll
While we can offer no clear description of the body's hardware, we propose
that it is better to examine and define the software first. This not only helps us in
our quest to define the hardware, it helps us refine our clinical skills as we discover
clinical rules and applications. To this end, the use of polarity agents is extremely
useful for mapping operative characteristics and providing a practical body of
knowledge based on simple, repeatable tests.
For example, tradition teaches that channel flow begins with the lung channel
at LU-1 on the pectoral muscle. It then flows down the arm to the thumb and
returns from the index finger at Ll-1 as the large intestine channel, travels up the
arm, shoulder and neck, to the side of the nostrils. Here it continues as the stomach
channel, etc. We can take advantage of the electrical characteristics of the channels
to investigate this. Using the polarity agents of zinc (-) and copper (+), we can
demonstrate this circuit. If pressure pain appears on this part of the circuit, since the
stream of the circuit is unidirectional, placing copper (+) upstream (close to the
source/origin/beginning) and zinc(-) downstream (further from the origin), with-
out joining the two metals, should cause any pressure pain located between the two
metals to decrease or vanish. We propose this because of the addition of current
flow in the direction of flow of the channels. If we reverse the zinc and copper,
according to this same logic, the pressure pain should return.
This is exactly what happens. This two-point contact works regardless of the
distance between the points. The two metals can be placed only on the lung or large
intestine channels, or as one metal on each. One metal can be on the shoulder and
the other on the hand or both can be only a centimeter apart; all combinations work.
The pressure pain on the circuit between the metals is increased or decreased
depending only on polarity. However, pressure pain is unaffected when the metals
are placed on points that are not on the channels or are on other channels.12 With
this simple experiment we can begin to map the channel software.

EARLY OBSERVATIONS OF THE CHANNEL SYSTEMS

When we read a classic description of the channels, we are reading the prod-
uct of many years of research and practice. This is often forgotten. There was an
evolution prior to the writing of the early texts, and an evolution of ideas through
later and modem texts. Parts of this evolution will always remain unclear, lost in
history, while other parts can be traced through reasonable conjecture, and archae-
ological and textual research.
56 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

The earliest observations of the channel system were somewhat similar to the
propagated sensations already described. Perhaps various ancient doctors found
particularly sensitive patients, or were themselves exceptionally sensitive. They
described sensations that propagated along specific routes when the body was stim-
ulated. Wishing to document and teach their discoveries, these ancient doctors wrote
books. Possibly, the readers of these books did not share the authors' sensitivity or
experiences. They may have had difficulty understanding what was written because
they did not share the direct observation that produced the descriptions. Thus, they
understood the descriptions slightly differently, each according to their individual
background and clinical experience. We can envision how diverse interpretations of
a single phenomenon may have arisen. It is also worth noting that modem studies
of propagated sensations reveal individual differences in the trajectories of propaga-
tion. It is likely that this was also a factor in ancient times. The phenomenon is clear-
ly documented, but it does not provide the systematic theories we have now. It pro-
vides the foundations on which such a systematization could be constructed.
This systematization probably occurred as the result of direct observations. It
was, for example, commonly observed that treating a point on one part of the body
produced changes at another part. The evolution of vertical or longitudinal relation-
ships -later called the channels- probably included this variety of observation as well.
Recently a manuscript titled Yin Yang Shi Yi Mai Jiu Jing (Yin yang eleven-vessel
moxa treatise), dated prior to 168 BC, was excavated at the Mawangtui archeological
site in China. In this text there is no mention of a twelfth channel corresponding to
hand jue yin (pericardium); neither is there any reference to a three yin-three yang cat-
egorization of the channels, a five-phase categorization, or any specific acupoints. To
date, this is the oldest extant written record that makes reference to the jingluo. It is
believed by some to be the antecedent of the jingluo system described in the Nei Jing.
The channel system used in that era was much simpler, referring more to body
parts than to internal organs. Yet we cannot doubt that it was effective as a thera-
peutic system in its day. At least we can safely assume that its inclusion with other
treasures indicates that the book was honored and revered. We cannot say conclu-
sively that this system was the prototype of the channel systems described by later
literature; however, we can imagine that at least the earliest channel system concept
would include the ideas of inferior-superior, vertical body relationships, that are
described by this early text.
Another example of what is probably an early conceptual stage in the evolu-
tion of the channel system can be found in chapter 21 of the Su Wen. Here, only four
categories are given for the channels. The back of the body is labeled as being con-
trolled by tai yang, the front by yang ming, the lateral aspect by shao yang, and the
medial aspect of the limbs by tai yin. Ling Shu chapters 10 and 15 describe the chan-
nels as a circuit:
lung ~ large intestine
~
spleen <:::: stomach
~
heart ~ small intestine
~
kidney <:::: bladder
~
pericardium~ triple burner
~
liver <= gallbladder
~
lung~ etc
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 57

The Ling Shu 17 and Nan ]ing 23 describe all the channels as running from the
toes and fingers centripetally, not as a circuit. Similarly, Ling Shu chapter 5 describes
the channel "root"' and "knots" all of which flow centripetally. It was not until
much later texts, such as the Shi Si Jing Fa Hui (Elucidation of the fourteen channels)
(1341 AD) that we see the now standard descriptions of the circuit first outlined in
chapter 15 of the Ling Shu. These variations suggest that the channel categories and
pathways were developed in stages. Among the various means of classifying the
channels that survived to this day, only a few are used in clinical practice. This does
not make the other descriptions wrong per se. Difficulty in comprehension and uti-
lization is not proof of error. Some inventive practitioners and researchers are able
to understand and utilize less common descriptions with good effects.13
In the theories of traditional acupuncture and moxibustion, there are two
methods of treatment. In the first, problems such as headache and toothache are
treated using specific local points. One can treat known reflex points without any
thought of channel theory. The second method does not utilize these local reflex
points. Based on probable empirical observation of inferior-superior relationships,
and thus less reliant on the effectiveness of local points, this second method utilizes
more distal points instead.
For instance, for lumbago one can utilize inferior-superior correlations to
select points or areas of the body for needle stimulation. Chapter 41 of the Su Wen
describes over twenty different treatments for lumbago. Many point prescriptions
are related to specific channel problems; for example, liver channel lumbago, kidney
channel lumbago or extraordinary vessel lumbago, such as that of the yin wei mai
and yang wei mai. These descriptions provide evidence for the systematization of
vertical or longitudinal relationships through the concept of a channel system.
The experience of placing a needle and obtaining a directional effect was also
an important step in the development of channel theory. From these experiences the
ancient Chinese, step by step, devised a system composed of twelve primary chan-
nels. We can imagine how the original practitioners of acupuncture and moxibus-
tion used these methods of observation to research and select acupoints beneficial
for specific conditions. They compiled an experiential knowledge of several hun-
dred acupoints. The need for a systematic usage of these points in relatively simple
treatment procedures that could be taught and recorded led to a systematization of
vertical point relationships. From this and other research, they developed the con-
cept of twelve primary channels each having a left and right pathway, and of two
central channels. The acupoints were placed on these lines and named the jing xue,
channel points.
The twelve bilateral primary channels were categorized as six yin and six yang
channels:
Name Arm/leg Channel
tai yang arm small intestine
leg bladder
shao yang arm triBle burner
leg ga lbladder
yangming arm large intestine
leg stomach
tai yin arm lung
leg spleen
shao yin arm heart
leg kidney
jue yin leg tericardium
leg ver
58 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

Further, since it is written in the old books that if the yin increases the yang decreas-
es, someone then theorized that the yin channels were ascending streams of qi that
ran from the toes to the torso and from the torso to the fingers. Based on the same
idea, someone theorized that the yang channels were descending streams of qi that
run from the fingers to the head and from the head to the toes.
This style of thinking appears to be only theoretical. However, as we will see,
it is possible to demonstrate the flow as well as the circuit. Further, it is possible that
this flow may have been observed through the propagated sensation phenomena
and the heightened sensitivities of certain people. When these ideas became cou-
pled with the directional effects of stimulation, the concept developed further. The
channels and their characteristics were the result of adding theoretical explanations,
software, to the effects observed.
Reviewing illustrations from texts such as the Shi Si Jing Fa Hui of 1341, the
Zhen Jiu Ju Ying of 1529, and the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng of 1601, shows that the channels
were not traced with great anatomical accuracy. One can also see slight variations
even where it appears that one set of illustrations is based on another set. For exam-
ple, the illustrations of at least the Ju Ying were based on the illustrations of the ear-
lier Shi Si Jing Fa Hui. We can see interpretational differences, and these continue
throughout history.
We can demonstrate "channel-related phenomena" that support traditional
descriptions, but we cannot prove that channels exist, or clearly state their nature.
The traditional descriptions were of the channel software. It is to the uses and
effects of this software that our attention should tum, for in this we can discover the
secrets of the channels. We have found that channels are related to the signal sys-
tem and are an important aspect of the regulation and overall operation of the body.

RESEARCHING THE CHANNEL SOFTWARE

In modem textbooks, we find exact anatomical descriptions of the channels
and their acupoints. They are illustrated with thin, precise lines and described by
Western anatomical locations. How were these precise locations determined? Is
there any evidence that these are valid? If the justification for a particular pathway
or location is clinical experience, then we would do better to examine the different
techniques of stimulation employed by each of the researchers - examine the soft-
ware, rather than the hardware.
We also need to examine the various techniques and instruments used to mea-
sure and observe the channels. The variations produced by each technique or
device are the result of the difference between what they are measuring and the
methods used to calibrate the instruments.14 Each electronic device contains a cir-
cuit that modifies the raw currents so that a reading may be produced. This too is
software, a set of assumptions concerning the nature of what is measured. From
these differences we must also extract the normal physiological variations that occur
through individual differences and normal biorhythmic fluctuations. Until all these
are measured and calibrated so that some concept of "normal variation" can be jus-
tified, no measurement or reading can be taken at face value.
The channels may be considered as the systematization of the longitudinal
relationships between acupuncture points. The channels (including the extraordi-
nary vessels and the channel sinews) were viewed as parallel systems of energy
transmission. Although the system of channels describes the longitudinal relation-
ship between acupuncture points, it is not the only conceivable system. As lines or
pathways of energy circulation, the channels were said to have unidirectional flow
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 59

in continuous circuits. IS The major circuit begins on the lung channel, passing to the
large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium,
triple burner, gallbladder, liver, and then back to the lung.
Within this major circuit are smaller circuits, comprised of the arm and leg, yin
and yang pairs of the three yin, three yang categorization.
yin yang yin yant?; yin yang
shao yin tai yang joe yin shao yang tai yin yang ming
HTE > SI LR E > GB LU E > LI

IXI IXI IXI

KIE ~ BL PC E ~ TB SP E ~ ST
Figure 4.4: Continuous circuits of paired meridians:
Shao yin-tai yang (heart-small intestine-bladder-kidney}, make a continuous circuit.
Jue yin-shao yang (pericardium-triple burner-gallbladder-liver}, make a continuous circuit.
Tai yin-yang ming (lung-large intestine-stomach-spleen), make a continuous circuit.

These circuits or sets are important components of channel software, as they

form the basis of important clinical concepts and various treatment methods.
Numerous simple clinical tests use this software to corroborate channel theory and
to provide a clearer definition of other characteristics of the signal system. The use
of pressure points is the key to this simple and repeatable validity.
The simplest channel points are pressure pain locations.l6 These tender reflex
points are real, but when we try to research the relationships between the locations
of these points and the organ problems they reflect, we encounter great difficulty. As
an example, consider the acupoint LI-4, located on the muscle between the thumb
and forefinger. This point on one hand - usually the right - is often tender, while
on the other hand it is not. If the left arm is extended outward to the side, while
looking to the right, the pressure pain will shift from right to left LI-4 (and vice
versa). Since the pressure pain can be exchanged by body movements that we can-
not suppose instantly change an organ condition, we cannot safely say that this
pressure pain is related to some disease. Rather, it is related to tension of the mus-
cles, tendons, and body posture. From this and other examples, we can posit that it
is questionable to always directly associate pressure pain with internal diseases.
Pressure pain points indicate or signal pre-clinical functional changes that
could be associated with either normal changes or pre-clinical pathologies. For
example, after drinking water the stomach wall expands, producing tension and
pressure pain in the subcostal region. This pressure pain is not pathological; it is a
sign of functional change. However, in a patient who lives a stressful life, pressure
pain and tension in the same area may be signs of a condition that will much later
produce symptoms. When we consider the relationships of the pressure pain points
to the channel points, we should consider these possibilities.
Pressure pain is extremely useful in diagnosis, and it is particularly useful for
clinical research. We can use the presence, relief, and return of pressure pain at an
acupoint as a gauge by which to observe the effects of a procedure. In acupuncture,
the application of needles or moxa mechanically stimulates the points. However, we
can produce the same effects using minute amounts of stimulation from the positive
60 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

and negative polarity of polarity agents. By stimulating acupoints without stimu-

lating the nervous system, we can observe the increase or decrease of pressure pain
at these points and discover the relationships between points.

CLINICAL EXPERIMENTS WITH POLARITY AND THE JINGLUO

The following discussions describe a number of simple clinical tests and
experiments designed to study various traditional theories and concepts. Central
to these tests are the finding of pressure pain at related acupoints and then either
the relief or lessening of the pressure pain or a reversal, a worsening of the pressure
pain. In each test we applied particular technique(s) to specific acupoint(s) and
observed changes of the pressure pain response in related point(s). Knowing that
the pressure pain response could change with changes of the body posture, all tests
were done with the subject lying supine, in a relaxed state. Knowing that the pres-
sure pain response could be associated with particular pathologies, relatively
healthy subjects were tested. There were a few occasions where the tests and
results did not match the findings described below. In our experience, this was
usually due to the presence of some hidden or pre-clinical problem. In such cases,
the simple tests, applied without a diagnosis and usually only briefly, were not
enough to produce an observable response on their own. A more complete proce-
dure, i.e., diagnosis and treatment, did produce the expected changes. Here we
wish only to illustrate theoretical principles of diagnosis and treatment.
Two common problems that can show no response, or different responses in
the tests, are poor point location and repeated testing of the same points or palpa-
tion of the same points. In the pages that follow, we describe tests that were con-
ducted over a number of years on a number of different subjects - often students
and assistants. Each test was always done by first ascertaining the presence and
degree of pressure pain and then reevaluating it after applying each technique
being tested. If more than one variable factor was examined at the same time, only
one factor was varied with each test.
We think that the results of these tests allow us to investigate and make state-
ments about traditional concepts with reasonable certainty. The pressure pain
response is usually a sign of hidden or pre-clinical changes in the body. It is thus
a direct sign of changes in the signal system itself. Tests that use very small
amounts of stimulation, designed to look at changes in pressure pain responses,
can give us specific information about the workings of the signal system.

CIRCUIT FLOW: DIRECTIONAL POLARITIES OF THE CHANNELS

Earlier we described the polar effects of stroking with or against the bladder
channel flow. This is a simple illustration of the directional qualities of a channel.
Stroking lightly down the channel (in the direction of flow) with the thumb will
relieve a KI-ll reaction; stroking up the channel (against the direction of flow) with
the thumb will cause the reaction to return. Stroking down the channel (with the
flow) with the little finger instead of the thumb will cause a return of the KI-ll reac-
tion. Stroking up the channel (against the flow) with the little finger will relieve the
KI-ll reaction. We have already demonstrated that the thumb is positive and the
little finger negative, thus we can see that the directional effects of the channel are
polarity-dependent as well.
We also described supplementation (tonification) and drainage (dispersion)
techniques and mentioned the technique of needling a point with or against the
flow of the channel to supplement or drain. The phenomenon produced by
 The Channel System: ]ing-Luo Theory 61

angling the needle in a certain direction is another example of a directional prop-

erty associated with channels. The following example demonstrates this.
We have found that treating a point on one side of the body will generally
relieve a reaction at a point on the same side of the body. When treating a point on
the midline of the body, reactive points on either or both sides will be relieved. For
example, if right LI-4 is reactive, an intradermal needle (hinaishin) inserted to a
depth of 1 to 2 millimeters at GV-14 in a downward direction will reduce the LI-4
reaction. Removal of the needle followed by reinsertion in the same point, but in an
upward direction, will restore the original LI-4 reaction. Needling CV-6 at a depth
of 1 to 2 millimeters in an upward direction will reduce the reaction. Needling CV-
6 in a downward direction will restore the LI-4 reaction.
While this test does not specifically demonstrate the direction of "flow" at GV-
14 or CV-6, it does demonstrate that the direction of needle insertion is important
and also that the effect is not neurophysiological. Since the same point produces an
opposite effect, the nervous system, as it is described by science, cannot be the
arbiter of that effect. This is again another polarity related to the directional quali-
ties of channels.
In modem China the angle of insertion is usually viewed with some disdain.
Most needles are inserted perpendicularly and deeply. With deep insertion, the ner-
vous system is stimulated and different effects are produced. When needles are
inserted shallowly, as with the hinaishin, and as was the practice in classical times
(since they claimed to obtain opposite effects using needle direction polarities), we
can clearly demonstrate the polar effects of opposite needle directions.l7
Aside from the notion of needling with and against channel flow to produce
supplementation or drainage, a second interpretation of the classics exists. To pro-
duce supplementation when needling more than one point on a channel, first nee-
dle closer to the origin of channel flow, then needle consecutively further down the
channel stream. To achieve drainage, the opposite is true: needle further down the
channel stream, then consecutively closer to the origin of channel flow. For exam-
ple, for right LI-4 reaction, one might first needle LI-11 shallowly, then LI-8, then LI-
6, LI-2, to drain the channel and reduce the LI-4 pain. If the order of stimulation is
reversed, starting at LI-2, the LI-4 reaction would be restored. Thus, it seems that
both interpretations of the classical idea are workable, further confirming the notion
of needle direction polarity. This too is demonstrating the directional qualities of the
channel. We can see how a conceptual definition or characteristic can be tested for
validity, even where "reality" cannot be approached. Thus, we can subject more
traditional ideas to methodologically specific scrutiny. IS
The next few examples utilize the polarity agents of copper (+) and zinc (-),
north and south magnetic poles. These agents are extremely useful, because the
body responds in specific ways according to where the metals or magnets are
placed. We frequently utilize them for mapping and defining specific characteris-
tics inherent to the channel system.
We have already described a simple use of zinc and copper on the lung and
large intestine channels to relieve, or cause the return of, pressure pain on the chan-
nel pathway between the metals. We described our findings that copper (+)
upstream (closer to the channel's beginning) and zinc (-) downstream, will cause
pressure pain to reduce. Zinc upstream and copper downstream will cause it to
return. This is true in almost all cases on the primary channels. It is not so clear (and
may actually reverse) with the extraordinary vessels. For certain specific acupoints
the concept does not apply. All these findings describe a characteristic of the chan-
nel software.
62 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

The same phenomenon can be seen with the use of magnets. If we place a
north-facing magnet(+) upstream and a south facing magnet(-) downstream, the
pressure pain of points between the magnets will decrease or disappear. If we
reverse the polarity, the pressure pain will increase or reappear. Thus, taking as a
specific example pressure pain on right LI-4, we choose a random distal point on the
large intestine channel and place a north magnet at this point. At a proximal point
we place the south magnet and the LI-4 reaction will decrease or disappear.
Reversing the position of the magnets will cause the LI-4 reaction to return. The dis-
tance between the points is irrelevant to the strength of the effect.

N+ pressure pain decreases s -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
channel stream

s - pressure pain increases N+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
channel stream

Figure 4.5: Polarity experiments on LI-4 with cu and zn

If we use random points on the lung channel, placing zinc (-) distally and copper (+)
proximally, it will reduce reaction at the same LI-4 point (provided the points are on
the same side of the body). Using copper distally and zinc proximally on the lung
channel will cause the LI-4 reaction to return. The polarity reverses because the
lung channel flows distally (away from the center of the body) and the large intes-
tine channel flows proximally (toward the center of the body). The continuity of this
channel stream can be seen in the next example.
We can also use the tai yin-yang ming circuit (the four-channel set, lung-large
intestine-stomach-spleen) to demonstrate this continuity and establish the direc-
tional qualities of each channel. If we place copper (+) randomly upstream on one
channel in this circuit and zinc(-) randomly on a point on the next channel in the
circuit, we obtain the expected effect. Thus, for example, copper on a point on the
large intestine channel, and zinc on a point on the stomach channel, will decrease
the LI-4 pressure pain regardless of the distance between the two points. Reversing
the polarity, zinc on the large intestine and copper on the stomach channel, will
cause the reaction to return. On the arms, legs, arms and legs, or only one centime-
ter apart, all combinations reduce or increase the pressure pain, depending only on
the polarity of application. Direction of flow is demonstrable and the demonstra-
tion is repeatable.
Examining further qualities of the four-channel sets, we can use polarity
agents to reduce distal pressure pain points and points that may not be located on
the channel at all. For instance, using the large intestine channel (a proximally flow-
ing channel), we can place copper (+) distally or upstream on the right channel and
zinc(-) proximally or downstream on the same side. This placement of polarities
will reduce pressure pain on ST-27, a large intestine diagnostic point. Reversing the
position of the two metals will cause the pressure pain to return.
Using the kidney channel (a proximally flowing channel), we can place copper
(+) distally on the left channel and zinc (-) proximally on the same side. This place-
ment of polarities will reduce pressure pain on left KI-16, a diagnostic point of the
kidney channel. Reversing the position of the polarity agents, placing the zinc (-)
distally and the copper (+) proximally, will cause a return of the reaction.
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 63

These two examples offer even greater significance than previous examples
because the results of testing on the arm or leg are observable on the abdominal
reflex points. Polarity and directional properties are clearly demonstrated, and the
likelihood of their non-neurological nature is corroborated.

Positioning the north pole (+) distal to the south pole (-) on a proximally flow-
ing channel will vanquish the pressure pain reaction found on a diagnostic point of
that channel. Reversing the polarity placement will cause the reaction to return.
We see a regularly occurring pattern here, related to polarity properties and corre-
lating with the directional properties (direction of flow) that are described in clas-
sical texts.

In particular, these last two examples have further clinical significance

because the main diagnostic area used is the abdomen. We can evaluate the effica-
cy of our treatments by assessing the reduction of pressure pain or tightness at
points on the abdomen that were found to be reactive before treatment. With the
correct selection of polarity agents, applied in the correct order, on carefully select-
ed points, the abdominal reactions can be reduced easily. As we will see, this
accomplishes the first stage of treatment.

There are other directional qualities associated with the channel and their
acupoints, as can be seen in the following two examples. Both use the effects of
magnetic polarity. The first demonstrates some left-right, surface properties asso-
ciated with the acupoints. These too are polarity dependent. The second demon-
strates properties of the acupoints that are tied to rotational vectors and that are
created with rotating magnets; these effects and properties are also polarity depen-
dent.
We can select a point "A'' on any of the channels of the four limbs. If we place
a north magnet close to, but not touching a south magnet, and place both magnets
on a horizontal plane to the left and right of point "A," the effects observed will
reverse when the two magnets are switched. One alignment will decrease pressure
pain at a point related to "A," while the other alignment will increase pressure
pain at the same point. For example, if we apply the magnets to the left and right
of TB-4, the source-yuan point of the triple burner channel, and palpate for a reac-
tion at ST-25 on the same side of the body, a triple burner diagnostic point, we can
observe this reversal. One application will reduce the ST-25 reaction, while the
reverse alignment will increase the reaction. Similarly, we can place magnets either
side of LI-4 and check the reaction at ST-27, the large intestine diagnostic point.
Magnets placed either side of SI-4 will influence the reaction found at ST-26, a small
intestine diagnostic point.

In further research, we have found that rotating a plastic disc with a two cen-
timeter diameter over an acupoint (without touching the surface of the skin) will
stimulate the point. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotations have reverse effects,
one positive and the other negative. For example, rotating the disc clockwise, then
counterclockwise, over the draining point (LI-2) and the supplementation point
(LI-11) of the channel has the following effects on pressure pain at Ll-4 on the same
arm:

point clockwise counterclockwise

LI-2 LI-4 increases LI-4 decreases
LI-11 Ll-4 decreases LI-4 increases
64 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

If we place four magnets at the corners of a centimeter square on the plastic disk,
the procedure can be repeated to check rotational magnetic polarity effects. With
all four magnets placed so that the north poles (+) face the acupoint, we obtain the
following results:

point clockwise counterclockwise

LI-2 LI-4 increases LI-4 decreases
LI-11 LI-4 decreases LI-4 increases

In this case, we can say that north-facing magnets are positive when rotated
clockwise and when rotated counterclockwise they are negative. Using south-fac-
ing magnets, the rotational polarities reverse:

point clockwise counterclockwise

LI-2 LI-4 decreases LI-4 increases
LI-11 LI-4 increases LI-4 decreases

This phenomenon shows clearly the use of the supplementation (LI-11) and
drainage (LI-2) points, relative to the five-phase supplementation (tonification) and
drainage (dispersion) techniques. Polarity agent stimulation and tests of five-
phase points are described in greater detail in chapter six.
This technique also works on almost all the acupoints on the body. However,
there are specific acupoints where this polarity produces the same effect with
either rotation. These are the intersection-jiaohui points (in Japanese, koe ketsu).
SP-6, san yin jiao, is the three leg yin intersection-jiaohui point. TB-8, san yang luo,
is the three arm yang intersection-jiaohui point. GB-35, yang jiao, is the three leg
yang intersection-jiaohui point. GB-31, feng shi, is also a three leg yang intersec-
tion-jiaohui point. A point on the pericardium channel, roughly halfway between
PC-3 and PC-7, around PC-4, is the Manaka three arm yin intersection-jiaohui
point. A point roughly two divisions above SP-10 is the Manaka leg three yin
intersection-jiaohui point. It is important to note that these points are all on the
gallbladder, triple burner, spleen, or pericardium channels. This is significant
because octahedral interpretations of yin-yang predict this discovery, since the
gallbladder, triple burner, spleen and pericardium channels define the lateral
dividing lines of the octahedron; see the discussion below.
Rotating either north or south magnets, clockwise or counterclockwise, over
these points will reduce pressure pain reactions at relevant diagnostic points (e.g.,
GB-26 the spleen diagnostic point, KI-16, the kidney diagnostic point, LR-14, the
liver diagnostic point, when SP-6 is tested without regard to polarity). In other acu-
points, polarity effects are the rule. Thus, we can say that these intersection-jiaohui
points are special points that are outside the realm of normal acupoint characteris-
tics. We feel that this anomaly is explained by octahedral theory. These points
occur on the octahedral dividing lines of the body (such as the ren mai and du mai).
We call this phenomenon the "san yin jiao characteristic."
These intersection-jiaohui points have unique characteristics, being receptive
to either positive or negative stimulation. Further, according to other tests we have
performed, they are able to receive information and transmit it to the opposite side
of the body. Normal acupoints tend to transmit only to the same side of the body.
Thus, these points are extremely useful.
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 65

GB-31

GB-35

Figure 4.6: The intersection-jiaohui points.

With the preceding experiments and countless other clinical examples, we
have been able to deduce that there is a specific circuit flow in the channels similar
to what is described by the classical texts. On the yin channels the flow ascends
from toes to torso, torso to fingers. On the yang channels the flow descends from
fingers to face, and face to toes.
While the classical texts do describe the flow of qi, blood, ying, and wei through
the channels, we cannot provide a clear verification of this idea. However, our
demonstrations do show that something is flowing, that it flows in a particular direc-
tion, and in a particular circuit. Part of its nature is related to the signal system. It
readily manifests using the tiny stimulation effects of the polarity agents.
Our research and demonstration of the systemic microcirculatory changes that
result from acupuncture (see appendix 2) allow us to say that we have some idea of
what the ancient Chinese observed when they postulated a flow of qi, blood, ying,
and wei. In this context, some original, interesting, and thought-provoking research
conducted by Professor Furukawa, an electrical engineer at Kagoshima University,
may prove to be enlightening. His research gives us hints as to the nature and func-
tion of channels and acupoints.
Acupoints are said to receive stimulation from needles and moxibustion and
through this stimulation to help regulate the flow of qi, blood, ying, and wei. But, as
we have demonstrated, the acupoints can also receive very small stimulation or
influences from the use of, for instance, polarity agents. Perhaps the acupoints, as
active sites on the channel trajectories, also have biological functions like those of
the channels. These function would also be part of the signal system and play
important operational and self-regulatory roles.
Professor Furukawa examined what happens when a subject holds his breath
for fifteen seconds. He measured the magnetic and electrical fields and the pH
value of points on the hands and feet, some of which were acupoints, and recorded
the changes in these variables before, during, and after the period in which the
breath was held. These variations are due to changes of the oxygenation level in
body tissues. Based on the results of his measurements, Dr. Furukawa conjectured
that the acupoints may be sensors that are sensitive to blood circulation, responding
66 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

to minute changes in the environment local to the point, and communicating infor-
mation that regulates circulation. Since we have seen that acupoints can detect and
discriminate very small signals, smaller than we can imagine, his ideas are not dif-
ficult to accept. If Professor Furukawa's conjectures are correct, we can speculate
that this observation may be only a modem interpretation of what the authors of the
Chinese medical classics called qi, blood, ying, and wei. This additional signal func-
tion allows us to speculate more generally that the function of the acupoints, and by
extension the channels, is one of transduction. Clearly, this idea is worth further
investigation.

CIRCUIT FLOW: CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

The clinical software of the channels is most clearly described by the various
categorization and relationship labels applied to the channels. One particularly use-
ful discussion from the classics describes the circuit of the twelve primary channels
through the period of a single day, that is, a circadian rhythm. For each two hour
period of the day, one of the twelve primary channels is said to reach a peak of ener-
gy level and activity. This biorhythm follows the overall circulation of the channels
with the heart channel peaking at noon and the gallbladder channel peaking at mid-
night. This circuit is as follows:

12

Figure 4.7: The channel clock

The origins of this circuit concept are lost in the depths of Chinese calendrical
and medical science. Tracing the historical course of the concept is a task we will
leave to others, as we concentrate our attention on the theoretical implications and
clinical applications of the circuit. We have been able to apply the relationships
inherent in this circuit to validate further our signal system concept and to extrapo-
late treatment techniques of great clinical value.
 The Channel System: ]ing-Luo Theory 67

The relationships described by this circuit are available at any time of day. At
6 pm (kidney channel peak). if we diagnose a fire imbalance, we can treat the fire
point of the kidney channel, KI-2. If we diagnose a problem of the large intestine
channel by finding pressure pain on ST-27 (reflex point for the large intestine), we
can treat the metal point of the kidney channel, KI -7. (The metal point is selected
because the large intestine is a metal phase channel). At 2 pm, if we find pressure
pain on KI-16. reflecting the kidney channel, we can treat the water point of the
small intestine channel, SI-2.
In clinical practice, this provides excellent utility. At the Kitasato Institute, we
once had a 64 year-old man come to us for therapy. He suffered a violent fever at
nearly the same time every night. This fever was of unknown Western etiology and
physicians had been unable to find an effective therapy for his problem. Using an
electrical measuring device. the "Neurometer," we measured in microamps the
electrical current at the skin at the left and right source-yuan points of the twelve
channels.19 The following chart shows the first set of readings we obtained:
Channel Left Right
hand tai yin lung 35 41
foot tai yin spleen 31 24
handjue yin pericardium 25 23
foot jue yin liver 39 28
hand shao yin heart 35 28
foot shao yin kidney 29 28
hand yang ming large intestine 46 39
foot yang ming stomach 25 21
hand shao yang triple burner 54 50
foot shao yang gallbladder 20 24
hand tai yang small intestine 36 36
foot tai yang bladder 36 22

We compared these readings with the values for the source-yuan points as
obtained by averaging the scores from measurements of the same values in fifty
healthy athletes. These average values are shown in the following table.

Channel Left Right

hand tai yin lung 36.9 36.8
foot tai yin spleen 43.4 42.9
hand jue yin pericardium 31.8 31.4
foot jue yin liver 39.2 38.2
hand shao yin heart 32.9 34.2
foot shao yin kidney 38.0 35.8
hand yang ming large intestine 42.1 40.0
foot yang ming stomach 31.0 30.6
hand yang ming triple burner 38.6 38.2
foot yang ming gallbladder 31.0 31.0
hand tai yang small intestine 39.8 39.2
foot tai yang bladder 33.8 34.1

Comparing thes.e readings to the patient's readings, we found his results

showed an abnormal tendency. Instead of the source-yuan points of the foot yin
channels showing the normal higher readings, which appears to be a healthy
"imbalance," the hand yin lung and hand yin heart channels showed higher read-
ings than the foot yin spleen and foot yin kidney channels. When compared to the
leg yang channels, the arm yang channels showed the typically higher values.
68 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

Since we saw the patient's problem as essentially biorhythmic, we took further

measurements at 4 pm and again at 10 pm on the same day. 10 pm was the time of
maximal fever. The differences can be clearly seen in the two sets of readings below,
where at 10 pm, the triple burner channel clearly had high readings.

Side 4pm readings lOpm readings

left right left right
hand tai yin LU 26 35 34 34
foot tai yin SP 47 45 41 38
hand jue yin PC 25 39 21 34
foot jue yin LR 20 14 21 20
hand shao yin HT 34 25 20 20
foot shao yin KI 31 44 34 40
hand yang ming LI 40 35 42 38
foot yang ming ST 10 12 14 17
hand shao yang TB 43 40 81 85
foot shao yang GB 22 33 30 34
hand tai yang SI 25 14 21 12
foot tai yang BL 61 45 41 24

There was a clear imbalance of the triple burner channel. We theorized that he
had a biorhythm problem which only manifested at the normal peak of triple burn-
er activity, thus causing an abnormal tendency. We treated him at this time using
the ion-pumping technique on the confluence-jiaohui points of the yang wei mai and
dai mai, TB-5 and GB-41. These points were selected because treatment occurred at
the time corresponding to a triple burner peak and because the triple burner showed
abnormal activity at this time. (Confluence-jiaohui points_ are discussed further in
the next chapter.)
Treatment was simple and effective. After one treatment the patient's fever
reduced. Usually this fever was most violent late at night when it produced sweat-
ing, but after treatment it was dramatically reduced. We treated him three more
times, after which the fever completely stopped and he appeared to be in good
health. We followed this case for five years, and noted no recurrence of the fever.
During this period we checked the values for the source-yuan points, as with the
original baseline test, and found that the antagonistic tendency had returned to
normal.

Channel Left side Right side

hand tai yin lung 45 35
foot tai yin spleen 50 43
hand jue yin pericardium 21 24
foot jue yin liver 45 26
hand shao yin heart 30 25
foot shao yin kidney 40 31
hand yang ming large intestine 42 32
foot yang ming stomach 14 12
hand shao yang triple burner 38 45
foot shao yang gallbladder 21 24
hand tai yang small intestine 22 18
foot tai yang bladder 39 22
 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory 69

Now only the tai yang channels showed an opposite tendency. The relative
balance of the other channels was good. It appears that our body always strives to
maintain balance. If a negative inclination occurs in one place, a positive inclination
will occur to maintain balance. This new state is a balanced state, but a balance that
includes an abnormal inclination.
Besides this type of clinical example, there is much more evidence for the exis-
tence of a channel biorhythm. Using several subjects, we tried to determine which
channels peaked at what times, taking measurements hi-hourly through a twenty-
four hour period. These efforts yielded results like those following which show an
average set of readings for the individuals tested:
%

20% 20%

+1

r
PC

TB
-1 LU
I
HT

j_ j_ j_ j_ j_ j_ j_ j_
12 12 16 20 0 4 8 12

Figure 4.8: Average of bihourly readings of upper channels in a 24-hour period

%
%
Kidney

+1 +1

-1
-1

Figure 4.9: Average of bihourly readings of lower channels in a 24-hour period

Looking at these findings, we can see that nine of the twelve channels peaked
at the time predicted by the traditional literature. Three channels did not correlate.
Perhaps our modem lifestyles play a role that cannot be ignored. We no longer rise
with the sun and retire with the sunset as did the people of ancient times, and as is
still the custom in parts of China, and in primitive cultures. It is possible that mea-
surements of large populations that were socio-economically and geographically
disparate would produce some evidence of predictable biorhythmic patterns.

0CTAHEDRALITY
Besides these temporal relationships in the channel circuit, and the pattern of
ying qi circulation moving fifty times a day through this circuit, there are other
important relationships. Of particular note are the opposite polarity relationships
of the circuit, traditionally the zi wu. For example, the heart channel is in opposition
to the gallbladder channel, the small intestine to the liver, etc. These opposite polar-
ities, while described in the traditional literature as temporal or biorhythmic, also
70 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

manifest structurally independent of the time of day. They are based on the yin-
yang relationships we find in the octahedral model. The six pairs are sometimes
called the yin-yang, six phase pairs. Each pair is composed of either a leg yin-arm
yang pair or a leg yang-arm yin pair. They manifest the octahedral yin-yang, supe-
rior-inferior, anterior-posterior relationships, and, depending on how we use them,
also manifest a left-right polarity.

leg shao yang gallbladder ==> arm shao yin heart

leg yang ming stomach ==> arm jue yin pericardium
leg tai yang bladder ==> arm tai yin lung
leg jue yin liver ==> arm tai yang small intestine
leg tai yin spleen ==> arm shao yang triple burner
leg shao yin kidney ==> arm yang ming large intestine

Aside from the clinical results we obtain using these opposite polarity relation-
ships, there is other evidence for the existence of these relationships. Once, I had a
fifteen-year old patient who suffered a hematuria that was difficult to diagnose and
was finally discovered to be due to the presence of a cancerous growth on the right
kidney. We examined the urine of this patient every two hours during each twen-
ty four hour period until we discovered the cycle governing the presence of blood
in the urine. It peaked around 6:00 am, when there was also a tendency towards
decreased urine output.

-
......

Figure 4.10: Variation of patient's urine samples in a 24-hour period

What is interesting to note is that the hematuria peaked at 6:00am, opposite

to the kidney channel peak at 6:00 pm. In a statistical study of the occurrence of
heart disease and the rhythms associated with the incidence of problems, we dis-
covered that most heart attacks, and aggravation of heart problems, occur close to
either noon or midnight. Generally these are seen as two distinct groups. The
heart channel peaks at noon, but perhaps each channel has two peaks, one positive
and the other negative. The cycle described by the classic texts describes the peak,
the maximal level of activity, but as can be seen in the preceding case, there is also
a nadir, a minimal level of activity. If this is so, the opposite polarity relationships
between pairs of channels could also be a biological phenomenon. While not clear-
ly understood, we are able to take advantage of it in the clinic where it is very use-
ful.
 The Channel System: ]ing-Luo Theory 71

At the physical organ level, we can suggest possible functional correlations

with these pairings. For example, the hepatic portal system links the small intes-
tine and liver. Both the kidney and large intestine play an integral role in the reg-
ulation of water excretion and reabsorption. In certain cases, heart problems have
been cured by removal ofthe gallbladder, the cholecystic heart.20 If, as some have
suggested, the triple burner relates to the lymphatic system, then the spleen and
triple burner, at opposite points of the circadian channel clock, should have some
strong functional relationships.

CHANNEL FREQUENCIES
Since the channels demonstrated certain characteristics, such as being electri-
cally measurable, we further investigated the relationship between the channels
and different frequencies. Using an oscilloscope with headphones, we found that
playing sounds to a subject in the low frequency range (50 Hz) reduced pressure
pain and tension located along the abdominal midline. Sounds in the higher fre-
quency range (1000Hz) reduced pressure pain and tension at the lateral edges of
the abdomen, even in subjects who evidenced very stubborn reactions. Curiously,
in schizophrenics, the reverse was true. Low frequency reduced lateral reactions
and high frequency reduced midline reactions. While this is an interesting phe-
nomenon that is hard to explain, it does suggest that channels lying more medial-
ly on the body - the kidney or stomach for example - respond to lower frequency
stimulation that those lying more laterally on the body - the spleen or gallbladder
for example.
To explore this idea further, we subjected different acupoints on the limbs
(channel points, five-phase points, intersection:Jiaohui points) to low and high fre-
quency pulsed electromagnetic fields. Again the same frequency correspondences
were found. Low frequency affected the midline of the body; higher frequency
affected the lateral edges of the body. However, there were certain exceptions. The
intersection:Jiaohui points (again) showed opposite effects. For instance, subjecting
the Manaka three yin intersection-jiaohui point (above SP-10) to low frequency fields
released tension from the lateral edges. High frequency fields released tension from
the midline. The effect reversed from that of non-intersection:Jiaohui acupoints.
This seemed to be another curious phenomenon, demonstrating once more
that the intersection-jiaohui points appear to have unique properties which set them
apart from other acupoints. In other clinical tests, low frequency stimulation
applied to CV-1 released pressure pain and tension on the head of a subject
(between GV-24 and GV-20). Low frequency stimulation applied to left SP-6, the
three leg yin intersection:}iaohui point, released tension from the gallbladder chan-
nel on the right side on the neck, focusing around GB-20. With suitable application
this simple technique might be a useful form of therapy.
In order to investigate frequency relationships for each of the channels, we
adopted another approach. Using a SEIKO quartz metronome, which emits regular
clicks at a rate of 40 to 208 clicks per minute, we recorded the frequency that
appeared to affect each of the twelve main channels and the ren mai and du mai by
reducing pressure pain and tightness at related reflex points and areas. Initially we
used the presence of pressure pain on these reflex points as our measure of a spe-
cific channel problem. Then, we set the metronome at different rates, letting the
subject listen to the clicks while we repalpated the reactive acupoints. We then
determined the frequency that reduced the reaction. The metronome frequencies
that reduced the reactive acupoints thus studied were then projected to be indica-
tive of that corresponding channel.
72 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

For instance, we found that pressure pain on KI-16, a reflex point for the kid-
ney channel, was reduced by listening to the metronome when it was set at a rate of
120 clicks per minute. Pressure pain at ST-25, a reflex point for triple burner prob-
lems, was relieved by a rhythm of 152 clicks per minute. Pressure pain found at BL-
18, corresponding to the liver channel, was reduced at a rate of 108 clicks per
minute. The corresponding reflex points on the abdomen and chest and along the
ren mai and du mai were primarily used in this study. (See chapter 8 for further
description of reflex points.) Using this method of investigation on many subjects,
we came up with the following frequency-channel correspondences:

Yang Rate Yin Rate

gallbladder 120 liver 108
small intestine 120 heart 126
stomach 132 spleen 132
large intestine 108 lung 126
bladder 112 kidney 120
triple burner 152 pericardium 176
du mai 104 ren mai 104
Once these correspondences were established, we tested them clinically. These
tests involved having the patient listen to the metronome, or tapping specific acu-
points at the frequency we found effective for that channel. For this we used the
Manaka wooden hammer and needle. (See chapters ten and eleven for detailed
descriptions of this therapy.) For example, for a reaction at KI-16, the reflex point
for the kidney, tapping Kl-3 randomly produced little change. Tapping at a rate of
108 beats per minute also produced little change. However, tapping at a rate of 120
beats per minute produced a decrease of the reactivity found at KI-16. For ST-25
reactions, tapping TB-4 at a rate of 152 beats per minute caused a reduction of reac-
tions. Kl-3 and TB-4 were selected in these examples because they are the source-
yuan points and tend to affect the channel on which they lie more than other chan-
nels.
We used this method on a patient with pain in the left leg, difficulty walking,
and pressure pain and tension along the stomach, gallbladder, and bladder channels
of the left leg below the knee. Tapping GV-14, the intersection-jiaohui point for all
the yang channels, alternately at a rate of 132 beats (stomach), then 120 beats (gall-
bladder), then 112 beats (bladder) per minute, for twenty taps per rate, consecutive-
ly reduced the pressure pain and tension along the stomach, gallbladder, and blad-
der channels. The patient's pain was much reduced and the patient experienced
greater ease when walking. These and numerous other clinical examples provide
confirmation of these channel-frequency correspondences.
Another interesting and useful application of these frequencies involves
thread-size moxa applied to certain acupoints. We found that when moxa is burned
on an acupoint on a specific channel, setting the metronome at the corresponding
frequency for that channel, and having the subject listen to the metronome, can have
the effect of tranquilizing the channel.
For instance, when we burned moxa on GV-20, one subject displayed strong
sensitivity to the heat of the direct moxa. When listening to the metronome at 104
beats per minute (the frequency corresponding to the du mai), the same subject
reported heat but no discomfort. When using the metronome at 120 beats per
minute, the same subject again reported discomfort. Similarly, when moxa was
burned at GB-17 or GB-20, setting the metronome at 120 made the moxa procedure
 The Channel System: ]ing-Luo Theory 73

more comfortable, but at a setting of 112, the moxa procedure became uncomfort-
able again. This exemplifies the specificity of channel reaction to metronome fre-
quency.
While these channel-frequency relationships clearly require further research,
we can suggest that these simple frequency relationships are specific signals that are
sensed and transmitted by the signal system. The difference in signal between 108
and 112 clicks of the metronome, or beats of the wooden hammer and needle, is very
small. Yet, specific systems in the body appear to be finely tuned to a difference of
that magnitude. A frequency of 108 will reduce reactions along the large intestine
channel and at points associated with it, but not the bladder channel nor its assoq-
ated points. A frequency of 112 will reduce reactions in the bladder channel and the"
associated points, but not the large intestine channel. This fine-tuning ability of the
channels and acupoints is, we think, characteristic of the signal system. The signal
input is very small and the differences between the signals smaller still, yet the chan-
nels and their acupoints can sense these differences and respond with remarkable,
obvious, and distinct reactions.
The channel frequency relationships are useful for clinical application as well
as for conducting research. They aptly characterize the biological signal system
associated with acupuncture and moxibustion. When we treat and stimulate the
channel points, it is not only stimulation that occurs, the channel points also receive
minute signals and discriminate between these signals.
Other practitioners and researchers have described frequency characteristics
for the channels, certain acupoints, and even body areas. My friend, the late Mr.
Naomoto from Kyoto, found the following frequency relationships. These too can
be used clinically with good effect:

Naomoto's Channel Frequencies

Channels Frequency per second
kidney-bladder 2
lung-large intestine 5
pericardium-triple burner 10
heart-small intestine 20
liver-gallbladder 50
spleen-stomach 100

We leave it to later works or creative readers to describe these frequency relation-

ships further.
Dr. Paul Nogier, the originator of auriculotherapy, describes frequency rela-
tionships that correlate to an area of the ear, a set of tissues, organs or functional
relationships, and a class of acupoint.21 Our frequency relationships are simple
and easily demonstrated; Nogier's frequency relationships are more complex. We
can say that all these relationships relate to the signal system. Further, we think that
the original acupuncture treatment techniques described in the classical medical lit-
erature were also intricately related to this delicate signal system.

THE CHANNEL SINEWS

Dr. Rokuro Fujita of Kanazawa, Japan, proposed that the vertical relation-
ships in the body, the channels, are related to the vertical longitudinal muscles of
the body, those muscles that traverse from the top of the head downward to the
74 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

toes in a cooperative interlocking system like the channels. He theorized that the
channels constituted a projection of the muscle system. This is an interesting idea,
but it does not take account of the many slanting and cross relationships in the mus-
cle system. For example, if the weight is placed on the toes of the left foot, or on the
left lumbar region, the upper right side of the body compensates to maintain bal-
ance. The body is able to compensate in this manner because there are interlocking
muscle groups running from the left leg upward to the right side of the neck.
Further, the channels are usually described as thin lines, even with their vari-
ations in trajectories. The interlocking tendino-muscular systems are sometimes
broad, sometimes narrow bands. The relationship of the channels to the longitudi-
nal muscles is not as clear as Dr. Fujita proposes. Yet, there does seem to be some
relationship as is demonstrated by the example of pressure pain at Ll-4. If right LI-
4 evidences pressure pain, extending the left hand outward (to the left side), while
looking to the right side (by turning the head), will cause the pressure pain to leave
right LI-4 and appear in left LI-4. If the right hand is then extended outward while
looking to the left side, the tenderness leaves left LI-4 and returns to right LI-4.
Repeating this for several iterations will eventually eliminate the pressure from both
right and left Ll-4. Thus, we might say that pressure pain in an acupoint is at least
partly related to muscle and tendon tension and body posture. The channels and
acupoints themselves have some general relationship to the muscle systems and
posture of the body.

THE MU POINTS
This relationship is again evidenced when we examine the classic mu points.
These specific diagnostic points on the anterior of the body correspond to each of
the twelve channels or organs. The mu points are seen in the following diagram:

LU-1

LR-14

GB-24 CV-14
CV-12
LR-13

GB-25

ST-25 CV-5
CV-4
CV-3

Figure 4.11: Mu points

 The Channel System: ]ing-Luo Theory 75

Some of these correspondences are paradoxical. Why is the kidney reflex

point, GB-25, the only point on the posterior of the body? Why are the pericardi-
um, heart, stomach, triple burner, small intestine, and bladder reflex points on the
midline, and not bilateral? Center-line tenderness does not help us understand
whether we should treat the corresponding channel on the left or right side of the
body. This determination is often a key to the success of treatment.
Because of these questions, we examined these mu points to determine which
were accurate correspondences and which were not. We also tried to find if there
were more accurate reflex points. Using north and south magnets placed at either
side of channel source-yuan points (as described earlier), we checked which abdom-
inal points became less or more reactive. We also used a simple channel stretching
technique to help confirm the reflex point correspondences. We found that in a
supine, relaxed position other acupoints were better reflex points for the channels
than the traditional mu points. This we confirmed by treating the source-yuan
points of the corresponding channel and finding that the tenderness of the point on
the abdomen decreased or vanished. Thus, we determined a series of new mu
points (see chapter eight).
We also found that if tenderness were present in one of these reflex points, ST-
25 for instance, reflective of the triple burner, but not CV-5, the classic mu point of
the triple burner, stretching the triple burner channel on the same side as the tender
ST-25, would cause the tenderness to disappear from ST-25 and to reappear at CV-
5. Similarly, tenderness at ST-27, the new large intestine reflex point, would disap-
pear and reappear at ST-25, the classic mu point of the large intestine. when the large
intestine channel was stretched. Using these and other tests, we confirmed that in
the relaxed, supine position a new series of mu points are reflective.22 This, like the
LI-4 example, tends to indicate some interesting relationships between the channels,
acupoints, and muscle systems. We think that the mu points may have arisen from
observations made in conjunction with the practice of some exercise system such as
daoyin, qigong, or taiji. Whatever the origin, it seems clear that body posture is
important for understanding the functional state of each channel as well as the
nature of the channels.

THE CHANNEL SINEWS AND FUNCTIONAL MUSCLE GROUPS

Dr. Fujita's idea may have more relevance in an examination of the channel
sinews. The classical texts describe this idea and some of its uses. As with many
classical descriptions, the details are not clear. The system of the vertical channel
sinews was described in Ling Shu chapter 13. Their trajectories tend to intersect acu-
points on the channel pathways and can be seen to have the following characteris-
tics:
- The channel sinew trajectories tend to follow the normal channel trajectories.
This can be clearly seen in the first two trajectories. the leg tai yang and leg shao yang
channel sinews. These look very much like the trajectories of the bladder and gall-
bladder channels.
- They always run from distal points on the limbs toward the center of the
body.
- There are, like the primary channels, twelve bilateral trajectories, six on each
arm and six on each leg.
- Unlike the primary channels, they are independent of each other. They do
not form a circuit and there are no descriptions of interchannel relationships.
Perhaps, like the arm and leg tai yang channels, the arm and leg tai yang channel
76 The Channel System: Jing-Luo Theory

sinews have some relationship, but this is not described; it is only surmised because
of the similarity of their names.

Figure 4.12: Leg tai yang channel sinew Figure 4.13: Leg shao yang channel sinew
-Unlike the channels, there are no relationships to the internal organs. Because
of this they are called just the leg tai yang channel sinew or arm tai yin channel sinew.
(The leg tai yang channel is also the bladder channel and the arm tai yin channel is
also the lung channel.)
-Treatment procedures for the channel sinews were described. The method
uses fa zhen, the "burnt" or "hot" needle technique (described in chapters ten and
eleven).
Rotating the head to the left while standing straight with the weight evenly
distributed, will cause a thin band of tension to occur on the right side of the body
at the back of the neck. This band will pass from there, down the back, around the
right side of the body from below the axilla, to the upper right quadrant of the
abdomen, cross the abdomen down to the lower left quadrant, down the sartorius
muscle, and finally down to the left foot. This functional muscle group can be seen
in the illustrations on the following page.
This band of tension is the result of a specific movement and occurs as a com-
pensatory mechanism that allows the body to maintain its posture. Since the fibers
of each muscle in this group are controlled by different nerves of the central nervous
system, we can speculate that there is a central nervous system pattern that relates
these nerves to each other through the corresponding movement. There are many
similar functional muscle groups, but little evidence to suggest that they are of neu-
rological origin.
This particular group is important because tension and pressure pain tend to
occur along it when there are functional liver problems. Reactions will be found at
left LR-3, the Manaka leg three yin intersection-jiaohui point, and the lower left and
upper right abdominal quadrants.
 The Channel System: Jing Luo Theory 77

Figure 4.13: Functional Muscle Groups

A slanting and crossing muscle group of great clinical significance is formed
by the crossing of the internal oblique to the external oblique, then to the anterior
serratus, rhomboideus major, and rhomboideus minor muscles. (See also chapter
two.) Since the classical texts do not describe these groups, or at least do not clear-
ly describe them, more research is required before we can adapt the classical
descriptions to incorporate these relationships. Because the channel sinews have
trajectories that often follow the channels and intersect with channel acupoints, it is
difficult to discriminate clearly those properties that belong solely to the channels
and those that belong solely to the channel sinews. These overlapping properties
may be the source of the muscle-posture-channel relationships we demonstrate with
the LI-4 and mu point examples. It is clear that the position and posture of the body
is important for understanding the channels and channel sinews.
This is further evidenced in the classical texts. Often, when an acupoint was
described with indications of how to treat it, and for what it should be used, there
were also descriptions of what position the patient should be instructed to assume
during treatment. Our research has verified that this makes a significant clinical dif-
ference in many cases. A good example of this can be found when treating LR-3 or
LR-2 with moxa. The therapy is more effective when the patient is upright with
their feet flat on the floor.

Another quite different method of interpreting muscle-channel sinew relation-

ships can be found in the work of Tada Kono. He has found that specific deep and
superficial muscles correspond to particular channels. If a problem occurs in a chan-
nel, its corresponding muscles may develop functional changes of tonus. The oppo-
site is also true. He has also found specific abdominal reflex points that have a
worsening or improving effect on the tonus of the associated muscles when north or
south magnets are applied. (Similar associations of muscles and channels from
78 The Channel System: ling Luo Theory

kinesiological sources are discussed in appendix 1). The findings of Kono and oth-
ers considerably expand and complicate any theory of channel sinew relationships.
Kono's findings and correlations are summarized in the following tables.23

Acupoints Channels
CV-12 stomach
CV-10 heart
ST-23 gallbladder
CV-9 large intestine
ST-25 large intestine
left medial ST-26 liver
right medial ST-26 lung
CV-8 spleen
CV-7 pericardium
CV-6 kidney
CV-5 triple burner
CV-4 small intestine
CV-3 bladder
CV-2 gallbladder

Channel Muscles
Lung Serratus Anterior: Pectoralis Minor:
Coracobrachialis
Spleen Triceps Brachi: Latissimus Dorsi;
Vastus Medialis:
clavicular region of Pectoralis Major
Heart Subscapularis
Kidney Iliopsoas: Piriformis: Iliacus; Psoas Major:
Scalenus Posterior
Pericardium Gluteus Medius: Gluteus Maximus;
Adductor Longus: Biceps Brachi
Liver Rhomboideus:
costal region of Pectoralis Major
Large intestine Tensor Fascia Latae: Biceps Femoris
Stomach Levator Scapulae: Vastus Lateralis
Small intestine superior portion of Rectus Abdominis:
Rectus Femoris
Bladder Fibularis Longus: Lateral Gastrocnemius;
Tibialis Anterior; Erector Spinae
Triple burner Teres Minor: Gracilis:
Medial Gastrocnemius Sartorius;
inferior portion of Rectus Abdominus
Gallbladder Popliteus: Deltoideus Anterior
Perhaps classic descriptions of the channel sinews were part of a larger tradi-
tion: daoyin, qigong, taiji, etc. Parts of their nature and function may have remained
hidden or been kept secret. Only their general pathways, indications. and simple
treatment procedures were given in the Ling Shu. To acquire a deeper understand-
ing. study of the muscle bands and functional groups. movement and body posture,
qigong, taiji, and other related movement disciplines would be required; but these
are beyond the scope of our current text.
 The Channel System: Jing Luo Theory 79

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 See for example: Johannes Bischko, An Introduction to Acupuncture, Heidelberg: Haug publish-
ers, 1985.
2 See for example: J.R. Worsley, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture: Volume 1, Meridians and Points,
Tisbury, UK: Element Books, 1982.
3 See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Extraordinary Vessels, p.121, for discussion of these variations in
location of LU-7.
4 See for example: Nakatani, Y. and K. Yamashita, Ryodoraku Acupuncture, Tokyo: Ryodoraku
Research Institute, 1977.
5 See for example: Vol!, R., "Twenty years of electroacupuncture diagnosis in Germany: A progress
report," Amer. Jour. Acup. 3:7-17, 1975.
6 See for example: Becker, R.O. and G. Selden, The Body Electric, New York: William Morrow
Company, 1985.
7 Li Ding Zhong, The Jing Luo Phenomena, Volume I, Tokyo: Yukonsha Publishing Co., 1983.
8 Li Ding Zhong, The Jing Luo Phenomena, Volume II, Tokyo: Yukonsha Publishing Co., 1985.
9 S.B.: Most research into acupuncture and East Asian medicine is seriously flawed. This would
require more than the brief summary of the subject that has been provided. A study-by-study analysis
of research in acupuncture needs to be done. In the Introduction some of these issues were addressed.
We are not alone in suggesting this view; respected members of the research community also concur.
10 Davies, P., The Cosmic Blueprint, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988, pp. 144-145.
11 S.B.: "Blackbox" is scientific slang for a piece of hardware of unknown description. Computer
users, for example, often treat their computer as a "blackbox" a cybernetic appliance the operation of
which is unknown to them, and of no value to their work.
12 S.B.: Pressure pain is sometimes reduced or increased if the metals are not on the channel; how-
ever, non-channel placement produces irregular, unrepeatable effects. Placement on the channel pro-
duces regular, predictable results.
13 For example, Mr. Oda has researched the "root and knot" chapter of the Ling Shu. See: "Chiryo
no Jisai," Nihon Shinkyu Topology Gakkujutsu Taikai, July 1988, pp. 55-60.
14 S.B.: A good review of the electrodermal instruments and their differences in measurement can
be found in Tiller, W.A., "On the evolution of electrodermal diagnostic instruments," Journal of
Advancement in Medicine 1:1, Spring 1988.
15 See Ling Shu chapter 15 and the Shi Si Jing Fa Hui.
16 There are many pressure pain points related to different diseases. For example, McBurney's
point, Lanz's point, Morris's point, Munro's point, Kummel's point, Crado's point, Lenzmann's point,
Onodera's points. (See appendix 1 for details of pressure pain points from Western sources.) These come
from Western medical practice; they are understood to be reflex points for internal diseases.
17 S.B.: An interesting study of the electrical properties of needle angle can be found in Ionescu-
C. Tirgoviste and E. Papa, "Tonification and dispersion effect of an acupuncture needle obliquely intro-
duced into an electric field," American Journal of Acupuncture 144:4, 1986, pp. 339-343.
18 S.B.: Keep in mind Dr. Manaka's admonition that such clinical demonstrations "prove" noth-
ing in any absolute sense, but do raise the specificity of the measurement and the concept. Usually, sup-
plementation and drainage are judged on theoretical criteria. Often the clinical validity of these ideas is
determined by the viewpoint of the researcher, translator, or practitioner. Sometimes concepts such as
these are dismissed for political reasons; sometimes they are simply dropped from translations. The
importance of these clinical demonstrations is that they evidence a specific condition (pressure pain),
with a specific method (shallow needling), and provide repeatable evidence (pressure pain changes) of a
channel "software" characteristic.
19 This is the technique described by my friend Dr. Nakatani in his Ryodoraku system.
20 Our thanks to Dr. John Diamond for this last example. See: Harding Rains, A.J. eta!., Bailey and
Love's Short Practice of Surgery, London: H.K. Lewis and Co. Ltd., 1971.
21 See his work with the VAS method, From Auriculotherapy to Auriculomedicine. See also Bourdiol,
R.J., Auriculosomatology, Paris: Maisonneuve, 1983, in particular pages 95 and following.
22 For further discussions of this, see Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the
Sea, pp. 350-352.
23 Taken from Kono, T., Kin Shin Dan Ho, Tokyo: JICC Publishing Company, 1986, p. 251.
 ~
CHAPTER fiVE
~
THE EIGHT EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS
(QI /ING BA MAl)
AND THE OCTAHEDRAL MODEL

Like the twelve channels, but at a simpler and possibly deeper level, the eight
extraordinary vessels (qi jing ba mai) also serve to regulate and distribute the body's
qi. If we examine the pathways and points of these eight vessels, we can see that
they have treatment points evenly distributed among the twelve channels along the
boundary lines of the octahedral structure. The qi jing bai mai can thus profoundly
and easily affect the octahedral structure and its role in the regulation and distribu-
tion of qi.
Earlier we saw how the octahedron relates to yin-yang theory and we
described the left-right dividing lines as the ren mai on the anterior portion and the
du mai on the posterior portion. We noted that the superior-inferior dividing line
was the dai mai. We proposed that these dividing lines are generated during embry-
ological development and are retained as energetic entities, three of the extraordi-
nary vessels, throughout life.
We can further postulate that the anterior-posterior dividing lines are related
to the extraordinary vessels. However, this is not as easy to see. On the yang por-
tion of the body, at the lateral edges, the triple burner and gallbladder channels sep-
arate the anterior and posterior portions. On the yin portion of the body, at the lat-
eral edges, the spleen and pericardium channels divide the anterior and posterior
portions:
Yang ren mai, du mai

Triple Burner, GaDbladder J triple burner,

pericardium,
Pericardium, Spleen
gaUbladder,
spleen

dai mai

Yin

Figure 5.1: Structural octahedral body symmetry

82 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels & the Octahedral Model

In other words, the octahedral structure is physically defined by the pathways

of the dai mai or girdling vessel (as the superior-inferior dividing line), the ren mai or
conception vessel (as the anterior portion of the left-right dividing lines), the du mai
or governing vessel (as the posterior portion of the left-right dividing lines), the
triple burner and gallbladder channels (as the anterior and posterior dividing lines
at the lateral edges of the yang portion of the body), and the pericardium and spleen
channels (as the anterior and posterior dividing lines at the lateral edges of the yin
portion of the body).
Hence these four laterally placed channels have important relationships to the
extraordinary vessels. Four of the extraordinary vessel treatment or confluence-jiao-
hui points lie on these channels: TB-5, GB-41, SP-4, PC-6. It is perhaps because these
treatment points lie on channels comprising some of the dividing lines of the octa-
hedral structure, that they function as confluence points for the extraordinary ves-
sels.
These dividing lines have special significance. In ancient times physicians
knew this and thus called the extraordinary vessels the "ocean of yin," the "ocean
of yang," the "ocean of the blood, the channels, the organs." Because the eight
extraordinary vessels intersect with the regular channels, often at points along these
midline trajectories (ren mai and du mai), there is reason to conjecture that there are
special functions relative to these dividing lines. When we treat these confluence-
jiaohui points on the regular channels, we are able to affect the dividing lines and
thus the channels that intersect with them on either side of the intersecting point.
This is what happens when we say that we are treating the extraordinary vessels.
Clinical practice based on this octahedral proposal is extremely effective.
While the concepts and tools required to explain the octahedral model are them-
selves complex and difficult to wield, requiring, at least, the mathematics of three
dimensional, solid structures (topology), our conjectures allow us to devise a simple
diagnostic and treatment approach. We can apply treatment to the extraordinary
vessel points and reduce reactions found in these eight body areas. As these reac-
tions change, the body structure changes, and the functional events that caused
these reactions also change, producing powerful therapeutic effects. A minimal
number of points produces a maximal effect.
Looking at yin-yang and the extraordinary vessels in this manner greatly sim-
plifies the general theory and allows us to develop procedures for further testing
and demonstrating yin and yang concepts. We saw in the last chapter that with sim-
ple tests we could demonstrate the classical ideas that describe the yin channels as
streams of energy (qi) flowing from toes to torso and from torso to fingers, while the
yang channels are descending streams of energy flowing from fingers to head and
head to toes. This too is a simple yin-yang polarity demonstration, but when we try
to look at the extraordinary vessels and the octahedral model in the same way, we
encounter many difficulties and differences. For example, the extraordinary vessels
do not have jing points, source points, or five-phase points. Neither do the extraor-
dinary vessels have a deep, close relationship to the internal organs nor biao-li (sur-
face-interior) relationships. They generally pass from feet to head and have no acu-
points on the arms, and their treatment points are not usually on the pathways of
the extraordinary vessels themselves. There are three other important differences.
First, the extraordinary vessels were not described as composing a circuit, like
the channels. Second, extraordinary vessel descriptions by different authors have
much greater variety than descriptions of the twelve channels.! Third, while the
channels were said to be responsible for circulating qi, blood, ying, and wei as ener-
gy streams, the extraordinary vessels were not clearly described as having a similar
 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels and the Octahedral Model 83

function, or even as being energy streams. They were, as already described, often
called "oceans" instead of "streams" or "rivers" like the channels.
When we apply the same polarity tests to the extraordinary vessels that we
applied to the twelve channels, these differences become apparent. We also find
that conclusions concerning extraordinary vessel trajectories are less clear than with
the twelve channels. It is partly due to these difficulties that we find it easier and
more useful to consider the eight extraordinary vessels as dividing lines capable of
affecting structural changes and thus as related to the octahedral topological model.
In general, we theorize that extraordinary vessel functions have older embryologi-
cal and evolutionary roots than the twelve channels. Since they regulate the body
at a deeper, more primitive level of symmetric-asymmetric regulation, their struc-
ture-function balance is more difficult to examine.2 In relation to the octahedral
model, we can say that they probably have a much broader regulatory effect on the
movement of qi (primitive signals) than do the regular channels, which serve as spe-
cific information pathways (signal communication). However, combining particu-
lar yin-yang pairs of channels, such as the polar channel pairs, we are able to elicit
similar, broad changes of qi flow that can be explained through the octahedral
model.
In various experiments using two-metal contact on the channels, we found
that placement of copper or gold (+) upstream, closer to the beginning of the chan-
nel, and zinc or silver(-) downstream, closer to the anastomosis, generally reduced
pressure pain on the channel, or on a point related to the channel (see the last chap-
ter. However, there were occasions where a polarity opposite to what we would
expect reduced the reactions. When we discovered this, we thought that this rever-
sal might be the result of an extraordinary vessel function. Even though the extra-
ordinary vessels were described as having a direction, and thus by extension, a pos-
sible flow, we postulated that there might be another energy flow in the opposite
direction, a counter-current.
When testing these theories with experiments using gold (+) and silver (-) con-
tact procedures, we treated pressure pain on left KI-16, placing gold (+) upstream,
distally on the kidney channel, and silver (-) downstream, proximally on the kidney
channel, to reduce the KI-16 reaction. Reversing the gold and silver contacts caused
the reaction to return. Then we thought about the classical descriptions of the ori-
gins and pathways of the chong mai. According to the classical literature, the chong
mai passes through KI-16 as does the kidney channel. One theory posits that it
begins at CV-1, another that it begins at ST-30. In the first theory, it passes from CV-
1 to the kidney channel and ascends the abdomen. In the second theory, it emerges
at ST-30, a branch ascends the abdomen, and another branch descends the leg to
emerge near LR-3 and KI-1.
Next we tried placing gold (+)on ST-30 and silver(-) on KI-1 or LR-3. This
alignment decreased the KI-16 reaction. The reverse alignment of metals caused the
reaction to reappear. Gold on ST-30 and silver on ST-11 (on the ascending pathway
of the chong mai) reduced the KI-16 reaction, while reversing the gold and silver
caused the reaction to reappear. These responses seemed somewhat paradoxical in
comparison to the normal channels. Though we had thought these results to be
indicative of some extraordinary vessel flow, how could a flow in the extraordinary
vessels account for the horizontal dai mai pathway around the midline? Despite
these difficulties, our understanding became much clearer through the following
tests.
Placing gold on CV-1 and silver on CV-24 did not reduce the left KI-16 pres-
sure pain; however, moving the silver one centimeter to the left of CV-24, did reduce
84 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels and the Octahedral Model

the KI-16 reaction. Placing gold on CV-1 and silver on KI-1 or LR-3 also reduced the
KI-16 reaction. But, placing the silver on SP-6 did not reduce the reaction.
According to tradition, SP-6 is supposed to be on the descending branch of the chong
mai.
Rather than a flow of energy in the extraordinary vessels (the direction of
which is unclear), we think that these examples demonstrate relationships between
specific acupoints that are described as being on the pathway of the extraordinary
vessel; that is, they demonstrate topological relationships between the acupoints
rather than a flow of qi between the points.
Thinking of the extraordinary vessels as related to the octahedral dividing
lines of the body is very useful. Treatments addressing these dividing lines can
affect wide areas because they can affect the areas to both sides. This is evidenced
in the frequency stimulation examples described earlier. Generally, low frequencies
affect the midline of the body and high frequencies affect the lateral edges. This too
is indicative of specific topological relationships. At the intersection-jiaohui points,
which are points that lie on the octahedral dividing lines where two or more chan-
nels intersect (GB-31, GB-35 on the gallbladder channel, TB-8 on the triple burner
channel, SP-6 and the Manaka point two finger-widths proximal to SP-10 on the
spleen channel, and the Manaka point halfway between PC-3 and PC-7 on the peri-
cardium channel), the effects reverse. Similarly, either positive or negative stimula-
tion of these intersection-jiaohui points cause similar changes in reaction, where
other non-intersection points elicit reversible effects with positive and negative
stimulation. This too is because these special points lie on the octahedral dividing
lines.
Other channel acupoints on the pathways of the extraordinary vessels were
also described as intersection-jiaohui or "meeting" points. Treatment of these eight
special points likely activates the extraordinary vessels by first stimulating the octa-
hedral dividing lines and thus the intersection-jiaohui points which are on them, and
then the extraordinary vessels that pass through these intersection points. In this
manner profound changes of structure and function can be brought about by using
very few points. This may be why the eight extraordinary vessels were each
described as having a broadly diverse range of effects, sometimes affecting several
major systems in the body. For instance, the chong mai-yin wei mai pair were said to
affect the chest, lungs, heart, spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, intestines, and
reproductive system. Clinically, this pair is selected for a wide range of symptoms
within this spectrum. Few, if any, of the twelve channels can be said to have such
diverse effects. The table on the following page summarizes the intersection-jiaohui
points of the extraordinary vessel pathways.3
The octahedral model of the body and its relationship to the extraordinary ves-
sels is clinically useful. It allows us to clearly map asymmetries of body structure.
There are tendencies towards certain yin-yang imbalances that are the result of cer-
tain bodily asymmetries. For instance, simple left-right differences relative to each
of the organs create asymmetrical tendencies. The heart, spleen, and stomach are all
situated on the left, the liver and gallbladder on the right; the right lung has three
lobes where the left has two. Asymmetrical muscle tension will develop from bias-
es produced by functional changes in the organs. Both palpatory tenderness, and
the appropriate treatment it indicates, will predominate on one side rather than
another. This is what we observe clinically: asymmetric patterns of reaction that
typically occur can often be seen in relation to the octahedral model.
 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels and'the Octahedral Model 85

Extraordinary vessel Intersection-jiaohui points

ren mai CV-1 to CV-24
du mai GV-1 to GV-28, BL-12
chong mai KI-ll to KI-21, ST-30, SP-6, KI-1
(possibly LR-3, KI-3)
dai mai GB-26, GB-27, GB-28, LR-13
yin qiao mai KI-2, KI-6, KI-8, ST-12, ST-9, BL-1
yang qiao mai BL-59, BL-61, BL-62, GB-29, SI-10, LI-15, LI-16,
ST-1, ST-2, ST-3, ST-4, ST-5, ST-9, BL-1
yin wei mai KI-9, SP-13, SP-15, SP-16, LR-14, CV-22,
CV-23
yang wei mai BL-63, GB-29, GB-35, LI-14, TB-13, TB-15,
SI-10, GV-15, GV-16, GB-13 to GB-21

As well as the asymmetries of left-right, we can also see superior-inferior

asymmetries. This is evidenced in the menstrual cycle. Women lose blood every
month through menstruating and are thus biased towards certain lower burner
problems more than are men. This is not only a superior-inferior asymmetry, but
also a male-female asymmetry, both of which are viewed in Chinese terms as yin-
yang imbalances. Many other asymmetries arise from daily life: most people use
their hands with greater agility than their feet. Intricate work is hand work because
the hands are closer to the organs of sense, the eyes. People develop a more pro-
nounced sensitivity in the hands and fingers than in the feet and toes. We have
measured this repeatedly with M.I.D. diagnosis. This represents an obvious supe-
rior-inferior asymmetry. Such simple asymmetries that result from normal daily
activities can have a significant influence on health.
Using the simple yin-yang theories of the octahedral model, it is possible to
understand many components of the disease process. Several healing modalities,
notably the sotai exercise system developed by Dr. Keizo Hashimoto, have focused
on the functional changes and pathologies that can stem from postural and struc-
tural imbalance. For example, lessened attention to, or decreased awareness of the
feet and toes, has more profound implications than might be expected. Through
evolution our movement has become dependent primarily on the feet and toes; our
lessened awareness of their relative position, movement and balance affects the
body's structure through repeated daily movements and habits. If we are not
using our feet and toes in a balanced manner, our posture and structure slowly
become imbalanced. This, in turn, biases us toward functional changes and
pathologies.
Finally, on a more theoretical note, it is possible to diagram the twelve chan-
nels in quadrantal and yin-yang relationships to each other and to visualize the dis-
tribution of the eight treatment points of the extraordinary vessels within these
relationships. Though we can construct many such diagrams, we think that the
diagram on the following page is sufficiently thought-provoking:
86 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels and the Octahedral Model

LU

PC

HT SI

LR
ST

Figure 5.2: Quadrantality of 8 cardinal points of the extraordinary vessels

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 See Matsumoto and Birch, Extraordinary Vessels, for a compilation of these various descriptions.
2 S.B.: It is interesting to note that Li Shi Zhen, the only classical author to have written a treatise
on the extraordinary vessels, the Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao, also speculated on their primacy both developmen-
tally and relative to the twelve channels. See: Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao, vol. 1, p. 7, from the Tu Zhu Nan Jing Mai
Jue, Taipei: Shui Cheng Shu Ju Publishing Company, 1970.
3 This table was taken from Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Extraordinary Vessels p. 25-67. See this
work for more complete descriptions of the pathways of the extraordinary vessels.
 \J
If. .
'
..,..,.,..
f:
~' .~ 6
.. ~

CHAPTER SIX

THE FIVE PHASES

For once a system of categorizations such as the five element system is established,
then anything can by no means be the cause of anything else . ... [It is designed]
... to systematise the universe of things and events into a pattern of structure by
which all the mutual influences of its parts were coordinated.
- J. Needham, Science and Civilization in China II:284-5.
In traditional theories, five-phase concepts are central to the theory and prac-
tice of acupuncture and moxibustion. As with yin-yang, many descriptions of the
five-phase theories exist, notably those most traceable to the Nan Jing. There are two
components to the five-phase theories. The first ascribes numerous correspon-
dences to each of the phases; these are found scattered throughout the classical lit-
erature and are not confined to the medical classics. Almost everything in the uni-
verse, between heaven and earth, was so classified, including the various phases of
different cycles observed in nature and in the body. The basic correspondences asso-
ciated with the five phases are summarized in the table following. It is noteworthy
that these correspondences are often cyclical and biorhythmic.

Phase Wood Fire Earth Metal Water

Season spring summer long summer* fall winter
Direction east south center west north
Activity growth maturation transformation gathering storing
Zang Organ (Yin) LR HT/PC SP LU KI
Fu Organ (Yang) GB SI/TB ST LI BL
Emotion anger joy overthinking grief fear
Color blue/green red yellow white blue/black
Sound/Voice shouting laughing singing wailing groaning
Taste sour bitter sweet spicy salty
Sense Organ eyes tongue mouth nose ears
Body Part muscles I tendons blood vessels flesh skin,body bones,head
hair hair
sometimes seen as the equivalent of "Indian summer" at the end of summer and beginning of fall.
More often seen as the last eighteen days (the last one-fifth) of each of the four seasons.

It is very likely that the original channel concept was very simple and was
refined and described in greater detail through further clinical use. The five-phase
organ categorizations, for example, were further developed and refined so that spe-
cific acupoints on each channel trajectory were assigned a five-phase representation
88 The Five Phases

(the transporting-shu points, elsewhere the "antique" or "command" points). In

succeeding centuries, there were further classifications and correspondences that
produced the current, complex channel system descriptions.
The five phases are important in the signal system. The clinical tests that allow
us to demonstrate and validate the theory and function of the five phases focus on
the five-phase acupoints that lie on each of the twelve channels.
The second component of five-phase theory describes various relationships
between the phases. For instance, they are described as engendering each other in
sequence. Wood engenders fire; fire engenders earth; earth engenders metal; metal
engenders water; water engenders wood. They are also described as interacting
mutually in a regulatory or restraining sequence. Wood restrains earth; earth
restrains water; water restrains fire; fire restrains metal; metal restrains wood. These
mutually interacting engendering and restraining cycles allow each phase to inter-
act with and regulate each other phase. The phases are usually pictured thus:

Figure 6.1: The engendering cycle of the five phases

Figure 6.2: The restraining cycle of the five phases

The twelve channels are also classified according to the five phases. Each
channel includes a sequence of five transporting-shu points, each point correspond-
ing to a phase. These points always run in sequence from the digital extremities
towards the elbows and knees. On the yin and yang channels, the sequences are dif-
ferent, as follows:
 The Five Phases 89

Yang channel transporting-shu points

Phase Metal Water Wood Fire Earth
jing ying shu jing he
gallbladder GB-44 GB-43 GB-41 GB-38 GB-34
small intestine SI-1 SI-2 SI-3 SI-5 Sl-8
triple burner TB-1 TB-2 TB-3 TB-6 TB-10
stomach ST-45 ST-44 ST-43 ST-41 ST-36
large intestine Ll-1 LI-2 Ll-3 LI-5 LI-11
bladder BL-67 BL-66 BL-65 BL-60 BL-40

Yin channel transporting-shu points

Phase Wood Fire Earth Metal Water
jing ying shu jing he
liver LR-1 LR-2 LR-3 LR-4 LR-8
heart HT-9 HT-8 HT-7 HT-4 HT-3
pericardium PC-9 PC-8 PC-7 PC-5 PC-3
spleen SP-1 SP-2 SP-3 SP-5 SP-9
lung LU-ll LU-10 LU-9 LU-8 LU-5
kidney KI-1 Kl-2 KI-3 Kl-7 KI-10

Diagnosis of channel pathology is based on radial pulse palpation, abdominal

palpation, and channel palpation. The diagnosis is partially based on the corre-
sponding phase. Treatments frequently involve the use of these five-phase points
through channel and phase interactions. Many different treatment styles and uses
have evolved, some simple and some complex; most trace their source to the Nan
Jing. These classical theories form the basis of Japan's Keiraku Chiryo schools, or
channel treatment ("meridian therapy") schools.
As with yin-yang, the channels, the acupoints and the extraordinary vessels,
we cannot yet clearly explain the mechanisms of the five-phase theory or the effects
of the five-phase acupoints. However, we can demonstrate that they too belong to
the signal system.
For our purposes, we can devise simple, repeatable tests that demonstrate the
existence of phasal characteristics and the interacting cycles and some of their cor-
respondences, especially those associated with the five-phase points. There are also
biorhythmic cycles that were based on, or classified by, five-phase theory. Some of
these correspondences and cycles are mathematical, topological concepts, rather
than abstract philosophical concepts. This notion of correspondences and cycles we
term "isophasality."

ISOPHASALITY
All things reject what is different [to themselves] and follow what is akin. Thus it
is that if [two] chi [qi] are similar, they will coalesce, if notes correspond they res-
onate.
- J. Needham, quoting the Chun Qiu Fa Lu circa 200 B.C.,
from Science and Civilization in China II:281.
Our term "isophasality" means that certain acupoints on the surface of the
body have some similar property, or something functional in common with all other
points on the body surface that belong to that phase. All earth points have some-
thing in common with all other earth points. We can liken this idea to inversions of
a musical chord. The C Major chord can be:
90 The Five Phases

Figure 6.3: musical chord

Each chord has similarities with the others.
Actually, any point on any channel will have isophasal correspondences on all
other channels. We could, with repeated careful testing, probably find many
isophasal sets. The concept of isophasality is essentially a mathematical concept, a
property of any topological structure.l Another method of explaining the term
"isophasal" might be to visualize it as equal energy states in two different points
that are part of a continuous energy cycle. For example, in the Kreb's cycle at one
side of the diagram, energy is poured into the cycle. At the other end, energy is
extracted. At points X and Y the energy state is equal. Thus, X and Y are isophasal.

Figure 6.4: The Kreb's cycle

We might also hypothesize that the similarities common to each acupoint may
be the result of a simple physical principle, vibrational properties such as a fre-
quency or wavelength, or a microelectric property, such as resistance, capacitance,
etc. We could, for example, suggest that the earth points of the tai yin-yang ming set
have a simple numerical relationship to each other such as the following example,
where X represents the properties common to the points in different numerical pro-
portions:

LU-9 LI-11 ST-36 SP-3

X sx lOX 15X

That the Chinese may have understood this idea and used it to identify the
phase and source points is remarkable. That they selected five of these isophasal
sets as clinically useful was probably due in part to the prevalence of five-phase the-
ories at that time, and to the remarkably meticulous work of one or more practi-
tioners who had learned to recognize very subtle differences.
In modern acupuncture practice, the microsystems of reflexology, French
auriculotherapy, Chinese auriculotherapy, and Korean hand acupuncture depend
on the idea of isophasality. According to our experience, we can needle the large
intestine point in the auricle to reduce reactions at the large intestine reflex point,
 The Five Phases 91

ST-27. We can also needle the same point on the palm, or a point on the equivalent
large intestine channel on the second or fourth fingers, to reduce the ST-27 reaction.
We may therefore consider these systems of reflexology as describing points that are
isophasal with body areas or other points. We have already suggested that the
mechanism behind these microsystems may be holographic; if so, perhaps there is
some relationship between the holographic paradigm and isophasality.
This model of isophasality can be further developed and confirmed if we take
advantage of traditional five-phase theory and change the nature of the signals that
we use for testing and therapy. We should, however, remember that the signals we
work with and affect are so subtle that it is extremely difficult to measure them. The
following discussion describes clinical tests and their results, utilizing different
agents to examine five-phase characteristics, especially the characteristics of the
phase points. On their own, these tests may not be enough to convince the reader
to experiment with them clinically, but our own clinical utilization of these ideas for
the treatment of patients is more than convincing. Not only are we able to observe
some phenomena that lead to powerful clinical procedures, we also can observe the
various phase cycles and interactions.
In the example of pain in right LI-4 where north and south magnets were
placed on the left and right auricles at both the anterior and posterior surfaces, we
found that we could only shift the pressure pain around. We could not eliminate it
from LI-4 on both sides. (See the discussion in chapter three.) To eliminate the pres-
sure pain from both sides we needed to apply isophasal theory and select a corre-
sponding point in the four-channel functional set, yang ming-tai yin. Because LI-4 is
a point on an arm yang channel we should select a leg yin channel point. Because
it is sore on the right side, we should select a point on the left side. Because LI-4 is
a source point, we should select another source point. In the four-channel set, the
lower left yin channel source point is left SP-3. We find that applying a south mag-
net(-) to left SP-3 will rid the right LI-4 reaction without producing a left LI-4 pres-
sure pain. Placing a north magnet (+) on the point will cause the reaction to return
to LI-4.
If we now test the five-phase points of the channels, we can demonstrate that
even more complex responses are possible. This is because these points have sec-
ondary characteristics associated with their corresponding phases as well as char-
acteristics associated with the channels on which they lie. The use of polarity agents
on these points needs to be mapped differently. Using these points, we sometimes
obtain decreases in pressure pain when the alignment of the polarity is opposite to
what would be expected were the point not a member of this special group. The
zinc may be upstream and the copper downstream, when working with non-phasal
channel points; when working with the phase points, the polarity may be opposite.
For pressure pain on right LI-4, placing zinc(-) on right LI-11 (the earth point)
and copper (+) on right ST-36 (the earth point) will rid the LI-4 reaction. Reversing
the zinc and copper, the reaction will still decrease. This occurs regardless of chan-
nel flow and polarity of application. The channel source points are all isophasal to
each other. All earth points are isophasal; all other phase points are isophasal to all
other corresponding phase points. Thus, for pressure pain on right ST-27, the large
intestine reflex point, placing copper(+) on right LI-1 (the metal point) and zinc(-)
on right ST-45 (the metal point) has the same effect as zinc(-) on LI-1 and copper(+)
on ST-45; both decrease the ST-27 reaction.
In context of the isophasal characteristics of the acupoints, we can explore
other phasal correspondences and characteristics. For example, according to tradi-
tional theory, each phase has a corresponding color:
92 The Five Phases

Phase wood fire earth metal water

Color blue/green red yellow white blue/black

It is possible to investigate these correspondences by looking at the effects of

these colors on the five-phase points. Our clinical investigations show very clearly
that the acupoints respond to these different colors. To apply the colors, we have
used colored pens, small pieces of colored paper, a light instrument capable of emit-
ting small points of colored lights of low intensity, etc. Generally, we have found the
following correspondences to hold:
- blue or green corresponds to the wood points
- red corresponds to the fire points
- yellow corresponds to the earth points
- white corresponds to the metal points
- black corresponds to the water points
- yellow and orange correspond to the source-yuan points
According to tradition, each channel has a source-yuan point as well as a trans-
porting-shu point. Each source point has a particular effect on its own channel. On
the yin channels, the source points are also the earth points. These source points are:

Yang channels Source point Yin channels Source point

gallbladder GB-40 liver LR-3
small intestine SI-4 heart HT-7
triple burner TB-4 pericardium PC-7
stomach ST-42 spleen SP-3
large intestine LI-4 lung LU-9
bladder BL-64 kidney KI-3

Overall these color-phase correspondences have proven so exact that we have

been able to use them to explore many phasal characteristics. We have devised a
simple testing procedure to confirm diagnostic and therapeutic point combinations.
For example, for pressure pain at right LI-4, the large intestine (metal) source-yuan
point, placing red at right LU-10 (the fire point) will reduce the LI-4 pressure pain.
Here the color red on the fire point increases the action of fire; and fire restrains
metal. Stimulating the five-phase point characteristics improves a metal channel
problem (pressure pain at LI-4). If the red color is removed from LU-10 and
replaced with black, the LI-4 pressure pain will return. In this case, black (corre-
sponding to water) on the fire point decreases the action of fire (water restrains fire),
and thus decreases the action of fire on metal.
Here we can observe the action of a color on its own corresponding phasal
point (red to fire) and the action of a color on a non-corresponding phasal point
(black to fire). In this way we can explore both the isophasal effects of the colors (red
to all fire points, yellow to all earth points) and the engendering and restraining
cycle functional characteristics.
For a subject with pressure pain at right LU-1 (the lung channel diagnostic
point), placing yellow (the earth color) at LU-9, the earth point, reduces the LU-1
pressure pain. Likewise, for a subject with pressure pain at KI-16 (the kidney chan-
nel diagnostic point), placing yellow at KI-3, the earth point, reduces the KI-16 pres-
sure pain. Generally, any color placed on its corresponding transporting-shu point
will tend to have beneficial effects.
 The Five Phases 93

Our initial observations suggest that this is the case, but more rigorous clinical
testing on larger subject groups will be necessary to map any exceptions. For pres-
sure pain at right LR-14 (the liver channel diagnostic point), we can put blue or
green at LR-1, red at LR-2, yellow at LR-3, white at LR-4, or black at LR-8 and get a
reliable reduction of the LR-14 pain. Clinical reality is more complex because of dif-
ferences in the subject or patient's condition and because the different colors tend to
have particular characteristics of their own. When applying colors to the phase
points, the effects can vary from subject to subject. Generally in healthy, well bal-
anced subjects, all wood points respond in the same manner - reduction of tension,
pressure pain, reversal of 0-ring test- in related reflex points when blue or green is
applied to the points. A similar response is noted with red for fire points, yellow for
earth points, white for metal points, black for water points, yellow or orange for
source points. However, as with most of the testing and clinical experiments we do
in subjects with clear or strong imbalances, especially in the channel under investi-
gation, such simple tiny stimulation is sometimes not enough to elicit the same
responses clearly.
Particular combinations of points and colors give stronger effects. We have
found that red and white tend to be somewhat "exciting," blue, green, and black
tend to be "sedating," while yellow and orange tend to be "neutral." For example,
in a patient with right subcostal tension, a positive 0-ring response at right LR-14,
and a weak liver pulse, placement of yellow at LR-3, the earth point, produced slight
changes in each of these signs. Adding red to LR-2, the fire point, immediately
changed the 0-ring response and improved the subcostal reaction and the pulse. It
is possible to devise different treatment strategies for different patients using these
properties. Generally, the source points are useful points to begin. In simple cases,
applying yellow to the source points alone is sufficient. In more complex cases,
adding red to the fire points, or white to the metal points, will usually produce a suf-
ficient response.
It is remarkable that particular points on the body surface, which have no
known light receptors, are not only able to detect and respond to color, but are able
to discriminate between different colors and even combinations of colors (see
below). By this method we can state with confidence that the descriptions in the
classics of the location of the five-phase acupoints and the source points are verifi-
able, and that these points do have properties that correlate with various aspects of
five-phase theories. Clearly, there are isophasal points for each channel. The classi-
cal descriptions of the various interactions of the phases, the engendering and
restraining cycles, also seem to be accurate and verifiable.
Next, let us recall our earlier question regarding the bladder channel as it tra-
verses the back. We have also noticed isophasal correspondences active there. There
have been a multiplicity of descriptions. Are there two or three pathways? Does the
pathway one and one half cun lateral to the spine, return to the top of the pathway
three cun lateral to the spine, before passing to the buttocks and down the legs? Or
does it first pass down the legs, then back to the pathway three cun lateral to the
spine? Or, are these pathways different?
In searching for answers to these questions, we applied gold-plated (+) and sil-
ver-plated(-) pellets to a variety of points on the back and legs, from points on one
pathway to another, and up and down each pathway. Our logic was that we would
observe the same(+) to(-) correlation to channel flow described in previous exper-
iments. Again, we recorded pressure pain response at corresponding reflex points.
Without question, to be entirely conclusive our results would need more rig-
orous repetition. Based on our pilot research, however, it would appear that the
94 The Five Phases

bladder channel path runs as one broad stream down the spine, encompassing all
the "distinct" pathways at either side of the spine At each vertebral level there are
usually one or two acupoints. On the line one and a half cun lateral to the spine are
the back shu points that correlate to each channel-organ system. On the line three
cun lateral are a series of acupoints whose names imply similar correlations. It
appears that these acupoints are isophasal with one another. For example, BL-13,
the lung shu point, is isophasal with pohu, BL-42. These points lie at the same ver-
tebral level. Likewise, BL-23, the kidney shu point, is isophasal with zhishi, BL-52,
and lies at the same vertebral level. Clinically this means that it is sufficient to pal-
pate and choose the more reactive point at the vertebral level corresponding to the
target channel.
Hence, the argument about correct sequencing and numbering of the points
may be theoretically unanswerable, because the points seem to be isophasal parts of
a broad stream. Trying to argue such questions without a research methodology is
silliness arguing with nonsense.

PHASE CYCLES
According to five-phase theory, in the engendering cycle each phase is the
mother of the next phase and the child of the preceding phase (see Figure 6.1). Wood
is the mother of fire and the child of water. Fire is the mother of earth and the child
of wood. Earth is the mother of metal and the child of fire. Metal is the mother of
water and the child of earth. Water is the mother of wood and the child of metal.
Within each set of five transporting-shu points on each channel, one point is
described as the supplementing or "mother" point and another as the draining or
"child" point. The selection of these points is based on the phase correspondences
of the channel, and follows the dictum of the Nan Jing: "When vacuous supplement
the mother, when replete drain the child."
Thus, on the large intestine channel, corresponding to the metal phase, LI-2
(the water point) is the drainage point and LI-11 (the earth point), is the supple-
mentation point. For the kidney channel (water), Kl-1 (wood) is the drainage point
and KI-7 (metal) is the supplementation point. For the twelve channels, the sup-
plementation and drainage points are as follows:

Channel Supplementation Drainage

lung LU-9 LU-5
large intestine LI-11 LI-2
stomach ST-41 ST-45
spleen SP-2 SP-5
heart HT-9 HT-7
small intestine Sl-3 Sl-8
bladder BL-67 BL-65
kidney Kl-7 KI-1
pericardium PC-9 PC-7
triple burner TB-3 TB-10
gallbladder GB-43 GB-38
liver LR-8 LR-2
 The Five Phases 95

If the idea of an engendering cycle is correct, then these points should have
some special properties and effects on the channels. Traditionally, one would use
supplementing or draining needle techniques to obtain the required effects. Our
tests show not only that these points are capable of being supplementation and
drainage points, but that in responding to polarity agent influences, there is a polar-
ity between these pairs of points that has profound clinical effects and applications.
This is a new discovery and one which we believe sheds considerable light on the
nature of the five-phase acupoints.
Using a small 1.5 volt (AA) battery we can test the polarity effects of the sup-
plementation and drainage points. As with the other polarity agents the current
flowing when we use a battery of this potential will be very small, probably around
one milliampere - not enough to stimulate the nervous system. If, for example,
right Ll-4 is reactive, holding the battery and touching the positive pole to right LI-
11 (mother, earth point) will reduce the LI-4 reaction. Reversing the battery and
touching the negative pole to LI-11 will increase the LI-4 reaction. Likewise, touch-
ing the negative end to right LI-2 (child, water point) will decrease the Ll-4 reaction,
while the positive end increases the reaction.
This demonstrates the effects of small electric polarities on the body, and fur-
ther, something of the nature of the supplementation (mother) and drainage (child)
points. Any positive polarity applied on the supplementation point will reduce
reactions, while negative polarity increases reactions. Any negative polarity on the
drainage point reduces reaction, while positive polarity increases the reactions test-
ed. This occurs regardless of the direction of channel flow. Furthermore, we can
repeat this procedure and produce consistent results using any of the polarity agents
we have described: north magnet(+), south magnet(-), thumb(+), little finger(-),
red clip (+) or black clip (-) of ion beam or ion pumping cord. This is an important
finding. It raises complex and interesting questions about the nature of supple-
mentation and drainage.
Using magnets we obtain the following results. However, with magnets the
effects are not always consistent; some subjects show exceptional responses. It is not
yet clear why.
Reaction on LI-4 to magnet placement
Polarity LI-11 (mother) LI-2 (child)
North(+) decreases increases
South(-) increases decreases

Using an ion beam apparatus we obtain the same results:

Reaction on LI-4 to ion-beam polarity placement
Polarity LI-11 (mother) LI-2 (child)
Red (+) decreases increases
Black (-) increases decreases

Having defined these characteristics we can further define the polarity of other
tools, such as the thumb and little finger. Using the polarity of the thumb and little
finger (held lightly on the points) again yields the same results:
Reaction on LI-4 to finger placement
Digit LI-11 (mother) LI-2 (child)
Thumb(+) decreases increases
Little Finger (-) increases decreases
96 The Five Phases

Another example would be pressure pain of left KI-16, the kidney channel
diagnostic point. Using the same variety of polarity agents (ion beam, magnet,
thumb and finger) on left KI-7 (supplementing point) and left KI-1 (draining point)
yields the following results:

Reaction on KI-16 to polarity placement

Agent Polarity KI-7 (mother) KI-1 (child)
ion beam (+) decreases increases
ion beam (-) increases decreases
thumb (+) decreases increases
little finger (-) increases decreases
north magnet (+) decreases increases
south magnet (-) increases decreases

These points, the supplementation and drainage points, appear to be receptors

for different information, different signals. The points are capable of detecting very
tiny polarity influences and are able to discriminate and respond clearly to positive
and negative influences. This might be due to the polarities of the points themselves
-certainly this is implied in the traditional nomenclature of "supplementation" and
"drainage."
Based on these clear results, we were led to formulate a model which
described the interaction of the minute electrical currents of the applied polarity
agents with the signal system, at the level of the channels where the influences are
filtered and differentiated. Knowing these effects, we can formulate individual
treatments based on the channel(s) that are imbalanced. We can intentionally affect
the signal system. When we apply this information methodically, we can obtain
very controlled and precise clinical effects (as we will describe in later chapters).
Our further research and experimentation has shown that if we apply only a
negative polarity to the drainage point, or only a positive polarity to the supple-
mentation point, the effect - decrease in pressure pain and or tension - generally is
sustainable for only a short time. But, if we simultaneously apply positive polarity
to the supplementation points and negative polarity to the drainage points, the
effect is greatly amplified and longer lasting.
According to tradition this technique is paradoxical. Stimulation of the sup-
plementation and drainage points on the same channel is thought to produce a neu-
tralizing effect. Perhaps these traditional concepts are misunderstood or inade-
quate; perhaps the nature of the supplementation and drainage points, indeed, per-
haps the concept of supplementation and drainage itself, is different than the cur-
rent understanding.2 Perhaps these supplementation and drainage points work by
activation and suppression. Positive polarity applied to the supplementation points
and negative polarity applied to the drainage points may function to activate the
channel or flow of qi/information in the channel. Negative polarity applied to the
supplementation points and positive polarity applied to the drainage points may
function to suppress the channel or flow of qi/information in the channel.
Activation will address conditions of xu (vacuity); suppression will address condi-
tions of shi (repletion). Perhaps the activation or suppression functions are homeo-
statically balanced.
The above tests and results also confirm the description of the phase points as
a fixed sequence according to the engendering cycle. The choice of drainage and
supplementation points is based on the engendering cycle, though it is a concept
 The Five Phases 97

that developed many centuries after the original correspondence of these points to
the phases had been made. That is, these points were not selected as supplementa-
tion and drainage points because of their polar nature, rather as a development of
five-phase theory.
PHASE-TONE CORRESPONDENCE
Another useful phasal correspondence is the phase/tone correspondence. In
qigong, six monosyllabic phonemes phonetically representative of six written char-
acters were selected as capable of affecting the phases. This is the liu zi jue, the six
character method. We have done research with these tones and have used them
clinically. We found that the phase-phoneme-character correspondences are myste-
riously accurate. These correspondences are seen in the following table:
Phase-phoneme-character correspondences
Character Transliteration Pronounciation Organ Phase
11 xu sshuu liver wood
Pilf ke slightly guttural ke heart fire
Pif- hu whooo spleen earth
"~
P)\
si like 'sir' with soft r lung metal
chui like choooway kidney water
lli xi shee triple burner (fire)

As an example of the tests we have conducted with these characters, consider

again pressure pain and tension on right LI-4. Hold the thumb or little finger over
the point to be stimulated and chant the tone corresponding to that point. Then,
check LI-4 to see if the reaction is decreased. The results we obtain in this case are
as follows (on the right arm):

Reaction on right-side LI-4 to tone & polarity agent

Tone Agent LI-11 (mother) LI-2 (child)
chui thumb increases
hu thumb decreases
chui little finger decreases
hu little finger increases

In spite of using the thumb, a positive polarity, for both chui (water) and hu
(earth), the point responses are tempered solely by the phonemes. The earth sound
at the earth point produces a favorable response at LI-4, reduction of pressure pain.
The water sound at the earth point has an unfavorable response. Earth restrains
water; in this case, stimulating water at the earth point is antagonistic. Similarly, in
spite of the use of the little finger at LI-2, the use of chui or hu seems to be what tem-
pers the effects on LI-4. The earth sound at the water point antagonizes the channel
- here earth restrains water. In another subject, we measured the electrical current
in milliamperes on the bladder channel phase points using the vital meter, an elec-
trodermal measuring device manufactured and sold by AsAHI. We determined the
following current values in rnA (milliamperes):
Point Left Right
BL-67 0.5 1.0
BL-66 1.3 0.5
BL-65 0.5 0.7
BL-60 0.6 1.0
BL-40 8.0 8.0
98 The Five Phases

In this case, BL-40, the earth point, gave abnormally high readings. We test-
ed/treated points on the spleen and stomach channels using the chanted characters,
metronome, and thumb. We theorized that reducing earth should release the antag-
onistic constriction on water via the restraining cycle. Holding the thumbs over SP-
5, the drainage point, chanting chui with the metronome set at 120 (chui and 120
belong to kidney-water), we found the BL-40 point readings reduced to 2.6 on the
left and 5.2. on the right. To reverse this trend, since earth antagonizes water, hold-
ing the thumbs over both ST-36, chanting hu with the metronome set at 132 (hu and
132 belong to stomach-earth), caused both right and left BL-40 readings to rise to 7.0.
This example demonstrated the water-earth antagonism: earth restrains water.
We wondered if these tests were simply the product of the thumb-little finger
polarity. We suspect that someone expert in qigong could simply hold their thumb
or little finger over the point and use their breath and concentration to achieve the
same effects. However, those not versed in qigong usually need the chanted charac-
ter to produce the effect. We also wondered if these effects were channeled through
the nervous system as an auditory response. Our results do not clarify if it is the
nervous system of the subject, of the tester, or both, that is affected. If the tester
chants the words "water," "earth," "fire," in place of the corresponding characters
in various languages we get the same changes only if the subject knows the lan-
guage. Yet, if the tester says the character quietly (so that the subject cannot hear),
the same effects are found.
These tests are rather peculiar, but do produce functional changes. While we
cannot explain them satisfactorily, we cite these tests as evidence for the existence of
a restraining cycle among the phase points. Another example is provided by the fol-
lowing case. For pressure pain on left KI-16, placing the little finger(-) on left KI-1
(child) and the thumb(+) on left Kl-7 (mother), decreases the Kl-16 reaction. If we
then hold the thumb over Kl-3, the earth point (restraining water), generally no
change occurs at KI-16 unless one applies a qigong ability. This can be explained
primarily by noting that KI-3 is not the supplementation or drainage point, and thus
is not tuned to the(+)(-) polarities as are these points. But, when hu is chanted the
Kl-16 tenderness reappears. In this case, we stimulate earth, which restrains water,
to produce an antagonistic effect on water, and the original Kl-16 reaction reappears.
Based on these and other tests and the numerous clinical results that we have
obtained using these ideas, we think that the five-phase points have characteristics
of their own, as well as the characteristics of their channel. Depending on how one
stimulates them, the points manifest some characteristics more than others. The
problem of the five phases is essentially one of topological geometry. By examining
the observed facts first, we can begin to decipher the theory described by the ancient
Chinese. Diagrammatically, we can envision the five-phase points on the four-chan-
nel sets as a topological unit:

Figure 6.5: mutual exchange of information

 The Five Phases 99

There is a mutual exchange of information between the points, especially the

isophasal points. In a sense, this is like an energy cycle, a kind of functional cycle,
like the Kreb's cycle. At certain points around the cycle, the energy content or state
is the same, and certain information transmits between the isophasal points. In like
manner, certain strings on stringed instruments will resonate when a particular note
is played. To quote Dong Zhong Shu, writing from the second century B.C.:
The kung note or the shang note struck upon one lute will be answered by the kung
or the shang notes from other stringed instruments. They sound by themselves.
[As I said] when the note kung is struck forth from a lute, other kung strings [near-
by] reverberate of themselves in complementary [resonance]; a case of comparable
things being affected according to the classes to which they belong.3

BIORHYTHMS AND THE FIVE PHASES

The classical biorhythmic treatment methods that we describe are primarily
based on five-phase logic, or on biorhythmic variations of the eight extraordinary
vessel confluence-jiaohui points.

DAILY CHANNEL BIORHYTHMS

Knowing the time of day and having reached some diagnostic conclusion
about the channel and thus the phase that is imbalanced, we can select a point to
correct this channel/phase problem.
12

211 I 19 ':it' 31 I ps

Figure 6.6: Channel Clock

In a liver-wood problem, treating the wood point of the channel that is peak-
ing in the energy cycle will be effective. For instance, if it is 2 pm, the peaking time
of the small intestine channel, and we have diagnosed pressure pain around the
liver and the Manaka san yin jiao point on the left leg (both indicative of liver-wood),
we can select the wood point of the small intestine, Sl-3, for treatment. To check that
this is the correct point, we can test with a simple tool like a north-facing magnet.
We can also check other small intestine points and compare the decrease in reaction
around the liver and on the left leg. Usually we find that the wood point produces
the most change. Needling this point eliminates the pressure pain on the abdomen
and left leg.
100 The Five Phases

If it is 6 pm, the peaking time of the kidney channel, and we have determined
weakness in the kidney position of the radial pulse and pressure pain on KI-16 to
indicate a kidney vacuity or depletion, we can check the water point of the kidney
channel, KI-10, again using a north-facing magnet. Comparing with other kidney
channel points we generally find that stimulus on KI-10 produces the most positive
change in reaction. Thus, needling the water point of the kidney channel, KI-10,
improves the kidney pulse and rids the KI-16 pressure pain.
In these cases, we would not check the drainage points when comparing effec-
tiveness of other points versus the phase point diagnosed. This is because, as we
will see below, at the time a channel peaks, its drainage point can be particularly
effective for therapy. Thus, these points have slightly different properties. These
examples further demonstrate the characteristics of the phase points; they are also
isophasal with certain body systems, and can be selected according to time of day.
In the above example of a liver-wood problem, if it were 8 am, the wood point
of the stomach, ST-43, would be chosen. At this time, the small intestine wood point
would be ineffective for the same condition, since the small intestine channel is not
peaking at that time. If it were twelve noon instead, the peaking time of the heart
channel, we would choose the wood point of the heart channel, HT-9. The small
intestine wood point would probably still be effective, as would the bladder and
kidney wood points, BL-65 and KI-1. This is because within the four-channel set, in
this case, shao yin-tai yang, if one isophasal point is active, the other three are also
active to varying degrees.
At any time, treatment can be selected from among the four wood points. Since
the heart channel peaks between 11 am and 1 pm, the small intestine channel from
1 pm to 3 pm, the bladder channel from 3 pm to 5 pm, and the kidney channel from
5 pm to 7 pm, then the wood points of any of these four channels can be used on a
patient who is diagnosed with a wood problem, and who is available for treatment
between 11 am and 7 pm. Thus, as an extension of the method described above, at
6 pm, if the spleen channel is the target channel, the earth points of the kidney, blad-
der, small intestine, and heart channels, KI-3, BL-40, SI-8, and HT-7, will be effective.
In a case such as this, we can use simple diagnostic checks such as the appli-
cation of a north magnet to each of the points while checking tender areas for signs
of decreased discomfort. This method allows us to determine which of the four
points produces the strongest change in abdominal reactions. In this manner, we
can identify the isophasal properties of the points and the reliability of the daily
channel biorhythms, determining the most effective phase point for treatment.
We can test the logic of the restraining cycle with the circadian channel bio-
rhythm to determine if it too is a viable method of utilizing the circadian cycle. For
example, if we find pressure pain on left ST-27, the large intestine reflex point (see
chapter eight for the full list of correspondences), we should be able to decrease this
reaction by supplementing the fire point of the peaking channel (fire restrains
metal). At 11:30 am (heart channel peak), in a subject experiencing pressure pain on
left ST-27, using a supplementing needle technique on left HT-8 (the fire point of the
heart channel) should eliminate pressure pain on ST-27. Using a draining needle
technique should cause it to return. In our trials, this is in fact what we found. In
this case, we used the traditional methods of supplementing (inserting on exhala-
tion in the direction of channel flow) and draining (inserting on inhalation against
the direction of channel flow).
In a subject with pressure pain on right ST-26, the small intestine reflex point,
at 10 am (spleen channel peak), we decided that instead of needling or applying the
plus-minus polarities, we would use the wooden hammer and needle, with the
 The Five Phases 101

metronome. Since the small intestine frequency is 120 beats per minute, we tapped
at this rate. Because the small intestine corresponds to fire, we tapped at the spleen
fire point, SP-2. As a comparison, we also tapped at the water point, SP-9, to see if
the action of "water restrains fire" would antagonize the results. We obtained the
following results:
Point tapped Phase Frequency Reaction on ST-26
right SP-2 fire 120 decrease
right SP-9 water 120 increase

In this case, the fire point, SP-2, produced the desired results of reducing the ST-26
reaction. SP-9, the water point, antagonized the results (water restrains fire), and
the ST-26 reaction returned. Notice that the metronome setting and rate of tapping
was the same, the only variable was the acupoint. Thus it appears possible to take
advantage of the phase points along with the circadian cycle to produce specific
results.
DAILY BRANCH METHODS
There is a more general and traditional method of treatment based on an inter-
pretation of the classical concept of the nai zhi fa, the daily branch method. In the
last chapter we referred to the use of the drainage point of the channel at peak, or
the supplementation point of the channel that had peaked in the previous time
cycle, as biorhythmic "open" points. At any time of the day this option is available,
regardless of the diagnosis. The following points are available at the times indicat-
ed:
Time Channel Supplementation Drainage
3am-5am Lung LR-8 LU-5
5am-7am Large Intestine LU-9 Ll-2
7am-9am Stomach LI-11 ST-45
9am-llam Spleen ST-41 SP-5
llam-1pm Heart SP-2 HT-7
1pm-3pm Small Intestine HT-9 SI-8
3pm-5pm Bladder SI-3 BL-65
5pm-7pm Kidney BL-67 KI-1
7pm-9pm Pericardium KI-7 PC-7
9pm-llpm Triple Burner PC-9 TB-10
llpm-1am Gallbladder TB-3 GB-38
1am-3am Liver GB-43 LR-2

When we test these points at the designated times, we find not only a further
demonstration of the circadian channel biorhythm, and the nature of supplementa-
tion and drainage points, but also further evidence for the existence of phase rela-
tionships. More importantly, we have another powerful and useful therapeutic
option.
Traditionally, supplementation points in the nai zhi fa method were recom-
mended for any condition of vacuity or general vacuity, regardless of which chan-
nel was vacuous or most vacuous. The drainage points were recommended for any
condition of repletion or generally replete conditions, again regardless of the partic-
ular channel. We have found that these points can be therapeutically useful regard-
less of whether the condition is replete or vacuous.
102 The Five Phases

For example, when we examined a patient at 8 am (stomach peak) who

showed reactions in the right subcostal region of the abdomen with a weakness in
the liver position of the radial pulse, we chose LI-11 (mother point of the previous-
ly peaking channel) as the available supplementation point and ST-45 (child point
of the stomach channel) as the available drainage point. Using the logic where pos-
itive polarity applied to the supplementation point produces a reduction in reac-
tions, while negative polarity increases the reactions, and vice versa for the drainage
point, we tested the traditional logic. The results we obtained were as follows:

Point treated Polarity applied Reaction

LI-11 (r) no change
ST-45 (r) + no change
LI-11 (r) + decrease
ST-45 (r) decrease

We treated with the positive electrode at right LI-11 and the negative electrode to
right ST-45 for a duration of twenty seconds. This eliminated the subcostal reactions
and strengthened the radial pulse.
On another day at the same time, a different patient showed weakness in the
heart position of the radial pulse, and pain around CV-15/CV-14, a heart channel
diagnostic area. In this case, we used a polarity agent device similar to the ion
pumping cords, termed electrostatic adsorbers,4 and applied the same logic to treat
the same points. We placed the positive pole at right LI-11 and the negative pole to
left ST-45, for roughly 40 seconds. Treating contralaterally in this fashion can be use-
ful for midline reactions (i.e., around CV-15/CV-14). This greatly reduced the
abdominal reaction and improved the pulse. This combination takes advantage of
the left-right polarity component in the octahedron.
We can use any polarity agent to test these open points and confirm treatment
strategy. These tests demonstrate that points do become open or active at the times
indicated by the traditional texts. Treating the same points at 2 pm, with the same
polarities, on another subject with right subcostal tension, was not effective.
However, when positive polarity was applied to right HT-9 (the supplementation
point for that hour) and negative polarity to right SI-8 (the drainage point for that
hour), the reactions did decrease.
Since these points respond to the minute influences of polarity agents, we can
clearly state that these open points represent some aspect of the signal system.

POLAR CHANNEL PAIRS

The maximum-minimum energy relationships of the daily channel rhythms,
termed here the polar channel pairs, offer another treatment option:
Polar channel pairs
large intestine kidney
triple burner spleen
small intestine liver
heart gallbladder
pericardium stomach
lung bladder

While these pairs are used clinically as yin-yang sets with a clear structural
basis, an understanding of their underlying function can be found in the concept of
 The Five Phases 103

the daily channel rhythms. We have found this polar channel set of relationships
particularly useful. Treating a leg yin-arm yang channel pair, such as kidney-large
intestine, immediately activates inferior-superior, yin-yang relationships as well as
yin-yang channel relationships (anterior/medial-posterior/lateral). Using points
on these two channels according to left-right strategies essentially activates all the
yin-yang antagonisms of the octahedral model. Treatments so based can produce
effects that extend well beyond the two treated channels to regulate the whole body.
TEN-DAY CHANNEL BIORHYTHMS
The workings of the signal system are clearly evidenced by the biorhythmic
phase treatment method known as the nai jia fa, or ten-day stem method.
The ten-day stem method of treatment uses the five-phase and source points
on all twelve channels in a complex phase sequence. The sequence passes from jing
to ying, to shu, to jing, to he acupoints of the five yang channels in the engendering
order of the phases. It then alternates the same point sequence through the five yin
channels, again in the engendering order of the phases. The sequence then returns
to the yang channels. In other words, in ten days the sequence alternately passes
from a yang channel sequence of points in engendering order then to a sequence of
yin channel points, also in engendering sequence, then back to a yang sequence. On
the eleventh day the whole cycle begins again.
The Ten-Day Cycle
Jing Ying Shu Jing He TB/PC

GB-44 51-2 5T-43 LI-5 BL-40 TB-2

wood fire earth metal water
LR-1 HT-8 5P-3 LU-8 KI-10 PC-8
51-1 5T-44 LI-3 BL-60 GB-34 TB-3
fire earth metal water wood
HT-9 5P-2 LU-9 KI-7 LR-8 PC-7
5T-45 LI-2 BL-65 GB-38 51-8 TB-6
earth metal water wood fire
5P-1 LU-10 KI-3 LR-4 HT-3 PC-5
Ll-1 BL-66 GB-41 51-5 5T-36 TB-10
metal water wood fire earth
LU-ll KI-2 LR-3 HT-4 5P-9 PC-3
BL-67 GB-43 51-3 5T-41 LI-11 TB-1
water wood fire earth metal
Kl-1 LR-2 HT-7 5P-5 LU-5 PC-9

Chapter 9 gives the full sequence, with corresponding open times and discussions
of how to calculate which point is open according to the day and time of day.
This method is clearly based on five-phase sequences and logic. It is almost
too fantastic to believe, except that the points produce profound clinical results that
can be clinically researched and verified using the polarity agents.
For example, in a subject with pressure pain on left KI-16, application of the
negative electrostatic adsorber to left PC-9, the open point according to the ten-day
stem method, reduced the Kl-16 reaction. Exactly one week later, the same applica-
tion of the electrostatic adsorber, to the same point, in the same subject, had no effect
104 The Five Phases

on the same Kl-16 reaction. When the adsorber was applied to left SP-3, the open
point at that time according to the ten-day stem method, the KI-16 reaction
decreased.
In a group of six subjects with monolateral pressure pain at LI-4, we selected
the open point according to the ten-day stem method, stimulating it using the
wooden hammer and needle with a metronome. At this time HT-4 was the ten-day
stem open point. On each subject we tapped a point roughly one centimeter proxi-
mal to HT-4 for 10 beats at a rate of 126 beats per minute (the heart frequency rate).
We then tapped HT-4 (river-jing metal point) for the same number of beats at the
same rate. We found that after tapping the point proximal to HT-4 in all subjects,
the LI-4 pressure pain was unchanged. After tapping HT-4, the pressure pain
reduced in all subjects. This tends to indicate that the open points are very specific
and very sensitive.
We have repeated these simple tests many times. Sometimes the use of the
open point not only rids the reactions tested, it also eliminates the subject's symp-
toms. Sometimes open points respond antagonistically to the use of a negative or
positive polarity agent. For example, in the case above, the negative adsorber when
applied to left PC-9 reduced the KI-16 reaction, while the positive pole caused the
reaction to return. This is particularly interesting, since PC-9, the supplementation
point, is usually antagonized by negative application and benefitted by positive
application. Here, the effects must have been due to the biorhythmic properties
associated with being "open," and not just the phasal characteristic of the point.
Because open points can respond to polarity agents with a corresponding
increase or decrease in abdominal signs and radial pulse strength, then they too
must be related to the signal system. The ten-day stem method of biorhythmic treat-
ments is easily demonstrable and of enormous clinical significance.
It is possible that the sequence of open points is the product of the body's phys-
iological response to normal variations in the geomagnetic field. However, any the-
ory substantiating the open points will require large-scale data gathering and inves-
tigation. Many characteristics of these open points have yet to be mapped; for
instance, the pattern of positive, negative, or neutral influences that cause each point
to most effectively respond, remains to be discovered. What frequency of stimula-
tion is best for each point?
The biorhythmically open point is like an entry into the signal system. We
have found that when using the wooden hammer and needle to tap the open point,
by varying the frequency of tapping, we can target the responses (release of pressure
pain) to specific channels in an almost exact manner. In the following example,
remember that the same open point, GB-43, was stimulated with different frequen-
cies with specific responses of each frequency. On a subject with pressure pain on
KI-ll, the bladder channel diagnostic point, and on LU-1, the kidney channel diag-
nostic point, varying the frequency of tapping gave the following results:
Frequency Correspondence KI-ll reaction LU-1 reaction
120 Kl, GB, SI unchanged unchanged
ll2 BL decreased unchanged
126 LU,HT unchanged decreased

Here, when we tapped GB-43 at 120 beats, no change was observed at KI-ll or
LU-1. When GB-43 was tapped at ll2 beats, the bladder channel frequency, the KI-
ll pressure pain decreased, but not the LU-1 pressure pain. Likewise, when GB-43
was tapped at 126 beats, the lung channel frequency, the LU-1 pressure pain
 The Five Phases 105

decreased, but not the KI-ll pressure pain. This suggests the specificity of response
of the ten-day stem method open points. Hence it appears we are able to target spe-
cific channels with open points depending on how we affect the points.
Based on these results, we can see that the open points can be used for gener-
al treatments, regardless of the condition of the patient, as well as for specific imbal-
ances. In the context of five-phase theory, the ten-day stem method is significant
because the sequencing of points is heavily based on five-phase theory. Its clinical
effectiveness helps validate the five-phase model.

SIXTY-DAY LING GUI BA FA RHYTHM

The last biorhythmic treatment method we will discuss is the ling gui ba fa, lit-
erally the "spiritual turtle eight methods." This technique exclusively uses the eight
extraordinary vessel confluence-jiaohui points in a complex sixty-day sequence. The
order of acupoints in this sequence is derived by numerical or numerological meth-
ods. Some of the numerical correspondences lend further credence to five-phase
theory, because they are based on, or derived from, five-phase ideas, correspon-
dences and philosophies. The basis of the sequence is the eight trigrams of the later
heaven sequence from the Yi Jing, or Book of Changes. (For the complete set of charts
of the sixty-day cycle, see chapter 9.)
Like the points on the ten-day stem method, these points respond antagonisti-
cally to polarity agent effects and are also sensitive to frequency stimulation select-
ed according to the subject's problem. In a subject with pressure pain on the left
medial side of the left gastrocnemius muscle (the kidney-large intestine reflex
point), the wooden hammer and needle with metronome were used to stimulate the
extraordinary vessel point that was the open point according the the 60-day ling gui
ba fa cycle, GB-41.
Tapping left GB-41 at a rate of ll2 (bladder) beats per minute had no effect on
this reflex point, but at a rate of 120 beats per minute (kidney, gallbladder, small
intestine), the pressure pain disappeared. From this example, we reason that the 60-
day open point, here GB-41, has a specificity of action like the ten-day stem cycle
described above. Only when GB-41 was tapped at the kidney channel frequency
(120 beats), did the kidney reflex pressure pain reduce.
In another subject with pressure pain on the left gastrocnemius in the spleen-
triple burner reflex area, the same phenomenon was seen. Tapping left GB-41 at a
rate of 120 beats per minute reduced the pressure pain a little, but at a rate of 132
beats per minute (spleen, stomach), the pressure pain disappeared. In a third sub-
ject having pressure pain at the same point on the gastrocnemius, tapping right GB-
42 (a non-open point, local to the open point, GB-41) at a rate of 132 beats per minute
had no effect, but right GB-41 at the same rate reduced the pressure pain. In this
case we observed not only the same phenomenon, but the specificity of the point
action.
In a subject with pressure pain on both KI-16 (the kidney channel diagnostic
point), both KI-ll (the bladder channel diagnostic point), and CV-15 (a heart chan-
nel diagnostic point), we used the ion beam apparatus to test and treat the open
extraordinary vessel point. At that time, KI-6 was the open point. Applying the
negative electrode to right KI-6 had little effect on the abdominal reactions; apply-
ing the positive electrode to left KI-6 reduced the reactions a little. Applying the
positive electrode to right KI-6 also had little effect as did applying the negative elec-
trode to left KI-6. We then applied the positive electrode to left KI-6 and the nega-
tive electrode to right LU-7, the confluence-jiaohui point coupled with Kl-6. This
eliminated all the abdominal reactions.
106 The Five Phases

Using these simple clinical tests to compile clinical results, we find that the
extraordinary vessel open points appear to be also related to the signal system. It is
our theory that open points are like temporal windows that give direct access to the
signal system, and can thus have broad effects.
We can see from the examples described in this chapter, and from the many
other cases we have experienced in our practice, that with the exception of a few
cases where treatment must be absolutely tailored to the patient's condition, these
treatments work regardless of the patient's condition. This suggests that biorhyth-
mic treatments must work, at least in part, by activating a homeostatic mechanism,
process, or chain of responses. We can state that part of the signal system must be
homeostasis; otherwise individual normalcy would be unachievable. Theoretically,
the five-phase cycles and interactions are inherently ideas of homeostasis. The var-
ious cycles - the engendering, restraining, etc. - keep each other in check at some
optimal or healthy level. The biorhythmic treatments, for the most part rooted in
five phase logic, work homeostatically. The clinical results correspond to the theo-
retical descriptions. While the exact nature of these biorhythmic processes is not
clear, their evidences may be rationalized by the general theory we have developed.
Natural biorhythmic fluctuations are an integral part of the signal system. The abil-
ity of an organism to respond to subtle changes in the environment is essential to its
ability to adapt and survive, which would appear to be an integral component of
signal system function.

THEORETICAL SUMMARY
In the context of our model of the signal system, which we have seen operat-
ing in nature and possibly in early evolution, these traditional Chinese descriptions
of the organismic undercurrents in nature and the human body are perfectly ratio-
nal and coherent.
Using polarity agents we have arrived at a general description of the signal
system and have begun to re-examine and re-theorize the channel, acupoint, and
body structure relationships. We have seen some of the properties of yin-yang, the
channel system, and the five phases. The five phases can be observed through the
five-phase points on each of the twelve channels, through the phase correspondence
of each channel, and to some extent through the study of open point biorhythmic
cycles. The channel points are inseparable from the channels, but the channel sur-
face contains non-channel points along its trajectory. The channel trajectories go
superiorly and inferiorly, left and right, controlling the yin-yang oppositions in the
body. In topology, a point can transform to a line, from a line to a surface, and from
a surface to a solid object, the physical structure. The entirety and its parts are gen-
erally equivalent and inseparable.
The body's signal system we have described conforms to these properties. We
can use the language and concepts of topology to explain some of its functions. In
particular, the information transmitted in topological transformations, and mirrored
in the topological properties of a body, appears to be similar to some of the infor-
mation handled by the signal system. In informational and signal system terms, we
believe that in the body, at least, the descriptions of yin-yang and the five phases
correspond not to mere abstractions but to general descriptions of physiological
interregulation.
We have found that five-phase theory is exact and mathematical. It is not rec-
ognized by physiologists because it is a signal system function and is not an effect
that results from physiological stimulation.s In acupuncture and moxibustion, the
signal effect and stimulation effect occur simultaneously and are difficult, if not
 The Five Phases 107

impossible, to distinguish absolutely. However, by avoiding the stimulation effect,

using minute polarity agents that activate only the signal system, it is possible to see
the exact mathematical relations of the five phases, their correspondences and clin-
ical rules.
Observing, understanding, and utilizing these properties and characteristics
requires an appropriate theoretical and methodological approach. In the future,
mathematicians may be able to formulate these ideas and provide clear schematiza-
tions of these ideas, which first arose in the classical texts. For now, we must take
advantage of them as the ancient Chinese have taught us by applying them clini-
cally. Combining the phasal characteristics and properties with the yin-yang, octa-
hedral properties, we are able to design and implement powerful yet simple diag-
nostic and treatment procedures.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1A simple functional explication of the term "isophasal" is: placement of agent X at acupoint A
and agent Y at acupoint B can increase or decrease pressure pain at another acupoint, C. If we reverse X
and Y, so that X is on B and Y on A, the reaction at C will reverse. However, if either placement of X at
A with Y at B or X at B with Y at A gives the same response at C, then we can say that A and B are
isophasal points. This is clearly seen in the example of copper and zinc placements at ST-36 and LI-11,
or LI-1 and ST-45.
2 S.B.: These findings are explored mathematically in appendix 5 where a model capable of
explaining these findings and reconciling them with the traditional descriptions is developed.
3 From J. Needham, Science & Civilization in China II:281-2
4 See the next chapter for discussion of these (and other) therapeutic devices.
5 For a discussion of this in the context of mathematical modeling of the five phases, see appen-
dix 5.
 SECTION THREE:

REACHING FOR THE TAIL

TRADITIONAL CONCEPTS IN
MODERN PRACTICE
 CHAPTER SEVEN

SYNTHESIZING DIAGNOSIS
AND TREATMENT

FORMULATING A CLINICAL PICTURE

The various theories of acupuncture and moxibustion can be seen against the
background of the signal system as topological theories relating to structure, func-
tion and rhythm. Our experimentation has clearly established and verified the fol-
lowing postulates, based on and derived from classical theory:
- The twelve channels have a direction of flow. The yin channels flow from
feet to body and body to hands; the yang channels flow from hands to head and
head to feet.
- The twelve channels compose a continuous circuit.
- Within this circuit there are three smaller circuits each composed of two yin
and two yang channels - the four-channel sets.
- The twelve-channel circuit evidences a circadian rhythm that is both a tem-
poral cycle of maximum and minimum energies and a set of structural relationships
(yin-yang, syntagonistic-antagonistic relationships). These structural relationships
exist between the pairs opposite each other on the channel clock, (e.g., heart-gall-
bladder, bladder-lung).
- There is a set of acupoints on each channel that coincides with the so-called
five-phase acupoints. The same-phase points exhibit properties common to other
same-phase points, that is, they are isophasal with each other.
- The twelve channels also exhibit phase properties according to traditional
teachings.
- The channels and five phase points (the transporting-shu points) exhibit
interphase relationships described by traditional teaching as aspects of the five-
phase cycles, the engendering or "creative," "mother-child" cycle, and the restrain-
ing or "controlling," "husband-wife" cycle.
- The supplementation and drainage points, two characteristic sets of phase
points, exhibit polarity-dependent properties.
- The eight extraordinary vessels directly relate to body structure and sym-
metry. That is, they relate to the octahedral dividing lines of the body; they cross the
112 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

regular twelve channels at certain intersection points, through which they effect
broad functional changes in the body. Generally, the eight confluence-jiaohui points
of the extraordinary vessels are polarity dependent.
- The channels also coincide with each other at intersection-jiaohui points that
exhibit unique, polarity-independent properties, what we have termed the san yin
jiao characteristic.
- There are characteristic biorhythmically active points based on circadian,
ten-day, and sixty-day cycles. Some of these are polarity dependent and some
polarity independent, but all produce general effects throughout the body.
The results of our experimentations have led us to formulate a model of an X-
signal system that is essentially bio-informational with a primary regulatory func-
tion. Our model proposes that this information system has primarily homeostatic
functions, regulating the overall energetic condition and the overall physiological
condition. The evidence we have gathered suggests that acupuncture, in particular
the channels, qi, yin-yang and the five phases, participate in this signalling system.
Treatment that takes advantage of, and activates changes in this system, can pro-
duce diverse effects because potentially the whole biological system can be affected.
If the function of the information system approaches the ideal, then the body
will function optimally. It will tend to resist disease and, should a disease condition
arise as a result of any of a variety of causes, so long as it does not reach a stage of
organic degeneration, a timely recovery will occur. Should a derangement of the
information system arise such that part of its overall control is lost and the body
ceases to function properly, a small intervention from the outside can nudge the
body's internal regulatory system back in the right direction and restore proper
function.
This X-signal system is essentially not anatomical (though in microscopic
structures it may have some physical expression), just as the various theories of the
channels, yin-yang, and the five phases are not clearly anatomical. The system is
described by what are essentially hidden or enfolded, primitive biological proper-
ties which we believe arose through various stages of evolution and were then
masked by the development of the more efficient automation systems such as the
nervous and endocrine systems. This process of enfoldment probably involves their
being absorbed into the body of information stored, for example, in the genetic
information carried by the DNA. As such, the information now represents a reserve
of potential information that is unfolded only with the correct stimulus, influence,
or condition. In the process of unfoldment, we can see manifestations of the clinical
laws of acupuncture that were classically formulated as channel, yin-yang, extraor-
dinary vessel, five phase, and biorhythmic theories.
The techniques we have designed and used to elicit these manifestations
employ polarity agents, the nature of which produce effects so small that they do
not primarily elicit neurohumoral or other clear biological responses, many of
which are involved in the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion when stronger
stimulation is applied. Instead, these polarity agents stimulate at the signal system
level. By developing systematic methods of testing and utilizing these agents, we
are not only able to confirm the biological existence of the various theories of
acupuncture and moxibustion, and related clinical laws, but we also are able to for-
mulate new clinical rules and systematic, reliable treatment methods that synthesize
traditional methods and modem ideas. This new system, composed of many sub-
systems, is not a closed system. With careful research, testing, and observation, it is
possible to interface the methods and concepts of other systems with those present-
ed here.
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 113

Since the information system operates with tiny amounts of energy, it can be
affected and regulated with equally minute amounts of energy. An advantage of
using this intervention as a method of treatment is that there is little danger of caus-
ing any damage in the form of side effects. This intervention in, or interference with,
the information system, is carried out with the following principal aims:
Activation: increase of function with an appropriate amount of stimulation,
both in the sense of addressing hypofunction and in the traditional sense of correct-
ing conditions of xu, vacuity.
Suppression: reduction of excess activity, both in the sense of addressing
hyperfunction and in the traditional sense of correcting conditions of shi, repletion.
Rebalancing: activation of homeostatic mechanisms using appropriate meth-
ods and amounts of stimulation.
Induction: modification of the directions or locations of the body's reactions,
both in the structural sense and in the sense of creating a kind of energetic symme-
try.
Transformation: alteration of processes that have biphasic patterns, for exam-
ple, taking advantage of biorhythmic fluctuations.
Stimulation: the use of stronger stimulation to correct imbalances, used pri-
marily in difficult, stubborn cases.
Using this approach we are able to perform simple, systematic, highly effective
treatments. Following the theories we have proposed, the systematic, step-by-step
use of the signal system can be formulated as a "root" or general treatment
approach. Based on our octahedral, yin-yang model, we can target different yin-
yang surfaces one step at a time to effect a rebalancing of the body's yin-yang sys-
tem. Thus we might term this approach a "yin-yang treatment style."
This style has the following purposes and merits:
- Regardless of the nature and complexity of the patient's condition, we are
able to equilibrate total body imbalances. This is particularly important and useful
in many kinds of functional diseases that are otherwise difficult to diagnose, and
equally difficult to treat.
- We are able to economize on the number of points used and the doses of
stimulation given to these points. As a result, even if incorrect treatment is given,
no serious harm is done and side effects are few.
- We are able to minimize the symptom control treatments.
- For each step in the general yin-yang treatment procedure, we are able to
obtain feedback as to the relative success and effects. This gives us the immediate
possibility of modifying our technique or selection of points according to need~
- We can utilize the repeatable and demonstrable effects of polarity agents to
great advantage. These polarity agents include ion-pumping cords, the ion beam
device, and the electrostatic adsorbers. North and south pole magnets and zinc and
copper pellets can be used, though our own experience dictates a preference for the
first three devices.
It is important to note as well that the efficacy of treatment depends on the
functional makeup of the information system, which is complex and stratified.
Because of this complexity and stratification, a uniform pattern of intervention can-
not be expected to produce a constant and uniform set of effects. Thus, treatments
must be tailored to suit the individual.
114 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

Further, patterns of treatment will differ and produce different results depend-
ing on the range within which the intervention is introduced. For example, if a
symptom such as pain is considered simply a local problem, the treatment will be
administered locally as a symptomatic treatment. If the pain is considered an
expression of an imbalance of the entire body, then the treatment will be holistic and
general. Classical channel treatment according to the five-phase theory of acupunc-
ture or the eight extraordinary vessels exemplifies this approach.
Finally, the degree to which the concept of patterns of treatment plays a role in
the effectiveness of the therapy depends on the abilities of the therapist. For exam-
ple, if the therapist is able to take both external and internal origins into account,
and is able to consider the ecology of the individual's environment, the possible
treatments will become more numerous and more effective. His or her attitude
toward the execution and focus of treatment will be more universal. In effect, the
broader and deeper the therapist's education, and the less prejudiced their view, the
greater the range of therapy.
We have found that the most interesting aspect of channel therapy is not deal-
ing with each one separately, but taking their various relationships into account.
Point combinations that are derived from relationships are able to work with syner-
gistic effects, and absolute, though not indefinite, properties. The best treatment
system is one that treats the channels flexibly by using combinations of points on the
right and left, superior and inferior, anterior and posterior portions of the body.
Diagnosis and treatment must be designed with the primary goal to correct imbal-
ances and asymmetries, and only secondarily to address specific symptoms. Hence
all of the practitioner's senses and sensitivity must be trained to discriminate deli-
cate and subtle differences in the patient's condition.
Within the field of traditional medicine, a wide variety of diagnostic methods
exists. These medical procedures, invented in ancient times, depended on the use
of simple, unsophisticated techniques of inspection and palpation. However, for
diagnoses directly related to the information system, a specialized, functional sys-
tem of diagnosis, based on palpation, is required.
In the signal system model, the concept of diagnosis, the zheng m (akilshi in
Japanese), differs from Western biomedical diagnosis in several important respects.
A Western diagnosis arrives at a disease name, which is an expression of functional
and organic changes. Akilshi is a collection or pattern of signs and symptoms that
center on a treatment adaptation or method. Thus, depending on what treatment
method is selected, the akilshi will be different, where in Western biomedical terms,
several cases might all be the same disease entity, regardless of treatment possibili-
ties. For example, "gastric ulcer" is a Western diagnosis that remains the same
regardless of the therapy to be used.
Akilshi can be said to depend on the intentional consciousness with which we
observe the patient. This is, again, the software that plays a significant role in
acupuncture and East Asian or Oriental medicine. However, this makes the akilshi
dependent on the style, experience, sensitivity, and ability of each practitioner.
Provided that diligence is maintained, and each patient's case is studied with care,
the development of this kind of flexible approach to diagnosis, treatment, and
assessment is a great benefit to patients. Patients with complaints that are undiag-
nosible by Western medicine, complaints that have been accurately diagnosed, but
for whom allopathic treatment has not succeeded, or patients with multiple com-
plaints, often benefit from this akashi-based approach, because the less rigid diag-
nostic concept permits a therapeutically tailored diagnosis.
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 115

ROOT TREATMENT AND SYMPTOM CONTROL TREATMENT

In the traditional practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, therapy con-

sisted of a root or general treatment (ben zhi fa in Chinese, hon chi ho in Japanese), fol-
lowed by a symptom control or local treatment (biao zhi fa in Chinese, hyo chi ho in
Japanese). The root treatment was intended to equilibrate basic energetic problems,
to balance and restore harmony to the body. The symptom control treatment was
intended to address specific symptoms. Because it was also understood that symp-
toms could cause general, whole body imbalances, the distinction between symp-
tom control and general treatments was given credence in treatment structure and
approach.
With a root treatment, diagnosis and effective therapy can be administered for
complex conditions that may not have clear symptomatic relationships to patterns,
to diseases, or to indications for standard treatment methods. Complaints having
no clinical or established etiology or progression in Western medicine can also be
treated. For example, symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, fatigue, or pain are often
subclinical. These conditions are identified with disease names, but without clear
treatment strategies. Yet such conditions are easily treatable when we adopt an
approach that looks for whole body imbalances and uses alteration of the informa-
tional and regulatory system for correction.
Symptoms, local conditions, can be seen as resulting from broader whole body
imbalances. Correction of the overall imbalance often will relieve even quite diverse
symptoms. Further, the same diagnosis and treatment patterns can be useful for dif-
ferent patients with diverse symptoms. Local problems, such as trauma, may also
be sources of whole body imbalances that can be treated at the source level with the
root treatment method. In conditions such as lesions or degenerations, where
organic changes have already occurred, root treatment accelerates the healing and
repairing processes.
Since root treatments are aimed at nudging the body's homeostatic mecha-
nisms so that the body heals itself, these treatments are usually very simple. This
simplicity is quite different than treatments that remain only at the level of symp-
tom control. Symptomatic treatment without information regulation treatment can
be complex, for if a patient has a number of complaints, many points must be select-
ed to address each complaint one by one. Symptom control treatment that follows
an information regulation treatment can be much simpler. Because a root treatment
affects the energies at a much deeper, primal level, it requires only a small amount
of energy. Further, the symptom control treatment that follows a root treatment typ-
ically requires fewer points and only small amounts of energy.
Today the channels seem to be used for symptomatic treatments. For example,
many Japanese texts list symptoms that exist when the lung channel is replete and
then recommend that certain points on the lung channel be drained when these
symptoms are present. This is not so different from listing the indications of indi-
vidual acupuncture points as is the practice with the ba gang bian zheng system. This
information has value as a reference, but it does not give the clinician a systematic
or reliable method f~r the selection of acupuncture points. Since diagnosis is often
quite complex, requiring intricate patterns of points that are not experimentally
investigated, but empirically justified, there is no idea of systematic validity. Since
the treatments so justified are not staged, or even discussed in terms of imbalances,
the effects of individual treatments are not assessed.
116 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

FORMULATING A MODEL OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

We propose a model of diagnosis and treatment that utilizes the techniques of
classical acupuncture in combination with more modern systems. For our model,
we consider it most important to divide the classical channel therapy into a few rel-
atively simple subsystems or steps. This way treatments can be provided at each
step and these treatments will have a direct relevance to the factors being examined.
If a certain treatment is not effective in accomplishing the specific objectives of a par-
ticular step, then another technique or combination of points can be employed.
Diagnostic assessment and treatment interweave; depending on the degree of suc-
cess at each step, the next step or two may be skipped. This decision is based sole-
ly on individual assessment. Thus, each consideration is tested and retested, and a
treatment assumption that fails never becomes the foundation of further misas-
sumption.
These treatment steps are as follows:
Step One: Treatment to adjust the octahedral, isophasallevels on the front
of the body
Step Two: Treatment to adjust the octahedral, isophasallevels on the back
of the body
Step Three: Ttreatment to adjust musculo-skeletal functional and structural
imbalances
Step Four: Symptom Control
Step Five: Recommendations to the patient
In our model, treatment starts with the three steps of the classical channel
treatment system (keiraku chiryo) and is followed by more symptomatic methods of
treatment. If the root treatment is successful, it reduces the overall number of points
we need to use. Sometimes we need to address patients' symptoms first because we
must relieve their suffering. However, the practitioner might bear in mind that con-
tinuous effort should be made to perform therapy using the minimum number of
acupuncture points possible - maximum benefit for minimal intervention.
Although the number of acupuncture points and the amount of stimulation may be
increased when the need arises, care must be taken not to exceed the individual's
limit beyond which unnecessary side effects arise.
We have found that combining classical treatment methods with more modern
therapies will most often be effective for root treatment. Fortunately, as practition-
ers, we can access many healing paradigms practiced by many doctors over many
years. Classical treatment methods that are still applied in clinical practice by dif-
ferent schools and practitioners, to varying degrees, include the following:
- Jingluo channel therapy (keiraku chiryo), using the channels and their phase
points
- Jing jin channel sinew therapy
- Jing bie channel divergence therapy
- Qi jing ba mai extraordinary vessel therapy
- Liu zhu zhen fa biorhythm treatment systems
- Bloodletting therapy
- Okyu, moxibustion therapy
- Cupping therapy
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 117

More recent treatment systems include the following:

- Wrist and ankle acupuncture therapy of Zhang Xin Shu
- Ryodoraku diagnosis and therapy
- Voll's electrodermal diagnostic and therapeutic methods
- Motoyama's A.M.I. diagnosis and therapy
- Akabane imbalance methodology (heat sensitivity and intradermal needles)
- Nogier auriculotherapy
- Chinese auriculotherapy
- Tae Woo Yoo's hand acupuncture therapy
- The Ishikawa system (an electrodermal methodology)
- Barefoot doctor acupuncture from China
- Electroacupuncture
- Scalp acupuncture
- Regulation of autonomic nerve imbalances
- Stimulation according to the neural dermatomes
- Acupuncture analgesia and anesthesia
It is worth noting that the combined use of two completely different modali-
ties can achieve rapid improvement in the efficacy of treatment. For example, using
auricular points combined with reflex points on the hand can deliver rapid and suc-
cessful results in therapy. At times there are many connections between two such
systems; on other occasions there are none. For example, there are points of associ-
ation between abdominal diagnosis and channel therapy. Particular points on the
abdomen can reflect the condition of specific channels. However, the combination
of the systems of abdominal diagnosis and auricular points can be an unfortunate
one, since their correlation is not obvious or well demonstrated. In such cases, using
a third system as an interface between the other two can produce a single coordi-
nated system. For example, the five-phase point system and auricular points appear
to have little in common. If five-phase correlations can be demonstrated relative to
the acupuncture points of the auricle, the two systems can be combined, allowing a
further logical interface between the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of abdom-
inal diagnosis, five-phase points and auricular points.
In our experience, for root treatment, selecting from classical channel therapy,
channel sinew therapy, extraordinary vessel therapy, or biorhythmic treatments has
provided the greatest effectiveness and utility. The symptom control methods we
most frequently and successfully use are auriculotherapy and hand acupuncture
therapy, moxibustion therapy, bloodletting and/ or cupping therapies, and occa-
sionally barefoot doctor acupuncture or scalp acupuncture. Using these methods,
we are able to perform effective and well-rounded treatments in almost all cases.
This is our treatment approach, which we will describe in detail in the next few
chapters. However, it is possible to design different treatment combinations. Our
selections for root treatment are primarily based on the findings and experiences
described in the preceding chapters, where we saw the channels, yin-yang, the five
phases, the channel sinews, the extraordinary vessels, and biorhythms as all partic-
ipating in the signal system, the body's information and regulation system.
We have also found that the unvarying use of the same pattern of treatment
will not necessarily bring about the fulfillment of a particular objective; several
118 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

other systems may be more useful, depending on the individual. The practitioner
must watch the patient's reactions and make timely selections and changes of treat-
ments.
Simplicity is the keynote in the root treatment method. Trying to combine too
many of these systems is not helpful. We use the root treatment to alter the infor-
mation control system, the signal system, so that overall body imbalances can be
corrected. Many times, simply counter-biasing the information system, the regula-
tion system, will additionally relieve symptoms. When the general imbalances are
corrected, the symptoms are corrected. When such interference in the information
system is not enough, then specific symptom control treatment is required.
Sometimes symptom control operates at the signal level, but often it works with
physical stimulation.
The effectiveness of treatment will be determined by the choice of acupoints
made. When a particular treatment system is followed, the problem is to know how
to limit, or how to expand, the arena of treatment. Methods of assessment and
reassessment are required for each treatment method used. The subdivision of the
root treatment and symptom control methods is related to this principle. For exam-
ple, if the symptom control treatment is carried out on the grounds that a symptom
such as pain in a particular location is a disease phenomenon, a certain effectiveness
is to be expected. However, from other perspectives, many questions arise. Should
the pain be treated as referred pain? Should it be considered as associated with one
or more channels and be dealt with by channel treatment? Should these channels
be treated separately or with reference to the entire channel system? Should time
considerations play any part? Many approaches are possible, and the most appro-
priate should be selected for each patient.
Finally, forming new systems by combining those listed above, or altogether
different systems, should involve at least an attempt to equilibrate total body imbal-
ances. It should also use diagnostic methods that are easily repeatable and assess-
able so that the adequacy and efficacy of any treatment can be determined. Long-
term criteria will be necessary to enable examination of the overall objectives of the
whole logistical system, and the synthesis of subsystems, to determine if treatment
goals have been fulfilled. Vigilant examination of the body structure, muscle forms
and other visual signs also plays an important role. In addition, the M.I.D. tech-
nique can be used. Allopathic Western diagnostic tests such as tests to monitor
blood chemistry and blood levels, may also be incorporated usefully for this pur-
pose.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Over the years, we have invented, tried, and tested numerous tools, devices,
and gadgets. My own clinic closets appear similar to the museum in Paris that we
visited. I have many different machines and devices that we tried and no longer
use, many that we occasionally use, and a few that are routinely used. Typically,
devices and machines that apply relatively strong stimulation, such as electro-
acupuncture machines, fall in the category of rarely if ever used. This is because
through years of study and clinical trial of our signal system theory, we have come
to realize that it is difficult to control or effect the signal system using strong stimu-
lation. Since our basic approach has evolved into one of regulating the signal sys-
tem, it has seemed generally unhelpful and unnecessary to use machines that give
stronger stimulus.
Thus it is that machines and devices which apply small or tiny stimulus have,
for the opposite reasons, become the tools of our trade. Many modem schools of
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 119

thought in acupuncture seem to prefer the "more is better" approach; hence few
tools which deliver small, controlled stimuli have been widely available. Partly
because of this, and partly because of my own inquisitive and inventive nature, I
have designed and invented a range of treatment tools and devices capable of giv-
ing a controlled, small stimulus, thereby allowing us to effect and regulate the sig-
nal system.
The various tools I have designed, or have had a hand in designing, and which
are referred to throughout this book, include the ion-pumping cords, the ion-beam
device, the electrostatic adsorbers, the Manaka wooden hammer and wooden nee-
dle, and LED light sources delivered through fiber optic arrangements.
Other tools which we have used, particularly in our theoretical and clinical
studies, include north and south facing magnets for bi-polar magnetic techniques,
copper-zinc or gold-silver application for 2-metal contact techniques, thumb and lit-
tle finger for polarity touch, and color application for polarity and phasal actions.
A notable clinical advantage in the use of these polarity agents is the greater
control gained over the therapeutic effects. This control circumvents excessive stim-
ulation and adverse reactions. Because the signal system operates with low-inten-
sity stimuli, the use of these polarity agents is well-suited to treatment of the signal
system. An added advantage over use of strong stimulation, such as that given with
deeply inserted and strongly manipulated needles, and especially with elec-
troacupuncture, is that shorter, simpler stimuli give the practitioner more time to
assess and regulate the extent of treatment.

STIMULUS

Stimulation

Figure 7.1: Graph of types of stimuli and response

Treatment A (using strong physical stimulation) can arrive at the desired con-
dition quickly, but can also easily overshoot, producing symptoms of overdose such
as extreme fatigue, nausea, or light-headedness. Treatment B (using polarity agents,
low intensity stimuli), nudges the body to adjust slowly back to the desired condi-
tion. There is less chance of overshooting optimal stimulation and causing adverse
reactions or effects.
In the chapters following, we will describe various treatments where use of
polarity agents is required. In these cases, the ion-pumping cords, the ion beam
device, and the electrostatic adsorbers are most frequently used. The two-metal
contact and bipolar magnetic contact techniques could be selected, but we use these
primarily for research purposes. Unless otherwise stated, the three techniques can
be used interchangeably.
120 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CLINICAL APPLICATION OF POLARITY DEVICES

When using polarity devices in the clinical setting, the patient should be asked
to remove all jewelry and nylon clothing touching the body surface, in order to
avoid mixing electromagnetic signals. The principle is to eliminate electrically
active, electrostatic, or conductive sources, while making the abdomen and other
important palpatory areas available. Since some Western clothing fashions are rich
in interfering materials, Western modesty can conflict with clinical utility. The best
compromise may be to advise patients to wear loose, natural fabric clothing on
treatment days, or to have cotton examination robes available. Be sure that the
patient is comfortable and relaxed, in a supine position. The knees may be raised if
necessary, to ease any low back discomfort. The surroundings should be comfort-
able, safe, sufficiently warm, and not too bright or too noisy.
Furthermore, when using ion-pumping cords, ion beam, or electrostatic
adsorbers, it is best not to needle any other points simultaneously. It has been our
experience, for example, that needling points that lie above the dai mai, while treat-
ing SP-4 and PC-6 with ion pumping, can give unfavorable results.
Before we delve further into the intricacies of diagnosis and treatment, it
would be useful to examine the history, development, and construction of the three
primary polarity devices we use, and as well offer some helpful guidelines as to
their clinical uses.

DEVELOPMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE ION-PUMPING CORDS

In the 1940's, I invented a treatment for burns using the ion-pumping tech-
nique.l With severe, painful burns, excessive numbers of positive potassium ions
abound in the area of the burn. The disruption of the cell walls in the damaged area
is the source of the potassium ions. Thinking that it would be helpful to move these
positive ions to other areas of the body, I experimented with many ways to achieve
this goal and found the following useful.
With the patient reclined on an insulated table, I attached the negative lead of
a Van de Graaff generator to an undamaged part of the body. I then covered the
burn with a sterile, thin, metal foil, attaching a metal chain and a germanium diode
with the opposite (positive) end attached distally on the body. I found that this pro-
duced excellent results treating burns. It eliminated or greatly reduced the pain of
the burns and accelerated the healing process. After these initial experiments and
findings, I then refined and developed the method to treat other diseases. I found
that ion pumping (I.P.) techniques applied to the eight confluence-jiaohui points on
the extraordinary vessels were particularly useful; I was able to eliminate the use of
the Van de Graaff generator, and I devised systematic treatment methods using
these eight points.

Figure 7.2: Photo of the Manaka Ion-Pumping Cords

 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 121

An ion-pumping cord is essentially a copper wire or silver chain with a ger-

manium or silicone diode in it. This composition allows a unidirectional flow of
electrical current through the wire, creating part of a circuit. Theoretically, attach-
ing the positive and negative clips of an ion cord to two needles inserted shallowly
will create a polarity between the two needles and electronic and ionic currents will
begin to flow inside the body. In my early research and experimentation with this
theory, I referred to it as "tiny electronic communication." The research difficulties
posed by this treatment style were daunting, as the amount of electric current flow-
ing is minute and difficult to measure. The devices that could measure the current
would both become part of the circuit and introduce electrical potentials much larg-
er than those supposedly measured. Realistically, it seemed that this phenomenon
might be justified only from experience, in the same way that traditional acupunc-
ture and moxibustion treatments have no scientific proofs, but substantial statistical
evidence.
The weight of the clinical and statistical evidence that accumulated demanded
some theoretical model to explain the phenomenon, and eventually the ongoing
research of this model gave rise to the signal system hypothesis. There is as yet no
"hard science" proof of the I.P. model. The most favored explanation of the theo-
retical mechanism of the ion-pumping cords postulates a flow through the wire of a
negative charge from the red to black clip and positive charge from black to red clip.

~ ------------------~
Figure 7.3: Positive-negative charge flow on the ion-pumping cords
Inside the body tiny electronic and ionic currents are difficult to describe.
They must occur; otherwise, there would be no circuit. Any number of the follow-
ing might be occurring:2
- Rapid electron currents across the skin surface between the needles.
- Rapid and/ or slower electron currents through the superficial and deeper
tissues between the needles.3
- Slower, positive and/ or negative ionic currents through the body fluids
between the needles.4
- A relative electrolytic effect, where the tissues and fluids at the needle sites
undergo slight electrolysis, acting as relative anode-cathode sites that produce elec-
tronic and/ or ionic currents for some time after the needles are withdrawn.
Any or all of these mechanisms might occur, and other possibilities not yet
mentioned. Whatever the mechanisms, the currents involved are, we believe, too
minute to stimulate the nervous system directly, and are so small that we have not
been able to measure them accurately. Further, there is a curious fact about the ion
pumping technique. Because the ion-pumping cord is a wire with a diode in it, the
cord can act as an antenna for electromagnetic fields, and converts these magnetic
fields into a small current that flows in only one direction according to the orienta-
tion of the diode. In experiments where subjects were treated in an environment
shielded from the normal background of environmental magnetic and electromag-
netic fields (i.e., in the depths of a mine shaft beneath a mountain or in a Faraday
cage), the cord technique did not produce results. Only when artificially produced
122 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

fields were introduced to the vicinity of the cords did they begin to work. This sug-
gests that part of the mechanism of the ion-pumping cords involves the production
of minute electric currents in the wire from the transduction of external fields.
The difficulties we experience in describing exactly what occurs when we use
the ion-pumping technique hold true for the other polarity agents we use in
research and treatment. The mechanisms involved in the use of the two-metal con-
tact technique, the bipolar magnetic technique, the ion beam apparatus, and the
electrostatic adsorbers may well show some slight variance from the ion-pumping
technique, but all agents produce a minute positive-negative electrical polarity.
When selecting the ion-pumping cords for clinical treatment, it is important to
note that needle placement always precedes cord attachment. Correct point location
is necessary for ion-pumping to be effective. Special attention must be given to
locating the treatment points. Once the needles are inserted, the clips may be
attached to the needles. Needles are always inserted shallowly (about 2 mm.). The
insertion angle is either perpendicular to the surface at the point, or oblique (around
a 45 angle) in the direction of channel flow. Since the needles are only shallowly
inserted, special care is required when attaching the ion-pumping clips. If the
weight of the clip pulls against the needle, it can be sufficient to pull out a properly
inserted needle. Position the clip so that it does not dislodge the inserted needle.
Number 2 gauge Japanese needles are ideal for use with the ion-pumping cords.
Number 3 can also be used, if number 2 are not available. Number 1 gauge needles
are often too thin and are pulled out too easily. Number 4 and thicker needles are
too thick, and can be overly stimulating. With ion-pumping treatment, all the nee-
dles used should have the same gauge. Insertion should be painless and should give
no stimulation. In Japan, they say that the practitioner's needle insertion technique
should be so good that inserting a needle into a sleeping cat would not wake it!
The needles with ion-pumping cords attached are retained for 10 to 20 min-
utes; generally 10 minutes is sufficient time.
When proper treatment with the ion-pumping cords is administered, the
patient will quickly become relaxed and the abdominal reactions should improve.
Occasionally, the ion-pumping technique can be too strong. Rarely, it may irritate a
condition. Care should be taken to check for any of the following:
- patient agitation
- discomfort
- flushing
- worsening of abdominal reactions
If you have followed the testing procedures for determining a diagnosis, these
problems will not occur. If any of these reactions do occur when treating the extra-
ordinary vessel points, unclip the ion-pumping cords and reverse the attachments
(red to black, black to red, not crossing). Usually this will correct the problem.
However, if the reactions persist, or continue to worsen, remove the ion-pumping
cords and the needles. Recheck your diagnosis. Likewise, if these reactions occur
when treating the polar channel pairs, check the connections, then stop the treat-
ment. Do not reverse polarity when treating the polar channel pairs. (There are
only occasional exceptions; all concern the yang channels.) The ion pumping (or
other polarity agent) treatment can be expected to decrease the abdominal reactions;
thus it is important to recheck the palpable reactions to insure that the treatment is
producing the expected results. Don't anticipate a "cure" with one treatment and
don't expect all the abdominal reactions to disappear with one treatment. Generally
it takes a course of treatments to create those changes.s
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 123

During the ion-pumping treatment, it is not uncommon for the patient to com-
plain of having a very itchy nose or itchiness to the sides of the nose. This may be
difficult for the patient, but is actually a good sign that the treatment is working well.
It is a good idea to check the electrical conductivity or the integrity of each cord
periodically. This is easily achieved by hooking the cord up to a simple electrical
meter to measure resistance.

DEVELOPMENT OF AND GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE ION BEAM APPARATUS

Recently, the Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Akupunktur school won a prize for its
research essay on the different effects of silver and gold needles. Stimulated by this,
I did my own research and discovered that placing two different metals on the chan-
nels in different patterns produced certain effects according to how and where they
were applied. I called this the "two-metal contact technique." The application of
copper and zinc is believed to add a small voltage to the channel and to cause a
small current to flow. While not yet accurately measured, this is believed to be sim-
ilar to what is shown in the following diagram:

~ - ------------------- +
Figure 7.4: Diagram of voltage causing small current to flow in channels
This technique proved extremely useful in researching the problems of tiny
electronic communication stimulation of the body. Application of this technique
and the bipolar magnetic technique is very easy because the points only need to be
touched to produce the effects. Wishing to further refine clinical research into the
tiny electronic communication techniques of stimulation, I then devised the ion
beam apparatus, which has also proven extremely useful in both research and
application.

Figure 7.5: Photo of the ion beam apparatus

124 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

The ion beam apparatus utilizes cylindrical coaxial conductors with negative-
ly and positively biased wave forms of electric current passing through the conduc-
tors so that they produce very weak negatively and positively charged electrical
fields or "beams of energy." These can be applied to a small point on the skin sur-
face, producing low levels of electrolysis, ionization, and current.
We offer the following more detailed explanation of the ion beam device. In
acupuncture anesthesia, there is a pulse transmitter intended to produce needle
anesthesia. It has two polarized outlets.

Figure 7.6: Wave Form

The first (la) uses a wave form with positive bias. The second (lb) uses a wave
form with negative bias. They both have sawtooth wave forms alternating with
spike wave forms. Passing these wave forms through a cylindrical coaxial conduc-
tor generates polarity beams.

lb
la
+ (-)------------~---- ()
la
lb
() ()
Figure 7.7: The cylindrical coaxial conductor
In one conductor, wave form la is passed through the central axis, with lb
passed through the tubular axis. When these pulses pass at the same time through
the coaxial conductor, a small beam field is generated at the other end. This beam
has only a minute stimulatory effect. In the second conductor, we reverse the wave
form polarities: lb is passed through the central axis and la through the tubular
axis. This produces a beam field of opposite, but equally minute effect. Using the
first beam is like using the north magnetic pole; this is the positive beam. Using the
second beam is like using the south magnetic pole; this is the negative beam.
The effects of the ion beam apparatus are localized field effects. Nothing is
inserted into the body and nothing is actually placed on the skin surface. There are
no sterilization problems, no fear of needles, and great simplicity of use, provided
 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment 125

that a correct diagnostic assessment is made. These positive and negative beams are
also useful for researching the signal system. They produce effects similar to
acupuncture stimulation. We can thus examine yin-yang imbalances and their reg-
ulation with this device as well as the effects of various point combinations.
When treating with the ion beam device, it is important to note that for high-
er frequencies the time limit should be shorter, for lower frequencies it can be longer.
The minimum to maximum range is roughly 20 seconds to 1 minute. (Some practi-
tioners think that even twenty seconds is too long.) The ion beam electrodes need
only to be held lightly to the points. This is sufficient to obtain a therapeutic effect.

DEVELOPMENT OF AND GUIDELINES FOR USE OF ELECTROSTATIC ADSORBERS

The electrostatic absorbers are entirely different in their construction. They are
essentially metal rods with an extremely sensitive ceramic capacitance device built
into them.

Figure 7.8: Photo of Electrostatic Adsorbers

This device actually withdraws the static electrical charges that are caught or
stored in body tissues, adsorbing them as it were, when the rods are touched to the
body surface. By placing oppositely directed diodes in each of a pair of these metal
rods, they are given a very slight positive-negative polarity. The adsorbers have
been developed only recently, and like the ion beam and ion-pumping cords have
proven highly useful for both research and treatment. Not only are they free of ster-
ilization problems, but their application is extremely simple, needing only to be
touched to the relevant points.
When treating with the electrostatic adsorbers, the relevant points may be
touched with a slight pressure and contact retained for 20 seconds to 1 minute. This
is usually long enough, though sometimes as long as two minutes may be required
to obtain sufficient effect. The length of contact time should be determined by care-
ful monitoring of the rate of change shown by the reactive points and indications
selected as feedback.
If you are not completely clear about the choice of points in a treatment, for
instance whether KI-6 or LU-7 should be used with the ion-pumping technique, you
can touch the electrostatic adsorber or ion beam to the point, selecting the polarity
you want to test. Five to ten seconds is long enough. If the abdominal or other reac-
tions improve, this confirms your diagnosis, choice of points, and polarity of treat-
ment.
126 Synthesizing Diagnosis and Treatment

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 More details of this can be found in Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the
Sea, pp. 254 passim.
(Ed): Like many inventions, ion pumping was the result of extreme need, in this case, Dr. Manaka's
efforts to treat masses of war-injured persons without conventional medical supplies.
2 See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, pp. 210-212, for discussions
of possible current effects.
3 Hiroshi Motoyama claims to have measured electric currents moving through the dermal con-
nective tissues. See Motoyama, H., "A biophysical elucidation of the meridian and ki energy; What is ki
energy and how does it flow?" Research for Religion and Parapsychology 7, no.1 (Aug 1981).
4 Bjorn Nordenstrom has developed a model of such ionic currents. See Nordenstrom, B.,
"Biologically closed circuits: clinical, experimental and theoretical evidence for an additional circulatory
system," private publication. See also: Taubes, G., "An electrifying possibility," Discover (April1986), pp.
22-37.
5 S.B.: We have noticed when teaching ion-pumping cord technique that very exact point location
is crucial. The difference between a significant (greater than 50%) improvement in abdominal reactions
and little or no improvement, may be only 1 or so millimeters difference in point location. Thus the first
step to take, if little or no change in abdominal reaction is noted within 2-3 minutes of cord application,
is to check point location. Often, re-locating and re-needling the point will produce the desired results.
 ~-
~
~~
CHAPTER EIGHT

DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

FORMULATING A DIAGNOSIS

DIAGNOSTIC METHODS INVOLVING THE BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Since traditional times, practitioners have performed a diagnosis based upon
the gathering of information by the "four examinations" -looking (visual exami-
nation); listening/smelling (auditory and olfactory examination); asking (question-
ing the patient); and touching (tactile examination).
Many systems of diagnosis which employ the four examinations have been
proposed and passed down, each emphasizing different aspects of technique. In
China for example, modern diagnostic emphasis rests strongly on asking diagno-
sis, whereas in Japan today, the emphasis rests strongly on touching diagnosis.
Our own system of diagnostic data-gathering and decision making likewise
calls upon the four examination methods. Based on our research and extensive
clinical experiences, we have focused on certain diagnostic methods and have sys-
tematized them into a coherent and relatively simple system. In our system, the
important steps in formulating a diagnosis are:
- Visual examination (skin, muscle tonus, posture)
- Tactile examination (palpation)
Palpating the radial pulses
Investigating the pattern of abdominal or mu point reactions
Palpating areas on the gastrocnemius muscles
Palpating various other areas of the body, such as the back, neck,
arms, and legs
Even when complaints or diseases vary, in diagnosis we seek a common pat-
tern with the aim of balancing the body as a whole by providing treatments using
standard point combinations. Thus, we need a simple procedure that helps us dis-
cover this common pattern. We also need techniques both to confirm the diagno-
sis of this pattern and the selection of the points to treat the pattern. It is here where
simplicity and systematization are important. Palpation of the abdomen, chest,
and various other parts of the body provides both the signs necessary to observe
the pattern - via the detection of pressure pain, tension, tightness, etc.- and the
medium required to test and confirm the diagnosis and treatment.
128 Diagnostic Assessment

After checking these, you should reach some diagnostic conclusions. These
may be confirmed using either the Omura 0-ring test, or by testing reduction of
point reactivity using a polarity agent.

VISUAL EXAMINATION
In terms of assessing the overall condition of the patient's energy, visual
examination is often helpful. Patients with a large, full frame have what is tradi-
tionally called a yang or replete (shi) constitution. Those with a thin, weak frame
have a yin or vacuous (xu) constitution. Typically those with yang constitution
recover from illness more quickly than those with a yin constitution.
Inspection of the abdomen is particularly useful. If the abdomen is full and
rounded with a wide costal arch, this is a yang patient. If the abdomen is thin, with
thin, weak, flaccid muscles, a narrow costal arch, loose skin, and a sunken appear-
ance, this is a yin constitution. Generally, if the lower ribs and costal border region
are distended, with visible raised venules, or vascular spiders (in the subcostal and
lower costal regions), this indicates the yin wei-chong mai extraordinary vessel pair,
and therefore the potential of liver, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and heart channel
involvement (though especially the liver). If the abdomen is thin, depressed, and
with poor tonus, this indicates the yin qiao-ren mai extraordinary vessel pair. In par-
ticular, if there is accompanying tightness in the muscles of the lumbar region, this
indicates yin qiao mai-ren mai involvement.
Inspection of the skin, to observe the color, hardness and elasticity, should be
noted locally and over the body as a whole. This is particularly important for the
diagnosis of blood stasis in the lower abdomen. The superficial layer of the skin is
an important location for treatment with special acupuncture techniques, for exam-
ple, subcutaneous (intradermal) and scratching needles.
In the case of liver problems, visual examination of the skin is most helpful.
In particular, you can look for areas of dark pigmentation along the lower border
of the chest or upper abdomen, in the regions below the eyes, and outward from
the lower border of the nose:

----
------ ------------
----
--- ------
---------:-----
-------::::.----
---
Figure 8.1: The Hirata Liver Zone
 Diagnostic Assessment 129

Figure 8.2: Liver diagnosis area on the back

Pigmentation, particularly in these areas, is often the key to a diagnosis of
liver weakness.
As well as being indicative of liver problems, such signs are more generally
indicative of blood stasis problems. This is a term used in the traditional literature,
but in this context we can assign it a specific technical meaning. Blood stasis is a
condition where some obstruction has occurred in microcirculation. Typically it
may manifest in the following situations:
- as a byproduct of the natural breakdown of the cellular elements of blood;
- from incomplete menstrual flow;
- in association with local swelling, edema, and discoloration of an area due
to trauma or bruising;
- as a result of blood transfusion;
- in conjunction with hemolysis occurring during a febrile disease;
- as an inherited predisposition.
Once blood stasis has manifested, it is difficult for the body to naturally elim-
inate; thus, it can remain permanently. Blood stasis can give rise to conditions such
as bacterial infections, bruising easily, spontaneous bleeding, and blood coagula-
tion leading to apoplexy, congestive heart failure, heart attack, hemiplegia, etc.
Blood stasis is heavy and typically remains in the lower abdominal regions.
Since the left common iliac vein is larger than the right, more blood stasis can be
found on the left side, resulting in palpable reactions at the surface of the abdomen
in the lower left abdominal quadrant. This can be accompanied by visible changes
in the condition of the skin, such as dryness.
Blood stasis can show with discoloration and pigmentation of the skin and
mucous membranes. The skin can become rough and dry. Menstrual disorders
manifest. Psychological and emotional problems arise. In serious or advanced
cases, psychosis can occur. Spider veins, vascular spiders, or small blue-colored
superficial veins can be seen at times. While this particular condition is typically
related to problems of poor circulation, clearly so when seen on the legs, there is an
obvious overlap between blood stasis and poor circulation. Bloodletting or vene-
section techniques at these sites can be applied to treat both blood stasis and poor
circulation.
Clearly, blood stasis is a significant and common occurrence. Traditionally in
China it has been treated with herbal formulae that use blood-quickening, stasis-
transforming herbs, but acupuncture is also effective in its treatment. Bloodletting
techniques can be used as can ion-pumping treatments aimed at releasing the
abdominal patterns associated with blood stasis.l The fundamental significance of
130 Diagnostic Assessment

blood stasis, according to our concept, is that it sets off a progression of metabolic,
functional, and organic changes. The blood cells and tissues all are connected at
the microcirculatory level where metabolic functions occur. Biases from either
internal or external sources create an acute or chronic impairment of microcircula-
tion. The resulting metabolic changes create functional changes that, if not reme-
died, and if chronic and advancing, lead to organic changes. If the organic changes
continue to progress they become irreversible. This is a complicated set of bio-
chemical and tissue processes, but when simplified as above, we can observe a gen-
eral picture that shows the stages of blood stasis and indicates an appropriate treat-
ment protocol for each progressive stage.
In the first stage, which is easily treatable by a variety of techniques, sites of
skin pigmentation begin to appear (like freckles), as do small papules and pimples.
These are commonly found on the trapezius muscle, in the right subcostal and
costal regions, and along the cheek bones. In the second stage, where treatment
becomes more difficult, the pigmentation becomes darker; venules dilate, as can be
seen in the vascular spiders and blue colored varicosities often visible on the legs.
Moles with a light brown or red coloration begin to appear. The skin surface
becomes rough, often over broad areas. The supraclavicular and lower neck
regions especially show rough skin pigmentation or moles. Calluses also appear
on the bottom of the feet in the following regions:

Figure 8.3: Callus areas on bottom of feet.

Typically (1) is related to the liver channel, especially when found on the right
foot; (2) is related to the spleen channel; and (3) to the kidney channel. Functional
disorders appear, as do problems of pain, psychoemotive problems, biases, and
functional changes of the digestive and other systems. Problems in the tonus of the
musculature can be seen with structural and other imbalances. In women the basal
body temperature can become irregular; ovulation and menstrual problems and
irregularities can occur. When using Itaya's M.I.D. testing, conditions of hyposen-
sitivity will be found when heating the jing points.
By the third stage of blood stasis, the condition becomes irreversible. The pig-
mentation becomes dark; the moles become black; the whole face becomes dark;
the whites of the eyes become red and congested; baldness and dandruff can be
seen. More serious symptoms can occur, particularly of an organic nature: ulcers,
tumors, cancer, degenerative problems.
Careful observation of the level of blood stasis a patient presents is helpful in
prognosis. Sometimes treatment focuses specifically on blood stasis, especially
when associated with the liver, which is a common occurrence. More generally,
regardless of the channels or extraordinary vessels treated, if stage one blood stasis
signs appear, the overall prognosis is good. Treatment should progress quickly and
easily. If stage two signs of blood stasis appear, you may expect slower progress
and your prognosis should reflect this deeper condition. If stage three signs of
blood stasis appear, you may expect slow progress and perhaps an incurable con-
dition. At each stage the treatment strategies alter to counter the level of the prob-
lem found.
 Diagnostic Assessment 131

If treatment is successful you should see improvement and eventual disap-

pearance of areas of pigmentation, skin roughness, and calluses. Sometimes moles
disappear as well. In the first and second stages these changes are reliable feedback
of the progress of treatment. By stage three, not much change can be expected, but
those changes that do occur are generally very good signs.
Thus we see how visual examination can allow us to determine the severity,
extent, and prognosis of the patient's condition- even before palpating. Often,
visual examination can help determine a diagnosis of which channels to treat, espe-
cially when the liver is involved. The actual diagnosis will depend on the radial
pulses, on abdominal and palpatory findings, as well as on symptom patterns.
Sometimes observation of areas of discoloration, papules, etc., will coincide with
one of the Hirata zones.2 When this is the case, they often fit the overall pattern of
diagnosis.

Figure 8.4: The Hirata zones

TACTILE INSPECTION

Palpating the radial pulses

Acupuncture can utilize examination of both the three bilateral radial pulses,
the carotid pulses, and a variety of pulses at various body sites. Generally, the radi-
al pulses are used only as they involve comparison of the strengths and qualities
sensed at each different location. Our diagnoses are based on the traditional theo-
ry that the pulse positions reflect the states of the channels and the function of the
related internal organs.
There are many interpretations of radial pulse diagnosis. In chapter one we
listed a few historical variations. The pattern that most clearly correlates with the
channels, and is well confirmed in clinical practice, is that described by the Nan
Jing:
132 Diagnostic Assessment

Position Left pulse Right pulse

superficial deep superficial deep
cun small intestine heart large intestine lung
guan gallbladder liver stomach spleen
chi bladder kidney triple burner pericardium

Small
Intestine
/Heart
Large
Intestine
I Lung

e Gallbladder
/Liver
Stomach
I Spleen
1Triple
Bladder
/Kidney
I Burner I
Master of

the Heart
I Pericardium

Figure 8.5: Nan ]ing radial pulse positions

An experienced practitioner can use these pulses with reasonable reliability.
However, complete mastery of radial pulse diagnosis takes considerable time and
practice. We recommend the use of radial pulse diagnosis as only a confirmatory
procedure. Using it in this manner allows two important cognitive steps. First, it
serves as a means of diagnostic confirmation. Second, with repeated practice the
feedback obtained permits safe, continued development of skill in interpreting the
pulses.
In the case noted earlier where there was a right subcostal tension and pres-
sure pain, if the radial pulse showed weakness at the liver and small intestine posi-
tions, then the pulse would be one more sign confirming treatment of this pair of
channels.
On occasion, we can palpate the radial pulse and find many positions that feel
weak, or find that the whole pulse feels weak. In these cases it is difficult to dif-
ferentiate what is m:ost significant. There is a simple procedure that can be used to
strengthen the whole pulse and thus make the significantly weaker aspects more
obvious. This is accomplished by using the thumbs to lightly touch the bihourly
supplementation points, which are receptive to the application of positive polarity.
Since there is a supplementation point available at any time, we use the pos-
itive polarity available in the light touch of a thumb, applied to that bihourly point
to strengthen general weaknesses. For example, if it is 10 am, the supplementation
point available to us is ST-41. If the patient has weak, faint pulses, lightly touch
both ST-41 with your thumbs for about fifteen seconds, to introduce a positive
polarity bias. Then re-examine the radial pulses; you will find a clarified condition.
For example, perhaps now only the liver pulse may be weak, and the other pulses
more easily discernible. You can see that this subtle polarity stimulus at the
bihourly supplementation points provides an extremely useful clinical technique,
not only as a beneficial therapeutic procedure, but as a means of clarifying one of
the more difficult aspects of Oriental medical diagnosis, radial pulse palpation.
Of course, any positive polarity agent can be used instead of the thumb. The
north magnetic pole, the positive electrostatic adsorber, the positive electrode of the
ion beam device, etc., are all equally useful.
 Diagnostic Assessment 133

One limitation of radial pulse diagnosis is that while we can discern weakness
in a particular channel, it does not tell us whether we should treat the left or right
branch of that channel. As we have explained, discrimination of left-right imbal-
ances is often important clinically. These distinctions tend to be found with
abdominal and body palpation, which with careful practice we can use to further
refine our pulse diagnosis.
Palpation of abdominal or mu point patterns
In the history of the use of abdominal palpation for diagnosis, there have been
many methods and interpretations) As well as the mu points described earlier,
there have been uses according to the five phases derived from the Nan Jing:

Figure 8.6: Abdominal five phase assignments from the Nan Jing
There have also been applications according to the organs (from the sixteenth
century court acupuncturist, Isai Misonou:)

Figure 8.7: Mubunryu hara diagnosis

134 Diagnostic Assessment

Many practitioners use these and other applications to varying degrees.

However, for our purposes we have developed patterns of interpretation that are
based on simple, objective palpatory findings: pressure pain, poor muscle tonus,
tension, tightness, flaccidity. Unlike the abdominal palpation of Western medicine,
which seeks to reveal lesions of the internal organs (see appendix 1), we use
abdominal diagnosis to evaluate the state of the channels from the condition of the
skin of the abdomen, the tone of the muscles, the degree of tenderness and indura-
tion at various points. Specific and general patterns of reaction are taken into
account to determine the diagnosis.
In other important systems, emphasis is sometimes placed on palpable or vis-
ible palpitations or pulsings in the abdomen; slight temperature differences are also
considered significant. Finding slight temperature differences requires consider-
able diagnostic skill and is a technique not easily attainable by a less experienced
acupuncturist.4 Once skill using the techniques presented in this book is devel-
oped, you can use these more easily learned techniques as feedback confirmation
for the development of other skills.
Dr. Matsui of the Matsue Seyko Hospital wrote a paper in Japanese Medical
News,(# 3075, April1982), describing pressure pain relationships on the abdominal
aorta. She observed these signs clinically over an extended period of time, on a
large patient population. Excluding the findings of patients with stomach or pan-
creatic diseases, she found that 50% of men and 67% of women have this pressure
pain, an average of 60% of all persons tested. In warmer weather, this percentage
rises by about 10% compared with cold weather. Arteriosclerosis occurs in 10-20%
of the population over sixty, yet pressure pain for this age group was still 60%. In
men and women below the age of twenty, the same 60% occurrence is found. Thus,
there is no substantive relationship between these figures and the occurrence of
arteriosclerosis.
These observations are useful but only descriptive. When we find pressure
pain around the aorta, we also find pressure pain in the lateral chest and abdomi-
nal regions; thus we cannot conclude that pressure pain around the aorta is only
aortic pressure pain. It also reflects functional changes of other body points.
The classical mu points, specific diagnostic points on the front of the body, can
be palpated for reaction, but some mu points are not overly useful. As was men-
tioned in chapter four, the traditional mu points do not always show clear corre-
spondences to the channels with pressure diagnosis,S but often show correspon-
dence when using tests like the bidigital 0-ring test.

Traditional Mu Points
Yin channels Yang channels
lung LU-1 large intestine ST-25
kidney GB-25 bladder CV-3
liver LR-14 gallbladder GB-24
heart CV-14 small intestine CV-4
pericardium CV-17 triple burner CV-5
spleen LR-13 stomach CV-12

For diagnostic palpation of a patient who is lying supine, we recommend

the following new mu points. Based on our research and experience, they have
proven to be more reliable than the traditional mu points.
 Diagnostic Assessment 135

Manaka Mu Points
Region Correspondence
LU-1 to LU-2 lungs
PC-1 (lateral and superior to the nipple) pericardium
CV-17 heart, pericardium
Kl-23 heart
at the sides of CV-14 heart
LR-14 to GB-26 (usually right subcostal region) liver
GB-24 to GB-29 region (often one or both points) gallbladder
both sides of CV-12 (including ST-21) stomach
GB-26 to SP-21 region (often one or both points) spleen
KI-16 (occasionally GB-25) kidneys
ST-25 (sometimes slightly lateral to ST-25) triple burner
CV-17 upper burner
CV-12 middle burner
CV-5 lower burner
ST-26 (sometimes slightly medial to ST-26) small intestine
ST-27 (sometimes slightly lateral to ST-27) large intestine
KI-ll bladder

Finding reaction in one of my mu points or reflex areas may indicate a prob-

lem of the associated channel. This reaction needs to be checked against the overall
pattern of reactions. Often the pattern of reactions is more important and more use-
ful than a single channel reaction. The selection of a reactive point or area as indica-
tive of the patient's general imbalance usually needs to be confirmed. Reaction may
not clearly show with the traditional mu points, but if the 0-ring test shows a posi-
tive reaction in the presence of pressure pain at the Manaka mu point, this corre-
spondence is significant. For example, pressure pain at ST-26 and a positive 0-ring
response at CV-4 reliably indicates a problem of the small intestine channel.

Figure 8-8: Manaka Mu Points

136 Diagnostic Assessment

The signal system can be assessed through observing the following reactions
in the abdominal area:
1. Observing skin condition: thickness, brightness, hardness, color
and pigmentation.
2. Observing the condition of the muscles: softness, hardness,
lumpiness, pressure pain, etc.
3. Observing the condition of subcutaneous tissues: fattiness,
puffiness, and what one feels when lightly pinching the skin.
4. Comparison of the abdominal quadrants.
The healthy abdomen is neither hard nor soft; it is like mochi.6 It is elastic
with no pain even on deep palpation.
The abdomen can be difficult to diagnose in the following cases:
- Particularly fat or thin people.
- People who are using tranquilizers, hypertensive medications, analgesics,
or neurological medications. These substances tend to dull the patient's sensitivi-
ty to pressure pain.
- When the clinician is too well electrically grounded, there will be difficulty
finding pressure pain.
These problems are most obvious when examining pressure pain in the superior,
inferior, left and right quadrants of the abdomen.
Other cases that are difficult to diagnose by palpation are post-surgical
patients and patients who are psychologically stressed. People who have had
surgery often evidence changes in the position of internal organs. Patients with
psychological problems often have reactions that are misleading. These problems
can be overcome. First, you must not be overconfident in diagnosis. Second, you
must pay special attention to differentiating and confirming the diagnosis.
There are simple procedures you can apply to some difficult diagnostic cases.
These often clarify and simplify diagnosis, especially with a patient having psy-
chological problems that generate misleading signs. Typically, these patients show
an oversensitivity in the abdominal region. When you begin to palpate, everything
will hurt, or the abdomen will tense so that it is hard to ascertain the tonus or reac-
tion of the muscles. The whole abdomen can also become extremely ticklish. In
such cases, applying direct, thread-size moxa (usually three repetitions on GV-20),
will reduce the overall reactivity of the abdomen, making it possible to continue
diagnosis and treatment. This seems to work by settling the patient's qi. In tradi-
tional literature, GV-20 is indicated for nervous or psychological problems. If
moxa, or the thought of moxa, upsets the patient, try holding the negative electrode
of the electrostatic adsorber to GV-20 for approximately 20 seconds. This usually
has the same or similar effect. Ticklishness is often misleading because the patient
may attempt to dismiss the reactions experienced by saying that it tickles. A simple
trick will usually clarify this, both for diagnosis and the patient. Compare left and
right areas that are ticklish. Often where the left ASIS is described as extremely
ticklish, the right ASIS is not at all ticklish. Also after treatment the ticklishness will
greatly reduce; if not directly after treatment, then at least throughout the course of
treatments.
Patterns of reaction on the abdomen tend to fall into three overlapping
groups. The first is a class of single channel problems; the second is the pairing of
 Diagnostic Assessment 137

opposite-polarity, yin-yang channels, for instance, liver-small intestine. The third

class involves the extraordinary vessels.
The first group of patterns does not occur with great frequency. When pat-
terns of this type do occur, they are often treated using the treatment points of one
of the other two patterns, especially those of the extraordinary vessels. For exam-
ple, we would consider pressure pain and tension on right LR-14 and along the
right subcostal region, with general tenderness and tension to the left of the navel,
along the stomach channel and at the left ASIS, indicative of a problem of the liver.
However, if we look for an extraordinary vessel pattern, we can use the yin wei mai
and yang wei mai connections, since the right subcostal reaction indicates a connec-
tion to the yin wei mai, and the lower left quadrant reaction indicates a connection
to the yang wei mai. In this case the observation of this single channel problem
would suggest an extraordinary vessel treatment as the first stage of general or root
treatment. In the next stage of treatment, which involves treating the back of the
body, our focus would shift back to the liver through the selection of the liver back-
shu point, BL-18, or an area of right-sided tension on the back.
For the second group of abdominal reaction patterns, the opposite polarity,
yin-yang pairing of channels, pain, tension, tenderness on palpation of the corre-
sponding Manaka mu points for each channel pair might show as follows, and
might correlate to the indicated patterns of disharmony.

right LR-14, right subcostal region + ST-26 = liver-small intestine

I KI-16 + ST-27
SP-21 to GB-26 + ST-25
GB-24, GB-29 + KI-23, around CV-14
KI-ll+ LU-1 to LU-2
around CV-12 + PC-1 or CV-17
kidney-large intestine
= spleen-triple burner
= gallbladder-heart
= bladder-lung
stomach-pericardium

These findings generally must be confirmed by palpating the gastrocnemius

muscles and the radial pulses.
The third group of abdominal reaction patterns, those of the extraordinary
vessels, will show in the following most commonly occurring patterns? These pat-
terns each have target reflex areas on the abdomen, with corresponding Manaka
mu point tenderness. For example, since the yin qiao mai-ren mai is treated using
LU-7 and KI-6, should the lung and kidney channel Manaka mu points, LU-1-LU-
2 and KI-16, show tenderness, this would confirm the yin qiao mai-ren mai connec-
tion. The patterns are as follows:

along the ren mai, LU-1, KI-16 = yin qiao-ren mai

subcostal tension (usually right), CV-17, PC-1, SP-21- GB-26 = yin wei-chong mai
ASIS (usually left), or the belt line, ST-25, GB-24 = yang wei-dai mai
ASIS, KI-11, ST-26 = yang qiao-du mai

Upper-right quadrant reactions, especially in the subcostal region, with

lower-left quadrant reactions, especially in the ASIS region, are signs of what we
refer to as the "cross syndrome." This condition is treated through the yin wei mai
connection on the right and the yang wei mai connection on the left, and is related
to the liver and to blood stasis.
138 Diagnostic Assessment

For each pattern of reactions from among these groups there is a simple for-
mula of points that can be used. These formulae are based on the clinical experi-
ence and clinical rules described above and use polarity agents to obtain the ther-
apeutic effect.
The clearest corresponding reflex body areas, developed by my associate,
Kazuko Itaya, are those associated with the extraordinary vessels. The general pat-
terns of reflex areas are seen in the following illustrations:

Figure 8.12a: Yang Wei-Dai Mai Figure 8.12b: Yang Qiao-Du Mai

Figure 8.12c: Yin Qiao-Ren Mai Figure 8.12d: Yin Wei-Chong Mai

Figure 8.12e: Cross Syndrome Figure 8.12: Cross Syndrome

Taking into account these reflex areas, the Manaka mu points that correspond
to the channels on which the relevant confluence-jiaohui points lie and the pathway
points, we can complete the picture as follows:
 Diagnostic Assessment 139

yin qiao-ren mai along ren mai, LU-1 to LU-2 area, Kl-16 +
ASIS, KI-ll to ST-30 area
ST-12 area, ST-9 area, LU-3 to LU-4 area

yin wei-chong mai subcostal region, especially on the right,

CV-17, PC-1, GB-26 to SP-21 +
LR-14, GB-24- especially on the right
SP-13, SP-15, SP-16

yang wei-dai mai ASIS - especially on the left,

ST-25, GB-24 +
along dai mai line from navel to the lateral
edge of the abdomen (including KI-16, SP-15)
around to BL-23 area, around ST-32

yang qiao-du mai ASIS, KI-11, ST-26 +

posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS),
posterior axilla region - especially
SI-9 to SI-10 region, along
the sides of the cervical vertebrae

cross-syndrome right subcostal, lower left quadrant +

CV-17, PC-1, SP-21 to GB-26,left ST-25, GB-24

Palpating the gastrocnemius muscles

In chapter four we provided evidence for opposite polarity relationships
among the channels: gallbladder-heart, small intestine-liver, etc. There is an inter-
esting system of palpation that correlates to these opposite polarity relationships.
Mr. Osamu Honda of Asahikawa, Hokkaido, stimulated by our theories, was the
first to note correlations between these six yin-yang pairs and reflex areas on the
calf. These six areas are located on the posterior calf, the gastrocnemius muscles:

_}) ~~
Stomach- @
Pericardium O 0 0 Pericardium

Bladder- LLg 0 0 0
l
Bladder- Lung @
Gallbladder-
Heart
' O O
I
Gallbladder-
Heart

Figure 8.9: Reflex areas on the calf

140 Diagnostic Assessment

Each area corresponds to one set of arm and leg yin and yang channels, in an
innovative new systematization:

A spleen-triple burner D stomach-pericardium

B kidney-large intestine E bladder-lung
c liver-small intestine F gallbladder-heart

The areas are located as follows: A and D are between lines passing through
BL-56 and BL-57; B and E are located between lines passing through BL-57 and BL-
58; C and Fare located between lines that pass through BL-58 and GB-37. Usually,
Band E are at the widest portion of the calf, with A and D about two finger-widths
above, and C and F about two finger-widths below. The upper and lower areas
thus begin roughly one finger-width either side of the widest part of the calf and
each area is about two finger-widths wide.
The patient should lie supine with the knees raised to about a ninety-degree
angle and feet flat on the treatment surface. Palpate these points with a gentle pres-
sure, comparing left and right.

Figure 8.10: Gastrocnemius palpation

Initially, look for tight, hard bands of muscle. Once you have found this band,
apply slightly firmer pressure to confirm and differentiate the reactions. Then
select the most painful or clearly tight area to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment
principle is to treat the side of the body opposite to the reactive area. It is impor-
tant to note that in order to achieve appropriate treatment, it is crucial to differen-
tiate left from right. Thus if left liver-small intestine, (C), is reactive, we would treat
the liver and small intestine channels on the right side at the supplementation
("mother") and drainage ("child") points, using ion-pumping cords or other
polarity tools.
We have determined that the gastrocnemius diagnostic areas correspond to
the abdominal findings as well as the radial pulse with considerable accuracy.
They are particularly useful for confirming the relationships described by the sec-
ond group of abdominal reaction patterns. For example, if we find C, the liver-
small intestine area, reactive, we often find reaction on LR-14 (the liver channel
diagnostic point), in the subcostal region, and ST-26 (the small intestine channel
diagnostic point). In this instance, the radial pulse will show weakness in the liver
position and sometimes a difference at the small intestine position as well.
 Diagnostic Assessment 141

. This simple treatment m~thod can improve reactions found on the gastrocne-
mms and abdomen as well as Improve weaknesses found in the pulse. Sometimes
symptomatic conditions are also eliminated.
As another example, if we find reactions on left Kl-16 and ST-27, the kidney
and large intestine reflex points, finding a reaction on the left or right gastrocnemius
muscles in area B strongly confirms the abdominal findings. This diagnosis can be
further supported with evidence from the radial pulses, the 0-ring test and point
tests.
It is important to differentiate the significance of reactions in particular points.
While there is a functional overlap between the channels and extraordinary vessels,
the extent of this overlap is rarely clear. Sometimes the treatment of right subcostal
pressure pain and tension with accompanying lower left quadrant reactions can be
achieved with an ion-cord treatment of the left yang wei and right yin wei mai con-
nections. Sometimes it may require a liver-small intestine channel treatment.
Careful attention is required to differentiate the exact pattern of reactions and the
degree of the reactions, so that the most appropriate treatment can be determined.
For example, Kl-16 pressure pain, if accompanied by clear ST-27 pressure pain
and a reaction on the calf muscles in the kidney-large intestine reflex area, should
be treated through the kidney-large intestine pair. However, if the ST-27 and calf
muscle reactions are not clear, but there is clear pressure pain and tension at LU-1
and along the ren mai, then the yin qiao-ren mai connection is indicated.
Palpating the back and other areas of the body
Each channel has a representative point on the surface of the back. Changes
in the segments of the spinal cord, indicating morbid changes in the various vis-
ceral organs, can be inferred from the condition of the skin and muscles of the back.
At the same time, the corresponding points can be used as treatment points. Pre-
morbid changes, functional changes, can also be assessed by examination of the
skin, the muscle tonus, and the degree of tenderness and induration found at these
corresponding points.
Palpation is useful for finding functional changes in muscles, i.e., hypersensi-
tivity or tension. These indications can be clinical or preclinical. The mechanisms
by which pressure pain, hypersensitivity, and other indications appear at the body
surface are very complicated and far from clear. Different researchers have differ-
ent explanations; these explanations are often contradictory. In Western medicine,
hypersensitivity sometimes appears at McBurney's point and is associated with
appendicitis. However, on occasion this hypersensitivity occurs with kidney
stones, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, intestinal invaginations, intestinal TB, and
intestinal cancer. It is difficult to explain this diverse range of associations.S
Points and areas of hypersensitivity, tension, etc., are sometimes subject to exter-
nal influences. Palpating the abdomen of a subject in an electromagnetically shielded
room, while standing on an insulation mat, the practitioner will find certain points
and areas of reaction. As soon as the practitioner steps off the mat and becomes
"grounded," different points and areas of the patient's abdomen become reactive.
Distinguishing functional hypersensitivity from a lack of functional change in
sensitivity is also difficult. The following diagram shows the development of func-
tional hyperesthesia or hypersensitivity in the earlier stages of a disharmony. As
the disharmony becomes chronic and/ or more severe with an accompanying vacu-
ity, it transforms to functional hypoesthesia or hyposensitivity. Notice also that
development of functional hyper- and hypotonia is out of phase with the occur-
rence of hypoesthesia:
142 Diagnostic Assessment

HYPERESTHESIA

Figure 8.11: Functional hyperesthesia in early stages of disharmony

Finding hyposensitivity and hypotonia together is generally a sign of an
advanced disorder. Correct treatment of a condition with functional hyposensitiv-
ity will usually cause a flare-up of hypersensitivity as the condition transforms
from a more extreme vacuity to a less extreme vacuity. However, diagnosing the
functional hyposensitivity can be difficult, as a lack of pressure pain can also be a
sign of normal health. Hypoesthesia often occurs when patients are taking med-
ications, especially antidepressants, hypertensive medications, tranquilizers such
as valium, insulin, or pain killers. In cases where medications are being taken and
pressure pain cannot be clearly or reliably elicited, diagnosis can become difficult.
Reliance on what one feels (e.g. tension, tightness) becomes more important, as do
the confirmatory tests.
Because of these factors, when using palpation as the key diagnostic process,
we need to be careful and consistent. We must eliminate all unnecessary varia-
tions. We also need other simple diagnostic checks to confirm our diagnosis in dif-
ficult cases, such as those involving functional hyposensitivity. Some experienced
practitioners use the "pinching" technique. We like to use the Omura bi-digital 0-
ring technique, which has proven useful in these and many other cases.
To confirm single or paired channel problems we can look for palpable reac-
tions along the trajectories of the channels that show reflex sensitivity on the
abdomen. For instance, in a liver channel problem we find reaction on or around
the left Manaka three-yin meeting point (two divisions above SP-10, and slightly
anterior to the liver channel), or on LR-3. To confirm extraordinary vessel treat-
ments we can look for palpable reactions at key reflex points, such as pathway
points. For instance, for yin wei mai-chong mai, we would look at CV-22 and ST-30;
for yin qiao mai-ren mai, we would look at ST-12 and ST-9. Reactions will also tend
to show on the back shu points. In a liver channel problem, BL-18, or the point lat-
eral to it, BL-47, will be tight and/ or sore. Classically these back-shu points are:
Shu Lateral Channel
BL-13 ifei shu) BL-42 (po hu) lung
BL-14 (jue yin shu) BL-43 (gao huang shu) pericardium
BL-15 (xin shu) BL-44 (shen tang) heart
BL-18 (gan shu) BL-47 (hun men) liver
BL-19 (dan shu) BL-48 (yang gang) gallbladder
BL-20 (pi shu) BL-49 (yi she) spleen
BL-21 (wei shu) BL-50 (wei cang) stomach
BL-22 (san jiao shu) BL-51 (huang men) triple burner
BL-23 (shen shu) BL-52 (zhi shi) kidney
BL-25 (da chang shu) large intestine
BL-27 (xiao chang shu) small intestine
BL-28 (pang guang shu) BL-53 (bao huang) bladder
 Diagnostic Assessment 143

These point correspondences have no clear correlation to the nervous system,

or to dermatome maps. There is possibly some correlation of these points and the
Hirata zones (see Figure 8.3) discovered in the 1930's; however, this is not very clear
either. Clinically however, these point correspondences seem to be significant.
There is not always an exact, one-to-one correspondence between these points and
the mu points or abdominal reflex points. While these points can be treated as part
of the second step in the general or root treatment, they can also provide some diag-
nostic confirmation for other findings. Diagnosis for the second step of treatment
involves both palpation of the back-shu points and areas, and the areas viewed in
the following drawing. These are areas where fat deposits and edema most easily
develop (shown in the illustrations on the following page). Thus palpable reactions,
especially those found using the skin-pinching technique, should be sought.
Puffy, fatty, or edematous areas, particularly on the shoulders and back,
should receive special attention. Generally, they indicate areas where qi flow and
blood flow are poor. Treatment can be administered using fire needle, hot needle,
or moxa (see chapter 10 for details).

Figure 8.13: body areas where fat and edema accumulate most easily
Another useful palpation technique that provides a general assessment of the
patient's overall condition and the progression of treatment is checking the tension,
tightness, and pressure pain of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. A number of
practitioners use this technique to assess the overall condition of the patient.9
Generally, we use it to determine the success of treatment. Palpate the muscles by'
lightly pinching them between the thumbs and forefingers, and note the degree of
tightness or pressure pain. As treatment progresses, repalpate the muscles. If the
treatment is working, the muscles will be softer and less painful. This is a useful
indication of the effectiveness of treatment.

STEPS FOR CONFIRMING A DIAGNOSIS

Visual examination, palpating the radial pulse, palpating points and areas of
the abdomen, mapping particular patterns of reactive points and areas, palpating
the gastrocnemius muscles, areas on the back, neck, limbs - all these techniques
will lead to a clear selection of the patterns described earlier.
144 Diagnostic Assessment

If there are clear confirmations for one pattern, the following tests may be
unnecessary, as they are used to double check and reconfirm a diagnosis. However,
in any case where the confirmations are not clear, or appear to indicate more than
one pattern, these tests help differentiate and confirm a particular diagnosis and an
associated treatment.

OMURA'S BI-DIGITAL 0-RING TEST

In chapter two we mentioned Dr. Omura's hi-digital 0-ring test as an example of
a signal system function. This is a specialized kinesiological test that is particularly
useful clinically because it allows us to assess the diagnostic relevance, or therapeutic
usefulness, of any point more objectively. It bypasses subjective responses by the
patient. Sometimes when we palpate the abdomen, we find that a number of points
and areas have pressure pain or tension. It may be difficult to discriminate which of
these points or areas are most significant. The 0-ring test gives very clear indications
of significance. The relevant points or areas will show a weakened response.
The test involves having the patient touch the pads of the thumb and forefin-
ger of one hand and holding them together while the therapist tries to pull them
apart. This occurs while the patient lightly touches the extended forefinger of the
other hand to the point being tested. The degree of resistance in the finger and
thumb holding the '0' shape is assessed by the therapist both before touching the
tested point, and while touching the tested point. When significant points are test-
ed, the patient will lose the power of resistance. In recent years, Dr. Omura has fur-
ther refined the hi-digital 0-ring test. He now uses a thin conducting medium such
as a small metal rod that is held by the subject tested and touched to the point
investigated instead of the extended forefinger.
This simple test can be used to discriminate significant reaction from among
a number of reactive points, thereby fine tuning the diagnosis. It also may be used
to confirm a diagnosis, to demonstrate the efficacy of a treatment, or to check the
efficacy of a projected treatment. After testing the relevant treatment points, or
treating those points, the points or areas that showed both palpable reactions and
a weakened response during the 0-ring test, should not only show less reaction
when repalpated, but an increased strength of resistance when retested with the 0-
ring test. If not, the treatment or test was not appropriate.
Omura's hi-digital 0-ring test is a valuable clinical tool because it is extremely
easy to apply. In cases where a patient is unable, for one reason or another, to
accomplish this test (e.g: a child, points of the back, or a patient with arthritis, etc.),
a third person may be used. This person should make the 0-ring with one hand and
touch the relevant point with the extended forefinger or metal rod. Thus, you test
the patient through the third person; the process is exactly the same.IO

TESTING POINTS WITH POLARITY AGENTS

This is another simple diagnostic test. Once you have determined a particu-
lar diagnosis, you can test the points to be treated to ensure that they reduce the
reactions you have found on which your diagnosis is based. Since polarity agents
are used to treat these points, we also use them for testing. The ion cord, ion beam,
or electrostatic adsorber can be applied to the relevant point for five to ten seconds,
while the point is repalpated. For example, having found reactions on both KI-16,
both LU-1, and at both ASIS, and a weakened response with the 0-ring test, you
are able to diagnose the yin qiao-ren mai connection. In this case, you can test KI-6
and LU-7. Based on our experience, when treating Kl-6 and LU-7 wi.th the ion-
pumping cords, KI-6 takes the negative pole (black clip).
 Diagnostic Assessment 145

To test using the ion-pumping cord, ion beam or electrostatic adsorber, touch
the negative pole to one of the reactive KI-6 points. Touch the positive pole to LU-
7 on the same side for five to ten seconds. Then repalpate the ASIS, KI-16 and LU-
1 areas on the side tested. If they feel less painful or tense, even only slightly, check
further with the 0-ring test. If the 0-ring test reveals a stronger response, your
diagnosis and treatment selection are confirmed. You have confirmed through sev-
eral steps and procedures the diagnosis and treatment selection of the yin qiao
mai-ren mai using the ion-pumping cords and can feel more confident that you will
achieve the desired effects during the first step of general treatment.
Finding pressure pain on left ST-25, GB-26 and SP-21 (the triple burner and
spleen channel reflex points), and the right spleen-triple burner gastrocnemius
area, a weakened response to the 0-ring test on the abdominal points, and a weak-
ness of the spleen pulse allows you to diagnose a spleen and triple burner channel
problem. Before treating the spleen and triple burner channels, test, for example,
left SP-2, the supplementation point, with the positive pole of the ion-pumping
cord, ion beam, or electrostatic adsorber and left SP-5, the drainage point, with the
negative pole. Touch the points for five seconds. If this reduces the pressure pain
at ST-25, GB-26 and SP-21, and increases the resistance in the 0-ring test, then you
have clear confirmation to treat the spleen-triple burner channel.
This simple systematic approach, with its constant feedback from the patient,
pressure response of the points, radial pulses, and the 0-ring test, allows the devel-
opment of a simple, reliable and testable treatment methodology that will achieve
the first and most important step of the general treatment. This methodology also
allows a considerable flexibility of treatment selection, since on the spot assess-
ments of the projected efficacy of a particular treatment allow quick adaptation.
This is beneficial not only to your patients, but also your learning and practice.
Working with a safe, simple and reliable heuristic methodology allows you the
important privilege of learning from your patients.

USING SYMPTOMS IN CONFIRMING DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Presenting symptoms can be important and helpful in diagnosis; they can
also be irrelevant and misleading. Trust palpation. Generally, the procedures
described above are sufficient for diagnosis. Sometimes a very complex pattern of
signs and reactions can be simplified by considering the patient's symptom.
Usually, you already know the symptoms prior to diagnosis. To varying degrees
symptoms can guide and focus your diagnosis. Very complex symptom patterns
may prove confusing and thus worthless. Very simple symptom patterns may
prove helpful. Whether you use symptom assessment will depend on your skill as
a practitioner, your comfort with the material and your ability to rationalize the
complexity of a patient's condition.
The following are simple symptom patterns associated with the eight extraor-
dinary vessels, the twelve channels, and the channel sinews. The symptomology of
the extraordinary vessels and channels is based on clinical observations and practice,
the channel sinew symptomology has been translated from the Ling Shu chapter 13.

EXTRAORDINARY VESSEL SYMPTOMOLOGY

- Ren mai: gynecological problems; hemorrhoids; asthma; bronchitis; lung
problems; neurosis; toothache; ear, nose, and throat problems.
- Yin qiao mai: urination problems; gynecological problems; cold feet;
intestinal problems.
146 Diagnostic Assessment

- Chong mai: heart problems; neurosis; stomach problems; gynecological

problems; cold feet; liver and gallbladder problems; problems of the anus.
- Yin wei mai: nervousness; heart problems; palpitations; psychological
problems; insomnia; stomach problems.
- Du mai: epilepsy; fatigue; problems of the spine and neck; neurosis;
insomnia; superficial invasion of cold or external qi; early stages of catching cold
(Shang Han Lun, tai yang disease).
- Yang qiao mai: whiplash; epilepsy; speech disorders; shoulder pain; lum-
bar pain; unusual sweating; trigeminal neuralgia.
- Dai mai: a feeling of coldness or achiness in the lower back; gynecological
problems; menstrual problems; problems in the lower abdomen.
- Yang wei mai: dizziness; headache; whiplash; sweating problems; trigem-
inal neuralgia; tiredness; ear and eye problems.
- Cross-syndrome: gynecological problems; digestive problems (especially
intestinal problems); sciatica (especially of the left leg); liver problems; shoulder
problems; low-back problems, HEENT problems, especially on the left.

CHANNEL SYMPTOMOLOGY
The following symptom patterns, general relationships and uses are derived
from Shinkyu Rinsho Iten (Clinical medical dictionary of acupuncture and moxibustion),
page 85. The channel "triplets" are the arm-leg yin-yang groupings. For instance,
the arm yin triplet is comprised of the lung, heart, and pericardium channels.

Arm channels Used for Comparison of yin- Characteristics of

problems of yang triplets yin-yang triplets

Tai yin-lung throat, chest, lung area

lungs 3 yin for chest
and chest region
~ue yin-pericardium chest, heart, mainly dysfunctions or
stomach, heart/stomach area problems of
nervous problems organs in
upper abdomen
Shao yin-heart chest, heart, mainly heart and (psychological)
nervous disease nervous disease

Tai yang-small intestine head, occiput, mainly for face

eyes, ears, and occipital
nasopharynx, regions
nervous diseases,
febrile diseases,
secretion problems head, face, occipital,
neck regions,
Shao yang-triple burner head, face, eyes febrile diseases
throat, chest, and (five senses)
flanks, febrile
diseases
Yang ming-large intestine problems of head, mainly for regions of
face, eyes, ears, face and front
nose, mouth, of head
teeth, throat,
febrile diseases
 Diagnostic Assessment 147

Leg channels Mainly suitable for Comparison of Characteristics of

problems of yin-yang triplets yin-yang triplets

Tai yin-spleen gastrointestinal mainly for

disease, genital, stomach and
urogenital, and intestines abdomen region and
pancreatic problems visceral organ
ue yin-liver genital and urogenital mainly for liver, dysfunctions, esp.
problems, chest and genital, and lower abdominal;
flank problems urogenital representing the
problems energy of the
Shao yin-kidney genital, urogenital, lower half of
intestine and the body
throat problems

Tai yang-bladder eyes, nose, head, mainly for back

ears, occipital problems; using
region, lumbar back-shu points
region, anus, can treat internal
nervous disease, organ problems
febrile disease
integrate the upper
and lower areas:
head, face, five
senses, can be
cured by treating
the three leg yang
Shao yang-gallbladder head, ears, eyes, sides of the body channels. If
nose, throat, chest, problem is in
and flanks, febrile organs of the
diseases, gallbladder body, points
problems below the knees
Yang ming-stomach head, tace, nose, front of the body should be used
mouth, teeth, throat,
nervous disease,
febrile diseases,
gastro-intestinal
problems

We can add to this list of symptoms the following observations that are asso-
ciated with problems of particular motions of the spine and joints:
- Problems with extension of the spine are typically related to the bladder or
stomach channels, as are problems of flexion of the spine.
- Problems that come when standing from a sitting position are typically
associated with the kidney or gallbladder channels.
- Problems that come when sitting from a lying position are usually associ-
ated with the stomach or gallbladder channels. Focusing attention on these chan-
nels whenever motion problems are evident often helps redress the problem.
If a patient presents with a febrile condition, due to either some acute infec-
tious disease, such as a flu or cold, or from some deeper infection, for example a
pelvic inflammatory disease, special attention must be paid to these problems. If the
fever is not systemic, but limited to an inflamed joint, as might be found in a patient
with rheumatoid arthritis, one can generally deal with this with the procedures
described in the symptom control section of chapter 11. The local inflammation is
148 Diagnostic Assessment

addressed in the final steps of treatment. If the fever is systemic, and clearly due
to cold or flu, this must be dealt with directly. Some symptoms listed earlier, for
example, symptoms associated with the du mai and ren mai, are the result of viral
infections. As step one treatments they might be helpful. But, at a later stage in the
same treatment, something more direct, such as direct moxa, bloodletting, or cup-
ping, will be necessary. Generally, if a patient presents with such a problem, it is
better to focus on that problem. Acute febrile conditions are delicate and can
progress rapidly. Thus, it is better not to upset the body's already struggling
defenses with too much therapy.
If the fever is from a deeper infection, such as a P.I.D., acupuncture can be
very helpful, but it is generally not a good idea to treat such a condition without
having consulted an allopathic physician. Antibiotics are not perfect, but they do
work faster than acupuncture in such conditions. If improperly treated, or even if
too slowly treated, these conditions can become dangerous. In chronic conditions,
which have shown no change for some time and which have been unresponsive to
Western pharmaceutical and antibiotic therapy, the application of the treatments
described in chapters 9 through 11 can be very advantageous.

CHANNEL SINEW SYMPTOMOLOGIES

The following descriptions of the channel sinew symptomologies are derived
from Ling Shu chapter 13.11 They are introductory at best because of the need for
further research and clarification. These are basically symptoms of muscle cramps,
spasms and tightness. A general or root treatment approach for channel sinew
associated symptoms, or more generally, musculoskeletal problems, is given in
chapter 10, under the descriptions of steps two and three of the root treatment
approach.
Diseases of the leg tai yang channel sinew :
- Swelling and pain of the fifth toe and heel.
- Cramping in the knee region.
- Curvature of the spinal vertebrae (probably including scoliosis, lordosis).
- Stiffness in the back of the neck.
- Inability to raise the shoulder.
- Pain in the axilla and on top of the shoulder joint with difficulty moving the
shoulder to the left and right.
Diseases of the leg shao yang channel sinew:
- Severe stiffness of the fourth toe (like cramping).
- Cramping of the lateral knee muscles.
- Difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
- Tetany of the muscles anterior to the femoral bone.
- Tetany of the posterior gluteal muscles.
- Pain in the axilla.
- Tetany of the muscles in the pectoral and anterior neck regions (pectoral
and probably sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles).
- The left channel sinew affects the right channel sinew; hence a problem of
the channel on the left may cause paralysis of the right foot. This
is described as "the binding channel sinews are reciprocally crossed."
 Diagnostic Assessment 149

Diseases of foot yang ming channel sinew:

- Spasming of the muscles of the third toe and of the anterior tibialis muscle.
- Shaking of the leg.
- Spasming of the muscles around ST-32.
- Swelling of the anterior portions of the thigh.
- Testicular pain.
- Cramping of the abdominal muscles.
- Cramping between ST-12 and the cheek.
- Sudden deformity at the side of the mouth (like Bell's palsy).
- Acute inability to close the eyes. If heat is present, the muscle tonus
decreases and it becomes difficult to open the eyes.
- If cold in the cheek muscles, cramping and lateral displacement of the
mouth. If cheek is hot, muscle tonus decreases and the mouth deforms.
Diseases of leg tai yin channel sinew:
- Cramping on top of the big toe with pain at the medial malleolus and leg
pain.
- Pain on the tibia in the knee region.
- Cramping on the medial side of the thigh.
- Cramping and pain of the sexual organs.
- Pain in the navel region with cramping below the navel which causes
pulling pain at the lateral edges of the chest.
- Cramping in the chest with pain at both sides of the vertebrae.
Diseases of the leg jue yin channel sinew:
- Cramping at the top of the big toe with pain.
- Pain in the medial portions of the thigh.
- Pain and cramping in the inguinal joint.
- Impotence.
- Pain in the penis and inability to have an erection.
- If cold, the sexual organ is stiff. If hot, the sexual organ is flaccid.

Diseases of leg shao yin channel sinew:

- Spasming of the sole of the foot with pain along the whole trajectory of the
channel sinew.
- Cramping and epilepsy.
- (If pathogenic qi lodges in) the external part of the leg shao yin channel
sinew in the intrascapular region, the patient cannot tilt the head forward.
- (If pathogenic qi lodges in) the internal part of the leg shao yin channel
sinew in the intrascapular region, patient cannot tilt the head backwards.
- If yang disease (is in the shao yin channel sinew), the lumbar region will lock
and the patient cannot bend forward.
- If the disease is on the inside, the patient cannot bend backwards.
150 Diagnostic Assessment

Diseases of arm tai yang channel sinew:

- Cramping at the little finger and pain in the region of the olecranon process.
- Pain from the olecranon process region to the axilla region.
- Pain at the back of the axilla.
- Pain from the scapular region to the neck.
- Tinnitus, ear pain, pain to the chin; the patient must close the eyes for a
short while to be able to see clearly again.
- Cramping in the neck muscles, overcontraction and swelling of the neck
from heat or cold.
- Pain along the whole trajectory of the channel sinew.
Diseases of arm shao yang channel sinew:
- Cramping along the trajectory.
- Stiffness and difficulty moving the tongue.
Diseases of arm yang ming channel sinew:
- Pain and cramping along the trajectory.
- Inability to raise the shoulders.
- Difficulty turning the head to right and left.
Diseases of arm tai yin channel sinew:
- Cramping along the trajectory, which if very severe will cause pain and
cramping of the abdomen with difficulty breathing (like asthma), with
light cramping in the chest and vomiting blood.
Diseases of arm jue yin channel sinew:
- Cramping along the trajectory, pain in the anterior side of the chest with
cramping and difficulty breathing (like asthma).
Diseases of arm shao yin channel sinew:
- Contracted feeling in the center of the chest which affects the heart (like
heart attack).

FLOW CHART FOR DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

The flow chart that follows describes basic components of diagnosis and
assessment, and various treatment strategies and their alternatives, with the
reassessments that accompany each step. Note that the question and answer
method is typical of the treatment methodology used. Reassessment always fol-
lows each step. Pressure pain, tension, radial pulses, pain levels, range of motion,
flexibility, are always assessed when appropriate to the patient's condition.

Note also that (1) generally gives a long-term assessment; how the skin tex-
ture and color, muscle tone, and imbalances progress is an indication of future con-
dition; (2), (3), and (4) are important throughout diagnosis and treatment; (5) is par-
ticularly important when deciding the limit of treatment and what points will con-
trol symptoms. Remember that this flow chart represents a typical flow of diagno-
sis and selection of treatment approach. Assessment of individual cases may
require altering this flow on occasion.
 Diagnostic Assessment 151

DIAGNOSIS FLOW CHART

Observation
(1) ~ (2) ~ (3) ~ (4) ~ (5) ~

visual radial abdominal body and questioning

examination pulse and chest channel diagnosis:
palpation palpation palpations symptoms

~
Confirmation
(2) (3)
if very weak use 0-ring test
use biorhythms

Testing
After arriving at a general diagnosis we can test the treatment points
associated with that diagnosis using various tools (e.g. magnets, ion
beam, etc.)

Assessment
If diagnosis is clear and response If diagnosis is complex or unclear
to testing procedure is clear, i.e., and the testing procedures produce
improvements are seen in pulse, unclear responses, either retest the
abdomen, body, 0-ring responses same points with different polaritief
and possibly symptoms, go to: test a different pattern of points, or
go to:

Decisions
step one treatment using Reassessment of Step one treatment
I.P., etc. diagnostic signs using secondary
and responses approaches or
alternative strategies
152 Diagnostic Assessment

CASE STUDIES OF THE AKASHI-BASED DIAGNOSIS

The following case studies are illustrative of the diagnostic procedures
described earlier, and the treatment steps subsequently presented:

Patient 1: Female, Age 27

Main complaint: Sterility
Pulse: Liver weak, kidney little weak
Abdominal findings: Right subcostal and left ASIS pressure pain
and tension, left ST-26 pressure pain.
Gastrocnemius muscles: Left liver-small intestine area
Other points: LI-4 and Manaka three-leg yin meeting pressure
pain
Diagnosis: The upper right and lower left quadrant reactions
with the leg yin meeting point indicate the cross
syndrome and a problem of the liver, the gastroc-
nemius and left ST-26 reactions confirm this and
in particular the liver-small intestine connection.
This condition could thus be treated via the liver-
small intestine connections or the right yin wei-
left yang wei connections. Differentiation could
be made by 0-ring testing and/ or treatment point
testing.
Treatment: This patient was treated via the cross syndrome
pattern, since testing confirmed this as the
dominant pattern.

Patient 2: Female, age 56

Main complaint: Hypertension
Pulse: The pulse was too weak to discern so the thumbs
were applied to ST-41 for fifteen seconds (since it
was 10 am). The kidney pulse then showed clear
weakness.
Abdominal findings: Both KI-16 and left ST-27 had pressure pain.
Left LU-1 had pressure pain.
Gastrocnemius muscles: Slight tenderness of the left kidney-large intestine
area.
Diagnosis: Kidney vacuity treatable through the kidney-
large intestine connection or the yin qiao-ren mai
connection.
Treatment: This patient was successfully treated using the
kidney-large intestine connection.
 Diagnostic Assessment 153

Patient 3: Female, age 50

Main complaints: Eyes very itchy especially around 8 pm; gastritis;
cold hands and feet
Abdominal findings: Left PC-1 very sore; CV-17 sore and with positive
bi-digital 0-ring test; CV-10 sore and with
positive bi-digital 0-ring test
Gastrocnemius muscles: left stomach-pericardium area
Diagnosis: 8 pm is the pericardium channel time. Stomach
problems can sometimes reflect at CV-10.
Therefore diagnosis was the stomach-
pericardium channel connection.
Treatment: This patient was successfully treated via the
stomach-pericardium channels. It would have
been possible to treat the yin wei-chong mai
instead, because of the CV-17 and PC-1 reactions,
gastritis, and time of flare up, but usually one
would also see subcostal reactions and spleen
reactions that would differentiate the yin wei mai-
chong mai.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 In chapters 9 and 11 we describe a number of treatment techniques. Importantly, Itaya's
research on the microcirculatory effects of acupuncture show that the insertion of a single needle can
have a general effect on problems of blood stasis (see appendix 2).
2 The Hirata zone system of correspondences was developed in the 1930's in Japan by Dr.
Kurakichi Hirata.
3 See Manaka, Y. eta/., "Abdominal diagnosis and indications in traditional Chinese medicine";
Amer. Jour. Acup., July - Sept. 13: 3, 223-234; and, Hara Diagnosis, chapters 2 and 11, for discussions of this.
4 For a thorough review of palpatory diagnostic findings and their interpretations, see
Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, especially chapter 11 passim.
5 See Hara Diagnosis, pp. 350-352 for discussions of this.
6 Mochi is a traditional Japanese food made by pounding boiled, glutinous "sweet" rice until it
acquires an even, sticky, elastic consistency. There are few Western foods that are similar; a sticky bread
dough or a very soft taffy have some tactile correlations.
7 See chapter 16 of Hara Diagnosis for more details of differential diagnosis.
8 A recent study published in China describes key points that tend to become reactive when spe-
cific diseases are present. This method of diagnosis compares to Western medical palpatory diagnosis
and contrasts with the palpatory diagnostic systems we describe. The specific point reactions provide
a useful frame of reference for diagnosis but are not so useful for composing a general treatment (see
appendix 1).
9 Ms. Tokito uses this technique to determine efficacy of treatment. See Matsumoto, K. and S.
Birch, Extraordinary Vessels, pp. 150 passim. Mr. Oda uses it as part of his overall system of diagnosis.
10 Dr. Omura has published many papers on the use of the hi-digital 0-ring test. For some dis-
cussions of this test and speculations on its mechanism see: Omura, Y., "The hi-digital 0-ring test:
Critical evaluation of its abnormal responses with laboratory tests including 'blood pressure and blood
flow method,' 'blood chemistry,' etc., and neurological method," Acup. & Electro-Therapeutics Res. Int.
Jour.8:37-43, 1983. See also, Omura, Y., " 'Bi-digital 0-ring test molecular identification and localiza-
tion method' and its application in imaging of internal organs and malignant tumors as well as identi-
fication and localization of neurotransmitters and microorganisms - Part I," Acup. & Electro-Therapeutics
Res. Int. Jour 11:65-100, 1986. See also, Omura, Y., "Electromagnetic resonance phenomenon as a possi-
ble mechanism related to the 'Bi-digital 0-ring test' molecular identification and localization method."
Acup. & Electro-Therapeutics Res. Int. Jour 11:127-145, 1986. ,
11 Editor's note: These symptom patterns have been translated from Dr. Manaka's book, Ika no
Tameno Shinjutsu Nyumon Kuoza (Introductory lectures on acupuncture for medical doctors), second edition,
1980, pages 242-253.
 ~
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CHAPTER NINE

CLINICAL TREATMENT: STEP ONE

Our attitude and our approach to treatment are fundamental to healing. Since
we are administering qi therapy, procedures to restore the balance of qi, we must
be aware that our own qi is integral to diagnosis and treatment. It is impossible to
separate the practitioner from the therapy. The effects of acupuncture do not arise
merely from the points treated and the procedure used to stimulate those points;
they also depend on the practitioner. Decision-making and performance are affect-
ed by condition. As a practitioner, you must pay attention to your own health; treat
yourself, or receive treatment, whenever necessary. Stay strong and healthy.
Neither is the attitude of the patient separable from the healing process. The
patient must be as thoroughly involved as is possible in their own therapy. Those
patients who become involved in their own healing usually do better than those
who just expect to be healed. This is not only because involved patients are more
likely to change negative dietary or work habits, and thus acquire the benefits that
derive from such positive steps, but also because they attend to home treatment
whenever possible. In Japan for example, it is typical that patients go home with
instructions to treat themselves in some way, using techniques of therapeutic
exercise, self-massage, moxa therapy, or other treatments guided by the practi-
tioner.
Ideally a patient should be seen on a weekly treatment schedule. For acute
conditions or for cases of extreme weakness, two or three times a week is often a
superior schedule. When patients are unable to come for therapy as often as you
suggest, simple home treatment procedures have greater importance. However,
even patients who are able to come for frequent treatment can benefit from home
therapies, especially in chronic or severe cases.
When you first treat a patient, it is a good idea to not overdo the therapy, and
to avoid strong stimulation. Sometimes there are unexpected reactions or overre-
actions to treatment. Minimal stimulation doses will reduce the possibility of an
overreaction. As treatment progresses, gradually increase the stimulation as
required by the condition.
Common treatment patterns and a few unusual patterns are detailed later in
the text. If you want to try a new form of therapy, or a new therapeutic pattern,
follow this rule of thumb: always try the new procedure on yourself first. If the
treatment goes well, then try it on your associates, assistants, family members,
friends, and other healthy individuals. If you find no unexpected effects, then, and
156 Clinical Treatment: Step One

only then, is it appropriate to use your new treatment approach with your patients.
Developing new treatments and procedures should always be done with great
care.

TRADITIONAL CHANNEL THERAPY: FIVE STEP TREATMENT

Traditional channel therapy has two distinct levels, the root or general treat-
ment and the symptom control treatment. The root treatment is intended to adjust
overall imbalances. The symptom control treatment is intended to alleviate the
patient's complaints.
Treatments that take advantage of the signal system are considered root treat-
ments. Treatments utilizing channel characteristics, five-phase points, and the
extraordinary vessels are root treatments. Procedures that harmonize yin and yang
are also root treatments.
Based on our premise that the signal system has topological characteristics,
and thus relates to the body's structure, we view treatments that take advantage of
the signal system as typifying what was classically considered root treatment.
Our approach to root treatment is a three-step method, and symptom control
treatment follows as a two-step method:
Step One: harmonization of the front (yin) side of the body: reduc-
tion of abdominal and other anterior reactions, gastrocnemius
muscle reactions, and balancing of the radial pulses
Step Two: harmonization of the back (yang) side of the body:
reduction of tension, tightness of the yang channels, especially on
the back muscles, the shu points
Step Three: adjustment of any remaining structural imbalances
Step Four: clinical symptom control methods
Step Five: home therapy for symptom abatement
The first treatment step is usually the most significant. It is here where the
use of the clinical rules and polarity agents is most developed. Steps one, two, and
three usually accomplish the overall adjustment of the octahedral and isophasal
levels of the signal system. If step one is very successful, the second and third steps
may not be necessary, though as a general rule step two is always performed to
some degree.
Root treatment is aimed at correcting and regulating problems through the
signal system. Ideally, were the perfect root treatment rendered, complaints such
as pain would disappear without a symptom control treatment to address each
symptom. Occasionally this does happen and the symptom control treatments are
not required. But in practice, both treatment levels are generally necessary, like two
wheels on an axle.
At the first stage, different alternatives are able to address diverse sets of
symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms are associated with the particular treat-
ment combination, but at other times the symptoms are diverse and may seem
unrelated. As root treatment progresses through steps two and three, addressing
the back of body and musculoskeletal balance, many symptoms will already
improve. For cases where the symptoms have not improved, therapy progresses to
symptom control treatment. At this stage, specific points are selected to control
and ameliorate specific symptoms.
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 157

Frequently, symptoms in parts of the body without any special connection to

tender points on the abdomen or gastrocnemius muscles are alleviated along with
the reactions on the point associated with these diagnostic areas. It is also common
to find that patients who are in an extremely xu (vacuous) or emaciated condition
will have many complaints, but often their abdomen is soft and no place is espe-
cially sensitive. In such cases, there is usually hypersensitivity or muscular tension
in the back. We also have regularly observed that even if the tenderness or differ-
ences in sensitivity on each side are initially reduced in the first step of treatment,
after some time the same pattern will reappear. However, this pattern will change
with repeated therapy through an appropriate course of treatments.

Typically, the use of points for symptom control shows strong correlations to
specific symptoms. These correlations are correspondences (e.g., isophasal rela-
tions, channel pathway relationships, yin-yang) or time-tested clinical uses.
A number of possibilities can be chosen for the fifth step. Should poor
lifestyle, or physical, mental, and dietary habits have clearly interfered with the
patient's health, or should home therapy be necessitated by the severity or chronic
nature of the complaints, some recommendations may be required. Where home
therapy is given, specific symptoms can be addressed, as can the general condition.
Other recommendations may be directed at the elimination of deleterious habits
that bias the patient unfavorably or that indirectly worsen the symptoms and gen-
eral condition.
There are many possibilities for steps one and four. There is a more limited
selection for steps two and three. Based on the research and the experiments
described earlier, we have devised a set of clinical rules and guidelines with simple
sets of treatments that can be used with reliable results for step one. We have also
outlined a few supplementary and alternative treatment methods for confusing or
complex cases.
For steps two and three, there are some simple strategies and techniques
based in the octahedral and isophasal theories that we have distilled from our clin-
ical experience. For step four we describe several basic approaches for controlling
symptoms and several secondary methods that can be used when confronted with
very complex conditions or when the previous treatment stages have proven insuf-
ficient. For step five, a diverse range of possibilities can be selected from areas
where the practitioner may be expert: psychological counselling, confrontation or
support; recommendations and guidelines for changing mental, physical, or
dietary habits; or suggestions for home exercise, home moxa therapy, and other
home therapies. The flow chart on the following page summarizes these steps.
The total adjustment obtained through combining steps one, two, and three
involves an adjustment of the overall octahedral and isophasal levels. Each step
adjusts specific imbalances at these levels. The combined effect of adjusting ante-
rior (step one), posterior (step two), left, right, superior, and inferior portions (steps
one through three), and combining isophasal effects with octahedral effects, has
further regulatory consequences. The sequence of diagnosis and treatment is very
simple. The number of factors examined are kept to a few basic ones. In most cases
the overall effect is quite profound.
158 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Treatment Flow Chart

Step One: Regulate the Signal System
Primary Approaches Secondary Approaches
Adjust at level Adjust at level of Activate homeostatic Address stubborn
of octants isophasal properties type responses or unusual cases
(a) Ion pumping, etc., (b) Colors to polar (d) open points (f) alternative
to extraordinary channel pairs (e) taiji moxa strategies: magnet
vessels (c) ion pumping, etc., treatment heater, midline
to polar channel pairs moxa
Reassess patient by rechecking palpable responses.
If sufficiently improved, go to:

Step Two: Regulate the Signal System

(a)Adjust at musculo- (b) Adjust at level of (c) Adjust condition
skeletal function level and/ or isophasal properties and/or of yang channels
Treat back-shu points Treat related channel
points

Step Three: Adjust at Musculo-Skeletal Function Level

(a) sotai exercise to release or (b) same with indirect or direct
muscle tension moxa

Step Four: Symptom Control

(a) intradermals to auricles and/ or hands and/ or body
(b) moxa to body points (formulary or to specific channels)
(c) needle body points (various treatment formulae)
(d) bloodletting, venesection

Step Five: Lifestyle Regulation

(a) dietary recommendations
(b) lifestyle (mental, emotional, physical) recommendations
(c) home therapy

STEP ONE OF THE ROOT OR GENERAL TREATMENT

The first and most important step of a root treatment is restoration of harmo-
ny on the yin (front) side of the body. The procedures taken in this step are deter-
mined by the palpable reactions found on the abdomen, chest, and gastrocnemius
region, and confirmed by the radial pulse. Correct treatment addresses reactions
and imbalances found on the anterior portions of the body, on the gastrocnemius
muscles, and in the radial pulses. By altering the octahedral and isophasal struc-
tures of the body, treatment reduces or eliminates palpable reactions in these
regions and normalizes the pulse.
Thus the first step of treatment has the following advantages:
- As the procedure performed first, it serves to clear the way for the proce-
dures that follow. When successful it can be sufficient in itself, and at the very least,
it simplifies the rest of the treatment.
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 159

- Specific factors, such as individual and constitutional differences, can be

taken into consideration.
- It requires some simple, verifiable diagnostic confirmation.
- Such checks allow selection of points for patients who are otherwise diffi-
cult to diagnose by other means.
- The method of treatment can be decided for incipient diseases that are
beyond detection by means that depend on symptoms.
- Major physical imbalances can be treated in cases where a patient has more
than one disease and there are a variety of symptoms.
- Problems and imbalances can be detected and treated at preclinical or func-
tional stages before a pathology becomes evident. In ancient China, there was a
tradition that the superior physician treated diseases before they occurred.
Because of the need to provide uniform, constant conditions for diagnosis, we
recommend the following procedure:
The patient should lie supine with their whole body relaxed, legs outstretched
and relaxed, arms relaxed. All rings, watches, necklaces, pendants, socks and
shoes, nylon tights or hosiery, etc. should be removed. Clothes should be loosened
to allow access to the abdominal region, so that the practitioner may carefully
examine and palpate the surface of the abdomen, first with lighter, then with firmer
pressure.

PRINCIPAL TREATMENT PATTERNS FOR STEP ONE

Working with the basic treatment patterns, we can correct many of the gener-
al imbalances, harmonizing the yin (front) side of the body. The most common pat-
terns of disharmony involve the extraordinary vessel confluence-jiaohui points and
the supplementation and drainage points of the polar channel pairs. These treat-
ments are accomplished with polarity agents, primarily the ion-pumping cords,
secondarily the ion beam and the electrostatic adsorbers. Open point biorhythmic
treatments are also useful for achieving these treatment goals. Taiji or whole-body
moxa therapy can also be useful as a general treatment. Other curious and useful
techniques can be used for unusual or stubborn cases. We use a variety of tech-
niques to address the patterns we discover because no single system is perfect nor
always applicable; it is important to have backup methods at hand.
The following treatment patterns are the nexus of a reliable treatment format
for step one. You can develop your own treatment style based on these patterns.
The most commonly used step one treatments use the confluence-jiaohui points of
the extraordinary vessels, or the transporting, five phase, source and luo points of
the twelve channels. These points are listed in the tables that follow.
Vessel Confluence-jiaohui point
ren mai LU-7
yin qiao mai KI-6
chong mai SP-4
yin wei mai PC-6
du mai SI-3
yang qiao mai BL-62
dai mai GB-41
yang wei mai TB-5
160 Clinical Treatment: Step One

PC-6, TB-5, GB-41, and SI-3 have the standard locations given in most acu-
point books. In our experience SP-4 is on a muscle knot located at the proximal
head of the first metatarsal. This is a little more proximal and inferior than some
books describe. KI-6 and BL-62 are both slightly posterior to their usual locations,
inferior to the center of the malleoli. LU-7 is located on the lung channel between
the radius and the radial artery.

Transporting points of the yang channels

Channel well- spring- stream- river- uniting- source connecting cleft
jing ying shu jing he yuan luo xi
metal water wood fire earth
GB 44 43 41 38 34 40 37 36
51 1 2 3 5 8 4 7 6
TB 1 2 3 6 10 4 5 7
ST 45 44 43 41 36 42 40 34
LI 1 2 3 5 11 4 6 7
BL 67 66 65 60 40 64 58 63

Transporting points of the yin channels

Channel well- spring- stream- river- uniting- source connecting cleft
jing ying shu jing he yuan luo xi
wood fire earth metal water
LR 1 2 3 4 8 3 5 6
HT 9 8 7 4 3 7 5 6
PC 9 8 7 5 3 7 6 4
SP 1 2 3 5 9 3 4 8
LU 11 10 9 8 5 9 7 6
KI 1 2 3 7 10 3 4 5

The locations of these points are described in many acupuncture books.l

Following are the traditional uses of some of these points as described by the Nan
Jing. On occasion these ideas prove useful, especially the idea of a source point
having strong effects on its own channel:
Source-yuan points - treatment of organ-channel system on which the point
lies
Connecting-luo points - treatment of internally-externally coupled organs or
channels and connecting vessel symptoms
Cleft-xi points - treatment of stubborn or acute conditions of organ or
channel.
Well-jing points - fullness below the heart
Spring-ying points -body fever
Stream-shu points- heavy body and joint pain
River-jing points - panting, coughing, alternating hot and cold
Uniting-he points - counterflow qi, diarrhea
When using polarity agents, not all of these points are treated. As we have
seen, the supplementation and drainage points have polarity-dependent properties
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 161

that can be used advantageously. When using colors on the points, more points can
be used, but still not the whole range. Open point treatments use all but the luo and
xi points.
Following the descriptions of treatment methods there are a series of case
studies. These show the use of the polarity agents (ion pumping, electrostatic
adsorbers, ion beam device) for the confluence-jiaohui pairs and supplementation-
drainage pairs. These are anecdotal, selected recently from a busy practice.

STEP ONE TREATMENT USING THE EXTRAORDINARY VESSEL PAIRS

Step one treatment may typically begin with the selection of an extraordinary
vessel confluence-jiaohui point pair. The methodology for determining their appli-
cation is simple, and the scope of their use is broad. For the novice or practitioner
inexperienced with the feedback - diagnose and reassess - method of treatment
that is afforded by utilizing palpatory diagnosis, we strongly recommend begin-
ning with these treatments. For the more advanced practitioner, or when diagno-
sis clearly matches, we further recommend treatments from the other methods pre-
sented here (polar channel pairs, etc.).
According to the diagnostic schedule described in the last chapter, ion pump-
ing can be applied to the confluence-jiaohui points of the extraordinary vessels in
the following patterns:
Diagnosis Treatment
Principal signs Confirmation Points & ion pumping Side treated
along ren mai ASIS, KI-11-ST-30 KI-6 black(-) usually bilateral
LU-1-LU-2, Kl-16 ST-12, ST-9, LU-3-LU-4 LU-7red (+)
subcostal region, PC-1 LR-14, GB-24 PC-6 black(-) usually right
CV-17, SP-21-GB-26 CV-22, ST-11 SP-4 red(+)
ASIS, ST-25 along dai mai from navel TB-5 black(-) usually left
GB-24 around to BL-23 GB-41 red(+)
ASIS, KI-11 PSIS, SI-9-SI-10 BL-62 black(-) usually bilateral
ST-26 sides of cervical vertebrae SI-3 red(+)
right subcostal "cross syndrome" PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+) right
left ASIS, left side navel rt PC-1, SP-21- TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+) left
(ST-25-ST-27) GB-26,left ST-25

Usually, the orientation of the ion-pumping cords follows the notations in the
preceding table. Occasionally, unusual patterns or circumstances, which require
different polarity hookup, may be noted. The following are examples of unusual
patterns:2
- For treatments which require bilateral cord application using the the yin
qiao mai and yang qiao mai connections, you should find abdominal reactions on
both sides. However, if you find reactions only on one side, you can focus treat-
ment on the affected side only.
- In the same fashion, the typically one-sided yin wei mai and yang wei mai
connections may be oriented bilaterally if the abdominal reactions are clearly evi-
denced on both sides. In our experience, if a patient presents with upper right
quadrant and lower right quadrant reactions, e.g., right subcostal and right ASIS
reactions, this often responds well to the treatment using ion pumping with place-
ment of the black(-) cord on left TB-5, and the red(+) on left GB-41. If the unilat-
eral abdominal pattern of reactions is on the left, the treatment is done on the right.
162 Clinical Treatment: Step One

The testing procedures described in the last chapter can help determine whether or
not to use this treatment.
- When palpating the abdominal area, subcostal tension and pressure pain is
a common finding. Relative to the extraordinary vessels, it is treated through the
yin wei mai-chong mai. Most often this abdominal reaction occurs on the right side,
being typically associated with the liver. If untreated, it can, over time, spread to
the left side as well. In these cases the bilateral tension and pressure pain in the
subcostal regions can be treated with bilateral utilization of the yin wei mai-chong
mai. To do this, it is better to treat just the right side first and reassess the reactions.
If the left side has not changed or has changed only slightly, then add the ion
pumping to the left side. This bilateral subcostal reaction is a sign of a slightly
more advanced condition and indicates that it will take more time to treat. We have
also noticed that if there is tension or tightness in these regions, it is more easily
treated when the pressure pain is still present, than when there is no longer pres-
sure pain sensitivity. The lack of pressure pain is often a sign of a more advanced,
or more serious condition.
- If there is reactiveness only on the left subcostal region, or if there is greater
reaction on the left side than the right side, it is often indicative of a much more
advanced and possibly serious condition. This is more difficult to treat. Typically
such a reaction is better treated through bilateral utilization of the yin wei mai-chong
mai connection, rather than just treating the reactive left side. We have also found
that left-sided reactions respond relatively well to bilateral use of the yin wei mai-
chong mai before 4 pm. If treating this condition after 4 pm, it is often better to use
the yin qiao mai-ren mai connection on the left side only. Test to determine which
pattern will work better at what time. This left-sided reaction is often associated
with problems of the heart and high blood pressure.
- If you find this left-sided reaction and a hard pulse in the deep level of the
second position of the right pulse (spleen), check the blood pressure of the patient.
Such patients usually evidence an elevated blood pressure. This can be a relatively
dangerous condition and should be treated with great caution. If the reaction
found is more centrally located, yet still in this region of the abdomen, in particu-
lar in the substernal region, you can determine the seriousness of the condition
based on the presence of pressure pain. If this region is hard and without pressure
pain, it is more serious than if pressure pain is still present.3 This reaction (closer
to the substernal region) can also be treated successfully with the yin wei mai-chong
mai pair. On some occasions the yin qiao mai-ren mai pair will work better. The gen-
eral pattern of reactions and the use of the testing procedures will help you decide
which treatment to use.
- Almost invariably, if the patient has poor muscle tonus and lack of strength
in the abdominal muscles (general flaccidity), with corresponding tightness of the
muscles in the lumbar region, it is best to automatically treat KI-6 (-)and LU-7 (+)
bilaterally. Patients with this kind of abdomen are in a more advanced state of xu
(vacuity), and treating KI-6-LU-7 provides a notable level of improvement.
These variations of subcostal and substernal reactions are not particularly
common, depending on your patient population, but it is important to pay atten-
tion to these variations, their significance, and treatment.

STEP ONE TREATMENT WITH POLAR CHANNEL PAIRS

The polar channel pairs can be tested and/ or treated with colors, ion-pump-
ing cords, electrostatic adsorbers, and the ion beam device. You will find these
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 163

channel pairs to be clinically effective. If the ion-pumping cords or other polar

agents are used with the polar channel pairs, they are not used simultaneously with
the treatment of the extraordinary vessels, and vice versa. However, it is possible
to use colors on the polar channel pairs first and then treat the extraordinary ves-
sels with polar agents, and vice versa.

STEP ONE TREATMENTS USING SUPPLEMENTATION AND DRAINAGE POINTS

According to the diagnostic schedule described in the last chapter and the
observed polarity effects discussed in earlier chapters, ion-pumping cords, the ion
beam device, or the electrostatic adsorbers can be used on the supplementing
("mother") points and draining ("child") points with good effect. These supple-
mentation and drainage points may be depicted as in the following traditional
illustration:

POSTERIOR ANTERIOR

TB-10

Figure 9.1: Manaka's drawing of supplementation/drainage points

164 Clinical Treatment: Step One

These points are also listed in the following table:

Channel Supplementing point Draining point
lung LU-9 LU-5
large intestine Ll-11 LI-2
stomach ST-41 ST-45
spleen SP-2 SP-5
heart HT-9 HT-7
small intestine SI-3 SI-8
bladder BL-67 BL-65
kidney KI-7 KI-1
pericardium PC-9 PC-7
triple burner TB-3 TB-10
gallbladder GB-43 GB-38
liver LR-8 LR-2

Utilization of these points is as follows: (+) indicates the red clip of the ion-
pumping cord, the positive electrode of the ion beam device, or the positive elec-
trostatic adsorber; (-) indicates the black clip of the ion-pumping cord, the negative
electrode of the ion beam device, or the negative electrostatic adsorber.
Diagnosis Treatment
Gastrocnemius Abdomen Points and polarity applications
left A ST-25, SP-21 to GB-26 (+)to right SP-2, (-)to 5P-5; (+)to TB-3, (-)to TB-10
right A ST-25, SP-21 to GB-26 (+)to left SP-2, (-)to SP-5; (+)to TB-3; (-)to TB-10
left B KI-16, 5T-27 (-)to right KI-1, (+)to KI-7; (-)to LI-2, (+)to LI-11
right B Kl-16, ST-27 (-)to left KI-1, (+)to Kl-7; (-)to LI-2, (+)to LI-11
left C LR-14*, ST-26 (-) to right LR-2, (+) to LR-8; (+) to 51-3, (-) to Sl-8
rightC LR-14*, 5T-26 (-)to left LR-2, (+)to LR-8; (+)to 51-3, (-)to 51-8
left D ST-21,CV-12,CV-17,PC-1 (+)to right PC-9, (-)to PC-7; (-)to ST-45, (+)to 5T-41
right D 5T-21,CV-12,CV-17,PC-1 (+)to left PC-9, (-)to PC-7; (-)to ST-45, (+)to ST-41
left E Kl-11, LU-1-LU-2 (+)to right LU-9, (-)to LU-5; (+)to BL-67, (-)to BL-65
right Kl-11, LU-1-LU-2 (+)to left LU-9, (-)to LU-5; (+)to BL-67, (-)to BL-65
left F CV-14,KI-23,GB-24,GB-29 (+)to right HT-9, (-)to HT-7; (+)to GB-43, (-)to GB-38
right F CV-14,KI-23,GB-24,GB-29 (+)to left HT-9, (-)to HT-7; (+)to GB-43, (-)to GB-38
* As well as LR-14, the subcostal region itself can be reactive, especially the right
side, over the liver.

Kl-1 is located and treated on the sole of the foot, not the medial corner of the
fifth toenail. PC-9 is located and treated at the radial corner of the third fingernail,
not at the tip of the third finger. Because BL-67, ST-45, PC-9, HT-9, SP-2, LI-2, KI-1,
SI-3 are often painful to needle, it is easier, just as effective, and more comfortable
for the patient if you use the electrostatic adsorbers or ion beam device for these
points. If you have the choice of a treatment tool, begin by testing the diagnosed
channels with one tool, for example, the electrostatic adsorbers. If the changes of
abdominal reaction are dramatic, the tool may only need to be reapplied for a short
period to achieve the goals of step one. For example, if testing with the electrosta-
tic adsorbers achieves the treatment goal for step one, then the ion pumping with
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 165

needles would be unnecessary. However, if the test produces only a slight change,
or if only the ion-pumping device is available, then proceed with needles and ion
pumping. Remember that when needling these more sensitive points, it would be
better to use thinner needles at all points and a quicker insertion method.
In the preceding table, the most common treatment pattern utilizes points on
the channels which are located on the side of the body that is opposite to the sore
gastrocnemius reactions. For example, if left B, the kidney-large intestine reflex
area, is reactive, and KI-16, ST-27 are reactive on the right side, then treat KI-1, KI-
7 and LI-2, LI-11 on the right side.
If the points on the abdomen are reactive in a pattern of one on one side and
one on the other, for example, right KI-16 and left ST-27, you would still treat on
the side opposite to the gastrocnemius reactivity, i.e., treat KI-1, KI-7, LI-2, LI-11, on
the right side when left B is reactive.
This pattern of treating on the side opposite the gastrocnemius reaction is the
general rule to apply. However, there are some exceptions. Occasionally the
abdominal reflex points and gastrocnemius reactions are all on the same side; for
example, right B, right KI-16, and right ST-27. In such a case, treat on that side of
the body, or, in this case, treat right KI-1, KI-7 and Ll-2, Ll-11.
There is a further exception relative to the liver-small intestine pair. The liver-
related abdominal reactiveness is almost always on the right side; this is a kind of
bias. The reactions on the gastrocnemius at C, the liver-small intestine reflex area,
can be on the right or left leg. The reactions at ST-26, the small intestine reflex
point, can also be on the left or right side. Because problems of the liver channel
usually show in the crossing muscle pattern (previously described), we would treat
the small intestine points SI-3, SI-8 on the right arm. The liver points LR-2, LR-8
would be treated on the same side of the body as the reactive ST-26. Thus, for reac-
tions at right ST-26, we would treat right LR-2, LR-8; for left ST-26, we would treat
left LR-2, LR-8. Based on our experience, we have found that this exception to
usual treatment works well.
Remember that whenever you think of stepping beyond the general rules to
adapt to a peculiar case, the procedures for testing the points to guarantee opti-
mum efficacy are critically important.

STEP ONE TREATMENT USING COLOR CORRESPONDENCES AND SOURCE POINTS

In chapter six we described simple experiments using colored lights and pens.
We found that the five-phase points responded to colors according to five-phase
correspondences and patterns of interaction. These responses can be utilized clin-
ically to confirm a diagnosis, and in some cases, as treatment. Rather than expound
further on these concepts here, we give descriptions, illustrations, and cases where
their use was supplemental to polar channel pair treatments. The color correspon-
dences are listed in the following table:
Color Points
green/blue wood
red fire
yellow earth
orange source
white metal
black water
166 Clinical Treatment: Step One

As mentioned earlier, we have also found that the colors have stimulus qual-
ities. Red and white tend to excite the channel. Black, blue, and green tend to
sedate the channel, while yellow and orange tend to be neutral, neither exciting nor
sedating. It is also possible to use colors that correspond to the phase correspon-
dences of channel reflex points, such as the abdominal reflex points (mu points) and
the related back-shu points; for example, red on ST-25 and CV-4 (triple burner,
small intestine - fire), yellow on CV-12 (stomach - earth). The colors should be
applied as a small dot to the precise point locations.
When a patient is diagnosed with a polar channel pair imbalance, rather than
immediately treating the supplementation and drainage points, try applying yel-
low to the source points. If this changes the pressure pain and 0-ring responses, it
confirms your diagnosis. If it eliminates these responses, it has served as a replace-
ment for the polarity treatment. In the former case, go ahead and treat the supple-
mentation and drainage points as described earlier. If little or no response or
change occurs, then either add red to the fire points, or white to the metal points,
depending on which channels are being used. If the responses vanish, this is
enough for step one. If they only decrease, go ahead with the polarity treatment,
or go on to the next step, which is to burn direct moxa once on each point.
Reassessment is accomplished with the same procedure. If your diagnostics and
points selection are correct, this is usually sufficient for step one treatment. Jf not,
or if this method is inadequate, proceed with polarity treatment of the polar chan-
nel or extraordinary vessels, depending on which pattern of reaction remains.
As an example of this simple procedure, consider a patient who shows a
spleen-triple burner pattern with right abdominal and left gastrocnemius reactive-
ness. The treatment procedure would be as follows:
1. Place yellow on right TB-4 and right SP-3.
2. Re-palpate the reflex points. If little or no change has occurred, then place
red on right TB-6 and right SP-2.
3.. Re-palpate the reflex points. If little or no change has occurred, then apply
one thread-size moxa to each point.
4. Re-palpate the reflex points. If little or no change has occurred, then treat
the dominant pattern with the ion-pumping protocol.
Note that at each stage, if the reflex point reactions were found to be
improved greatly or to have vanished, then the goals of step one treatment would
be accomplished.
This procedure is quick and simpler to perform than to describe. When suc-
cessful, all further treatment is simplified. When inadequate or unsuccessful, you
will have spent only a few minutes, and will have gained insight into what is prob-
ably a more complex case.4

STEP ONE TREATMENT PATTERNS FOR UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

Although we can say that the extraordinary vessels and polar channel pairs
are most frequently suitable for step one treatment, clinical reality is often complex.
Sometimes signs of several patterns coexist, too few signs are present, or treatment
has little of the expected effect. When faced with a case that is unclear and difficult
to differentiate, and when the testing procedures yield unclear results, secondary
lines of therapy and alternative strategies may be used. For more unusual or unre-
sponsive cases, biorhythmic treatments (daily, ten day and sixty day open point
methods), or whole body taiji moxa treatment are extremely effective. When the
first line of treatment proves inadequate, these are reliable backups.
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 167

OPEN POINT THERAPY IN STEP ONE TREATMENT

Open points can be used in place of the extraordinary vessel and polar chan-
nel treatments, or they can be integrated into the logic of one of those treatments.
They can be remarkably helpful at the first step of root treatment.

When detailing the nai zhi fa treatment method, we described the use of the
bihourly supplementation point with a positive polarity as a means of obtaining a
clearer reading of the radial pulses. A second method using open points, the hi-
hourly supplementation and drainage points, can be an integral part of diagnosis
and treatment. For instance, assume that it is between 9-11 am, or 11-1 pm, and you
find reactions in the following reflex areas: right GB-26 to SP-21, right ST-25, right
subcostal area, left ASIS and the spleen-triple burner region of the left gastrocne-
mius. In this situation, the patient shows both a clear spleen-triple burner channel
diagnosis (SP-21-GB-26, ST-25, gastrocnemius) and a clear cross-syndrome pattern
(right subcostal region, left ASIS). A simplified differentiation may be determined
among these possible patterns: the spleen-triple burner polar channel pair, the
right yin wei-chong mai, and left yang wei-dai mai connections.
Because SP-5 is available as a drainage point between 9-11 am, and SP-2 is
available as a supplementation point between 11am-1 pm, the use of the spleen-
triple burner pair will be strongly reinforced by biorhythmic effects during these
hours. Thus, it would be advantageous to treat SP-2 (red+) and SP-5 (black-) with
TB-3 (red+) and TB-10 (black-) on the right side. Of course, using the 0-ring test
and/ or point testing with polarity devices will confirm the applicability of the
treatment.
The logic of selecting the treatment using an available open point can be
applied at any time as a further reinforcement and confirmation. For example, if it
were 4 pm and we were treating a patient with reactions at the right subcostal and
left ASIS regions, with tenderness on left ST-26, and the liver-small intestine region
of the left gastrocnemius, it would probably be most advantageous to apply treat-
ment to right SI-3 (red, +), SI-8 (black, -), left LR-8 (red, +), and LR-2 (black, -),
rather than the right yin wei-left yang wei connections, because SI-3 is the supple-
mentation point at this time.
The third general means of using the bi-hourly open points is as the entire
first step of treatment. In these cases, one or both of the supplementation and
drainage points are used to eliminate the abdominal, chest, and gastrocnemius
reactions. For instance, when treating a 62-year-old female patient suffering from
bronchiecstasis with a general weakness of the abdominal region and pressure pain
at left ST-27, and a weak overall pulse, moxa therapy at ST-41 (since it was a little
after 9 am) proved very helpful. That therapy alone reduced all the reactions,
improved the pulse, and allowed treatment to progress quickly to the second stage.
Similarly, a 59-year-old female patient, suffering chronic gastritis accompanied
by a bitter taste in the mouth at night, was treated at 9:15 am. Tapping on ST-41 at
a rate of 132 taps per minute eliminated all but the right subcostal reactions, which
were then treated with ion pumping to right PC-6 (-,black) and SP-4 (+,red).
Again, note that the schedule of these open points is listed in the chart that
follows:
168 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Nai Zhi Fa
Time Supplementation points Drainage points
11 pm-1 am TB-3 GB-38
1-3 am GB-43 LR-2
3-5am LR-8 LU-5
5-7 am LU-9 Ll-2
7-9am Ll-11 ST-45
9-11 am ST-41 SP-5
11am-1 pm SP-2 HT-7
1-3pm HT-9 SI-8
3-5pm SI-3 BL-65
5-7pm BL-67 KI-1
7-9pm Kl-7 PC-7
9-11 pm PC-9 TB-10

Earlier, we described use of the daily rhythm of the channels in conjunction

with phase and point isophasality. Using the channel that is peaking at the time of
treatment, we select the phase point on that channel that corresponds to the ailing
phase. For example, we treated a patient who arrived around midday with acute
gallstone pains. Bloodletting at right HT-9 was extremely effective, in fact, it
stopped the gallstone attack completely. HT-9 was chosen because the heart chan-
nel peaks at midday, and because it is the wood point (gallbladder = wood). When
another patient presented with bladder pains around 8 am, treating ST-44 was very
effective. Again, the treatment stopped the pain. ST-44 was the water point (blad-
der = water) of the channel peaking at that time.
These open point treatments utilize the relatively simple relationships of daily
channel biorhythms. The next open point treatment method, the nai jia fa, uses the
five phase and source points of the twelve channels in a complex ten-day sequence.
This particular method can be used any time that a point is open according to this
cycle. The open point is used regardless of diagnosis.
Open points on the ten-day cycle, 7 am - 9 pm
Day 7-9am 9-llam 11-1pm 1-3pm 3-Spm 5-7pm 7-9pm
Sl SP-5 LU-5 PC-9 GB-44
(TB-6) (SP-1) (LU-10) (KI-3)
S2 LI-5 BL-54 TB-2 LR-1
(LI-1) (BL-66) (GB-41) (SI-5)
S3 KI-10 PC-8 SI-1 ST-44
(KI-2) (LR-3) (HT-4)
S4 GB-34 TB-3 HT-9 SP-2
(GB-43) (SI-3) (ST-41) (LI-11)
ss PC-7 ST-45 LI-2 BL-65,ST-42
S6 TB-6 SP-1 LU-10 KI-3,SP-3
(SP-5) (LU-5) (PC-9) (GB-44
S7 LI-1 BL-66 GB-41,11-4 SI-5
(LI-5) (BL-54) (TB-2) (LR-1)
ss KI-2 LR-3,LU-9 HT-4
(KI-10) (PC-8) (SI-1) (ST-44
S9 GB-43 SI-3,TB-4,BL-64 ST-41 LI-11
(GB-34) (TB-3) (HT-9) (SP-2)
SIO (PC-7) (ST-45) (LI-2) (BL-65)
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 169

Open points on the ten-day cycle, 9 pm - 7 am

Day 11-lam 1-3am 3-Sam 5-7am 9-llpm
Sl LR-2 HT-7,PC-7,.KI-3
(GB-38) (SI-8) (LR-4)
S2 SI-2 ST-43,GB-40 HT-8
(HT-3) (PC-5)
S3 SP-3,LR-3 LU-8
(ST-36) (TB-10) (LU-ll) (SP-9)
S4 LI-3,51-4 BL-60 LU-9,HT-7
(PC-3) (BL-67)
ss KI-7 LR-8
(TB-1) (.KI-1)
S6 GB-38 SI-8 LR-4
(LR-2) (HT-7)
S7 HT-3 PC-5
(SI-2) (ST-43) (HT-8)
ss ST-36 TB-10 LU-ll SP-9
(SP-3) (LU-8)
S9 PC-3 BL-67
(LI-3) (BL-60) (LU-9)
SlO TB-1 KI-1
(.KI-7) (LR-8)

The first table above shows the open points during a range of working hours,
7 am to 9 pm; the second table covers 9 pm to 7 am.
Points in parentheses are secondary or auxiliary open points, while those not
in parentheses are primary open points. Primary points tend to be therapeutically
more valuable; secondary open points tend to be more valuable when no primary
points are open. Note that this occasionally occurs.
The labels Sl, 52, etc. refer to the numbering of the days according to the ten-
stem enumerations of the revolving ten-day cycle. Every day is assigned a stem
value and a branch value taken from the ten stems and twelve branches. In
Chinese these labels are the traditional stem and branch names.

The stem and branch cycles constantly repeat. Thus, there is a ten-day cycle
associated with the ten stems: Sl ~ 510. There is a twelve-day cycle associated
with the twelve branches: Bl ~ B12. There is as well a sixty-day cycle associated
with the overlaying of these two cycles: Sl-Bl~ S10-B12.
To use the table above, you need know only the stem assignment for that day,
and the time of day in the time zone where you are.5 For example, at noon on a
stem five (55) day, ST-45 is the open point. The sixty-day cycle is important to the
use of open extraordinary vessel and confluence-jiaohui pairs. The determination
of the stem-branch assignment for each day of the year can be made from the table
on the following page, which extends the information found in the Chinese calen-
dar from ancient times:
170 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Stem-Branch Assignments for 1995-1999

Date 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Jan 1 S9B5 54810 S10B4 S5B9 S10B2
Feb 1 S10B12 S5B5 S1Bll S6B4 S1B9
Marl S8B4 S4B10 S9B3 S4B8 S9B1
Aprl S9Bll S5B5 S10B10 S5B3 SlOBS
Mayl S9B5 S5Bll S10B4 S5B9 S10B2
Jun 1 S10B12 S6B6 S1Bll S6B4 S1B9
Jull S10B6 S6B12 SlBS S6B10 S1B3
Augl S1B1 S7B7 S2B12 S7B5 S2B10
Sep 1 S2B8 S8B2 S3B7 S8B12 S3B5
Octl S2B2 S8B8 S3B1 S8B6 S3Bll
Novl S3B9 S9B3 S4B8 S9B1 S4B6
Decl S3B3 S9B9 S4B2 S9B7 S4B12

To extrapolate, taking September 1, 1995 as our starting point, we can calculate the
stem/branch configuration for each day of the month as follows:

Date Stem Branch

September 1, 1995 52 B8
September 2, 1995 53 B9
September 3, 1995 S4 BlO
September 4, 1995 55 Bll
September 5, 1995 56 B12
September 6, 1995 57 B1
September 7, 1995 58 B2
September 8, 1995 59 B3
September 9, 1995 510 B4
September 10, 1995 51 B5
September 11, 1995 52 B6
September 12, 1995 53 B7
September 13, 1995 S4 B8
September 14, 1995 55 B9
September 15, 1995 56 BlO
September 16, 1995 57 Bll
September 17, 1995 58 B12
September 18, 1995 59 B1
September 19, 1995 510 B2
September 20, 1995 51 B3
September 21, 1995 52 B4
September 22, 1995 53 B5
September 23, 1995 S4 B6
September 24, 1995 55 B7
September 25, 1995 56 B8
September 26, 1995 57 B9
September 27, 1995 58 BlO
September 28, 1995 59 Bll
September 29, 1995 510 B12
September 30, 1995 51 B1
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 171

On July 6, 1995, an 55 day, at 10 am, PC-7 is the open point. On November 16,
1997, an 59 day, at noon, SI-3, TB-4, BL-64 are the primary open points and TB-3 is
the secondary open point.
If a point on this cycle is open, it can be used to achieve or simplify the first
step of treatment regardless of the patient's symptoms. For example, on an 59 day
at 3:30 pm, a 28-year-old female who suffered from colitis came for treatment. This
patient had strong right subcostal tension, and tension and soreness at right ST-25,
ST-26, ST-27, tension at both the ASIS, and along the ren mai. Since ST-41 was the
open point, it was needled on the right foot, because the stomach channel reactions
were right-sided. This treatment eliminated all the abdominal reactions, which had
previously been very stubborn, and greatly relaxed the patient, allowing treatment
to immediately progress to step two.
Open points can be integrated into your treatment logic much in the same
way as the nai zhi fa points. If you find one of these points is open, and that point
is part of a diagnosed pattern, it may be beneficial to treat that pattern rather than
another closely or similarly indicated pattern. For example, a patient presented
with right subcostal and left ASIS reactions, and some tenderness on ST-26 and at
the liver-small intestine gastrocnemius region. Since it was 4 pm on an 58 day
when GB-41 was open, I favored treating the right yin wei-left yang wei connections
rather than the liver-small intestine polar pair. Of course, testing this choice is what
confirmed the treatment selection.
As another example, at 6 pm on an 54 day, a patient presented with reactions
on the right gastrocnemius spleen-triple burner region, both GB-26, left ST-25, and
in the right subcostal and left ASIS regions. Differentiation between treating the
right yin wei-left yang wei connections and the left spleen-triple burner pair was
required. Since SP-2 was the open point at that time, it was advantageous to treat
the spleen-triple burner pair.
The sixty-day cycle of open points, the ling gui ba fa, can be used in much the
same manner as above. In this cycle, there is always an open extraordinary vessel
confluence-jiaohui point. When one point, KI-6 for instance, is open, its coupled
point, LU-7, is always open as well. Usually, determination of which point takes the
black(-) clip and which the red(+) clip of the ion-pumping cords is based on the
therapeutic principles described earlier. The black clips are placed on KI-6, BL-62,
TB-5, and PC-6 for the qiao or wei connections.
The following tables list these open points through the sixty day cycle.
Sixty day open point cycle, 7 am - 9 pm.
Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm 1-3pm 3-Spm 5-7pm 7-9pm
SlBl LU-7 TB-5 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S2B2 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S3B3 PC-6 SP-4 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7 SI-3
S4B4 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62 Kl-6
S5B5 KI-6 LU-7 GB-41 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S6B6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62
S7B7 Kl-6 LU-7 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S8B8 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
S9B9 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5
SlOBlO GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
172 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Sixty-Day Open Point Cycle, 7 am- 9 pm

Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm 1-3pm 3-5pm 5-7pm 7-9pm

SlBll TB-5 SP-4 BL-62 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 SI-3
S2Bl2 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41
S3Bl SI-3 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6 SP-4
S4B2 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62
S5B3 LU-7 SI-3 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6
S6B4 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 Kl-6 KI-6
S7B5 KI-6 TB-5 SI-3 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41
S8B6 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4
S9B7 KI-6 LU-7 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7 TB-5 BL-62
SlOBS KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41

Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm 1-3pm 3-5pm 5-7pm 7-9pm

S1B9 KI-6 KI-6 LU-7 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4
S2B10 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 Kl-6 SP-4
S3Bll BL-62 PC-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7
S4B12 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S5Bl PC-6 SP-4 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7 SI-3
S6B2 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S7B3 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41 Kl-6
S8B4 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S9B5 Kl-6 TB-5 SI-3 Kl-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S10B6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62

Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm l-3pm 3-5pm 5-7pm 7-9pm

S1B7 LU-7 TB-5 SI-3 Kl-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S2B8 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S3B9 LU-7 SI-3 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6
S4B10 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4
S5Bll KI-6 LU-7 GB-41 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S6B12 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62
S7Bl KI-6 LU-7 GB-41 Kl-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S8B2 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
S9B3 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6
S10B4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 173

Sixty-Day Open Point Cycle, 7 am - 9 pm

Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm 1-3pm 3-Spm 5-7pm 7-9pm
S1B5 TB-5 SP-4 BL-62 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 SI-3
S2B6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 Kl-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41
S3B7 SI-3 KI-6 Kl-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6 SP-4
S4B8 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-6
S5B9 BL-62 PC-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41 Kl-6 LU-7
S6B10 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5
S7B11 KI-6 TB-5 SI-3 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41
SSB12 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4
S9B1 KI-6 LU-7 GB-41 Kl-6 LU-7 TB-5 BL-62
S10B2 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41

Day 7-9am 9-11 am 11-1 pm 1-3pm 3-Spm 5-7pm 7-9pm

S1B3 BL-62 GB-41 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 Kl-6
S2B4 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S3B5 BL-62 PC-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7
S4B6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 Kl-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S5B7 PC-6 SP-4 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7 SI-3
S6B8 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 Kl-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S7B9 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5
S8B10 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 Kl-6 SP-4 GB-41 Kl-6
S9B11 KI-6 TB-5 SI-3 Kl-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S10B12 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62

Sixty Day Open Point Cycle, 9 pm - 7 am

Day 9-11 pm 11pm-1 am 1-3am 3-Sam 5-7 am

S1B1 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S2B2 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S3B3 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S4B4 TB-5 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
S5B5 PC-6 Kl-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S6B6 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S7B7 PC-6 Kl-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
SSBS SP-4 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4
S9B9 BL-62 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S10B10 BL-62 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4
174 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Sixty-Day Open Point Cycle, 9 pm - 7 am

Day 9-11 pm 11pm-lam 1-3am 3-Sam 5-7 am

S1B11 KI-6 KI-6 LU-7 SI-3 KI-6
S2B12 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62
S3Bl LU-7 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7
S4B2 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S5B3 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6
S6B4 SP-4 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4
S7B5 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 SI-3
S8B6 TB-5 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
S9B7 PC-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6
SlOBS KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62

Day 9-11pm 11pm-1 am 1-3am 3-5am 5-7 am

S1B9 GB-41 BL-62 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41
S2B10 GB-41 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5
S3B11 TB-5 GB-41 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5
S4B12 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S5Bl KI-6 KI-6 LU-7 TB-5 BL-62
S6B2 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S7B3 LU-7 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6
S8B4 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41
S9B5 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S10B6 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41

Day 9-11 pm llpm-1 am 1-3am 3-5am 5-7 am

S1B7 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S2B8 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S3B9 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S4B10 GB-41 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41
S5Bll PC-6 Kl-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41
S6B12 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S7Bl PC-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 GB-41
S8B2 SP-4 BL-62 GB-41 KI-6 SP-4
S9B3 LU-7 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6 LU-7
S10B4 SP-4 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 175

Sixty-Day Open Point Cycle, 9 pm - 7 am

Day 9-llpm llpm-1 am 1-3am 3-Sam 5-7 am

S1B5 KI-6 Kl-6 LU-7 Sl-3 KI-6
S2B6 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 BL-62
S3B7 LU-7 BL-62 GB-41 Kl-6 LU-7
S4B8 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S5B9 SI-3 GB-41 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5
S6B10 BL-62 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62
S7B11 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 SI-3
S8B12 TB-5 GB-41 BL-62 KI-6 TB-5
S9B1 PC-6 KI-6 TB-5 BL-62 PC-6
S10B2 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62

Day 9-llpm llpm-1 am 1-3am 3-Sam 5-7 am

S1B3 TB-5 LU-7 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5
S2B4 TB-5 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6 KI-6
S3B5 TB-5 GB-41 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5
S4B6 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S5B7 KI-6 KI-6 LU-7 TB-5 BL-62
S6B8 KI-6 KI-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S7B9 BL-62 SI-3 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4
S8B10 KI-6 SP-4 TB-5 BL-62 KI-6
S9B11 KI-6 PC-6 SP-4 GB-41 KI-6
S10B12 KI-6 KI-6 TB-5 SP-4 GB-41

On July 6, 1995, at 10 am, when PC-7 was the open point on the ten-day cycle,
LU-7 was the open point on the sixty-day cycle, since it was an S5B11 day. On
November 16, 1997, at noon, when SI-3, TB-4, BL-64, and TB-3 are all open points
on the ten-day cycle, SI-3 is the open point on the sixty-day cycle, since it is an
. S9B11 day.
Open points can be used alone as the first step of treatment; they can be inte-
grated into a treatment; or, they can be used to differentiate one potential first step
treatment from another. One need know only the stem - branch assignment for the
day and the time of day to find the open point.
More detail of the open point treatments is available elsewhere.6 These three
open point systems each work simultaneously and continuously; at any time at least
two of the systems, the daily and sixty-day cycles are available for use. The ten-day
system is available most of the time, but there are occasions when no point is open.
In our use of these open points we have found the upper-limb points are not
quite as efficacious as lower-limb points. In the clinic, upper-limb points often elim-
inate or reduce only one of the palpable reactions. Lower-limb points often eliminate
or reduce more than one palpable reaction. This knowledge can be helpful when you
must decide which point among a number of open points to use. This applies as a
general rule in treatment, but is specifically useful in the selection of open points.
176 Clinical Treatment: Step One

STEP ONE TREATMENT WITH TAl JI (TAIKYOKU) MOXA

It is important to note, as a preface to our description of taiji moxa, that when
we describe the use of any moxa, except the use of kyutoshin moxa on the handle of
the needle, we are referring to very small direct moxa. In Japan, this means a high-
ly refined, yellow, pure moxa that can be rolled into very small pieces. The moxa
is rolled loosely, and molded into shape rather than firmly compressed between the
fingers. It generally has the shape of a rice grain or is thready, but always comes to
a point on the skin surface. Sizes of moxa range from thread size, to sesame seed
size, to half rice grain size; that is, they are all very small.
0 (J

thread size moxa sesame seed size moxa half rice grain size moxa

The moxa is ignited with incense and allowed to burn to the skin. When cor-
rectly applied, the moxa stimulus should be felt suddenly and briefly. It is often
advisable to extinguish the moxa with your finger, just as the patient feels the heat.
It is also advisable to leave the ashes of previous moxas on the point, placing the fresh
moxa on these ashes. This tends to insulate the skin from the excessive heating or
burning that can be caused by moxa, and is thus more comfortable for the patient.
Generally, moxa can be burnt three times; that is, the patient should feel the
heat three times. In more serious cases, five or seven may be better. Occasionally,
repeated moxa may be needed when the patient has no sensation of heat at a par-
ticular point. This condition often will be found, for example, when applying moxa
to uranaitei (an extra point on the sole of the foot, below ST-44) in cases of acute
digestive troubles. In these cases, care should be taken not to burn too much moxa
and scar the patient.
In the Japanese tradition, points are selected according to the presence or
absence of palpable reactions: usually tension, tightness, and pressure pain. Also,
if a number of points are listed, treatment of the palpably reactive points is often
sufficient. These palpable reactions will decrease with correct treatment, just as
abdominal reactions decrease with adequate general treatment.
In China, the ba gang bian zheng system teaches that one should not use moxa
in cases where heat is present. In this school of thought correct differentiation of
hot and cold syndromes is essential. In the ba gang style of treatment, the use of
moxa is quite different than we Japanese use. The amount and intensity of heat
from the moxa tends to be much greater in the modern Chinese treatments. Tiny
moxa are more like needle therapy than heat therapy. Despite the presence of heat,
good results can be obtained by applying tiny moxa local to the area that is regard-
ed as "hot." For instance, cystitis responds well to moxa on lower abdominal
points such as CV-3, KI-12, and low back points such as BL-23, BL-32, BL-33. In the
ba gang bian zheng system, cystitis is seen as damp-heat and moxa is often con-
traindicated. Provided the above techniques are used, you can consider the use of
moxa for conditions where larger and hotter moxibustion is contraindicated.
It is probable that these contraindications derived in part from ba gang bian
zheng's roots in herbal medicine. The prohibition against hot herbs in a hot condi-
tion became a contraindication against moxibustion when the ba gang principles
were later applied to acupuncture and moxibustion. Because moxa was equated
with heat, and hot herbs were contraindicated for hot conditions, moxa become
contraindicated in those conditions.
In Japan, moxibustion has developed as a specialty in its own right and has
its own licensing procedures; many moxibustion specialists use no needles. Long
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 177

experience with the clinical application of heat, indirect and diffuse as well as
direct, shows that some moxa contraindications are invalid. The source of these
apparent contradictions is probably little more than the result of same or similar
Chinese characters used by different traditions, but with different meanings. Also,
herbal medicine is quite different from moxibustion. Whatever the reason, it is not
advisable to mix metaphors. If you follow the descriptions provided in this text,
direct moxa becomes subtle, point specific, and non-scarring.
Taiji moxa therapy began with Takeshi Sawada (1877-1938), a famous
Japanese moxibustionist. He devised a formula of points that could be used on all
patients regardless of complaint or condition. This formula fortified the patient's
constitution and strengthened the qi and the defensive and healing energies.
Following this treatment, points were selected and moxa applied according to
symptomology. Practicing these treatments regularly in the clinic and having the
same treatment performed at home on a daily basis, Sawada was able to obtain
remarkable results, even for extremely recalcitrant conditions. Prior to the devel-
opment of antibiotics, Sawada was reputed to have regularly treated conditions
such as renal tuberculosis that had been thought to be beyond the range of
acupuncture. His treatments are still famous today through the work of his assis-
tant, Bunshi Shiroda. (In chapter 11 we list their symptom control treatment for-
mulae for over one hundred diseases. Here we mention only Sawada's taiji treat-
ment formula.)
Sawada's whole body taiji moxa treatment involved selecting from and
applying moxa to the following points:

Sawada's whole body taiji moxa treatment

ST-36, LI-11, CV-12, GV-12
CV-6, TB-4 (especially left), KI-3 (located close to KI-6),
BL-17, BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, BL-32, BL-52

The first few points are treated on virtually every patient with selection of
some or all of the other points depending on condition. Shiroda recommended
using at least ST-36, LI-11, CV-12, GV-12, and selecting from among the other points
according to constitution, condition, and pressure pain response.
We have developed our own taiji moxa formula which we have used clinical-
ly with great success. We have experimentally investigated its effects. Chapter 11
includes a description of symptom control treatment formulae for over fifty condi-
tions that, like Sawada's, should be applied after a general treatment. These taiji
moxa formulae can be used as step one treatment in the following situations:
- When nothing else has helped.
- Where diagnosis is too complex.
- When required to derive a satisfactory polarity treatment.
- Where the patient's condition is severe, chronic and/ or vacuous
(xu). In these cases, this treatment will fortify the constitution and
should be used as home therapy. Instructions should be given to
the patient or members of the patient's household to repeat the
treatment daily (see chapter 12 for further discussion).
- When the practitioner does not have enough clinical experience
and has difficulty selecting points, this treatment method can be
178 Clinical Treatment: Step One

very useful, giving good results, while bolstering the confidence of

the practitioner. After using it, the practitioner can gradually
improve his or her technique.
Our own work and research has led us to formulate the following treatment:

Whole body moxa treatment

CV-12, ST-25, CV-4 or CV-7, TB-8, Manaka's 3-yin crossing (above SP-10)
KI-7, LR-3, LR-4, GV-12, GV-20
BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, BL-32, BL-52
GB-31, GB-34, GB-40

In devising this treatment formula, we considered the general effects of each

point, and we combined points to take advantage of octahedral structure. CV-12,
CV-4, CV-7, GV-12, and GV-20 are midline points that treat the posterior and ante-
rior, inferior and superior, portions of the body. ST-25 is on the belt midline and
treats the anterior surface of the body. BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, BL-32, and BL-52 treat
at the posterior surface of the body. TB-8, GB-31, and the Manaka san yin jiao point
are yin and yang three-channel intersection-jiaohui points and are thus able to treat
arm and leg yin and yang. KI-7, LR-3, LR-4, GB-34 and GB-40 are major yin and
yang leg channel treatment points, treating at the inferior yin and yang surfaces of
the body. We have tested this formula with the M.I.D. apparatus and found that
readings after treatment tend towards a more balanced state when compared to
readings prior to treatment.
Japanese moxa technique uses extremely small pieces of moxa punk (see
chapter 11 for more details). This moxa can leave small marks at the points. For
practitioners in the West, this must be discussed with the patient and weighed
against the potential benefit to the patient's condition. It is possible to use this
treatment without actually burning moxa. Small hand-held electric heating fila-
ments that deliver radiant heat to a specific point have proven useful and can be
used in the clinic. These devices are recommended for home therapy.
Ultimately, it is practitioner and patient preferences that determine whether
these treatments will be used and how they will be used. We can emphatically state
that these treatments are extremely powerful. We strongly recommend using
them, while adjusting your methods according to individual need. However, we
are aware of the differing perception of scarring moxibustion by Western patients
and your need to take this perception into account.
These moxa treatments use simple techniques that achieve the goals of the
first step: reducing or ridding reactions on the abdomen, chest, and gastrocnemii,
and balancing the pulses. However, no system is perfect; not all patients will clear-
ly fit the extraordinary vessel or opposite polarity channel patterns, and some who
do will present stubborn cases where key reactions hardly change. In these cases,
it is advantageous to fall back on secondary treatment procedures.
As therapists, we should plan like generals at war. If the first line of attack
fails, or seems doomed to failure, we must adopt new tactics. Sometimes the most
unconventional tactics can produce the greatest victories. Developing these tacti-
cal skills requires both skill and experience. Playing tactical games like chess or go
can be extremely helpful. Intuition and sensitivity play important roles in treat-
ment, but by combining these qualities with tactical skill you greatly enhance your
ability to solve the problems patients present.
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 179

It is important also to have second and third lines of defense. The psycho-
logical impact of failure or inadequacy of treatment, both for the practitioner and
the patient, can interfere with or bias future progress. Failure of a particular ther-
apy or approach is not equivalent to failure of the treatment goals. Other
approaches can be taken. For the beginner with little or no experience, this is hard
to appreciate and may seem overly optimistic. After years of clinical experience,
we have found it invaluable to have developed such tactics. For most patients it
will not come to such a point, but for the stubborn, difficult cases, especially those
where clear organic dysfunction and degeneration have occurred, a sense of hope
and gentle encouragement are vital.
The following completely unconventional treatment procedures can be used
as second or third lines of defense. We enjoy exploring alternative tactics, stimu-
lating strategic thought. These procedures are the result of explorations that have
had clinical utility.

ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FOR STEP ONE TREATMENT

The magnet heater

This device is helpful for stubborn reactions in the upper right-lower left
abdominal regions, or right subcostal-left ASIS regions. These patterns of abdom-
inal reactions are often associated with chronic blood stasis as well as liver prob-
lems. Childbirth, trauma, surgery, or chronic liver weakness can result in poor cir-
culation in these areas, and cause blood stasis to arise. Treatments aimed at clear-
ing this pattern of reactions are sometimes inadequate. In these cases a stronger,
more direct approach is required. This is the reason that Chinese herbal prepara-
tions are commonly given for blood stasis and acupuncture is not generally con-
sidered the treatment of choice.
A strong, fluctuating magnetic field applied to the right palm, or less fre-
quently to the sole of the left foot, is very helpful for clearing blood stasis. This
field can be provided without expensive equipment by employing a magnet-heater
or induction cook-top heater. This is a hot plate, but heats only magnetizable pans
by rapid fluctuation of the atoms within the magnetic field provided by the device.
This atomic movement heats the vessel and cooks the contents. Putting the palm
or sole on the cooktop surface generates no burn, since the surface itself does not
get hot. (Heat is only produced in magnetizable items.) It is best to apply this mag-
netic field for ten to fifteen minutes and no more.

Figure 9.2: Using a magnet heater in the clinic

180 Clinical Treatment: Step One

For patients with a stubborn cross syndrome reaction, you can speed the heal-
ing process considerably by suggesting a magnet heater for daily use at home. Ten
to fifteen minutes is sufficient and the cost is small compared to more frequent
office visits. However, when you recommend this home therapy, make sure that
the patient returns to the office often enough to monitor their progress. This ther-
apy is very strong and must be discontinued when the liver problem and/or
blood stasis signs have disappeared. It is exceptionally helpful for women who
developed chronic blood stasis after childbirth, menses, or menopause, and are
presenting many varied symptoms. It is also useful for patients with organic liver
problems.

ISOPHASAL COMBINATIONS FOR STEP ONE TREATMENT

We also can take advantage of the isophasal concept we have described to
obtain good results. For example, we have found that using a three-point isophasal
combination can be very effective. The isophasal concept applies to the phase
points, abdominal reflex points, the parts of the body affected, the Hirata zones, the
reflex points in the auricles and on the hands. For instance, a liver problem can be
treated through the wood points of the twelve channels (such as LR-1, SP-1, LI-3,
51-3), the abdominal liver reflex points (LR-14 and the subcostal region, including
LR-13), the Hirata liver zones (located on the face, scalp, neck, torso, arms, and
legs), the liver zone of the auricles (located in the cavum concha), or the liver chan-
nel or wood points on the hands as described by Tae Woo Yoo. A shoulder prob-
lem can be treated through points on the shoulder itself, or shoulder zones on the
auricles and hands. Treating three points in an isophasal relationship addresses
both the general condition and local disorders, especially acute pain. Selecting the
most appropriate points is very important; the right combination can be extremely
powerful.
A simple method of selecting relevant phase points on the twelve channels is
to treat according to the time of day and the daily rhythm of channel activities. In
chapter four and in the open point section of chapter six, we discussed the daily
biorhythm of the channels. In chapter four we discussed the four channel sets com-
prised of the three yin-three yang pairs:

tai yang ~ bladder ~ water => kidney => shao yin

tai yang ~ small intestine ~ fire => heart => shao yin
shao yang ~ gallbladder ~ wood => liver => jue yin
shao yang ~ triple burner ~ fire => pericardium => jue yin
yangming ~ stomach ~ earth => spleen => tai yin
yangming ~ large intestine ~ metal => lung => tai yin
It is possible to take advantage of these sets of four channels according to the
time of day. The tai yang-shao yin set represent 11 am-7 pm; the shao yang-jue yin set,
7 pm-3 am; the yang ming-tai yin set, 3 am-11 am. During any of these eight-hour
periods, a patient presenting with a liver problem can be treated using the wood
points of all four channels. Thus, at 8 am, any single point or combination of SP-1,
ST-43, LI-3, and LU-ll could be treated. Likewise, at 2 pm, a patient presenting
with a clear kidney channel problem could be treated with any single point or com-
bination of SI-2, HT-3, BL-66, and KI-10. An isophasal combination of points can
be made based solely on this idea, using only three of the appropriate .channel
phase points. However, the more common approach is to combine one or two
points selected by this method with other isophasal points, such as the auricle
point or the abdominal reflex points.
 Clinical Treatment: Step One 181

As an example, consider a patient with a liver problem who presents with

symptoms of right subcostal tension, pressure pain, soreness at the left Manaka san
yin jiao, and a weak liver pulse. We can utilize the circadian rhythm to select one
or two points in a powerful three-point combination. If it were 2 pm, small intes-
tine channel time, we could treat SI-3, the small intestine wood point. Generally,
we would treat right SI-3 because the subcostal reactions in this example are right-
sided. The other two points would be selected from among the following: right
LR-14, LR-13 (if very reactive), left BL-65, or KI-1. The latter two are wood points
on the tai yang-shao yin channel set. The liver point in the right auricle is also a log-
ical consideration. Check these points with palpation or the 0-ring test, magnets,
etc. Select the most effective combination as revealed by your tests.
For a patient with a history of heart disease, who showed substernal reaction
around CV-15, the fire reflex area, treatment of right ST-41, CV-15, and left LU-10 at
10 am proved very effective. ST-41 was treated because it is the fire point and is the
supplementation point for that time of day. LU-10 was selected because it is the fire
point of the arm yin-foot yang relationship of yang ming-tai yin.
There are many ways of forming isophasal combinations. As we have sug-
gested, using a combination of three points (a triplet) can be helpful, but clearly
there are many other possibilities and options. Sometimes this can be a simple step
one procedure; generally it is a very useful secondary strategy that achieves the
goals of a first stage treatment.

TwO-POINT MOXA THERAPY IN STEP ONE TREATMENT

Using direct moxa on two abdominal or chest reflex points in combination
with chanting a positive bias sound and maintaining a positive bias body posture
is also effective, and can achieve the goals of general treatment. This method may
be used either as the entire first step or as the second therapeutic application for
patients with stubborn abdominal reactions.
The two point combinations are usually chosen from relevant reflex points on
the ren mai. Moxa is applied to the more cranial point, while the patient extends
their arms overhead and tilts the head backward with mouth open wide. The
patient chants "AAHH" on exhalation. Moxa is then burned at the more caudal
point, while the patient places the arms at the sides, hands clenched, with chin to
chest, and lip tightly pursed. "MMMM" is chanted on exhalation. These sounds
and postures are derived from qigong. Moxa is usually burned three times on each
point, using moxa cones of a maximum half rice-grain size.
Relevant points are chosen according to the general diagnosis. Effective
points are most often chosen according to polar channel pair combinations. Use of
the hi-digital 0-ring test to confirm selection of the best points is helpful, as is the
presence of pressure pain, tension, etc. The following combinations are commonly
seen:
Channel Cranial Point Caudal point
LR-SI CV-14 to CV-15 area (LR) CV-4 or CV-7 area (SI)
PC-ST CV-17 area (PC) CV-12 to CV-10 area (ST}
SP-TB CV-12 area (SP) CV-5 area (TB)
KI-Ll CV-11 to CV-13 or CV-6 to CV-7 or
CV-9 to CV-10 area (LI} CV-3 to CV-4 area (KI}
BL-LU CV-21 to CV-17 area (LU) CV3 to CV2 area (BL}
GB-HT CV-17 area (HT) CV-12 area (GB)
182 Clinical Treatment: Step One

Select an appropriate cranial and caudal point according to your assessment

of which channel pair is most relevant. When the correct pair of points is treated
you will see relief of symptoms as well as improved abdominal reactions.
This treatment strategy can be used for treatment of the general condition
(usually using ren mai points) and treatment of specific complaints using ren mai
and other related points. Generally, if the treatment is done well, and the patient
chants well, the chanting distracts the patient from the heat of the moxa and the
pain. The use of a metronome set to the frequency associated with the channel
being treated with moxa can tranquilize the normal sensitivity to the heat of the
moxa.
As you study and learn, and as your proficiency increases, you can invent and
develop many treatment methods to complete step one of the general treatment.
Those described above represent some systematic and some not-so-systematic
approaches. What is important is that the diagnostic signs and tests all be repeat-
able and measurably reduced. It is important to remember that a concrete means
of assessing the correctness and efficacy of treatment is always required. Any treat-
ment that meets these requirements can and should be systematically developed.
The material presented here should serve only as a starting point.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 The following text is very useful: Ellis, A. et al., Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, Brookline,
MA.: Paradigm Publications, 1988.
2 See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, chapter 16, for a more
complete description of the extraordinary vessel diagnostic patterns.
3 Editor's note: Chapter 12, pages 278-280 of Hara Diagnosis describe Mr. Kuzome's experiences
with these substernal findings. They note the same trends Manaka presents here.
4 S.B.: Given the step-by-step protocol of color treatment of points, followed by reassessment of
reactive points, it is reasonable to suppose that this color therapy will be most effective on simpler, less
severe conditions. According to Manaka's ideas, if we assess the stage of blood stasis present in the
patient, we can judge the complexity and severity of the condition (see the last chapter). It is likely that
color therapy will be most effective in stage one and early stage two blood stasis conditions.
5 S.B.: Currently, research is inconclusive as to exact timing and the effects of displacement with-
in time zones, etc. Treat according to the time of day in your local time zone. If you are uncertain,
because of daylight savings, time zone displacement, etc., test the point first with a north-facing mag-
net. If it reduces the reactions, treat the point, if not, check the other possible points according to your
projected time differences.
6 See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, chapters five, nine, and
eighteen.
 ~--
fY
rc,-~

CHAPTER TEN

CLINICAL TREATMENT:
STEPS Two AND THREE

Steps two and three of treatment often overlap. The second step aims to
relieve problems on the posterior (yang) side of the body, or in the yang channels,
while the third step aims to correct structural imbalances or areas of excessive ten-
sion. These problems most commonly manifest on the posterior, yang side of the
body.
These two steps complete the goals of the root treatment, principally alter-
ation of the information system to create regulatory change. They complete the
procedures begun in step one, continuing with overall adjustment of the octahedral
and isophasal regulatory mechanisms. Treatment of the posterior surface (yang)
channels continues octahedral treatment. Selection of specific back associated-shu
points, which we see as isophasal at the different vertebral levels, continues
isophasal treatment.

TECHNIQUES FOR STEP Two TREATMENT

Needles, moxa on the handle of the needle, direct and indirect moxa, and the
"fire needle" are the techniques we usually use in the second step. Polarity agents
are only infrequently used in steps two or three.

THE FIRE NEEDLE (FA ZHEN)

The fire needle (ja zhen) is useful in both steps. This therapy involves heating
a thick gauge needle (#20) in the flame of an alcohol lamp until it is red hot. It is
then rapidly and shallowly inserted at the selected point, then withdrawn with the
same rapidity with which it was inserted. Fire needle technique is described in
chapter thirteen of the Ling Shu in regard to the treatment of the channel sinews.
When it is correctly applied, it is of considerable utility for relaxing tight muscles.
In China, they also teach the use of the fire needle for conditions of cold (han).
This term is interpreted clinically as a local edema or retention of fluid in the tis-
sues; this creates coolness and a susceptibility to cold. In our experience such local
circulatory problems often respond very well to the use of the fire needle. In cases
where such edema and deposits are present, and the channel on which they are
located is involved in the patient's problems, the use of the fire needle at the site
affected will help.
184 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

For example, assume that a patient complains of shoulder pain and stiffness
and is diagnosed and treated at step one for a liver-small intestine pattern. If this
patient evidences edema and puffiness on the small intestine channel (usually at
the posterior region of the axilla), there is a high probability that the fire needle
technique will help this patient. Usually, a single application is sufficient.
Often, applying direct moxa, or just touching the point with a heated blunt
instrument which is not actually inserted, will have the same effect. This is partic-
ularly true when treating the tightness of muscles that is associated with the chan-
nel sinews. For these techniques, you should stimulate the point up to three times.

KYUTOSHIN TREATMENT
As noted before, several treatment styles can be used to complete step two. At
least one of these should be used, and sometimes two techniques can be used con-
currently or simultaneously. The easiest and most frequently used technique is
kyutoshin, literally "moxa on the head of the needle," which is moxa burnt on the
handle of a needle inserted in a back associated-shu point that is indicated in diag-
nosis. Reactive back associated-shu points are also treated using kyutoshin.
Treatment is applied to the bladder points on the back associated-shu line, or
on the line lateral to the back associated-shu points, whichever is most reactive,
tense, tight, or sore. The correspondences for these points are as follows:

Associated shu Lateral line Channel

BL-13 lfei shu) BL-42 (po hu) lung
BL-14 (jue yin shu) BL-43 (gao huang shu) pericardium
BL-15 (xin shu) BL-44 (shen tang) heart
BL-18 (gan shu) BL-47 (hun men) liver
BL-19 (dan shu) BL-48 (yang gang) gallbladder
BL-20 (pi shu) BL-49 (yi she) spleen
BL-21 (wei shu) BL-50 (wei cang) stomach
BL-22 (san jiao shu) BL-51 (huang men) triple burner
BL-23 (shen shu) BL-52 (zhi shi) kidney
BL-25 (da chang shu) large intestine
BL-27 (xiao chang shu) small intestine
BL-28 (pang guang shu) BL-53 (bao huang) bladder

Moxa on the handle of the needle involves perpendicular insertion of 11/2"

(1.3 cun) gauge 3 needles to a depth of one-half to three-quarters of an inch. To
ensure safety, the patient should lie prone (back side up) and remain as still as pos-
sible. Generally, this technique is not used on interscapular points. However, it can
be used when treating points above the level of BL-17 (seventh vertebra) - if appro-
priate care is taken, and if technique is sufficiently skillful (only 1 cun needles
should be used). Insertion should be shallow, in the half-inch range. For particu-
larly thin patients the technique cannot be used above BL-17 because there is insuf-
ficient flesh to retain the needle against the weight of moxa. When treating level
with BL-18 and below, depending on individual build, insertion should average
around one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Further down the back, the needles
may be inserted more deeply. To the level of BL-23, needles generally can be insert-
ed up to three-quarters of an inch. When as far down as BL-25, needles can be
inserted up to one inch.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 185

Care must be taken to not insert the needle too deeply. Do not merely follow
the figures given; these are merely ranges. Chose an insertion depth based on the
build of the patient. Remember that we are not trying to obtain the de qi sensation
which is characteristic of modern Chinese acupuncture. Because needles are
inserted one-half or more inches, an incidental de qi sensation may be elicited on
occasion. In such cases, for patient comfort, generally you would be better advised
to remove the needle and reinsert at a site a few millimeters from the original inser-
tion site.
The needle must be inserted deeply enough to support the weight of the
moxa, but the absolutely maximum depth insertion is not critical. On the lower
back where the needles are safely inserted a little deeper, the moxa balls can be a
little larger. If you treat a spinal (du mai) point (GV-12, for instance) with this tech-
nique, the insertion should be at a (roughly) sixty-degree angle, angled cranially in
the intervertebral space. The needle tip should be beneath the vertebral process of
the vertebra above the point.
Using wakakusa "semi-pure" moxa (Japanese green moxa that is specially
refined for this procedure), lightly roll the balls of moxa to the size illustrated
below:

Figure 10.1: Preparing moxa for Kyutoshin

To place the moxa on the handle of the needle, gently pull the ball apart, roughly
in half. Hold these two halves to the sides of the handle of the needle, then press
them together over the handle of the needle.

Figure 10.2: Placing the moxa on the handle of the needle

The top of the needle handle should not be visible; the bottom of the needle handle
should be visible.

Figure 10.3: Placement of the needle for Kyutoshin moxa

186 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

The needle should not be angled to the side much, if at all, and the ball of
moxa should remain on the needle even while you lightly tap the ball. A firm but
gentle tap of the moxa prior to lighting helps to insure that it is secure.
When you are sure that each moxa placement is secure, light the moxa on all
the needles at one time. Heat will pass through the shaft of the needle to the point,
and in addition the area around the point will receive radiant heat.

Figure 10.4: Radiant heat penetrating skin from Kyutoshin moxa

Both effects have therapeutic value; however, if it gets too hot for the patient's
comfort, a small shield should be placed around the needle beneath the moxa. If
you have only recently begun to include this technique in your clinical practice,
you may want to keep these shields nearby as an extra assurance.
When the moxa has completely burned and cooled, the ashes should be
removed and another ball placed on the needle. The procedure is applied twice.
So long as the needle is not inserted too deeply, nor the moxa packed too tightly,
nor rolled too large, the treatment should elicit a noticeable level of comfort and
relaxation.
This procedure is easier and safer than it might appear. Essential to the suc-
cessful application of this technique are:
1. Extensive practice on inanimate objects, such as pieces of fruit, for devel-
opment of the correct moxa rolling and placement skills.
2. Availability of a metal bowl or tray and tweezers in the treatment area.
Should any problem develop, you will have a place to dispose of the burning moxa
ball.
3. Awareness that you should never try to lift the moxa ball off with your fin-
gers while it is still burning or hot.
4. Avoiding the urge to fan the smoke or blow on the moxa. This usually
heats up the moxa and disturbs the patient.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF STEP TWO TREATMENT

If you should diagnose and treat a patient for a liver-small intestine pattern,
palpate BL-18, BL-47, BL-27, and the area lateral to BL-27. Treat the most reactive
pair of points for the liver and small intestine. This treatment is generally applied
bilaterally. Thus, treatment may, for example, be applied to BL-18 and BL-27,
although BL-27 (and BL-28) are typically more reactive laterally.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 187

In a patient diagnosed as having a problem of the kidney-large intestine chan-

nel pair, treatment may involve BL-23 or BL-52 and BL-25. Occasionally, if either
the lung or large intestine are involved, especially the lung channel, this treatment
might be applied to GV-12, which is a good reflex point for the lung and large intes-
tine. When the lower burner is weak or the~e are lower burner problems, especial-
ly those involving the kidney channels, BL-32, BL-33, or BL-34 may be treated
instead of, or in addition to, BL-23 or BL-52. In chronic disorders, BL-51, or the
point just lateral to it, pi gen, is often tight and sore. If you find this response, treat-
ing these reactive points usually gives good results.
When treating the extraordinary vessels, your selection of back associated-
shu points will often depend on the channel-extraordinary vessel overlap we have
already noted. For instance, yin qiao-ren mai overlaps with kidney and lung; yin
wei-chong mai overlaps with spleen, heart, pericardium, liver. If we treat right yin
wei mai-chong mai because of liver-related reactiveness on the right, we would want
to pay special attention to the liver points, BL-18, and the point lateral to it, BL-47.
A second pair of points can be selected according to other factors that may be
involved: perhaps BL-27, BL-20, BL-21, BL-22 or their lateral points. If we were to
find the cross-syndrome pattern in a patient and consequently were to treat right
yin wei mai-chong mai and left yang wei mai-dai mai, we would pay special attention
to BL-18 because of the frequent involvement of the liver when this pattern is
found. Thus, BL-27, BL-20, or BL-22 would be likely candidates for the second pair
of points. We would choose BL-27 because of the association of liver-small intes-
tine, BL-20 because the treatment point of the chong mai is a spleen point, and
BL-22 because the treatment point of the yang wei mai is a triple burner point.
Similarly, after treating yin qiao mai-ren mai, BL-23 or BL-52 would be the most
likely targets for the first pair of points. For the second pair, you might select
BL-25, BL-32, or BL-33. In a yang qiao mai-du mai treatment, BL-27 or BL-28 would
be likely choices, and the second pair would be selected according to pressure pain
responses and other factors involved. For the yang wei mai-dai mai, begin by check-
ing BL-19 and BL-22. In all cases, palpation of the points is essential. Reactivity is
the key.
In a patient with a stubborn lung-bladder pattern, you can apply half rice
grain-sized direct moxa three times to GV-12, while the patient chants "AAHH"
with arms stretched above the head. Next, apply the same moxa formula to the
point on the spine that lies between the BL-28 points, while you have the patient
tighten and clench the muscles of the whole body, simultaneously chanting
"MMMM." This fairly complex treatment has solved many recalcitrant problems.
The utility of this particular treatment is based on its use of upper and lower mid-
line points and is the posterior complement of the two-point moxa therapy
described in chapter 9.
In cases where polar pairs of channels have been treated, but the gastrocne-
mius reactions are still present, we can add the use of kyutoshin on the gastrocne-
mius areas to the treatment. Pay careful attention to locating the correct point(s),
as the gastrocnemius reactions move as body posture changes.
For a patient with extremely tight back muscles, additional points need to be
treated to help relieve excessive tension. Points such as BL-40, BL-55, BL-56, BL-57,
BL-58 can be checked for reactions. If one of these is very tight or sore, it may be
added to the back associated-shu treatment formula. If you add leg points to the
back associated-shu points treatment, use either the reactive gastrocnemius points
or the bladder points, not both. Usually treatment of only the back points is suffi-
cient. (Some practitioners in Japan recommend using leg points, rather than back
188 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

points, when treating acute low-back problems; you might wish to take this into
account.)
The technique of burning moxa on the handle of the needle has many uses. It
can be used for local treatments as well as the second step treatments described
here. After mastering its systematic use, you should be able to design treatment
procedures that expand the idea. You may also treat the points selected according
to this logic with direct moxa or needling, instead of kyutoshin moxa.

SELECTING YANG CHANNEL POINTS FOR STEP TWO TREATMENT

An alternate approach to step two treatment is to examine all the yang chan-
nels and treat those points best able to eliminate palpable reactions. Examining all
the yang channels may be a lengthy process. Therefore, the following table drawn
from our clinical experience should prove helpful for fine-tuning the range of
points examined.
Once the points are selected, there are several means for relieving reactions.
Each method utilizes particular principles and can be performed instead of moxa
on the handle of the needle, or in conjuction with that technique. However, the
goal should always be to achieve the maximum effect with as few points as possi-
ble. We try to pick one to three key points.

Sensitive points on the yang channels

LI-4 LI-10 LI-11 LI-15 LI-16 LI-18 LI-19 LI-20
ST-3 ST-6 ST-7 ST-8 ST-9 ST-11 ST-12
SI-3 SI-7 SI-9 SI-ll SI-14 SI-18 SI-19
BL-2 BL-7 BL-9 BL-10 BL-11 BL-12
TB-5 TB-8 TB-13 TB-14 TB-17 TB-20 TB-21
GB-2 GB-7 GB-12 GB-14 GB-20 GB-21
GV-23 GV-20 GV-15 GV-14 GV-12 GV-10

Pay close attention to relative right-left point sensitivities. Treatments aimed

at releasing the reactions, or at least equalizing the differences, are the most clini-
cally effective. Some treatment possibilities are:
- Treating one or more reactive points with needles or moxa.
- Treating points on yin-yang related channels (e.g., yang ming, stomach-
large intestine). In this regard, the source, luo, or five-phase points can be selected,
depending on the particular findings or imbalances.
- Treating points related in the yin-yang channel sets (e.g: yang ming-tai yin).
As above, the source, luo, or five-phase points can be treated.
- Treating three related (isophasal) points in combination. Again, the source
or phasal points are typically used.
- Treating point combinations that utilize the opposite polarity channel rela-
tionships (e.g., small intestine-liver, large intestine-kidney). In this method the
source points are most commonly used, though the luo points can be notably effec-
tive.
For a patient with stiffness of the shoulders, either as a complaint reported by
the patient, or as an observation made during diagnosis, treatment utilizing reac-
tive points is easy to apply. If GB-21 and LI-11 were sore and tight, you could nee-
dle these points bilaterally. If the stiffness were greater in the neck region, GB-20
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 189

and/or BL-10 could be chosen, assuming they were reactive. GV-14 might be a
good point if it were reactive, since it is the intersection-jiaohui point of all the yang
channels.
Depending on the patient's condition, and the areas most affected, selecting
points from the preceding table is often all that is required. However, the points
treated must be palpably reactive. If many of the points are reactive, use the hi-dig-
ital 0-ring test to aid point selection. Treatment stimulae need not be strong.
Needles should be tapped lightly into the points to a depth of 2-3 millimeters.
This technique can be used with the treatment of back points with moxa on
the handle of the needle. Consider, for example, a patient who has been diagnosed
and treated for a kidney-large intestine channel imbalance. If additional symptoms
included notably stiff shoulders, and pressure pain and tension on GB-21 and Ll-
10, these points could be treated by tapping needles into them after placing needles
in BL-23 and BL-25. Then burn moxa on the needles (kyutoshin) inserted at BL-23
and BL-25. In cases such as this, the total number of points is increased. Where
reaction and/ or tension persists, an approach that combines the normal step two
procedure with light needling of reactive points can be very helpful.
It is also possible to add points such as SI-ll into the combination of points
that are treated with kyutoshin. For example, for a patient with a liver-small intes-
tine pattern, local pain problems along on the small intestine channel would sug-
gest the use of moxa on the handle of the needle at BL-18 and SI-ll, instead of the
more typical choices, BL-18 and BL-27. In such a case, SI-ll would be selected
because it was reactive, as well as local to the small intestine channel problem.
Such treatments often overlap into the fourth step of treatment, relief of the
patient's symptoms. When a patient complains of problems in the head, neck,
shoulders, or arms, this procedure allows for a combined and simplified approach.
By utilizing yin-yang channel relationships, we can often treat stubborn reac-
tions on one of the channels using points on the related channel. Thus, for sensi-
tivity along the large intestine channel, we may treat a large intestine point, such as
Ll-4, in combination with a stomach channel point such as the luo point, ST-40. We
might consider the source point, ST-42, as well. Usually the source point, or source-
luo point combination is sufficient.
We should also keep side-to-side differences in mind. If the right large intes-
tine channel were more reactive, you might treat right Ll-4 and an appropriate
stomach channel point on the left, utilizing an arm-leg, left-right correlation. If
both large intestine channels were sensitive, you could treat points bilaterally.
However, since we want to apply the principle of treating the fewest points possi-
ble, it might be wise to begin treating on a contralateral axis. If this does not pro-
duce an adequate reduction of the palpatory sensitivity, treat the opposite con-
tralateral points in turn. As always, all points treated should be palpably reactive.
Such treatment can be administered without further treatment methods, or it can
be done in combination with treatment of related back associated-shu points with
moxa on the handle of the needles. Both approaches can complete step two treat-
ment.
In treating the yin-yang four-channel sets, rather than selecting a point on a
related channel (such as stomach points for large intestine sensitivity- yang ming),
we can select a point on a related yin channel, such as tai yin spleen. Recall that the
four-channel sets comprise related yin-yang pairs, e.g., yang ming-tai yin. Thus for
a large intestine channel problem, we would select a tai yin channel, notably the
spleen channel. Again, selection of points should be based on the arm-leg, left-
190 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

right, yin-yang, principle. The octahedral model is a great aid to point selection.
Points should be palpably reactive. We might choose this procedure if the points
on the related channel proved to be unreactive. Thus, in the preceding case of sen-
sitivity on the large intestine channels, if we selected right LI-4 as a good treatment
point, a point on the left spleen channel, such as SP-3, would be a good candidate
for an effective combination (both are source points). For a patient with sensitivi-
ty along the small intestine channels, SI-4 on the left could be a good treatment
point. But, if there were little or no reaction on right or left BL-64 or BL-58, treat-
ment of right KI-3 could prove extremely useful. At least, it should be checked as
part of your selection routine. Again, needle insertion involves simply tapping
needles into the points and treatment can be done singly or in combination with
related back points with moxa on the handle of the needles.
Creation of isophasal point combinations arises from the three procedures
already discussed through the inclusion of a third treatment point. Use of the
isophasal concept and the meeting points or midline concept is extremely helpful.
If we had selected right Ll-4 and left ST-42 for treatment of sensitivity along the
large intestine channels, a good isophasal point would be the large intestine point
of the auricle, or a point where the stomach and large intestine channels meet, such
as GV-14 and ST-12. A midline point that is commonly reflective of the large intes-
tine, such as GV-12, would be an equally good idea. These three-point combina-
tions can be extremely helpful. We could do these treatments separately, or in com-
bination with the kyutoshin treatments.
Opposite polarity channel relationships can also be used to reduce sensitivity
on one of the yang channels. In cases where the opposite polarity channel pairs
have been diagnosed and treated with ion pumping in step one, it may be less
advisable to use these correlations in step two, as you will have already treated by
this concept. However, if a patient exhibits sensitivity along the small intestine
channel, you could treat the most sensitive point, SI-ll for instance, and a liver
point. Again, the polar channel point would probably be the source or luo point,
with point sensitivity being the essential criteria of selection.
Another method of utilizing this treatment concept is indicated when extreme
sensitivity is found along a particular yang channel. At times, many of the points
listed in the table above will be sensitive. For example, if the large intestine chan-
nel demonstrated extreme pressure pain sensitivity at Ll-4, LI-10, LI-11, Ll-15, and
LI-20, the source point (KI-3) or the luo point (KI-4) of the kidney channel would be
indicated. Usually the source point will reduce the excessive tenderness along the
related yang channel. If not, then the luo point will. This particular approach can
be helpful when there is pain or a problem associated with a particular channel,
e.g., shoulder pain along the large intestine channel. This technique can also be
helpful as part of step four, relief of symptoms.
Each of these procedures is available as a therapeutic option in step two of
treatment. Utilizing left-right, arm-leg, yin-yang polarities can be extremely help-
ful and economical. Usually, equalizing the sensitivity in two or three yang chan-
nels is sufficient for one treatment. Often several yang channels have tender
points, but if the channels with the greatest left-right imbalance are treated first,
usually an overall improvement can be accomplished with very few points. Try to
keep the number of points used to a minimum by considering factors such as the
pulse, and by looking closely for changes in sensitivity after each needle insertion.
Select points with the aim of economizing point use and avoiding excessive stimu-
lation.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 191

MOXA AND CHANNEL STRETCHING

A third treatment style that is applicable to step two treatments is the use of
either the fire needle or moxa on reactive channel points while the patient stretch-
es the appropriate channel and exhales. This is effective for releasing tension or
stagnation in the lung, large intestine, triple burner, and small intestine channels,
four channels that are typically involved in neck-shoulder stiffness problems.
These can be easily stretched. This technique can be used for problems in the other
channels, but we usually choose it for problems of these specific channels. It is
good both for the symptomatic relief of neck and shoulder problems and for the
release of functional tensions and obstructions in these regions. By itself it may be
the complete second step of treatment, or it may be used with kyutoshin treatment
of the back associated-shu points. It can be applicable later in step four treatment
for the relief of symptoms on the shoulder, neck, and other dorsal areas.
Select the most painful point from among those indicated for the specific
channel and treat that point first. On occasion you may treat more than one chan-
nel sequentially, if more than one exhibits a lot of pressure pain and tension.
Generally, for the lung channel, palpate around LU-1, LU-3, LU-4 with the
arm stretched as follows:

Figure 10.5: Stretching the lung channel

For the large intestine channel palpate around Ll-11, LI-14, LI-15, and the
front eye of the shoulder with the arm stretched as follows:

Figure 10.6: Stretching the large intestine channel

192 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

For the triple burner, palpate around TB-9, TB-14, TB-15 with the arm
stretched as follows:

Figure 10.7: Stretching the triple burner channel

For the small intestine, palpate around SI-9, SI-10, SI-ll with the arm
stretched as follows:

Figure 10.8: Stretching the small intestine channel

The same treatment can be done using the fire needle technique. When using
the fire needle, insert and withdraw rapidly. Insert at an oblique angle while pinch-
ing the skin between your fingers. Usually, a single insertion will loosen the point
and its corresponding channel. For example, to treat a reaction at SI-10, have the
patient extend the arm in the manner shown above. Hold the needle in the flame
of an alcohol lamp until the tip is red. Have the patient inhale and then exhale.
While the patient is still exhaling, rapidly insert and withdraw the needle. At the
point of withdrawal have the patient relax and drop the arm. Be careful to catch
and support the patient's arm as it is relaxed and dropped.
If moxa is used instead, follow exactly the same procedure. Place a small
piece of moxa, sesame to half-rice size, on the selected point. Have the patient
inhale, then burn the moxa as the patient exhales. When the patient feels the heat,
press the moxa to extinguish it while the patient relaxes and drops their arm. Three
repetitions are necessary with moxa.
For patients who dislike both the fire needle and moxa, choose the point in
the same way, then use the wooden hammer and needle. With the arm extended
as described above, tap the point at the frequency corresponding to the channel
treated. Continue tapping until the exhalation finishes and the patient relaxes.
This too should be repeated three times.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 193

Thus, for the large intestine points, tap at 108 beats per minute, for the lung
at 126 per minute, for the small intestine use 120, and for the triple burner tap at a
rate of 152 beats per minute. (See the discussion in chapter 4 for a tapping corre-
spondence table.) This treatment can produce remarkable changes in shoulder and
neck stiffness, channel sensitivity, and pain and range of motion. Sometimes you
will find that the abdominal signs related to the channel treated have further ame-
liorated.
It is possible to extend this treatment technique to other channels. For exam-
ple, treatment of tension at GB-20 can be done using tiny, thread-size moxa on the
point, while the patient tilts the head to the opposite side and exhales. For treating
tension at right GB-20 in this fashion, the patient should tilt their head to the left.
For treatment of tension at BL-10 the moxa should be applied to the point as the
patient exhales and extends their head forward. In these cases, one to three moxa
should suffice. Similarly, for treatment of abnormal tension with pressure pain on
the front upper thigh, distal to ST-30, downward towards ST-31, LR-11 or LR-10,
moxa can be applied to the most reactive point as the patient extends the foot
downward and exhales. One to three small moxa should suffice. If clear musculo-
skeletal problems persist after the first, second, and third steps of root treatment,
selection of this option (as symptom control) would be appropriate.

TREATMENT WITH THE MANAKA WOODEN HAMMER AND NEEDLE

A fourth possible step two treatment utilizes application of the Manaka
wooden hammer and needle at intersection-jiaohui points. Since GV-14 is the meet-
ing point of all the yang channels, we can tap this point at any of the yang channel
frequencies. For example, for a seventy-nine year-old female with deforming
arthritis of the spine and feet, after treating yin qiao mai-ren mai bilaterally with ion
pumping, GV-14 was selected for treatment with the wooden hammer and needle.
First, GV-14 was tapped at the bladder frequency, 112 beats per minute. Then it
was tapped at the gallbladder and small intestine frequency, 120 beats per minute;
then, at the frequency for the stomach, 132 beats per minute. Each frequency was
tapped for fifteen to twenty strokes. The patient immediately reported a comfort-
able, warm feeling in the feet that slowly spread across the entire body. The patient
reported this experience in very positive terms.
In another case, a thirty-six year-old female with chronic headaches, step one
treatment of the kidney-large intestine paired channels with ion pumping and step
two treatment with kyutoshin at BL-23 and BL-25, was followed by tapping GV-14
at all the yang channel frequencies. Roughly fifteen to twenty strokes per frequen-
cy were applied. This treatment was chosen because the patient's shoulders were
markedly stiff and sensitive. Tapping done was at 152 (triple burner), then 132
(stomach), 120 (gallbladder/small intestine), 112 (bladder), 108 (large intestine),
and 104 (du mai) beats per minute. This greatly reduced the tension and pressure
pain throughout the neck and shoulders and relieved the pressure pain accompa-
nying the headache. Step four symptom treatment followed, with intradermal nee-
dles to several auricle points, and eliminated the headache entirely.
All these procedures represent options for achieving the goals of step two in
the root or general treatment. One or more of these techniques can be used for any
patient; we most commonly begin with kyutoshin, moxa on the handle of the nee-
dle, because it has remarkable and powerful effectiveness. These procedures are by
no means the only ones available; they are simply those that have proven to be of
great clinical value for us.
194 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

ITAYA'S SUPPLEMENTARY POINTS

Kazuko Itaya has devised a simple treatment method designed to follow step
one and to simultaneously address step two and symptom control concerns. She
has researched a list of supplementary points from which she selects and treats
those appropriate to the patient's condition. This includes points on the back on
which moxa on the handle of the needle is used, and points on the limbs, abdomen,
and head that can be needled, used with moxa, or treated with intradermal needles.
These points and their major indications follow.

Kyutoshin: Points on the back: BL-17, BL-18, BL-20, BL-32, BL-34

Home moxa therapy: BL-18, BL-20, CV-12, LR-3, LR-4, KI-7, SP-6

Most other points are treated with either moxa or needles, where appropriate.
Home moxa is recommended for some of these. Indications and other treatment
methods are given in the list.
LR-3, LR-4, KI-7, and SP-6 are selected depending on kidney, liver, or spleen
involvement and pressure pain responses as determined in the initial diagnostic
procedure. SP-6 is also used for gynecological problems, as is the Manaka three-
yin crossing point found two finger-widths above SP-10. This point above SP-10 is
also good for male genital problems and problems that show with temperature
variations on the abdomen. In pregnant patients, SP-6 is contraindicated for
needling, and in such cases this point above SP-10 can be used instead.

Point Indications and uses

GB-34 tight muscles; stomach ulcer
GB-39 tight muscles; stomach ulcer
GB-40 gallbladder problems
CV-4 menstrual problems
(with CV-12, ST-25, ST-27 for chronic weak digestion problems)
CV-7 menstrual problems
CV-12 digestive problems
ST-25 digestive problems
ST-27 digestive problems
GV-20 counterflow qi *
GV-12 with GV-20, CV-12 for psychological problems
BL-17 digestive problems
BL-18 digestive problems
BL-20 digestive problems
BL-32 menstrual problems; lower burner problems
BL-34 menstrual problems; lower burner problems
BL-40 water regulation problems, lumbago, leg cramps
BL-58 back problems, around BL-58; also useful for nasal problems
TB-8 problems of the three arm yang channels:
headache, toothache, stiff shoulders, eye fatigue, etc.
" Counterflow qi means a repletion of qi above and vacuity below. Accompanying
symptoms can range from being overly emotional to a pre-stroke condition. This point,
GV-20, is treated by shallowly inserting a needle obliquely into the point and burning
small pieces of moxa at the junction of the skin and needle body, usually three times.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 195

When selecting from and treating these points according to the experience of
Itaya, the following general rules apply:
- Two-thirds of the points selected should be lower limb points. These are
treated on one side, not both. Of these lower limb points, two-thirds are usually
treated on the left leg, and one-third on the right leg.
- Usually yang channel lower limb points are treated only on the left leg, yin
channel points on either leg. The fewer points selected, the better.
- In chronic cases, moxa is better than needles.
- Aside from the general indications of the points, they are selected by pal-
pation diagnosis: pressure pain, puffiness, tightness, tension, etc. For example,
BL-17, BL-18, and BL-20 are often selected when they are visibly swollen, which
usually occurs on the right side.
- When selecting between CV-7 and CV-4, CV-7 is generally used for older
patients and CV-4 for the rest. However, if the muscles are weak and separate eas-
ily with pressure, treat the point that evidences this condition most clearly.
- In Itaya's experience, LR-7 is a good treatment point for menstrual pain.
While the point is not listed above as one of her supplementary points, it is worth
drawing attention to this use. In stubborn cases of menstrual pain, if the point is
palpably sore, treat it.
These supplementary points represent a simple and effective integration of
step two and the symptom control treatments.

TECHNIQUES FOR STEP THREE TREATMENT

The objective in step three is to adjust any remaining imbalances of the mus-
cular and skeletal structures. These physical components not only support the
body's structure, but also make all physical movement possible. Balance is of great
importance for health. Structural adjustment is a very effective method of treating
pain in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Some exercises, usually sotai, are per-
formed during step three, sometimes in combination with a fire needle, or the
wooden hammer and needle and metronome.
According to Dr. Keizo Hashimoto of Japan, imbalances in the muscular
structure are the cause of imbalances in the skeletal structure. He describes patho-
genesis in stages. In the first stage, abnormal sensations such as pain, numbness,
discomfort, and hypersensitivity appear, but there are rarely any objective symp-
toms. In the second stage, along with abnormal sensitivity, functional disorders
such as insomnia, poor memory, poor appetite, constipation, and dysmenorrhea
begin to appear. Through these stages the pathology has not become a "disease,"
but is merely a combination of minor symptoms. In Chinese traditional medicine,
the pattern, xiang, might be diagnosed and form a basis for treatment. In Western
medicine, however, only symptomatic relief would be attempted and the idea of a
basic or underlying problem would not likely arise. Finally, in the third stage of
pathogenesis, structural disorders appear; the patient is diagnosed and treated as
having a disease.
Our experience indicates that it is important to take appropriate steps in the
early stages, even with minor symptoms. With structural disorders, treating the
disturbances that lie behind them is essential.
Many factors are able to cause structural imbalances. Some of the most com-
mon factors are congenital abnormalities of skeletal structure, structural abnormal-
ities from injury or disease, and imbalances resulting from unnatural postures, both
196 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

habitual and occupational. In some cases, structural abnormalities are serious and
irreversible. Most structural problems, however, are not permanent orthopedic
abnormalities. The majority of structural imbalances are the result of numerous
small circumstances that go unnoticed. Sometimes, these small factors offset one
another to yield more or less a balance, but just as often, these small factors com-
pound their effects to produce imbalances. Some minor factors that influence
structural balance are as follows:
- Pathogenic factors affecting an organ on one side of the body
such as the liver, gallbladder, heart.
- Biased muscle tone in the neck from unbalanced vision or hear-
ing with compensatory postural adjustments that lead to overall
imbalance of the muscular and skeletal structure.
- Pathogenic factors affecting one side of bilateral organs such as
the kidneys and lungs.
- A right-left difference in the bite of the teeth.
- Old injuries and scars.
- Unbalanced contact with metal from false teeth or accessories
such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc.
- A favored hand or foot.
- Neurological disorders.
- Unbalanced dress or attire, such as shoes.
- Sports in which one side of the body is used more than the
other, such as tennis or golf.
- Extended use of one limb or a certain part of the body, for exam-
ple, carrying a heavy package in one hand for a long distance.
- Changes due to aging.
Some minor factors are difficult to change. It is true that minor imbalances
are compensated by physical habituation or stabilization. This allows the overall
balance to be maintained to a degree that ordinary activities are accomplished
without difficulty. It is not uncommon for older individuals to have what appear
to be serious spinal deformities, and yet remain active and free from symptoms.
Recognizing this possibility, we must also acknowledge the contradictory phe-
nomena where correction of spinal alignment causes pain. While correction of
structural imbalances is always a necessary consideration, you must use your clin-
ical judgement. There is a time to apply the principle of quieta non mobile, or in col-
loquial terms, let sleeping dogs lie. For example, if a patient has severe scoliosis of
the spine that is of many years duration, you must judge carefully if adjusting it
would be aggravating or to what degree it should be attempted. Normally it is not
easy to adjust such problems, but if one does cause aggravation it is usually short
lived.
Many methods have been devised, in both the East and West, for correcting
structural imbalances. Today in the West, osteopathy, chiropractic, and other
manipulative techniques are in common use. Even within the framework of ortho-
dox medicine, physical therapy and massage are well established specialities. In
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 197

the field of Chinese traditional medicine, there are manipulative techniques includ-
ing massage (tuina) and bonesetting (zhenggu), in addition to exercise systems such
as qigong and taiji. It goes without saying that acupuncture, at least over time,
plays a role in adjusting structural imbalances. To reinforce the effects of acupunc-
ture in adjusting structural imbalances, Hashimoto's sotai exercises may be used
with good results to effect step three. I

TREATMENT OF CHANNEL SINEWS WITH SOTAI EXERCISES

The primary advantage of a yin-yang balancing system such as the treatment

method we describe is that results can be obtained with minimal stimulation, shal-
low insertion, and the use of few points. To a large extent, step one and step two
treatment are effective in alleviating symptomatic conditions. The addition of a
third step enhances and consolidates the effects of the first two steps. Step three
treats the channel sinews as outlined in the Ling Shu. Many different methods of
treatment can be devised and a general interpretation of the Ling Shu channel sinew
concept contributes to this therapeutic richness.
One method we use for step three is the combination of channel sinew con-
cepts with a simplified version of the sotai techniques developed by Dr. Keizo
Hashimoto. These procedures adjust right to left imbalances in the neck, torso, and
legs. These procedures alone are sufficient for restoring an overall balance, when
performed after steps one and two. It is quite acceptable, however, to use addi-
tional manipulative procedures when required.
When performing these sotai exercises, several factors should be kept in mind.
While most can be used by any patient, the important guidelines and selection cri-
teria are as follows:
- Note any asymmetries in muscle tone.
- Find restricted ranges of motion for specific movements.
- Reassess these restricted ranges of motion to determine the effi-
cacy of treatment.
- Avoid discomfort and pain as a result of the exercise selected.
- Determine the particular motion that elicits tightness and/ or
soreness. Always perform the exercise opposite to the direction of
motion that is restricted, tight, or painful. Always perform the
exercise in the direction that is looser and free of discomfort.
- Instruct the patient to perform movements slowly and gently,
without strain, and on the exhalation.
- At the point of maximum movement, a slight resistance to
motion should be applied. The exhalation should be held for a
moment, then on the command, "relax," the patient should relax
the whole body - not just the part exercised. If required, the fire
needle can be used at the point of relaxation, when the request to
relax is given. Following are a few simple procedures that have
proven clinically useful for the release of tension in major muscle
groups.
198 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

Procedure A:

Range of motion test

With the patient lying supine, bend each knee as far towards the chest as it
will go. If one knee is more flexible than the other, the more flexible limb is treat-
ed first.

Figure 10.7-1: Sotai exercise, procedure A, range of motion test

Exercise procedure
The patient is instructed to slowly extend the leg while exhaling. At the full
range of motion (before the knee is straightened), the therapist provides gentle
resistance. The patient should hold his or her breath for a few seconds, then with
the signal to relax, immediately relax all effort and allow the leg to drop. The ther-
apist should support the leg as it drops so that the patient will relax entirely, rather
than reflexively arresting the fall of the leg. This sotai technique effectively relaxes
the muscles of the back, legs, and abdomen. restoring a right/ left balance of flexi-
bility.
The use of moxa or the fire needle (jazhen) increases the effectiveness of this
technique. Moxa is ignited and its heat registers at the command to relax. The fire
needle is quickly inserted and withdrawn from GB-34 as the patient is requested to
relax. You may need an assistant to apply the gentle resistance while you burn the
moxa or insert and withdraw the fire needle. The stimulus from the fire needle
should be so brief that it causes little, if any, discomfort.

Figure 10.9b: Sotai exercise, procedure A, with insertion of fire needle

 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 199

When there is a right-left difference in the flexibility of the knee, treating only
the more flexible limb is enough to relax and equalize both limbs. Nevertheless, it
is better to perform this procedure twice on the more flexible side and once on the
less flexible side.

Procedure B
Range of motion test
With the patient lying supine, knees bent at a ninety degree angle, turn each
foot into dorsiflexion as far as it will go while keeping the heel on the treatment
surface. If one ankle is more flexible, easier to bend, the more flexible side is treat-
ed first.

Figure 10.10: Sotai exercise, procedure B, range of motion test

Exercise procedure
Instruct the patient to raise the foot slowly into dorsiflexion with the exhala-
tion. At the full extent of dorsiflexion, apply a light resistance against this move-
ment. Instruct the patient to hold the breath for a few seconds and then to relax all
effort. To reinforce the effects of this exercise, the moxa or fire needle technique can
be applied to LR-3 at just the last moment before relaxation.

Figure 10.11: Sotai exercise, procedure B, insertion of fire needle

The exercise should be applied twice on the more flexible side and once on the
less flexible side. It is good for all the muscles of the legs.
200 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three

Procedure C
Range of motion test
With the patient lying prone (face down), bend the knees alternately, moving
first one foot then the other gently towards the buttocks. If the muscles and joints
in the patient's back and limbs are pliable, the heel of the foot will touch the but-
tocks. If the muscles are not pliable, there can be a considerable distance between
buttocks and the foot at maximum flexion. In most cases, you will find that one leg
is less flexible than the other.

Figure 10.12: Sotai exercise, procedure C, range of motion test

Exercise procedure
The more flexible limb is treated first as described above. The patient should
slowly extend the leg on exhalation. When fully extended, the therapist applies
resistance sufficient to raise the patient's leg. The patient should pause briefly as
the breath is held, and then with the command to relax, the patient should imme-
diately relax, allowing the leg to drop. The therapist should catch and support the
leg.

Figure 10.13: Sotai exercise, procedure C, exercise procedure

To reinforce this exercise, the moxa or fire needle technique can be applied on
a tight, sore point on the bladder shu line, typically BL-18, BL-23, or BL-58. If visu-
al and palpatory inspections reveal a hard knot at another point, this point should
be used instead. As with the other exercises, this should be done twice on the more
flexible limb and once on the less flexible limb. This particular exercise is good for
back, thigh, and abdominal muscle tensions.
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 201

If tightness and restricted motion persists, following this exercise, the entire
exercise can be repeated on both legs, together, for a maximum of three repetitions.
Stimulation can be applied at GV-8.

Procedure D
Exercise Procedure
With the patient lying face down, instruct the patient to arch their back, rais-
ing the head and chest off the treatment surface. As long as this does not cause dis-
comfort, the exercise consists of extending the spine in this manner, while exhaling.
Full extension is held as long as the breath is held and relaxed all at once with the
exhalation. Note that the therapist applies no resistance in this procedure.

Figure 10.14: Sotai exercise, procedure D, exercise procedure

The moxa or fire needle technique can be applied with this movement on
points GV-8, GV-10 or GV-12, depending on which is more reactive. Repeat the
procedure two or three times. This exercise is helpful for increasing the flexibility
of the spine.

Figure 10.14a: Sotai exercise, procedure D, insertion of fire needle

Procedure E
Range of motion test
This procedure is performed with the patient sitting on the side of a treatment
table. The patient should place their hands behind the head. The practitioner then
rotates the patient slowly at the waist, first to the left, and then to the right, com-
paring ease of rotation to each side. Generally, patients with right subcostal and
202 Clinical Treatment: StepsTwo and Three

lower left quadrant reactions - a sign of liver problems - will find that it is easier
to rotate to the right. This procedure can be useful for liver problems, and liver
problems are often revealed by this test. The exercise can help release the right sub-
costal reaction and lower left quadrant reactions.

Figure 10.15: Sotai exercise, procedure E, range of motion test

Exercise procedure
The exercise is done rotating from the more difficult to the easier side. For
example, in typical liver conditions the exercise is done by having the patient rotate
from the left to the right while exhaling. At full rotation the practitioner should
apply light resistance to the elbows, having the patient hold position, then com-
pletely relax. This should be done three times. If the patient finds it easier rotat-
ing to the left, the rotation is right to left.
You can select whether to use moxa, the fire needle, or another technique
according to the comfort of the patient and your own proficiency. If you or the
patient are uncomfortable using the fire needle, use a blunt needle heated in the
flame of the alcohol lamp. Touch the blunt needle briefly to the selected point.
Likewise, tiny thread-size moxa can be used so that the pinch of heat is felt at the
moment of relaxation. Coordinating the movement, breath, and application of the
blunt needle or moxa takes a little practice, particularly with moxa. It is simpler
and easier to coordinate use of the Manaka wooden hammer and needle. Use the
hammer to tap the wooden needle held at the relevant point while the movement
is being performed, and then with a little more vigor when the movement is held
and resisted. A final and harder tap coordinates with the command to relax.

Figure 10.16: Using the Manaka wooden hammer and needle with sotai
 Clinical Treatment: Steps Two and Three 203

The balancing procedures just described are useful for achieving the goals of
steps two and three, the correction of imbalances on the yang portions of the body
and the release of asymmetric muscle tension. Following steps one, two, and three,
local or symptomatic treatment often will be greatly simplified or unnecessary.

AN UNUSUAL TREATMENT METHOD

If blood stasis is clearly present, especially when large areas of skin pigmen-
tation and many moles are found, a method originally developed and still used in
parts of China should be considered. An herbal salve, Po Di Gao, is applied to a rel-
evant point. This salve is irritating and causes an ulcer to form. Once formed, an
exudate will be produced. When the flow of this exudate is reduced, usually after
five to ten days, a second herbal salve, Zi Yun Gao, is applied to heal the ulcer.
This particular treatment is helpful in the treatment of blood stasis and for
detoxifying the liver. We have found that it works more quickly if moxa is first
applied to the point(s), before the salve is applied. This is called danokyu (pus-
forming moxa) and is used to speed the healing process when blood stasis, typi-
cally with accompanying liver problems, is a contributory factor. The treatment is
directed towards back associated-shu points, typically BL-18 or the points with the
tightest, hardest muscle beneath. When successfully applied, the areas of pigmen-
tation improve within two weeks. A serious disadvantage to this treatment is that
sizeable scars will remain at the points treated. Thus we hesitate to recommend its
use in the West, except where you are very certain of your patient's response.
Careful consultation with the patient should occur prior to using any scarring treat-
ment in the clinic, and frequent careful monitoring should be performed when this
treatment is used.
In cases where this treatment is desired, but not selected, repeated treatment
with moxa on the handle of the needle, direct moxa, sotai exercises, and bloodlet-
ting2 eventually can produce the same effect, when they follow step one treatment.
Herbal medicines also are usually good for this condition. Provided that the blood
stasis has not reached an irreversible stage, improvement throughout the course of
treatment can be expected without the use of danokyu.
It is important to note here that when treatments of a stronger nature are
deemed necessary (e.g., scarring moxibustion, venesection, cupping), in addition to
acupuncture treatments for yin-yang balandng, you must proceed cautiously. It is
difficult to judge such cases in advance. Much clinical experience is required
because these decisions are made only after administering gentler treatments, and
after counsel with the patient to discuss these next step alternatives. If your results
seem inadequate and you have begun to suspect that you have missed some com-
plication, detailed examination from the viewpoint of orthodox Western medicine
becomes a necessity. If a recent biotechnical examination has not already been per-
formed, it is advisable with intractable cases that do not respond to treatment.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 See for example: Hashimoto, K. and Y. Kawakami, Sotai: Balance and Health Through Natural
Movement, Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1983.
2 Bloodletting is used as one form of symptom control treatment and is primarily indicated when
strong blood stasis signs are present.
 CHAPTER ELEVEN

SYMPTOM CONTROL TREATMENT:

STEP FOUR

Many categories of treatments are aimed at the relief of symptoms, and many
techniques exist within each of those categories. You will find that completion of
steps one, two, and three will have relieved or at least reduced the symptoms of
many patients. But in stubborn cases where little change in the symptoms has
occurred, or where little change may be expected, symptom control treatments
should be simplified to be more effective. In most cases symptom control treat-
ments should be performed after steps one, two, and three. There are cases, such
as acute, severe pain, where the symptom control treatments should be performed
first. This is important, not only for the patient's relief, but also because the pain
and discomfort the patient suffers may interfere with or bias the treatment proce-
dures, thus making completion of steps one through three more difficult. Where
severe pain is present, the increased tension of the patient's body, their inability to
assume a comfortably relaxed position, and the psychological stresses that their ill
ease produces, all irritate the general condition, slowing progress.
Such cases need to be assessed individually to determine whether pain or
stress relief treatments need to be those applied first. The majority of cases do not
require such intervention. Where it is found to be necessary, limited or minimal
intervention is preferable so that any potential effects on the general treatment are
reduced. While it may be rare that you will be required to perform treatments
aimed more toward relief of symptoms than toward regulation of the general con-
dition, when this is required, it is the only workable approach. Be flexible and
adapt to the specific circumstance.
Some of the best results in the process of symptom control come from simple
treatments such as Itaya's supplementary points, moxa, or intradermals (hinaishin).
In the last chapter we described the use of moxa combined with channel stretching
procedures for the release of shoulder and neck tension. This method can be use-
ful for symptom relief as well. Other moxibustion treatments presented in this
chapter derive partially from our own clinical experience and partially from the
works of renowned moxibustionists such as Isaburo Fukaya, Takeshi Sawada, and
Bunshi Shiroda. We have used many of these treatments in our own practice and
have found them outstanding.
206 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Other treatments we will touch on in this chapter are hinaishin or intradermal

needles, auricular and Korean hand acupuncture, Chinese medical acupuncture,
bloodletting, treatment of traumas, contusions, scars, etc. If you pay attention dur-
ing the first three steps of treatment, you can greatly economize the number of
points needed for symptom control. While most modalities can be integrated
through the idea of general treatment, it is essential to always take advantage of
feedback such as point sensitivity, pulse, range of motion tests, and muscle testing,
to assess the adequacy and efficacy of treatment.
It is important to master different approaches, not only because any primary
treatment method sometimes proves insufficient, but because until the treatment
methodologies described in this text have been absorbed into your thinking
processes, using simpler, more familiar modes will increase your confidence. We
are all indebted to the practitioners who have developed these ideas and treat-
ments which we report here.

MOXA THERAPY
Amongst Japanese practitioners, the works of Isaburo Fukaya (1901-1974) are
well known. He practiced and wrote extensively, and obtained outstanding results
treating many disorders.l Much of Bunshi Shiroda's work is derived from the work
of Takeshi Sawada (1877-1938), a moxibustion specialist who combined both gen-
eral and local moxibustion treatments to achieve excellent results.2 With his treat-
ment style, we can perform both general and symptom control treatments using
only moxibustion.
Recall that in chapter nine we described the taiji (taikyoku) moxa prescriptions
of both Sawada and Manaka. These have proven highly successful in bolstering
the body's immune system and strengthening the overall constitution. When used
with any of the following symptom treatment formularies, you will find these
moxa prescriptions to be especially effective.3 The patient's condition may require
that you recommend some home therapy with moxa. Either teach the patient, or a
member of the patient's household, how to moxa the points or how to stimulate
them with other tools. If home therapy is necessary because of the chronicity and
severity of the condition and/ or because of an inability to receive sufficiently fre-
quent treatments, selection of appropriate points and techniques is most important.
(See chapter twelve, Home Therapies, for further discussion.)

OUR FAVORITE MOXA TREATMENTS FOR SPECIFIC DISORDERS

Disorder Points
facial paralysis TB-5, LI-4, ST-36, GB-41 (figure 11.1), using touching
and scratching needle techniques)
headache GV-12, LI-11, LU-7, ST-36, GB-34
eye diseases Sore points on pupil line behind the hairline
(figure 11.2), GB-2, BL-18, LI-1, LI-4, ST-36
conjunctivitis TB-21, ST-41, GV-12
styes SI-19
epistaxis Sore points on back of neck (figure 11.3), TB-8, GB-34
stuffed nose GV-23, GB-12, BL-40
rhinitis GV-23, LI-11, LI-4, ST-36
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 207

Figure 11.1 Figure 11.2 Figure 11.3

Disorder Points
toothache Sore point on side of head above ear (figure 11.4),
LI-11, LI-4, ST-36, GB-34
ear diseases GV-20, GB-20, TB-8, GB-34, ST-36
facial furuncle LI-4, LI-11
trigeminal neuralgia Sore points on face (figure 11.5), GB-20, GB-12,
TB-4, GB-34

Figure 11.4 Figure 11.5

Disorder Points
whiplash Sore points on back of neck (figure 11.6), GV-20, BL-18,
LR-4
rheumatism GB-21, GV-12, BL-43, BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, CV-12, ST-25,
HT-7, KI-3 (figure 11.7)

I
:
I
I

\ \

\ /"--,
'\., .. )'
,_/

Figure 11.6 Figure 11.7

208 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Disorder Points
sore-stiff shoulder GB-21, SI-11, GB-34
"40 year" shoulder LI-15, SI-ll
shortness of breath,
palpitations PC-6, PC-7, GB-40, LR-4
arm numbness, pain Sore points on shoulder (figure 11.8)
sciatica BL-23, BL-25, BL-37, BL-58, CV-17, CV-4, GB-31, ST-36,
SP-6, sore points along PSIS (figure 11.9)

(
-
---
- 0

-t_J
Figure 11.8 Figure 11.9

Disorder Points
sprains, contusions LR-3, LR-4, sore points around medial malleoli
(figure 11.10)
intercostal neuralgia Sore points in intercostal spaces along border of
sternum and spine (figure 11.11), TB-8, PC-6
insomnia GV-20, BL-18, LR-4, insomnia point at center of heel
(figure 11.12)

Figure 11.10

Figure 11.12 Figure 11.11

 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 209

Disorder Points
epilepsy GV-20, GV-12, BL-18, GB-41, TB-5, CV-14, LR-14, GB-29
high blood pressure, CV-17, CV-12, CV-4, ST-36, KI-3, GV-20, BL-10, GB-21,
hardening of arteries BL-43, BL-18, BL-23, HT-7
bronchitis LU-6, CV-12
hiccoughs LR-4 with sotai exercise (rotating the foot outward,
then relaxing at the point of heat when the little toe
reaches the floor),
common cold sore points between the scapulae (figure 11.13),
GV-14, GB-20, BL-12, LI-4
asthma BL-18, LU-7, CV-12, LR-4
tonsillitis ST-9, LI-4, LI-1, KI-7
acute gastric pain
and spasm BL-20, ST-34, ST-36, uranaitei** (figure 11.14)
poor appetite stimulate around spine and navel
(figures 11.15-a, 11.15-b)

** Uranaitei is located on the plantar surface of the foot, at the base of the second toe, where
a dot placed in the center of the pad of the second toe touches the foot when doubled over.

Figure 11.13 Figure 11.14

Figure 11.15a Figure 11.15b

210 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Disorder
fullness of stomach
chronic gastritis
gastroptosis
chronic enteritis
acute enteritis
chronic hepatitis
internal organ pain
Points
ST-36, ST-39, SP-8
LI-10, ST-36
CV-12, ST-25, ST-34
Sore points along spine (figure 11.16) ,
(hair drier massage, see chapter 12), salt moxa at navel.
ST-25, uranaitei
LR-8, LR-3
Sore points along spine (figure 11.17)

Figure 11.16 Figure 11.17

Disorder Points
lumbar pain BL-22, BL-23, BL-25, BL-52, ST-27, BL-58
herniated lumbar disc BL-23, BL-52, BL-25, GB-30 (good with sotai)
diarrhea BL-25, ST-25, SP-8, SP-7, LI-10, uranaitei
constipation GV-20, BL-25, HT-7, SP-4
hemorrhoids BL-32, GV-20, LU-6, SP-7
eczema BL-43, BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, PC-6, LR-3, CV-17,
CV-14, CV-12, ST-25
cold feelings from reactive points along spine (figure 11.18);
poor circulation BL-32, KI-7, CV-4, SP-10
menopausal symptoms GV-20, BL-10, GB-21, BL-43, BL-18, BL-23, PC-7,
ST-36, LR-3, CV-14, LR-14
inability to enjoy sex KI-7, LR-3, LR-4, SP-10
sterility BL-32, CV-12, CV-4, SP-6, abdominal points
(figure 11.19)
irregular, painful menses GV-20, BL-18, BL-32, SP-10, LR-4
leukorrhea BL-23, BL-52, BL-32, ST-27, CV-4, CV-3, SP-6
night urination GV-12, BL-32, CV-4, Kl-7 (figure 11.20)
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 211

navel

~
,, '

\

Figure 11.18 Figure 11.19

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Figure 11.20: Lightly massage or tap along these lines.

(Note that special shonishin tools can be used, or the wooden hammer and needle.)

Disorder Points
knee pain around knee (figure 11.21), LR-8, SP-9, BL-40, GB-34
rheumatoid arthritis
of the knee around knee (figure 11.22), and taiji treatment

c
\

Figure 11.21 Figure 11.22 Figure 11.23

212 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Disorder
allergy
baby night crying
insufficient lactation
mastitis
newborn
nasal congestion
chronic indigestion
vomiting milk
infantile seizures
infantile asthma
Points
LI-15, LI-11, Ll-10, LI-4
GV-12
GB-21, Sl-11, BL-43, Ll-10, CV-17, ST-36
CV-17, xiong tang (lateral to CV-17 at border of
sternum)
GV-12, GV-23, extra point near LI-4 (figure 11.23)
CV-12, BL-20, GV-12
GV-12, BL-17
GV-20, CV-4
CV-14, LU-1, LR-14, GV-12, BL-13

These moxa treatments can be very helpful for control of the symptoms list-
ed. For pain, restricted motion, or tension in an area of the body, the technique of
stretching the affected channel while applying moxa to a particular point, which
was described in the last chapter, can be extremely helpful. While our examples
focused on the shoulder and neck regions, this technique can be used for all body
areas. Again, three moxa are often all that is required.
The following case study is illustrative of the usefulness of this type of chan-
nel stretching and moxa treatment:

A twenty-eight year-old female dancer had injured her left leg

while attempting to stretch through a restricted leg motion. The
pain and movement limitation focused at the front upper thigh
muscles. After treating the yin qiao-ren mai with ion pumping
cords, and using moxa on the handle of the needle at BL-25 and at
BL-52, the thigh was a little looser, but still uncomfortable.
Palpation revealed strong pressure pain and tension with a pos-
itive 0-ring response lateral to LR-10. Tiny moxa was applied
three times to this point as the patient exhaled while stretching the
liver channel by extending her foot downward and slightly later-
al. This relieved the pressure pain and discomfort, but some resid-
ual tension remained.
Repalpation revealed less severe reactions on a point located
slightly medial and distal to ST-31. Moxa was then applied to this
point, while the patient exhaled and stretched the stomach chan-
nel by extending the foot straight down. The patient then report-
ed an 85-90% improvement in the level of discomfort and range of
motion.
Application of this principle to relieve tension and tightness is very simple.
For instance, treatment of occipital tension by applying moxa to GB-20, or a point
close to it, while tilting the head to the side is usually very effective. Palpate to find
the correct point; if necessary, confirm the applicability of the point with the 0-ring
test. When using this procedure on the shoulder and upper arm, the fire needle is
often most efficient, as several points can be treated very quickly, when required.
With the fire needle, care must be taken not to insert too deeply or too slowly.
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 213

MOXA TREATMENTS FROM BUNSHI SHIRODA'S SHINKYU CHIRYO KISOGAKU

The following is an extensive list of treatments from the work of Bunshi
Shiroda and Takeshi Sawada. Often, symptoms that have not responded to other
therapies can be alleviated with one of these prescriptions.
These treatments should always be accompanied by or preceded by the appli-
cation of moxa to GV-12, LI-11, and ST-36, as a general whole body treatment. If
these points are mentioned in the treatment formulary for that specific disease,
then that point will be especially effective for that condition. Points in bold print
are especially effective for the given condition. All points are treated with moxa
unless otherwise specified.

Shiroda/Sawada Moxa Therapy for Symptomatic Conditions

Hilar tuberculosis GV-12, BL-12, BL-11, BL-17, GV-10, GV-9, LU-6, CV-12.
Infiltration in the apex The same points as hilar tuberculosis. Occasionally one
of the lungs needs to add BL-13, BL-15, or LU-5.
Pulmonary tuberculosis The same points as infiltration in the apex of the lungs,
occasionally adding LU-1 if the temperature is over
37.5 o C. Also moxa LI-11, LU-5, GV-12, BL-11.
Treatment depends on the condition of the patient. It is
perhaps better to start with fewer points at first and
increase the number as the patient becomes stronger.
Hemoptysis PC-4, LI-11, TB-8.
Pleuritis PC-4, BL-12, GV-9, BL-17, BL-18, GB-21, GB-36,
above LR-14, CV-12.
Bronchitis LU-1, LU-5, GV-12, BL-12, BL-11, GV-10, BL-17, KI-3
CV-12, CV-14.
Throat infection LU-5, KI-27, BL-12, BL-11, TB-17, (needle ST-9).
Pneumonia SI-3, BL-12, GV-12, BL-11, LU-5, GV-14.
Common cold BL-12, GV-12, LU-5.
Pertussis GV-12, BL-12.
Asthma CV-12, CV-14, KI-27, GV-12, BL-12, BL-11, GV-10,
BL-17, BL-20, LU-5, KI-3. (Needle ST-9. Insert the
needle gently until it touches the wall of the caro~d
artery and you can see the needle vibrate.)
Palpitations PC-4, CV-12, left KI-25, CV-14, BL-11, GV-12, BL-14,
BL-17, BL-10, HT-7, GB-17.
Angina HT-7, SI-11, PC-4, CV-14, CV-17, GV-12, BL-15, GV-10.
Irregular pulse CV-12, KI-23, GV-12, BL-14, BL-23, BL-20, BL-18, GV-12,
BL-15, GV-20, PC-4, HT-7.
Heart valve disease PC-4, CV-14, CV-12, BL-17, BL-15, GV-10, GV-12, BL-12,
SI-11, HT-7.
Hypertension GV-20, GV-12, TB-15, GV-10, Sawada's LI-4*, CV-12,
CV-9, BL-18, BL-15, BL-32, Ll-11, GB-34.
*Sawada's LI-4 is located at the juncture of the first and second metacarpal bones, proximal
to LI-4, where one can feel a small pulse.
214 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Shiroda/Sawada Moxa Therapy for Symptomatic Conditions (continued)

Stomatitis CV-12, BL-20, BL-21, BL-12, LI-15, LI-11, ST-36, and
needling around the mouth.
Toothache LI-7, BL-14, TB-17, (ST-7, LI-19, ST-5 and insert needles
to the mental foramen).
Pharyngitis CV-12, BL-12, BL-11, TB-17, LU-5, KI-27, needle ST-9.
Parotitis TB-17, LI-10, LU-5.
Esophageal spasms CV-12, CV-14, BL-17, GV-9, BL-15, GV-12, BL-12, CV-17.
Acute gastroenteritis Uranaitei, CV-12, CV-9, CV-6, ST-21, ST-34, ST-27,
BL-21, BL-20, BL-50, BL-33, ST-37, ST-36.
Chronic gastroenteritis CV-12, ST-21, CV-9, CV-6, ST-27, BL-20, BL-21, BL-50,
BL-17, BL-32.
Gastric spasms ST-34, CV-12, CV-14, ST-21, BL-20, BL-50, LR-13, BL-17,
BL-12, ST-36, uranaitei.
Stomach ulcer GB-34, ST-34, BL-20, BL-18, BL-21, BL-50, BL-17,
above BL-53, above ST-19.
Stomach hyperacidity BL-17, GV-9, CV-12, CV-14, above ST-19, BL-50, GB-34,
LR-4, (do not moxa ST-36).
Stomach atony CV-12, CV-13, BL-15, GV-9, BL-21, BL-20, BL-10, GV-20.
Gastroptosis Same points as stomach atony, and add CV-9, ST-24,
CV-6, KI-16, BL-23.
Duodenal ulcer Same points as stomach ulcer and add right BL-50,
BL-51, BL-53.
Appendicitis CV-6, ST-34, BL-23, BL-25, CV-12, BL-18, LR-8.
Intestinal hernia pain Same points as gastric spasms and add ST-27, CV-6,
CV-7, BL-25, BL-32.
Intussusception GV-4, hua to of BL-23, CV-12, ST-27, TB-4, CV-6.
Diarrhea ST-34, BL-60, BL-33.
Diarrhea with
intestinal gurgling BL-60.
Constipation HT-7, left SP-14, BL-25.
Hemorrhoids LU-6, GV-20, BL-32, BL-33, GV-3, GV-2.
Gallstone Above LR-14, ST-21, CV-12, BL-19, BL-20, right BL-50,
GB-34, slightly lateral to ST-34, GB-41, GV-9, BL-17,
right SI-11.
Liver problems LR-14, above ST-19, CV-12, BL-18, SI-11, LR-4.
Jaundice Same points as liver problems.
Peritonitis LR-13, CV-12, CV-9, KI-16, ST-27, CV-3, BL-23, GV-4,
BL-25, LR-8. BL-20, BL-22, BL-18, BL-17, GV-10. If acute
peritonitis treat only LR-13, CV-12, CV-9.
Nephritis CV-9, CV-7, Kl-16, CV-12, CV-3, BL-23, GV-4, BL-22,
GB-25, BL-20, CV-9, SP-6, KI-3, KI-1, GV-20.
Renal tuberculosis Same points as nephritis. If accompanied by bladder
tuberculosis, treat CV-3, BL-32, BL-33, LR-8 as well.
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 215

Shiroda/Sawada Moxa Therapy for Symptomatic Conditions (continued)

Pyelitis BL-23, BL-22, ST-24, slightly lateral to ST-34, Kl-16.
Renal atrophy Same points as nephritis.
Cystitis CV-9, CV-3, Kl-12, LR-8, BL-23, BL-32, BL-33, BL-59.
Gonorrhea CV-6, ST-27, CV-3, CV-2, LR-8, BL-23, BL-52, BL-32,
BL-33, GB-34, SP-6.
Urethritis Same points as gonorrhea.
Impotence CV-12, CV-6, ST-27, CV-3, KI-12, BL-23, GB-25, BL-32
BL-18, LR-4.
Enuresis CV-9, CV-6, CV-3, BL-32, GV-3, BL-23, LR-4.
Tilted uterus TB-4, CV-12, CV-6, BL-23, BL-20, BL-31, BL-32.
Endometritis CV-12, CV-6, ST-27, CV-3, BL-23, BL-20, BL-18, BL-31,
BL-32, SP-6, GB-34.
Inflammation of tissues
& organs around uterus Same points as endometritis.
Irregular menses Same points as endometritis and add BL-27.
Difficult menses Same points as endometritis; do not treat BL-31 but
particularly add BL-25.
Sterility Same points as irregular menses.
Morning sickness CV-12, TB-4, BL-17.
Uterine bleeding BL-27, GB-34.
Difficult labor BL-67.
Breast pain SI-11, CV-17.
Insufficient lactation Same points as breast pain, and add BL-20, BL-21,
CV-12, TB-4.
Vomiting milk (infants) GV-12.
Diarrhea in nursing child GV-12, CV-7.
Fretful child GV-12, GV-4.
Childhood pertussis GV-12, GV-14, BL-12.
Childhood polio GV-12, BL-18, GV-3, GB-34.
Astigmatism GB-20, Sawada's LI-4.
Trachoma TB-22, BL-20, BL-21, LI-11, ST-36.
Scleritis TB-22, BL-12, GV-12, BL-42, LI-11, BL-18 ST-36,
Sawada's LI-4.
Conjunctivitis LI-11, TB-22, BL-15, BL-18, GB-34, ST-36.
Inflammation of the
canthi of the eyes Ll-11, GV-12, BL-12, BL-20.
Keratitis Same points as trachoma and add BL-13, BL-25, GB-16.
Iritis Same points as scleritis and add GB-5 and GB-3.
Hemorrhaging in the
capillary bed at the back Treat the point one division above BL-10, which is
of the eye especially helpful, and LI-4.
216 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Shiroda/Sawada Moxa Therapy for Symptomatic Conditions (continued)

Retinitis Same points as the last.
Rhinitis LI-20, GV-12, BL-12, GB-20, Ll-11, LI-10, LI-4.
Hypertrophic rhinitis GV-12, BL-12, BL-11, BL-10, GV-22, Ll-10, ST-36, LI-20.
Sinusitis Same points as hypertrophic rhinitis, occasionally add
BL-15, GV-16, HT-3, CV-12, CV-13.
Otitis media Sl-19, TB-17, GB-12, HT-3, Kl-3, BL-23, BL-11, BL-12.
Anosmia BL-12, GV-22, needle to Ll-20.
Tinnitus HT-3, TB-17, GB-2, SI-19, ST-24.
Throat infection LU-5, Kl-27, BL-12, BL-11, TB-17.
Tonsillitis LU-5, BL-11, GV-14, BL-12, LU-6, LU-7, Kl-3.
Beri-beri ST-36, GB-34, GB-41, SP-6, slightly lateral to ST-34,
GB-31, Kl-3, Kl-9, eyes of knee, PC-4, plus whole body
treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis BL-27, BL-32, BL-33, CV-14, CV-12, CV-6, BL-15, TB-15,
SI-10, BL-20, BL-25, TB-4, HT-7, PC-4, ST-36,GB-34, KI-3,
LR-8; also treat points around the swollen joints and
needle ST-9 gently and slowly until it touches the
carotid artery and one can see the needle vibrate.
Arthritis Same points as rheumatoid arthritis.
Diabetes TB-4, CV-12, left ST-21, Kl-16, CV-6, BL-20, BL-22,
BL-23, GV-12, GV-20, ST-36.
Hyperthyroidism GV-12, BL-12, BL-11, KI-27, CV-22, LI-10, BL-23, BL-18.
Stroke GV-20, BL-10, GV-16, BL-12, GV-12, BL-15, TB-15 SI-10,
BL-18, BL-23, BL-32, CV-12, TB-4, LI-10, ST-36, GB-34.
Select from these points according to the condition.
Inflammation of the
spinal cord GV-12, BL-11, BL-18, GV-8, BL-23, GV-3, BL-32, CV-3.
Neurosis GV-20, left GB-17, BL-10, GV-12, BL-15, BL-18, BL-23,
Ll-10, HT-7, ST-36, GB-34, CV-12, CV-14, BL-17
Psychosis Same points as neurosis.
Epilepsy BL-18, GV-8, GV-12, left GB-17, GB-34, GV-16.
Migraine GB-17, GV-20, BL-10, GV-12, LI-10, TB-9.
Sciatica BL-32, GB-30, BL-37, GB-34, ST-36, three divisions above
BL-37 and at the lateral edge of the muscle, BL-59,
BL-60, Kl-3, slightly lateral to ST-34, BL-23, BL-25, BL-20,
BL-18, HT-3, CV-3.
Neuralgia of the
inguinal joint region LR-8, SP-10, slightly lateral to ST-34, BL-20, BL-22,
BL-23, GB-30.
Neuralgia in the BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, BL-25, above BL-53, BL-27, BL-32,
lumbar region GB-31, lateral to BL-37, BL-17, ST-36, GB-34, KI-3.
Intercostal neuralgia CV-17, CV-14, CV-12, LR-14, LR-13, BL-18, BL-19, GV-9,
BL-17, BL-15, GV-12, HT-3, PC-4, GB-34, GB-41.
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 217

Shiroda/Sawada Moxa Therapy for Symptomatic Conditions (continued)

Neuralgia of upper arm GV-12, TB-15, SI-10, LI-15, SI-11, BL-15, LI-11, LU-6,
PC-4, TB-4, HT-7, CV-14, LU-1, BL-27.
Chronic painful shoulder
with difficulty moving Same points as neuralgia of the upper arm.
Neuralgia of the arm
associated with the
radial nerve Ll-15, LI-11, Ll-10, TB-9.
Neuralgia of the arm
associated with the
median nerve PC-4 and PC-7 or PC-6.
Numbness of the arm
along the ulnar nerve HT-3, HT-7, HT-4.
Trigeminal neuralgia TB-22, GB-12, BL-10, BL-11, GV-12, BL-18, Ll-10, TB-9,
ST-7, ST-5, Ll-20, Sl-18.
Bell's palsy or BL-18, GV-8, BL-10, GV-12, Ll-10, GB-34, TB-17, GB-2,
facial spasm needle appropriate facial points.
Occipital pain GV-12, BL-12, BL-10, GV-16, GV-20, LI-10.
Open ulcers LI-10, LI-4, SI-6.
Scrofula LI-10, LI-11, HT-3, BL-12, GV-12, BL-15, GB-21, ST-36,
LU-7, LU-6.
Allergic skin problems BL-12, GV-12, LI-15, LI-11, Ll-10.
Eczema Same points as allergic skin problems.
Sweat rash Same points as allergic skin problems.

HINAISHIN- INTRADERMAL NEEDLE THERAPY

Intradermals can be used on most parts of the body. When intradermals are
placed at the correct point, they can give immediate relief and the effects continue
at least as long as the needle is retained. Often they may remain in place until the
next visit, usually within one week. They are of great utility when applied locally,
and are also effective when applied to the hand points described by the Korean
acupuncturist, Tae Woo Yoo, or when applied to auricle points, both those of the
French doctor, Paul Nogier, and those used in mainland China. 4
Intradermals produced in Japan come in a variety of materials, sizes, and
lengths. They are thin, fine needles with body lengths from 3-6 mm, and are avail-
able in stainless steel, silver, or gold. Generally the stainless steel needles are
appropriate for treatment.
Insertion of an intradermal needle is accomplished obliquely, such that it pen-
etrates the skin to the dermal layer, or superficial fascia, but not to the deep fascia
or muscle layers. The intradermal is inserted with tweezers to about half or less the
length of the needle body; it should sit comfortably and shallowly. Placement
should also conform to the body's natural creases. For example, if using an intra-
dermal at PC-7, it should be inserted with its point towards the radius or ulna, not
towards the hand or forearm. Also, since the needle is left taped in place for up to
a week, for safety purposes, placement should avoid muscle tissue, so the needle
will remain immobile even as the patient moves. A longer 6 mm intradermal nee-
dle may be placed in an area of less movement: for example, most portions of the
218 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

back. On areas that move more, for example, around the neck or joints, a shorter 3
mm needle is preferable.
Each tiny needle is taped with two pieces of tape, one under the head of the
needle, one over the entire area where the needle is inserted:

,.-----
-1 I ._I ____....I
--i--...__,:

Figure 11-24: Inserting and taping a hinaishin needle

Figure 11.25: Placement of hinaishin needles

When using intradermals in the auricles or on the hands, the shorter 3 mm
needles should be used. The auricles and hands move too much to use the 6 mrn
intradermals. If the intradermal works loose and begins jabbing the patient, it
should be removed. Patients should be instructed how to remove these needles
themselves as a precaution against a loose needle. Sometimes this needle jabbing
is a negative bias; thus, it is better to remove the needle. If a needle in the auricle
gives a slight achy sensation (like a de qi or hibiki), generally this is acceptable; the
needle can be left in place. On the body or the hands, any intradermal needle that
causes discomfort should be removed. To remove intradermals, pull the tape from
point to head. Patients should be so instructed if they are to remove the needles
themselves.
There are many possibilities for use of intradermals on the body. The follow-
ing are typical examples of their use:
For patients with bursitis, palpate along the small intestine channel on the
upper arm and scapular region. If the channel feels puffy, or the skin feels thick,
then palpate both BL-27. If these points are reactive, place intradermals at both
points. Often this is sufficient to relieve the pain and restricted motion.
In a patient with typical liver problems, if after the step three exercise (proce-
dure C) when you recheck the range of motion and the heel still will not touch the
buttocks, palpate one inch below the center of the popliteal crease on the same side
as the tight leg. If you find a sore point, place an intradermal there. Also place an
intradermal at the " leg and loin" point (Chinese system, on the dorsal surface of
the hand). This point is really two points which are located one and one half cun
distal to the wrist crease on the radial side of the second extensor digitorum manus
tendon and at the ulnar side of the fourth tendon. Palpate these points and place
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 219

an intradermal at the more tender of the two. This combination should reduce the
muscular tension and the heels should now be able to touch the buttocks. As well
as being good for further third step treatment, this will often relieve back pain
when the indications for this treatment are present.
In patients with lower back pain, if there is tenderness between lumbar five
and sacral one, at the point called josen, place an intradermal there. This is often
effective. For treatment of acute myopia, palpate GB-14 and yu yao (at the eye-
brow), compare the reactions, and place an intradermal at the most reactive
point(s). It is also good to insert intradermals at BL-32; this combination will often
help. Itaya recommends using intradermals in the auricles for patients who have
had a stroke or are depressive. In particular, she likes to leave an intradermal in
the right auricle at shen men and one in the left auricle at the "brain" point (see
below.) She likes to use this brain point for various cognitive disorders, but she
rarely leaves intradermals in both auricles at this point.
When treating the points described in the last chapter with channel stretching
and stimulation, another possibility is to place an intradermal at the reactive point,
rather than use the fire needle or moxa.
Intradermals can be used for simple isophasal combinations. For example,
shoulder pain usually responds well to the placement of intradermal needles.
Insert an intradermal needle at the most reactive point on the most affected chan-
nel on the shoulder. One point in the shoulder zone of the auricle (same side) and
one point in the shoulder zone of the hand (same side) completes a three-part
isophasal combination. For low back pain, placement of intradermals in the lower
back, auricle zone, and hand zone has also proven very effective.
The preceding are a few examples showing the use of intradermals on body
points. An even simpler method of selecting points is to place intradermals at the
most reactive points in the affected area. Working with the pressure pain and ten-
sion in muscle groups, along the channels, at trigger points, etc., can be useful for
relief of pain. Sometimes this is necessary and helpful, but the most remarkable
results are usually seen when using intradermal needles on auricular points and
the hand points of Tae Woo Yoo.

INTRADERMAL NEEDLES FOR AURICULAR POINTS

It is interesting that Nogier and the Chinese have different maps of the body
as reflected in the ear. After Dr. N ogier made the original discovery, Chinese
researchers examined these correlations and proposed a map of their own. Both
describe an inverted fetus, with the ear lobe as the head and face, the upper and
lower limbs reflecting in the upper portions of the auricle, and the spine along the
antihelix. However, the details of how the internal organs reflect in the auricle are
different. This seems contradictory, but both systems make substantial claims of
effect.
For our purposes, the simplest method of using these two systems is to ignore
the theoretical contradiction and simply test the area corresponding to a condition
for reaction. Begin with the map you prefer; if no reaction is evident, check the cor-
responding area of the other map. Usually, one of the maps will show reactions
that correspond to the patient's problem. (In our clinic, most of the time we use the
Chinese map.)
Use a blunt probe to find the exact point to be treated. Since points usually
show some electrical variance if they need treating, it is particularly helpful to use
an electrodermal device to find points with lowered electrical resistance. The
 220 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

device should have a small point probe to test small areas. We have found the
"HIBIKI-7"' useful; however, there are many other suitable devices. If the point is
both sore and more electrically conductive, this is usually the point to be treated.
For example, in a patient with an upper limb problem, first palpate along the
scaphoid fossa. If no significant reaction is found, then palpate the Nogier point on
the crus of the helix. Often the Chinese mapping is sufficient, but some of the
Nogier points are more useful. For example, the Nogier allergy point, #24 is very
effective for conditions such as allergic rhinitis.

Figure 11.26: The Chinese auricular map

 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 221

Map One - The Chinese Mapping

1 = tooth extraction anesthesia 2 = upper jaw 3 =lower jaw
4 =tongue 5 =upper chin 6 = lower chin
7 = tooth extraction anesthesia 8 = eye 9 =inner ear
10 =tonsils 11 =cheek 12 = apex of tragus
13 =adrenal 14 =external nose 15 =throat
16 =internal nose 17 =thirst point 18 = hunger point
19 =high blood pressure 20 =outer ear 21 =heart organ
22 = internal secretion 23 = ovary 24 = eye 1 and 2
25 = brain stem 26 = toothache 27 =throat and teeth
28 = brain point (pituitary) 29 = occiput 30 = parotid gland
31 = stop wheezing point 32 = testicles 33 = forehead
34 = subcortex 35 = tai yang 36 =vertex
37 = cervical vertebrae 38 = sacral vertebrae 39 = thoracic vertebrae
40 = lumbar vertebrae 41 = neck 42 =chest
43 = abdomen 44 = breast 45 =thyroid
46 = foot 47 = heel 48 =ankle
49 = knee joint 50 = sacroiliac joint 51 = sympathetic
52 = sciatic nerve 53 = kidney 54 = lumbar pain point
55= shen men 56= pelvic cavity 57 = hip joint
58 = uterus 59 = high blood pressure 60 = asthma point
61 = hepatitis point 62 = finger 63 = clavicle
64 = shoulder joint 65 = shoulder 66 =elbow
67 = arm 68 = appendix 1 69 =appendix 2
70 = appendix 3 71 = urticaria point 72=helixl-4
73 =tonsil 1 74 =tonsil 2 75 = tonsil3
76 = liver yang point 77 = liver yang point 78 = auricular apex
79 = external genitalia 80 = urethra 81 =rectum
82 =diaphragm 83 =point zero 84 =mouth
85 = esophagus 86 = stomach cardiac orifice 87 =stomach
88 = duodenum 89 =small intestine 90 = appendix 4
91 =large intestine 92 =bladder 93 = prostate gland
94 = ureter 95 = kidney 96 =pancreas (left)
gallbladder (right)
97 = liver 98 = spleen 99 =ascites
100 = heart 101 = lung 102 = bronchii
103 = trachea 104 = san jiao 105 = lower blood
pressure groove
106 = upper back 107 = low back 108 = mid back
109 = low abdomen 110 = upper abdomen
222 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Map two- Nogier's Mapping

Numeral order Alphabetical order
1 eye aggressiveness 17
2 olfactive allergy 24
3 maxillary auditory 5
4 lung biliary 11
5 auditory cerebral point 27
6 stomach darwin 25
7 throat eye 1
8 gonads genital 29
9 pancreas-spleen gonads 8
10 heart heart 10
11 biliary kidney 15
12 rectal knee 14
13 sciatic lower limb 22
14 knee lung 4
15 kidney maxillary 3
16 trigeminal medullary 30
17 aggressiveness occipital point 28
18 tragus olfactive 2
19 skin pancreas-spleen 9
20 shoulder rectal 1
21 zero sciatic 13
22 lower limb shoulder 2
23 upper limb skin 19
24 allergy stomach 6
25 darwin synthesis 26
26 synthesis throat 7
27 cerebral point tragus 18
28 occipital point trigeminal 16
29 genital upper limb 23
30 medullary zero 21
If many points are tender you may have difficulty distinguishing which to use
because many are also electrically conductive. However, there is a simple method
of discrimination. Increase the output of your electrodermal device by increasing
the power output or by reversing the positive and negative output plugs. Either of
these actions increase the current sufficiently to stimulate the point probed. Check
the effectiveness of the point. If the area of pain, restricted motion, etc, improves
with stimulation, you have found the point to treat. This technique is sometimes
enough to treat the patient; at the least, it is helpful for discriminating between
many reactive points. Select the most reactive points for intradermal placement.S
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 223

Normally one looks for reactive points on the anterior surface of the auricles,
but sometimes the corresponding area is not reactive. My experience, coupled with
the results of experiments described in chapter three, suggests that treating a cor-
responding point on the posterior surface of the auricle can be effective if there is
no reaction in the point on the anterior surface. Thus if there is no clear reaction on
the anterior surface, palpate the exact opposite point on the posterior surface.
When selecting auricle points, limit yourself to as few points as possible. (For
example, refer to the three-point isophasal combination for shoulder pain
described in chapter nine.) If you select good points, an isophasal combination is
usually sufficient. You can also leave intradermal needles at corresponding organ
points to reinforce the root treatment; for example at the liver point in a cross-syn-
drome pattern, or at the lung or kidney point in a yin qiao mai-ren mai pattern.

Figure 11.27: Nogier auricular mapping

INTRADERMAL NEEDLES USING HAND ACUPUNCTURE FROM KOREA

Tae Woo Yoo's discovery that the hands are microsystems reflecting the whole
body is, in some ways, a more remarkable insight than the auricular system. He has
devised complex treatment strategies that work for constitutional, five phase, extraor-
dinary vessel, and local problems.6 Not only does this system, koryo sooji chim, show
correspondence between body areas and hand and finger areas, it also maps all the
channels and their major acupoints, including five phase, source, luo, master-coupled,
front-mu and back-shu points. Here we describe only the correspondence of body areas
to hand parts and the general systems of channel pathways on the fingers and hands.
Both hands reflect the whole body. The palmar surfaces reflect the ventral sur-
faces of the body, the dorsal surfaces reflect the dorsal surface of the body. When
viewing the dorsal surface of the left hand, the left side, including the little, ring, and
left half of the middle finger, reflects the left side of the body; the right side of the
hand reflects the right side of the body. When viewing the dorsal surface of the right
hand, the converse is true. The little finger, ring finger, and right half of the middle
finger reflect the right side of the body, the left side of the hand reflects the left side
of the body. On both hands the middle fingers reflect the face, back of the head,
front and back portions of the neck and chest, and upper back. The second and
fourth fingers reflect the arms, the thumbs and little fingers reflect the legs. The major
joints of the body, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists are also reflected.
224 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

ARM

LEG

LEFT SIDE RIGHT SIDE

OF THE BODY OF THE BODY

Figure 11.28a: Hand/point correspondences, dorsal surface

BACKSIDE
OF THE BODY

BACK

DUMAI

Figure 11.28b: Hand/ anatomy correspondences, dorsal surface

Figure 11.28c: Hand/point correspondences, palmar surface

 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 225

FRONT SIDE
OF THE BODY

Figure 11.28b: Hand/ anatomy correspondences, palmar surface

The channel trajectories can be seen roughly as follows:

~------------------------~

Figure 11.29a: Kidney and triple burner Figure 11.29b: Small intestine and bladder
channel trajectory on the hands channel trajectory on the hands

Figure 11.29c: Large Intestine and gall- Figure 11.29d: Heart and spleen
bladder channel trajectory on the hands channel trajectory on the hands
226 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Figure 11.29e: Pericardium and liver Figure 11.29f: Lung and stomach
channel trajectory on the hands channel trajectory on the hands

When working with patients who have pain or problems in the following
areas, look for reactive points on the corresponding hand area - neck, upper back,
low back, shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, chest.

Figure 11.30 a & b: Reactive areas on dorsal aspect of hand

EYE PROBLEMS

Figure 11.30 c & d: Reactive areas on palmar aspect of hand

 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 227

The best method of locating the correct point to treat is to use a small, blunt
probe, ideally an electrodermal probe. On the hand, the points are very tiny and
specific; finding the exact point is vitally important. As described above, you can
test the applicability of the point by increasing the output current of the electro-
dermal device or by reversing the positive and negative outputs to give a small
stimulation to the point. If this decreases the patient's pain and/ or produces an
increased range of motion, it is the correct point to treat.
It is better to use fewer points. First, palpate the relevant area with the pad of
your finger. After finding a reactive point, use the electrodermal probe or small
blunt probe to find the exact point. If the problem is with the left shoulder, start
looking on the left hand. If treating this point is not enough, then check the same
area on the right hand. Similarly, for a problem of the right knee, check the right
knee area on the right hand. If treatment there is not sufficient, check and treat the
right knee reflex area on the left hand.
Selection of points for placement of intradermals on the hands and auricles is
relatively simple. One can often get good symptom relief from this alone. After
steps one through three, the effects are pronounced. In patients with severe pain
or discomfort, where symptoms must be relieved first, the hand and auricle points
are usually sufficient to permit the general treatment to begin.

OTHER USES FOR INTRADERMAL NEEDLES

In step one, treatment is designed to immediately double check effectiveness
by repalpating and retesting the reactive areas. In this final stage, when treating to
reduce symptoms, effectiveness can also be assessed. Cases of pain, decreased
range of motion, tension, or tightness can be reassessed easily. If the correct point
or combination of points is treated, an improvement of the main symptoms should
be immediately apparent, except in severe or degenerative disease conditions. It is
good to repalpate and retest the reactive areas after each intradermal is placed.
This way it is easier to determine which and how many points must be treated. On
their own, these treatments are quite effective anyway, but when applied following
steps one through three, you may be surprised how much more effective they will
be.
In less easily reassessable cases (digestive, gynecological, cardio-pulmonary,
chronic recurrent pain, etc.), where immediate feedback may not be available,
observation of the bodily signs described in chapter eight becomes most important.
In such cases, just placing intradermals at relevant auricular points is helpful.
Intradermals can also be useful for treatment of problems such as contusions,
herpes zoster, pimples, cysts, or tumors. For these conditions they are used with a
slightly different technique. When treating palpable cysts or tumors, provided
they are not malignant,7 palpate around the periphery of the cyst or tumor, and
place an intradermal at the most reactive point on the edge. The intradermal nee-
dle should be pointed towards the cyst or tumor. Heat the needle gently with a
stick of incense. Itaya comments that many ovarian or uterine cysts are discharged
during menses when one uses a combination of ion pumping (based on the abdom-
inal diagnosis), direct moxa, intradermals in the manner described above, and
Chinese herbal medicine.s
The treatment of pimples using intradermals is similar to the treatment of
cysts or tumors. Palpate around the pimple, find the most reactive point, place an
intradermal pointed towards the pimple, then heat gently with incense. If treat-
ment is successful, relief of pain and discomfort will follow, and the body's healing
mechanisms will work faster.
228 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

For the treatment of contusions, palpate around the edges of the contusion
and place intradermals at one or more reactive points. Larger and more severe con-
tusions require more needles. This should help relieve pain and discomfort and
speed the reabsorption of fluids and cells that have been released into the tissues
causing blood stasis. Contusions are a condition of local blood stasis and can lead
to more systemic problems; for example, a more general blood stasis or liver prob-
lem. It is important to help the body heal itself to prevent more systemic problems.
Thus, use of intradermals can be very important. Generally, the use of laxatives or
laxative herbal formulas is also indicated. Increasing intestinal motility helps
speed the body's microcirculatory healing mechanisms. In Germany, some medical
researchers have suggested that contusions - especially multiple contusions - can
cause liver congestion (decreased microcirculation of the liver), sometimes seen in
some forms of hepatitis. If these speculations are correct, then we can explain the
effects of the laxative as causing an increase in hepatic portal vein pressure, which
flushes out the liver.
On one occasion, a thirty-five year-old female patient came for treatment of
epigastric pain. She reported that she had been in an automobile accident only
three days before, and had suffered whiplash and severe contusions on both legs,
the thighs, and around both knees. Treatment of the yang wei mai-dai mai and yang
qiao mai-du mai was applied bilaterally for the whiplash. Moxa on the handle of the
needle was used on BL-28 and BL-20. Intradermals were placed at reactive neck
points in the auricles and on the middle fingers.
Following this treatment, the patient felt much improved, but her legs were
still painful. A laxative was prescribed to help resolve the contusions. She
returned for treatment the following week. The contusions were almost com-
pletely gone and there was very little residual pain. She reported that relief fol-
lowed use of the laxative and now only her neck was slightly stiff.
Treatment of herpes zoster with intradermals is similar to the treatment of
contusions. Intradermals should be placed around the edges of the affected area at
the most reactive points. Frequently this will relieve the pain. In one case, a patient
with weeping facial sores from herpes zoster gained significant relief from what
had been intractable pain by placing intradermals at reactive points as a symptom
control technique (step four).
Intradermal needles also can be effective for treating complications from sur-
gical or accidental scars. When treating, it is important to pay attention to such
scars. Sometimes the scar will block the channels and/ or cause secondary prob-
lems. In some cases, treatment of reactive points on or around a scar will give an
improvement where other treatments have failed. For example, we had a patient
with chronic shoulder pain and stiffness who showed immediate improvement and
relief following injection of 1 cc of novocaine into a reactive scar on her leg. Other
treatments had helped, but had not provided lasting relief. This scar was quite old,
from a surgery for an osteomyelitic condition. Cases like this are not uncommon.
Sometimes scars will give negative biases that need to be recognized and treated
appropriately. A simple method of checking is to palpate the scar. If it has tender
points along it, causes radiating pain or unusual sensations, it needs to be treated.
In addition to placement of intradermal needles along the reactive points at the
edge of the scar, many techniques can be used, such as moxa or needling on the
scar, or on reactive points along the edge of the scar if there is too much scar tissue.
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 229

AURICULAR POINT TREATMENTS

The following compilation of auricular point treatments are selected from
Chugoku no Atarashi Chiryooten (New Chinese Treatment Points), by Yoshihide
Kobayashi.9
Besides the simple auricular acupuncture treatment approaches described
earlier, these more specific and complex treatments can be used. We recommend
leaving intradermals in the relevant points. Where a number of points are indicat-
ed, choose at least the main points, or if these are too numerous, at least those
which are more sensitive to pressure and/ or more electrically active. At the least,
these treatment formulae should give some idea how to use auricular acupuncture
for specific disorders.

Figure 11.31: Basic Chinese auricular map.

230 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
acute/chronic infectious hepatitis 97, 51, 55 76, 96,95 22,51,29
pulmonary tuberculosis 101, 42, 13, 22 34, 104

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
acute I chronic gastritis 87,51,55 98,43
gastric ulcer 87, 51, 55 34,88
duodenal ulcer 88, 51,55 34,87
gastroptosis 87, 51,34 55,97
nervous gastroenteritis 87, 51, 55, 97 88
enteritis 91, 81, 51, 55 89,98
constipation 78, 12, 13 (bloodlet),
22, 97, 98, 55
dyspepsia 89, 22, 51, 98, 96 91, 104, 55
abdominal pain and diarrhea 91, 89, 51,55 81,98
abdominal distension (constipation) 91, 89, 51, 87 43, 104

PULMONARY DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
bronchitis 102,55,31,13 51,29
asthma 55, 31, 51, 13 101,29,22,60
cough 55, 31, 13 29, 101
chest pain 55 + reactive points

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
arrhythmia 100, 51, 55 34
hypertension 100,51,55,19 105
hypotension 100, 51, 29, 13

UROGENITAL DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
acute nephritis 95, 92, 51, 55, 97 13,98,22
general renal disease 95, 92, 51, 55, 99 13
urinary retention 95, 92, 51, 79 34
impotence 58, 79, 32, 22, 95
ejaculatio praecox 58, 79, 32, 22, 55
prostatitis 93,92,95,22 29
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 231

ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
hypothyroidism 45,22,28,55
hyperthyroidism 45,22,28,55 37
diabetes mellitus 98(left), 95, 55, 96 (left),
28,22

ARTHRITIC DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
periarthritis humeroscapularis 55,64,65 13,63
rheumatoid arthritis relevant pressure pain 34,55
points, 22, 29, 95, 55

NEUROLOGICAL AND PAIN DISORDERS

Disease Main Points Secondary Points
trigeminal neuralgia 11, 5, 6, 55, 29 20
Bell's palsy 11, 8, 84, 29 2, 3, 97
Meniere's disease 95, 55, 29, 9 34,87
intercostal neuralgia 42,29
sciatica 52, 55, 29, 53 13
migraine 35, 55, 95, 34
headache and vertigo 33,29,55,34
insomnia and many dreams 100, 95, 55, 29

INTERNAL DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
mastitis 44, 22, 13, 29
gallstone disease 96, 51, 55 97,88
chronic pancreatitis 96, 22, 51, 55
hernia 110, 34, 22
chronic cholecystitis 96, 97, 51, 55 22
internal/ external hemorrhoids 81,91 34,98,13
cystitis 92, 95, 51, 55 13,29
motion sickness 29,87 9,55
broken bones, sprains, contusions relevant pressure pain 13
points, 55, 34, 95

GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Disease Main Points Secondary Points
menorrhalgia 58, 22, 51, 55
menopause 58, 22, 23, 13, 95
functional uterine bleeding 58, 22, 97, 98, 95, 28 13
leukorrhea 58,23,22
232 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

OCULAR DISORDERS
Disease Main Points
acute conjunctivitis 8,97
glaucoma 8, 97, 95, (eye 1)24, (eye 2)24
myopia 8,97,95,24

AURICULAR AND NASAL DISORDERS

Disease Main Points Secondary Points
tinnitus 95, 9, 20,29
simple rhinitis 16, 13,33 101
allergic rhinitis 16, 13, 33, 22
epistaxis 16, 13,33

DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Disease Main Points
folliculitis & herpes zoster relevant pressure pain points, 101, 29, 22, 13
eczema or flat wart 101, 22, 13, 29, 91
allergic dermatitis 101, 22, 13, 29, relevant pressure pain points
urticaria 101, 55, 13, 29, 22
alopecia relevant pressure pain points, 101, 95, 22
acne 101, 22, 32, 11

SYMPTOMATIC ION-PUMPING CORD TREATMENTS

We would like to recommend a few other treatments with which we have had
good success treating certain associated problems. In patients with chronic pan-
creatitis and symptoms of recurrent or daily stomach pain, use of ion-pumping
cords with the black clip on left SP-7 and the red clip on right LU-6 has proven very
useful. These points are used because they both lie within different spleen and
pancreas Hirata zones of the arms and legs. For patients who suffer from allergic
rhinitis and who show pressure pain on LU-1 and ST-21 (lung and stomach chan-
nel reflex points), treating LU-5 and ST-44 bilaterally with ion-pumping cords
(placing black on LU-5 and red on ST-44) has proven very helpful. These two
points are water points. The lung channel is used because it controls the nose; the
stomach channel is used because of its pathway. The normal ion pumping (nip1)
or taiji, taikyoku treatment can be used for the treatment of patients who are physi-
cally and emotionally fatigued, stressed, and anxious. It is also good as a non-spe-
cific treatment for knee joint pain, generalized joint pain and neck pain. This treat-
ment utilizes eight needles and four ion-pumping cords at the arm and leg yin and
yang intersection-jiaohui points, TB-8, Manaka's arm three-yin crossing point, SP-6,
and GB-35.10 The cords are attached as follows:

bilaterally SP-6 (black) - Manaka arm three-yin crossing (red)

bilaterally TB-8 (black) - GB-35 (red)
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 233

Note that TB-8 is located halfway between the elbow and wrist creases, Manaka's
three arm yin point is located halfway between the elbow (PC-3) and wrist (PC-7)
on the pericardium channel, and GB-35 is located halfway between the lateral head
of the fibula and the external malleolus.
Use of these variations of ion-pumping cord treatments should replace the
regular ion-pumping cord step one treatments, since this is an adaptation of the use
of ion pumping for symptom control purposes only.ll We mention them here
because of their efficacy, and as a stimulus for the reader.

MODERN CHINESE POINT FORMULARIES

Symptom control treatments can be performed using regular needles on body
points. While this is not a technique that we use often, since moxa and intrader-
mals are usually sufficient after steps one through three, we will outline some
applicable principles. These treatments were developed in mainland China and
will help those who are using a T.C.M. approach to integrate general treatment into
their practice.
We have focused on the use of minimal numbers of acupoints with light stim-
ulation for completion of steps one through three. These steps are supplemented
with auricle, hand, and body points for symptom control. Except for moxa on the
handle of the needle, we have used only shallow needling. This emphasizes one of
the themes of this text, that better clinical results can be obtained with minimum
stimulae. However, the treatment ideas that follow were developed in mainland
China to target the various problems listed. These Chinese treatments are used
with different needle and moxa techniques. The needles used are thicker (gauges
28- 32), inserted more deeply, and a strong hibiki (deqi) is typically obtained. While
it is possible that these points may respond adequately to lighter techniques, we
have not studied this sufficiently to make such a statement.
Practitioners of modern Chinese acupuncture (T.C.M.) can take advantage of
the general treatment system by incorporating their treatment logic into the selec-
tion of points for step four, in particular, those points that address both global and
local symptom control targets.
In this stage, treatments with which you are comfortable and certain can be
easily incorporated. The following table lists local and distal points that have
proven clinically effective for targeting the corresponding body areas or organs.12

Problem area Local points Distal points

head-frontal yin tang LI-4, ST-44
head-temporal taiyang TB-3, GB-41
head-occipital GB-20, BL-10 BL-65, SI-3
head-vertex GV-20 LR-3
eye BL-1, ST-1, GB-20 LI-4
nose yintang, LI-20 Ll-4
mouth & teeth ST-4, ST-6, ST-7 LI-4
ear TB-17, Sl-19, GB-2 TB-3, TB-5
tongue CV-23 LI-4
throat SI-17 Ll-4
bronchi CV-22 LU-7
234 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Problem area Local points Distal points

lungs BL-13, CV-17, CV-22 LU-7, LU-5
heart BL-14, BL-15, CV-17 PC-6, HT-7, PC-5, PC-4
stomach BL-20, CV-12 PC-6, ST-36
liver BL-18 LR-3
gallbladder BL-19 GB-34, gallbladder point*
intestines BL-25, BL-27, CV-4, ST-25 ST-36, ST-37
kidneys BL-23, BL-52 KI-3
bladder BL-32, CV-3 SP-6
reproductive CV-3, CV-4, uterus point** SP-6
organs
anus GV-1, BL-54 BL-57
upper limbs LI-4, LI-11, LI-15 spine C5- T1
lower limbs BL-40, GB-30, GB-34, GB-39 spine L3- 51

* The gallbladder point is one cun below GB-34.

** The uterus point is three cun lateral to CV-3.

When required, point selection can be based on pressure pain responses. In

the next table we list median line intersection-jiaohui points, or typically used
points in the head region, for each of the twelve channels. We also list the three yin-
three yang channel relationship for each channel. Following the table is an exam-
ple of how to use these points.13
Channel Midline Points Head Area Three Yin-Three Yang
LU CV-13, CV-12, CV-9 LI, SP
LI GV-26, GV-14, LI-19, LI-20, ST-3, ST, LU
ST-4, GB-14,
ST CV-13, CV-12, CV-24, CV-24, GV-26, GV-24, SP, LI
GV-20, GV-28, GV-26, ST-8, GB-3, ST-7, BL-1,
GV-24 ST-1, ST-3, ST-4, ST-6
SP CV-17, CV-12, CV-10, opens into root of tongue ST, LU
CV-4, CV-3
HT CV-17, CV-10 SI, KI
SI CV-17, CV-13, CV-12, BL-1, GB-1, SI-19, HT, BL
CV-10, GV-14 SI-18
BL GV-20, GV-24, GV-17, BL-1, BL-2, GV-24, BL-4, Kl, SI
GV-16, GV-14, GV-13 BL-5, BL-6, BL-7, GV-20,
BL-8, BL-9, BL-10, GB-20,
GB-8, GB-10, GB-11,
GV-17, GV-16

KI CV-4, CV-3, CV-1, opens into throat BL,HT

CV-17, CV-23, GV-14,
CV-12
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 235

Channel Midline Points Head Area Three Yin-Three Yang

PC CV-17, CV-13, CV-12 TB, LR
CV-7
TB CV-17, CV-12, CV-7, CV-22, TB-16, TB-17, TB-18, PC,GB
GV-14 TB-19, TB-20, GB-6, GB-4,
GB-14, BL-1, SI-18, TB-21,
LI-19, GB-1, TB-23
GB GV-14, GV-1 GB-20, TB-16, GB-19, GB-18, LR,TB
GB-17, GB-16, GB-15, BL-1,
GB-14, BL-4, GB-13, TB-20,
GB-12, GB-11, GB-10, GB-9,
GB-8, GB-7
LR GV-20, CV-12, CV-4, GV-20 GB,PC
CV-3, CV-2

Use of these relationships is straightforward. For example, if you have a

patient with a toothache you diagnose as associated with the large intestine chan-
nel, select points in the following sequence until you obtain the desired therapeu-
tic effect:
1. First treat the major point for toothache, Ll-4.
2. If the effect is insufficient, try LI-11, the second point, or the luo
point of related channels, lung (LU-7) or stomach (ST-40).
3. If the effect is still not enough, try a medial intersection-jiaohui
point (such as GV-26, GV-14), or one of the facial points (LI-19, LI-
20, ST-3, ST-4, GB-14), or the large intestine auricle point.

Selection of points can also be made according to the pressure pain responses
of the points.
Problems of the back, especially the lumbar region, shoulders, and neck, are
very common. Based on our clinical experience, the following common local points
can be used effectively to treat these problems.l4

Points used for lumbar pain:

GV-2, GV-3, GV-4, GV-5, GV-12, GV-20,
CV-12, CV-9, CV-6,
BL-18, BL-20, BL-22, BL-23, BL-25, BL-27,
BL-43, BL-51, BL-52, BL-53, GB-25

Select from among these points. Frequently you will find pressure pain on
BL-43, BL-51, BL-53, and KI-16. These acupoints all have the huang character in
their name; if several of these points evidence pressure pain, it is useful to treat
these, especially in cases of lumbar pain associated with the bladder channel. In
cases where the gallbladder channel is involved, as well as palpating GB-25, pal-
pate GB-20, GB-21; if these are sore, treat them. In cases of acute lumbar pain, pal-
pate LR-4, ST-41, and GB-40 at the level of the malleoli; treat the most painful of
these points. These points at the level of the malleoli all lie in the liver Hirata zone.
Often in acute lumbar pain conditions, the liver channel is involved.
236 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Points mostly used for shoulder problems

BL-10, GB-21, SI-14, BL-43
Points mostly used for whiplash
GB-12, GB-20, GV-16, GV-20, GV-14
Points used for scapulo-humeral periarthritis
BL-10, GB-20, BL-43, LI-15, LU-2
In these cases palpate and treat reactive points.
It is important to relieve tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and
back. For any problem of the upper limbs, it is important to relieve the neck and
shoulders; likewise, any problem of the lower limbs requires relief of the tension,
tightness of the hips, inguinal region, and lower back. For any problem of the face,
head, eyes, ears, throat, nose, or mouth, it is important to relieve reactions in the
neck and shoulder regions. Use of the points listed above, or the techniques
described in this and the preceding chapter, are very useful for this purpose.
The list of treatments that follows are taken from a modem Chinese acupunc-
ture text recently translated into Japanese, the Shinkyu Rinsho no Riron to Ji Sai
(Theory and Practice of Acupuncture and Moxibustion)15
As we mentioned above, these formularies use ideas and treatment tech-
niques that are different from those described elsewhere in this text. If you select
one of these treatments for symptom control, you should use techniques appropri-
ate to these formulae, such as those described in many modem texts in English.l6
Also, some diagnostic terms and descriptions used here are different from
those elsewhere in this text. You can find such descriptions and their confirming
patterns in the same modem texts. Generally, if you have understood the treatment
procedures already covered in this text, and applied them well, the treatments in
the following list will be unnecessary. However, if you have not understood them
well or have not been able to obtain sufficient effect, these treatments might prove
useful.

Symptom Relief Points from the Tianjin Chinese Medical College Text
Cough LU-7, LU-10, LU-9. If a lot of phlegm, ST-40;
with cold/heat GV-14, LI-11
Asthma ding chuan, LU-5, CV-22, CV-17. If a lot of
phlegm, ST-40; from vacuity, CV-4, CV-6;
from heat/cold, GV-14, LI-11
Stomach pain CV-12, ST-36; if liver and stomach are not
harmonious, LR-3, PC-6, SP-4
Lumbar pain local pressure pain points, BL-40; from kidney
vacuity, GV-4, BL-23, BL-52; from cold wind,
GV-4, BL-23, GV-3, BL-25, BL-40
Diarrhea CV-12, ST-25, ST-36, LI-11; from cold, salt moxa
on CV-8; with undigested food, BL-20, BL-21,
BL-25; 5 am diarrhea, moxa GV-4, CV-4
Constipation ST-40, left ST-28, left ST-29
Anuria GV-26, CV-3, CV-4, SP-6, TB-5
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 237

Symptom Relief Points from the Tianjin Chinese Medical College Text
Edema CV-9, ST-28, BL-23, BL-22, BL-20, SP-9, ST-36;
if cold and vacuous, salt moxa on CV-8; if facial
or upper limb, LU-7, GV-26
Insomnia alternate between the following combinations:
1- HT-7, SP-6, PC-6
2- BL-15, BL-18, BL-20, BL-23
3- yintang, GB-20, HT-7
Tinnitus, deafness TB-17, GB-2, SI-19, TB-21; if wind pathogen: TB-5
SI-3; with gallbladder fire: LR-3, GB-41; phlegm:
ST-40, SP-9; kidney vacuity: KI-3
Toothache upper teeth ST-7, ST-44; lower teeth ST-6, LI-4
Acute bronchitis wind cold: LU-10, GB-20, LU-9; wind heat:
GV-14, LU-10, ST-40, LU-5, BL-12, BL-11, BL-13,
GV-14
Chronic bronchitis lung vacuity: LU-7, LU-5, ST-40, CV-4, SP-3;
liver fire scorching the lungs: LU-10, LR-3,
GB-41, CV-22; kidney vacuity: CV-22, BL-23,
KI-3, CV-6
Gastritis liver depression with stagnant qi: CV-12, PC-6,
ST-36, GB-34, LR-3; spleen/ stomach cold and
vacuous: CV-12, PC-6, ST-36, SP-4, BL-20
bad dietary habits: CV-12, PC-6, ST-36, SP-4,
CV-10, CV-22; external evil (if hot): CV-12, PC-6,
ST-36, LI-4, ST-44; external evil (if cold): LI-4,
ST-44, CV-13, BL-21
Gastroptosis ST-36, CV-12, ST-21, CV-6, ST-25, CV-4, BL-18,
BL-22, GV-20
Enteritis acute, with external pathogen: LI-11, GB-20,
ST-36; damp heat: GV-14, LI-4, SP-9, ST-37; from
bad dietary habits: CV-12, ST-25, ST-39; chronic,
with spleen/ stomach vacuity: ST-21, CV-4,
ST-36, SP-6; with kidney yang vacuity: KI-10,
ST-25, CV-6, ST-36, BL-20, BL-21, BL-23, BL-32;
with liver qi insulting the spleen LR-3, LR-4, LI-4,
SP-9
Ulcers qi stagnation: PC-6, CV-12, ST-36, LR-14, GB-34,
LR-3; blood stasis: PC-6, CV-12, ST-36, BL-17,
SP-4, LR-3; vacuity and cold: PC-6, CV-12,
ST-36, BL-20, BL-21, LR-13; stomach heat with
stomach fire: PC-6, SP-4, CV-12, ST-36, CV-11,
ST-25, ST-44; stomach yin insufficiency: PC-6,
CV-12, ST-36, BL-21, BL-20, ST-44, PC-6; phlegm
dampness: PC-6, CV-12, ST-36, ST-40, SP-9, SP-6
Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis obstructed liver qi with gallbladder fire brewing:
BL-18, BL-19, GB-34, LR-3; damp heat brewing:
SP-9, LR-8, GB-38, ST-36
238 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four
Symptom Relief Points from the Tianjin Chinese Medical College Text
Pancreatitis
High blood pressure
Headache from
external pathogen
Headache , liver yang
rising and counterflow:
Headache, phlegm damp
obstructing the middle:
Headache, kidney qi
vacuity:
Headache, qi stagnation
with blood stasis:
Frontal headache
(yangming)
Headache, temporal
(shaoyang)
Headache, occipital
(taiyang)
Headache, crown of head)
(jueyin)
Headache, inside of head
(leg shaoyin)
Trigeminal neuralgia
Sciatica
spleen and stomach damp heat: BL-20, BL-21,
CV-12, ST-36, ST-39, GB-34, PC-6, pancreas shu
(lateral to below T8)
liver fire LR-3, GB-20, KI-3; phlegm damp GB-20,
ST-40, ST-36, LR-3; yin vacuity and yang rising:
GB-20, LI-11, PC-6, SP-6, KI-3
GB-20, GV-16, GV-20, LI-4; with wind cold: BL-12,
BL-60; with wind heat: GV-14, TB-5; with wind
damp: CV-12, SP-6
GV-20, GB-20, GB-38, LR-3
GB-20, taiyang, CV-12, ST-40
GB-20, GV-20, BL-23, KI-3
GB-20, GV-20, taiyang, LI-4, LU-3
select from one of the following:
1. yintang, taiyang, LU-7
2. GB-14, taiyang, LI-4
3. BL-2, taiyang, LI-4
select from one of the following:
1. GB-20, taiyang, TB-5
2. GB-20, ST-8, GB-38
3. GB-20, GB-39
select from one of the following:
1. GB-20, SI-3
2. GB-20, BL-60
3. GB-20, GV-16, BL-65
select from one of the following:
1. GV-20, LR-3
2. GV-20, LU-7
select from one of the following:
1. GB-20, GV-20, KI-3
2. GB-20, taiyang, KI-7
GB-20, TB-17, LI-4; then add according to the
affected branch of the nerve:
1st branch: taiyang, BL-2, ST-8
2nd branch: ST-7, ST-2, LI-20
3rd branch: GB-2, ST-6, ST-4
if wind pathogen: TB-5;
if liver yang rising: LR-3, ST-44
if yin vacuity and yang rising: KI-3
BL-25, GB-30, BL-40, GB-34, GB-39, BL-60
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 239

Symptom Relief Points from the Tianjin Chinese Medical College Text
Intercostal neuralgia liver qi horizontal counterflow: LR-3, TB-6, GB-34;
coagulation of blood stasis: LR-14, BL-17, BL-18,
LR-3, TB-6; phlegm stagnation: LR-13, SP-9, ST-40,
TB-6
Urinary incontinence spleen and lung qi vacuity: CV-13, CV-12, ST-36,
SP-6, BL-28, CV-3; insufficient kidney qi: BL-23,
BL-22, CV-6, CV-4, SP-6
Impotence CV-4, GV-4, BL-23, SP-6
Menstrual pain vacuous type: 1. blood type: BL-17, BL-20, CV-6,
SP-10; 2. kidney vacuity type: BL-23, SP-6, SP-10,
LR-8; replete type: 1. qi stagnation: LR-2, SP-8,
CV-3, BL-32; 2. blood stasis: LI-4, SP-6, SP-10,
ST-25; cold type: 1. repletion cold: BL-10, BL-23,
GV-4, Kl-12, CV-3; 2. vacuity cold: CV-4, ST-36,
CV-6, SP-6; heat type: SP-6, SP-10, LR-2
Amenorrhea 1. loss of blood leading to amenorrhea: BL-20,
BL-18, BL-17, BL-23, CV-6, SP-9. 2. blood stasis
leading to amenorrhea: SP-8, ST-30, LI-4, SP-6,
CV-3, SP-10
Irregular menses qi vacuity: CV-6, SP-4; blood vacuity: SP-6, ST-36;
spleen vacuity: BL-20, SP-6, ST-36; liver and kidney
injured (vacuity): BL-18, BL-23, GV-4, CV-4; blood
stasis with repletion: CV-3, SP-10, LR-2; qi stagnation
with repletion: LR-3, PC-6, CV-12; damp heat with
repletion: SP-6, BL-20, ST-36, ST-40; cold pattern:
CV-8 (salt moxa), CV-4, GV-4, SP-6; hot pattern with
hot blood: SP-10, Kl-3, LR-2, SP-6; hot pattern with
vacuity heat: BL-17, SP-6, Kl-3, LR-3
Menopausal symptoms liver and kidney vacuity: BL-23, BL-18, Kl-3,
SP-10, LR-2, SP-6; spleen and kidney yang
vacuity: BL-20, CV-6, SP-6, CV-4, BL-23, GV-4
Leukorrhea spleen vacuity: BL-20, ST-36, CV-6; damp heat:
GB-26, SP-6, SP-9, LR-2; phlegm damp: BL-20,
SP-6, ST-36, ST-40; liver depressed: GB-26, BL-18,
TB-6, LR-6; kidney yang vacuity: GB-26, CV-6,
CV-4, BL-23, ST-36; kidney yin vacuity: GB-26,
CV-3, SP-6, Kl-3, LR-2
Morning sickness LR-5, LR-8
Lumbar and back pain acute lumbar strain: BL-23, BL-40, GV-3; chronic,
with cold and damp: BL-23, BL-25, BL-32, BL-60
plus moxa BL-23, BL-25, CV-4, GV-4; chronic, with
kidney vacuity: GV-4, BL-52, BL-23, KI-3
Inflammation of the 1. pathogen obstructing the jing-luo; qi and blood
tissues around the shoulder joint coagulated and obstructed
LI-15, SI-9, LI-11, TB-14, HT-1, GB-34. 2. pathogen
has been present for a long time so the muscles and
blood vessels are not nourished: LI-15, TB-14, SI-9,
ST-38 through to BL-57
240 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

Symptom Relief Points from the Tianjin Chinese Medical College Text
Arthritis lower jaw: ST-7, SI-19, TB-17, LI-4
cervical: GB-20, BL-10, GV-14, LU-7
thoracic: shu points in affected area, GV-26, BL-40
lumbar, sacral: GV-3, josen, BL-26, BL-40, BL-60
shoulder: GB-21, Ll-15, Sl-9, TB-14, jian nei ling*,
jian wai ling**, GB-34
elbow: LI-11, LU-5, SI-8, TB-10, TB-5
wrist: TB-5, TB-4, Sl-4, LI-5, PC-7
fingers: ba xie of the finger joints, Ll-4, Sl-3
iliac joint: BL-26, BL-27, BL-30, BL-54
hip: GB-30, GB-34
knee: ST-35, knee eye, GB-33, SP-9, BL-40, BL-55,
GB-34, he ding (moxa only on he ding)
ankle: ST-41, SP-5, GB-40, BL-60, KI-3, BL-62, KI-6
foot: pressure pain points on the feet and toes,
ST-41, LR-3, ba xie, ST-43, GB-41, SP-4
wind bi: GB-30, BL-17, SP-10, LR-3
damp bi: ST-36, SP-5, SP-6
cold bi: BL-23, CV-4
hot bi: GV-14, LI-11, LI-4
Herpes zoster alternate between:
1. BL-18, LI-11, TB-6, local points
2. GV-14, LR-3, along the affected dermatome
Allergic dermatitis GV-14, LI-11, Ll-4, SP-10, BL-17, GB-21, SP-6
Eczema GV-14, LI-11, SP-6, SP-10, ST-36, BL-40
Rhinitis yin tang, LI-20, Ll-4, GB-20
Pharyngitis LU-11, LU-5, Ll-4, Kl-6
Myopia HT-7, PC-6, BL-15, plus alternate between the
following local prescriptions:
1. ST-2, BL-1, yu yao through BL-2
2. GB-20, BL-1, ST-1
3. BL-2, TB-23, GB-14, LI-4
4. BL-4, qiu hou, located at the inferior border of
the orbit,l/4 from the lateral to the medial
side of the orbit
Diabetes mellitus pancreas shu, BL-13, BL-20, BL-23, SP-6, KI-6,
LU-11, BL-17, BL-21, CV-12, CV-4
Hemorrhoids BL-25, GV-1, BL-57, er bai

* Jian nei ling is located halfway between LI-15 and the top of the anterior axillary crease.
,.,. Jian wai ling is located halfway between LI-15 and the top of the posterior axillary crease.

BLOODLETTING
We have found bloodletting to be another quite useful technique. In some
schools it is only thought to be good for conditions where heat or local repletion
persists. It can, however, be used more generally for conditions of poor or
impaired circulation. For example, in patients with high blood pressure, or
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 241

patients who have had a stroke, often the occipital region will be thick, puffy, and
red. In such cases, bloodletting will improve circulation to the head and reduce the
blood pressure. Generally, where thickness, puffiness and/ or redness of the occip-
ital and posterior portions of the neck are present, it is a good idea to use bloodlet-
ting techniques at the end of the treatment (following steps one through three and
symptom control treatment). Light jabbing with a blood lancet or syringe needle
at several points in the area is very effective. To relieve discomfort from the tech-
nique, lightly pinch the skin and superficial flesh prior to pricking with the needle
or lancet. You need obtain only a little blood from each spot. However, if the
blood is very dark, keep squeezing until the blood takes on a fresher color.
Patients with fingernails, or more typically, toenails, that are discolored, mis-
shapen, cracked, thick, or generally unhealthy looking, are evidencing a clear sign
of poor circulation to the nail bed. This usually indicates a problem with the chan-
nel that begins or ends at the finger or toe affected by poor circulation. Treatment
to improve circulation will benefit both the channel(s) and the nail. Bloodletting at
the relevant jing points, daily or every other day until the nail is normal, is a good
idea. This can be done at the end of each treatment. With proper instruction and
the appropriate instrument (a small blood lancet), the patient or family member
also can regularly undertake a similar bloodletting technique at home.
Unfortunately, many patients are resistive to wJ:tat seems to be a fairly barbaric
treatment and will not follow through. However, bloodletting is not just cosmetic;
it is important for restoration of normal channel circulation. While it may not give
good symptom relief, it does help prevent future disorders.
Venesection, blood letting from the venous system, is an old technique. It is
useful, but rarely used today. Often, poor circulation, especially of the legs, causes
pooling of blood in the venous system. This further irritates poor circulation and
leads to blood stasis. There are, as we saw earlier, many possible causes of poor
circulation and blood stasis. Sometimes removal of the pooled blood is helpful.
This is a strong technique that, like bloodletting, is a useful preventative rather
than a means of symptom control.
When there is clearly poor circulation in the legs with signs of blood pooling,
have the patient stand in a large tray, and, using a syringe needle, quickly and care-
fully needle into the visible small venules. Blood will run out quite freely and
should be dark colored. Have the patient stand until the blood stops. The patient
will need soap, water, and a small towel for washing up after this procedure.
Usually a few cubic centimeters of dark-colored blood will have drained.
Bloodletting and venesection need only be used in a few cases, where the signs
that indicate their use are clear. The last venesection technique can be particularly
helpful for treatment of disorders related to menopause. In our experience, occa-
sional but regular use of this technique for women with menopausal symptoms and
signs of venous blood pooling in the legs, can help relieve both current complaints
and potential problems. Generally, these techniques are not essential to treatment;
rather they speed the treatment process.
Bloodletting is also an important technique for the treatment of fevers. In
chapter eight, we briefly mentioned fevers in relation to blood stasis.
In acute fevers due to a viral infection, such as cold or flu, bloodletting can be
applied at J:he jing or terminal points of the channels involved, or on the upper
back, usually in the inter-scapular region. This can be very helpful. In such a case,
a couple of drops of blood are drawn from the visible vascular spiders marking the
congested spots in this region. To obtain greater effect, apply the technique of cup-
ping (vacuum suction) at these spots. If the problem is not severe, only a little
242 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

blood will flow; if the problem is quite severe, accompanied by symptoms such as
high fever, multiple viral infections, etc., much more blood will flow, usually of
darker color.
Many years ago, I treated a patient with a very high fever using this tech-
nique. Several cubic centimeters of dark colored blood flowed into the cup and his
fever improved almost immediately. As a precaution, at the end of treatment, I
ordered the lab to check for typhoid fever. Several days later, the results came back
positive. Despite the fact that the patient was symptom-free, he was quarantined.
This technique is very strong. For delicate patients, it might be a good idea not to
use this technique, or to use it with less suction for only a few seconds. If it is over-
applied, the patient may become faint, dizzy, or weak.17
If you see many vascular spiders in an area such as the upper back and inter-
scapular region and the patient is complaining of stubborn shoulder or neck prob-
lems, bloodletting and cupping are often helpful. Generally, bloodletting and its
associated techniques of venesection and cupping are used for treatment of disor-
ders where blood stasis is present. Attending to blood stasis will tend to speed the
whole healing process. In cases where you want to use the danokyu technique, but
believe it inappropriate, bloodletting can be very helpful. Acute febrile conditions
of the type described earlier often respond to bloodletting as well.

THE MANAKA WOODEN HAMMER AND NEEDLE

Another simple technique that can be used for relief of symptoms, and for
problems like contusions and sprains, is the wooden hammer and needle, depicted
below.

Figure 11.31: The Manaka wooden hammer and needle (peg)

This tool can be especially useful in combination with channel frequencies
(see chapter four above). These frequencies, timed by a metronome, are listed
below.

Yin channels Beats Yang channels Beats

ren mai 104 du mai 104
lung 126 large intestine 108
spleen 132 stomach 132
heart 126 small intestine 120
kidney 120 bladder 112
pericardium 176 triple burner 152
liver 108 gall bladder 120
 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four 243

To reduce the swelling and pain and improve circulation of, for example, a
sprained ankle, do the following treatment.
1. Palpate the edges of the swollen area.
2. Find reactive points and tap these gently for 20 taps. Tap each
point at the frequency of the channel for that point.
3. Tap all jing points on the toes at their relevant frequencies.
4. Palpate the intersection-jiaohui points on the legs, like SP-6, GB-
39, GB-35 and the three yin intersection-jiaohui point above SP-10.
5. If these points are tender, treat them with gentle tapping at the
frequencies of the channels that meet at each. For example, if using
SP-6, tap at 108 (liver), 120 (kidney), and 132 (spleen). Use approx-
imately twenty taps for each frequency. If using GB-39, tap at 112
(bladder), 120 (gallbladder) and 132 (stomach), about twenty
blows per frequency.
6. Be careful not to tap too hard; never cause discomfort.
This simple technique can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. The
patient can repeat the procedures at home (see chapter 12 for further discussions).
The same method can be used for other sprains or contusions.
For non-acute, non-traumatic musculoskeletal problems, the wooden ham-
mer and needle combined with channel stretching works very well. Tapping at the
frequency rate for the affected channel can be used instead of the fire needle, moxa,
or intradermals. Treatment at many body locations, focusing on releasing the reac-
tion of specific points on the affected channels, is often successful.
Treatment of more general problems, such as digestive problems, gynecolog-
ical problems, and respiratory disorders, can be done in much the same way. Tap
points relevant to the condition at the frequencies of the channels. Since the gen-
eral uses of points for specific conditions are described in many textbooks, there is
no need to repeat these indications here. At the least, the lists of moxa treatments
and Chinese needle treatments give some ideas about selecting points for specific
conditions. As always, the points should be palpably reactive and can be tested
with the 0-ring test. If the points are sufficient, you should see improvement of the
palpatory reactions and 0-ring responses.

THERAPEUTIC SUMMARY
As we have tried to show, there are many treatment strategies for a specific
problem, just as there are many strategies for addressing problems in general.
There is no "one right way," no absolute directive or procedure. Many strategies
can be substituted for others, equally interchangeably. However, not all strategies
are equal. Sometimes you will select a treatment "out of the blue" and it will
address the patient's problem immediately. It also may not work for other patients
with what seems to be the same problem. Always, each case must be judged indi-
vidually and on its own merits.
We have already described the case of a patient who came more than twenty
years ago for treatment of an asthmatic condition that had lasted twenty years.
After moxa was burnt on CV-22, the patient felt better and simply left the office. It
was not until twenty years later that the same patient returned for treatment again.
244 Symptom Control Treatment: Step Four

When questioned, the patient reported that the one moxa on CV-22 had completely
eliminated the asthma, which only recently had begun to return. No one knows in
advance when such cases will occur.
You must develop your sensitivity and allow your intuition to develop. If
you can open your senses and your mind, you will learn to see the subtle nuances
of each patient's condition. Understand the exact nature of their qi and you will
slowly master treatment and develop your own treatment style. Developing tacti-
cal skills is also essential. Having a range of options to choose from in difficult or
stubborn cases, and having tactics for their general use, allows a flexible and thor-
ough methodology. Try reading Sun Zi's The Art Of War or playing board games
like chess or go to develop your strategic skills. With such a flexible and well
rounded methodology, the goal of shu ha ri can be achieved.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 See for example Fukaya Kyu Ho (Fukaya's Moxibustion Therapy), written by Fukaya's senior stu-
dent, Seiji lrie.
2 See for example Shinkyu Chiryo Kisogaku (The Fundamentals of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapy), and Shinkyu Shinzui (The Essence of Acupuncture and Moxibustion).
3 The following treatment formulae are selected mostly from Okyu no Kenkyu (Moxibustion
Studies), pp. 60-85, supplemented with further treatment formulae from Kyu to Hari (Moxibustion and
Acupuncture), pp. 93-228 (both by Dr. Yoshio Manaka).
4 Auriculotherapy and hand needle therapy are both specialities that can be integrated into the
general treatment as well as be used for symptom control therapy. Earlier, we discussed their use in
isophasal combinations. Here, we will focus on their use in symptom control treatments.
5 For more detail of Chinese auriculotherapy, see further in this chapter, where a selection of
treatments for common problems can be found. There are other books in English that serve as reference
guides, such as: Bensky, D. and J. O'Connor, Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, pp. 472-491. For the
auriculotherapy of Nogier, see From Auriculotherapy to Auriculomedicine and Handbook of Auriculotherapy.
6 Yoo, Tae Woo, Koryo Sooji Chim: Koryo Hand Acupuncture vol. 1, Seoul: Eum Yang Mek Jin
Publishing Company, 1988.
7 We advise treating malignancies only in cooperation with a consulting physician. In those
countries where the legal status of non-physician acupuncturists has not been established by tradition,
this is both a good way to "train" physicians to the capacities of acupuncture, and a reasonable form of
protection both for the patient and the acupuncturist. Western tests and records can also provide useful
clues and documentation.
8 Herbal medical prescription is not described in this text. Occasionally we will prescribe such
medicines for some chronic or difficult patients.
9 Published by the Osaka Kobayashi Ryodoraku Institute, Osaka, Japan: 1972.
10 S.B.: See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, pp. 388-391 for fur-
ther discussions.
11 S.B.: In Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, p. 393, the authors list a number of ion-pumping
treatments collected by Dr. Makio Maruyama. These can also be substituted in place of the regular ion
pumping treatments. Also note further uses of the ion-pumping cords for both step one and symptom
control purposes in the same text (pp. 384-392), for liver problems, tai ji treatment, whiplash treatment,
etc. Manaka and Itaya strongly recommend following their simple methodology first, until full mastery
and understanding of the use of ion pumping is achieved. Afterwards, one can begin to branch out and
explore further usee of ion pumping.
12 From Manaka, Y., Kata Kori to Yotsu, p. 208.
13 From Manaka, Y., Shinkyu Rinsho lten, p. 50-51.
14 Taken from Manaka, Y., Kata Kori to Yotsu, pp. 184-198.
15 Ikegami, S., Shinkyu Rinsho no Riron to Ji Sai V 2, lianjin Chinese Medical College, Acupuncture
and Moxibustion Department, Number One Hospital, Tokyo: Kokusho Publishing Association, 1988.
16 See for example Ellis, A. et al., Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, Brookline, MA: Paradigm
Publications, 1988.
17 S.B.: If this happens, apply light moxa stimulation to the area bloodlet, or to GV-14.
 >~~~'':, /\
~"=' ~7JJ
CHAPTER TWELVE

HOME THERAPIES: STEP FIVE

Often it is necessary to relieve the pathological bias in the patient's lifestyle,

whether it is dietary, psychological, or environmental. It is thus important to
determine what bias has influenced each patient and to address it therapeutically.
Psychological factors which therapy cannot address may require consultation with
an appropriate expert. Having patient involvement and cooperation speeds and
facilitates the healing process. Providing methods for home therapy, and recom-
mending dietary and lifestyle modifications, offer effective ways of accomplishing
this goal. In addition, encouraging patients to monitor themselves and become
more aware of their bodily functions is an important and empowering step that
should be encouraged by the practitioner.
When we talk to our patients, we should try to understand their fears and to
engender their confidence in treatment and in themselves. When discussing the
treatment procedures with a patient, it is often helpful to talk about successful
treatment of similar conditions, as this may increase their confidence and determi-
nation. Showing the patient changes that have occurred after each step of treat-
ment is also helpful.
If a patient's condition cannot be easily or quickly rebalanced with clinical
treatment alone, often a number of simple steps can be taken at home to augment
healing. These include sotai exercises, home moxa therapy, wooden hammer and
metronome, Hirata zone therapy, and dietary recommendations. Situations such
as the following may require home therapies, in addition to root treatment and
symptom control treatment.
- When the patient is in a weakened or xu condition (e.g., severe
anemia, poor nutrition, etc.), diet and home therapy, especially
moxa, will be necessary. Supplementing herbs or pharmaceuticals
may also be required. As a practitioner, if you are not qualified to
administer traditional medicinal supplements, consultation with
appropriate experts is in the patient's best interest.
- When a patient's condition is intractable (e.g., malignant tumors,
degenerative diseases, severe damage to the central nervous sys-
tem), treatment may still help; however, it will take longer. Home
therapies and lifestyle modifications will be vital.
246 Home Therapies: Step Five

- When signs of blood stasis (xue yu) are present, these must be
attended to and ameliorated. There are many treatments aimed at
blood stasis; for example, ion pumping, use of a magnet heater,
bloodletting, venesection, cupping, dietary change. The adminis-
tration of blood-clearing medicinals is also indicated, but here
again, consultation with appropriate experts may be necessary.
Where signs of blood stasis are clearly present, treatment aimed at
the blood stasis will speed the healing process. If due attention is
not given to this condition, progress will be slower.
- When special consideration and instruction are required due to
dependence on food, drink, or drugs (including tobacco, alcohol,
or prescription and non-prescription drugs), recommendations for
life style change are appropriate.
- When poor dietary habits are evident, dietary recommendations
are worthwhile.
- When hidden structural disorders are impeding progress, there
will be signs of structural abnormalities and asymmetries. Simple
corrective exercises can be used to help with these problems, and
may be performed either in the office or as an aspect of home ther-
apy. Sotai exercises are an example of such therapy.

SOTAI EXERCISES
In chapter 10 we described sotai exercises that are of clinical utility in treating
problems of muscle tension, pain, and restriction. There are many other more gen-
eral sotai exercises which can be done at home to relieve stiffness and to maintain a
healthy and supple body. If a patient seems to have bodily stiffness and limited
range of motion for many movements, then the following daily exercises can pro-
vide help and relief.
In implementing the exercises, remember the following general principles:
- The movements should always be comfortable and painless. Any motion
that is uncomfortable for the patient should not be attempted. (The exception
here is the first exercise given below. If the toes are uncomfortable in this exercise,
this is a sign that it is a good exercise for the patient.)
- The exercises should be done slowly, gently, and completed on the exhala-
tion. Movements should be done throughout the duration of one slow exhalation,
stopped for the next inhalation, repeated for the next exhalation, etc.
Done as a series every day, these simple exercises can contribute to greater
body flexibility and suppleness. Tension in the musculature can be a significant
factor in various health complaints. Simple procedures which the patient can do at
home to release this tension will contribute to long-term optimal health.

EXERCISE ONE
With the patient kneeling, buttocks sitting on the heels, following the breath,
move the buttocks over to one side, then back over to the other side, then back to
the first side, etc., establishing a swinging motion of the buttocks back and forth
over the heels. This simple exercise is good for the lumbar region, knees, hips,
ankles, and toes and for all the leg channels in general. This exercise can be done
for a few minutes only or for as long as it is comfortable for the patient.
 Home Therapies: Step Five 247

Figure 12.1: Sotai exercise one

EXERCISE TWO
With the patient on the knees and palms (on " all fours"), swing the buttocks
back and forth to each side, simultaneously swinging the shoulders to the opposite
side. This exercise is good for the spine, hip, and shoulder girdles. It can be done
for a few minutes only or for as long as it is comfortable for the patient.

Figure 12.2: Sotai exercise two

EXERCISE THREE
The patient stands facing a wall, feet placed at a distance of about two foot-
lengths from the wall and shoulder-width apart; arms raised so that the palms are
248 Home Therapies: Step Five

placed flat against the wall. Swing the buttocks slowly from side to side. This can
be done for a few minutes only or for as long as it remains comfortable for the
patient. This exercise is good for the spine and hip girdle.

Figure 12.3: Sotai exercise three

EXERCISE FOUR
Standing straight up, feet shoulder-width apart, place one hand on the hip.
Slowly bend over to that side, then return to the upright posture. Repeat for the
other side. Complete a total of three or four movements to each side. This exercise
is often helpful for conditions of lumbar pain.

Figure 12.4: Sotai exercise four

 Horne Therapies: Step Five 249

EXERCISE FIVE
Assume the same standing posture as in exercise four. Raise one arm and
hold it over the head, then bend to the opposite so as to stretch the side with the
raised arm. Remember to synchronize the movement with the exhalation. Lower
the arm, then repeat for the other side. Complete three or four times to each side.

Figure 12.5: Sotai exercise five

EXERCISE SIX
Standing upright with feet almost together, slowly bend as far forward as is
comfortable. At this point, relax; inhale; raise the head so as to look forward. Then
slowly come back to the upright posture. This can be done three or four times.

Figure 12.6: Sotai exercise six

250 Home Therapies: Step Five

EXERCISE SEVEN
Standing with feet hip-width apart, place the palms on the buttocks and slow-
ly exhale while bending as far backwards as is possible (which may not be very
far). Return to an upright posture and repeat a total of three or four times.

Figure 12.7: Sotai exercise seven

EXERCISE EIGHT
Standing with feet hip-width apart, raise the arms up to shoulder height, and
extend them out to the sides. Swing first to one side and then to the other. This
should be repeated a total of three or four times.

Figure 12.8: Sotai exercise eight

 Home Therapies: Step Five 251

EXERCISE NINE
Stand with the feet hip-width apart. With exhalation, very slowly raise the
arms out to the side until reaching shoulder height at the end of exhalation. Then
relax and drop the arms. This should be done a total of three or four repetitions.

Figure 12.9: Sotai exercise nine

EXERCISE TEN
From a sitting posture, reach behind the neck. Using thumb and forefinger,
find some tense, sore points. Apply pressure to these points. Then move the head
around back and forth and from side to side, to locate the most comfortable direc-
tion of movement. On exhalation, move the head towards the most comfortable
direction while pinching the sore points. At the end of movement and exhalation,
relax and drop the arm. This can be repeated a total of three or four times.

Figure 12.10: Sotai exercise ten

252 Home Therapies: Step Five

EXERCISE ELEVEN
From a sitting position, place the palm of one hand flat to the sole of the
opposite foot, interweaving the fingers through the toes. Rotate the foot by using
the hand, first one way and then the other, on the exhalation. This can be done a
total of three or four exhalations in both directions and on both feet.

HOME MOXA TECHNIQUES AND SIMPLE TREATMENT FORMULAS

DIRECT MOXA
In Japan, the use of moxa by the patient is greatly encouraged and there is a
long tradition of home moxa use. In the West, unfamiliarity with this concept, and
the fear that the patient will suffer a self-inflicted bum, discourage widespread
usage. Consequently we do not advise this method for home therapy unless the
person administering treatment is competent and trained in the Japanese tech-
nique. Ideally, heat should be felt lightly at each point 3, 5, or 7 times, depending
on need and severity. If the patient is in an extremely xu (vacuous) condition, it is
better to use fewer moxa, with less stimulation.
ELECTRICAL MOXA DEVICES
In an earlier chapter, we explored the use of simple electrical heating devices
that affect specific acupoints in the same manner as burning moxa, but with a
greatly lessened risk of burning or blistering the skin. There are also some inge-
nious methods we have devised for heating the points that require no extra equip-
ment, and that are adequate for achieving the desired heat stimulus.
Instruments which are commercially available include the Tai-i kenkyu, or
electric moxa instrument, and the Sanko denkyuki, also called the "Akabane heater."
They deliver a small amount of radiant heat to a small point and can be turned off
or withdrawn from the point quickly and easily when the heat is felt at the point.
A new electric cigarette lighter is now available that works very well to heat
acupuncture points as it too delivers heat focused to the point. If such an instru-
ment is used, the heat should be felt as light pinches only 3, 5, or 7 times at each
point. The points should not be overused or overheated as such excess may cause
some blistering. More is not necessarily better!
Hot air moxa is another simple technique which can be employed at home.
Using a hair dryer and a piece of cardboard with a small hole cut out of it, hold the
cardboard over the point to be treated while aiming the hair dryer at the point.
The cardboard shields the surrounding area from the heat, while point-specific sen-
sations of heat are felt at the desired point. As with the electric moxa instrument,
heat should be felt at the points 3, 5, or 7 times each, depending on need. This tech-
nique is probably the easiest, safest, and cheapest. Usually no investment is need-
ed because most patients already have a hair dryer or can easily borrow one.
In chapter eleven, we described and listed a number of moxibustion treat-
ment formulae for a wide range of health problems. For patients who are commit-
ted to home therapy, locate and mark the pressure-sensitive points and give them
the appropriate formula and directions. At times when these specific prescriptions
are too complex or have too many points for the patient to handle, suggest one of
the simpler prescriptions listed below. If a patient's condition is too complex to fit
a single symptom control treatment, we recommend having the patient use the tai
ji treatment formula described in chapter nine (repeated below).
 Home Therapies: Step Five 253

TAl JI MOXA TREATMENT

This is good for complex, chronic conditions or advanced conditions of vacu-
ity. Select a few of the following points according to the pressure pain reactions
present and the general uses and principles described in chapter 9.
Points for Taiji moxa treatment:
CV-12, ST-25, CV-4 or CV-7, TB-8,
Manaka's three-yin crossing point (above SP-10),
KI-7, LR-3, LR-4, GV-12, GV-20,
BL-18, BL-20, BL-23, BL-32, BL-52, GB-31, GB-34, GB-40.

OTHER MOXA POINTS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Gynecological problems: CV-4 or CV-7, SP-6 (do none of these if pregnant);
or SP-10, LR-3 or LR-4, BL-32.
Stomach problems: ST-36, SP-8, CV-12, BL-20.
Intestinal problems: LI-11, CV-10 or CV-12, CV-4, BL-25, if acute- uranaitei.
Bladder problems: CV-3 or CV-2, SP-6, GB-39 (after Fukaya).
Lung problems: LU-7, GV-12, BL-13.
Heart problems: PC-4 (especially acute problems such as palpitations; this
point is located 3/10 of the way from PC-3 to PC-7), BL-14, or BL-15.
If new or unpromising symptoms appear, it is always a good idea to
counsel the patient to see a heart specialist.
Skin problems: LI-10 or LI-11, SP-10, GV-12, BL-12.
Head, face problems: LI-4.
Contusions, wounds: sore points around the edges of the problem.

HOME THERAPY WITH THE MANAKA WOODEN HAMMER AND NEEDLE 1

In Japan, the use of hammers and needles as a form of acupuncture therapy
dates back at least four hundred years. Mubun Ryu treated in the imperial court in
the late sixteenth century using a small wooden mallet and large gold needles. He
concentrated exclusively on the patient's abdominal region. Today his techniques
are still practiced by specialists in Japan such as Fujimoto Renpu of Nara.
As my curiosity was stimulated by this treatment method, I tried and tested a
variety of different hammers and needles, finally settling on this specific wooden
hammer and needle. People everywhere are frightened of needles and with the
fast pace of modern life, many cannot make regular appointments. I thought that
the use of the wooden hammer with a blunt wooden needle might be a useful tool
in such cases. It is painless, completely non-invasive and comforting, and can be
used by patients at home on a daily or regular basis. Even if it is overused, it never
seems to cause any fatigue or ill feeling. It is not possible to overstimulate, except
of course by hitting the needle too hard with the mallet and bruising the point.
When used daily, the Manaka wooden hammer and needle relieves the
stresses and tensions that would otherwise accrue in the body and predispose the
patient towards other health complaints. In our experience, it has also proven
effective in treating the following common complaints: headache, toothache,
254 Home Therapies: Step Five

discomfort of the stomach or intestines, allergic skin conditions, constipation, hem-

morhoids, shoulder stiffness, restricted movements of the shoulder, lumbago,
acute traumatic injuries (fractures, wounds, sprains etc.), hemiplegia, and imbal-
ances of the autonomic nervous system (general disorders, typically difficult to
diagnose, with varying symptoms).
During the day, energy reserves are used up, stress is encountered, the mus-
cles tense, and often remain tensed into the next day. Though these are only slight
changes from one day to the next, when they occur asymmetrically (from repeated
use of one hand in a particular movement at work, for example), or occur repeated-
ly, they often build into pathological conditions. The wooden hammer and needle
technique can successfully alleviate this daily accrual of tiredness, fatigue, tension,
and stress. If a patient can address these conditions at the end of each day, so that
they do not carry over into the next, it is helpful not only in the relief of symptoms,
but in the treatment of specific disease patterns and for general health maintenance.
The effects of the wooden hammer and needle are similar to shallowly insert-
ed needles, and in some cases, to more deeply inserted needles, especially when a
quite deep and distinctive sensation is evoked by the vibration of the needle. The
wooden hammer and needle are an ideal alternative for many patients to use at
home, even if for nothing other than neck and shoulder stiffness and fatigue.
For treatment, the wooden needle should be held loosely between either the
thumb and forefinger or forefinger and middle finger. It should be held lightly at
the point to be treated, and the free fingers placed lightly on the skin to secure the
point of the needle. With the other hand, lightly tap the more rounded and wider
end of the needle. The mallet has a soft leather pad on one surface. This is the sur-
face that should be used for the tapping. Tapping should be done rhythmically
and evenly.
Correct tapping will allow the needle to vibrate slightly between the finger
and thumb and transmit vibrations to the point treated. Practicing on yourself first
is a good idea to make sure that you can determine a comfortable and rhythmic
tapping technique. Each point should be tapped 10-30 times. For elderly persons
or for patients who bruise easily, tap lightly. Usually tapping is administered to
the acupoints or to other pressure-reactive points that are found. For patients who
are not familiar with the acupoints, treating the points found by pressure or in the
same treatment area will often suffice.
Optimal treatment usually starts with points on the feet, gradually working
upward. If you can get the desired effects from just a few of the selected points,
without having to treat all of them, it is good to stop treatment there. For example,
menstrual difficulties often respond well to treatment of LR-3, LR-4, SP-10, SP-6,
BL-32. If the difficulties are alleviated after treating LR-3, then LR-4 and SP-6, there
is no need to progress to SP-10, BL-32.
When acupoints or points on the back of the body are to be treated, it is best if
a friend or relative can administer the tapping. If the patient has no one to help
them at home, self-treatment can be administered by holding the wooden needle
firmly in one hand, pressed to the point to be treated, and rhythmically pressing
into and releasing from the point. This vibration is a little different than when the
needle is actually tapped, but therapeutic effects can be obtained. When using this
particular technique, the angle of application is often important. Use the angle that
feels the most comfortable. If an area or point is hard to reach, use the leather-
padded surface of the hammer to tap the point/ area. Do not tap too hard; the
blow should be light and comfortable. Try out each technique, then select the one
that is easier and more comfortable.
 Home Therapies: Step Five 255

SIMPLE PARTNER-ASSISTED WOODEN HAMMER AND NEEDLE TREATMENT

A simple general method that requires the help of a partner is as follows:
- With the patient sitting upright, tap a point on either side at the base of the
occiput, then 1 or 2 points on both shoulders.
- With the patient lying prone (face down), starting at the upper back and
working downward, tap along the length of the spine at a distance of 3 em and 6
em to each side. Tap each point about 10 times, alternating from side to side as you
move down each line on the back.
- Have the patient tum over to a supine position (lying face up). Tap lightly
from the inferior border of the sternum out along the costal arches. Then tap along
the top of the pubic symphysis, then down the ren mai from the sternum to the
pubis. Following this, tap down along the big muscles of the leg. Finally, tap each
jing point on the fingers and toes about 10 times each. Altogether, this should take
no more than 20 minutes. Since you are working on many body areas and not nec-
essarily the channels, this tapping can be done without the aid of the metronome.
Treatment of specific problems usually requires tapping at specific acupoints.
This can be reinforced by first applying the general treatment just described, then
tapping the specific acupoints. Depending on the point treated, select from the fol-
lowing metronome frequencies and tap at the frequency of the corresponding
channel:

Yin channel Rate Yang channel Rate

ren mai 104 du mai 104
lung 126 large intestine 108
spleen 132 stomach 132
heart 126 small intestine 120
kidney 120 bladder 112
pericardium 176 triple warmer 152
liver 108 gallbladder 120

A few specific problems are listed below with suggested acupoint treatment:
Headaches, migraines: For headaches caused by qi counterflow, have the
patient stand and tap at tender points around the achilles tendon. Then with the
patient sitting upright, tap at LI-4 (108). Migraines usually involve the liver
and/ or gallbladder channels. If there is tenderness along the gallbladder channels
on the head, treat LR-3 (108), BL-18 (108), and PC-6 (176). This will often reduce
the pain. If you palpate on the opposite side of the head and find a notably sore
point, treat it, then stimulate GB-31 (120) and GB-34 (120). If a headache is present
at the time, limit stimulation at the painful area. For migraines and other
headaches, you can also treat GV-20 (104), BL-10 (112), and GB-20 (120). Use very
gentle tapping. To release any tension found in the neck and shoulder regions, tap
at reactive points.
Toothache: For the abatement of tooth pain, it is usually important to release
neck and shoulder tension by tapping at locally reactive points. Treating pressure-
sensitive points on the arms will often help as well. Check especially around LI-10
(108). LI-4 (108) is an excellent point to treat. For lower teeth problems, treat ST-39
(132). For upper teeth problems, treat ST-37 (132).
256 Home Therapies: Step Five

Digestive upset or discomfort: ST-36 (132) can be treated for almost all diges-
tive problems, and by itself can often provide effective relief. Poor diet and stress
are among the many causes of digestive problems. Thus dietary changes usually
need to be counselled and stresses need to be dealt with. The general treatment
above can be useful. In chronic conditions, you may find the musculature of the
back to be either too tense or too loose. Stimulating the reactive muscles found
here, along with ST-36, will often help. For gastroptosis, add ST-41 (132). For
chronic problems, especially with food allergies or sensitivities that can cause rash-
es, etc., also treat: BL-18 (108), BL-20 (132), BL-25 (108), SP-8 (132), SP-7 (132), and
around both medial and lateral malleoli.
Constipation: Along with general recommendations to improve the patient's
dietary habits and exercise habits, increased fiber in the diet may be necessary. As
well as stimulating BL-25 (108) and ST-27 (108), it is useful to stimulate on the
abdomen in a clockwise fashion, LRQ ~ URQ ~ ULQ ~ LLQ ~ LRQ, etc. This
can be done while sitting on the toilet. This should increase the motility of the
intestines.
Hemorrhoids: Sitting with the legs pulled up, so as to cause retraction of the
hemorrhoid, tap SP-7 (132), LU-6 (126), GV-2 (104) and GV-20 (104). GV-20 should
be tapped lightly. For bleeding hemorrhoids, if this has not already helped and the
anus seems to be spasming, use the fingers to stretch the anal muscles.
Shoulder problems (stiffness, limited motion, etc.): Even if the patient does
not complain of shoulder problems, generally it is important to release shoulder
stiffness and tension. The general treatment given above can be helpful, particular-
ly when augmented with more focused treatment of reactive, tense points on the
shoulders. Of the many acupoints purportedly good for shoulder problems, we
have found BL-10 (112), GB-21 (120), SI-14 (120), and BL-43 (176/112) to be notably
helpful. Check these points carefully and treat if reactive. If the shoulder is very
stiff, inflamed, or has limited motion, it is better not to stimulate too much locally.
Local points should be tapped more gently and it is better to look for distal points
to treat, such as LI-10, LI-11, ST-38, GB-34, etc.
Lumbar pain: Both internal and musculo-skeletal conditions can cause lum-
bar pain. Regular acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, sotai therapy, wooden
hammer and needle therapy, and stretching exercises and movements are impor-
tant. To relieve tension in the musculature in the lumbar region, the first area to
treat is along the musculature at the tight, sore points to the sides of the lumbar
vertebrae. Along with the reactive points, BL-18 (108), BL-22 (152), BL-23 (120),
BL-25 (108), BL-52 (120), GB-34 (120), BL-40 (112), BL-58 (112) are good points to
treat. If a patient is able to lie prone (face-down) and perform the sotai leg exten-
sion exercise (procedure C in chapter ten), simultaneously tap at the most tense or
sore point on the back.2
Acute traumatic injuries: Wooden hammer and needle treatment can be use-
ful in the treatment of fractures, wounds, contusions, sprains, etc. because it accel-
erates the healing process by reducing the accompanying local swelling. Typically
the local swelling that occurs with a fracture or wound will decrease circulation at
the area and thus slow down the natural healing process. If the sweUing can be
reduced, even temporarily, it can greatly enhance the natural healing powers and
speed the process of recovery. Tap at sore points slightly distal and proximal to
the swollen area, and tap around the swollen area. Tap at the jing points on the
toes or fingers, especially of the channels most affected by the swelling. Also tap at
confluence-jiaohui points, like SP-6, TB-8, etc., whichever is more local to the prob-
lem area. For example, for treating a sprained ankle, first palpate around the
 Home Therapies: Step Five 257

swollen ankle and tap gently at the more reactive points. Thel) tap at the jing
points of the more affected channel, perhaps, GB-44 (120), BL-67 (112). Next, tap at
the confluence-jiaohui points, perhaps GB-39 or GB-35 (112, 120, and 132). It is
sometimes helpful to treat the area on the opposite limb that corresponds to the
affected area.
Rehabilitation for hemiplegia following stroke: Acupuncture, exercise, and
massage can be helpful in treating this condition, particularly if the treatment
begins as soon as possible after the stroke. The wooden hammer and needle treat-
ment can also be helpful because it provides simple daily treatment. The dedica-
tion and determination of family members are important to accomplish such daily
rehabilitation. With the wooden hammer and needle, tap all the jing points on the
fingers and toes, both on the affected side and the healthy side. When you do this,
use the relevant frequency of tapping for each channel. Generally, treatment of
many points is required. Palpate and treat from among the following points:

Ll-10 (108), BL-40 (112), BL-58 (112), KI-7 (120), LR-3 (108), LR-4 (108),
GB-34 (120), SP-6 (108, 120, 132), SP-10 (132), CV-12 (104), ST-25 (132),
CV-4 (104), GV-20 (104), GV-12 (104), BL-18 (108), BL-20 (132),
BL-23 (120), BL-32 (112), BL-33 (112).

If the patient has difficulty talking, stimulate the brain point in both auricles.

Miscellaneous dysfunctions (imbalance of the autonomic nervous system):

This kind of imbalance is often difficult to diagnose in Western medicine, as many
varied symptoms can appear. Generally, acupuncture can gradually bring about
functional balance. Prolonged therapy with the wooden hammer and needle can
help in this process.
For example, for insomnia, select and treat from the list of points in the table
above (LI-10 to BL-33), and add KI-1 (120) and the insomnia point in the center of
the heel. It is best to do this treatment just before going to bed, or at least to do the
above points sometime during the day or preferably evening, and treat Kl-1 and
the insomnia point just before retiring. If the patient suffers from cold feet, tap at
both corners of the nails of the feet (including the jing points). Tap the soles of the
feet and rub the bottom of the feet, too. This will often cause the feet to warm up,
and when coldness of the feet has been disturbing sleep, it will help with the sleep-
ing problem. If the upper parts of the body run warmer than the lower parts of the
body (which can be visually assessed by a redder or ruddier color of the upper
torso or face), tapping around the achilles tendon will often help.
For sexual dysfunctions, such as impotence in men and menstrual difficulties
in women, select and treat from the above list of points (LI-10 to BL-33). For impo-
tence add LR-3 (108), GB-40 (120), CV-2 (104) and tapping on the sacrum and down
the medial line of the thigh. For menstrual difficulties, make sure that LR-3 (108),
LR-4 (108), SP-10 (132), SP-6 (108, 120, 132) and BL-32 (112) are treated, plus down
the medial line of the thighs, in the inguinal regions, and on the sacrum. It is
important to begin treating these points 4-5 days before menses begin. In cases
where the imbalance has caused emotional symptoms such as irritability or emo-
tional stress, we may focus on the liver channel. To do this, use the general treat-
ment given above, and add treatment for LR-3 (108), GB-39 (120), and GB-40 (120).
258 Home Therapies: Step Five

There are many uses for the wooden hammer and needle; the above represent
a few simple guidelines. Many different treatment strategies and point combina-
tions can be devised with this easy, simple, and safe method. East Asian medical
supply companies stock the wooden hammer and needle so that practitioners can
have sets available for use or purchase by their patients.

HIRATA ZONE THERAPY

Earlier this century in Japan, the Hirata zones were used for diagnostic pur-
poses as well as for treatment. Kurakichi Hirata, the originator of this system of
correspondences, used a method of stimulation for these zones involving the burn-
ing of ethyl alcohol poured over asbestos in a metal cone-shaped container placed
at the end of a short handle. The treatment involved tapping points within the rel-
evant zone with the hot tip of the cone. The instrument used can be seen in the fol-
lowing illustration.

Figure 12.11: Hirata zone stimulator cone

Mr. Hirata developed a diagnostic procedure using the zones and a simple
method of treatment that could be used easily and safely by the patient at home.
It is relatively easy to make an instrument that gives heat and point stimulation.
It is not advisable to use asbestos and burning ethyl alcohol. Perhaps something
as simple as a metal awl heated in hot water and tapped to the relevant areas can
be sufficient. An adapted moxa instrument that has a slight point on it and is
heated by burning moxa inside it can also be used. When using a cone-shaped
instrument with burning materials inside it, there are several important points to
remember:
1. The point of the cone should be sealed so it does not leak onto
the skin.
2. The handle is best made of wood rather than metal so that it
does not heat up too much.
3. Once the cone is hot, tapping is done lightly so that the contact
with the skin at each point is of short duration only.
4. Tapping should be done at a rate that is comfortable for the
patient.
5. Tapping can be done within any of the relevant zones.
 Home Therapies: Step Five 259

The table3 that follows lists a number of diseases and the zones and parts of
the body that are typically tapped. In these descriptions, there are references to the
zones by both their topographical location, i.e. on the head, or arm (see the illustra-
tion on the following page) and by the number of the zone, as described in chapter
eight. There are also references to reactive lines, such as the stomach line or ren mai
line, etc. These references are to imaginary lines that traverse the body surface in
the general vicinity of the twelve channels and the two extraordinary vessels, the
ren mai and du mai. Thus they do not refer to the specific anatomical locations of
each channel, but more broadly to the area of the surface of the body along which
the channel traverses. Treatment is optimal when stimulus is applied to a particu-
lar line in the specific zone referenced. Thus in the first case, for anemia, treating
on the spleen line on the leg and thoracic #3 zones (through which the spleen line
passes) will have particularly good effects.
Disease Reactive Lines Head Neck Face Arm Trunk Leg
Anemia SP, all yang lines 3 3 3 3 3 3
Diabetes LU, ren mai line 6 6 6 6 6 6
Bronchial all lines 1 1 1 1 1 1
asthma
Cough all lines 1 1 1 1 1 1
Chronic gastritis, LI, ST, BL, SI lines 7 7 7 7 7 7
gastrectasis
Anorexia SI, BL lines 7 7 7 7 7 7
Chronic SI, BL lines 9 9 9 9 9 9
enteritis
Hemorrhoids all yin lines 12 12 12 12 12 12
Apoplexy all yin lines 3 3 3 3 3 3
Impotence all yin lines 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
Nicotine all yin lines 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8
addiction
Alcohol all yin lines 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8
addiction
Depressive all yin lines 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8 3-8
condition
Dysmenorrhea all yang lines 12 12 12 12 12 12
Deafness stomach line 8 8 8 8 8 8
Tinnitus stomach line 8 8 8 8 8 8
Chronic all yang lines 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5
rhinitus
Insomnia all lines 3 3 3 3 3 3

As an example of how to use this table, take the treatment of anemia. Palpate
all the number 3 zones of the various parts of the body, focusing especially on the
areas traversed by all the yang lines (channel areas) and the spleen line. Once you
have found reactive points or areas, light the alcohol or moxa in the instrument,
and, when the tip of the cone begins to warm up, start tapping lightly in the region
of the reactive points and areas on the relevant zones. This tapping should be done
so that it is comfortable for the patient, and should be continued, moving the point
of the cone around so as not to overstimulate any single area, until the reactive
points or areas become looser and less reactive. Generally this does not take too
260 Home Therapies: Step Five

long. When the patient is doing this as home therapy, it might be necessary to
have a relative or friend administer the tapping. In such cases, it would be advan-
tageous to have that person present when you instruct the patient how to perform
the techniques and select points and areas for stimulation.
Following are a few more conditions with recommended zones and lines for
therapy.
Fatigued feeling in the whole body: Treat on the 4-10 zones of the body,
focusing especially on the bladder and ren mai lines.
Constipation: Treat zones 9-10 of the body, focusing especially on all the
yang lines including the du mai line. It is particularly helpful to focus on the inter-
section points/areas of the du mai and bladder lines in zones 9-10 on the trunk and
lumbar regions and the intersection points/areas of the stomach line in the 9-10
zones on the lower abdomen.
Migraine headaches: Treatment of the more distal parts often gives dramatic
results for relief of the pain. For example, when treating the gallbladder line, treat
first the gallbladder zone, #5 on the feet. Similarly, when treating the bladder line,
treat it in the bladder zone, #11 on the legs, and for the small intestine line, start by
focusing on the small intestine zone, #10 on the arms.
Menopausal Complications: Palpate all lines and zones and treat the reactive
points/ areas, especially on the trunk. It is often helpful to treat on the spleen line
on zones 6 and/ or 12.

Figure 12.12: The Hirata zones on the body

 Home Therapies: Step Five 261

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Dietary adjustment has proven useful for many health problems. Many
patients have destructive dietary habits, which if not changed, will contribute a
continuous negative bias and hamper treatment. These patients usually need
some simple guidelines for change. Patients who are severely ill, even if they are
diet-conscious and eat relatively well, will still need some basic guidelines; few
patients know much about complementary eating habits. The following foods in a
well-balanced diet can be recommended to virtually all patients, for at least as
long as they have their health problems. A less stringent version of these guide-
lines contributes to general health maintenance.

Staple foods:
- Unrefined grains: unpolished brown rice; polished rice with germ; cereals;
whole wheat flour; whole wheat bread; wheat vermicelli; buckwheat.
Subsidiary foods
- Foods containing animal protein: seafoods; white-meat fish; small fish;
sardine; salmon; mackerel; squid; octopus; crab; shell fish (except cultured fish).
- Foods containing vegetable protein: soybean products (e.g. tofu, natto,
etc.); beans, aduki beans, broad beans; nuts; wheat-gluten bread.
- Vegetables: colored vegetables; lightly colored vegetables; root crops (car-
rots, potatoes, etc); sea vegetables including wakame, hijiki, kombu, nori.
- Seasonal fruits in limited amounts.
- Beverages: herb teas, especially senna tea (if there is any tendency towards
constipation or if there are signs of blood stasis), hako tea, persimmon tea; natural
fruit and vegetable juices; soymilk.
- Seasonings: natural sea salt; lightly refined sugar; pure honey; naturally
brewed miso; natural soy sauce; vinegar; unrefined vegetable oils.
Foods to be avoided or taken in moderation:
- Refined grains: polished rice, white bread, refined flour noodles;
- Meat: chicken, pork, beef, lamb; fish paste products or meat products with
aqditives, including ham; sausage; boiled fish paste.
- Other foods: fried foods, butter, lard, refined sugar, chemical seasonings,
coffee, black tea, refined juices, carbonated beverages and other canned drinks,
alcohol. Tobacco use should be discontinued.
When consumed excessively, these contraindicated foods are often related to dis-
ease. Patients who have liver problems, especially when accompanied by blood
stasis signs, should particularly avoid hot, spicy, oily, and greasy foods, and alco-
hol and coffee.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 S.B.: The information in this section is a translated from a paper written by Manaka and Itaya
several years ago, and published in a popular Japanese health journal. It has been slightly adapted here
so that Western practitioners can easily utilize the treatments and teach them to their patients.
2 S.B.: This procedure with the tapping is described completely in Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch,
Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, pp. 381-384.
3 Selected from Manaka, Y., Hiratashi funihannotai Nesshin Shigeki Ryoho, Yokosuka: Ido no
Nippon Sha, 1982, pp. 111 passim.
 SECTION FOUR

RIDING THE DRAGON

CASE STUDIES FROM

CLINICAL PRACTICE
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CASE STUDIES FOR

STEPS ONE AND Two

These case studies are presented to illustrate both common patterns and
exceptional cases. Note the common use of the yin qiao mai-ren mai connections for
problems involving the kidneys and lungs; the yin wei mai-chong mai connection for
problems involving the liver, heart, spleen, stomach, and a psychological compo-
nent; and the right yin wei mai-1eft yang wei mai connection for problems involving
the liver.

Patient 1, K.R.: Female, age 38.

Main Complaint: Pain and difficulty using both thumbs since giving
birth two months previous.
Abdominal Reactions: Soft overall.
KI-16, LU-1, CV-10, ST-27 all give positive 0-ring
responses.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine region.
Pulse: Kidney and liver pulses weak.
Open Point: KI-6 (see below).
Confirming Test: Electrostatic adsorbers:
Kl-6 negative, LU-7 positive.
Test Results: All signs improved.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally, KI-6 black(-), LU-7 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa:
bilaterally, BL-52, BL-25.
In formulating a successful treatment for this patient, it was necessary to
determine the predominant pattern: whether to treat the yin qiao mai-ren mai con-
nection indicated by the soft abdomen, KI-16, LU-1, and CV-10 reactions, and the
weak kidney pulse, or to treat the kidney-large intestine channel pair as indicated
266 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

by the gastrocnemius reactions, KI-16, ST-27, and the weak kidney pulse. The
symptom of pain in the thumbs, following the course of the lung channel, suggest-
ed trying the yin qiao mai-ren mai first. This treatment improved all the abdominal
reactions and decreased the thumb pain. Step two, kyutoshin moxa therapy for
BL-52 and BL-25, diminished reactiveness at the treatment points. These points
were selected because BL-52 is a kidney reflex point and BL-25 is a good point for
lower burner problems. We do not recommend this technique on the lung associ-
ated-shu point, BL-13. In our experience, use of BL-23 or BL-52 with BL-25 is good
for yin qiao mai-ren mai step two treatments and lower burner kidney xu.

Patient 2, D.R.: Male, age 37.

Main Complaint: Recurrent low back pain and spasm. Occasional
left leg involvement of three years duration.
Medical History: Surgical correction of spondylolisthesis at age 23.
Abdominal Reactions: Subcostal regions, especially right side; ASIS
regions, especially left side; tightness along the ren
mai; tight at bilateral ST-25, ST-26, ST-27; with
PC-1, GB-26 both bilaterally sore with positive
0-ring responses.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Many regions reactive, worst on right liver I small
intestine region.
Pulse: Liver pulse weak.
Confirming Tests: Electrostatic adsorbers:
(-)to right PC-6, (+)to right SP-4;
(-)to left TB-5, (+)to left GB-41.
Test Results: Slight abdominal and 0-ring improvements.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+);
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally, BL-18, BL-25.
For this patient, the liver channel was determined to be the primary problem
(recurrent low back problems, left leg involvement, right subcostal and gastrocne-
mius reactions, weak liver pulse). However, on this occasion and for several fur-
ther treatments, the right yin wei mai-left yang wei mai connection was the most
appropriate therapy, because the general upper right quadrant-lower left quadrant
reactions, the ST-25, PC-1, and GB-26 reactions, and the weak liver pulse were dis-
tinguished as a cross-syndrome pattern. This patient's abdomen was very reactive.
Step one treatment reduced most of the abdominal reactions but did not eliminate
any gastrocnemius reaction. For step two, BL-18 was treated because of the obvi-
ous liver involvement and because it was tight and sore. BL-25 was treated
because of tension and soreness at the bilateral points. This combination helped
release tension in the back muscles.

Patient 3, J.E.: Female, age 59.

Main Complaint: Stiff shoulders and neck; lumbago; cold lower
extremities.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 267

Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left ASIS.

Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
This patient clearly showed the upper right quadrant and lower left quadrant
pattern that we call "cross-syndrome." Treatment was successful and released
these reactions allowing progression to step two.

Patient 4, 1.1.: Female, age 79.

Main Complaint: Arthritic deformity and pain in spine and feet.
Abdominal Reactions: Overall flaccid and weak; some reaction at KI-16.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally, KI-6 black(-), LU-7 red(+).
In this patient, age and the advanced state of the disease indicated kidney
involvement (flaccid, weak abdomen; bone disease). These problems are clinically
accessible through the yin qiao mai-ren mai connection. The KI-16 reaction was
reduced. (Only repeated treatments would change the overall weakness and flac-
cidity of the abdomen.) At this time, the change was enough to allow treatment to
progress to step two.

Patient 5, Y.S.: Female, age 47.

Main Complaint: Gallstones; cysts and fibroids of the uterus.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; CV-17, left ST-25; left ASIS.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Here again, the cross-syndrome was clear. The patient's reactions at the right
subcostal and left ASIS with secondary yin wei mai and yang wei mai signs, CV-17
and left ST-25 were strong. Since the cross syndrome is closely related to the liver,
as is the gallbladder, this makes sense. Likewise, the uterine problems could be
related to cross-syndrome because both are usually attributed to blood stasis.
Treatment reduced the abdominal reactions allowing progression to step two.

Patient 6, M.W.: Female age 25.

Main Complaint: Occipital pain; excessive menstrual flow.
Abdominal Reactions: Kl-16
Pulse: Kidney pulse weak.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally, KI-6 black(-), LU-7 red(+).
This patient's appearance was notable for marked darkness below the eyes.
The weak kidney pulse and the Kl-16 reactions were further indications of an
underlying kidney involvement. KI-6 was the open point at the time of treatment.
Thus the yin qiao mai-ren mai connection was used. Treatment released the KI-16
reactions and strengthened the kidney pulse, allowing progression to step two.
268 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

Patient 7, J.I.: Male, age 25.

Main Complaint: This patient was unable to move his head or neck,
following surgery to the trachea for a cancerous
growth.
Abdominal Reactions: Mild ASIS; ST-26, KI-11.
Tests: Bilateral testing with ion beam: BL-62 (-), SI-3 (+).
Tests Results: No change on the abdomen.
Retest with ion beam: (+) to BL-62, (-) to SI-3; improvement in abdominal
findings.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam: (+)to BL-62, (-)to SI-3.
The ASIS, ST-26 and KI-ll findings for this patient and the neck immobility
suggested the yang qiao mai-du mai connection. But, when tested, the du mai-yang
qiao mai proved to be the more effective treatment. This illustrates how you can
start with a common treatment pattern and arrive at its opposite, when the com-
mon approach is insufficient. The treatment released the abdominal reactions and
gave the patient some improvement in neck mobility. Further treatment steps
greatly improved neck and head mobility.

Patient 8, Y.M.: Female, age 54.

Main Complaint: Insomnia; hypertension; angina; extreme
nervousness.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa: bilaterally, BL-51.
This patient is a clear example of a condition requiring the yin wei-chong mai
connection. The symptoms and abdominal reaction fit with textbook clarity. Step
one treatment softened the subcostal reactions. Step two treatment further
improved the abdominal reactions.

Patient 9, M.H.: Male, age 21.

Main Complaint: Severe chronic constipation. (A successful bowel
movement required half an hour.) This condition
had already improved through treatment;
completion had formerly taken one hour.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left ASIS region.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
This patient exhibited another clear case of cross-syndrome with liver
involvement. Because of the underlying liver involvement, the metronome was set
at 108 beats per minute and placed near the patient's right ear during the ion
pumping application. The abdominal reactions quickly changed, allowing treat-
ment to proceed to the next step.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 269

Patient 10, H.M.: Male, age 59.

Main Complaint: Obesity; history of manic depression.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left ASIS; left ST-25, right
GB-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa: bilaterally, BL-20, BL-23, BL-25.
Another clear cross-syndrome pattern was clearly exhibited by this patient.
In terms of the extraordinary vessels, manic depression is a yin wei mai-chong mai
symptom. Step one treatment improved the abdominal reactions. For step two
treatment, BL-20 was selected because of the yin wei mai-chong mai involvement and
the problem of obesity. The other moxa points were selected based on visual
observation of muscular tightness and pressure sensitivity. This combination
allowed considerable loosening of the patient's back muscles.

Patient 11, S.T.: Female, age 54.

Main Complaint: Headache; psychological stress. This patient had
been violently attacked nine years earlier and had
suffered from chronic shock ever since.
Abdominal Reactions: Both subcostal regions, especially right side.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally, PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
This patient provided another good example of the psychological symptom
relationships often found associated with the yin wei mai-chong mai pattern. The
stress, shock, and abdominal reactions all indicate yin wei mai-chong mai. The
patient became very relaxed during the treatment and the reactivity of the sub-
costal regions lessened allowing treatment to progress to the next step.

Patient 12, M.Y.: Female, age 38.

Main Complaint: Nervousness; hypotension; anemia; weak stomach
and intestines; low back and suprascapular pain.
Abdominal Reactions: Right LU-1,left ST-26; right KI-16, left KI-11.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right LU-7 red(+), KI-6 black(-).
Left SI-3 red(+), BL-62 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa:
bilaterally: BL-23, BL-25, KI-7.
Essentially, this patient exhibited a vacuous condition with some repletion
signs in the upper portions of their body. These symptoms and the pattern of yin
qiao mai-ren mai (LU-1, Kl-16) and yang qiao mai-du mai (ST-26, KI-ll) reactions were
the clues to this unusual combination. Before treatment began, the patient com-
plained of many things and manifested a nervous disposition. During first step
270 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

treatment she became quite relaxed and the abdominal reactions vanished, both of
which were seen as signs of success. For step two treatment, BL-23 and BL-25
were selected to help with the underlying lower burner-kidney xu condition. KI-7
was used expressly for the purpose of strengthening the kidney channel.

Patient 13, A.R.: Female, age 51.

Main Complaint: Glaucoma with decreased visual acuity; alopecia
(which had already improved with previous
treatments).
Abdominal Reactions: Subcostal regions.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally, PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Patients with alopecia are often treated via the yin wei mai-chong mai pattern.
The abdominal reactions here indicated bilateral application since both subcostal
regions were tight and sore. These released with ion pumping application, allow-
ing treatment to progress to the next step.

Patient 14, N.S.: Female, age 60.

Main Complaint: Decreased liver function since gallstone surgery.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; CV-17, left ST-25; Left ASIS.
Step One Treatment: Ion Pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Left TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
The liver-gallbladder problems experienced by this patient and the cross-syn-
drome pattern indicated treatment utilizing the extraordinary vessels, which pro-
vided a successful decrease of abdominal reactions allowing treatment to progress
to the next step.

Patient 15, Y.S.: Female, age 62.

Main Complaint: Left shoulder pain; history of severe herpes zoster.
Abdominal Reactions: Subcostal regions; CV-17, GB-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Herpes zoster is commonly treated with the yin wei mai-chong mai treatment
pattern. For this patient the abdominal reactions indicated bilateral application
since both subcostal regions and both GB-26 were reactive. These signs improved
with treatment allowing the next step of treatment to be applied.

Patient 16, Y.O.: Male, age 59.

Main Complaint: Right shoulder stiff and painful, with limited
movement ("50-year shoulder").
Abdominal Reactions: ST-25; along dai mai.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 271

Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:

bilaterally: TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
The symptoms and abdominal reactions of this patient clearly fit the yang wei
mai-dai mai treatment pattern. Treatment was applied bilaterally because the reac-
tions on the abdomen were bilateral. The abdominal reactions were reduced,
allowing progression to the next step of treatment, and the shoulder problem
improved.

Patient 17, S.O.: Female, age 69.

Main Complaint: Angina with numbness of the upper extremities
and feet.
Abdominal Reactions: Left KI-16; right LU-1.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
left KI-6 positive(+).
right LU-7 negative(-).
This patient was in a condition of general vacuity. The reactions on Kl-16 and
LU-1 indicated a yin qiao mai-ren mai pattern. Since KI-6 was open, the yin qiao mai-
ren mai was treated. Left KI-6 was treated because left KI-16 was reactive, right
LU-7 because right LU-1 was reactive. Intuition recommended the polarity appli-
cation of the ion beam with positive (+) to KI-6, which successfully reduced the
abdominal reactions.

Patient 18, H.M.: Male, age 61.

Main Complaint: Numbness of the arms; difficulty walking;
diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis.
Abdominal Reactions: Subcostal regions.
Step One treatment: Electro-acupuncture: bilaterally, scalp motor zones.
Ion pumping:
bilaterally, PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa:
bilaterally, BL-25 and KI-Ll gastrocnemius points.
In cases where organic degenerative changes have occurred, such as the con-
dition of this patient, the basic approach emphasized in this work must be aug-
mented. Using an electrodermal point finder, we located two points on either side
of the skull in the motor zones, needled these shallowly and applied gentle electri-
cal stimulation to both sides. The yin wei mai-chong mai was treated bilaterally with
the ion-pumping cords because the abdominal reactions were bilateral. Further
treatment applied kyutoshin moxa to the handles of the needles, bilaterally, at BL-25
and the kidney-large intestine gastrocnemius points, because of the numbness on
the large intestine channel. The chronicity and nature of this patient's condition
made immediate reassessment difficult. The moxa on the handles of the needles
was followed immediately by further procedures to address specific symptoms.
It should be noted that the gentle electrical stimulation of the motor zone
regions on the skull need not occur simultaneously with ion-pumping treatment.
It was addressed in this fashion for this patient because stimulation of these zones
272 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

is often helpful for locomotor symptoms. The beginner may want to apply one,
then the other, in a two-step process, to assure confidence that no adverse interac-
tion (such as countering the effects of the ion pumping) has occurred.

Patient 19, R.R.: Male, age 36.

Main Complaint: Arthritis of spine and hips, especially left hip,
diagnosed as Reiter's syndrome.
Abdominal Reactions: LU-1, KI-ll both sore, with positive 0-ring test;
right subcostal region reactive.
Other Reactions: Musculature in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
regions swollen, tight, and tender to the touch.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right lung-bladder region.
Pulse: Lung pulse weak; bladder, liver pulses slightly
weak
Confirming Tests: Electrostatic adsorbers:
(+)to left LU-9, (-)to LU-5;
(+)to left BL-67, (-)to left BL-65.
Test Results: Improvement in reactive areas and 0-ring test to
LU-1 and KI-11.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
left: LU-9 red(+), LU-5 black(-).
BL-67 red(+), BL-65 black(-).
Point testing for this patient was performed with electrostatic adsorbers.
Treatment was accomplished with needles and ion-pumping cords. Because cord
application usually lasts for 10-15 minutes, the patient was able to relax during
treatment. This patient clearly manifested problems involving much of the bladder
channel, and signs indicating the lung-bladder treatment (LU-1, Kl-11, gastrocne-
mius reactions, pulses). He also showed signs of a liver problem (right subcostal
region, tight muscles, pulse). Treatment produced an immediate relaxation of the
musculature down the entire back with release of much of the pain and stiffness; it
also produced an improved range of motion. Later treatments began to address
the liver problem.

Patient 20, S.W.: Female, age 31.

Main Complaint: Headache every day for the last few weeks, neck
and shoulders chronically tight.
Abdominal Reactions: Both KI-16 sore with positive 0-ring test; both
ST-27 sore.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Both kidney-large intestine regions reactive,
especially left.
Pulse: Weak kidney and large intestine pulses.
Confirming Tests: Electrostatic adsorbers:
(-)to right KI-1, (+) to right Kl-7.
(-)to right LI-2, (+)to right Ll-11.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 273

Test Results: Improvement in reactive areas and 0-ring test at

KI-16.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right KI-1, black,(-) KI-7 red(+).
LI-2 black(-), LI-11 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa: BL-23, BL-25.
Testing was accomplished with the electrostatic adsorbers, and treatment
with needles and ion pumping. This patient had given birth only a few weeks
before and was suffering headaches because of an ensuing kidney vacuity condi-
tion. The abdomen, gastrocnemius, and pulse all clearly indicated the kidney-large
intestine treatment, which released the abdominal reactions, and softened the
patient's shoulders somewhat, reducing pressure sensitivity. Step two treatment
was directed to the kidney and large intestine associated-shu points.

Patient 21, R.F.: Male, age 42.

Main Complaint: Severe sciatica of left leg since a trauma to the
lower back and left buttock region several months
before. Pains mostly down the bladder channel,
some down the gallbladder channel. Numbness
of the fourth and fifth toes, diagnosed as a
pinched sciatic nerve.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension; right LR-14 sore with
positive 0-ring test; left ASIS sore with positive
0-ring test; left ST-26, ST-27 sore with positive
0-ring test on ST-26.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left liver-small intestine region.
Pulse: Weak liver pulse.
Confirming Tests: Ion beam:
(-)to left LR-2, (+)to left LR-8.
(+)to right SI-3, (-)to right SI-8.
Test Results: All signs improved.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping cords:
(-)to left LR-2; (+)to left LR-8.
(+)to right SI-3; (-)to right SI-8.
Step Two Treatment: Kyotoshin moxa:
bilaterally: BL-18, BL-27.
Testing was performed with the electrostatic adsorbers, and treatment with
needles and ion pumping. This patient's general condition was strongly influenced
by his liver condition. The abdomen, gastrocnemius, and pulse all indicated a liver
problem. Treatment could have been applied to the cross-syndrome (upper right
and lower left abdominal quadrant), as well as the liver-small intestine channels.
On this occasion, treatment focused on the liver channel to obtain a more direct
effect. The logic for this choice was that if the liver channel improved, the general
level of muscle tension and spasm would improve, relieving the long-term pres-
sure on the sciatic nerve. This logic proved correct. Step two treatment selected
the back associated-shu points corresponding to the channels treated in step one,
thereby reinforcing the first step and further completing the octahedral-isophasal
correspondences.
274 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

Patient 22, Y.T.: Female, age 68.

Main Complaint: Stiff shoulders.
Abdominal Reactions: Right ST-25, GB-26.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right spleen-triple burner region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(+) to left SP-2, (-) to left SP-5;
(+) to right TB-3.
Here, step one treatment was performed with a 30-second application of the
ion beam device. In this patient the spleen-triple burner channel pair reactions
were clear. This treatment utilized a three-point combination, rather than the usual
4-point combination. The effectiveness of this treatment confirmed my growing
sense that combinations of three strategically selected points could be very power-
ful.

Patient 23, H.O.: Female, age 41.

Main Complaint: Pain in the right leg (history of diabetes; fracture
of the right leg).
Abdominal Reactions: Right KI-16, ST-27; right PC-1; CV-12.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to right Kl-1, (+)to right KI-7.
(+)to right LI-11.
Two possibilities were available here: diagnosis and treatment of either the
kidney-large intestine channel pair (KI-16, ST-27) or the pericardium-stomach
channel pair (PC-1, CV-12). Palpation of the gastrocnemius reaction evinced a
clear indication in favor of the kidney-large intestine pair; thus treatment using the
ion beam device focused on this pair, reducing the KI-16, ST-27 reaction and the
PC-1, CV-12 reactions, allowing progression to the next step.

Patient 24, M.K.: Female, age 72.

Main Complaint: Left hip painful; lower extremities numb; loss of
appetite.
Abdominal Reactions: ST-25, GB-26.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left spleen-triple burner region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(+) to right SP-2, (-) to right SP-5,
(+) to left TB-3.
For this patient, the digestive problem and abdominal and gastrocnemius
reactions all suggested that the treatment focus on the spleen-triple burner channel
pair. The GB-26 reactions were worse on the right and the ST-25 reactions were
worse on the left. Step one treatment with the ion beam apparatus reduced all the
reactions as well as reducing the hip pain.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 275

Patient 25, H.A.: Male, age 17.

Main Complaint: Excessive fluid accumulation in the stomach, with
a feeling of general malaise and low energy.
Abdominal Reactions: Both GB-26, ST-25.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right and left spleen-triple burner regions.
Pulse: Spleen pulse very weak.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally,(+) to SP-2, (-)to SP-5;
(+)to TB-3, (-)to TB-10.
This patient was in a markedly depleted condition with an advanced spleen
weakness. Since the abdomen, gastrocnemius, and pulse all confirmed this condi-
tion, bilateral treatment on the spleen-triple burner channel pair was used to direct-
ly strengthen both spleen channels. Step one treatment with the ion-pumping cords
released the abdominal reactions and allowed progression to the next step.

Patient 26, T.I.: Female, age 35.

Main Complaint: Pain on the lateral side of the right leg and hip.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left lower quadrant region;
other points: Manaka san yin jiao.
Gastrocnemius reactions: Left liver-small intestine region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to left LR-2, (+)to left LR-8;
(+) to right SI-3.
This patient clearly showed a cross-syndrome pattern of reaction (right sub-
costal, lower left quadrant and left Manaka three-yin crossing) calling for treatment
of the right yin wei-chong mai and left yang wei-dai mai, and as well as a pattern
indicative of the liver-small intestine channel pair. Ion beam treatment was done
in the cross pattern - right arm, left leg, to address the cross reactions. Either of
these treatments would have addressed the underlying liver problem and cross-
syndrome. In this case, the cross-syndrome reactions were released using treat-
ment on the liver-small intestine channel pair, allowing treatment to progress to
the next step.

Patient 27, K.I.: Male, age 44

Main Complaint: Left elbow and shoulder painful, with intra-
scapular pain; occasional numbness of the left
upper arm; occasional stomach problems.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left lower quadrant region;
left Manaka san yin jiao.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to left LR-2, (+)to left LR-8,
(+) to left SI-3.
The patient's pattern of reactions clearly indicated the cross-syndrome.
276 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

However, with the strong gastrocnemius reaction, treatment of cross-syndrome

was done with the liver-small intestine channel pair instead. Since the symptoms
were mostly of the left shoulder, the small intestine point was treated on the left.
Treatment using the ion beam device relieved the abdominal reactions and
improved the left elbow and shoulder pain, allowing treatment to continue to the
next step.

Patient 28, K.F.: Female, age 36.

Main Complaint: Nephritis.
Abdominal Reactions: GB-26, Right ST-25.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right spleen-triple burner region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(+)to left SP-2, (-)to left SP-5,
(+) to left TB-3.
Western diagnoses do not always indicate a clear problem in what could be
considered an equivalent channel. In this patient, the spleen-triple burner channel
pair was clearly indicated and the kidney pattern we might have expected from the
allopathic diagnosis was not apparent. Treatment using the ion beam device
reduced the abdominal reactions. Step two treatment addressed reactive points
lateral to BL-23 and the kidney-large intestine points on the gastrocnemii with
bilateral treatment using kyutoshin moxa. These were selected because the patient's
main complaint was nephritis, and all these points have an effect on the kidney
channel.

Patient 29, D.K.: Female, age 60.

Main Complaint: Gallstones.
Abdominal Reactions: KI-16.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right and left kidney-large intestine regions,
especially right.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to left KI-1, (+)to left KI-7, (+)to left Ll-11.
As with the previous patient, the kidney-large intestine channel pair was
clearly indicated, despite the gallbladder symptomology. Treatment using the ion
beam device released the KI-16 reactions and allowed progression to the next step.

Patient 30, M.Y.: Female, age 40.

Main Complaint: Arthritis of the elbows; history of hepatitis.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region.
Pulse: Weak overall pulse. To aid differentiation, we
applied thumbs to ST-41, the open supplementa-
tion point, for 15 seconds. This improved the
overall pulse and revealed a weakness in the liver
pulse.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 277

Step One Treatment: Electrostatic adsorbers:

(-)to left LR-2, (+)to left LR-8, (+)to right SI-3.
Metronome: 108 beats per minute.
Clear symptoms of a liver problem were evident: a history of hepatitis, right
subcostal reactions and weak liver pulse. We treated the the liver-small intestine
channel pair using the electrostatic adsorbers. In addition, we set a metronome at
108 beats per minute and the adsorbers vibrated back and forth on the points to the
beat of the metronome. This method of combining regular polarity treatment with
the metronome frequency successfully reduced the abdominal reaction, as well as
relieving some of the elbow pain, and allowed progression to the next step.

Patient 31, K.M.: Female, age 69.

Main Complaint: Cataracts; stiff shoulders; tension in the back from
the neck to the lumbar region; difficulty sleeping;
history of anemic heart problems.
Abdominal Reactions: LU-1, KI-11.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left bladder-lung region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(+)to right BL-67, (-)to right BL-65;
(+)to right LU-9.
Symptomatically this patient showed many bladder channel symptoms - eye
problems, back tension, etc. The abdominal and gastrocnemius reactions con-
firmed this condition and indicated a lung-bladder treatment pattern. Treatment
using the ion beam device improved the abdominal reaction and released some of
the neck and shoulder tension, allowing treatment to progress to the next step.

Patient 32, Y.K.: Female, age 72.

Main Complaint: Manic depression; sternal occlusion.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; mild left ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to left LR-2, (+)to left LR-8,
(+)to right SI-3.
The facial coloration of this patient was notably dark, especially around and
below the eyes. This patient could have been treated with the yin wei-chong mai
connection (and on many occasions was). On this occasion, the liver-small intes-
tine channel pair was selected because of the additional ST-26 reaction. Treatment
with the ion beam device reduced the abdominal reactions and allowed treatment
to progress to the next step. This case shows the overlap between the yin wei mai-
chong mai and liver.
278 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATING TREATMENTS WITH COLORS

Patient 1, Y.O.: Female, age 31.

Main Complaints: Infertility, allergies, headaches.
History: Unsuccessful hormone therapies.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region tight; pressure pain and
positive 0-ring tests at CV-4 and right LR-14.
Pulse: Liver pulse weak.
Step One treatment: Color:
Yellow ink to left LR-3.
Red ink to left LR-2 and CV-4.
Moxa: once to each point (above).
Ion pumping:
Right PC-6, black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Tests using color application caused the patient's 0-ring response to improve,
but there was no improvement in the pressure pain and tightness. Moxa was then
applied once to each point. This relieved the pressure pain at LR-14 and CV-4, but
the general tightness of the right subcostal region remained unchanged.
Application of the ion-pumping treatment eliminated the subcostal tightness.
This case study illustrates the step-by-step approach we have described:
assessment, application of method of choice, reassessment; if little or no improve-
ment, a revised choice. Or, if definite improvement shown, progression to the next
step. Here we started with the color application, reassessed, found marginal
improvement, selected moxa therapy, rechecked the indications, then selected ion
pumping to finally achieve a notable improvement in the pulse and abdominal
indications.

Patient 2, K.S.: Female, age 56.

Main Complaint: Insomnia.
Appearance: Flushed face and neck.
Abdominal Reactions: Hardness above the navel, especially the right
subcostal region; looseness below the navel;
pressure pain with positive 0-ring tests at CV-4
and right LR-14.
Step One Treatment: Color:
Yellow to left LR-3 and right SI-4.
Red to left LR-2 and CV-4.
Moxa: once on each point (above).
This patient showed a relatively clear liver-small intestine channel pair prob-
lem: right subcostal tightness, with positive 0-ring tests at LR-14 and CV-4 (see the
traditional mu points). Color and moxa treatment eliminated all the abdominal
reactions, allowing treatment to progress to step two.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 279

Patient 3, K.N.: Female, age 42.

Main Complaint: Dermatitis with itching of the face (onset at age 18).
Abdominal Reactions: Tension with slight pressure pain at CV-7 and
CV-12; positive 0-ring tests at CV-7 and CV-12.
Step One Treatment: Color:
Yellow to left SP-3 and both TB-4.
Red toCV-7.
Moxa: once on each point (above).
This patient showed a clear case of the spleen-triple burner channel pair as
indicated by the CV-7 and CV-12 reactions. Treatment with colors and moxa rid
the abdominal reactions and allowed therapy to continue to step two.

Patient 4, Y.B.: Female, age 60.

Main Complaint: Headaches for the last six months; low blood
pressure (80/50).
History: Successful surgery for a brain tumor the year
before.
Abdominal Reactions: Pressure pain and tension along the dai mai, from
GB-26 through SP-15, ST-25, KI-16 and back to
GB-26.
Step One Treatment: Electrostatic adsorbers:
(-)to left TB-5, (+)to left GB-41.
Color:
Yellow to left SP-3 and left TB-4.
Blue to left GB-41.
This step one treatment with electrostatic adsorbers improved the reactions
across the abdomen, but did not eliminate them, being least effective at GB-26. For
reinforcement, colors were applied. This considerably reduced the remaining reac-
tions, allowing treatment to continue to step two.

CASE STUDIES FOR ALTERNATE STRATEGIES

Patient 1, A.B.: Female age 53.

Main Complaint: Chronic hepatitis; hands numb in the morning;
irritated by standing.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left lower quadrant region;
left Manaka san yin jiao very sore.
Step One Treatment: Magnet heater:
placement on left sole.
This therapy released the patient's cross-syndrome pattern of reaction, allow-
ing treatment to progress to the next step.
280 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

Patient 2, M.F.: Male, age 40.

Main Complaint: Severe hemorrhoids.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region;
severe pain, left ST-26, ST-27.
Pulse: Weak overall.
Step One Treatment: Magnet heater:
placement on right palm.
This released the patient's cross-syndrome pattern of reactions with followed
up treatment in step two.

Patient 3, M.K.: Female, age 42.

Main Complaint: Stiff shoulders; fatigue; history of hernias; chronic
appendicitis.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left Manaka san yin jiao.
Step One Treatment: Magnet heater: Placement on right palm.
This released the patient's reactions allowing progression to the next step.

In each of these cases the cross-syndrome pattern was present. Use of the
magnet heater produced notable change. Generally, this treatment procedure is
helpful for stubborn cross-reactions, where regular ion-pumping treatment has not
been sufficient. It is also useful for the opposite cross-pattern of the upper left-
lower right abdominal quadrants. In a patient with pain on the left elbow, mostly
on the large intestine channel, treatment of the kidney-large intestine channel pair
produced little change of abdominal reactions. The left subcostal and right ASIS
regions were also reactive and particularly stubborn. Placing the left palm on the
magnet heater for ten minutes not only reduced the abdominal reactions, but also
greatly improved the left elbow pain and mobility.

CASE STUDIES FOR MOXIBUSTION OF CRANIAL & CAUDAL POINTS

Patient 1, M.D.: Female, age 48.

Main Complaint: Shoulder and back pain.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension; left ST-26, CV-14, CV-7.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine region.
Confirming Tests: 0-ring: CV-14, CV-7.
Step One Treatment: Moxa: 3 times CV-14 with arms stretched above
head while chanting AAHH; 3 times CV-7 with
arms by the sides while chanting MMMM.
The diagnosis for this patient was of the liver-small intestine channel pair
because of the right subcostal, left ST-26, and gastrocnemius reactions. The related
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 281

ren mai points were also reactive. With this treatment the patient experienced
immediate relief of the shoulder and back pain and became notably relaxed. She
requested that she be allowed to sleep for a few minutes. Becoming relaxed and
sleepy during treatment is a good sign. In this case, one treatment was able to cure
the patient's problem.

Patient 2, S.B.: Female, age 76.

Main Complaint: Tendonitis of the left hand.
Abdominal Reactions: Kl-16, ST-27, CV-12, CV-6.
Confirming Tests: O-ring.
Step One Treatment: Moxa: 3 times CV-12 with arms stretched above
head while chanting AAHH; 3 times CV-6 with
arms by the sides while chanting MMMM.
Involvement of the kidney-large intestine channel pair was evident in this
patient. Kl-16, ST-27, and the relevant ren mai points all showed positive 0-ring
responses. This simple moxa treatment was followed by the placement of intrader-
mal needles in the left auricle: lung, large intestine, and hand points, and on left
LU-7. This eliminated the pain in the left hand.

Patient 3, R.A.: Male, age 31.

Main Complaint: Agoraphobia; difficulty writing; kidney problems;
recent surgery for anastomosis of the bladder and
large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right LU-1, Kl-11.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Many areas sore, especially left bladder-lung
region.
Confirming Tests: 0-ring: CV-21, CV-3.
Step One Treatment: Moxa: 3 times CV-21 with arms stretched above
head while chanting AAHH; 3 times CV-3 with
arms by the sides while chanting MMMM.
This patient had multiple problems. Reactions indicated a lung-bladder channel
problem (LU-1, Kl-11, and gastrocnemius reactions). With the moxa treatment
directed at the lung and bladder reflex points, the abdominal reactions were
reduced quickly and simply, allowing step two treatment to follow.

Patient 4, M.I.: Female, age 25.

Main Complaint: Pain and numbness of the right fingers, especially
the index finger.
Abdominal Reactions: Right ST-27, Kl-16.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine region.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
(-)to right Kl-1, (+)to right Kl-7
(+)to right Ll-11.
282 Case Studies for Steps One and Two

Moxa:
3 times to right Ll-11 while chanting AAHH.
3 times to right Ll-2 while chanting MMMM.
3 times to right ST-27 while chanting MMMM.
In this case, regular treatment with the ion beam device had proven insuffi-
cient, accomplishing only mild improvement in the abdominal reactions. In an
effort to improve both the abdominal reactions and the patient's symptoms, treat-
ment was directed at the affected right large intestine channel points and reflex
point. This unusual tactic proved useful: both abdominal reactions and pain of the
fingers were reduced.

Patient 5, R.W.: Male, age 69.

Main Complaint: Palpitations.
Abdominal Reactions: Left KI-16, right ST-27.
Pulse: Kidney pulse weak.
Confirming Tests: 0-ring: CV-9, CV-6.
Step One Treatment: Moxa:
3 times to CV-9 with arms stretched above head
while chanting AAHH.
3 times to CV-6 with arms by the sides while
chanting MMMM.
3 times to right Ll-5 with thumb and index finger
stretched apart while chanting AAHH.
3 times to left KI-6 while chanting MMMM.
This elderly patient evidenced a condition of kidney vacuity. Diagnostically
the large intestine-kidney channel pair was indicated (KI-16, ST-27, weak kidney
pulse.) Because of the patient's advanced age and the nature of the patient's prob-
lems, the treatment of the open points was added. (Treatment time was 8:15am on
an S2B8 day- Ll-5 and KI-6 open.) The effects of this treatment were reinforced by
adding the open points.
It is worth noting that we can utilize the same principles of treatment without
using moxa. This is important when treating children, or others for whom moxa
may be inappropriate.

Patient 6, K.H.: Female, age 6.

Main Complaint: Rhinitis.
Abdominal Reactions: CV-21,CV-3.
Confirming Tests: 0-ring: CV-21, CV-3.
Step One Treatment: Manaka wooden hammer and needle:
CV-21 (lung), 20 seconds, 126 beats per minute
frequency. CV-3 (bladder), 20 seconds, 112 beats
per minute.
This child clearly showed a lung-bladder channel pair pattern of reactions
(CV-21, CV-3). Rather than moxa the points, which might have upset the child, the
wooden hammer and needle were used with a metronome. This tactic worked
well, reducing the abdominal reactions and improving the nasal congestion.
 Case Studies for Steps One and Two 283

CASE STUDY FOR MOXA WITH STRETCHING

Patient 1, Y.Y.: Female, age 30.

Main Complaint: Pain and stiffness of the left shoulder;
pain of the right knee.
Abdominal Reactions: CV-21, CV-3.
Confirming Tests: 0-ring: CV-21, CV-3.
Step One treatment: Ion pumping: Bilaterally, yin qiao-ren mai.
Step Two treatment: Kyotoshin moxa: BL-23, BL-18.
Moxa with stretching: 3 times to SI-10, with
stretching of the small intestine channel;
1 time to right ST-34 with foot extended
downward; 1 time to right SP-10 with foot
extended downward and lateral.
Following the step two kyutoshin treatment, motion palpation of the left
shoulder revealed a reaction at SI-10. Moxa with stretching immediately improved
the range of motion to almost normal and the pain subsided. Examination of the
painful right knee revealed strong pressure pain at ST-34 and SP-10. Moxa applied
to these points greatly reduced the discomfort.
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN

INTEGRATING A TOTAL TREATMENT

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES

The following selection of case studiesl are illustrative of the overall flow of
treatment, step-by-step and visit-by-visit. Readers will note that most of the princi-
ples and techniques outlined in the text are used routinely. It is worth noting as
well that the same treatment usually is not used time and time again.
Reassessment is made at each visit, adaptations are made as pattern changes are
observed. Generally, a patient's condition progresses in a positive direction. Some
cases were chosen to show the normal ups and downs in a course of treatment,
occurring in the context of steady improvement. One strength of this treatment
approach is its flexible methodology which allows for such steady progress.

CASE ONE

Patient: Female, S.A., age 37

FIRST TREATMENT DATE: 11/8/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Main Complaint: Reactive asthma, more than two years duration.
Allergies, many years duration; patient is taking
Optimine. Stiff shoulders, occasionally stiff neck.
Occasional migraines; catches cold easily;
occasional bouts of vaginitis.
History: Asthma worse with wind, draft, cold, dust, smoke.
If patient catches cold or exercises, it precipitates
an attack. Patient has one child, works a stressful
computer-related job. Patient has been using
Albuterol.
Pulse: Lung and spleen weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Overall soft and weak tonus. Tight and sore ren
mai above and below the navel. Reactive on
bilateral Kl-16, LU-1; both ASIS; right ST-26, ST-27.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: bilateral LU-7 black(-), KI-6 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-17, BL-23.
286 Integrating a Total Treatment
Step Three Treatment:
SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 11/18/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report:
Pulse:
Abdominal Reactions:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
THIRD TREATMENT DATE:
Report:
Pulse:
Abdominal Reactions:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 12/2/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report:
Pulse:
Abdominal Reactions:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
FIFTH TREATMENT DATE:
Report:
Pulse:
Intradermals in both ears at allergy points, both
asthma shu points (one cun lateral and slightly
superior to BL-17).
The patient caught cold the day after treatment, but
felt she had not experienced as much accompanying
asthma as usual.
Kidney, lung, liver weak.
Bilateral KI-16, LU-1.
Ion pumping: bilateral LU-7 black(-), KI-6 red(+).
Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-23.
Direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points.
Bilateral intradermals: ding quan (lateral to GV-14);
shen men & lung points in left ear.
11/22/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shoulders looser, a little more congestion; she
reports that she has not yet begun exercising as she
had been encouraged to do.
Lung, kidney, liver weak.
Bilateral LU-1, right KI-16, subcostal, and ST-26.
Ion pumping: bilateral KI-6 red(+), [open point];
LU-7black (-).
Supplement right KI-7, LU-5.
Direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points.
Intradermals: bilateral at ding quan, right BL-13, left
BL-23.
No colds, no major breathing difficulties, breathing
good; there is a knot at her left scapula, no exercise
as yet.
Lung, kidney weak.
Left LU-1, weak below navel.
Ion pumping: bilateral KI-6 red(+) [open point];
LU-7black (-).
Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-23.
Direct moxa: bilateral uranaitei, asthma shu points.
Intradermals: bilateral ding quan, left BL-13, right
BL-23.
12/6/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shoulders and upper back much looser, breathing
good, now able to do limited exercise without
asthma attack following.
Lung, kidney weak
 Integrating a Total Treatment 287

Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral KI-16, LU-1; ren mai above navel.

Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: bilateral Kl-6 red(+), LU-7 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-23.
Step Three Treatment: Direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilateral ding quan, right BL-13, left
BL-23.
SIXTH TREATMENT DATE: 12119/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: She has been doing well, breathing much better, but
her chest has been a little tight for the last two days.
A vaginitis flare up is in progress, and has disturbed
her sleep for the previous two days. She reports
being very happy with progress so far.
Pulse: Lung, kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral Kl-16; left LU-1.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: bilateral Kl-6 black(-), LU-7 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Bilateral needling followed by bilateral moxa at
LR-5 for the vaginitis.
Step Three Treatment: Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-23, BL-31.
Step Four Treatment: Bilateral direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points.
Step Five Treatment: Bilateral intradermals: ding quan, left LR-5, GV-3.
SEVENTH TREATMENT DATE:12/27/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Antibiotics' now have the vaginitis under control.
She reports her breathing has been good, but her
neck is a little stiff.
Pulse: Lung, kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Generally soft tonus; bilateral LU-1.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: bilateral KI-6 red(+), LU-7black (-).
Step Two Treatment: Bilateral needling: BL-13, BL-23.
Step Three Treatment: Bilateral direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points,
GV-14.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilateral ding quan, right BL-13, left
BL-23 left auricle- neck point.
Step Five Treatment: Indirect moxa: GV-3.
EIGHTH TREATMENT DATE: 1/2/89 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Her lungs have been clear, she can perform a little
exercise without an asthmatic reaction; there is a
mild nasal and eye allergic irritation.
Pulse: Lung weak, kidney weak (but improved).
Abdominal Reactions: Generally soft tonus; bilateral LU-1.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: bilateral LU-7 black(-), KI-6 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needle GV-12, BL-13 (bilateral), BL-23.
Step Three Treatment: Bilateral direct moxa: uranaitei, asthma shu points,
left BL-20.
288 Integrating a Total Treatment

Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilateral ding quan, right BL-13, left
BL-23.
Step Five Treatment: Indirect moxa: GV-3.
This case exemplifies a gradual but steady improvement through the course
of treatment. Her main problem was weakness of the lower abdomen with symp-
toms in the lungs; typically, this takes time to resolve. Thus, treatment was much
the same on each occasion because the signs and tests were consistent. With the
exception of treatment six, ion pumping [LU-7 black(-), KI-6 red(+)] was used as
the first step. The black clips were placed at LU-7 because of the predominance of
lung symptoms. On the sixth treatment when the vaginitis had flared up, the black
clips were instead placed at Kl-6 in response to the acute lower burner problem.
Moxa on the handle of the needle would have been more desirable than just
needling the back shu points. However, with the patient's reactions to smoke and
other airborne particles in mind, the use of needles and intradermals at the lung
and kidney back shu points, BL-13, BL-23, was chosen instead. The point uranaitei
was used because it is indicated for asthma and allergic problems. On the eighth
treatment, moxa at left BL-20 was added for the allergies. The indirect moxa at
GV-3 that was administered during the seventh and eighth treatments was for the
weak lower burner. This patient was able to stop using the asthma medication,
significantly cut down on the use of the allergy medication, and return to normal
levels of activity.

Patient: Female, L.A., age 41

FIRST TREATMENT DATE:
Main Complaint:
History:
Pulse:
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right kidney-large intestine. Slight reaction at
right gallbladder-heart.
Abdominal Reactions:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
10/21/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Right shoulder pain often accompanied by right
hip and knee pain; the conditions have occurred
with greater or lesser intensity for one year.
The patient has a long history of tight shoulders
and neck, occasional left-sided tightness at
mid-back. She had broken her coccyx years before
in a fall, and it had been surgically removed.
Kidney weak.
Overall soft. Bilateral ASIS, KI-16, ST-27 (left KI-16
and ST-27 worse), CV-12. Positive 0-ring tests at
left KI-16 and ST-27.
Electrostatic adsorber:
(-)to left Kl-1, (+)to left KI-7,
(-)to left LI-2, (+)to left LI-11.
Direct moxa: left kidney-large intestine; right
gallbladder-heart reflex points on the gastrocnemii.
Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Wooden hammer and metronome: sequential
tapping at the following points and rhythms:
BL-20 (132), BL-57 (112), TB-15 (152),
GV-14 (112, 120, 132), GB-21 (120), left GB-20 (120).
 Integrating a Total Treatment 289

SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 10/28/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: No further knee pain since the first treatment, but
some residual stiffness. Her whole body feels
looser but she injured her left shoulder lifting
during the week.
Pulse: Gallbladder, liver, large intestine, kidney weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right gallbladder-heart.
Left kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: CV-6, bilateral ST-26, ST-27, GB-24. Positive 0-ring
at left GB-24.
Step One Treatment: Electrostatic adsorbers:
(+)to left GB-43, (-)to left GB-38;
(+)to left HT-9, (-)to left ill-7.
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Step Three Treatment: Direct moxa: left kidney-large intestine and right
gallbladder-heart reflex points on the gastrocnemii;
and bilateral BL-15, BL-19.
Step Four Treatment: Wooden hammer and metronome: tapping on
TB-2 (the open point) at rate of 120, 152.

THIRD TREATMENT DATE: 11/4/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: Patient reports knee much better; left shoulder only
residually stiff, mild rash on thighs (stomach and
gallbladder channels).
Pulse: Kidney, large intestine, and gallbladder weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right gallbladder-heart.
Abdominal Reactions: Left ASIS; right KI-16, CV-17; bilateral KI-23, ST-27.
Positive 0-ring right GB-24, CV-17.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
left: GB-43, red(+), GB-38 black(-);
left HT-9 red(+), HT-7 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa bilaterally to BL-19, BL-25, and
right gastrocnemius gallbladder-heart.
Step Three Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure with heat to right
BL-19.
Step Four Treatment: Wooden hammer and metronome: left TB-15 (152).
FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 11/18/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Pain and stiffness of shoulder and knee much
better; rashes of right upper thigh and left shin
better. Patient thinks rashes may be seasonally
related.
Pulse: Kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral KI-23, ST-11, ST-26, SI-9, sides of cervical
vertebrae; left Kl-16, ASIS, PSIS, LU-1.
Confirming Tests: Left SI-3, BL-62 with electrostatic adsorbers.
290 Integrating a Total Treatment

Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:

bilaterally, SI-3 red(+) and BL-62 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Moxa on handle of needle:
bilaterally to BL-19, BL-27.
Step Three Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Step Four Treatment: Wooden hammer and metronome: sequentially
tapped at the following points and rhythms:
KI-6 [open point] (120, 132), LR-3 (108),
ST-36, ST-32 (132).
Following the fourth treatment, the patient reported cessation of pain and
musculoskeletal problems, and disappearance of the rashes on the legs.
Subsequently, the patient returned for nine more treatments to address various
acute musculoskeletal problems with various onsets due to overlifting, long peri-
ods of sitting, etc. The dates of these incidents were: 12/30/86, 1/13/87, 2/13/87,
9/4/87, 1/8/88, 1/15/88, 8/26/88, 9/23/88, 12/9/88. On all but one occasion, a
single treatment eliminated the problem. Treatments on these occasions were usu-
ally to the yang wei mai-dai mai with ion pumping, or to the yin qiao mai-ren mai
with ion pumping, followed by kyutoshin moxa on appropriate points, sotai, a few
applications of direct moxa and a few uses of intradermals. In this patient, prob-
lems of the gallbladder channel frequently appeared symptomatically, while she
showed weakness of the lower burner (kidney vacuity) as her underlying imbal-
ance. We speculate that the kidney vacuity was in large part the result of two
childbirths and the coccyngeal trauma. Simple treatments, usually with very small
doses of stimulation, were sufficient to eliminate this patient's complaints and
return her to normal levels of activity. She is on a maintenance program, returning
only when acute problems arise.

CASE THREE

Patient: Male, R. R., age 36

FIRST TREATMENT DATE: 9/5/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Main Complaint: Reiter's syndrome- arthritis of spine and hips.
Severe pain and stiffness of back; when lying
down, the back goes into severe spasm, causing
difficulty sleeping. Impaired normal activities,
previously was very active; now cannot exercise,
cannot sit for extended periods.
History: The problem had begun five years earlier in the
left hip. It was treated with Indocin and aspirin;
three and a half years later, arthritis appeared in
the spine. Over the last few weeks it had
appeared in the right hip. The condition had been
treated with 600 mg Clinoril daily for the last 18
months. Physical therapy and chiropractic helped
only for the duration of the treatment itself. The
patient was well muscled, full chested. The back
muscles were tight and swollen; noticeable
pigmentation was visible in the upper back.
Pulse: Lung weak, bladder slightly weak.
 Integrating a Total Treatment 291

Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right lung-bladder.

Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension; left lower quadrant
tension; left LU-1, KI-11. Positive 0-ring test at
left LU-1, KI-11.
Step One Treatment: Electrostatic adsorbers, then ion-pumping:
(-)to left LU-5; (+)to left LU-9;
(-)to left BL-65, (+)to left BL-67.
Step Two Treatment: Moxa on handle of needles: BL-18, BL-28.
Step Three Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: placed on on the posterior surfaces
of both auricles for the back.
Step Five Treatment: Wooden hammer and metronome: sequential
tapping at the following points and rhythms:
GB-20 (120), GV-14 (112, 120), TB-15 (152).
Comments: After step one, the patient reported an immediate
and dramatic reduction of back tension, pain, and
stiffness, and was able to lie on the treatment table
without discomfort. By the end of treatment, the
patient showed a dramatically increased range of
motion and flexibility in the spine.
SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 9/12/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient enthusiastically reports a very good
week. His back was less tense and painful, much
more mobile. He was able to sleep on his back.
His shoulders were looser, but his hips still hurt,
especially the right hip.
Pulse: Lung and liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine; left lung-bladder.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tightness; left ASIS tight; left
KI-16, LU-1; bilateral tightness at ST-25, ST-27.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
right: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+),
left: TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: knee to chest procedure and leg extension
procedure, with heat applied to BL-18.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally, BL-18, BL-21.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilateral auricle placement-
hip, low back, for a total of six needles.
THIRD TREATMENT DATE: 9/19/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Right hip is much better, back little tighter, but
still good. The previous night was the first night
the patient had felt any discomfort at all.
Pulse: Liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral LR-13, ST-26; CV-14; slight right
292 Integrating a Total Treatment

subcostal tension. Positive 0-ring at right ST-26,

Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 9/26/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Back and hips both very good.
Pulse: Liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
Step Five Treatment:
FIFTH TREATMENT DATE:
Report:
Pulse:
Abdominal Reactions:
Confirming Tests:
Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Step Four Treatment:
Comments:
LR-13, CV-14.
Ion pumping:
right SI-3 red(+), right SI-8 black(-);
left LR-2 black(-), left LR-8 red(+).
Sotai: knee to chest procedure; leg extension
procedure with heat applied to BL-18, GV-8.
Kyotoshin moxa: BL-18, BL-22.
Intradermals: placement at the low back points on
the anterior and posterior surfaces of both auricles
(total of four needles).
Right LR-13; left ST-26, ASIS; mild right subcostal
tension; CV-10,(and above) sore and with positive
0-ring test.
Ion pumping:
right PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+),
left TB-5 black (-), GB-41 red (+).
Electrostatic adsorbers:
(-) to left BL-62, (+) to left SI-3.
Sotai: leg extension with heat applied to BL-18.
Kyutoshin moxa: BL-18, BL-21.
Intradermals: bilaterally to hip points and to low
back points on anterior and posterior surfaces of
auricles (total6 needles).
10/3/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back and hips are very good.
Liver weak.
Right subcostal tension; bilateral KI-16, ST-26,
ST-27 are a little sore; left ASIS is a little tense.
Positive 0-ring at left ST-26, ST-27, right LR-13,
left ASIS.
Right LI-4 (open point)- all responses improved.
Needle to right LI-4.
Ion pumping:
right: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+),
left: TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Kyutoshin moxa: BL-20, BL-22.
Intradermals: low back and hip points in each
auricle, total of 6 needles.
Because the patient was doing so well, the
 Integrating a Total Treatment 293

possibility of gradually cutting back on the

Clinoril with the intention of halting its use was
discussed with the patient.
SIXTH TREATMENT DATE: 10/10/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient stopped the Clinoril abruptly after the
last treatment. This led to a flare up of the back
symptoms within 24 hours. However, the hips
were still without problems.
Pulse: Liver and kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Both subcostal regions slightly tense and sore; left
ASIS quite sore, left KI-16 sore. Positive 0-ring
test at left KI-16, right LR-14, left ASIS.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
right: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+),
left: TB-5 [open point] black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure with heat to BL-18,
GV-8.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-18, BL-22.
Step Four Treatment: Massage, upper back area.
Step Five Treatment: Intradermals: bilaterally to anterior and posterior
auricular points for the low back and hip, total6
needles.
Comments: Since the patient had suddenly stopped the
medication, rather than withdraw gradually (as
was proposed), we agreed that he should return
to the use of Clinoril at the previous dose and then
reduce the dose slowly over the course of
treatment.
SEVENTH TREATMENT DATE: 10/17/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Back is good again, left hip a little active.
Pulse: Kidney and large intestine weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Mild reaction at right kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral Kl-16, ST-27, ASIS; mild right subcostal
tension.
Step One Treatment: ion pumping:
left: Kl-1 black(-), KI-7 red(+),
left LI-2 black(-), Ll-11 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Direct moxa: ST-27.
Step Three Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Step Four Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-21, BL-23, BL-25.
Step Five Treatment: lntradermals: bilaterally at BL-18, and hip and low
back points of both auricles.
EIGHTH TREATMENT DATE: 10/24/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient reported feeling so well that he had
played basketball. He had hurt his back, but not
294 Integrating a Total Treatment

too badly, and his dose of Clinoril was down to

400 mg per day.
Pulse: Kidney and liver weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral ASIS tight and sore, ST-25, ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilateral TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+);
bilateral SI-3 red(+), BL-62 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure with heat to GV-8.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-21, BL-23.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilateral auricle points for low back,
shoulders.
Comments: The patient was counselled on the importance of
taking less dramatic advantage of his new-found
well being, and proceeding cautiously before
launching into strenuous physical activity.
NINTH TREATMENT DATE: 11/14/86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient has reduced the Clinoril to 200 mg.
daily and feels very good.
Pulse: Kidney, liver and large intestine weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Both kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal; left ASIS, CV-12, left KI-16;
bilateral ST-27; CV-12.
Confirming Tests: Left TB-5, GB-41; no change.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
left: KI-1 black(-), KI-7 red(+),
right: Ll-2 black (-), LI-11 red (+).
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-18, BL-23.
TENTH TREATMENT DATE: 12/4/86 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient stopped the Clinoril entirely following
the previous treatment. His back has been a little
tight, but otherwise he has no complaint.
Pulse: Large intestine and kidney weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Subcostal tension, left KI-16, ST-27, mild left ASIS.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
left: KI-1 black(-), KI-7 red(+);
left: LI-2 black(-), LI-11 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure with moxa to
BL-18, GV-8.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-23, BL-25.
Step Four Treatment: Wooden hammer and metronome: tapping at the
following points and rhythms: BL-18 (108), GV-14
(108, 112, 120, 132, 152, 104), GB-21 (120, 152).
 Integrating a Total Treatment 295

Comments: The patient was operating on a limited budget,

thus intradermal needles were not left in place, so
as to see how he would do without them. Further
treatment was reserved for any acute
circumstance.
ELEVENTH TREATMENT DATE:l/16/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient had not done as well as expected and
wanted to see if there were some way of extending
the effects of treatment. The back pain and
tightness had come and gone throughout the last
six weeks and he was now using 400 mg. per day
of Clinoril.
Pulse: Kidney weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Left KI-16, right ST-27, subcostal tension. Positive
0-ring tests at left KI-16, right ST-27.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
right: KI-1black (-), KI-7 red(+);
right: LI-2 black(-), LI-11 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: BL-18, BL-47.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: josen, low back point in both
auricles, both BL-38.
After this treatment the patient fared very well. Again he was able to stop the
Clinoril entirely. Over the next few months he was able to slowly increase his lev-
els of activity. However, at a certain level of activity he irritated his back again. He
used Clinoril at 200 mg per day, but this was not enough, so he returned for treat-
ment twelve times between May and October of 1987. Through the course of these
treatments the patient was able to return to a condition of no discomfort or minimal
symptoms, stop using Clinoril, and return to regular activities, including some
sports. Treatments during this period were similar to those preceding. Treatment
focus alternated between the liver-small intestine pair, the yin wei mai-chong mai, or
the kidneys through the yin qiao mai-ren mai pair. More symptomatic treatment
focused on the yang qiao mai-du mai pair. Several treatments combined the yin qiao
mai and yang qiao mai pairs with ion pumping. Kyutoshin moxa was applied to rele-
vant back shu points and to pressure-sensitive points on the hips. Intradermals
were left in the lower back, auricles, and occasionally the hands. Following this
series of treatments the patient was able to maintain normal activity, including bas-
ketball, volleyball, jogging, and other fairly strenuous exercise.
On occasion when some tightness has reappeared, he has come for treatment.
On each of these occasions, treatment has been simple and rapidly effective. Eight
treatments administered between March and September of 1988 were much the same
as above. He has been completely off the Clinoril since the treatment series in 1987.
Reiter's syndrome is seen as an inherited disorder, and is not often amenable
to traditional Western therapy. In his case, the liver and kidney seem to be the
source of the problem, with the bladder and secondarily the gallbladder channels
becoming symptomatic. It is unclear whether he has been "cured" of the condition,
meaning that there will be no recurrences. However, the condition is now easily
managed, and the patient is able to sustain levels of activity sufficient to maintain
his sense of well being.
296 Integrating a Total Treatment

CASE FOUR

Patient: Female, B.S., age 72.

FIRST TREATMENT DATE: 6/12/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Main Complaint: Six months earlier this patient had been struck by
a bus. She had suffered a badly broken right foot
and right arm; both were fractured in multiple
locations. These had been surgically repaired with
metal plate implantations. She had also
suffered several broken ribs and collapsed lungs.
Extensive physical therapy and some acupuncture
had been administered. She was now mobile, but
suffered from occasional breathing difficulties.
She was unable to abduct her right arm beyond
shoulder height. She felt as though she had a
clamp on her right foot. Occasionally she would
experience pain in the neck and side of the head
with headaches. When bending over, she had
pain in the right arm, shoulder, and neck. The
patient appeared somewhat frail, but considering
the multiple traumas, looked rather well. The
surgical scars on the right arm cut across the small
intestine and large intestine channels.
Pulse: Kidney, liver, and small intestine weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tightness and soreness;
Right LR-14; left Kl-16, ST-26.
Positive 0-ring tests at right LR-14 and left ST-26.
Considerable tenderness on arm and foot scars.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+),
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: right SP-6.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: right SP-6, right Sl-9, on the scar on
the arm around LI-14 and LI-13 (total of 4 needles).
Comments: Following treatment, abduction was somewhat
improved, with generally less discomfort overall.
Treatment was kept simple because of the
patient's age and concern not to overstimulate.
SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 6/19/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Most improvements shown at the time of the
initial treatment had been retained, though today
her arm felt stiff. She reported that she had only
one remaining physical therapy session.
Pulse: Liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal, ASIS; left ST-26; CV-12 area tight
and sore.
 Integrating a Total Treatment 297

Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:

Left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+);
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: SP-6 bilaterally.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: right KI-7, right SI-10, and along the
scar on the arm in three places.
Step Four Treatment: Needling: bilaterally to BL-14, BL-18, GB-21, then
right SI-11.

THIRD TREATMENT DATE: 6/26/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The patient reported increased range of motion for
the arm, a more natural feeling in the arm, and
improved ability to walk. She has now finished
physical therapy.
Pulse: Large intestine, liver, spleen, and pericardium
weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension and soreness;
bilateral KI-16; left ST-27. Scar tenderness is
greatest on the large intestine channel.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: LI-2 black(-}, LI-11 red(+);
Left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Intradermals: right SP-6, ST-34, LI-11, SI-10, with
two sore points on the scar, and at the right auricle
points for ankle and shoulder (total of 8 needles).
Step Three Treatment: Needling of pressure pain points on the right
upper back.

FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/3/87 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The arm is the same as last week; the patient
reports sleeping better.
Pulse: Liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; left ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-),
left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: ST-36.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: right LI-11, SI-9, SP-6, ST-36, and
two on sore points on the scar on the arm.

FIFTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/11/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The patient is maintaining the improvement.
Pulse: Liver, spleen, and small intestine weak.
298 Integrating a Total Treatment

Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left liver-small intestine.

Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region; right LR-14, ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-),
Left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: left SP-6.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: right SP-8, ST-36, LI-11, two on sore
points on the scar.

SIXTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/18/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The patient's condition is about the same. She
expressed concern about continuing treatment
because of time and cost.
Pulse: Liver, spleen, and small intestine weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Right LR-14, subcostal region, ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-),
Right: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: right LI-10, the most reactive point on
the scar, and several sore points in the right upper
back.
Comment: No intradermals were placed, to see if the patient
would maintain her progress nevertheless.

SEVENTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/25/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The patient had been more active this week and
had maintained her gains even without the
intradermals.
Pulse: Liver, spleen, and small intestine weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region, ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-),
Right: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: right LI-4, right LI-10, right GB-34, on
the scar, and several sore points on the right upper
back.

This patient clearly showed a problem of the liver-small intestine channel

pair. The small intestine channel was severely traumatized, the liver may have
been problematic before the accident, but following the accident and all the contu-
sions, breakage, etc., the liver was now definitely weak. Treatment along this axis
seemed to be notably helpful. It is not clear how much more ground might have
been gained if treatments had continued. By the end of this course of treatment,
the patient had greater usage of the right arm and was able to walk better. It is also
probable that secondary problems resulting from all the blood stasis may have
been lessened or averted.
 Integrating a Total Treatment 299

Patient Female, M.T., age 75

FIRST TREATMENT DATE: 2/2/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Main Complaint: The patient had suffered a lower left humeral
fracture one year before. She still had pain in arm,
elbow, forearm, wrist and into the fingers. There
was restricted motion of the wrist, poor grip, poor
abduction, right-sided sciatica that became worse
with sitting, and obesity.
History: Following the broken humerus the patient under-
went extensive physical therapy, but with the
resulting inactivity, the patient became depressed
and obese. This irritated an old right lower back
problem causing sciatic pain that radiated down
the back of the leg. The patient had a long history
of migraines, but now suffered only occasional
headaches, and was otherwise healthy. The
patient was obese, but considering her age, was in
good condition. The left arm was swollen along
the triple burner channel between the elbow and
wrist.
Pulse: Spleen, triple burner, and liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left spleen-triple burner.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension, ST-25, GB-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: SP-2 red(+), SP-5 black(-),
Right: TB-3 red(+), TB-10 black(-).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: left Tae Woo Yoo arm point.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: left LI-14, upper and lower arm
points on left hand, ankle and sciatic points on
right auricle.
Step Four Treatment: Needling: right GB-39, GB-41.
Comments: Treatment was kept siinple. Each additional step
added produced an increased motion and
decreased pain. After steps one and two, the arm
was less painful and abduction improved. After
steps three and four, the sciatic pain was greatly
reduced.
SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 2/9/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient maintained the gains of the last
treatment. The arm was still improved, there was
no sciatic pain. The patient complained of only an
achy sensation in the right buttock and a little
ankle pain.
Pulse: Kidney, liver, and large intestine weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine.
300 Integrating a Total Treatment

Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal tension, KI-16.

Step One Treatment:
Step Two Treatment:
Step Three Treatment:
Bilateral 5T-27.
Ion pumping:
Right: KI-1 black(-), KI-7 red(+),
Right: LI-2 black(-), Ll-11 red(+).
Intradermals: hip point of right auricle; left LI-13,
left LI-10; left hand points for the right hip, left
arm (total of 6 needles).
Needling: right GB-38, GB-43.

THIRD TREATMENT DATE: 2/16/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: Ankle pain now gone, right buttock less achy, left
arm still improved, achiness now more on the
triple burner and small intestine channels. The
patient expressed concern over her obesity.
Pulse: Kidney and bladder weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Mild right subcostal tension.
Left 5T-26.
Mild bilateral A5I5.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Bilateral BL-62 [open point] black(-), 5I-3 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Intradermals: left LI-14, stomach point of left
auricle, low back point of right auricle, low back
points of both hands (totalS needles).

FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 2/23/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: The abduction is almost normal now, but there is
still a sensation of tightness in the arm and a little
discomfort in the right low back region. Overall,
the condition is greatly improved and the patient
reports experiencing less hunger.
Pulse: Bladder and liver weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Mild right subcostal; bilateral A5I5 tension;
left 5T-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilateral BL-62 black(-), 5I-3 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Intradermals: left BL-42, distal to the left olecranon
process, low back points of both hands.
Step Three Treatment: Moxa 5I-8 while stretching the small intestine
channel.
Step Four Treatment: Needling: right GB-39, right GB-41.

FIFrH TREATMENT DATE: 3/1/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: Overall, little change from last treatment, no
weight loss as yet.
Pulse: Liver weak.
 Integrating a Total Treatment 301

Abdominal Reactions: Bilateral tension at ST-25, ST-26, ST-27;

right subcostal region.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilateral TB-8 black (-), GB-35 red (+).
Step Two Treatment: Intradermals: right GB-35, left LI-10, left SI-10,
sore point on right buttock, stomach point of left
auricle.
Comments: In this treatment, it was decided to try the three
yang arm and leg meeting points, since all three
arm yang channels seemed involved.
SIXTH TREATMENT DATE: 3/8/88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Further improvements in the right low back and
hip; left arm unchanged; lost two pounds.
Pulse: Liver weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal; left lower quadrant.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+),
Left: TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: stomach point of left auricle.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: left LI-10, sore point on right side of
sacrum, stomach point of left auricle.
SEVENTH TREATMENT DATE: 3/15/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Overall feels again a little better, lost five pounds.
Pulse: Liver and pericardium weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal; left of navel.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
right: PC-6 black(-), SP-4 [open point] red(+),
left: TB-5 black(-), GB-41 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: intradermals: right side sacrum, left Ll-14, left SI-8,
stomach point, and shen men point of left auricle.
EIGHTH TREATMENT DATE: 3/22/88 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient reports that her back has been very
comfortable, her appetite is still decreased, but
that she feels a little tightness on the left arm
(small intestine channel).
Pulse: Liver, bladder, small intestine, and kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal, ASIS, ST-26.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right: SI-3 red(+), SI-8 black(-)
Left: LR-2 black(-), LR-8 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needle: stomach point of left auricle.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: left Ll-14, right side sacrum,
stomach and shen men points of right auricle.
Step Four Treatment: Needling: bilaterally to ST-45.
302 Integrating a Total Treatment

After this, treatment followed the same format. The ion-pumping cords were
used for all step one treatments, with intradermals and needling of other points as
steps two and three. The step one treatments followed the shifting patterns of ten-
sion in the left arm. If the tension was primarily in the small intestine channel,
small intestine reflex points showed reaction and the small intestine was treated
through either the liver-small intestine pair or the yang qiao mai-du mai. The patient
was treated eight more times, from March to June of 1988. The left arm showed
slow but continuous improvement. The back remained asymptomatic, and the
patient slowly shed more pounds.
Because of the patient's age, treatment was always kept simple, with minimal
stimulation. Prior to the beginning of treatment, the patient had shown no
improvement in her condition since stopping physical therapy some months
before. She was virtually housebound and thus depressed much of the time. By
the end of treatment, the patient reported very little depression (this was con-
firmed by her family) and was now able to perform tasks around the house and go
walking again.

Patient: Male, G.R., age 32

FIRST TREATMENT DATE: 6/13/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Main Complaint: This young man suffered severe stomach pain,
indigestion, and heartburn, complicated by either
diarrhea or constipation. He was experiencing
considerable stress at work and had a deviated
septum with nasal obstruction.
History: Three years before, surgery was performed for a
stomach tumor with a partial gastrectomy. The
current symptoms began in April1987 and were
the same as those prior to surgery. The patient
was scheduled to see a gastro-intestinal specialist
in two weeks time, but was currently being treated
as though suffering from an ulcer and not a
recurrence of the cancer. The cause of his deviated
septum and nasal problems resulted from a
mugging he had suffered six months earlier,
where his nose had been broken. His job was
extremely stressful, which further exacerbated his
condition.
Pulse: Strong and bounding, with liver weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right liver-small intestine; kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Strong subcostal tightness and tenderness on both
sides, especially on the left side, which i.s very
tender. Both ASIS are tense and sore, particularly
the left, which is tight along the ren mai from CV-6
to CV-15. The area around CV-12 is exceptionally
sore, left ST-25 very sore, and right ST-25 to ST-27
tight.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Bilateral to PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
 Integrating a Total Treatment 303

Step Two Treatment: Direct moxa: applied to the tender point below T6
(for stress) [after Fukaya].
Step Three Treatment: Direct moxa: bilaterally to BL-18, left BL-19,
left BL-20.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilaterally to pi gen; stomach and
shen men points of left auricle.
SECOND TREATMENT DATE: 6/16/87++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient reported that overall he was better for
24 to 30 hours following the treatment. He felt
more relaxed and the nasal congestion was also
improved.
Pulse: Liver and spleen weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left kidney-large intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Strong subcostal tightness and soreness, especially
on the left; left ASIS sore and jumpy; CV-12;
left ST-21, SP-21.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
bilaterally to PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: left ST-21.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-18, BL-21.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: left SP-9,
stomach & spleen points of left auricle,
shen men point of right auricle.
THIRD TREATMENT DATE: 6/25/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The condition improved for six days following
treatment; however, the stomach pain worsened
again. Nasal congestion continued on and off; the
upper G.l. examination was completed and the
results were to be available soon.
Pulse: Spleen and pericardium weak.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Left liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal region better; left side is still very
tight and sore; left ASIS sore and jumpy; ST-21.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping: left: PC-6 black(-), left SP-4 red(+),
left ST-21 black(-), right ST-40 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-18, BL-21.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: left BL-22, right SP-8, triple burner
point of left auricle, stomach and shen men points
of right auricle.
Step Four Treatment: Moxa: GV-23.
Comments: In this treatment, ST-21 and ST-40 were treated
with ion-pumping cords to relieve the acute
problem of the stomach more directly. Moxa was
applied to GV-23 to address the nasal problems.
304 Integrating a Total Treatment

FOURTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/1/87 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Report: Again, the patient's condition was notably
improved for several days following treatment,
but then soreness returned. His physician feels
that he has a stomach ulcer and has prescribed
Tagamet. His work has been very stressful.
Pulse: Liver and spleen weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Both subcostal regions tight and sore, especially
the left. Left ASIS little less jumpy; ST-21;
right ST-27.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Bilaterally to PC-6 black(-), SP-4 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Intradermals: left ST-21.
Step Three Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-18, BL-21.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: bilaterally to BL-21, left SP-8,
liver & stomach points of left auricle.
Step Five Treatment: Direct moxa: GV-22.
FIFTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/9/87 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: Following the last treatment the stomach neither
improved nor worsened. However, the nasal
congestion is considerably better.
Pulse: Spleen and liver weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Left subcostal and ASIS regions tight and very
sore.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right TB-5 black(-), left GB-41 red(+),
Right SP-4 black(-), left PC-6 red(+).
Step Two Treatment: Needling: left ST-21.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: left SP-8, left ST-18, left BL-21,
stomach and shen men points of right auricle.
Step Four Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-18, BL-21.
SIXTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/16/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient reports that he felt very good all week
following the last treatment. The nasal congestion
was still improved. His gastroenterologist
diagnosed the condition as esophagitis with hiatial
hernia and acid reflux. Eight weeks of Tagamet
and a tightly restricted diet are the current
program.
Pulse: Liver and kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Both subcostal regions tight and sore, especially
the left. There is tension and jumpiness to the left
of the navel and at the left ASIS.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right LI-4 black(-), left ST-41 red(+);
Right KI-6 black(-), left LU-7 red(+).
 Integrating a Total Treatment 305

Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: CV-12; bilaterally to BL-17,left

side BL-19.
Step Three Treatment: Needling: right BL-19.
Step Four Treatment: Intradermals: left SP-8,left ST-18, right BL-19,
stomach and esophagus points of left auricle.
Comments: This treatment addressed the symptoms more
symptomatically, rather than through the general
diagnosis. As we will see, this strategy did not
work. It is often better to stay with a treatment
that is working.
SEVENTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/23/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient reported that his stomach was quite
active this week: diarrhea, much gas, more pain.
Pulse: Spleen and liver weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Both subcostal regions tight and sore, left less than
before. Left ASIS still reactive.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), right SP-4 red(+).
Left foot placed sole down on the magnet heater;
needling to left TB-5 [open point].
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-17, BL-21.
Step Three Treatment: lntradermals: right BL-22,left BL-27, shen men,
liver, stomach, and esophagus points of right auricle.
Comments: Step one treatment here treats the condition as
cross syndrome.
EIGHTH TREATMENT DATE: 7/28/87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: The patient had a much better week, almost no
pain; the effects of treatment were continuous and
he was sleeping better.
Pulse: Kidney weak.
Abdominal Reactions: Tight right subcostal and sore left subcostal;
jumpy left ASIS, a little tension at right ASIS.
soreness on left ST-25 and ST-26; tightness on
CV-12.
Step One Treatment: Ion pumping:
Right PC-6 black(-), right SP-4 red(+). Left foot
placed sole down on magnet heater.
Step Two Treatment: Kyutoshin moxa: bilaterally to BL-17, BL-21.
Step Three Treatment: Intradermals: right BL-22, shen men, esophagus
and stomach points of left auricle.
Following these last two treatments, the patient continued to show improve-
ment, with occasional ups and downs. This basic treatment regimen, combining the
ion-pumping cords with the magnet heater for step one, was used for most of the
following treatments. It was indicative of an accompanying problem of blood stasis,
which the magnet heater seemed helpful in resolving. There were two circum-
stances when the spleen-triple burner pair was used. The other steps in treatment
306 Integrating a Total Treatment

followed the same pattern. The patient was seen nine more times, from August
through October of 1987. During this time the patient took a ten-day vacation,
through which he was completely symptom free. He came to realize that the
stressful nature of his job was a major factor in his health problem. Some weeks
after this, he changed his work to a less stressful occupation. By the end of treat-
ment, the patient was almost symptom-free, the nasal problem was completely
resolved, and his stomach irritation was rare and mild.
Of course, it is hard to know how much the Tagamet improved the condition
and how much the acupuncture improved the condition, but when improvement is
seen immediately following treatment, it is usually a good indication that the
acupuncture has been effective.

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES OF EXTREME DIFFICULTY

In the two cases that follow, the effectiveness of this method of treatment for
very difficult conditions is easily seen. In the first case (from Yoshio Manaka's
caseload), note the flow of treatment. In the second, note the remarkable effects
achievable through this method of treatment. This second case is the rare success-
ful treatment of a child with spina bifida (Kazuko Itaya was the practitioner).
While this is a remarkable case, and a difficult problem, it is illustrative of the effi-
cacy of this simple and systematic method of treatment.

Patient: M.M., male, age 74

Main Complaint: Severe headache following surgery.
History: One year earlier the patient had acute rhinitis that
caused otitis media. Antibiotic treatment of the
otitis media caused enteritis; medical examination
of the colon revealed a cancerous growth that was
surgically removed. Following the surgery, the
patient suffered bilateral inguinal hernias, lumba-
go and left-sided sciatic neuralgia. The patient
then had surgery for the inguinal hernias. Under
the spinal anesthetic, the patient felt some
sensation, like a blow, to the left side of his head.
Following this surgery and sensation, the patient
suffered a continuous severe headache through
the whole of his head. This surgery had been
administered eight months prior to the first
acupuncture visit. The patient appeared well
nourished and evidenced no sign of psychological
biases.
Pulse: Weak liver pulse.
Gastrocnemius Reactions: Right side, liver-small intestine.
Abdominal Reactions: Right subcostal and lower left quadrant tension
and soreness. Positive 0-ring tests at right LR-14,
left ST-26, CV-14, CV-2.
Assessment: Problem of the liver-small intestine channel pair.
Step One Treatment: Ion beam:
 Integrating a Total Treatment 307

left LR-8 positive(+), LR-2 negative(-);

right SI-3 positive (+), SI-8 negative(-).
Sore points on abdomen and gastrocnemius
released.
Step Two Treatment: Moxa: CV-14, chanting AAHH; CV-2, chanting
MMMM.
Step Three Treatment: Sotai: leg extension procedure with fazhen (fire
needle) to BL-18.
Step Four Treatment: Moxa with channel stretching to three-arm yang
channels.
Comments: After these procedures, the patient's abdominal,
gastrocnemius and back reactions were released;
his shoulders and neck were also more flexible.
The patient in this example experienced remarkable relief of his headache
after a few symptom control procedures following the root treatment. In this
instance, the headache, which had been continuous for eight months, was relieved.
With a few more similar treatments, the patient suffered no recurrence of this
headache.

We presented the results of this next case at the 18th Gakkai meeting of the
Shinkyu Topology group in Kyoto, July, 1988. We had been treating an infant with
early stage spina bifida and were able to report extremely good results at this time.
We first saw this infant female at twenty-one months of age. At that time her
problems were multiple; she had a history of several surgeries, but was unable to
walk. She had dysuria and needed urethral catheterization. She was unable to
speak, suffered atopic dermatitis, recurrent fevers, and infectious diseases (such as
colds, flu, etc.).
Five hours after birth, she had preventative surgery for the spina bifida. One
month later, she had a second surgery to insert a shunt to conduct fluids from the
right temple region to the abdominal cavity. After this procedure, she developed
an infection and fever. She spent three weeks in intensive care, after which time
the shunt was removed. Two months later, further surgery was performed. She
was discharged one month after that surgery. At age one, she developed urine
reflux and again required surgery. Following this surgery, she developed an infec-
tion and septicemia; after treatment of two months duration for these complica-
tions, she was discharged again. Thereafter, she frequently developed high fevers,
and showed white blood cells in the urine. She was treated with antibiotics. She
had not been treated specifically for the dysuria, inability to walk, or inability to
speak. She could evacuate her bowels by herself.
In Japan, treatment of children with acupuncture is a speciality called shon-
ishin, where various instruments and needles are used to scratch, rub, and scrape
the skin in lieu of insertion techniques. At first, only these instruments were used
until she became comfortable with treatment. Direct moxa was then added to the
regimen, as was sotai exercise combined with moxa. To deal with her fevers, ion-
pumping cords were used, as was micropuncture (bloodletting of the jing points).
Auricular acupuncture at the brain point was used for the speech disorder. The
mother was given an electric moxa instrument, and therapy was given daily at
home. Treatment at the clinic was given two to four times a month.
308 Integrating a Total Treatment

After one month of treatment, she was able to walk when we held her hands.
After three months, she was able to walk as much as thirty meters on her own.
When she reached the age of three, she was able to run back and forth up to twenty
five meters at a time; she was also able to jump. At thirty-three months she sponta-
neously spoke. Although she had needed catheterization five times daily, through
the course of treatment the catheterization was cut back and she was able to uri-
nate freely and naturally at this point. The infections stopped altogether, as did the
fevers. She stopped catching colds and flus, and antibiotics were no longer neces-
sary. Her mental development appeared normal; her growth seemed slightly slow,
but improving.
When she first came for therapy, her physician was pessimistic about her con-
dition, and stated that she would probably need crutches all her life. However, fol-
lowing appropriate therapy this was no longer the case. According to our studies
of the fundamental effects of acupuncture on the microcirculatory system, we pro-
pose that routine treatment of such disorders will become possible in the future.

SUMMARY
In the preceding sample cases, you can see that simple application of the
treatment formulae we have described can be sufficient to handle a variety of
health problems. Problems acute or chronic in nature, of serious or mild intensity,
all can be treated successfully. The flexibility afforded by this method of treatment
allows the practitioner to follow the patient's condition as it "unwinds."
In the traditional literature of China, there are occasional references to meng
gen, which is a kind of healing crisis. On a very few occasions, you may see that for
a period of roughly 24 hours, a patient's symptoms become temporarily exacerbat-
ed, or that new symptoms or very old symptoms occur. This is often meng gen.
You should closely monitor the patient's condition, as it is difficult to distinguish
such reactions from an iatrogenic condition, due, for example, to overstimulation
or wrong treatment. Further, you should always bear in mind that it is not unusu-
al for symptoms to fluctuate, getting better and worse; as long as there is a trend
towards fewer symptoms, and as long as lessened abdominal reactions are noted,
the treatment will succeed.
It is thus not unusual to see step one treatment procedures vary as treatments
progress. For example, the first patient described in this chapter was treated with
ion pumping to KI-6 and LU-7 on each visit. The fourth patient was treated with
the liver-small intestine channel pair on all but one visit. The second, third, fifth,
and sixth patients were treated with a variety of methods according to the patterns
of reaction and the accompanying state of functional changes. It is also worth
remembering the discussions above in chapter 8 on hypoesthesia and hypotonus
and hyperesthesia and hypertonus. As a patient with a more advanced condition
(hypoesthesia and hypotonia) improves, it is normal to see a flare-up of hyperes-
thesia and hypertonia. Your treatments will evolve according to these changes.
For example, a patient with celiac syndrome in an advanced state of weakness,
showing hypotonic abdominal muscles and flaccidity, was first treated with ion
pumping to KI-6 and LU-7. As the patient improved and the muscle flaccidity
improved, strong subcostal tightness began developing and treatment shifted to
the use of ion pumping on PC-6 and SP-4 with good success. This simple but flexi-
ble approach has proven useful in many cases and for many years.
You will likely find it necessary to read and reread most of the information
given in this book. For an effective clinical practice, you will need to absorb the
basic treatment protocols described in earlier chapters. Much of the last chapter
 Integrating a Total Treatment 309

can be accessed quickly by referencing the sections as needed. We believe that the
information described in this book is sufficient for you to be able to treat virtually
any patient. It is now up to you as to how you use this approach and the informa-
tion in the text. We would also like to remind you of shu ha ri. It is useful, when
starting out, to imitate and follow the guidelines in this text. After a few years'
experience with these procedures, we hope you will be able to move beyond the
frontiers we have mapped herein. We look forward to sharing the ideas and
modalities you develop on your own.

IN CONCLUSION
The modern practice of acupuncture, following modern tendencies in science
and medicine, is to make more and more complex pictures and descriptions of the
body, to dissect and redissect, to examine smaller and smaller parts. In the end,
many factors need to be considered and treatment becomes fractured and sympto-
matic or complex and difficult. With each increase of complexity there is a con-
comitant reduction of the practitioner's ability to decide, perform, and assess.
Recently in China, the system of bagang bianzheng, differentiation of syn-
dromes by assessing the imbalance of four pairs of complementary factors -
yin/yang, vacuity I repletion, hot/ cold, internal/ external - has become established
as the basic model of diagnosis, and as the central means of selecting and combin-
ing points for treatment. Actually, any number of diagnostic models can be
applied as the basis of a system of treatment. For example, we have applied
yin/yang, right/left, anterior/posterior, inferior/superior. These are the essential
yin-yang components of octahedral theory that we have found to be part of the sig-
nal system. Nevertheless, as long as the issue is one of imbalance, the question is
always one of a difference between two complementary factors.
The method we have devised is actually very simple. But, mastering simplic-
ity is not easy. Living in the modern world, where we are always encouraged to
look to the complex, makes swimming against this stream a matter of conquering
one's own mental habits and training. Learning to recognize and appreciate sim-
plicity is a challenge.
We have argued that the software of the body is clearly and simply under-
stood in acupuncture, without dependence on an understanding of the body's
hardware. Like the expert fisherman who knows best where to fish, or the crafts-
man who can produce a masterpiece, there is no hardware, only software.
Mastering acupuncture by understanding the nature of traditional ideas is hard
work. It is necessary to develop your feelings and intuitions without surrendering
the advantages of feedback and assessment. Further, we think that by beginning
with simple, straightforward treatment procedures, with readily reassessable signs,
you will develop a successful practice while simultaneously refining your tech-
niques and improving your skills.

CHAPTER ENDNOTES
1 These studies are taken from the caseload of Stephen Birch, from the period 1986-1990. The
measure of this system, as with any other, is its repeatability, that it can be successfully learned and
applied by others.
 ~""
APPENDIX ONE:

PRESSURE PAIN: PATTERNS,

INrERPRErAnONS, AND PossmLE ORIGINS

Pressure pain in diagnosis, reassessment, and research is described repeatedly

throughout this text. Palpation's modem uses and history in East Asian medicine
have been described briefly elsewhere.l Hence practitioners will find this summa-
ry useful as a reference to:
1. Specific disease diagnostic pressure pain points commonly used
in Western medicine;
2. Their overlap with the pressure pain points described herein;
3. Theories about the origins of "pressure pain" in the body.
As we will see, not all practitioners and researchers view pressure pain in the
same way. It depends on the methods of treatment someone employs as to how
they describe pressure pain and its cause or significance. Neurologists always find
neurological causes; kinesiologists find kinesiological causes; osteopathic resear-
chers find still other relationships, as do acupuncture researchers. Further, the back-
ground from which the pressure pain response is determined usually tailors the
finding and descriptions of the points. For example, acupuncture researchers will
primarily palpate acupoints. Researchers with a neurological background mostly
look at motor points or trigger points. Researchers with more of a cardio-pul-
monary background will look at vascular structures. Internists will look to under-
lying organ structures. In other words, the scientific study of the pressure pain
response is sorely in need of rigorous, unbiased inquiry.
The following set of pressure pain points, illustrations, and tables are a com-
pilation of findings from various Western medical practitioners, taken from Yoshio
Manaka's published writings.2
It is noteworthy that some of these points correspond to acupoints. Many of
the appendicitis points correspond to the stomach, spleen, and kidney channel
points that are treated in cases of appendicitis. One of the Boas gastric ulcer points
corresponds to BL-21, the stomach back-shu point, and so on. Using the model
described in this text, it is probable that many of these points could be treated if they
were found to be reactive in conjunction with the corresponding condition.
312 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

9 ~navel
10 0 Os
15 0 012
0 013
14
u
Figure 15.1: Pressure pain points on the front of the body

Key
1 Onodera's sternum point Swollen bronchial lymph glands
2 Borges' pressure pain point Lung disorders, pleuritis
3 Mussy's point Tuberculosis, bronchial asthma,
bronchitis, peritonitis
4 Schmidt point Apical pulmonary tuberculosis, inflamed
bronchial plexus, hemoptysis
5 Onodera lung point Intercostal neuralgia, pneumonia,
disorders of liver and biliary tract
6 Hattori's pressure pain point Gastric ulcer
7 Hattori's pressure pain point Duodenal ulcer
8 Kummel's point Appendicitis
9 Morris' pressure pain point Appendicitis
10 Munro's pressure pain point Appendicitis
11 Lanz's pressure pain point Appendicitis
12 Hattori's pressure pain point Appendicitis
13 Clado's pressure pain point Appendicitis
14 Lenzmann's pressure pain point Appendicitis
15 McBurney's pressure pain point Appendicitis
16 Dejardin's pressure point Pancreatic diagnosis
17 Robson's pressure point Gallbladder diagnosis
18 Onodera's pressure point Gallbladder diagnosis
19 Onodera's diagnostic pressure point Biliary tract disorder
20 Tsuda's sternum point Duodenal ulcer
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 313

Figure 15.2: Pressure pain points on the back of the body

Key
1. Petruschky point Infantile bronchitis, pertussis, measles
2. Mackenzie thoracic vertebrae Cardiac disorders, gastric disorders,
diagnostic pressure point liver disorders
3. Mackenzie pressure pain point Gallstone colic
4. Boas' gastric point Mainly gastric ulcer
5. Boas' diagnostic pressure point Gallstone colic
6. Onodera's buttock pressure r.ain point Gastric ulcer
(3-4 em below high point of 1liac spine)
7. Pregnancy and menstruation point Reactive during pregnancy & menstruation
8. Sacrum pressure pain point Large intestine problems, esp. of rectum
9. Pregnancy and menstruation point, Uterine, cervical, & accessory organ disorders
prostate point (reactive during menstruation & pregnancy)
Prostate point (reactive with prostate disorders)
10. Onodera's buttock pressure pain point Duodenal ulcer
11. Onodera's pressure pain point Gallstones
12. Edward's point Gallstone, gastric ulcer, kidney problems
13. Onodera's pressure pain point Biliary tract disorder
14. Duodenal pressure pain point Duodenal ulcer
15. Kudo's scapula point Inflammation of the shoulder joint or
surrounding area; brachial neuralgia
16. Interscapular region pressure pain point Swollen bronchial lymph nodes,
tuberculous spondylitis
17. Mastoid pressure pain point Chronic headache, encephalitis, inner ear
disorders, etc.
18. Occipital region pressure pain point Encephalitis, inner ear disorders
19. Gastric ulcer pressure pain point Gastric ulcer
314 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

The next set of tables is taken from research conducted in China. For a num-
ber of different diseases many points were palpated to determine which were com-
monly painful in the presence of that disease. These tables are taken from the work
of Dr. Li Ding Zhong. 3
This work focuses primarily on an examination of the occurrence of pressure
pain at the acupoints. There were a number of earlier studies,4 some of which ran
into methodological problems, but the following seem to based on reasonable
methodologies. Typically there is a general pressure pain point, one reflecting the
diseased organ, and a specific pressure pain point, which tends to reflect the nature
of the problem exhibited by that organ.
Because Chinese palpation research is almost always directed towards finding
palpable reactions in the presence of Western disease entities, e.g. stomach ulcer,
tuberculosis, etc., and not in the presence of Chinese disease entities, e.g. stagnant
liver qi, kidney qi vacuity, it is more difficult to know the veracity of the informa-
tion. In Japan, there have been numerous practitioners and researchers who simi-
larly investigate palpable reactions with regards to both Western disease entities
and Oriental disease entities.s
Because Japanese research tends to be more directed by the principles of bio-
statistics, these studies are less easily dismissed for methodological errors. For sta-
tistics and research findings in this area to have relevance, attempts need to be made
to correlate findings to both Western and Oriental disease entities. While it is diag-
nostically and therapeutically useful and important to know Western disease entity
relationships, these are not statistically relevant without research of the Oriental cor-
relations as well. The investigation of pressure pain at acupoints in the presence of
Western disease entities is actually a valuable contribution to the clinical practice of
Western medicine.
Clearly this is a technique acupuncture and its associated methods can con-
tribute to the West. However, for this research to be considered relevant, Chinese
researchers need to apply the same approach to diagnostic and therapeutic con-
structs in acupuncture and herbal medicine. In modem Chinese literature on
acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine, palpation is given a very lowly
place. Typically the radial pulses and a shi points are palpated and more rarely
the front mu points. Japanese practitioners have shown that there are actually
many important correlations to Oriental disease entities that can enhance the
practice of traditional medicines. It is here that we have been able to develop rea-
sonable diagnostic and reassessment methods which, we argue, are important in
a clinical medicine. The tables below present palpatory points for specific condi-
tions.
PALPATION FOR RESPIRATORY DISEASES
DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT

Pneumonia BL-13 LI-13

Bronchitis BL-13 ST-14
Bronchiecstasis BL-13 ST-16
Pulmonary BL-13 Tuberculosis point 3.5 divisions
tuberculosis lateral to GV-14
Lung cancer Cancer point (xin da xi) BL-13
1/2 division lateral to
midpoint of line connecting
BL-37 and BL-40
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 315

PALPATION FOR DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Gastritis CV-12 Left ST-20
Gastrospasm CV-12 Left ST-20
Gastric ulcer CV-12 Right gastric ulcer point 2 divisions
lateral to BL-50
Gastroptosis BL-20 (depression) Gastroptosis point 2.5 divisions above
navel
Stomach cancer Cancer point CV-12
Acute enteritis ST-25 ST-39
Dysentery ST-25 Extra point 1 division lateral to navel
Irritable bowel ST-25 Extra point 2.5 divisions below navel
Intestinal spasm ST-25 Extra point 2 divisions lateral to CV-6
Duodenal ulcer CV-12 Right ST-21
Dyspepsia CV-12 Extra point 1 division lateral to CV-11
Constipation ST-25 Extra point 1 division lateral to ST-25

PALPATION FOR LIVER AND GALLBLADDER DISEASES

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Hepatitis BL-18 Hepatitis point 1.8 divisions
above the medial malleolus
Liver cancer Cancer point BL-18
Acute cholecystitis BL-19 Gallbladder point 1 finger-width
below GB-34
Biliary tract infection Gallbladder point GB-36
Biliary tract ascariasis Gallbladder point Extra point 1 division above SP-10
Cholelithiasis Gallbladder point GB-41
PALPATION FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Rheumatic heart BL-27 Extra point 3 divisions distal to
disease HT-3
Myocarditis BL-44 PC-7
Pericarditis BL-44 BL-45
Ischemic angina BL-44 HT-4
pectoris
Myocardial infarction BL-44 HT-1
Cardiac insufficiency BL-44 Extra point 0.4 divisions radial &
1 division proximal to midpoint
on the dorsal wrist crease
Tachycardia BL-44 PC-4
Bradycardia BL-44 HT-7
Hypertension Blood pressure point
2 divisions lateral to
sixth cervical vertebra
Hypotension Blood pressure point HT-7
Arrhythmia BL-44 BL-15
316 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

PALPATION FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Neurasthenia GV-11
Mental disorder Extra point in the depression
between thoracic 2 and 3
Epilepsy Extra point in the depression
between cervical 7, thoracic 1
Headache Extra point 2.5 divisions lateral to
cervical2
Migraine BL-7
Intercostal neuralgia Extra point at midpoint on line
from LU-9 to LU-5
Sciatica BL-23 on the ischium
Cerebral apoplexy blood pressure point
Diabetic coma Extra point 1 division Extra Point located where thenar
distal to ST-32 and hypothenar eminences meet
on the palmar surface of the hand

PALPATION FOR URINARY DISORDERS

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Nephritis BL-23 KI-3
Pyelonephritis BL-23 Uterus point 3 divisions lateral to CV-3
Urethritis BL-23 KI-16
Cystitis BL-23 ST-27
Urinary incontinence CV-3 Extra point 0.5 divisions inferior and
1 division lateral to CV-3
Urinary retention CV-3 SP-11

PALPATION FOR ACUTE DISEASES REQUIRING SURGERY

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Acute pancreatitis Extra point 1.5 divisions SP-8 (will be very sore)
lateral to inferior border
of the spinous process of
thoracic 8
Appendicitis ST-25 Extra point 2 divisions inferior tc
ST-36
Perforation of the Ll-7
digestive tract
Acute peritonitis ST-25 Extra point on the axillary line in
7th intercostal space
Renal calculi GB-41 Uterus point
Urethral calculi GB-41 KI-16
Vesical calculi GB-41 ST-27
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 317

PALPATION FOR BONE-RELATED DISEASES

DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Leg and back pain Extra point 0.5 divisions lateral to Kl-1
Osteoarthritis BL-23 BL-11
Rheumatoid arthritis BL-27 Extra point 1 division superior and
0.5 division lateral to ST-34
Inflammation of the SI-ll
shoulder joint
Thrombophlebitis Extra point 0.5 divisions inferior and 3
div. lateral to second sacral foramen
PALPATION FOR GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS
DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Functional uterine SP-6 SP-10
bleeding
Menorrhagia SP-6 Extra point in depression between
sacral 1 and 2
Leukorrhea SP-6 Extra point 0.5 divisions inferior to
media1 malleolus
Dysmenorrhea SP-6 ST-26
Menopause SP-6 Extra point 2 div. medial to ASIS
Pelvic inflammatory SP-6 BL-32
disease
Endometritis BL-32 GB-26
Uterine cancer Cancer point BL-32
Uterine prolapse BL-20 (depression) GB-26, BL-32
Ovarian cystoma BL-32 Extra point 4 divisions lateral to the
spinous process of lumbar 2
Morning sickness Extra point 0.5 div. ST-24
latera[ to BL-32
Postpartum discharge SP-6 CV-7
PALPATION FOR PROBLEMS OF THE FIVE SENSE ORGANS
DISEASE GENERAL POINT SPECIFIC POINT
Glaucoma BL-18 Extra point at hairline on horizontal line
postenor to protuberance of mastoid process
Pharyngitis, laryngitis Extra point 2.5 div. lateral to cervical 5
Tonsillitis Extra point 1 finger-width radial to PC-8
Ulcer of the oral cavity Extra point .5 div. anterior to auricular lobule
Rhinitis Extra point directly below nostril at mid-
point between ala nasi and septum nasi
Allergic rhinitis Extra point inferior and lateral to LI-20 at
midpoint of the nasolabial groove
Paranasal rhinitis Extra point where the nasal bones meet
the lateral nasal cartilage
Nasal bleeding Extra point in depression on posterior hair
line on protuberance of trapezius muscle
in occipital region
Meniere's disease Extra point 9 div. superior to popliteal
crease on lateral aspect of thigh, midline
of femur
318 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PATTERNS OF REACTION

As a supplement to the diagnostic information in the preceding tables, the sta-
tistics that follow, derived from preliminary studies of pressure pain occurrence on
the abdominal quadrants, the new mu points, and on the gastrocnemius reflex areas,
provide a measure of clinical certainty. Having some standard reference to establish
the "normal range" of palpatory responses is important for the continued develop-
ment and refinement of these procedures. There are tendencies in the general pop-
ulation that can be seen in these statistics. The first set of figures represents statis-
tics of the abdominal quadrant reactions in a group of one hundred people:

(F) 14 1 11 2 3 0 7
(M) 21 2 7 13 3 2 14

We have found that the upper right/lower left quadrant pattern (I) is the most
common, found in 35% of cases. The opposite reaction in the upper left/lower right
quadrant (II) was found in only 3% of all cases. The upper right/lower right pat-
tern (III) showed in 18% of cases and the upper left to lower left pattern (IV) was
found in 15% of the cases. Many patients (68%) exhibited patterns I, III, and IV. By
devising general balance treatments for these three patterns, we were able to help a
large percentage of our patients, treating chronic migraines, lumbago, etc. On occa-
sion, great results occurred with only one treatment. Hence knowledge of these ten-
dencies and the formulation of simple treatment procedures for them has proven
clinically very useful.
The next set of figures represents statistical measures of the occurrence of pal-
pable reaction at important diagnostic points. In a group of 95 subjects, comparing
left and right point reactions, we found the following:
Acupoint Main correspondences Right Left
ST-11 chong mai 34.7% 34.7%
ST-12 yin qiao mai 9.5% 12.6%
LU-1 lung, ren mai 8.4$ 18.9%
LR-14 liver, yin wei mai 55.8% 10.5%
KI-16 kidney, yin qiao mai 28.4% 40.0%
ST-25 triple warmer, yang wei mai 12.6% 27.4%
GB026 spleen, chong mai 0.5% 31.6%
ST-27 large intestine 12.6% 16.9%
GB-29 yang wei mai, yang qiao mai, gallbladder 14.7% 44.2%
KI-11 bladder, yang qiao mai 3.2% 6.3%
LI-4 37.9% 33.7%
CV-22 yin wei mai 12.6%
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 319

These statistics emphasize some of the normal or more common tendencies as

with the upper right and lower left quadrants, right LR-14 and left GB-29 show sta-
tistically significant tendencies.
The next set of figures shows the 15 dominant correlations in order of degree
of correlation. Here we measure the occurrence of pressure pain in pairs of com-
monly reactive body points. These figures were complied after palpating one hun-
dred subjects.
FIFTEEN DOMINANT CORRELATIONS BETWEEN PAIRS OF ACUPOINTS
1. left ST-25 -left Kl-16
2. right LR-14 -left GB-29
3. right Ll-4- right ST-11 0.52381 - 0.38715
4. right Ll-4- right LR-14
5. left ST-11- right LR-14
6. right KI-16 - left KI-16
7. right LR-14 -left KI-16
8. left ST-11- right ST-11 0.38298 - 0.36508
9. right Ll-4 - left GB-29
10. right ST-11-left LR-14
11. right LR-14- right KI-16
12. left GB-29 -left KI-16
13. right Ll-4 - left GB-26 0.35593 - 0.33939
14. right ST-11 - left KI-16
15. right ST-11-left GB-29

The right superior (3, 4, 10), left inferior (1), and thus the cross reaction pat-
terns and tendencies (2, 7, 9) can be seen again.
The last set of statistics compares the occurrence of left-right gastrocnemius
pressure pain with the occurrence of left-right abdominal pressure pain. One hun-
dred subjects were palpated to obtain these figures. The percentages of occurrence
of pressure pain on the gastrocnemius muscles broke down as follows:

AREA PERCENTAGE
spleen - triple burner 50
kidney - large intestine 28
liver - small intestine 16
bladder - lung 3
stomach -pericardium 2
gallbladder - heart 1

Clearly, reactions at the three leg yin reflex points were much more predomi-
nant than the three leg yang (94% versus 6%). This correlates well with our own
clinical observation that most problems arise at the three leg yin channel level.
Comparing the occurrence and correlation of abdominal pressure pain to the gas-
trocnemius reactions yields the following figures:
320 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

SPLEEN - TRIPLE BURNER (50%)

AREA SIDE NUMBER
abdomen right 13
abdomen left 30
other 7
gastrocnemius right 29
gastrocnemius left 21
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields:
ABDOMEN GASTROCNEMIUS NUMBER
right right 11
left left 18
left right 12
right left 2
other 7
The general pattern of same-side correlation was 58%, contralateral correlation
was 28%, and other was 14%.
KIDNEY - LARGE INTESTINE (28%)
AREA SIDE NUMBER
abdomen right 7
abdomen left 16
other 5
gastrocnemius right 17
gastrocn~mius left 11
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields:
ABDOMEN GASTROCNEMIUS NUMBER
right right 5
left left 7
left right 9
right left 2
other 5
The general pattern of same-side correlation was 43%, contralateral correlation
was 39%, and other was 18%.
LIVER- SMALL INTESTINE (16%)
Area Side Number
abdomen right 14
abdomen left 2
other 0
gastrocnemius right 8
gastrocnemius left 8
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 321

Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields:

ABDOMEN GASTROCNEMIUS NUMBER
right right 8
left left 2
left right 0
right left 6
other 0
The general pattern of same-side correlation was 62.5%, contralateral correla-
tion was 37.5%, and other was 0%.
BLADDER- LUNG (3%)

AREA SIDE NUMBER

abdomen right 1
abdomen left 2
other
gastrocnemius right 2
gastrocnemius left 1
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields:
ABDOMEN GASTROCNEMIUS NUMBER
right right 1
left left 1
left right 1
right left 0
other 0
The general pattern of same-side correlation was 66.7%, contralateral correla-
tion was 33.3%, and other was 0%.
STOMACH - PERICARDIUM (2%)
AREA SIDE NUMBER
abdomen right 2
abdomen left 0
other
gastrocnemius right 2
gastrocnemius left 0
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields 100%
right-sided abdominal to right gastrocnemius reactions.
GALLBLADDER- HEART (1%)

AREA SIDE NUMBER

abdomen left 1
gastrocnemius right 1
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields 100%
left abdominal to right gastrocnemius reactions.
322 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

ALL ABDOMINAL AND GASTROCNEMIUS REACTIONS (100%)

AREA SIDE NUMBER
abdomen right 37
abdomen left 51
other 12
gastrocnemius right 59
gastrocnemius left 41
Comparing the ratios of abdominal to gastrocnemius correlations yields:
Abdomen Gastrocnemius Number
right right 27
left left 27
left right 24
right left 10
other 12
The general pattern of same-side correlation was 54%, contralateral correlation
was 34%, and other was 12%.
In these statistics the upper right/lower left body correlations are not so clear.
Reactions found on the gatrocnemius muscles are usually treated on the side of the
body opposite to the reaction. While the reactions on the gatrocnemius evidence
certain channel asymmetries, these are not contralateral like the abdominal and
other point reactions. These tend more towards the monolateral. Hopefully further
research will make the correlations clear.

THEORIES ABOUT THE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF PRESSURE PAIN

Probably the earliest major study of pressure pain was conducted by Henry
Head in the U.S. in the late 1800's. Head correlated the occurrence of abnormal sen-
sitivity to patterns that cover the body surface.6
~------------~------------,

Figure 15.3: Chart of the Head zones

 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 323

These patterns are now known more accurately as the neural dermatomes. A
problem along a particular nerve branch can cause reflex reactions along associated
surface nerve branches in very specific areas on the body surface. Thus visceral
problems can cause abnormal sensitivity at the body surface within particular der-
mal zones, supplied by the affected cutaneous nerves. This is important both diag-
nostically and therapeutically and shows some correlations to the channel system?

c,

Figure 15.4: Chart of the neural dermatomes

These correlations suggested early on that pressure pain responses were neu-
rological phenomena, needing neurological mechanisms and models to explain how
they arise. Extensive studies were undertaken to analyze pressure pain, the trigger
points, motor points, and their correlations to the acupoints. Explanations of neur-
al pain relief mechanisms, such as the neural gate theory and the double gate theo-
ry of pain control, and the enkephalin and endorphin theories, seemed to all but
solve the problem of how acupuncture was able to produce analgesia and anesthe-
sia and why it was so good for relief of painful conditions.s From this literature it
is not clear whether the pressure-sensitive points (as acupuncture points) can be
said to be myofascial trigger points, motor points, or even Golgi tendon organs.9 It
is more likely that the sensitive points can be any of the above. When we begin to
look at all possible structures that can give rise to sensitive points, there are numer-
ous possibilities. There are, for example, the neuro-lymphatic reflexes of Chap-
man,lO the soft tissue or connective tissue zones of Ebner,ll and a whole host of
other neurological, vascular, ligamentous, and suture-line structures and sites.l2 In
the first half of the twentieth century, French author George Soulie de Morant cor.,
related other European palpatory systems with East Asian medical ideas.13
Localizing exactly which structures are responsible for the phenomenon of
pressure pain thus becomes a complex problem. It is perhaps more useful to look
functionally to the causes of the pressure pain. The pressure pain itself is a neuro-
logical phenomenon, since pain is a signal transmitted through nerve fibers to the
brain where it is registered as pain. But we should not confuse the pain itself with
the causes of the physiological change that result in the pressure-evoked tenderness
at particular loci. What is more important are the causes. On this topic, there are
hosts of theories. Trigger points are known to arise as a result of infections, trauma,
the strains of normal or abnormal growth,14 abnormal tension and thus pressure
324 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

pain resulting from stress, emotional distress,lS poor posture and repeated daily
movements.16 Poor posture can cause pressure pain points acting through strains in
the interconnected fascial systems, which in tum can cause internal changes in the
organ systems, and in particular, functional changes of the organs. Changes of the
internal organs can also cause changes in the fascial systems and thus give rise to
pressure pain points. 17
Osteopathic manipulations, sotai exercise therapy, rolfing, acupuncture, and a
host of other therapies can work through these mechanisms. Relief of the problems
that gave rise to the pressure pain (in the form of myofascial binding, trigger points,
etc.) can relieve these points and their associated problems. Thus it is not always
necessary to treat the reactive point to relieve its reaction. This is exactly what we
find in acupuncture. The most important part of treatment is the first step, which
usually uses the five phase, source-yuan and confluence-jiaohui points, all of which
are on the limbs, from the knees and elbows down. Clearly there is no neurological
correlation between these points and their channel-associated reflex points or areas.
Even a cursory study of the above dermatomes will reveal this. Thus we must
extend our look beyond the nervous system to explain the phenomenon of pressure
pain, especially pressure pain and its correlations in acupuncture.
Common to many of the above speculations about pressure pain and pressure
pain structures are the body's muscular systems. When a muscle becomes abnor-
mally tight or tense, so that it will not relax when the rest of the body relaxes, this
hypertonia is both caused by some underlying problem, such as those suggested
above, and causes other problems. In terms of problems that it might cause, we
need only think of simple physics to begin speculation. An abnormally hypertonic
muscle will compress blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves, causing poor lymph
flow, poor blood flow to and from the musculature underlying structures, and error
signals in nearby nerve fibers - acting like a bias.lS
The important correlation here is that underlying all these ideas are the inte-
gral structure-function relationships we have been postulating throughout this
book. Any change in overall muscle tonus can cause reflex problems in a variety of
locations, through a variety of possible mechanisms. A problem in function can alter
the structure by changing the tonus of a muscle or group of muscles. This is seen in
the diagnostic patterns described in chapter eight. It is also seen in chapter four
where we described the relations of each channel to a series of muscles. In chapter
four we described Tada Kono's findings and theories about this. Other sets of cor-
respondences are found primarily in the kinesiological literatures, which mostly
agree with Kono's correspondences, but disagree in places.19
According to the research of Dr. Omura, who uses the hi-digital 0-ring test, the
phenomenon of electromagnetic resonance is a probable mechanism underlying
how this test works.20 If this is the case, then it is possible that the mechanism
underlying the kinesiologically demonstrated relationships between the channels
and groups of muscles may also be electromagnetic resonance.
These are not the only possible explanations for such relationships; it is possi-
ble that some normal biomagnetic properties of muscular tissues can also provide a
plausible explanation. It is known, for example, that as muscles contract, they gen-
erate electrical and magnetic fields, which are specific to each muscle. There is a
"corresponding signature in the temporal features of the accompanying electrical
and magnetic signals"21 of a contracting muscle, to which other tissues and struc-
tures may show sensitivity. Thus it is possible that the specific tissues and structures
involved in a particular channel may be sensitive to the electrical and magnetic field
signatures of particular muscle groups.
 Appendix One: Pressure Pain 325

Omura has shown possible anatomical relationships of specific channels to

specific physical structures and organs, which may also be related to these phe-
nomena.22 The important point to note is that changes in muscle tonus can occur in
response to organismic structure-function changes, such as the tightness of the
cross-syndrome pattern that is associated with changes of liver function. Going a
step further, it is possible that pressure pain patterns can arise in octahedral-like pat-
terns, or yin-yang or five-phase patterns, none of which can be clearly explained
through purely neurological mechanisms. The fact that we can eliminate pressure
pain in points by using polarity agents of minute, low-level energy content suggests
a reciprocal mechanism that caused the pressure pain. Perhaps the signal system is
involved in the formation and distribution of pressure pain points. Omura's ideas
and the biomagnetic research of muscle tissues suggest possible mechanisms.
As another example of the participation of the signal system in the formation
and distribution of pressure pain, there are the microsystems of the auricles and the
hands. The auricular patterns of reaction of Nogier and the Chinese are very exact.
Studies have even shown reasonable correspondence.23 If a particular part of the
body has some pain or other problem, an exact counterpart in the auricles will
exhibit both pressure pain and changed electrical resistance. These correspondences
are difficult to explain by purely neurological mechanisms. The patterns of reaction
found by Tae Woo Yoo are even more precise. Almost all the body's acupoints are
mapped on the hands, at least all the important acupoints, channels, and body parts.
A problem at a particular location of the body exhibits pressure pain reactions and
changed electrical resistance at precisely fixed points on the hands. This too is hard
to explain by neurology.
We have suggested that the signal system has holographic modeling as part of
its basis. This can go some way towards explaining both of these systems of corre-
lations. We think that as the multiplicity of obvious biomechanical and neurologi-
cal mechanisms of pressure pain are explored, it will become evident that the signal
system also generates pressure pain responses. At any time, all these systems can
contribute to the formation of pressure pain and tension, together and overlapping
or independently. The problems of the origin and nature of pressure pain in the
body are complex and require much more careful and rigorous research than has
been done to date. At the least, research methods need to be designed to elucidate
and differentiate each possible cause.

ENDNOTES
1 See for example, Yoshio Manaka et al., "Abdominal diagnosis and indications in traditional
Chinese medicine," American Journal of Acupuncture 13:3, p. 223-234; and Matsumoto and Birch, Hara
Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, chapter 2.
2 Hiratashi Junihannotai Nesshin Shigeki Ryo Ho (Hirata-style hot needle therapy), pp. 190-191,
Yokosuka, Japan: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1982.
3 Li Ding Zhong, Jing Luo Phenomena Part II, pp. 198-224, Kyoto: Yukonsha Publishing Co., 1985.
4 See for example: Chinese Scientific and Technological Information and Research Institute, Xue
Wei Ya Tong Bian Bing Zhen Duan Fa, Beijing: Science and Technology Document Publishing Company,
1978. Research like this is ongoing in China. See for example, Chai Wenju, "Researches on diagnosed
method at points (a review)," Journal of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1:1-2, 1987.
5 See for example the SOOth special issue of Ido no Nippon Journal of Japanese Acupuncture and
Moxibustion 45:4, April1986.
6 Henry Head, "On disturbances of sensation with special reference to pain of visceral disease,"
Brain Part 1.16, 1-133, 1893; Part Il.17, 339-480, 1894; Part III.19, 153-276, 1896.
7 For a good discussion of these correlations, see J. Needham and Lu Gwei-Djen, Celestial Lancets,
a History and Rationale of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, pp. 204 passim.
8 S.B.: There is extensive literature on this subject and equally extensive review of this literature.
326 Appendix One: Pressure Pain

As examples of the mechanisms involved and trigger point correlations, see: Nathan, P.W., "The gate
control theory of pain, a critical review," Brain 99(1), 123-158, 1976; Melzak, R. et al., "Trigger points and
acupuncture points for pain: correlations and implications," Pain 3:3, 1977; Wall, P.D., "The gate control
theory of pain mechanisms: a reexamination and restatement," Brain 101(1), 1-18, 1978; Melzak, R.,
"Myofascial trigger points, relation to acupuncture and mechanisms of pain," Arch.Phys.Med.Rehabil.
62(3), 114-117, 1981. As examples of the motor point correlations see: Gunn, C.C. et al., "Acupuncture
locii, a proposal for their classification according to their relationship to known neurological structures,"
Amer.Jour.Chin.Med. 4, 183-195, 1976; Liao, S.J., "Acupuncture points, concordance with motor points of
skeletal muscles," Arch.Phys.Med.Rehab. 56; 550, 1975. For good reviews of these literatures see: Chaitow,
L., Soft-Tissue Manipulation, Wellingborough, England: Thorsons Publishing Group, 1987, pp. 64 passim.
See also Ulett, G.A., Principles and Practice of Physiologic Acupuncture, St. Louis: Warren H. Green Inc.,
1982. This last book contains extensive discussion of the use of acupuncture at the motor points.
Extensive discussion of the use of acupuncture at the trigger points can be found in Baldry, P.E.,
Acupuncture, Trigger Points, and Musculoskeletal Pain, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1989.
9 See Chaitow, L., Soft-Tissue Manipulation p. 64 passim.
10 Ibid., pp. 121-172, especially pp. 163-172.
11 Ibid., pp. 85-89.
12 For good reviews of these structures see: Dung, H.C., "Anatomical features that contribute to
the formation of acupuncture points," Amer.Jour.Acup. 12:2, 139-143, 1984; and Bossy J., "Morphological
data concerning the acupuncture points and channel network," Acup. & Electro-Ther. Res. Int. Jour. 9:79-
106, 1984.
13 See Soulie De Morant, George, Chinese Acupuncture, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications,
1994, pp. 21-22. Noted there are: the Points of Weihe, correlations to homeopathic provings where points
become sensitive; the renal points of Guyon, Albarman, Bazy, and Pasteau, where correlations are made
to renal diseases; and the points of Dejardin, Marinet, Valleix, and Wetterwald.
14 See Melzack, R. et al., "Myofascial trigger points and acupuncture points for pain; correlations
and implications," Pain 3:3, 1977.
15 S.B.: There have been many theories about the roles of stress, emotional disturbances, mental
states, and personality traits in physical changes that manifest in the body. Many of these theories look
to such triggers initiating tension patterns in the musculature (and therefore the development of, e.g. trig-
ger points), which can become fixed and thus lead to numerous medical complaints. See for example the
bioenergetic theories in the work of Wilhelm Reich (The Function of the Orgasm, New York: Meridian
Books, 1971, pp. 266 passim); and in Mann, E.W., Orgone, Reich and Eros: Wilhelm Reich's Theory of Life
Energy, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1973. For other interesting ideas, see Diamond, J., Life Energy:
Unlocking the Hidden Power of Your Emotions to Achieve Total Well-being, New York: Dodd, Mead and
Company, 1985. The work of Yves Requena is particularly interesting, because he has thoroughly com-
pared Chinese and Western conceptual medical systems. Implicit within his work are the body type (and
therefore muscle tension/pressure pain) patterns associated with particular personality and disposition-
al types. See Requena, Y., Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture, Paradigm Publications, Brookline, MA.,
1986; and his more recent Character and Health, Paradigm Publications: Brookline, MA, 1989.
16 See for example Hashimoto, K. andY. Kawakami, Sotai: Balance and Health Through Movement,
Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1983.
17 As examples of both these possibilities, see the works of the craniosacral therapists, osteopaths,
and rolfers. See: Barra!, J.P., Visceral Manipulation; Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 1988. See also Rolf, I.P.,
Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures, New York: Harper and Row, 1977.
18 For further speculation on this idea, see for example: Matsumoto and Birch, Hara Diagnosis:
Reflections on the Sea, pp. 265-266.
19 For examples based on the work of Volland Goodheart, see Khoe, W.H., "Referred pain: A
holistic approach in acupuncture," Amer.Jour.Acup. 5:4, 323-328, 1977. See also, Walther, D.S., Applied
Kinesiology, Pueblo, CA: System D.C., 1976; Kapel, P., The Body Says Yes, San Diego: A.C.S. Publications,
1981; Thie, J. F. and M. Marks, Touch for Health, Marina Del Rey, CA:, DeVorss and Company, 1973.
20 Y. Omura, "Electro-magnetic resonance phenomenon as a possible mechanism related to the hi-
digital 0-ring test molecular identification and localization method," Acup.&Electro-ther.Res.Int.Jour. 11,
127-145, 1986.
21 Williamson, S. J. and L. Kaufman, "Biomagnetism," Jour.Mag.and Mag. Mater. 22: 129-201, 1981.
22 Y. Omura, "Meridian-like networks of the internal organs, corresponding to traditional Chinese
12 main meridians and their acupuncture points as detected by the 'hi-digital 0-ring test imaging
method.' Search for the corresponding internal organ of Western medicine for each meridian - part 1,"
Acup.&Electro-ther.Res.Inst.Jour. 12, 53-70, 1987.
23 T. D. Oleson et al., "An experimental evaluation of auricular diagnosis: The somatotropic map-
ping of musculoskeletal pain at ear acupuncture points," Pain 8, 217-229, 1980.
 Q
.

'
.r
_,cr~
APPENDIX Two

SELECTED RESEARCH PAPERS

AND fiNDINGS OF
YOSHIO MANAKA AND KAZUKO ITAYA

The following studies represent basic clinical and scholarly research into the
vast field of acupuncture and moxibustion. We have selected them from the
research articles and findings we have published during the last two decades. Our
basic premise in these studies is that the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion
therapy are not clearly differentiated in the research typically done in the field. In
fact, the majority of studies on the effects of acupuncture focus on neurological and
biochemical effects, using strong stimulation with deeply inserted needles that are
electrically or manually stimulated. Either way, in this kind of study the neurolog-
ical, biochemical, and acupunctural effects are mixed and undifferentiatable.
We elected to design a number of basic studies to look at single effects as dis-
tinct from the vast array of effects that are simultaneously brought about in most
studies. We hoped that such experiments would help us understand the simple
baseline effects of needle insertion, or help us observe the phenomena that lead to
traditional theoretical descriptions of the body (yin-yang, five phases, etc.). We
were curious to see if what we observed would match the traditional theories,
and/ or our own theories as to the nature of qi regulation (octahedral theory, iso-
phasal theory, etc.).
We designed the following simple studies:
- The meridian imbalance diagramming (M.I.D.) method) This is a simple
method of measurement aimed at retrieving objective data on the nature of imbal-
ances in acupuncture and moxibustion practice. It is used both for the purpose
measuring the body from a traditional theoretical perspective, and to reliably follow
measurements through the course of treatment, thus allowing therapeutic effects to
be quantified. It was designed in an effort to measure the channels and their yin-
yang categories.
- The rabbit ear chamber (R.E.C.) method. This is a method of observing the
microcirculation in the ears of laboratory rabbits. We used it to observe the effects
on microcirculation following the insertion of a single needle into the dorsum of the
experimental animals for a fixed period of time. This was done to try to establish
baseline effects of needle insertion.
328 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

- The deep body temperature measurements method. The purposes of this

simple method were several. First, we wanted to see if measurement of the deep
body temperature might yield patterns of temperature distribution that matched the
predictions of traditional yin-yang theory. Second, we wanted to see if acupunc-
ture and moxibustion could alter the deep body temperature, and if so, if they cre-
ated regular patterns of change. Third, we wanted to examine the effects of body
position and posture on the distribution of deep body temperature.
- The electrodermal measurements of the auricles. The purposes of this exper-
iment were to try to determine if electrical mappings of the auricle would coincide
with anatomophysiological structures, pressure pain distribution, etc. Further, we
wanted to observe differences in the reactive point distributions using different
applied voltages as the measurement voltages. This study was done in an effort to
establish basic protocol and distribution patterns.
- The moxa review study. This was done to elucidate something of the nature,
history, functions, and types of moxibustion that are currently in use in China and
especially in Japan, where moxibustion practice has its own licensing procedures
and is a profession in its own right. Thus this study was a literature search and
review only.
The acupoint contraindications study. We devised this presentation
because of the interesting contradictory nature of the historical literature. Most
texts on acupuncture and moxibustion in the West are cursory at best on the sub-
ject, with no historical knowledge of the subject. We felt it enlightening to present
something of the changing and evolving nature of acupuncture and moxibustion
from an historical perspective focusing on a single limited topic.

THE MERIDIAN IMBALANCE DIAGRAMMING (M.I.D.) METHOD

A SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS BASED ON TWENTY YEARS OF STUDY RELATED TO

ABNORMALITIES OF SENSITIVITY OF THE ACUPOINTS, BOTH IN DISEASE AND HEALTH.

ThE ORIENTAL MEDICAL DEPARTMENT ATTACHED TO THE KITAZATO INSTITUTE.

BY: KAzUKO ITAYA AND YOSHIO MANAKA

PURPOSES AND METHODS:

Acupoints have the following two significant characteristics:
1. They are useful as diagnostic points.
2. They are useful as therapeutic points.
During the disease process, various abnormal conditions appear on the surface
of the body, such as hypersensitivity (pressure pain and/ or cutaneous sensitivity
with pinching diagnosis, etc.), tightness of the underlying muscles, palpable depres-
sions, etc. These were often related to the original descriptions of point location in
Chinese medicine, since they frequently proved useful as therapeutic points. With
experience, people found that these points had vertical correlations, from which
arose the systematizing concept of jing luo, the meridians or channels.
Recently many scholars have tried to obtain reliable statistics for the acupoints
by measuring them with a variety of different methods and techniques. Some of
these methods of measurement are:
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 329

- skinten1perature
- deeper body ten1perature
- electrical resistance
- n1agnetic fields
- electrical current
- electrical potential
- heat-pain threshold response (Akabane testing)
We have devised a n1ethod of n1easuren1ent that can be easily utilized in the
clinic with as little tin1e as possible required to perforn1 it and which can be used to
n1easure n1any acupoints. We also hope that this can becon1e a useful diagnostic
n1ethod for acupuncture and n1oxibustion.

THE MERIDIAN IMBALANCE DOLORIMETER

The focus of our research involved the developn1ent and diagnostic in1ple-
D1entation of the Meridian ln1balance Dolorin1eter, a developn1ent of Akabane's
original idea. This is a sn1all electric heating coil located inside a hand-held heating
device that is used with constant electric flow to generate radiant heat which is pro-
jected through the 4 sq. n1n1. opening onto the subject's skin. The tiD1e taken for the
subject to feel pain with the radiant heat at each point is n1easured in tenths of a sec-
ond.
There are n1any acupoints on the surface of the body, but as key points of the
channels, we chose the 24 jing points as fixed observation points. These jing points
are located at the proxin1al corners of the nails of the fingers and toes. As coD1par-
ative points, we also chose sixteen non-acupoint points located at the unoccupied
proxin1al corners of the nails (see diagran1l6.l).
We devised a few diagran1s for the purposes of organizing and observing the
results of these n1easuren1ents. First, we con1pared the tiD1e taken for the heat-pain
to be felt in each of the forty points following Akabane's original idea. Next, we
con1pared figures for the upper and lower, left and right lin1bs and yin and yang
channels taking sun1s and ratios of the SUD1S of the various con1binations of these.
These we termed the Meridian ln1balance Diagran1s (M.I.D.)

LEFT HAND

Figure 16.1: The jing points, after Akabane

330 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

DYANG+

~YIN

{LH- J,_
YIN - { : : - { :;:

AF-
y\ \
[

-{
LH+ }YI~ANG
H+ RH+ /
YANG {
LF+
F+ - {
RF+

l- - { L H - }

~l+-{LH+
LF-
LEFT
\
[ LF+ ,
LEFT/RIGHT

RH-} 1
A- - { RF- /
RIGHT {
RH+
A+ - {
RF+

HAND -{H- -,__,

H+~
[ HAND/FOOT

FOOT - - - { :~ ::J--'

Figure 16.2 Selection and summing of the yin and yang channel jing points.
3.0

i:B
u
l:l
1.3

1.2t-~~~~~
1.1
1.0

..
0.9

...
0.7

0.5

...
LH- LF- LH+ LF+ L
1 1 I I I
RH RF- RH+ RF+ R .

Figure 16.3 Graph of the basic sums and ratios of the yin yang numbers.

1:9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0 t--:7/;;n~~;:;r"'=----,tt-i!~~~
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3

LH/RH LIR LF/RF LH/LF RH/RF -/+ L/R HIF

Figure 16.4 Graph of the basic sums and ratios of all 40 points.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 331

By taking the sums of the various readings we can look at all the yin-yang
readings, hand-foot readings, and left-right readings and investigate the octahedral
relationships. Further, taking the ratios of these sums allows us to develop a simple
graphical representation of the results with which to explore the relative balance of
the yin-yang relationships. In an ideal balance, the ratios all tend to 1. But, as we
suspected, this is not always the case; there are some ratios that deviate from the
perfect ratio.
We used this method of measurement on healthy individuals and on patients
with a variety of diseases, making repeated measurements over as long a period as
was possible in each case. The conclusions we have drawn from these lengthy stud-
ies of several hundred individuals are as follows.
Since Head discovered the correspondence of internal organ disease and the
appearance of specific regions of hypersensitivity on the body surface, which are
related to the spinal dermatomes, these Head zones have become familiar to pro-
fessionals. But the fact that insensitivity to pain also appears on the surface of the
body in relation to specific diseases is little known except for diseases of the nervous
system. We have been able to prove the significant occurrence of functional insensi-
tivities of varying degrees at the surface of the body. These appear in different pat-
terns without the presence of organic nerve changes. They appear without relation-
ship to the spinal dermatomes, the hypersensitivity zones of Head.
When we measured hospitalized patients (for instance patients with stomach
ulcers who had no acupuncture therapy) from the time of their admittance to the
hospital, to the time of their discharge, the abnormal tendencies in the diagrams
tended to coincide with the pathology. Before having their operations, we typically
saw a wide disparity in the insensitivity and hypersensitivity of points. However,
after recovery from the surgery and just before leaving the hospital, the figures tend-
ed to return to a more normal range.
This test in principle is similar to the pain measurement tests devised by
Hardy.2 However, this instrument is more suitable for the measurement of heat-
pain threshold of single acupoints, since the area of irradiation with Hardy's instru-
ment is too large. The Meridian Imbalance Dolorimeter is much more convenient
for the measurement of a greater number of smaller points.
In general there is a tendency during the course of a disease for the heat-pain
threshold response of the lower limbs to become higher, but if the patient is depres-
sive or experiencing depression this ratio peculiarly reverses. An interesting fact is
that in samples of the general population the ratio between upper and lower limbs,
including non-acupoints, is closer to 1 than is the ratio of the channel points alone.
In other words, we can say that the non-acupoint points show less abnormal fig-
ures. In the group of depressive patients, the ratios of the figures for all the points
are further from 1. That is, in the depressive patients, the heat-pain threshold
response rises in non-acupoint points more distinctly than the general population.
When we are observing the tendencies of insensitivity or hypersensitivity of
non-acupoints in different diseases, at certain times in the disease process distinc-
tive peaks of insensitivity occasionally appear. But in general the insensitivity or
hypersensitivity in the acupoints show a more distinctive tendency.
Along with improvement of the patient's complaints over the span of treat-
ment, the insensitivity of each acupoint tends to normalize. Very often the ratio
of the difference between right and left sides of the same point remains at the
same level until the end. As a whole, the peaks of the heat-pain threshold
response are stable until the end of treatment. Therefore we can surmise that
332 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

there are permanent tendencies in the relationships between the same acupoints,
that is, constitutional tendencies.
With continuous measurements of the same subjects for several years, we
could see changes of the ratios of the upper and lower figures at certain times of the
year. Chinese medicine recognizes the annual rhythms (changes of the four seasons)
of the living body. These tendencies in the figures seem to substantiate the Chinese
theories. When we looked at a number of patients with the same symptoms, their
M.I.D. patterns were not necessarily the same; each showed unique characteristics.
The explanation can be found in the Oriental medical principle that treatment is not
administered according to disease or symptom, but according to the patient's con-
formation, or sho. Another principle is that the same treatment is not given to dif-
ferent people with the same disease. Each treatment is tailored to the individual's
indications (sho), which may vary even from day to day.
Sometimes treatment improves the patient's condition so that the symptoms
disappear. For instance, treatment of amenorrhea may improve the patient's condi-
tion so that the menses return. However, when treatment is stopped, the menses
again stop. In these cases we found that when the menses returned, the abnormal-
ities apparent in the M.I.D reading did not change significantly. But in the cases
where treatment was continued after the menses normalized until the M.I.D. read-
ings turned towards normal, the menses remained normal after treatment was dis-
continued.
While insufficient numbers of cases have been measured to draw clear con-
clusions regarding this observation, preliminary findings show that patients for
whom acupuncture analgesia was only moderately successful evidenced a reversal
in the ratio of hand to foot readings in favor of the hand, i.e., showed the depressive
tendency.
At the present time, finding organic changes is considered most important in
Western scientific diagnosis. Yet it is difficult to draw clear lines between disease
and health and their abnormalities when definitions are not clear. This is the case
with "pre-disease conditions," "functional diseases," "imbalances of the autonom-
ic nervous system," or "psychosomatic disorders," all of which are common mod-
em diagnoses. We need a system for approaching cases where no organic changes
exist or, if they appear to exist, they are not necessarily the cause of the complaint.
In other words, it is important that functional pathological diagnosis should be con-
sidered as important as the diagnosis of organic changes. From this perspective, the
M.I.D. can be a useful diagnostic method that while both relatively objective and
quantifiable is complementary to the diagnostic methods of traditional Oriental
medicine.
We asked twelve healthy volunteers to allow the M.I.D. measurements to be
taken twice a week for two years. There was a fluctuation in the figures for each vol-
unteer from which the average figures and ratios were calculated. As a whole, they
showed similar patterns but there are some points to which we must pay particular
attention. Though there was considerable variance among each of the ratios, the
ratio between the sums of the values of the yin channels when compared to the yang
channels was close to one. The notable exception was one case where there was a
reverse phenomenon in the ratio of the upper and lower limbs. After questioning
the volunteer we found that the subject sometimes had a tendency towards depres-
sion and there was a tendency in the family to depression with one relative hospi-
talized.
In the first category, in the cases of those able to recover easily from a minor
ailment and able to derive a distinctive benefit from acupuncture, we can see the
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 333

tendency of the ratios of yin and yang as almost 1. Also in the cases of chronic dis-
ease where recovery is gradual, we can see the tendency of yin and yang returning
to 1 sooner than the other tendencies of the ratios in the diagrams. Therefore, look-
ing at the heat-pain threshold response and comparing the ratios, we have a good
key for measuring the tendencies of imbalances throughout the body.

CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions are based on our work with the M.I.D.:
1. Besides the zones of pain hypersensitivity described by Head and which
correlate with the nervous system, there exists the phenomenon of heat-pain
hyposensitivity.
2. The former appear along with the divisions of the spinal cord, the latter
appears in different patterns.
3. The acupoints and non-acupoints evidence this insensitivity, but from
among these two categories of points, there is a difference according to time and
other factors.
4. The traditional acupoints are said to be on the channel line which has cer-
tain relationships to diseases and the functional properties of the internal organs,
but the correlation with the internal organs is not exclusive.
5. we can presume that this insensitivity as well as hypersensitivity appears
by common mechanisms such as the inhibition and excitation of the afferent fibers
of the sensory nerves, but this needs further clarification with more research.
6. We think that this method of measurement of the heat-pain threshold
responses can be used not only for studying the acupoints, but also as a diagnostic
method in the territory of modem medicine.

MICROCIRCULATION RESEARCH EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE

NEEDLE APPLICATION UPON THE CUTANEOUS
MICROCIRCULATION OF RABBIT EAR LOBE3
COLLABORATIVELY WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED BY KAZUKO ITAYA (1),
YOSHIO MANAKA (1), CHIYOJI 0HKUBO (2), MAKISHIGE ASANO (2).

(1) ORIENTAL MEDICINE RESEARCH CENTER, KITAZATO INSTITUTE, TOKYO, JAPAN.

(2) DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL HYGIENE, INSTITUTE OF PuBLIC HEALTH, TOKYO, JAPAN.

Abstract: Microcirculatory effects of the application of an acupuncture needle
(32 gauge-silver) to the back (corresponding to geshu, BL-17, in human beings), were
microscopically studied in vivo using a transparent ear chamber in conscious rabbits.
Although no striking findings were obtained during the 30 minute period of needle
application, it was clearly observed that the microvascular blood flow increased
gradually in parallel with augmenting spontaneous rhythmic fluctuations of the ves-
sel diameter, namely vasomotion. This was observed throughout a continuous peri-
od of greater than two hours following removal of the needle. Diameters of arterioles
334 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

and venules at the full-dilating phases of vasomotion reached respective levels

greater than 200% and 250%, respectively, compared to the initial values monitored
just before application of the needle. The clinical efficacy of acupuncture was sug-
gested to be explained at least in part by the increased rhythmic microvascular
blood flow in parallel with vasomotion.
Keywords: acupuncture, microcirculation, in vivo microscopic study, conscious rabbits.
Introduction: It has been widely experienced that better results often may be
achieved with acupuncture treatment in various chronic diseases, where results
were unsatisfactory in Western medical care. Currently no one is able to com-
pletely explain the mechanism of action. Traditional acupuncture includes a great
variety of techniques in its practice. As one author suggested previously [1], a
probable application of acupuncture to modern Western medicine would follow
from the establishment of fundamental concepts common to the varying tech-
niques of acupuncture. Based on other reports [2], the authors have assumed that
acupuncture treatment has a desirable influence on the systemic microcirculation
and that this plays an important role in its therapeutic efficacy.
The present study was attempted to elucidate in vivo microscopic evaluation of
such acupuncture-induced changes in the cutaneous microcirculation in healthy
conscious rabbits. For that purpose, qualitative and quantitative analyses were
made on hemodynamic microcirculatory events and the results are discussed from
a physiological viewpoint.
Materials and Methods: Healthy male rabbits were subjected to the experi-
ment without anesthesia in a metal drum where they lay on their bellies. Each had
transparent round-table chambers (rabbit ear chamber, R.E.C.) [3] previously
installed into both ear lobes. Each R.E.C. contained a cutaneous microvascular net
in its observing tissue space (50 micra in depth). Hemodynamic events observed
in vivo with a microscope in the R.E.C.'s of both ear lobes were projected onto TV
monitors and stored on videotape via a microscope-closed TV system [4], before,
during, and after acupuncture needle application. The stored microcirculatory
events were reproduced later for qualitative and quantitative analysis using visible
assessment and the technique of microphotoelectrocplethysmography (MPPG)
[3,4].
Vascular diameters of selected arterioles and venules were measured at the
same locations on the images on the TV monitor and their changes expressed in
percent of the initial diameters just before the application of an acupuncture nee-
dle. Diameters at the full-dilating and full-constricting phases of vasomotion were
defined as top and bottom diameters of vessels. Thus the difference between top
and bottom diameters for a single wave of vasomotion designated the amplitude
of vasomotion. An acupuncture needle (32 gauge, silver) was used at a point in the
upper part of the back of the animals corresponding to geshu (BL-17) in human
beings. The needle was retained for 30 minutes. The microcirculatory behavior
was observed and recorded throughout each experimental period of 3 hours, in 22
trials with 9 animals. The experiment was carried out with conscious animals;
room temperature was kept at 23 celsius with 60% relative humidity.
Results: Hemodynamic behavior of the microcirculation under basal conditions. The
cutaneous microcirculation under basal conditions before the acupuncture needle
application was characterized by spontaneous rhythmic changes consisting of
increase and decrease in both the caliber of blood vessels and the volume of blood
flow. The rhythmic changes were recorded continuously by MPPG as shown in
Figure 16.5 on which the full-dilating phases of the fluctuation coincide with the
tops of wave-like tracing and the full-constricting phases do so with the bottoms.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 335

Figure 16.5: Cutaneous microcirculation prior to needle application

In general, frequency of the fluctuation due to vasomotion ranged from 1 to 4
counts per minute, as previously reported elsewhere [3,4,5], although during the
pre-treatment period the microcirculatory fluctuation due to vasomotion appeared
to be rather indistinct.

Figure 16.6: Cutaneous microcirculation during needle application

Thereafter, the blood vessels dilated with the top diameters of arterioles and
venules, reaching 140-150% of the initial values:

_ ............ .,.. .... "'"i - ....... - ..............

so -

0 -~----~----~~----~~----~IL____JI.
0 IS 30 60 90 120 ISO
( 0) (30) (60) ~90) ( 120) min

,. r
300
"'"---.... -... _.. _
uo f-

0 IS 30 60 90 120 150
(0) (JO) (Ul (90) (120) .. , ..

Figure 16.7: Changes in the top and bottom diameters of arterioles and venules
336 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

Figure 16.8: Cutaneous microcirculation immediately after needle withdrawal

. ! ~ . ~ ~ .A.-1:. I~.:.1~,..~
~~~hJ """"~
. . .
0 u'
.. . , ; . . ! ~ ~- ,-~
~.:~,
,qiV~- ~. =
I . ' :, .
,.
Figure 16.9: Cutaneous microcirculation 30 minutes after needle withdrawal

Figure 16.10: Cutaneous microcirculation 60 minutes after needle withdrawal

Figure 16.11: Cutaneous microcirculation 90 minutes after needle withdrawal

The microvascular rhythmic blood flow rapidly increased beginning immedi-
ately after needle withdrawal. About 30 minutes later, the amplitude of vasomotion
was much enhanced with the top diameters of the arterioles and venules reaching
dilation levels greater than 150% and 200% of the initial values, as seen in Figure
16.6. The top diameters then maintained levels greater than 200% and 250% respec-
tively for the arterioles and venules (Figure 16.7).

Figure 16.12: dilation of the microvessels before (left) and after (right) acupuncture
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 337

A typical sequence of the effect of acupuncture needle application on the

microvessels is presented in Figure 16.12. The increased top diameter of venule (V)
is much more demonstrable than that of arteriole (a), comparing the right to the left
picture. The successive changes in the top and bottom diameters are diagrammati-
cally illustrated in Figure 16.7.
Discussion. The present study clearly demonstrated that a 30-minute applica-
tion of an acupuncture needle (32 gauge, silver) to the back of a rabbit, correspond-
ing to geshu (BL-17) in humans, can cause definite vasodilating effects upon the
cutaneous microcirculatory system and an enhancing effect upon the occurrence
and activity of vasomotion of the microvessels, as observed in the R.E.C.
Vasomotion, generally referred to as "spontaneous constriction and relaxation
of microvasculature, especially arterioles," has been observed to have a frequency
ranging from 1-10 counts per minute in different tissues and organs, such as the
skin, skeletal muscle, intestinal serosa, mesentery, gastric mucosa, lung, spleen, and
kidney of various species [6], including the human skin [7]. Vasomotion has been
suggested to facilitate the oxygen diffusion across capillary walls in the tissue
according to the rhythmic distribution of blood caused by it [8]. The vasodilating
effect of some drugs that did not interfere with the existence of vasomotion has been
suggested to be physiologically acceptable to improve microcirculation [9].
Moreover, it has been supposed that the peripheral resistance of the microvascular
system maintaining vasodilation is less than that of the other microvascular system
having equivalent mean caliber without vasomotion [10].
Accordingly, the in vivo microscopic findings obtained in the present study
suggest that under selected conditions, acupuncture may facilitate the oxygen sup-
ply to tissues by increasing microvascular blood flow due to vasodilation. This
facilitation of oxygen supply may also be due to the lowering of regional peripher-
al resistance accompanied by enhancing the spontaneous rhythmic fluctuation of
blood flow due to vasomotion. In addition, the clinical efficacy of acupuncture
which has been experienced for cases of refractory chronic diseases might be par-
tially explained by the microcirculatory activation which will probably occur simi-
larly to the cutaneous microcirculation in normal rabbits.
Conclusion: A 30-minute application of acupuncture with a silver needle (32
gauge) to the back, corresponding to geshu (BL-17) in humans can induce vasodila-
tion effects, an activation of vasomotion, and an enhancement of rhythmic perfusion
of blood flow due to vasomotion in the microcirculatory system for a period longer
than two hours following cessation of needle application in the skin of the rabbit.
Based on the results, a possible participation of the increased rhythmic microvascu-
lar blood flow, due to vasomotion, could be proposed to explain, at least partially,
the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for refractory chronic diseases.
Acknowledgements. This work was supported in part by a grant from the
Science and Technology Agency in Japan. The technical assistance given by the lab-
oratory of Yone Productions is gratefully acknowledged.
REFERENCES
[1] Y. Manaka, "Acupuncture, a therapeutic method of modifying the biological information sys-
tem," Prof. Symposium and Satellite Symposium 8, 17th Intern. Congr. Intern. Med., Kyoto, Oct. 1984,
Intern. Congr. Series No 693: Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam, pp. 344-349, 1985.
[2] Y. Omura, "Patho-physiology of acupuncture treatment: effects of acupuncture on cardiovas-
cular and nervous systems," Acup. & Electro-Ther. Res. Int. four. 1:1-4, pp. 51-141, 1975.
[3] M. Asano, C. Ohkubo, "Physiological and pathophysiological events of cutaneous microcircu-
lation observed in the rabbit ear chamber"; "intra-vital observation of organ microcirculation," Intern.
Congr. Series No. 625: Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam, pp. 31-48, 1983.
338 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

[4] M. Asano et al., "Microphotoelectric plethysmography using a rabbit ear chamber," f. Appl.
Physiol. 20, pp. 1056-1062, 1965.
[5] M. Asano, "Microphotoelectric plethysmography in studying the cutaneous microcirculation,"
Basic aspects of Microcirculation, Inter. Congr. Series No. 578, Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam, pp. 47-60,
1982.
[6] W. Funk, M. Intaglietta, "Spontaneous arteriolar vasomotion," Progr. Appl. Microcirc. 3, Karger,
Basel, pp. 66-82, 1983.
[7] M. Asano, P.l. Branemark, "Microphotoelectric plethysmography using a titanium chamber in
man," Adv. Microcirc., vol. 4, Karger, Basel, pp. 131-160, 1972.
[8] A. Kamiya, "The effect of intermittent capillary flow on tissue oxygen transport in the skeletal
muscle at rest," f. Physiol. Soc. Jpn. 38, p.179, 1976.
[9] M. Asano et al., "Cutaneous microcirculatory effects of various vasodilator agents on the con-
scious rabbit, with special regard to changes in the rhythmic property of vasomotion," Bioch. Exp. Bioi.
16, pp. 341-348, 1980.
[10] A. Colantuoni et al., "Quantitation of rhythmic diameter changes in arterial microcircula-
tion," Am. f. Physiol. 246, H508-H517, 1984.

The authors of the previous paper have conducted further research looking at
the microcirculatory effects of acupuncture. The next abstract describes the findings
of research with rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet, some of which were given
acupuncture, the rest given no acupuncture.

ON THE EFFICACY OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

FOR DECUBITAL ULCER FORMATION DURING DIETARY-INDUCED
HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN THE MALE RABBIT
KAzuKO ITAYA (1), YOSHIO MANAKA (1), CHIYOJI 0HKUBO (2), MAKISHIGE ASANO (2).
(1) ORIENTAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER, Kl:TAZATO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(2) DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL HYGIENE, INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, TOKYO, }APAN.
The effects of repetitive application of acupuncture needles (32 gauge, silver
needles applied two or three times weekly), to the forehead (one needle), the back
(two needles) and the hips (two needles), corresponding to yin tang (EX-HN3), geshu
(BL-17), and huantiao (GB-30) in humans, was studied. Specifically, changes of the
biochemical and hematological parameters of peripheral circulating blood was
studied, as was the formation of decubital ulcers in male rabbits, induced by six
weeks of high-cholesterol diet. In the study, no appreciable changes were observed
in measuring the hyperlipidemic and anemic levels of the rabbits. However, it was
observed that no decubital ulcers formed in the acupuncture group of rabbits. Three
out of five animals, nine out of twenty pads, developed ulcers in the non-acupunc-
ture group, where no ulcers formed in the group of rabbits given the acupuncture
applications. These findings, specifically for the prevention of decubital ulcer for-
mation, were discussed from the macro- and microcirculatory perspectives, based
on the present and previous investigations.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 339

COMMENTS ON THE MICROVASCULAR R.E.C RESEARCH

YosHro MANAKA
This article speculates on the importance and roles of the microcirculatory
changes observed with the R.E.C. method, both in the practice of herbal medicine
and more relevantly, the practice of acupuncture, especially with reference to treat-
ment of the condition termed blood stasis.
The R.E.C. methods of observation of the microcirculatory system have the
advantage of allowing an ecological observation of the system. Other methods of
observation typically disturb the system, through anesthetic effects, surgical effects,
etc. For example, were we to open the abdominal cavities of animals to expose the
mesenteries and observe the microvessels with a microscope, we would be disin-
clined to consider this as an infallibly accurate method. Some researchers have
opened the chest of a test animal and observed the blood vessels on the surface of
the heart, while applying a needle on a distal point on the animal. The obvious
drawback to this method of observation is that the stimulation effects from the sur-
gical procedure are far greater than the effects of applying a needle to the body.
Thus what these researchers observe is far from what might be occurring in a nor-
mal body, with only a needle applied.
Further, as some of the researchers have concluded, they could see no obvious
changes in the blood vessels, when, for instance, an intradermal needle is applied.
These researchers typically find that only when strong stimulation is applied, such
as that given by electroacupuncture, can changes in the blood vessels be observed.
Were we carelessly to believe such "scientific experimentation," we would be
inclined to think that needling with strong stimulation is more effective and that
methods such as shonishin (children's needles) or sanshin (touching needles) might
be understood as only some kind of magical rite. Inappropriate methods of obser-
vation bias the experiment so that the effects one is supposedly looking for cannot
be found.
Thinking that the R.E.C. might be a useful method of observing the microcir-
culatory system, I asked Dr. Makishige Asano of the Institute of Public Health why
this method was not more popular. His answer was that this kind of study required
immense patience and careful attention for extended periods of time, which make it
actually very difficult to do. Fortunately, Kazuko Itaya, my co-worker at the
Kitazato Institute, has unusual tenacity and has been quietly performing such
experiments for over ten years. Thus it was through her initiative that we were able
to conduct such research.
Over a number of years, it had been our hypothesis that while needling the
body naturally had obvious stimulatory effects, there were also effects related to the
body's signalling systems, utilizing tiny amounts of energy that cannot be said to be
stimulation. We tentatively named this the X-signal system. We also wondered if
the traditional theories of yin-yang and the five phases, so often ridiculed and
ignored by modern "scientific" acupuncturists, might not be part of this system,
and therefore unobservable by stimulation effects. If so, we thought that finding an
appropriate method of testing and observing this would be an important break-
through. It was in this context that we undertook the R.E.C. experiments.
Many biochemical, immunological, and hematological studies on the phe-
nomenon of blood stasis have been vigorously performed over the last twenty or so
years, particularly in China. Considerable progress in pharmacological research has
occurred, and this is laudable. However, we think that what plays the most impor-
tant role in the disease condition of blood stasis is the microcirculatory system.
340 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

This is hard to observe in the living body, especially the pumping function of
the blood vessels, called vasomotion, which is a key factor in the metabolism of cel-
lular systems. These movements are controlled by tiny changes in the body fluids
and nerves. We have found that it is influenced by leaving one silver needle for thir-
ty minutes, but the changes do not happen immediately; they mostly occur after
needle removal and last for quite a long time. We call such an action a "bias," and
believe that it constitutes evidence for the remarkable effects that very small ener-
gies can have on the living system. It would also be true that various internal and
external biases could push the microcirculatory system in a negative direction,
adversely affecting cellular metabolism.
Dr. E.H. Starling, an English physiologist, formed the hypothesis that "the net
filtration though the capillary membranes is proportional to the transmembrane
hydrostatic pressure difference minus the transmembrane oncotic pressure differ-
ence." That is, filtration across the capillary membranes requires that the internal
pressure in the arterioles be higher than the external osmotic pressure. Leakage
back across the membranes also requires that the internal pressure in the venules be
lower than the external osmotic pressure.
However, those who have seen vasomotion under the microscope can under-
stand that the change of pressure in the vessels, from the expanded capillary vessel
state to the closed or contracted vessel state, is much bigger than the change of inter-
nal pressures brought about solely from the static factors suggested by Starling.
Thus this vasomotion function must play a significant role in cellular metabolism.
Because cellular metabolism may be maintained by the pumping function of blood
vessel movement, it can be understood that the existence of vasomotion is extreme-
ly important both in the normal and the diseased condition. Further, blockage of
vasomotor activity will block cellular activities, creating various secondary diseases
and finally reaching to a fixed, irreversible state. The effects of needle insertion on
cellular activity and health are thus very important and can be very profound.
Finally, I would like to draw attention to facts described by Dr. Asano and others:
1. When he and his colleagues examined the effects of the blood cir-
culation accelerator medications using the R.E.C. method, they
found that blood circulation does indeed increase, but that vaso-
motion in the microvessels of the kidneys and liver often decrease.
Thus they are not good medications for total metabolic function.
2. It is commonly said that application of heat to an area is good to
increase circulation of blood in that area. However, they found that
depending on the method of application of the heat, congestion of
blood in the venules and small veins can occur, thereby leading to
local edema.
It is commonly thought that we can apply heat to a painful site to help relieve
the pain. If this is so, then why not drink alcohol to accelerate blood flow, too?
Alcohol is certainly a good vasodilator. It is obvious that this is not the answer.
Further, from the perspective of the microcirculatory movements, application of
heat to an area may actually be the worst thing in terms of how it affects the circu-
lation. The reason so many doctors make such elementary mistakes is because of
the enormous difficulty observing the microcirculation in vivo. In East Asian med-
icine, where we have the concept of blood stasis (xue yu or oketsu), it is much easier
to explain how simply activating the blood can cure many difficult diseases that
have not responded well to Western medical treatments. There are many herbs used
specifically to activate the blood. We would also like to point out that based on our
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 341

R.E.C. experiments, acupuncture is also excellent for activating the blood and is thus
highly useful for treatment of conditions of blood stasis. Based on our own clinical
experience, we think that moxibustion is also good for the same condition, as are
dietary and fasting therapies.

DEEP BODY TEMPERATURE RESEARCH:

OBSERVATION OF TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES
IN EACH BODY PART, USING A DEEP BODY THERMOMETER4
I<AZUKO ITAYA AND YOSHIO MANAKA

INTRODUCI'ION
One characteristic of East Asian medicine is the principle that it grasps both
local and systemic body changes systematically and then addresses the imbalances.
We have paid particular attention to the octahedral and quadrantal characteristics
as an important pattern of change in the living body. Here we observe deep body
temperature to see if other tests will show the same results as the M.I.D., which
looks at the changes of the ratios of heat pain thresholds at the jing points, to study
these quadrantal and octahedral characteristics.

PuRPOSE
The measurement of deep body temperature has been done in many fields and
many practical applications have been developed. We conducted a basic study to
determine the following:
1. Can this method be used to ascertain changes in the body before and after
the stimulation of acupuncture and moxibustion?
2. Can it be used to judge the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion?
3. How do the changes of the body's position affect the deep body tempera-
ture?
4. Are there physiological differences between the right and left halves of the
body in deep body temperature? If so, what tendencies do they show?
5. What kinds of differences and patterns of differences appear between the
central and peripheral body temperatures?
6. Are there characteristic patterns when we apply acupuncture, moxibustion,
and other methods of stimulation on the body?
7. Are there characteristics in the temperature distribution of an individual
who does not respond well to acupuncture and moxibustion therapies? (We have
measured the pain thresholds of 40 points on the ends of the fingers and toes using
the M.I.D. method, calculating ratios of left-right, superior-inferior, yin and yang
channels, to grasp the patterns of disease and disease tendencies. Is it possible to
use the measurement of deep body temperature to grasp the same?)
8. In conjunction with (7) above, what pattern of deep body temperature
would appear in the case of subjects with imbalanced autonomic nerve disease?
9. Using strong needle techniques, such as those utilized for acupuncture anes-
thesia, it is easy to observe neuro-peptide changes. Yet when using tiny stimulation
342 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

such as those in our methods of treatment, these changes are hard to measure. Is it
possible that tiny stimulation can cause changes in the deep body temperature? If
so, how much change can we see and how does it change?
METHODS OF EXPERIMENTATION
We used the deep body thermometer made by the Thermo Company.
Following recommendations made by other deep body temperature researchers, we
taped the sensors, each 4.5 em in diameter, on 10 points on the body. We used the
same points in both healthy and diseased subjects. These points are seen in the fol-
lowing diagram:

Figure 16.12a: Points measured using the deep body thermometer

1 = forehead region 2 = lower abdominal region (CV-4)
3 = left heel region (insomnia point) 4 = right heel region (insomnia point)
5 = left palm region - thenar eminence 6 = right palm region - thenar eminence
7 =left femoral region (Manaka 3 yin meeting point above SP-10)
8 = right femoral region (Manaka 3 yin meeting point above SP-10)
9 = left lower limb (ST-38) 10 = right lower limb (ST-38)

CIRCUMSTANCES OF OBSERVATION
1. Change of temperature depending on the body position:
a) standing on the head (yoga style)
b) lifting the lower limbs while supine, with the legs vertically
positioned against the wall
c) dangling the lower limbs (sitting on the edge of a bed, toes not
touching the floor)
d) prone position (face down)
2. Change of temperature from stimulation with the M.I. Dolorimeter:
a) M.l. stimulation on the left foot
b) M.l. stimulation on the right foot
c) M.l. stimulation on the right hand
d) continuous M.l. stimulation on LI-4
3. Change of temperature by moxa stimulation:
a) medial side of the left foot (LR-3, LR-4, KI-7, SP-6)
b) medial side of the right foot (LR-3, LR-4, KI-7, SP-6)
c) both SP-6
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 343

4. Change of temperature by stimulation with needle application:

a) intradermal needle
b) with kyutoshin (moxa on the handle of the needle)
c) inserting and leaving a needle for some time
5. Change of temperature caused by smoking:
a) the subject smoked half a cigarette three times in a supine position.
OTHER PERTINENT FACTORS
Room temperature: 23-24 Celsius
Humidity: 55-68%
Equipment: deep body thermometer made by Thermo company
CONCLUSION
Our results from the above experiments have lead us to conclude as follows:
1. When the stimulation of acupuncture and moxibustion is given on one side
of the body, the influence on deep body temperature is not necessarily seen only on
that side.
Chapter 27 of the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of
Internal Therapy: the Basic Questions) says that when treating a problem on one side,
treat the other side. Regarding this left-right characteristic, observation of the deep
body temperature showed some interesting phenomena. We had a female patient
visit us because she had a cold feeling in the left lower limb and a dull pain in the
lower back. She had no pathology diagnosable by Western medicine. When moxa
was applied to left LR-3, LR-4, KI-7, SP-6, the temperatures of both heels dropped,
even as much as fifteen minutes afterwards. When moxa was applied to the same
points on the right side, the temperature of the right heel rose, while the left heel
stopped dropping. Following actual treatment, with the body more balanced, the
temperature of both heels rose and came closer to normal.
2. Smoking causes the peripheral temperature of the hands and feet to drop.
However, at the thigh region (Manaka's three yin meeting point), no temperature
variation was noted. If the subjects were extremely tired or were taking some med-
ication, unusual changes were observed.
3. When the subject changes position from the prone to the supine with legs
raised, the temperature of both heels is observed to drop. However, the temperature
of the thighs does not drop. When the subject comes to the sitting position, with
lower limbs dangling, the temperature of the thighs drops to that of the heels.
4. When changing from the prone to the sitting position, the temperature of
the heels generally drops. Exceptions were noted in patients on certain medications,
who had amenorrhea, or had some hormonal imbalance, where the temperature of
the heels was observed to rise. This suggests the importance of paying attention to
non-normal regional changes of the body temperature, especially when hormonal or
autonomic nerve imbalances exist.
5. No corroboration was obtained for the observations in the literature on
deep body temperatures, where some authors have said that changes of temperature
of the forehead, chest, and abdominal regions differ from those of the four limbs.
6. When an intradermal needle was inserted on the medial side of the left
lower limb, changes appeared at both heel regions and thigh regions, with little
change in the other regions. Such needles seem to employ a very tiny but powerful
stimulation.
344 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

7. When moxa, intradermal needles and M.I. stimuli were applied on one
lower limb, the same lower limb generally showed temperature changes.
8. During sleep, the temperature of the heels changes very little. We did have
one case where the temperature actually dropped. This was seen in a patient who
had suffered recurrent alopecia each spring for the previous three years.
9. The measurement of deep body temperature can be a useful clinical indica-
tor. We were treating a patient whose adrenal glands had been surgically removed
some time before. This patient needed a constant supply of adrenal hormone. She
suffered many complaints such as muscle aches of the whole body, insomnia,
depression, amenorrhea. She had undertaken herbal therapy without success. We
wondered whether it would be possible to cure her in such a condition, as we had
no information on whether we might cause some kind of shock reaction with ther-
apy. Thus we treated her cautiously and used her deep body temperatures as a
monitor of how we were doing. Her complaints greatly reduced with therapy, and
the patterns of her deep body temperatures improved greatly from the beginning of
treatment to the end of treatment, becoming normal, when compared to the normal
values for a healthy individual.
10. There were some cases where the two sets of temperature readings did not
correspond to each other, in our experiments, though it is said that the deep and sur-
face temperatures often change together.
11. We did not notice big changes in temperature where there were surgical
conditions, or where there were problems of the surface circulation and blood flow.
12. We found that in some cases it took 35 to 100 minutes to get a stable read-
ing of the deep body temperature. According to the literature, it usually takes 20 to
30 minutes to get a stable reading of the deep body temperature.
We have described a very rudimentary, basic experiment. Our findings are
intriguing, and we hope to continue studying how to use the deep body tempera-
ture measurements in our studies of acupuncture and moxibustion. We also think
that by improving the equipment (shortening the time it takes to arrive at the deep
body temperature, improving the mobility of the subjects, etc), it is possible to
expand the usefulness of this technique in research.

AURICULAR INVESTIGATIONS: FUNDAMENTAL STUDIES OF THE

AURICULAR ACUPOINTS USING AN ELECTRICAL PROBE5
KA.zUKO ITAYA AND YOSHIO MANAKA

INTRODUCTION
Auriculotherapy, first proposed and introduced by Dr. Paul Nogier, has gradu-
ally found adherents and practitioners throughout the world. China, the birthplace of
acupuncture, has its own style of auriculo-acupuncture, claiming it as its own, since
there are some references to such ideas in the Chinese classics. We have applied these
forms of auriculotherapy clinically and we have no doubt as to their therapeutic valid-
ity and value. As it has developed, there has been an evolution in the manner by
which the auricular points are located. Dr. Nogier first began by applying pressure to
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 345

points on the auricle to locate the sensitive points. He then noticed that certain
changes in the skin could be found, such as redness, thickening, pigmentation, etc.,
which he theorized would correlate to the desired treatment points. The electroder-
mal acupoint probes employed in various body acupuncture methods were utilized
for finding reactive points (points that show a decreased electrical resistance). Use of
such probes led to the development of specific auricular acupoint probes.
Lately we have been looking into a method of finding points using magnetic
contact. In this study, working jointly with the Stanley Electric Company, we
designed and manufactured an experimental device, by which we probed the auri-
cles to investigate the distributions of reactive points on the auricles.
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
Subjects: 56 sitting subjects (52 male, 4 female), aged 18 to 55.
Method of measurement: The inner and outer surfaces of both ears were probed.
The patterns of distribution of reactive points were marked and photographed.
Environment: Room temperature, 23 Celsius; relative humidity 60%.
Analysis: As well as measuring the reactive auricular points, we used the M.l.
Dolorimeter to measure the patterns of heat-pain threshold ratios of the hands and
feet, to compare findings for each subject.
FINDINGS
1. The reactive points concentrated at specific areas, with distributions that
appeared as points, lines, or areas (see Figures 16.13.a-d).

Figures 16.13a-d : Reactive auricular points concentrated at specific areas

346 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

2. The patterns of reaction appear to correlate to the embryologically derived

areas of the auricles (see Figure 16.14).
3. Even for a single individual, we could see obvious differences between left
and right, anterior and posterior surfaces of the auricles.
4. We tried various measurements of the exact boundary between the anteri-
or and posterior surfaces of the auricles. These seemed to be present, but nothing is
said about this in the literature.

Figure 16.14: Patterns of reaction correlating to embryologically derived areas of the auricles
5. Patients showing a high density of reactive points on the auricle had at least
some abnormality, though not always a pathology. When we compared the read-
ings of the M.I.D. for patients with these areas of high density of reactive points, we
found correlations between the presence of the high density of reactions and abnor-
malities in the M.I.D.
6. When we mapped out the distribution patterns, there seemed to be areas of
the auricle where reactions were easily manifest, and areas where they were not
shown as regularly:

Figure 16.15. Auricle mapping of reactive areas

 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 347

Zone Left auricle Right auricle

A 0 0
B 5.4 5.4
c 17.9 23.2
D 1.8 3.6
E 37.5 39.3
F 30.4 28.4
G 41.0 55.4
H 3.6 1.8
I 19.6 32.1
J 23.2 16.1
K 28.6 23.2
L 17.9 19.6
M 1.8 3.6
N 42.8 39.2
0 39.2 37.5
p 37.5 25.0

Percentage of subjects showing reaction in corresponding auricular zones (Figure 16.15)

CONCLUSIONS

1. Further studies are necessary and appropriate to define the optimal charac-
teristics of the electrical measurements needed to determine the locations of the
reactive points, taking into account individual variations. In the experiment we
conducted, we applied from 220 kilo ohms to 148 kilo ohms and also 108 kilo ohms
as our measurement range. Differing patterns of reactive points showed with the
different resistances. In Figures 16.16a-d, the ringed dots were measured in the
range of 220 kilo ohms, while the filled-in dots were measured in the range of 154
kilo ohms.

Figures 16.16a-d: Differing patterns of reactive points

348 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

2. It is difficult to agree with Dr. Nogier's initial thoughts about the specifici-
ty of auricular points to body parts. Depending on the methods of observation, dif-
ferent points can manifest. We feel it necessary to check more exactly whether stim-
ulation of one point in the auricle produces a reaction at a specific point or area of
the body.
3. Dr. Nogier says that the upper part of the auricle correlates to the distal
parts of the four limbs and the lobe of the auricle to the head, with all other parts of
the body distributed within the rest of the auricle. The lack of ear lobes in anen-
cephalies and the occurrence of tophi on the toes and helix of the auricle seems to
bear out these correlations, though modem medical practices are changing these
patterns of distribution.
We hope that the above discussions serve as a useful basic study of the corre-
lations of auricular points to the body.

MOXIBUSTION (KYU):
HISTORY, EFFECTS AND METHODS
Moxibustion is a traditional medical therapy, the purpose of which is to cause
certain organismic reactions by applying heat stimulation to certain parts of the
body surface. This heat is given directly or indirectly by the moxa, activating the
body's natural healing powers, both curatively and preventatively.
HISTORY
Moxibustion is one of the traditional Chinese therapies, often combined with
acupuncture in clinical practice. Chapter 60 of the Su Wen states: "Put moxa three
times on the part of a body bitten by a dog." Further it is recorded as a method of
therapy from injury of the body. Though it is difficult to trace the origin of such a
form of therapy, it is worth noting that varieties of heat therapy similar to moxibus-
tion existed in the West as well as the East. Hippocrates (460-375 Be) said: "If med-
ication cannot cure the disease, apply an iron. If the iron cannot cure the disease,
apply heat. If heat cannot cure the disease, it is incurable."
In China, heat therapy was used from olden times for the treatment of internal
diseases as well as injury. Chapter 73 of the Ling Shu states: "If all the yin and yang
are vacuous, treat them with heat." It points out that moxibustion therapy is help-
ful for chronic disease when the patient's physical strength had begun to wane.
Later, when the systematization of the correlations between acupoints and diseases
was made, this developed as a major portion of what we now call Chinese acupunc-
ture and moxibustion therapy.
The Mawangtui archeological remains, excavated in 1973, brought to light two
medical texts that described moxa therapy, the Yin Yang Shi Yi Mai Jiu Jing (The Yin
Yang Eleven Vessel Moxa Treatise), and the Zu Bi Shi Yi Mai Jiu Jing (The Leg and Arm
Eleven Vessel Moxa Treatise). The characters used in these texts were of the style of
the Qin dynasty (255-206 Be). Thus we may surmise that the practice of moxibus-
tion therapy was already systematized by that time.
In the ancient classical medical literature, acupuncture and moxibustion were
always discussed and developed together. Because moxibustion could be easily uti-
lized by lay people, it developed as a folk remedy tradition in both China and Japan.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 349

Because this kind of folk practice cannot be found clearly in the traditional or pro-
fessional literature, it is hard to say much about its history or popularity. Since the
Meiji reformation era in Japan, when the practice of acupuncture and moxa thera-
pies were legislated by the government, moxa therapy was outlawed as a folk rem-
edy. Its practice has been declining since then, almost to the point of vanishing. Yet
one can still find "family recipe" moxa therapies, doyo moxa, moxa to prevent stroke,
etc.
According to the literature, moxa was first introduced to Japan from China
through Korea, by Chiso, who brought the Ming Tang Tu and other texts with him.
By 701, acupuncture was already an established profession, with practitioners,
teachers, and students. Moxibustion was part of the whole system. In 984 Yasuyori
Tamba wrote his massive, 30-volume !shin Po [The Heart of Medicine]. Two of these
volumes were dedicated to describing the principles and practice of acupuncture
and moxibustion. Between the Kamakura era (1185-1333) and Muromachi era (1333
-1568), moxa was used popularly, but mostly for the treatment of the many war
wounds of that time. It was also used for treating problems such as furuncles, scro-
fula, and Whitlow's disease. Dr. Gonzan Goto, who lived in the middle of the Edo
era (1600 - 1853), thought that all diseases were the result of stagnant qi. He recom-
mended moxa as one of the better external therapies for this, as well as certain herbs
and hot baths for internal effects. Of moxa he said:
Moxa has the ability to reach to the stagnation of coldness in the earth immediate-
ly because it has the active qi of the sun. It is thus good for curing 7 or 8 out of 10
cold stagnation diseases that affect the abdominal region.

Since then, moxa has been recognized for its efficacy in the treatment of inter-
nal diseases as well as external problems and injuries. According to Sorei Yanagiya,
who conducted extensive research of the traditional literatures, the Japanese body
of literature on moxa therapy is more extensive, with a greater variety of techniques
described, than the Chinese body of literature.
In 1674, during the second half of the Edo era, when acupuncture and moxa
therapies were very popular in Japan, the Dutch doctor, W. Ten Rhijn, visited Japan.
Several years later, in 1690, the German doctor E. Kampfer visited. Upon returning
to Europe, they wrote books about Japan that mentioned moxa frequently, and it
was then that moxa therapy was introduced to Europe, along with the Japanese
word "moxa" (derived from the Japanese "mogusha") and the word "moxibustion"
- a compound derivative of moxa and combustion. When the Medical Practitioners'
Law was passed in 1895 during the Meiji era, acupuncture, moxibustion, and mas-
sage were not recognized as medical therapies. They were given a much lowlier sta-
tus, as a kind of folk remedy, and their practice was forbidden except by the blind.
In 1905 a movement was undertaken to try to elucidate acupuncture and moxibus-
tion therapies using Western medical research methods. Its leader was Dr.
Kinnosuke Miura, who was a professor in the medical department of the Tokyo
Teikoku University. As a result of this movement, the use of serological and
immunological studies became common in medicine and many of these were pre-
sented relative to moxibustion techniques. One study showed findings that moxi-
bustion therapy created bum injuries on the skin that resulted in the destruction of
skin tissues. The study found that some of the products of these bums, e.g., dena-
tured proteins, were absorbed into the blood stream and could work in the body,
much like a drug does. With these kinds of studies, moxa therapy was recognized
as a reasonable and meaningful therapy, even from the perspective of Western med-
icine.
350 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

While these developments were occurring in Japan, most Western-trained

physicians tended either to ignore or to look contemptuously at the traditional the-
ories. In order to justify their work to the majority of these Western-trained physi-
cians, many medical researchers studying the effects of moxibustion looked primar-
ily at the effects of the toxins created by the burns, focusing on the non-specific
immunological effects and the pharmacological effects of these substances. They
tended to ignore many other important concepts and variables such as the acupoints
selected and their various effects.
After the Second World War, the American army tried to prohibit the practice
of traditional medicine in Japan, including acupuncture and moxibustion, but ulti-
mately was persuaded not to banish these important therapies. Following this, the
Japanese government decided to legitimize and standardize the practice of
acupuncture and moxibustion. In 1947, laws were passed regulating the practice of
moxibustion, acupuncture, and anma massage such that each started being sepa-
rately licensed. These laws were revised in 1970 to include the practice of shiatsu.
Since Nixon's visit to China in the 1970's, when acupuncture anesthesia was intro-
duced to the Western world, the interest of the physicians and medical community
expanded greatly, with more and more studies into the mechanisms of the action of
acupuncture being conducted around the world. But while this occurred, interest in
moxa therapy began to decline. The custom of using home/folk therapy began to
wane, partly because of the gradual decline of the family unit in Japan. More and
more people began to disdain the scarring effect of moxa and were afraid of the heat
of the moxa. Because of these fears, the use of electric moxa apparati arose, with
many forms of indirect moxa/heat therapy becoming popular.
MECHANISMS AND FUNCTIONS
We can hardly say that the exact mechanisms of how moxibustion affects the
human body have been satisfactorily elucidated. However, if we combine ancient
knowledge with clinical experiences and the research conducted at the beginning of
this century (see the end of this paper for a list of research documents), we can com-
pile the following factors:
1. Among the substances that are produced as a side effect of the burn from
moxa application, some possess pharmacological functions that have a therapeutic
effect.
2. According to the studies on the effects of moxibustion on alkalosis and aci-
dosis, moxibustion can prevent some pathological effects of such conditions, e.g.,
experimentally induced osteoporosis in animals can be prevented.
3. According to the studies on the effects of moxibustion on blood serum, we
can deduce that it has immunological therapeutic effects.
4. Recent studies on the analgesic effects of acupuncture are numerous.
Moxibustion has also been used for its analgesic effects. Thus it is possible that
some mechanisms elucidated for acupuncture may also be operating with moxi-
bustion.
5. Because moxibustion can leave scars after application, or occasionally cre-
ate ulcerous sores, it can be said to have a more continuous stimulation effect, and
thus must also have functions and mechanisms that differ from those of acupunc-
ture.
6. When inflammation occurs, moxa has the effect of inhibiting the spread of
the infection and localizing it. It is believed that this is achieved because moxibus-
tion has the effect of inhibiting hyaluronidase (an enzyme produced by bacteria.)
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 351

7. Applying moxibustion to an injured area has the functions of antisepsis,

promotion of blood coagulation, and regeneration of the granulation tissues. It has
been used for its anti-inflammatory effect since ancient times.
8. When we stimulate the skin with moxa, a neural dermatome reflex occurs.
When the body reacts to pathological phenomena, its reactions often lead to reple-
tions and depletions. For example, diarrhea can lead to intestinal spasms and the
feeling of needing frequent bowel movements. The inadvertent ingestion of a for-
eign substance can trigger spasms of the trachea and esophagus, causing the sub-
stance to become lodged. In these cases, if we apply a stimulation to the relevant
dermatome, for example with the application of moxibustion, we can interrupt
these reflex reactions and regulate the problem.
Many other aspects of the functions and effects of moxa therapy exist. We
might list the e'ffects of particular acupoints and their channels beyond the baseline
effects of the stimulation, or the change in a patient's internal condition following
prolonged use of moxibustion. We must wait for future studies for an elucidation
of these effects.
METHODS OF MOXA APPliCATION
Therapeutic application of moxa can be roughly divided into two main types:
scarring and non-scarring. Sometimes the former is called direct moxa and the lat-
ter indirect moxa, though direct moxa is often applied without scarring. Besides
these, a number of related techniques have been developed, such as pasting medic-
inal rouge, varnish, Japanese ink, pepper, or ginger on the skin to elicit similar
effects.
Scarring moxa: In this therapy, moxa is applied directly onto the skin, ignited
by incense, and left to burn down to the skin, where it may cause some scarring.
There are three types of scarring moxa: too netsu kyu, shoo shaku kyu, and dana kyu.
The more general and commonly used is the too netsu kyu. Small pieces of cone or
rice-shaped moxa the size of a grain of rice, a half grain of rice, a sesame seed, or a
tiny thread areplaced on the acupoints and ignited. The shoo shaku kyu method is a
less refined form of the latter method and is employed specifically to cauterize, and
is used on warts, corns, and the wounds of poisonous insects or snakes. The Dana
kyu method utilizes large pieces of moxa followed by the application of certain
herbal pastes on the point to intentionally cause ulcers to form. This method is
applied to give strong stimulation. Though not widely used today, in the past it was
applied for chancre, atrophy of the optic nerve, etc. It was also used once a year to
correct disease tendencies, e.g., people who easily catch cold, have asthma, diarrhea,
etc. Similar Western therapies would be the fontanelle blister plaster therapy of
Dutch medicine and the abces de fixation of French medicine (creating non-bacterial
inflammation by injecting a little turpentine oil into the gluteal muscle to promote
non-specific immunity and as a modulation therapy.)
Non-scarring moxa: This method gives heat only indirectly to the skin and is
thus non-scarring. For example, slices of garlic or leek are placed on the skin and
moxa burnt on these. There are many kinds of non-scarring moxa, the following
being the most popular:
- Beanpaste moxa: Here beanpaste (miso) roughly the thickness of a quarter is
placed on the skin; then moxa in the size of an aduki bean is placed on top of it and
ignited. Sometimes ground herbs or garlic are mixed in the bean paste.
- Garlic moxa: Garlic cut to about 5 mm thickness is used as above instead of
the beanpaste.
352 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

- Ginger moxa: A slice of ginger cut to either a thickness of 5 mm or 2 em is

used in the same manner as the miso or garlic.
- Salt moxa: Salt is placed inside a column to a depth of about 1 em and moxa
is burnt on the salt. If applied to CV-8, which might for example be used in the case
of diarrhea with coldness, the moxa is applied until warmth is felt inside the
abdomen.
- Kyutoshin (moxa on the handle of the needle): The needle is inserted at the
acupoint, and a piece of moxa, the size of the head of the thumb, is affixed over the
tip of handle of the needle, ignited, and allowed to burn completely. Sometimes a
safety shield of some kind is placed to prevent accidentally dislodged moxa or
excessive heat from contacting the patient's skin.
- Chinetsukyu: With this technique, moxa heat is given for only one brief
moment. A large cone is applied to the acupoint and then ignited. At the moment
the patient begins to feel heat, it is removed, or a smaller cone is applied, and at the
moment the patient feels the heat of the second cone, it is either removed or extin-
guished at the point by pressing it with the finger. If placed every 2 or 3 em around
an inflamed area, it has anti-inflammatory effects. It works well for conditions such
as inflammation of the knee joint. This method has a more powerful effect than sim-
ply applying hot compresses over the entire area. It is also good for promoting reab-
sorption of blood if subcutaneous bleeding occurs upon removal of the needle.
Kazuko Itaya has found that using tweezers to pick up the moxa and move it clos-
er to or further from the acupoint is even more effective for this problem. It is also
possible to use small pieces of moxa at the point where the needle or intradermal
needle punctures the skin, to heighten the effects of the needle. Chinetsukyu usual-
ly elucidates a comfortable feeling, and provides a stronger effect than the moxa
pole (see below). This method can be used distally to an inflamed area, and can also
be used on the 8liao points (BL-31, BL-32, BL-33, BL-34), for people who are sensi-
tive to cold.
- Onkyu: This method uses moxa placed in a bamboo tube, ceramic bowl, or
unglazed bowl. It is ignited and when the heat is felt at the surface of the contain-
er, the container is gently rubbed on the skin.
- Moxa pole: Moxa is firmly compressed into a cigar-shaped pole. One end is
ignited and held close to the skin. When heat is felt it is withdrawn and then reap-
plied again, withdrawn when heat is felt again, and so on. It can be used on the acu-
points or pressure pain points for about 10 minutes or until the skin turns reddish.
- Dennetsukyu: Heat is applied by some kind of electrical heating element
instead of burning moxa. There are a variety of devices used for this purpose.

CAUTIONS WHEN USING MOXIBUSTION

1. Avoid moxibustion when the stomach is too full or too empty, i.e., if hun-
gry or just after a meal.
2. Avoid the use of moxibustion in serious illnesses, such as the last stage of
cancer, high fever, extreme fatigue.
3. Avoid moxa on the lower abdomen of a woman who is pregnant or possi-
bly pregnant.
4. Avoid using moxa one hour before or after taking a hot bath.
5. Moxibustion administered after drinking alcohol might cause abnormal
reactions.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 353

6. Avoid the use of moxibustion directly over areas of skin disease and on
large superficial blood vessels.
7. Moxa scars on severely diabetic or allergic patients can easily become infected.
8. When applying moxa, it is a good idea always to locate and treat the points
while the patient remains in the same position.
9. Do not moxa on the face, the front of the neck, or the chest region without
good reason.
10. There are points which are prohibited for use with moxa. Although these
restrictions vary in each of the classical texts, it is important to pay attention to these
prohibitions. (See part 6 below.)

IMPORTANT JAPANESE RESEARCHES IN THE FIELD OF MOXIBUSTION, FROM 1912-19406

The following is a list of important papers published between 1912 and 1940
in various journals, describing some observed effects of moxibustion. Since 1940,
many more research papers in many journals have been published- too many to list
here- with many more findings. Schools in Japan use the research described in the
sources listed below as basic information in the study of moxibustion practice.
Michio Goto, "Head's zones and ancient Japanese acumoxa therapy," Chugai Iji Shinpo
763,1912.
Jujiro Kashida, Shigeo Harada, "Moxibustion therapy", Tokyo Igakkai Zasshi 26:12, 1912.
Michio Goto, "Head's zones and acumoxa therapy," Kyoto Igakkai Zasshi 11:4, 1914.
S. Ochi, "The effects of moxa therapy on kidney function, especially diuresis," Kyoto
Igakkai Zasshi 11:5, 1918.
Kaoru Tokieda, "An experimental study of moxibustion (report 1)," Nihon Yakubutsu
Zasshi 2:1, 1926.
Kaoru Tokieda, "An experimental study of moxibustion (report 2)," Nihon Biseibu-tsug-
aku Zasshi 20:16, 1926.
Kaoru Tokieda, "An experimental study of moxibustion (report 3)," Nihon Biseibu-tsug-
aku Zasshi 20:16, 1926.
Henryo Otani, "Homeopathy and stimulation therapy," Therapy 3:8, 1926.
Shimentaro Hara, "Effect of moxa on hemoglobin and RBC count," Iji Shinbun 1219,
1927.
M. Aochi, "Effects of moxa on blood cells and serum, "Nisshin Igaku 17:3, 1927.
Shimentaro Hara, "Histological study of skin treated with moxa," Fukuoka Ika Daigaku
Zasshi 22:2, 1929.
Shimentaro Hara, "Effects of burns on the blood and serum of bum-injured rabbit,"
Fukuoka Ika Daigaku Zasshi 22:2, 1929.
Henryo Otani, "Stimulation therapy," Jikken Iho 174, 1929.
Henryo Otani, "Therapeutic effect of stimulation therapy," Chiryo Oyobi Shoho 107,1929.
Henryo Otani, "Stimulation therapy," Naika Gaku, 1929.
Shimentaro Hara, "Recovery tendencies of tuberculous animals treated with moxa,"
Fukuoka Ika Daigaku Zasshi 22:5, 1929.
Shimentaro Hara, "Tuberculosis and moxibustion," Jiechi Ika to Rinsho 6:9, 1929.
Shinji Ota, "Effects of moxa on subcutaneous histiocyte cells (report 1)," Nihon Biseibu-
tsugaku Zasshi 24:4, 1930.
Shinji Ota, "Effects of moxa on subcutaneous histiocyte cells (report 2)," Nihon Biseibu-
tsugaku Zasshi 24:4, 1930.
354 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

Shimentaro Hara, "Moxa therapy for chronic bladder problems," 1930.

Noriteru Takino, "Experimental study of bums on serum potassium levels,"
Shinkeigaku Zasshi 31:9, 1930.
Kazuo Komai, "A physiological study of moxa," Kyoto Furitsu Ikadagaku Zasshi 4:4, 1930.
Tan Katase, "The effects of nutrient elements on the organism and my conclusions
about health and disease based on this study," Nisshin Igaku 20:12, 1930.
Henryo Otani, "Stimulation therapy," Nihon no Ikai 20:1, 1930.
Bunkichi Kamei,"Effects of bums in rabbits on blood coagulation time," Tohoku J. of
Experimental Medicine 15:5-6, 1930.
M. Aochi, "General stimulation therapy," 1931.
Hisashi Kurozumi, "Effects of non-oral intake of same or different organic emulsions
and milk on the development of the bone system and the generation of alimentary and bone
disorders," Osaka Igakkai Zasshi 3:11, 1931.
Shigeteru Sugiyama, "Real movement of the Amet nucleus, based on the functions of
WBC," Nihon Iji Shinpo :485-7, 1931.
Shimentaro Hara, "Neglected moxa therapy," Chiryogaku Zasshi 1:12, 1931.
Shigemoto Mizuno, "Effects of shading the radiation of moxa on the change of acido-
sis in bone," Osaka Igakkai Zasshi 32:5, 1932.
Shigemoto Mizuno, "Effects of moxa on the change of alimentary acidosis in bone,"
Osaka Igakkai Zasshi 32:6, 1932.
Kazuo Komai, "Experimental study of moxa therapy and theory," Jikken Irigaku 2:3, 1932.
Kiyokichi Yamashita, "Function & form of WBC in various kinds of experimental dis-
ease (No.2)," Kllnazawa lkadaigaku Juzenkai Zasshi 38:8, 1932.
Yasuichi Nagato, "Experimental study on moxa therapy" Osaka Igakkai Zasshi 31:8, 1932.
Shigeteru Sugiyama, "Examination of the movement of nuclei in multinucleate WBC,"
Kilnazawa Ikadaigaku Juzenkai Zasshi, 38:1, 1933.
Shiro Watanabe, "Changes in the voracity of subcutaneous histiocytes in various exper-
imental diseases," Kilnazawa lkadaigaku Zasshi 38:7, 1933
Tatsusaburo Obayashi, "Study of the patho-anatomy of the organic changes following
moxa and similar stimuli of the skin," Kurashiki Chuo Byoin Nenpo 7:2, 1933.
Yoshiharu Oshima, "Effects on the organism of moxa heat-stimulation on points,"
Teikoku Shinkyu Zasshi 3:7, 1933
Saburo Watanabe, "The viscero-(cutaneous) reflex from a therapeutic view," Osaka Iji
Shinpo 5:1-4, 1934.
Shoichi Tamura, "Effects of moxa on the functions of WBC in the human body,"
Kilnazawa Ika-daigaku Juzenkai 39:11,41:2, 1934-36.
Ryo Irie, "Study on the effects of moxa and bums on the viscosity of blood in rabbits."
Shigeo Kanda, "Effect of moxa and hot and cold compressions on the acidity of gastric
juice," Shokakibyogaku 3:1, 1938.
K. Takeda, "Effects of moxa on aqueous and vitreous humors," Hokuriku Igakkai Zasshi
36:,1937.
K. Takeda, "Effect of moxa on the blood and eyeball," Nihon Gankkai Zasshi 41-43:, 1937-39.
Katsuji Okino, "Effects of moxa on the accumulation of pigment in the reticuloen-
dothelial and histiocyte cells in the mouse," Okayama Igakkai Zasshi 49:12, 1937.
Ichiro Deguchi, "Relation of sedimentation rate of RBC and the movement of the nucle-
us of WBC in various experimental diseases," Kilnazawa Ikadaigaku Juzenkai Zasshi 45:6, 1940.
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 355

ACUPOINT CONTRAINDICATIONS: AN HISTORICAL REVIEW

F'rRsr COMPILED BY SoREl YANAGIYA IN HIS TEXT, SHINKYU [JUTSU NO MON,
FROM TWENTY EIGHT DIFFERENT SOURCES

TEXTS USED IN THE COMPILATION

1- Shinkyu Jyu Hoki (1726)
2- Nei Jing (circa 300 BC)
3 - Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (282)
4- Ming Tang Jing (circa 300 BC ?)
5- Zhen Jiu Ju Ying (1529)
6- Tong Ren Shu Xue Zhen Jiu Tu Jing (1026)
7- Yi Xue RuMen (1575)
8- Xi Fang Zi Ming Tang Jiu Jing (1311)
9 - Zi Sheng Jing (1220)
a no moxa
b no needle
c no deep needle
10- Kei Ketsu I Kai (1807)
11 - Wakan Sansai Zue (1712)
12 - Lei Jing (1624)
13- Wai Tai Pi Yao Fang (752)
14- To I HoKan (Korea, 1613)
15- Qian fin Fang (652)
16- Mr. Yamomoto (early 20th century)
17- Mr. Matsumoto (early 20th century)
Legend
d not in pregnancy
e not in women
f not in eight year-old or younger

LUNG CHANNEL
Text LU-1 LU-2 LU-3 LU-5 LU-8 LU-10 LU-11
1 b a a a a
2 a
3 b a a
4
5 b a a a a
6 b/c b/c a a a
7 a b a a a a a
8 a
9 a
10 a b a a a a a
11
12
13 a a a
14 b a a a a
15 b/c a a
16 b a a a
17 b/c a a a a
356 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

HEART AND PERICARDIUM CHANNELS

Text HT-2 HT-3 PC-8 PC-9
1 b a a a
2
3
4 b
5 b a
6 a
7 b
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 b a
15
16 b
17 b a

LARGE INTESTINE AND SMALL INTESTINE CHANNELS

Text LI-1 LI-4 LI-13 LI-19 LI-20 Sl-9 Sl-18
1 b b a a a a
2 b
3
4
5 b b a a a
6 b a a
7 a b a a a a/b
8 a
9
10 a b/d b a a a a/b
11 b
12
13 a
14 b b a a a a
15 b
16 b a a a a
17 a b a a a a
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 357

TRIPLE BURNER CHANNEL

Text TB-4 TB-7 TB-8 TB-16 TB-18 TB-19 TB-20 TB-21 TB-22 TB-23
1 a b a b
2
3 b a b a a
4
5 a b a b b a a
6 a b a b b a
7 b a/b a/b b b a a a
8 a a
9 a b b
10 a b b a b b a a a
11 b b a
12 a
13 a
14 a a a b b a a
15 b a b a
16 a b a b b
17 b b b a a a

SPLEEN CHANNEL
Text SP-1 SP-6 SP-7 SP-9 SP-11 SP-16 SP-20
1 a a a b a a
2
3 b/d
4
5 a b/d a a b a a
6
7 a a a b a/b a
8 a
9
10 a a a b a/b a
11
12 b/d b
13
14 a b a a b a
15
16 a a a b a
17 a a b
358 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

KIDNEY CHANNEL
Text KI-2 KI-7 KI-11 Kl-21
1 b
2
3 b b
4
5 b
6
7 b
8
9
10 b
11 a/d
12
13
14 b
15
16
17

STOMACH CHANNEL
Text ST-1 ST-7 ST-8 ST-9 ST-12 ST-17 ST-30 ST-31 ST-32 ST-33 ST-35ST-38
1 a/b a a a b a b a a a a a
2 a/b a/b a/b b
3 a a a a/b a/b a a/b a
4 a
5 b a a a b a a a
6 b a a a/b b a b b a a
7 a/b a a/b b a/b b a a a a
8 a a a a a
9 a/b b
10 a a a a/b/c b/c a/b a a a a a
11 a/b a a b a/b a/b a a
12 a
13 a a a a a a
14 a/b a a a b a/b a/b a a/b a a a
15 a a a b/c a/b a a/b a
16 b a a a b b a a
17 a a b b a a a
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 359

BLADDER CHANNEL
Text BL-1 BL-2 BL-5 BL-6 BL-8 BL-9 BL-10 BL-11
1 a a a b b a a
2
3 a a
4
5 a a a b b a
6 a a a
7 a/b a/b a/b b b
8 a a
9 a
10 a a a a b b
11 a a a b b b
12 b
13 a
14 a a a b b a
15 a
16 a a b b a
17 a a b b

BLADDER CHANNEL (CONTINUED)

Text BL-15 BL-30 BL-36 BL-37 BL-40 BL-56 BL-62
1 a a a a a b a
2
3 a b
4
5 a a a a a b a
6 a a b
7 a/b a/b a a a b a
8 a
9
10 a a a a b a
11 a/b a a b
12
13 a
14 a a a a a b a
15 a b
16 a a a a b a
17 b a a a a b
360 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya

GALLBLADDER CHANNEL
Text GB-1 GB-3 GB-15 GB-18 GB-21 GB-22 GB-32 GB-33 GB-42
1 a b b a a a
2
3 b a a a
4
5 b a b b/c a a a
6 b a a a a
7 a/b b/c a a/b a/b a/b
8 a a a a
9
10 a/b b/c a b a/b a/b a/b a/b
11 a b a/b a a
12 a b/d
13 a a a
14 b b b a a a
15 b/c a a
16 b a b a
17 a b a a a a a

RENMAI
Text CV-1 CV-3 CV-5 CV-6 CV-7 CV-8 CV-9 CV-15 CV-17
1 b b b b b a/b b
2
3 a b a/b
4
5 b b b b a/b b
6 b b a b
7 a b a/b b
8 a
9 a/d
10 a/e b a/d b b a/b b
11 b a/d a/b/d a/d a/d b a a/b b
12
13 a/e a
14 a b b a/b b
15 b/d b a/b
16 b b a/b b
17 b a/b/e b
 Appendix Two: Research Papers of Manaka and Itaya 361

DuMAI
Text GV-6 GV-10 GV-11 GV-15 GV-16 GV-17 GV-18 GV-22 GV-24 GV-25
1 a a/b b a a b b b a
2 a
3 a a a a b
4 a
5 a b b a a b b b a
6 a a a b b/f b
7 a/b b b a a a b b a
8 b a a b a
9
10 a/b b a a b a
11 a a a/b a b a
12 a/c a
13 a a a a a
14 a b b a a a/b b b a
15 a a a a b
16 a b b a a b b b a
17 a/b b b a a b b b a

NOTES
1 S.B.: I have called this the Meridian Imbalance Diagram rather than the Channel Imbalance
Diagram because earlier English translations used the term "meridian," which is the term by which these
papers are generally known.
2 S.B.: An American physiologist from the 1950's.
3 The following article was published in "Manaka Yoshio Ronbunsho" (Collected essays of Yoshio
Manaka), in Shinkyu Topology Gakkai 15, 1988, pp. 244-251. A version of the same paper also appeared in
Acupuncture and Electro-therapeutics Research International Journall2, 1987, pp. 45-51, and was abstracted
in vol. 2 of Microcirculation: An update, proceedings of the Fourth World Congress for Microcirculation,
Tokyo, July 1987, published in Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam, New York, London, 1987. The article was
first presented in part at the Symposium on Traditional Oriental Medicine, the Science and Technology
Agency, Tokyo, Japan, October 5, 1985.
4 First published in Clinical Body Temperature, vol. 3, supplemental issue.
5 Outlined from a paper originally presented at the 29th Nihon Toyoigakkai Gakujutsu Sokai, May
1978.
6 This list is partially selected from Sorei Yanagiya's Shinkyu Ijutsu no Mon (Introduction to the
Medical Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), pp. 101 passim, where he compiled a list of research papers
on acupuncture and moxibustion.
 APPENDIX THREE

SPECULATIONS AND RESEARCH ON THE ROLE OF

YI }lNG SYMBOLS AND SIGNALS
IN ACUPUNCTURE THEORY & PRACTICE
REAUSM AND SYMBOliSM IN THE YIN YANG CATEGORIES OF CHINESE MEDICINE

We have explored the use of colors of the five phase and other points in rela-
tion to the symbols of the Yi Jing. We stimulate the acupoints using a biphasic three-
channel fiber optic light source (and other methods) using classes of acupoints that
we have found respond favorably to specific signals. The following tables summa-
rize these findings and correspondences. After the tables we look at further findings
which show the importance of the Yi Jing symbols and concepts in acupuncture)
According to traditional theory, the trigrams correspond to the five phases. We
have matched each with coded signals as follows:

Trigram Character Phase Signal

Li M. Fire Red-green-red
Kun :lljl Earth Green-green-green
Dui ft Metal Green-red-red
Qian ~t Metal Red-red-red
Kan ~ Water Green-red-green
Gen N Earth Red -green-green
Zhen
Xun

cc
~~
Wood
Wood
Green-green-red
Red-red -green

The color red matches the unbroken (yang) line and green the broken (yin)
line. To use the color coded sequences, the color of the bottom line in the trigram
should be placed closer to the beginning of the channel and the top line equiva-
lent color, closer to the end of the channel. Thus to use zhen (green-green-red), on
the large intestine channel, red is placed closer to LI-1 and green towards the end
of the channel along its flow. Investigations using the same methodologies as
those described earlier in this text have shown the following correspondences to
date:
364 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals

Correspondences of Trigrams to Phases and Points

Zhen Wood wood points Xi-cleft points
Xun Wood wood points Xi-cleft points
Li Fire fire points Source points of yang channels
Kun Earth earth points Source points of yin channels
Gen Earth earth points Last point on channel; source points of yin channels
Dui Metal metal points Jing points on yang channels
Qian Metal metal points Jing points on yang channels
Kan Water water points First point on channel; luo points

The wood trigrams have shown favorable responses (decrease in associated

pressure pain points) when applied to the xi-cleft points. The earth trigrams have
shown favorable responses when applied to the yin channel source points, with gen
producing favorable responses when applied to the "last points" of the channels.
These "last points" are not actually the "last points" on the channel flows; rather
they are the first or last points on the face for the yang channels and midline meet-
ing points for the yin channels. Essentially they are the most medial points on the
channel flows (see the tables below for details).
The water trigram, on the other hand, has shown favorable response when
applied to the jing points of all the channels and the luo points of all the channels.
The effects of gen most medially and kan at the most extreme portions (the jing
points) are important. We have formulated principles based on their combined
uses, the "kan-gen phenomenon" (see below). The fire trigram, li, has shown good
responses when applied to the source points of all the yang channels, as have the
metal trigrams when applied to the jing points of the yang channels. Each trigram
also shows favorable responses when applied to the corresponding class of five
phase points.

Figure 17.1: Manaka's Yi Jing signalling device

THE KAN-GEN PHENOMENON

A simple way of using some of these correspondences takes advantage of the
stop-start characteristics of the gen and kan trigrams. An extended meaning of the
kan trigram is "to start." An extended meaning of the gen trigram is "to stop."
These meanings can be realized when we look at the parallels of the Yi Jing trigram-
hexagram correspondences and the DNA code, both of which are based on a sixty-
four signal basis (see below for details). In these particular parallels, each "start"
codon can be seen corresponding to the kan trigram-signal. Each "stop" codon can
be seen corresponding to the gen trigram-signal.
 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals 365

I reasoned that a simple method of testing these ideas was to apply the kan
signal (green-red-green) to the first point of a channel and the gen signal (red-
green-green) to the last point of the same channel, and observe any changes in the
channel. In our experiments described later, we found that the channels have a
direction of flow which agrees with the descriptions of the flow of ying qi. How-
ever, there are also descriptions of the channels which place them all running cen-
tripetally, from fingers and toes (extremities) to the body (center). These descrip-
tions are probably not related to the actual flow of qi, but instead are related to
some other phenomenon. For example, for all the channels, the five phase point
sequences start at the jing points at the corner of the nails of the fingers and toes
and run through to the he points at the elbows and knees.2 When I applied the kan
signal to right LI-1, palpating LI-4, I found that the pressure pain at right LI-4 was
improved, but that the left LI-4 pressure pain was worse. I then applied the gen sig-
nal to right LI-20 and found that now the left LI-4 pressure pain was relieved, with-
out an increase in the right LI-4 pressure pain. I tried this on all the other channels,
placing the kan signal at the first point and the gen signal at the last point of each,
and observed the same responses, decrease of pressure pain at the corresponding
reflex points. On occasion I noticed that muscle tightness and soreness along the
pathway of the channel was often improved with this technique. Next I started
focussing its use on the yang channels because they all run through the neck and
shoulder region and stop or start on the face. With this approach, I have been able
to help a number of patients with a variety of problems that are focused in the neck
and shoulder regions. Thus the following treatment patterns can be utilized:
Treatment Patterns Applying Trigram-Color Signals
Channel Kan (green-red-green) Gen (red-green-green)
Large intestine LI-1 LI-20
Triple burner TB-1 TB-23
Small intestine SI-1 SI-19
Stomach ST-45 ST-1
Gallbladder GB-44 GB-1
Bladder BL-67 BL-1
When I examined and compared the effects on the yin channels, I found that
using the kan and gen signals on the first and last points was not as effective as using
the terminal (jing) and midline meeting points. This gave the following treatment
patterns:
Treatment Patterns Using the Jing and Meeting Points
Channel Kan (green-red-green) Gen (red-green-green)
Lung LU-ll CV-12
Pericardium PC-9 CV-17
Heart HT-9 CV-17
Spleen SP-1 CV-24
Liver LR-1 GV-20
Kidney KI-1 CV-23
It is interesting to speculate on the phasal characteristics of some of these find-
ings and show how they might relate to the traditional five-phase theories. On the
yang channels, the jing points are the metal points, on the yin channels, the wood
points are the metal points. The kan trigram signal corresponds to the water phase.
366 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals

Thus when we place the kan signal at the yang channel jing points, this is like plac-
ing a "child" signal at the mother phase point, i.e. water on ?'etal. Thu~ the e~fect
is like that of draining. When placing the kan signal at the ym channel ;mg pomts,
this is like placing a "mother" signal at the child phase point, i.e., water on wood.
Thus the effect is like that of supplementation. This is similar to the Nan Jing dic-
tum that for a vacuous condition, supplement the mother, for a replete condition,
drain the son. On the yin channel (typically and by nature more vacuous), we add
a mother phasal signal, water to wood. On the yang channel (typically and by
nature replete), we add a child phasal signal, water to metal.
In our experiences with these methods, we have found it better to apply the
signals to the yang channels on the same side as the associated muscle hypertonici-
ty and pressure pain. Thus for hypertonicity along the right small intestine channel
with pressure pain at right ST-26, add the kan signal to right SI-1 and the gen to right
SI-19. When applying the signals to the yin channels, it is better to apply them to
the side that is not showing the muscle hypertonicity or pressure pain. For exam-
ple, for hypertonicity and pressure pain along the left lung channel, with hyper-
tonicity and pressure pain at left LU-1, apply the kan signal to right LU-ll with the
gen signal to CV-12. If hypertonicity and pressure pain is present on both sides, for
the yang channels, apply the signals to the more reactive side. For the yin channels,
apply the signals to the less reactive side. These treatments can reduce the hyper-
tonicity and pressure pain on both sides.
Using these simple treatment ideas, it is possible to compose simple and effec-
tive treatments that are particularly useful for hypertonicity along particular chan-
nel trajectories, especially of the neck and shoulder regions, and are thus especially
useful for single yang channel problems.

YI /INC CODING AND ISOPHASALITY

Much of our research has used plus-minus signal carriers with a relatively
low energy content (being more informational in nature). However, in other
research we have explored the effects of electric current delivered by an electro-
dermal instrument through a fine probe to a specific small point. Using an elec-
trodermal instrument where the polarity could be reversed easily, we found that a
positive probe can act like a north magnet, copper, etc. If we reverse the current to
turn the probe into a negative source, it will act like a south magnet, zinc, etc. With
this device we observe the same responses on a channel as when using other polar-
ity agents. For example, a short burst of positive stimulation distally on the large
intestine channel followed by a short burst of negative stimulation more proximal-
ly is able to reduce LI-4 pressure pain. Reversing the placement of positive and
negative stimulation causes an increase in LI-4 pressure pain.
Having observed these correlations, I then started thinking about further appli-
cations. Because the use of the electrodermal instrument allows us quick polarity
reversals, I started exploring the effects of positive-negative sequences at specific
acupoints on the channels. In particular, I wondered if we could use a positive stim-
ulation to represent the yang (unbroken) line of a trigram, with a negative stimula-
tion as a yin (broken) line of a trigram from the Yi Jing. According to traditional the-
ory, the trigrams correspond to the five phases as earlier described. Coding each tri-
gram as bursts of positive (+) and negative (-) current, I then tested different acu-
points and observed the responses, for example,(-)(+)(-) represents kan, water.
The late Hisao Imaizumi, a retired Japanese business executive, studied the Yi
Jing and left a treatise, Ekikyo no Nazo (The Mystery of the Yi Jing).3 In this text he
drew many parallels between the trigrams and hexagrams and the DNA code.4
 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals 367

~ile this is a vast, unexplored territory requiring careful investigation to substan-

tiate the correlations, some of Mr. Imaizumi's ideas are important regarding the
nature of the trigram codes. He noted for example, that kan : : signals "start"
while gen ==signals "stop."
I tried these sequences on the first and last points of various channels and pal-
pated reflex points to see if they responded to the signals. For example, (-) (+) (-)
(kan) to LI-1 and(+)(-)(-) (gen) to LI-20 causes LI-4 pressure pain to decrease. The
reverse,(+)(-)(-) to LI-1, (-) (+)(-)to Ll-20, causes pressure pain at LI-4 to increase.
Having tried this on a number of different channels and having observed the same
responses, I then started trying different sequences on different points and also
tried coding the sequences differently. For example, since the color red is exciting
(+) while the color green is sedating (-), I had a light instrument built that used three
bi-color LED's to project light into three fiber optic cables, arranged so that the col-
ored lights could be projected in sequence (see figure 17.1). Thus the kan trigram is
green-red-green, the gen trigram is red-green-green. This method works well, giv-
ing rapid responses. My current investigations, using the same methodologies as
those described above, have shown the following correspondences so far:
wood xi-cleft points
wood xi-cleft points
fire source points of yang channels
earth source points of yin channels
earth last point on channel; source points of yin channels
metal jing points of yang channels
metal jing points of yang channels
water first point on channel; luo points
I am still investigating these correspondences and exploring methods of uti-
lizing them clinically. In particular I have focused on certain biorhythmic cycles and
correspondences and devised some simple general treatment methods. I have also
investigated other methods of coding the trigram signals. These signals are usually
of very low energy content and seem to be specific in their action to specific classes
of acupoints. Thus these signals describe further isophasal characteristics of the dif-
ferent classes of acupoint; further, they seem to be good candidates for our more
general X-signal system theory. These codes and signals and their correspondences
are almost beyond our comprehension; it is quite astounding that ancient Chinese
philosophical and divinatory speculations such as these Yi Jing ideas could match
specific signal or bioregulatory systems in the human body.

BIORHYTHMIC USES OF THE YI ]INC SIGNALS

Based on Jing Fang's interpretation of the trigrams and hexagrams, coupled
with Shao Yang's tenth century arrangement of the sixty-four hexagrams, it is pos-
sible to arrange the sixty-four hexagrams according to the time of day and ascribe
phasal correspondences for each (see Figure 17.2).
Allotting each hexagram a time period of 22.5 minutes (1/64th of a day) and
looking at the phasal value for both the lower and upper trigrams in each hexagram,
interpreted through the table above, we can construct the following table showing
the hexagram and phasal correspondences for each time of day. The numbers on the
left are the numbers of the hexagrams, the middle column lists the 22.5 minute inter-
vals for each hexagram, the right column lists the phasal correspondences of the
upper and then lower trigrams that comprise each hexagram.
368 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals

For example, hexagram number 2 has kan over kun, which is water over earth. I
have determined that the phasal correspondence of the upper trigram, here kan, sig-
nifies treating a water point on a channel on the superior half of the body, i.e., an arm
channel. The phasal correspondence of the lower trigram, here kun, signifies treating
an earth point on a channel on the inferior half of the body, i.e., a leg channel.
Phasal/Time Correspondences for the Hexagrams
Hexagram Time Period Arm - Leg Phasal Correspondences
0, 1 0:00-0:45 earth - earth
2 0:45- 1:7.5 water - earth
3, 4 1:7.5 - 1:52.5 wood- earth
5 1:52.5- 2:15 fire- earth
6, 7 2:15-3:00 metal - earth
8, 9 3:00-3:45 earth - earth
10 3:45-4:7.5 water - earth
11, 12 4:7.5 - 4:52.5 wood-earth
13 4:52.5- 5:15 fire- earth
14, 15 5:15-6:00 metal - earth
16, 17 6:00-6:45 earth - water
18 6:45-7:7.5 water - water
19,20 7:7.5 - 7:52.5 wood -water
21 7:52.5- 8:15 fire- water
22,23 8:15-9:00 metal - water
24,25 9:00-9:45 earth-wood
26 9:45 - 10:7.5 water-wood
27,28 10:7.5 - 10:52.5 wood-wood
29 10:52.5- 11:15 fire- wood
30,31 11:15 - 12:00 metal-wood
62,63 12:00 - 12:45 metal - metal
61 12:45 - 13:7.5 fire- metal
59,60 13:7.5 - 13:52.5 wood-metal
58 13:52.5- 14:15 water - metal
56,57 14:15- 15:00 earth - metal
54,55 15:00 - 15:45 metal - metal
53 15:45 - 16:7.5 fire- metal
51,52 16:7.5 - 16:52.5 wood -metal
50 16:52.5 - 17:15 water - metal
48,49 17:15 - 18:00 earth - metal
46,47 18:00 - 18:45 metal- fire
45 18:45- 19:7.5 fire- fire
43,44 19:7.5- 19:52.5 earth- fire
42 19:52.5- 20:15 water- fire
40,41 20:15- 21:00 earth- fire
38,39 21:00- 21:45 metal-wood
37 21:45 - 22:7.5 fire- wood
35,36 22:7.5 - 22:52.5 wood-wood
34 22:52.5- 23:15 water-wood
32,33 23:15 - 24:00 earth-wood
 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals 369

Figure 17.2. ba gua signals

This phasal/ time correspondences table is a little difficult to use because one
must know the precise time and the exact location within the time zone. Without
this precision, this table is probably best not used for treatment. A simpler table is
listed below, which gives only the phasal correspondences for two consecutive time
periods (what I have called "knots") that share the same phasal value for the lower
trigrams. It is merely a shorter version of the above tables, listing only these knots.
The same arm-leg channel correspondences as above also apply here.
Phasalffime Correspondences for the Hexagrams
Time Phasal Correspondences Time Phasal Correspondences
1-2 wood-earth 13- 14 wood-metal
2-3 metal-earth 14-15 earth-metal
3-4 earth-earth 15 -16 metal-metal
4-5 wood-earth 16 - 17 wood-metal
5-6 metal-earth 17- 18 earth-metal
6-7 earth-water 18 - 19 metal-fire
7-8 wood-water 19-20 wood-fire
8-9 metal-water 20 - 21 earth-fire
9-10 earth-wood 21 - 22 metal-wood
10-11 wood-wood 22 - 23 wood-wood
11-12 metal-wood 23 - 24 earth-wood
12-13 metal-metal 24-1 earth-earth
370 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals

I have devised a simple method of using these correspondences as a new kind

of liu zhu zhen fa, or open point treatment method. To undertake this in a clinical set-
ting, start by performing the diagnosis. Note the time of day you are ready to treat.
Once you have determined which channel is problematic, for example, the spleen
channel, select the corresponding phase point for the leg channel from the table
above, based on the time of day of the treatment. For example, if you were treating
at 2:30 pm, you would select the metal point, SP-5, and apply one of the metal tri-
gram signals - qian (red-red-red) or dui (green-red-red) to this point. Next you
would select a related arm channel, which for the spleen would be the lung (tai yin),
the triple burner (polar opposite) or the large intestine (tai yin-yang ming), and treat
the earth point of one of these, using one of the earth signals, either kun (green-
green-green) or gen (red-green-green). Thus the treatment might be to apply the qian
signal to left SP-5 and the gen signal to left TB-10. Frequently quite wonderful
effects can be observed when using this simple methodology. It is sufficient to be
used as a Step One procedure in the root or general treatment program, substituting
for the methods described in chapter 9. Based on our experience, the following step-
by-step approach to using these ideas will help reinforce the effects of the treatment.
1. Make sure of the exact time of day, taking into account the exact time plus
daylight savings. If daylight savings is in effect (between the spring and fall), subtract
1 hour. Thus 2:30pm in August is really 1:30pm. 2:30 pm in January is 2:30pm.
2. Apply the diagnostic techniques described in this text and determine which
leg channel should be the focus of the treatment. If the most remarkable diagnostic
signs are that left KI-16 is tight and has pressure pain, and the kidney pulse is very
weak, then the leg channel that should be focused on would be the kidney channel.
3. Determine which associated arm channel would be best to treat in conjunc-
tion with the kidney channel. For example, does pressure pain or tightness show at
ST-27 and on the kidney-large intestine reflex area on the gastrocnemius? If so, then
the large intestine channel would be a good choice. If not, does the heart channel
(both heart and kidney are shao yin channels) show any reactiveness (pressure pain
or tightness at the CV-14 area, or at KI-23)? Or, does the small intestine channel
show reaction (the kidney channel is shao yin, the small intestine channel is tai yang),
e.g., pressure pain at ST-26? Depending on which was clearly reactive, treatment
would focus on that arm channel.
4. After determining which leg channels and which arm channels to select for
therapy, choose the appropriate phasal point for each- from the table above, accord-
ing to the time - and apply the corresponding phasal trigram signal to each. Thus,
at 2:30 pm, during the winter, having chosen to treat the kidney and large intestine
channels, one would perform the following treatment:
a) Since 2:30 pm has the phasal correspondences of earth-metal, the
metal signal red-red-red or green-red-red would be applied to left KI-7.
b) Next, the earth signal, green-green-green or red-green-green,
would be applied to right LI-11.
c) KI-7 would be treated on the left because it is the metal point
and because KI-16 showed reactiveness on the left.
d) LI-11 would be treated on the right because LI-11 is the earth
point, and because generally it is better to treat the arm channel
point located on the opposite side of the body from the leg channel
point (to take advantage of the yin-yang octahedral characteristics).
 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals 371

5. Reassess the effectiveness of the treatment on the reactive points. If the

effects obtained so far are not sufficient, that is, the reactions have not changed
enough, then consider applying a signal to a relevant source point, for example, the
earth signal to right LI-4 or left KI-3. This is usually enough to reinforce the treat-
ment and produce the correct changes sufficient for the completion of the first step
of treatment.
The biorhythm treatments described in chapter 9 use the daily, ten-day, and
sixty-day cycles of open points. These treatments, traditionally called the liu zhu
zhen fa, are useful for their general effects on the body. We postulated that they
probably work by producing a kind of homeostatic reaction or effect at the signal
system level, thus regulating all kinds of imbalances in the body. The method
described above, using Yi Jing signals to stimulate the phase points on specific pairs
of channels, seems to have similar effects as the liu zhu zhen fa treatments. They are
able to adjust the whole body, not just the channels that are the focus of treatment.
We believe that there is a signalling system in nature that corresponds to the Yi ]ing
concepts and signals. A broader understanding of this signalling system can be
seen when we look at the possible correlations of the Yi Jing signals, the trigrams
and hexagrams, to the DNA code.

YI /ING SIGNALS AND THE DNA CODE

Information is coded in the DNA molecules in the form of triplets of bases or
codons. These codons are composed of three pairings of the four fundamental mol-
ecular bases, adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). The bases are
paired, A to T and C to G. According to the sequence of the codons in a specific
gene, very specific information is coded in the DNA that has relevance to the exact
molecular productions and activities of each cell of the body. A particular codon,
e.g., A-C-G, codes for a specific amino acid in the complex process of protein syn-
thesis. Given that there are four bases arranged in triplets, there will thus be four to
the power of three possible combinations of bases, therefore sixty four codons. In
the Yi Jing, there are sixty four hexagrams, leading some to speculate on a possible
correspondence between the two different schemes.S If we see T and C corre-
sponding to the yang (unbroken) line of the trigrams, with A and G corresponding
to the yin (broken) line, then the sixty-four bases yield the following trigram corre-
spondences:
TTT qian TCT qian TAT li TGT li
TTC qian TCC qian TAC li TGC li
TTA xun TCA xun TAA gen TGA gen
TTG xun TCG xun TAG gen TGG gen
CTT qian CCT qian CAT li CGT li
CTC qian CCC qian CAC li CGC li
CTA xun CCA xun CAA gen CGA gen
CTG xun CCG xun CAG gen CGG gen
ATT dui ACT dui AAT zhen AGT zhen
ATC dui ACC dui AAC zhen AGC zhen
ATA kan ACA kan AAA kun AGA kun
ATG kan ACG kan AAG kun AGG kun
GTT dui GCT dui GAT zhen GGT zhen
GTC dui GCC dui GAC zhen GGC zhen
GTA kan GCA kan GAA kun GGA kun
GTG kan GCG kan GAG kun GGG kun
372 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals

As scientists explore the genetic code, it has been discovered that certain
codons code for the starting point and stopping point of a specific gene. The genes
are "read off" and a specific codon, A-T-G, codes for the point at which the reading
of a specific gene should begin. At the end of a gene's codon sequence, one of three
codons is found which signifies that the specific gene has now been completely
read, i.e., a "stop reading the codon" sequence. These codons are T-A-A, T-A-G and
T-G-A. Looking at our table of possible correspondences above, we can see that the
"start" codon would correspond to kan, which has the extended meaning of to start,
while the "stop" codons would all correspond to gen, which has the extended mean-
ing of to stop. These correlations may only be coincidental, but they do correspond
nicely with the kan-gen correspondences and phenomenon described above.
It remains for further research to discover and comprehend further correla-
tions and possible consequences of these Yi Jing signal-DNA correspondences. In
my mind, part of the body's signalling system clearly correlates to Yi Jing symbols.
Specific acupoints seem able to respond in specific ways to these symbols when
coded as low energy signals. Perhaps, if the DNA correlations are truly valid, it
might be possible in the future to regulate DNA and therefore fundamental biolog-
ical activity through this signalling system. I leave it to future generations to pick
up and continue my work in this area. The possible results are truly marvelous.6

YIN-YANG SYMBOLISM IN CHINESE MEDICINE

We have described the use of the biphasic three-channel fiber optic instrument as
a simple and effective method of stimulating the acupoints with Yi Jing signals.
According to our research, many other methods can be used to code the specific signals.
The following is a list of equivalent methods by which the signals can be given to the
acupoints. We list them and encourage the reader to test them out, using the same
methodologies for testing which are described throughout this book. We also encour-
age readers to try other appropriate methods of measurement as well.
1. Provided the lettering is small enough, it is possible to write the Chinese
character or ideograph for the appropriate trigram directly on the acupoint and
observe similar responses to the fiber optic delivery method.
2. Instead of writing the character directly on the skin, it is possible to paste
an appropriately sized printed form of the character on the acupoint and observe
the same effect.
3. Drawing the equivalent trigram on the acupoint will also produce the same
effect. This is reinforced by using a red pen for the yang (unbroken) lines and a
black pen for the yin (broken) lines.
4. The trigram figures can be delivered to the acupoint by pasting a small
printed version of the trigram to the acupoint, in the same method as 2, above.
5. Traditional theory states that odd numbers are yang in nature and even
numbers yin. Our research has shown that applying a stimulation such as light
pressure an odd number of times has opposite effects to applying the same stimu-
lation an even number of times. From our research of this phenomenon, we have
found concurrence between the traditional idea that odd numbers are yang and
even yin. These findings can be used as a simple method of stimulating the acu-
points with Yi Jing signals. For example, applying the following sequence of stim-
uli to an acupoint, ** * ** (e. g., 2- 1 - 2), is the same as the kan signal. There are
several possible methods by which such a signal sequence can be given: using light
pressure, the wooden hammer and needle, applying a pulsed small electrical signal,
a pulsed fiber optic light source, etc.
 Appendix Three: Yi Jing Symbols and Signals 373

Many other yin-yang symbols can be substituted to deliver yin and yang sig-
nals to the body. What is significant about written forms or drawn forms on the skin
or on paper? What is significant about even and odd numbers? We leave these and
quite likely many other questions for the reader to ponder.

CONCLUSIONS
We have found that each of the five phases has characteristic signals associat-
ed with it that relate to its isophasal nature. We have further found that the ba gua
(eight trigram) symbols of the Yi Jing have characteristic signals associated with
them.
It is possible to use and observe these different signal systems experimentally
and take advantage of them clinically. By coding each signal with tiny energy con-
tent, we can produce strong effects in the body. We believe that this is due to the
effects of these signals on the regulatory systems of the body, rather than on the
physiological systems themselves. We further think, following traditional descrip-
tions, that each signal system has extended applications in nature and that the sig-
nal systems relate to more general rules of nature. Many rules that operate gener-
ally in nature will operate in the body as well. This is a consequence of the fact that
we are open systems; we are the product of the complex activities both within and
without the body. If certain rules operate generally in nature, it is very likely that
they will manifest inside the body as well.

ENDNOTES
1 For those not versed in the Yi Jing or its symbols and correspondences, we refer the reader to
Lynn, R., The Classic of Changes, A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi, New York:
Columbia University Press, 1994; or Hacker, E., I Ching Handbook, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications,
1993.
2 S.B.: Descriptions of these alternate ideas of the channels and their apparent contradictory
natures can be found in e.g., Unschuld, P., Medicine in China: The Nan Ching Classic of Difficult Issues, pp.
298-299.
3 Imaizumi, Hisao, Eikkyo n Nazo (Mysteries of the Yi Jing), Tokyo: Kobunsha, 1988.
4 S.B.: This has been noted by other authors, see for example: Schonberger, M., The I Ching and the
Genetic Code: The Hidden Key to Life, New York: ASI Publishers, 1979, originally published in German by
O.W. Barth Verlag of Munchen, 1973.
5 S.B.: See for example: Imaizumi, H., Ekikyo no Nazo (Mysteries of the Yi Jing). See also Schonberger,
M., The I Ching and the Genetic Code: The Hidden Key to Life, New York: ASI Publishers, 1979.
6 S.B.: Research has shown that DNA activity is controlled at least in part by signals that arise from
outside the body. For example, mitosis, normal cell division, has been correlated to circadian rhythms,
as has protein synthesis: See for example Luce, Gay G., Biological Rhythms in Human and Animal
Physiology, New York: Dover Publications, 1971, pp. 62 passim. Thus it is reasonable to speculate on the
role of other signalling systems operating in nature that affect and regulate the body such as the Yi Jing
signals.
 1{2~
APPENDIX FOUR

ON THE SAYOSHI AGENT- CERTAIN UNKNOWN

FACTORS WHICH AFFECT THE LIVING BODY
BY YASUMASA l<ATSUMATA
WITH COMMENTS BY YOSHIO MANAKA

Editor's introduction: The following paper, written by Yasumasa Katsumata, a

physicist- acupuncturist, with comments by and translated by Yoshio Manaka, explores the
concept sayoshi. It describes possible relationships of sayoshi to some of the known effects
of a needle and possible relationships of sayoshi to the Chinese concept of qi.
The language and concepts presented in the following paper are almost entirely new,
both in the field of acupuncture, and in the fields of physics and biology. Sayoshi may be
defined experimentally and clinically as describing a series of functional relationships and
properties that cannot be attributed (clearly) to either the physical object from which it
derives - needle, medication, human body etc. [known as the "generator")- or the energetic
fields- electrical, magnetic, gravitational, etc. -associated with the object. It thus is a seem-
ingly new theory of matter. Dr. Manaka considered Katsumata's ideas important, seeing
their validity in their ability to explain some of the signals and signal effects observed by
Manaka in his research of the X-signal system.

PREFACE
The human being reacts to direct contact with the outer world through the
sense organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin. It has also been
observed that some indirect effects from the outer world can affect the organic sys-
tem of the human being. For example, in therapy using qigong (a traditional
Chinese medical practice), the patient is treated without being touched by the prac-
titioner who stands a distance from the patient with hands directed at the patient.
Effects such as these, occurring from a distance without direct involvement of the
sensory organs, have been observed and experimentally investigated before.l It is
further true that the effects of acupuncture are not attributable solely to the actual
insertion of the acupuncture needles. Some effects are obtained merely from the
proximity of the needle to the patient's skin.
No clear scientific explanations have yet been formulated to account for these
observed phenomena. They appear weird or unusual to us because they do not fit
common sense, but this is no reason to treat these matters as pure mystery and
ignore them. We should try to arrive at an explanation through close observation
and examination. At present, one usually finds the functions of acupuncture
explained through recourse to the theory that it is a form of stimulation therapy. I
376 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

have long been skeptical of that. Through my experiments, I believe that I have
demonstrated the existence of a factor currently unknown to today's natural sci-
ence. I have named this factor the sayoshi agent. The sayoshi agent is an unknown
quantity of state in space which is described in the language of anti-symmetrical
tensors (axial vectors). In this paper the term "sayoshi agent" is written simply as
sayoshi.

I. THE FUNCTION OF ACUPUNCTURE

1. The function of acupuncture depends on the directions of the needles.
The therapeutic effects of acupuncture contain a factor that depends partly
upon the angle and direction of the inserted needle. For example, in the traditional
literature, needles inserted along (ying) the channel, that is in the direction of chan-
nel flow, are described as constituting a supplementing or "tonifying" technique.
Needles inserted against (sui) the flow of the channel, constitute a draining or "dis-
persing" technique. When one puts a needle along the circulation of energy in the
channel, it is supplementing, while directed against the circulation it is draining.
This is especially clear if one uses the hinaishin (intradermal needle) or other very
fine, shallowly inserted needles, where the direction of needle insertion is essential.
In clinical practice, clinical experience determines for each practitioner the direc-
tions of needle insertion, but generally this is done without any knowledge of how
these effects are obtained.

2. Acupuncture needles affect the body without being inserted.

Acupuncture needles can be effective even if not actually inserted, but instead
held near the surface of the skin. Nowadays, there is a general belief that the
effects of acupuncture are brought about purely through stimulation effects.
However, the above-mentioned directional factor has nothing to do with stimula-
tion effects, because the factor can be recognized even when the needle is not
inserted into the skin. Needles as they approach the skin surface (generally up to
Smm and especially within 1-2 mm) can give such influences. The directional
effects are the same as when inserted. In the case of the non-inserted needle, its
actions cannot be through the nervous system, since no stimulation of nerve recep-
tors is given. Thus when we discuss the effects of acupuncture, we should pay
attention to these kinds of agents as well as the stimulation effects. There must be
several non-stimulation agents. Manaka has named their effects "signal effects."
The directional effects are one group of these effects.

II. THE VECTOR OF AN AcuPUNCTURE NEEDLE

When one says that an acupuncture needle has a "vector," this can be under-
stood to say that it has power and direction. One can apply the techniques of vec-
tor analysis to handle and describe this vector and the effects of the needle. For
example:
a) In general vector analysis, two parallel vectors lose power.
b) Two incident vectors gain power at an angle to the original vectors.
c) Two vectors on a straight line in the same direction add their powers.
d) Two vectors arranged against each other on a line lose power.
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 377

1. Vector analysis of two vectors:

If one takes two vectors, A and B, which are presented as:
A = (a1, a2, a3)
B = (b1, b 2, b 3)
and if these two vectors are incident upon a point, the product of the two vectors is
given by:
Ax B = I J K
----(1)

I, J, K present vector units in the axes x, y, z.

If two vectors cross at an angle Q, (1) can be seen as follows:
AxB= I J K
a1 0 0
b*cosQ b*sinQ 0

therefore A X B =I I. I I.
A B sinQ . K - - - - (2)
Thus the combined vector is as large as the parallelogram with the sides of vector
A and B, and it is normal to the plane of A and B. Accordingly:
[a] In the case of two parallel vectors:
Q = 0 and so sinQ = 0
formula (2) is A X B = A I I. I I.
B 0 . K = 0, meaning that the combined vee-
tor disappears.
[b] When two vectors cross at right angles:
(i) divergently
A= (a1, 0, 0)
B = (0, b 2, 0)
so,
AxB = I J K

Figure 18.1
So the combined vector is as large as the parallelogram with the sides of vector A
and B. The direction is upward.
(ii) convergently
A= (a1, 0, 0)
B = (0, -b 2, 0)
so,
AxB = I J K
a1 0 0
0- b2 0 Figure18.2
So the combined vector is like the above mentioned with its direction downward.
378 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

[c] Two vectors of the same direction on the same line, have as their com-
bined vector: V = A + B. If A = B, then V = =
A + A 2A that is to say that
two vectors of the same size arranged on one line make a vector twice as large.
[d] Two vectors on the same line but in reciprocal directions, makes the
=
reduction V A - B. = =
And if B A, then V A - A = 0. The effects of the
two vectors disappear.
2. Demonstration of the effects of two needles on the body surface
It has been possible to demonstrate the effects of two needles applied simulta-
neously to the skin surface. Generally speaking, these effects are dependent upon
the part of the body at which these polarities of needle direction are applied. Thus
the sites of application were selected on the palms of the hand or the lateral aspects
of the legs, where the reaction patterns are already known.
(a) These reaction patterns in response to the needle on a normal body are in
accord with Manaka's octahedral theory. The same polarity causes antagonistic
reactions from left to right, yin to yang channel, even if the same points were
selected. With these experiments, the following results were obtained:
(i) on the right palm, a vertical needle causes positive resonance
(see the physiological reaction of sayoshi described below). A hori-
zontal needle directed from the thumb side to the small finger side
causes positive resonance. In both cases, if the directions of the
needles are reversed, they cause negative resonance.
(ii) On the left palm, the reactions are exactly the opposite to those
of the right palm.
(iii) At right ST-36, positive resonance is caused by vertical needle
application as well as centrifugal needle application. Reversing
the directions of the needles gave negative resonance, opposite
effects.
(iv) At left ST-36, the reactions are exactly opposite those of right
ST-36.
(b) How to apply the two needles.
(i) First the two needles are fixed in different positions on paper with tape.
One then puts the paper on the above points and checks the effect. First put two
needles parallel with a 3 mm gap on the paper (stainless steel number 1 or 2, 1.3
cun). With this application, no effects were observed in any direction (figure 18-3).
(ii) Next fix two needles at a right angle to each other with tape, and place them
over the points at different angles. In this manner, one can observe effects similar as
to when one needles perpendicular to the paper (see figures 18.4 and 18.5).

Figure 18.3 Figure 18.4 Figure 18.5

 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 379

(iii) Next place two needles on the same line pointing in the same direction.
One can observe the same effects as a single needle, but stronger (see figure 18.6).
(iv) If the needles are then placed so that they point towards each other or
away from each other (see figures 18.7 and 18.8) the effects are lost.

~---t> I I ---t><l- I I <l- ---t>

Figure 18.6 Figure 18.7 Figure 18.8
The results of the above studies lead us to conclude:
(i) One of the functions in acupuncture is vector related.
(ii) Acupuncture needles can interfere with each other.
(iii) The combined function of two needles follows the rules of vector
analysis. This is especially clear when the two needles are applied to the same
point on the body surface, where a vector product is established.

III. NEEDLES GENERATE SAYOSHI

1. The vector field generated by needles arranged in a ring.
If vector B satisfies the following relation,
div B = 0 .... (a),
B surely has vector A which is expressed by the following formula:
B =rot A .... (b).
The converse is also true because the differential operator div. rot is always 0.
The proof of this is seen in the following equation:

div. rot A= ~dx fda3_

\dy dz
da2) +~ fda
dy \dz
dadx3)+~dz (dadx2 _dady1 )
1_ = O.
If one considers needles arranged in a ring as vector A, the needles generate
without fail vector B, which satisfies formula (b). Vector A (the needles arranged
in a ring) is expressed by formula (c) as follows. Vector Pis a position vector of a
point p(x,y,O) on the ring:
~--------~------------~
z

Figure 18.9
A=aKP
= a I J K
0 0 1
X y 0

= -ayl + axJ ................ (c)

380 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

Where the plane of the ring would be defined by the x-y coordinates, the center is
defined as an origin, and each fundamental vector of axis x,y,z is I, J, K. By
putting formula (c) into (b),
B = rot (-ayl + axJ)
I J K
g g g
dx dy dz
-ay ax 0
= 2aK
The result B = 2aK, is satisfied with formula (a),
d2a
divB = dz
= 0.

Thus the fact that the needles arranged in a ring generate one vector field
with length 2a which is normal to the plane of the ring is derived from vector
analysis.
2. Confirmation of the vector field by experiments
The above mentioned theory indicates that needles arranged in a ring are
equivalent to one needle which is vertical to the plane of the ring.
I arranged needles in a ring and examined their function. To make a ring of
needles, I arranged six silver needles of 10 mm length on a circle and then fixed
them on a sheet of paper. The ring was placed on various parts of the body surface
and its function examined. To detect the function, I examined the reaction of the
body, explained below.
The results of the experiment were that the ring of needles placed at several
parts of the body at random had the same effects as one needle placed vertically at
the same parts. The needles in the ring had the same function as one needle, fol-
lowing the rule of the right-handed screw. Thus the results of this experiment
turned out to be exactly what was theoretically predicted.
rotA

Figure 18.10

GENERATION OF SAYOSHI
The needles arranged in a ring functioned like a needle vertical to the plane of
the ring. It is obvious that the needles in the ring do not produce a needle. Instead
what has happened is that the needles arranged in the ring produced a vector field
having the same function as the needle vertical to the plane of the ring. In other
words, the ring produced a state of space which functioned like a needle. I named
this vector field, which has physiological functions, the "sayoshi vector," or simply
sayoshi.
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 381

[Sayo in Chinese or Japanese means a function, and shi a particle or some-

thing. Manaka proposes translating the term sayoshi in English as "phantom fac-
tors" (1988).]

IV. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SAYOSHI

In my experiments, the vector field named sayoshi showed the following char-
acteristics:
1. It remains in the space even after its generator (source) is removed, contin-
uing to maintain its functions; thus we can say that sayoshi is independent.2
2. It can stay still in the space.3

3. When objects with the exception of an electric insulator, pass through the
same space where a sayoshi exists, the sayoshi disappears.4
4. Sayoshi can pass through the boundaries of objects with the exception of
electric conductors. 5
5. Sayoshi interacts with electromagnetic fields. 6
(i) It functions mutually with electromagnetic waves and forms
waves carrying sayoshi.
(ii) These waves leave the sayoshi in the direction through which
they pass and at the surfaces where they arrive.
(iii) Consequently sayoshi can be transmitted to distant places by
electromagnetic waves (or electric current or high frequency).
(iv) The molecular emission spectrum that a substance generates
carries the sayoshi of the substance. I call this spectrum "molecular
waves."

6. Sayoshi produces an "identical wave effect."7

(i) Two different things placed closely together obtain the sayoshi
of the other.
(ii). The newly obtained sayoshi did not diminish for three days
throughout the course of my experiment.
(iii) I named this phenomenon of one object picking up the sayoshi
of the other, the "identical wave effect."

7. The "accompanying phenomenon" of sayoshi.B

(i) Sayoshi can travel along with the secondary object that has
picked up the sayoshi, by accompanying the object.
(ii) The "identical wave effect" is the phenomenon of sayoshi
accompanying other objects.
(iii) The "accompanying phenomenon" is quite peculiar to sayoshi.
I believe that it is possible to explain it by the relativity of space.
382 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

V. WHAT GENERATES SAYOSHI?

Sayoshi can be generated not merely by acupuncture needles. The vector of

acupuncture functions when needles are brought only to the body surface. There
are various other cases in which the body is affected from the exterior. In these
cases physiological functions are caused by the functions of a vector, as in the case
of acupuncture, for these things react mutually with the sayoshi vector of needles.
1. CONCERNING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS CAUSED BY THINGS OUTSIDE THE BODY:
a) Things placed close to the surface of the body have physiological effects
on the body.
Examples of physiological functions caused from the outside:
(i) Substance. The effect of moxa applied to the body surface is the same
as that when a needle is applied vertically to the same point. Placement of potassi-
um chromate instead of moxa gives an effect that is the same as when a needle is
applied vertically, but with handle instead of point down, that is, it is the reverse of
applying moxa. The direction of the needle having the same effect as substances
applied to the body surface depends on the substances themselves.
(ii) Magnet. The south pole (S) has the same effect as moxa, whereas the
north pole (N) has the same effect as the potassium chromate.
(iii) Electric charge. The positive charge has the same effect as moxa, the
negative charge has the same effect as potassium chromate.
b) Physiological functions of objects interact with the sayoshi of acupunc-
ture.
The physiological functions of the combination of two needles applied to a
point on the body surface (within a 10 mm diameter circle) follows the vector
analysis above. When one of the two needles is replaced by another thing, the
combination of the needle and object together follows the same vector analysis as
the effect of the two needles. If, for example, the needle and other object are
applied in parallel, they lose their effects.
Example 1: We described above how moxa placed on the body surface has the
same effect as a needle applied vertically to the point. But if the needle is placed in
the center of the piece of moxa, and one allows both the needle and moxa to func-
tion at the same time, they lose their effects.
Example 2: The south facing pole of a magnet has the same effect as a needle
held vertically to the point. But if the needle is applied parallel to the center axis of
the magnet (either south or north facing), the magnet loses its physiological effect,
even though the magnetic field is still present. This shows that the physiological
effect of the magnet is the effect of the sayoshi of the magnet.
c) Physiological functions of two things interact mutually following vector
analysis.
The effect of two things placed on the body surface follows the vector analy-
sis which two needles follow. Consequently if two things are placed in parallel on
the body surface, they lose their effect.
(i) Things of the same kind. If a ball of moxa about 4mm diameter is placed
randomly on the body surface, it has the same effect as a needle placed vertically to
the same spot. If another ball of moxa of the same size is placed simultaneously at
a distance of Smm from the original ball, the two balls lose their effects on the
body. If the two balls are placed more than 1 em apart, they do not share the same
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 383

point of function. If the two are placed in contact with each other, they function as
one ball of moxa.
(ii) Things of different kind.
Example 1: A sheet of paper cannot block a magnetic field. Nevertheless, if a
sheet of paper in the shape of a cone is placed on a magnet so that the axis of the
magnet and that of the cone correspond to each other, the magnet loses its physio-
logical effect. Cones made of plastic, stone, glass, and so on show the same result.
This means that a cone and a magnet have the same sayoshi vector.
Example 2: If a ball of moxa is placed on the axis of a cone (either inside the
cone or on the top of the cone), both the cone and moxa ball lose their effects. As
described above, the result is the same whatever the material of the cone.
Therefore the form of a cone and the moxa interact mutually as two vectors. This
shows that in general a "form," "shape" also has a sayoshi vector.
Example 3: If a ball of moxa and a magnet are placed simultaneously on the
same point on the body surface, both the moxa and the magnet lose their physio-
logical effects. The result is the same if the ball of moxa is replaced by another sub-
stance, therefore the magnet and other substances generate sayoshi vectors. In this
manner it is possible to show that everything generates sayoshi and that this sayoshi
has physiological effects on the body from the exterior.
Sayoshi can be described as a kind of condition or state in space; thus every-
thing can generate sayoshi by its existence in space. This sayoshi has characteristics
depending on the generator (object).
(i) Form: All kinds of form generate sayoshi, i.e., a spiral produces a vector
tangential to the spiral.
(ii) Substance: All substances generate sayoshi with convergent or diver-
gent vectors which have antagonistic effects on the living body. Substances with
divergent vectors are: moxa, cheese, various herbs, benzene, etc. Substances with
convergent vectors are: chocolate, NaF, toluene, etc. Each substance has a sayoshi
peculiar to it. Sayoshi does not have chemical reactions; thus substances can func-
tion physiologically beyond the realm of chemical reactions.
(iii) Electric charge: positive =divergent, negative =convergent.
(iv) Magnet: south pole= divergent, north pole= convergent.
(v) Semiconductor: N-type =divergent, P-type =convergent.
(vi) Movement: Movements of objects generate sayoshi which is opposite
to the velocity of the vector. For example, if one crosses oneself, the hand move-
ment generates sayoshi which has certain physiological effects.
Human beings, animals, plants, the sun,9 sound, voice, mind,10 place, etc., all
generate different kinds of sayoshi.

VI. How THE LIVING BODY REACTS TO SAYOSHI

Substances react with other substances. We react with medications; both our
bodies and medications have substance. When two things contain elements in
common, reactions occur. Two sayoshi also react. A reaction of the body to a
sayoshi is a mutual function of two sayoshi. In other words, when the sayoshi of the
body reacts with a sayoshi of external origins, the reaction causes changes that man-
ifest in the body. Each individual has his or her own sayoshi and he or she shows
various conditions of his or her own sayoshi according to his or her inner and outer
conditions.
384 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

1. REACTIONS OF THE LIVING BODY

As mentioned above, characteristics of sayoshi vary with its source. However,
as far as the effect of one physiological function of the living body is concerned,
sayoshi causes only two changes, either activation or suppression. These physiolog-
ical changes are shown in the following table:
Physiological function Positive response Negative response
Respiration deep shallow
Sensory system sharp dull
Primitive feeling* comfort discomfort
Endurance against pain much little
Muscle tension increase decrease
*As described by Dr. Keizo Hashimotoll

The effect of activation and suppression varies with the source of sayoshi. A
source which activates one of the above mentioned physiological functions of the
body activates the other physiological functions. Likewise, a source which sup-
presses one of the physiological functions suppresses the others. Since these physi-
ological changes occur simultaneously, sayoshi must be associated with each physi-
ological function at a very fundamental level. An activated condition of physiolog-
ical response is called a "positive response," a suppressed one, a "negative
response."
2. THE LAW OF POLARITY REACTION

The physiological response of the body caused by sayoshi depends on the

parts of the body where the sayoshi functions. In other words, to elicit an expected
response, both the source of the sayoshi and the target area of the body are impor-
tant and need to be considered. In order to avoid inconvenience and treat uniquely
the function of sayoshi, I define the polarity of sayoshi as follows:
a) Definition of the polarity of sayoshi. If sayoshi applied on one part of the
body causes the same reaction as that caused by the application of positive electric
charge, that sayoshi is defined as having positive polarity. One which produces the
same response as a negative electric charge is one with a negative polarity.
b) The law of polarity reaction. Following the above definition, it is neces-
sary to clarify the reaction of the body and types of sayoshi, and the relation
between the polarity of the sayoshi and the observed changes in the body. In the
relation of the sayoshi possessed by the body and that which affects the body, there
are two laws:
Law 1. When these two sayoshi have the same polarity, the body
responds positively, but if the two sayoshi have opposite polarity,
the body responds negatively.12
Law 2. When the body responds negatively, the polarity of each
part of the body reverses.
3. POLARITY AND DIRECTION
a) The direction of sayoshi and polarity of the source. I experimented on the
polarity of various sources and the direction of their sayoshi. As a result, I found
the following relation between the polarity of source and direction of its sayoshi
vector. In the area close to the source (first domain):
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 385

(i) a source with a centrifugal sayoshi vector bears positive polarity.

(ii) a source with a centripetal sayoshi vector bears negative polarity.
b) Domain: The direction of sayoshi reverses according to the distance from
the source. The closest area from the source of sayoshi is named the first domain,
and the more distant area, where the direction of sayoshi reverses, is named the
second domain. There exist more domains farther than the second where the
direction of the sayoshi changes reciprocally.
c) Polarity and the direction of sayoshi. The above results lead us to the fol-
lowing conclusions:
(i) a vector of sayoshi facing vertically to the body surface shows positive
polarity.
(ii) a vector of sayoshi turning upside down and facing away from the
body shows negative polarity.
d) The dipole moment of sayoshi. The above relation between polarity and
direction indicates that a sayoshi vector is equivalent to a dipole moment with nega-
tive polarity on its origin, positive polarity on its head. For example, a needle
(ordinary, of stainless steel) is a dipole moment with positive polarity at the tip of
the needle, and a negative polarity at the handle end of the needle. Likewise, a
magnet is a dipole moment with positive polarity on the south pole and negative
polarity on the north pole. A diode is a dipole moment with positive polarity on
the cathode and a negative polarity on the anode. When two things having differ-
ent polarities of sayoshi are placed on the body surface, the things function as a vec-
tor of sayoshi combining these two points.

VII. WHAT IS SAYOSHI?

1. SAYOSHI IS A TENSOR
Sayoshi is an unknown state of space which has a physiological function in the
body. Let this unknown state quantity of space produced by objects be S. As
described above, when sayoshi S interacts with sayoshi S2, a new sayoshi, S3 is pro-
duced. In the relations between S, S2, S3, the product of the vector should hold.
There, the state quantity S, functions as an element which makes the vector X of
sayoshi correspond to vector T of another sayoshi. The formula describing this is as
follows:
s s
T = (X) = X X (1).
Now introduce two systems of orthogonal coordinates, 0 and 0 2, into the
space. Define S, in the form of matrix as (Sij) in the 0 system and as (Sij 2) in the
02 system. The formula (1) is expressed as follows for the 0 system.
=
T (Sij) X ... (2).
For the 02 system,
=
T2 (Sij2) X2 .. (3).
Both X and Tare transformable between the systems of the formula, (4).
= =
X2 AX I T2 AT ... (4).
Here, A is the linear transformation from the orthogonal coordinate 0 to 02.
3
Ai = I, aij (i = 1, 2, 3)
j=l
386 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

In the process of the coordinate transformation, S is transformed from the 0

system to the 02 system.
(Sij2) =A (Sij) A-1 ....... (5).
Since A is an orthogonal matrix, the components of S can be expressed as fol-
lows, by using the formula:
A-1 = tA

....... (6)

This expression of the component transformation is exactly the same as the

definition formula of the tensor. Therefore, S, a state quantity of the space, is a ten-
sor. Now find Sij' the components of S.
Let e 1, e 2, e 3 be the fundamental vectors of the orthogonal coordinate system
0.
sij can be expressed by the fundamental vectors.
Sij = ei . S(ej) (i, j = 1, 2, 3)
=ei . S x ej
3
= I sk ei . ek X ej
k=1
Accordingly, the components of tensor S are:

(S)
1) =

This result leads to the fact that Sij = Sij, for the components of S, which means
that Sis an antisymmetric tensor (axial vector).
Dr. Anton Mesmer noticed that a certain therapeutic effect could be obtained
when two individuals affected each other. His assumption was that a certain mag-
netism, called "animal magnetism," caused this effect. Although it is not clearly
known why he fixed on the magnetic field as being responsible for this phenome-
non, the magnetic field is an antisymmetric tensor like sayoshi. Because of this,
sayoshi and magnetic fields behave similarly. For example, a magnet is a dipole
moment which always has north and south poles. A needle is also a dipole
moment with positive polarity at its tip and negative polarity at its handle. Since
both the magnetic field and sayoshi are antisymmetric tensors, then I imagine that
what Dr. Mesmer was trying to explain with his animal magnetism theory were
indeed the effects of sayoshi.
In ancient Chinese medicine, there was also a belief in something which
affects and controls the health of human beings. It is not possible to see or feel it; it
is called qi. Both the magnetic field and sayoshi are the state of space. They cannot
be seen or felt by us. We notice their existence only by the results brought about by
their functions. I believe that sayoshi is one of the factors which the ancient Chinese
called qi.
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 387

2. DOES SAYOSHI HAVE ENERGY?

Acc_ording to Einstein's ~heory of relativity, energy and mass are equivalent.

The relation between the ~o 1s expressed by the following equation:
E = mC2 ....... (7)
E is energy, m is mass and C is the velocity of light.
. Sayoshi can stay still in the space it occupies. If sayoshi has energy, sayoshi has
static mass as expressed by formula (7). If an object with static mass, m, moves at
velocity V, the mass, m, in the motion is expressed by the following formula:
mo
m = ..... (8)
[1- ( Vfc)2 ]lh
According to the formula, if an object with static mass moves at the speed of
light, the mass is infinitely divergent. Therefore what can move at the speed of
light cannot have static mass. Sayoshi is transmittable by electromagnetic waves or
electric current of high frequency, i.e., sayoshi has neither static mass nor energy.
Furthermore, molecular waves (molecular spectrum carrying sayoshi) travel in
space and leave sayoshi where they pass. If sayoshi has energy, molecular waves
keep losing energy, because molecular waves generate sayoshi while they travel in
space. As a result, the wavelength of molecular waves must shift. The phenome-
non in which the wavelength of the molecular spectrum shifts is called "red shift."
It is mostly known by i) the Doppler effect, caused by the expansion of the uni-
verse, ii) relative effects at a field of gravity, iii) solvent effect in the absorption
spectrum.
If we assume that this red shift occurs with sayoshi, it would be that phenome-
non in which the spectrum radiating from a substance at a static state loses its ener-
gy while travelling. No such phenomenon has yet been observed. No energy is
used in the radiation of sayoshi from the molecular spectrum. Even if sayoshi is
transmitted by electromagnetic waves because of the locomotion of sayoshi itself, or
by generation from magnetic waves, energy does not take part in either case.
Because of the above reasoning, I am led to the conclusion that sayoshi does not
have energy.
3. SAYOSHI IS AN UNKNOWN FACTOR
Sayoshi is a quantity of state in space like the electromagnetic field or the
gravity field. In the cases of the gravitational and electromagnetic fields, the fields
are totally dependent upon their source, the fields disappear if the source is
removed. But sayoshi remains in the space where the source was, even after
removal of the source. Therefore sayoshi is different from the so called "field" in
this aspect, it has an existence independent of the source from which it originated.
According to Einstein's theory, that which is transmitted at the velocity of
light has no static mass or has no energy at static state. That is to say, a substance
with mass cannot be transmitted to distant places by electromagnetic waves. Since
sayoshi is transmittable to distant places by electromagnetic waves, it therefore can-
not be a substance. In modern science it is thought that the natural world is com-
posed of substances and fields and that no phenomena can possibly occur without
being affected by either of these. As we have seen, sayoshi is neither substance nor
field, it has an unknown nature.
4. A MODEL OF SAYOSHI
If sayoshi does not have energy, it cannot have physical changes or chemical
reactions. That is, sayoshi cannot stimulate any system of the living body.
388 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent

However, it does cause physiological changes in the living body. In order to

explain the function of sayoshi, I devised the following "blank sheet" model:
Blank sheet model. Suppose that space (vacuum) is a blank sheet of paper or
a canvas, and that substances are the picture painted onto the blank sheet of paper
or blank canvas. If we imagine that the painted part of the paper is "distorted" by
the paint, sayoshi can be compared to the distortion that occurred on this part of the
paper. In other words, sayoshi is the distortion in space caused by the very exis-
tence of substances. This distortion remains there even after the painted picture is
removed. Sayoshi is transmittable to remote places by electromagnetic waves or
accompanying phenomena; it distorts both the blank sheet of paper and the paint-
ed picture at the point of contact. Sayoshi does not affect things directly, but it
affects them by causing changes in the state of space where the things are placed,
and these changes affect the nature of those things. The change made in the pic-
ture by the distortion of the paper is the function of sayoshi. Once the distortion of
the paper is cleared away, nothing remains there as sayoshi. Sayoshi is the space
(vacuum) itself and we recognize the existence of sayoshi only by its function.
I conclude that sayoshi is of an unknown nature and that it is an operation but
has no substance behind its functions.

COMMENTARY BY YOSHIO MANAKA

In the classical textbooks of acupuncture, one can find the idea that for sup-
plementation and draining, it is essential to consider the direction of the needle
along the channel. Recently an author of a Chinese textbook openly opposed the
clinical law of ying-sui, saying that ancient people mixed up the circulation of blood
and qi of the body and thus proposed such a foolish law. This foolish author
seems to have no idea about sayoshi, just as the majority of acupuncturists do not.
Some probable reasons for the ignorance of the sayoshi-like factor can be proposed.
First, in modern times one forgets about the use of the various types of fine
needles used superficially, some of which were described in the Nei Jing. Second,
one cannot understand the fact that the effects of acupuncture do not depend
exclusively on stimulation of the nervous system; they also depend on what I have
called the X-signal system, where minute factors like sayoshi play an important
role. Unfortunately even acupuncturists and scientific researchers pay no attention
to this basic issue.
Any generator of sayoshi (if one is able to design such a bipolar moment) can
substitute for the needle function, maybe not entirely, but at least partially so, if one
says nothing of the stimulation effects. A magnet can be applied to an acupuncture
point instead of a needle. Its north pole - south pole polarity is just like the polarity
of handle to point of the needle.13 Likewise, a diode is similar to a needle, from
anode to cathode. Two substances of negative and positive polarity, if positioned
on two points in series, have effects like a needle with regards to the sayoshi vector.
POSTSCRIPT
The author has discussed an unknown factor which affects the living body
and has named it sayoshi.
Sayoshi is both a kind of space which has function, and a kind of vector. The
biological reaction of sayoshi is the interaction of the original sayoshi of the body
with the sayoshi of various origins. Any individual has particular sayoshi structure.
Changes of the individual sayoshi condition cause changes of the physiological
functions.
 Appendix Four: On the Sayoshi Agent 389

Acupuncture is deeply concerned with sayoshi; it is an operation that changes

the sayoshi state of the body by the use of needles. However, any generator of
sayoshi can be used to this end. So far as sayoshi is concerned, especially in the case
of superficial sayoshi, one can expect effects without the insertion of needles, from
contact only. Most things, including living bodies, emit sayoshi. Only approaching
them can cause sayoshi reactions. One can transfer a medication's sayoshi to other
indifferent substances. Thus it might be possible to reasonably explain the effects
of homeopathic preparations in terms of the mechanisms of sayoshi. Moxa general-
ly has positive sayoshi. The movement of any substance generates sayoshi. Any
form can generate a particular sayoshi. This may be why qigong exercise can control
the body and mind, by means of the sayoshi procedure. Even if the term qi in
Chinese medicine and acupuncture is difficult to define, because it is ambiguous
and has multiple descriptions, it is certain that sayoshi plays an important role in it.
In studying qigong scientifically, there should be an appropriate scientific method-
ology. Perhaps our study of the sayoshi problem could be an initial step in break-
ing the barrier.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Katsumata, Yasumasa, "Physiological Reaction to substances placed outside of the
body and its cause," first report on his studies (in Japanese), unpublished report.
2. Akabane, Kobei, Hinaishin Ho (Method of Hinaishin), Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha,
1964.
3. Manaka, Yoshio, Ika no Tameno Shinjutsu Nyumon Kuoza (Introduction to Acupuncture),
Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1980.
4. Katsumata, Yasumasa, "Applications of Sayoshi," third report on his studies (in
Japanese), unpublished report.
5. Hashimoto, Keizoh, Sotai-ho (in Japanese).

ENDNOTES
1 See for example: Yasumasa Katsumata, "Physiological reactions to substances placed outside of
the body and their causes," first report on his studies (in Japanese), unpublished report.
2 Yasumasa Katsumata, first report, op. cit.
3 Yasumasa Katsumata, "Applications of Sayoshi," third report on his studies (in Japanese),
unpublished report.
4 Ibid.
5 Ibid.
6 Yasumasa Katsumata, first report, op. cit.
7 Ibid.
8 Yashumasa Katsumata, third report, op.cit.
9 Ibid.
10 Ibid.
11 See his Sotai Ho (in Japanese).
12 S.B.: This is like+ X+=+,- X-=+, but+ X- or- X+=-.
13 In Japan, Tada Kono efficiently systematized magnet treatment on the acupoints, receiving the
1987 Manaka prize for his work.
 APPENDIX FIVE

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MATHEMATICAL

MODEL FOR THE ''LAWS" OF THE FIVE PHASES*
*FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE 17:4, PP 261-6, 1989

(1) STEPHEN BIRCH, SociETY FOR ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH

(2) MARK FRIEDMAN, PH.D., DEPT. OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS,

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT HUNTSVILLE

INTRODUCTION
The wu xing lun, the "five phase" theory, has notable significance in acupunc-
ture and Chinese traditional medical theory. It has appeared in medical literature
from the earliest texts - Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen Ling Shu and the Nan Jing, circa
300 BC- 100 AD, to present-day professional literature. Almost all introductory
texts on acupuncture in use today describe five-phase theory; indeed, several
examine it in great depth. Some schools of thought view it as nothing more than
protoscientific speculation, with no physiological basis, and make little attempt to
use it clinically. Others view it as essential to their clinical practice of acupuncture.
For those able to use the theory successfully, its physiological basis remains
unclear, yet it manifests and is used in an exact manner. So precise are some of
these manifestations that some have speculated on the need to formulate mathe-
matical models and from there to search for appropriate physiological models [1].
It is our intention in this introductory paper to outline a basic mathematical
model capable of explaining the "laws" of the five phases. An important advan-
tage of using a mathematical model is that the unambiguous language of mathe-
matics makes it possible to ask precise questions and formulate precisely the
hypotheses to be tested. While this is our goal, we recognize the limitations of this
first model and speculate on further developments and refinements that we think
will allow the model to cope with more complex clinical situations and from which
predictions and measurements can be made. We think that it is important to assess
each step carefully with tests and measurements. Only thus can we construct a sci-
entific model of this ancient theory.
The five phases are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These terms are
used in a number of related ways, only some of which will be explored in this
paper. The phases are central to the Medicine of Systematic Correspondences. All
things in nature may be categorized within one of the five phases. Each of the sea-
sons, directions, climatic patterns, body organs, colors, tones, odors, emotions,
body tissues, body types, disease patterns, pulses, palpatory reflex areas, etc.,
392 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

have correspondences [2]. Many of them predate the early Chinese medical texts
by at least several hundred years and hence come from more theoretical and philo-
sophical backgrounds. Thus some scholars argue that the theory of the five phases
is just ancient philosophical speculation.
The phases were also described in their relationship to each other. In the
engendering cycle, e.g., wood => fire => earth => metal => water => wood, etc., each
phase is engendered by (is the child of) the previous phase in the cycle and engen-
ders (is the mother of) the next phase in the cycle. In the restraining pattern, each
phase is restrained or controlled by another phase and restrains or controls yet
another phase, e.g., wood => earth => water => fire => metal => wood, etc.
Diagrammatically these two are shown as:

Figure 19.1: The Engendering Cycle Figure 19.2: The Restraining Cycle
Aside from these two, their opposites are also described, the counter-engen-
dering and counter-restraining cycles, allowing for interaction of each phase with
all others such that they completely regulate each other. Reference to these pat-
terns is commonly made, though often they are seen as mere speculation, without
physiological basis.
Another important function of the five-phase theory lies in its facility for
explaining various biorhythms. Early descriptions of five-phase theory focused on
yearly and sixty-year patterns, examining the influences of climate and season.
Later descriptions (circa 1400) focused on daily, ten-day, and sixty-day biorhythms.
These descriptions are very exact and can still be found in modem literature and
practice. Five-phase theory lies at the heart of the theoretical explanations of these
rhythms.
In this paper we will focus on the second general use that describes phase
interactions: the engendering, restraining, counter-engendering, and counter-
restraining patterns of the phases. In future papers we hope to explore in more
detail the first and third uses of five phase theory.
To construct an appropriate model for these, we have had to make the
assumption that it is possible to consider all phenomena in the body categorized
within one phase as representing a single united energy state. For example, the
liver, gallbladder, liver and gallbladder channels, the tendons and muscles, etc. all
belong to wood; the total physiological activity of all these create the wood energy
state.
At this level of description we use the term "energy" in a broad sense. In the
discussion at the end of this paper, we speculate briefly on the possible physiologi-
cal basis of this energy. Note also that the energy transfers between the phases that
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 393

occur in the four restraining patterns, e.g., wood engenders fire, wood restrains
earth, etc., have very low level energy contents. By simple addition or subtraction
they neither increase nor decrease significantly the energy content of the phases.
Rather, they are "information" transfers (see the discussion at the end of the paper).

ANALYSIS
The patterns of interaction describe how the change of energy of a particular
phase is affected by the energy changes in itself and other phases. We first will for-
mulate precisely our assumptions, then derive an appropriate mathematical model
that describes the evolution in time of the energy of each phase, using a system of
five ordinary differential equations. Then we will analyze this system. The main
idea is that each phase has its "normal" steady state energy. We are interested in
determining under what conditions the system is stable under small perturbations,
i.e., if we slightly change the energies of different phases, will the energies return to
the steady states? This is important since the five phase "laws" predict that they
should return to the steady states.
1) For simplicity of mathematical analysis, we assume that all five phases are
identical in the sense below.
2) Denote by [ wi (t), i = 1, 2, .... , 5 ] with [ wi = wi 5 ] the energy of each of
the five phases, considered as a function of time [ t ]. By subtracting the "normal"
steady states, we can assume (without loss of generality) that all the five steady
states are zero; thus [ wi (t) ] is the difference between the energy at time [ t] and
the "normal" energy for a phase [ i ].
3) We assume that when [ wi = 0, i = 1, .... , 5 ] (i.e., each phase is in the steady
state), the sum of the influences on each phase is zero (i.e., the whole system is in
equilibrium).
4) We assume that the rate of change in time of energy of the phase
i, dwi , i = 1, .... , 5
at
is the sum of the quantities proportional to the energies of phases,
j 1 j = 1, 1 5.
More specifically, we postulate the following system of five linear ordinary
differential equations:
(1) dwi = awi-1 - bwi-2 - cwi- dwi+1- ewi+2 , i = 1, ..... , 5.
dt
To understand what system (1) says, assume for example that wi is the ener-
gy of wood.
4.1) (Engendering) The rate of change of wi(wood) is proportional to awi-1
(water), a> 0. This means that if wi-1 > 0 (the energy wi-1 of water is above the
"normal") then the energy wi of wood increases; if wi-1 < 0 (the energy of water is
below "normal") then the energy wi of wood decreases.
4.2) (Restraining) Similarly, the rate of change of wi (wood) is proportional to
- bwi-2 (metal), i.e., if the energy wi-2 of metal is above (below) normal, the energy
wi of wood decreases (increases).
4.3) wi (wood) affects itself homeostatically, proportional to - cwi. If wi > 0 it
decreases itself; if wi< 0 it increases itself, c > 0.
4.4) (Counter-engendering) If wi+ 1 (fire) is above normal, it decreases wi
(wood); if it is below normal it increases wi proportionally to- dwi+ 1 , d > 0.
394 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

4.5) (Counter-restraining) If wi+2 (earth) is above (below) normal, it increases

(decreases) wi (wood), proportionally to- ewi+2, e > 0. Expect a> b > e > d. The

m:~xoffulesy:r~r~r=~ :~ I
-e -b a -c -d
-c -e -b a -c
This is a circular matrix [3]. The stability condition is that all eigenvalues of A
should have a negative real part. The eigenvalues are [4]:
(2) ~ = - c + apj - bp2j - ep3j - dp4j ,
j = 1, ..... , n, p = p2vt/5 ' t = v--:r
(3) "-1 = - c + ap - bp2 - ep3 - dp4 ,
"-2 = - c + ap 2 - bp4 - ep - dp3 ,
A-3 = - c + ap3 - bp - ep 4 - dp2 ,
"-4 = - c + ap 4 - bp3 - ep2 - dp ,
"-s= -c+a-b-e-d.
Note that ReA-1 = ReA-4 ReA-2 = ReA-3 .
Denote Rep = Rep4 = :os 27t/5 = .309 = y> 0,
Rep2 = Rep3 =cos 47t/5 = -.809 = -P < 0,
From ReA-1 , ReA-2 , ReA-5 < 0, we have:
(4) { - c + (a-d) y+ (b +e) p < 0.
- c - ( a - d ) p - ( b + e ) y < 0.
- c + ( a - d ) - ( b + e ) < 0.

Under the assumption a> d the system (4) reduces to the first and third equations:

(5) { (a-d) y + ( b +e) P < c,

- a - d - ( b + e ) < c.

Denote a-d= x, b + e = y. Then (5) is satisfied for (x,y) in the region R.

y
.:::: 1.24 c

l+P 1-y )
( --C --C (1.53 c, .57 C)
r+P 'y+P -
R

c X

Figure 19.3

This tells us for which values of the parameters the zero steady state of the
system (1) is stable, in particular, if c = 0 (i.e., there is no homeostatic effect of a
phase on itself), then it is always unstable.
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 395

DISCUSSION
Perhaps the most significant theoretical aspect of the above model concerns
the assumption that the energy transferred between the phases is of a qualitative,
informational nature and not a quantitative physiological nature. The various
control parameters- engendering (a), restraining (b), counter-engendering (d) and
counter-restraining (e)- are concerned solely with physiological regulation and not
physiological process or exchange. As the model evolved, we found that were the
parameters of a physiological and not an informational nature, i.e., by simple addi-
tion or subtraction were they to increase or decrease the energy content of the
phase, the system would always break down. We thus concluded that they must
be informational.
This outcome resolves some apparent conflicts between different schools of
thought in acupuncture. Schools adhering to the descriptions of organ theory
(zang-Ju theory) as the sole basis of acupuncture have always found that the five-
phase parameters (a, b, d, and e) are unable to describe the physiological functions
and interactions of the zang-fu. However, when we take the view that these para-
meters are concerned solely with the interactive regulation of the zang-fu, the
channels, and the related phase-sets, and are not the physiologic interactions them-
selves, then the conflict is resolved. Clinically this implies, at the very least, two
different types of acupuncture practice. One is concerned solely with the regula-
tion of the control parameters. Since these are of an informational nature, i.e., they
have tiny energy content, they require only tiny stimulation to achieve this regula-
tion. This supposition is supported both by clinical practice and results and clinical
research and investigations [5].
The second type of practice is more explicitly concerned with the physiological
activities of the zang-Ju, and thus concentrates on the physiological energies them-
selves. Consequently treatment tends to use stronger stimulation to achieve such
effects. This, too, is supported by clinical practice and results and clinical research.
The method of treatment seems closely tied to the theoretical basis of the treatment.
In a future work we hope to investigate these relationships and differences.
For the model to create a stable interaction between the phases, we found it
necessary to add a fifth parameter, (c). This is the "intra-phase homeostatic" para-
meter. Increase or decrease of this only speeds up or slows down the return to nor-
mal. We hope to investigate this parameter in further papers. It is possible that it
relates, at least in part, to the "ten stern" expanded model of the five phases [6]. To
date our attempts to apply this model in treatment have found that it fails to ade-
quately explain the following:
(i). How do the parameters a, b, d, and e actually increase or decrease physio-
logical activity within a phase and thus either increase or decrease the energy state
of the phase?
(ii). This model is a linear approximation, but in practice we will need non-
linear models to explain non-linear phenomena. For example, when a phase is vac-
uous (vacant, deficient, depleted), we can interpret this as an imbalance of a para-
meter that changes and resets the steady state of the phase. In such a case, tradi-
tional theory tells us to "supplement the mother." For a wood vacuity, we there-
fore supplement water. This improves the "child" phase, wood, while the "moth-
er" phase, water, returns to normal. This sequence of events must be interpreted
as a non-linear phenomenon, requiring changes in parameters, energy states and
steady states.
396 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

It is necessary to expand the model to include more parameters. This will be

the basis for a further paper. We think for example that adding a sixth parameter,
cl, is necessary. If it is caused to increase, it will increase the physiologic activity
and thus the energy state of its related phase. If it decreases, it decreases physiolog-
ic activity and thus the energy state of the phase. Introduction of such a parameter
allows for an explanation of how the shu acupoints, the five-phase acupoints on
each channel, might bring about their specific effects. It also allows for an explana-
tion of the yuan (source) acupoints and their effects. If it is necessary to introduce
this parameter, then it is possible that we have uncovered a necessary relationship
between the five phases and the source-triple burner/pericardium functions. Based
on translations of original texts, arguments have been made that such a necessary
relationship exists [7]. In a future work, we hope to examine these relationships.
Since five-phase treatments typically use the phase acupoints on each channel
and each channel has a phasal correspondence, then it will be necessary in future
work to develop a model of the channel systems, to be able to fully explain how
treatments work. Our next paper will focus on this problem, as the current model
is clearly inadequate to deal with it. It may also be necessary to develop a ten-stem
model as part of the channel model to explain some of the relationships.
A final word on the biological basis of these descriptions is necessary. In
research and in practical utilization of the phase acupoints on the channels, it is
clear that they have the phasal characteristics described by the traditional litera-
ture. The methods by which these acupoints have been explored suggests that the
control parameters they affect - the flow of interactive regulatory information or
signals - have electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and possibly other characteris-
tics. Information may be encoded by frequency, wavelength, amplitude and other
properties [8].
There is ample evidence of the existence and role of weak electric currents,
ionic currents, electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, coherent
light waves, etc., as the carriers of biological information in the body [9]. In future
works, as we develop the model, we will test it using computers to simulate the
development of a disease, its diagnosis and treatment, and make measurements on
the body to see if we find or measure the predicted outcomes. Measurements must
be of specific events and will probably be of electrical parameters like voltage and
resistance, since adequate equipment exists for this.
It is our hope that by evolving a mathematical model that is tested at each
step, we will be able to demonstrate that theories from acupuncture and Chinese
traditional medicine have a firm scientific and biological basis. Further, we hope
that the model will have practical applications that enable acupuncturists to take
advantage of these theories.

GLOSSARY
Five phases: This concept is sometimes called the five elements. The term
refers not to concrete things, rather to methods of categorizing and describing rela-
tionships and correspondences in nature. They have superficial similarity to the
Greek four elements.
Channels: This refers to pathways or trajectories of qi energy flow in the
body. There are a number of different channels that criss-cross the body surface
and interior. The major channels have relationships to specific internal organs. As
yet the channels have not been clearly described anatomically, but have been mea-
sured electrically and observed using other specific techniques.
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 397

Zang-fu: These are the internal organs. However, the Chinese reference to
the zang organ, xin (heart) refers to more than the simple physical structure, but
involves a series of other functions as well. The "triple burner" and "pericardi-
um" are two unusual zang-fu that have unclear anatomical correspondences and
phasal correspondences.
Acupoints: These are discrete sites at the body surface, usually located on the
channel trajectories. They are the points into which needles are usually inserted to
produce the healing effects of acupuncture. Like the channels or meridians, these
have been measured electrically.

NOTES
[1] Dr. Yoshio Manaka is one such practitioner.
[2] See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Five Elements and Ten Stems, Brookline, MA: Paradigm
Publications, 1983.
[3] Lancaster, B., Theory of Matrices, New York: Academic Press, 1969.
[4]Ibid.
[5] See for example: Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Five Elements and Ten Stems; Manaka, Y. and K.
Itaya, "Acupuncture as Intervention in the Biological Information System," an address given at the
annual assembly of the Japan Meridian Treatment Association, Tokyo, March 1986; and Manaka, Y., K.
Itaya and S. Birch, Chasing the Dragon's Tail, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications, 1995.
[6] See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Five Elements and Ten Stems for a description of this.
[7] See Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Five Elements and Ten Stems, and Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch,
Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications, 1988.
[8] See Manaka, Y. and K. Itaya, "Acupuncture as Intervention in the Biological Information
System;" Manaka, Y. and K. Itaya, "Biasology applied in acupuncture," unpublished manuscript, 1987;
Manaka, Y., K. Itaya, and S. Birch, Chasing the Dragon's Tail; and Paul Nogier, From Auriculotherapy to
Auriculomedicine, St. Ruffine, France: Maisonneuve, 1983.
[9] As examples see the following: Burr, H.S., The Fields of Life, New York: Ballantine Books, 1972;
Becker, R.O. and G. Selden, The Body Electric, New York: William Morrow, 1985; Taubes, G., "An
Electrifying Possibility," Discover, April 1986; Sedlak, W., Bioelektronika 1967-1977 with English sum-
maries, Poland Instytut: Wyadawniczy Pax, 1979; Callahan, P., Tuning into Nature, Old Greenwich, CT:
Devin-Adair, 1975.

TOWARDS 1HE DEVELOPMENT OF A MA1HEMATICAL MODEL FOR

ACUPUNCfURE CHANNELs*
*FIRST PUBLISHED IN ACUP. &ELEC. THER.RES.[NT.fOUR 14, PP 217-226, 1989
[1] MARK J. FRIEDMAN, PH.D., ASSOC. PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MATHEMATICS AND
STATISTICS, UNIV. OF ALABAMA AT HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, 35899,
[2] STEPHEN BIRCH, LIC.AC., B.A., SOCIETY FOR ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH, P.O. Box 33,
NEW TOWN BRANCH, BOSTON, MA. 02258,
[3] WILLIAM A. TILLER, PH.D., PROFESSOR DEPT OF MATERIAL SCIENCE
& ENGINEERING, STANFORD UNIVERSITY, STANFORD, CALIFORNIA, 94305.

ABSTRACT
Traditional concepts of classical acupuncture and Chinese medicine come
from a culture which is very different from ours, and there have been considerable
problems in their accurate presentation. Our approach is to attempt the develop-
ment of a mathematical language that links these traditional concepts theoretically
to models that can be tested experimentally.
398 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

We will first review some of Manaka's findings, confirmed also by our

results, having to do with low-intensity stimuli. In particular, Manaka applied
polarized agents such as Cu (+) and Zn (-) to non-acupuncture points on a channel
and to the so-called "mother" and "child" points on a channel. In both cases he
observed the pressure-pain reaction which increased for one orientation of Cu and
Zn on the channel and decreased for the opposite orientation. Note that in the case
of mother and child points the observed reaction was in agreement with the "five
phase" (five element) theory. Also, in the case of the mother and child points, the
effect usually lasted considerably longer than in the case of non-acupuncture
points on a channel. We will describe several case histories supporting the latter
observation.
We have interpreted Manaka's clinical findings in terms of a three-level
model:
1) a low-intensity signalling system
2) a channel system
3) an anatomophysiological system
Taking into account the connection between Manaka's results and skin elec-
trical measurements by some electrodermal diagnostic instruments such as
Motoyama' s AMI, we discuss some equivalent electric circuits for a single channel
and relate them to the nervous system response. In particular, an electrical circuit
model similar to a synapse membrane with two ionic channels (note that we are
not talking here about real membranes which have more than two channels) seems
especially useful when we try to explain Manaka's clinical results and Motoyama's
results on the velocity of propagation of electrical impulses along channels. We
develop a mathematical model in the form of a linear five-dimensional dynamic
system of the five-phase laws such as the engendering cycle, restraining cycle, etc.,
in the case of a single channel. We connect this model with the membrane type
model above by assuming a simple mass action law (which says that the closed
pores in a channel open at a rate proportional to their number and to the input sig-
nal) for the dependence of the conductances in the ionic channels on inputs. This
combined model is used to describe the development of a disease and its treatment
according to the "five phase" theory. Here we interpret "disease" as a blockage in
a channel, while a treatment initiates the unblocking process.

INTRODUCTION
There have been substantial problems in the accurate presentation of tradi-
tional concepts from acupuncture and Chinese medicine. For too long poor philo-
logical and scholarly standards have been applied and it is only recently that
appropriate standards have begun to appear (see Unschuld) [1 & 2]. This has been
compounded by a tendency to try to westernize these concepts by reducing them
to concepts that typically do not address the traditional theoretical concepts them-
selves. This is like trying to relate concepts from one culture to concepts in another
culture without having found a language that bridges the two cultures. The result
is a mass of contradictory information that often seems irreconcilable. In a simple
attempt that pays attention to the traditional concepts themselves, the authors pro-
pose the development of a mathematical language that tries to link these concepts
theoretically to models that can be experimentally tested. To our knowledge, this
is the first attempt to build such a bridge and should be recognized as being only a
working model in its infancy. Our use of mathematics here is in the spirit of the
development of dynamic system models of complex neural phenomena (see e.g.,
Carpenter and Grossberg [3]). The mathematical models we derive here draw
from three sources:
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 399

(i) knowledge (very limited) of the underlying physical mechanisms

(ii) observed clinical phenomena
(iii) the translation of the traditional theoretical concepts into their minimal
realizations as mathematical laws.
Experimental evidence supports a connection between the results of classical
acupuncture diagnostic procedures and the results of some electrodermal diagnos-
tic instruments such as Motoyama's AMI and Nakatani's Neurometer. Such mea-
surements lead to simple electrical equivalent circuits of the skin discussed recently
in Tiller [4]. In section 2 we first review these circuits and then try to relate them to
clinical practice by examining the clinical findings and clinical results of Yoshio
Manaka, which investigate the validity and applicability of certain traditional
ideas. Exploration of these clinical findings and results show the need to extend
the simple model to be able to explain the observed clinical phenomena. Such an
extension is explored mathematically with suggestions for further clinical experi-
ments to establish its validity and further extension.
In particular, Manaka applied copper and zinc to non-acupuncture points on
a channel and to the "five phase" (five element) points and observed the channel
responses. To explain his results we introduce an electric circuit model similar to
synapse membranes with two ionic channels. Section 3 contains case histories that
support the mathematical model developed in section 2. In section 4 we assume an
interpretation of disease as a blockage in a channel and assume that treatment initi-
ates an unblocking process. We hypothesize an appropriate dependence of the
conductances in ionic channels on inputs and consider a simple dynamic systems
model to account for the development of disease and its treatment according to the
five-phase laws.
The channel is an important concept in acupuncture. It is described as having
several functions, probably the most important of which is the distribution of a
kind of energy, called qi. The treatment loci of acupuncture lie mostly on these
channels.
Considerable efforts have been made to understand, measure, and demon-
strate the existence of the channels. Measurements made by many researchers
have shown that the channels have electrical characteristics (see e.g., [4] and espe-
cially [5], which has an extensive bibliography). A certain number of people are
ultra-sensitive and are able to describe the movement of sensations following inser-
tions of needles into the channels. These propagated sensations tend to follow
channel pathways and have been investigated extensively in China and elsewhere
(see e.g., [6]). Dermatological diseases have sometimes been observed to produce
lesions and eruptions that lie along the channel trajectories (see e.g., [7]). Attempts
have been made to visualize the channels by injecting radioactive isotopes and
observing their migrations with a scintillation camera (see e.g., [8]). More recently,
using a "bidigital 0-ring test," Omura has provided striking evidence for the exis-
tence of "meridian-like networks," which show some correspondence to the chan-
nel systems (see e.g., [9]). While the exact nature of these channels is not clear,
there is more than clinical evidence to support the premise that they exist.

EQUIVALENT ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS FOR A SINGLE CHANNEL

The simplest electrical equivalent circuit corresponding to a single channel

used for skin measurement analyzed in Tiller [4] has the form:
400 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

R,

c
Figure 19.4
Here R 2 and C correspond to the epidermic layer of the skin and Rt corre-
sponds to the dermic layer. Note that the parameters of the circuit depend in gen-
eral on the voltage. The Motoyama AMI instrument applies a DC potential of V 0 =
3 volts between a number of channel terminal points and a large indifferent elec-
trode on the wrist and measures the short-time current response (1-100 microsec).
In what follows we use the term channel as the corresponding electrical circuit
pathway. Clinical evidence of Manaka [12] and others suggests the possibility that
the initial electric current BP = V0 I Rt is a parameter corresponding to traditional
acupuncture diagnostic measurements (such as radial pulse palpation, abdominal
palpation, visual inspection, etc.), though we are not aware of rigorous research
that confirms this suggestion. More precisely, for a particular channel, a high BP
compared to the average taken over all the channels corresponds to repletion. In
traditional terms, repletion (shi) is a condition of too much qi from various causes.
A low BP compared to this average corresponds to vacuity. In traditional terms,
vacuity (xu) is a condition of insufficient qi from various causes. Here, BP refers to
the initial current response at time t = 0 before any polarization has occurred.
Because of the known occurrence of circadian rhythms (see e.g. Manaka [12]),
where current readings have been found to fluctuate according to the time of day,
we feel that further experimental evaluation is required to validate these defini-
tions. The acupuncture points are known to have a positive potential of several
millivolts (see e.g., Tiller [4] and the discussion there). To account for this we add a
battery E to the circuit of Figure 19.4.

-cJ---1
R,

Figure 19.5
Manaka' s clinical practice and experimental research in acupuncture has led
him to suggest the existence of a biological signalling system which has the follow-
ing characteristics:
1. The biological system works at the level of low intensity signals and
responds to low-strength stimuli.
2. The biological system is able to detect and discriminate both internal and
external changes, and plays a role in regulating the body by transmitting this infor-
mation to other parts of the system.
3. As part of the signalling system, certain components of traditional
acupuncture practice can be used clinically to regulate the body as indicated below.
It was suggested that this signalling system has embryological and evolution-
ary roots and functioned to regulate the body prior to the development of the neu-
rological, endocrinological, etc. systems. Generally, acupuncture activates both the
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 401

simple signalling system and the more advanced regulatory systems. In such
cases, both effects occur together and need to be clinically discriminated since the
effects of the signalling system are generally masked by the more evident anatomo-
physiological system effects. The following diagram illustrates the interaction of
the signalling system, our electrical model of the channel system and the anatomo-
physiological system:
~ Ievetone
~signaling system
t
~level two
~channeling system
l
~level three
~anatamophysiologic
level
Figure 19.6
The channel system at level two, the electrical circuits in our model, interface
between the signalling system at level one and the anatomophysiological system of
level three. Regulation at level one produces lasting changes at level two and level
three. Most forms of acupuncture work at levels one through three, but only show-
ing the clearer and more easily measured responses from level three. Working
from the premise that traditional concepts function at level one, Manaka began
exploring the properties of the signalling system to see if this were so. His experi-
ments utilized tiny small-intensity stimuli such as the application of copper and
zinc plates, north and south poles of a magnet, and colors in the form of light and
ink to acupoints and channels. The use of such polarized agents, in particular,
allow for observation of their repeatable and reversible effects [10 & 11].
Assessment of these effects was made through observation of pressure pain and
muscle tonus at acupoints on the channels investigated and on related reflex
points. If the application is favorable to the channel under investigation, pressure
pain and muscle tonus will decrease. If unfavorable, pressure pain and muscle
tonus will increase. We have repeated his simple tests and experiments and have
obtained the same results.
According to traditional theory the channel qi flows in a particular direction.
In an effort to relate this concept to the electrical model of the channel and to deter-
mine if there is an electric current flowing in one direction, he applied copper and
zinc plates to non-acupuncture points on a channel and observed the channel
responses. For example, for pressure pain and tension at right LI-4, on the flesh in
the center of the web between the first and second metacarpals, placing copper
upstream and zinc downstream, proximal to the wrist on the large intestine chan-
nel, decreases these reactions. Reversing the copper and zinc causes the reactions
to return.

Epidermis

Dermis

Figure 19.7
402 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

Manaka interprets his findings as describing a current flow in the channel

which agrees with the traditional description of the flow of qi. In our electrical
model, high BP relates to repletion and low BP to vacuity of the channel. However,
it is known that pressure pain can arise from both repletion and vacuity (in the tra-
ditional sense of these terms). From a simple electrochemical viewpoint, copper is
electropositive relative to zinc so that the application of copper upstream and zinc
downstream should increase BP. Hence we assume that this adds a voltage and
thus is able to describe what happens in the case of vacuity.
But in the case where BP is already high, repletion-pressure pain should only
increase when we do this. However for this case, clinically the pressure pain
decreases, which would indicate a contradiction to our model. Consider next two
possible mechanisms of the observed phenomena. The first is that the pressure-
pain response arises from an influence of the treatment on the neural response in
the vicinity of a particular point. The chain of effects for this would be as follows:
(i) surface treatment leading to (ii) changes in the local channel that ultimately
manifest as electrical changes in the equivalent circuit which lead to (iii) electrolyte
and voltage changes in the vicinity of the key neural channels leading to (iv) excita-
tory or inhibitory response in the neural fibers leading to (v) pressure pain
response at the point.
The second possibility is that we need to change the channel model, specifical-
ly to change R by a circuit similar to one that describes the excitatory and inhibitory
responses of a neural fiber. In both possibilities we choose the same model to
resolve the contradiction. Release of pressure pain from repletion or vacuity can be
explained in either case by the effect of stimulation on the inhibitory and/ or excita-
tory channels of either the neural membrane, the equivalent channel channels or
possibly both. In the first case, where treatment influences the two channels of the
neural fibers, the effects on the pressure pain are relatively straightforward. In the
second case where treatment influences the two pathways of the channel to effect
pressure pain changes, the following are evidence in support of this model:
a) pressure pain responses do not arise solely from neurological causes and
therefore do not necessarily require a model of the neurological effects (see e.g.,
Melzack [13]).
b) Motoyama's results regarding the velocity of qi support this model (see
page 75 especially of [14]). He found the velocity of propagation of electrical
impulses along the channels to be in the range 4 em/ sec - 50 em/ sec, which is con-
siderably smaller than the velocity of propagation of nervous impulses which are
in the range 50 em/sec-100m/sec. It appears that the propagating impulses mea-
sured by Motoyama are travelling waves; the mathematical equations which have
as their solution, travelling waves, are of the form similar to equation (1) below.
We therefore feel justified in the use of this model and equation (1) for the channel.
c) our analysis below shows that the use of this two ionic channel model for
the channel is able to resolve the above contradiction and describe qualitatively
many other phenomena.
To be specific, assume that a channel is described by the equation of the type
used in the neurophysiological model for synapse membranes with two ionic channels:
(1) C0 ~; = (v+ - v) g+ + (v- - v) g- ,
where v+ and v- are excitatory and inhibitory saturation points, respectively:
v+ > v-; g+ > 0 and g- > 0
are the corresponding conductances of the two ionic channels, while C 0 is the
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 403

capacitance which we can assume to be unity for simplicity. Thus, depending on

the values of g+ and g-, v can take any value between v+ and v-, which we inter-
pret as being related to the most replete and most vacuous states of the channel,
correspondingly. When the channel becomes vacuous, let us presume that the
resistance of the excitatory channel becomes large (the excitatory channel closes) so
that g+ becomes small and v+ is close to v-; i.e., we have blockage in the excitatory
channel. Similarly, if g- becomes very small, we presume that it is due to the chan-
nel being replete and vis close to v+. This we interpret as blockage of the inhibito-
ry channel (the inhibitory channel closes). Thus for the case of copper and zinc
application as indicated in figure 19.7, the homeostatic effect of reduction of the
pressure pain can be explained as follows:
In the case of vacuity, g+ is increased which makes the channel more replete.
In the case of repletion, g- is increased so that the channel becomes more vacuous.
These simple copper and zinc tests developed by Manaka appear to demon-
strate that the channels have direction of flow. The north and south pole magnets
of 600-800 gauss strength have also been used to check channel flow and the results
are essentially the same as found for copper and zinc. The pressure pain responses
are qualitatively similar when the north pole replaces the copper and the south
pole replaces the zinc.
Omura [15] has shown that low-energy signals can change body musculature,
but they cannot create such changes by introducing voltage to neuronal mem-
branes. Low-energy signals cannot create a sufficient voltage to cause nerve
impulses. Our model describes such signals as effecting changes in conductances
and not voltages. This is similar to the negative resistance circuit suggested by
Omura [15] as a possible mechanism of the above effects.
These experiments have so far used non-acupuncture points on a channel.
Next Manaka applied these same polarities to certain acupoints, in particular the
"mother" or supplementing (tonifying) and "child" or draining (dispersing)
points [10 & 11]. These acupoints are important in traditional practice. Their
names derive from their association with the wu xing (five phases). We have done
some exploration of the five-phase model mathematically, and formulated mathe-
matical models which match traditional descriptions of their interactions [16].
Looking only at the interaction of the supplementing and draining points, we see
that they can be modeled according to the five-phase model by the following equa-
tion, which is a simplification of equation (9) below:
dsi = asj-l - dsj+l
dt
Here sj is the amount of stimulation of the j-th point on the channel under
investigation where this point belongs to the same phase as the channel and a > 0,
d > 0 are coefficients. sj-1 is the amount of stimulation of the supplementing
("mother") phase. Accoraing to traditional concepts, we treat the mother in cases
of vacuity. s+1 is the amount of stimulation of the draining ("child") phase.
According to lraditional concepts we treat the child in cases of repletion (excess).
Note that Sj-1 has a positive value and sj+1 a negative value. We assume that stim-
ulation of the channel is proportional to sj.
Manaka observed polarity-dependent reversible changes associated with these
points. Repeating his experiments, we have been able to confirm his findings.
Placing copper to the mother point and zinc to the child point reduces pressure
pain on the channel or at associated channel points. Reversing these so that zinc is
on the mother points with copper on the child points causes the pressure pain to
404 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

return. Replacing the copper with the north pole of a magnet and zinc with the
south pole has the same effect on the pressure pain. In general, applying a positive
electrical polarity to the mother point and negative to the child point has the same
effects. Thus other polarity agents such as Manaka's ion-pumping cords (I.P.) can be
used to treat these points with the same effects. The ion-pumping cord is essentially
a wire with a germanium or silicone diode in it. It has clips on either end for attach-
ment to needles (see Manaka [11 & 17]). It allows for unidirectional flow of current
from the black to the red clip. Thus the black clip is negative and the red positive.
Clinical usefulness of the ion-pumping cords can be seen in the case histories below.
Note that they are used with great efficacy on the "extraordinary vessels" as well as
on the channels. The following is a clinical demonstration of the applications of
these various polarity agents to mother and child points. For pressure pain at KI-16,
located approximately one centimeter on either side of the navel and associated with
the kidney channel on which it lies, the following results are obtained using polarity
agents on the KI-7, the mother, and on KI-1, the child points:
Agent Point Agent Point Pressure Pain
copper(+) Kl-7 zinc(-) KI-1 KI-16 decrease
zinc(-) KI-7 copper(+) Kl-1 KI-16 increase

north(+) KI-7 south(-) KI-1 KI-16 decrease

south(-) KI-7 north(+) KI-1 KI-16 increase

I.P. red(+) KI-7 I.P.black (-) Kl-1 KI-16 decrease

I.P.black (-) KI-7 I.P.red (+) KI-1 KI-16 increase
These observations can be explained using the above model of the channel.
The positive agent applied to the mother point and the negative agent applied to
the child point opens the ionic channel pores as described above. In cases of reple-
tion, this opens the inhibitory channel pores which will improve current flow
through the channel and release pressure pain. In cases of vacuity, this opens the
excitatory channel pores which will improve current flow through the channel and
release pressure pain. Reversing the polarity agents closes the pores, reversing the
changes in current flow and causing the pressure pain to return. These effects of
the polarity applications to the mother and child points can be seen in the phase
model equation above. (See section 4 for a more detailed mathematical model of
this.)
It is also important to notice that in eight out of twelve of the channels, the
order of application of the polarities to the mother and child points is the reverse
of that when applied to non-acupuncture points on a channel. In this latter case,
we have postulated that part of the effect is due to the addition of voltage to the
circuit, but in the former, since in most of the applications the polarity order is
reversed, the action of the polarity agents on the mother and child points must be
other than simple addition of voltage to the circuit. The mother and child points
must have special properties not directly related to the flow of current in the chan-
nels. They regulate the channels by increasing or decreasing conductances (open-
ing or closing the ionic channel pores).
This and other of Manaka's research- for example, application of colored
light and ink to these acupoints [11, 18 & 19] - supports the interpretation that
these categories of acupoints do correlate to what the Chinese called the five phas-
es. In our model their total interaction serves to regulate channel conductance.
However, more rigorous clinical research is required to investigate this.
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 405

An important point to notice in the above experiments is that in the first clinical
demonstration, when applying copper and zinc to non-acupuncture points on a chan-
nel, _the effects are shortlasting. We postulate that their effects occur partially through
addmg voltage to the channel and partially by opening the channel pores. Once the
voltage is removed, the channel returns to its original state. In our model of Manaka's
ideas above, this works at level two. We think though that this requires experimental
confirmation. Applying polarities to the mother and child points works primarily at
level one by changing the conductance of the channels and thus has longer lasting
effects than in the other case. Rigorous experiments are required to verify this, but it
at least has clinical confirmation. Manaka takes advantage of these changes clinically
by applying I.P. to the mother-child points of the channels found to be problematic by
his methods of diagnosis. These involve palpation of pressure pain and tension, use
of the Omura hi-digital 0-ring test, pulse palpation, visual inspection, etc. Our own
clinical utilization of these ideas shows their clinical application.
This can be seen in the following case histories taken from Manaka and our
own case loads. These case histories are essentially anecdotal, intended only to
illustrate that long-term effects can be obtained with these treatments, as our model
predicts. Until now, with the development of a model to describe these clinical
concepts, we have had no need to do rigorous clinical studies. We recognize the
need for such studies. We also recognize that our model is only for application to a
single channel. Clinical reality is more complex than this. Actual treatment in
these case histories is applied to two channels, often with supplementary points.
Further, in the first case study, the extraordinary vessels were used on the first
visit. We include this to illustrate the clinical effectiveness of the ion-pumping
cords. In the future we will develop models for all the channels and their various
interactions, including the extraordinary vessels. Experimental protocol requires
us to start with the simple models and build on these.

CASE STUDIES

Case One: Female, age 53

Main complaints: Severe lumbar pain and pain of the right upper arm and shoulder.
History: These problems were of nine years duration. The patient had tried the
following therapies unsuccessfully during this time: traction of the spine; wearing
a support brace while taking pain medications; surgery for a herniated disc; and
traditional herbal therapy for one year. She was now pessimistic and depressed
about her condition.
Diagnostic findings: Dark facial color with pigmentation of the skin on the face
and over areas of the upper back and chest. Pressure pain and tension in the right
subcostal and lower left quadrant regions of the abdomen. Positive 0-ring tests at
right LR-14, left ST-27, and CV-4. Tension and swelling at right BL-18. Weakness of
the left radial pulse, especially in the second position at the radial notch. Poor flex-
ion of the lumbar region. Poor flexion of the legs. Pain with abduction and rotation
of the right arm. Diagnosis in this case was a problem of the liver channel.
Treatment: On this first visit we used shallowly inserted needles with I.P. on the
extraordinary vessels at right PC-6, SP-4 and left TB-5, GB-41 for fifteen minutes.
This released the abdominal reactions and improved the 0-ring tests. Hashimoto's
extension exercise for the leg was applied three times. Subsequent flexion of the
legs and lumbar region showed great improvement with considerable improve-
ment in the lumbar pain.
406 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

At the second visit seven days later, the patient's range of lumbar flexion was still
at the improved level and the patient reported having had almost no lumbar pain.
However there had been no real improvement of the pain in the right upper arm
and shoulder. Diagnosis revealed a slightly different pattern of abdominal reac-
tions. Pressure pain and tension was found in the right subcostal region and to the
left of the navel focusing around ST-26. Positive 0-ring tests were found at right
LR-14, left ST-26 and CV-4. Diagnosis in this case was of the liver and small intes-
tine channels. Treatment involved the use of shallowly inserted needles with J.P.
to the mother and child points of these two channels for fifteen minutes in the fol-
lowing pattern: right SI-3 red - SI-8 black
left LR-2 black- LR-8 red
This released the abdominal reactions and improved the 0-ring tests. Range of
motion of the right arm was examined. Abduction and rotation showed improve-
ment with greatly reduced pain. Associated back points BL-18 and BL-27 were
then needled and warmed with moxa to reinforce the J.P. treatment. The patient
was then sent home with recommendations for dietary changes and instructions
not to worry about her problems since they had responded so well to treatment.
On subsequent visits over the next few weeks, the lumbar and arm and shoulder
pain did not return.

Case 2: Male, age 38.

Main complaints: Reiter's syndrome with arthritic pain and poor mobility of the
spine and both hips joints.
History: The problems began five years before with an acute onset of arthritis in
the left hip joint only days after an attack of urethritis and conjunctivitis.
Indomethacin and aspirin were used to treat this. Three and a half years later, the
spine began showing signs of arthritis with pain, stiffness and poor mobility. 600
mg per day of Clinoril was then used in place of the previous medications with
some success and partial relief of symptoms. But in the last few weeks the patient
had suffered a worsening of the condition with increased severity and frequency of
pain and signs that it had started in the right hip joint. The patient was sleeping
very badly. He was unable to lie on his back without muscle spasms and great
pain. This disturbed his sleep considerably.
Diagnostic findings: The musculature of the upper body and back was swollen
and tight with pressure pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. Pressure
pain and tension was found in the right subcostal region of the abdomen. But more
severe pressure pain was found at left LU-1 and at both Kl-11. Positive 0-ring tests
showed at left LU-1 and both KI-11. Weakness was found in the right radial pulse
at the cun position and left radial pulse at the chi position. Poor mobility of the
spine and hip joints was found. Diagnosis was of the lung and bladder channels.
Treatment: We applied shallowly inserted needles with J.P. to the mother and
child points of the left lung channel and the bladder channel for fifteen minutes in
the following pattern:
left LU-5 black- LU-9 red
left BL-65 black - BL-67 red
The patient, lying supine with knees raised, reported a relaxing of the back muscles.
The abdominal reactions and 0-ring tests improved. Range of motion of the spine
was examined. The patient had greatly increased range of motion and reported a
significant reduction in pain and stiffness. Needles were then inserted to BL-18
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 407

and BL-28 and warmed with moxa. Hashimoto's sotai leg extension exercise was
applied three times. Hinaishin (subcutaneous needles) were then applied to ear
points for the spine and hips. One week later, the patient reported having main-
tained the improvements in the spine and having been able to sleep on his back
with no discomfort or spasm. Treatment continued successfully over the next few
weeks with improvement in the hips and a slow reduction of Clinoril until zero
intake was achieved. Except for minor flare ups requiring further treatment over
the last two years, this patient has maintained these improvements and now is able
to lead a normal, active life.

Case 3: Female, age 75

Main complaints: Pain, stiffness and restricted motion of the left elbow, wrist and
fingers following a lower left humeral fracture ten months before. Right sided sci-
atica with ankle pain.
History: Following the injury a cast was applied. After removal of the cast, physi-
cal therapy was given twice a week for six months. During this time the patient put
on weight, which irritated an old sciatic problem on the right side with pain also at
the ankle.
Diagnostic findings: The left arm could not be abducted beyond shoulder level.
The left hand had very poor grip, and the left wrist had restricted rotation.
Swelling and pressure pain was noted on the left triple burner channel from elbow
to wrist. The patient was obese, and the musculature of the lumbar region was
swollen and tight. Pressure pain and tension was found in the right subcostal
region of the abdomen with pressure pain and tension at right ST-25 and GB-26.
The right radial pulse was weaker than the left radial pulse, especially at the mid-
dle position. Diagnosis was of the spleen and triple burner channels.
Treatment: We applied shallowly inserted needles and I.P. to the mother and child
points of the right spleen and triple burner channels for fifteen minutes in the fol-
lowing pattern:
right SP-2 red- SP-5 black
right TB-3 red - TB-10 black
The abdominal reactions improved. Abduction of the left arm was tested showing
some improvement. The wrist rotation also showed some improvement. Two
hinaishin were inserted to the Korean arm reflex points on the left fourth finger.
Further hinaishin were placed at left LI-14 and in the right ear at the ankle and sci-
atic points. Finally needles were shallowly inserted at right GB-39 and GB-41 for
five minutes. Abduction and rotation were retested showing further improve-
ments. Upon stepping off the treatment bed, the patient reported almost no sciatic
pain with only a little discomfort at the right ankle. One week later abduction and
rotation of the left arm was still improved though some pain persisted. The sciati-
ca had improved to a dull pain in the right buttock.

In these case studies, we can see long-term changes resulting from treatment.
Our model predicted that regulation at level one should produce lasting effects.
We think that this is at least demonstrated in these case studies. Below are more
developments of the mathematical model which describe a possible mechanism for
these treatments. Rigorous experiments will be required to validate the model.
408 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE FIVE PHASE LAWS

IN THE CASE OF A SINGLE CHANNEL
We consider the effects of different signals on the excitatory conductance g+
(for g- the analysis is similar). We use a simple mass action law. To be specific,
assume that (1) describes a wood (liver) channel. Let T 1 be a signal leading to
vacuity of the liver channel, i.e., decreasing g+, say, due to emotional and dietary
factors, acting for a long time (i.e., several years) from time to to t1. At time t1 the
diet was changed and treatment using needles, electrical polarities or light (accord-
ing to the five phase laws) was administered for a short time from t1 to t2 by a sig-
nal T2. We thus have:
(2) T 1 (t) =

{ 0.
const, t 0
t

(3)
{ 0.
T2 = const, t1
0,
The simplest mass action law is defined by:
t
s
t < tl
t s t2
> tz.

(4) gg+ = ( H + JT2 (t) ) ( g 0 - g+) - JT1 (t) g+ , t ~ t 0 ,

dt
Where go is the maximal number of open pores (when T1 (t) = 0). Equation (4) says
that closed pores, which number g 0 - g+ , open at a rate H + JT2 (t) (when T 2 (t) = 0
then the rate is H); and that the signal T1 (t) closes open pores, which number g+ at
a rate J. We also assume that at timet= t0 all pores are open, i.e., no blockages:
(5) g+ <to> = go
Solving (4), (5) for different time intervals gives:
(6) g+ (t) = _!L g 0, t0 << t s t1
H+JT1
for timet "long enough";
(7) g+(t)= g 0 - g 0 (J~e) -(H+JT2 )(t-t1),
tl s t s t2;
H+JT1
(8) g+ (t) = g 0 - ( g 0 - g+ (t2 >) e -H (t- t2), t ~ t2 .
Equation (6) shows that the excitation channel of the liver channel is now par-
tially blocked (the conductance g decreased). Equation (7) models the unblocking
process (increase of g) due to the treatment. Equation (8) says that the unblocking
process continues after the treatment stopped, but with a slower rate than during
the treatment. Substitution of (6), (7), and (8) into (1) and solving it will show how
the voltage v changes in time. Clinical experiments are required to test this model.
We next look more closely at the treatment process, e.g., how T2 (t) can be obtained.
Clinical experiments performed by Manaka and ourselves seem to agree with the
traditional five-phase theory. The following example with colors shows this [11].
To reduce pressure pain on LI-4, a metal channel point, applying red to LU-
10, a fire point on a metal channel, will reduce the LI-4 pressure pain. Here, fire
restrains metal, red on a metal channel restrains the channel. Applying black to
LU-10 will cause the LI-4 pressure pain to return. Here water restrains fire. Black
on a fire point reduces the restraining effect of fire on the metal channel.
 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 409

The simplest conceptual model of the classical five-phase theory in the case of
one channel can be formulated as follows. Given a stimulation of one or several of
the five acupoints corresponding to different phases, on the channel under consid-
eration, these five acupoints stimulate each other according to what the traditional
theory calls engendering and restraining cycles. Then the stimulation of the chan-
nel is proportional to the resulting stimulation of the acupoint that belongs to the
same phase as the channel. The simplest mathematical interpretation of this model
gives a linear five-dimensional dynamical system. We illustrate our approach in
the case of our example of the wood (liver) channel.
Let Sj (t), j = 1 ....,5 (assume j = 1 for water, j = 2 for wood etc.) denote the
amount of stimulation of j-th point on the wood channel. Suppose our treatment
was to supplement the water point by signal R. Then the simplest mathematical
model describing the effects of this treatment is given by the system of five linear
differential equations (see also [16]).

(9) dS1
- = aS 5 - aS4 - cS1 - ds2 -eS 3 + R(t), t ~ t1 ,
dt

~ = aSj-1 -bSj-2- cSj- dsj+l -eSj+2, j = 2, 3, 4, 5,

where R(t) = R = const > 0 for t1 ~ t ~ t2 , R(t) = 0 otherwise; with the initial con-
ditions:
(10) sj <t1> = o, j = 1, ...., 5.
Here a, b, c, d, e > 0. The first equation in (9), for example, says that the rate
of change of stimulation of the water acupoint is proportional to the stimulation Ss
(engendering) of the metal point, to the negative stimulation S4 (restraining) of the
earth acupoint, to the negative stimulation S1 (homeostatic) of the water acupoint,
to the negative stimulation S2 (counter-engendering) of the wood acupoint, to the
negative stimulation s3 (counter-restraining) of the fire acupoint, to the stimulation
R(t) from the treatment.

Liver (wood) channel

Figure 19.8
410 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases

Solving (9), (10) we obtain in particular S 2 (t) which gives us the resulting
effect of the treatment on the wood acupoint on the (wood) liver channel, we next
set T2(t) = S2 (t), i.e., we assume that the stimulation of the liver (wood) channel
equals the stimulation of the wood acupoint.

CONCLUSIONS
We have explored mathematically some concepts and clinical data from clas-
sical acupuncture. We have attempted to convince the reader that a shift in atti-
tude is possible so that questions of the type "what does all this mean?" are
replaced by questions, "How accurate is a particular model?" and "What are the
appropriate experiments to verify it?" Though we are not aware of any rigorous
experiments to support our analysis, still the abundance of anecdotal data con-
vinced us that our attempt was worthwhile. We have started with a simple electric
circuit model of the skin, which accounts for the measurements of some of the elec-
trodermal instruments such as Motoyama's AMI. The initial electric current BP is
interpreted as an indication of the condition (as determined by traditional
acupuncture procedures) of a channel. High BP corresponds to repletion, low BP
corresponds to vacuity, in traditional terms. Rigorous experiments are required to
verify this correspondence.
Manaka's clinical results (confirmed by our own) show that application of a
small voltage to non-acupuncture points on a channel and to the mother and child
points reduced pressure pain independent of whether the channel was vacuous or
replete. In view of the importance of this homeostatic mechanism, we intend to
conduct triple-blind experiments to verify this. To account for these results, we
introduce a mathematical model similar to that of a synapse membrane with two
ionic channels and assume that the applied voltage affects the conductances of the
ionic channels. Further research is required to determine actual mechanisms. In
figure 19.6, we develop Manaka's idea showing how treatment regulates at the
signal level which alters channel conductances, which in tum creates anatomo-
physiological changes. We corroborate Manaka's suggestion that the five phases
and their acupoints belong to the signal level as regulatory mechanisms. Next, we
develop a phenomenological model of the five-phase laws in the case of a single
channel and use it to describe in real time the development of a disease (which we
interpret as blockage in a channel) and its treatment (which we interpret as the cor-
responding unblocking process). Again, we plan to conduct clinical experiments
and monitor them by using AMI or other related equipment. We also intend to
examine detailed parametric properties of solutions of our differential equation
models, both analytically and numerically, and compare the mathematical predic-
tions with related data. An extension of equation (1) will replace it by an appropri-
ate partial differential equation to account for the travelling wave fronts measured
by Motoyama [20]. We also plan to develop a mathematical model for the com-
plete channel system.

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 Appendix Five: A Mathematical Model for the Five Phases 411

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Ryodoraku Jiritsushinkei Gakkai Journal, March, 1986.
[13] Melzack, R. eta!., "Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points for Pain," Pain 3:3-23, 1977.
[14] Motoyama, H., "A Biophysical Elucidation of the Meridian and Ki-Energy," Inti. Assoc. Relig.
& Parapsychol. (1981) 7:1, p.1-78, 1981.
[15] Omura, Y., "Effects of an electrical field and its polarity on an abnormal part of the body or
organ representation point associated with a diseased internal organ, and its influence on the bi-digital
0-ring test (simple, non-invasive dysfunction localization method) and drug compatibility test - part
1," Acupuncture and Electrother. Res. Int. J. 7, pp.209-246, 1982.
[16] Birch, S. and M. Friedman, "On the development of a mathematical model for the 'laws' of
the five phases," American Journal of Acupuncture, 17, 4, 361-6, 1989.
[17] Manaka, Y., K. Itaya K. and S. Brown," Abdominal diagnosis and indications in traditional
Chinese medicine," American Journal of Acupuncture 13:3, p.223-234, 1985.
[18] Manaka, Y., "The skin distinguishes color and sound!? An approach to qi, the origin of
Oriental medicine," Ida no Nippon magazine, May, 1987, p. 91-98.
[19] Manaka, Y., "Speculation on 'qi' in Chinese medicine as media in the signal system," Japan
Shinkyu Topology Conference, Kyoto, July, 1988.
[20] Motoyama, H., "Electrophysiological and preliminary biochemical studies of skin properties
in relation to the acupuncture meridian," Inti. Assoc. Relig. & Parapsychol. 6, p.1-36, 1980.
 FURTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THE
POSSIBLE NATURE OF THE X-SIGNALS
BY STEPHEN BIRCH

It is useful to speculate on the possible nature of the signals involved in

Manaka's X-signalling system. Ultimately it may be impossible to designate one or
a class of possible candidates as exact signals. One is reminded of Lao Zi's famous
saying: "The dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal dao." But it is useful from
the point of view of potential scientific research to identify potential candidates.
When we think about or study these issues we should reject seeing one or more as
"correct" and the rest as "wrong" or irrelevant. For all we know, the signalling
system is like a large orchestra with each member playing a different instrument in
a seamless musical whole. As long as the methodologies employed are appropri-
ate, it will be possible to explore many models. However, beginning where
Manaka left off will not be easy.
Manaka' s signal system model of acupuncture was discovered through the
use of inquiry methods appropriate to the subjects investigated. It fits the criteria
for a developed theoretical model and avoids the problems that plague both the
integrationist and strictly scientific approaches to acupuncture. It avoids paradig-
matic contradictions as well. As a logical description of acupuncture and as a bio-
logical model, it neither contradicts the traditional theories (where they have held
up to experimental analysis) nor the principles of biology. Essentially, Manaka has
proposed that these theories describe how very small signals, produced both with-
in and without the body, are transformed at specific loci and amplified to produce
physiological changes of greater extent. I
Manaka's theories describe how the material of physiology- all the electron-
ic, protonic, atomic, molecular, and cellular events that are the mainstay of physiol-
ogy, are regulated by an underlying information system. The theories of yin-yang
and five phases describe how aspects of this system work and can be controlled.
They describe a kind of subphysiological system, perhaps one that lies in the infi-
nitely complex realm of microenergetic events: the electrical currents, fields, mag-
netic fields, electromagnetic fields and waves, that are the products of physiology,
but which are the matrix within which physiological phenomena occur and are
regulated. Thus the language of acupuncture, the theories of yin-yang, do not
describe physiological processes, rather they describe the microenergetic phenome-
na that regulate those processes. This is the essential nature of qi and the channels.
414 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals

These Chinese words describe the actions of a complex, interconnected, informa-

tion-regulatory system. They describe the communicational, informational, and
regulatory events that support physiology. 2
There exist few references in the literature to ideas such as these. The follow-
ing makes a clear statement that parallels Manaka's ideas:
The comprehensive understanding of the lesser-differentiated states which
underlie all the psychologic, physiologic, and structural manifestations of ill-
ness - the understanding of energetic states in living systems - is the great gift
that Chinese medicine gives to the West. We have no counterpart to this system
in Western medicine.3
There exist discoveries - often ignored by the general scientific community -
which also parallel these ideas. For example, the late Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, twice
Nobel Laureate, discoverer of many aspects of energetic physiology, discovered a
primitive, less efficient energy production system. While mostly replaced by later,
more efficient systems, it is still present in living organisms, hidden or masked by
these systems.4 This protometabolism is significant because it is an example of a
lower order system that retains functions in the midst of greatly superior systems.
Manaka's information system, the Chinese system of qi, is similar. It is a less dif-
ferentiated, lower order energy system that maintains its functions in the midst of a
veritable symphony of higher-order functions.
Perhaps what the Chinese have called qi is an undifferentiated energy, the
matrix of all derivative forms of energy. In acupuncture and Chinese medicine,
differentiated forms are labeled as a specific qi, for example, the ying qi, wei qi, gu qi,
etc. In physical, chemical, or biological terms it might be characterized by, exhibit
properties of, or propagate signals via many different mechanisms, routes, and
forms of energy. The following is a list of possible routes or mechanisms that may
participate in such a system. It comprises a compilation of concepts, models, and
mechanisms from a wide variety of sources. Rigorous research needs to identify
which, if any, of these participate in the signal system and under what circum-
stances. It is not improbable that many of these phenomena are characteristics of
the signal system. The inquiry methodologies were quite different, but often the
perspectives are similar. Included in this list are more general discussions of mod-
els and concepts that might describe, or lead to a description of, the underlying
mechanism that unites these as a whole. Theoretically such a level exists, a very
primitive, basic energy form, from which other forms are derived. It is hard to
describe. The term qi is much more convenient!

MODELS OF POSSIBLE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SIGNAL SYSTEM

The very nature of the subject suggests that there are many models. It is
impossible to review them all or to discuss them in detail. We list good candidates.
According to traditional Chinese ideas, there would be a primitive or primordial
field phenomenon from which all of the following would be derivative forms.
Thus, it is also useful to speculate on the nature of this general field. Researchers
will need to map what occurs in the context of each phenomenon. In scientific
terms, we are only at the point of discussing appropriate means and methods of
inquiry. The following is thus speculation.

ELECTRICAL POSSIBILITIES:
There are many renowned and respectable studies on the electrical character-
istics and properties of the body, some of which have already adopted perspectives
 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals 415

similar to those Dr. Manaka proposed. Many come from diverse fields, often with-
out knowledge of the others:
- The electro-dynamic field theory of Harold Saxton Burr of Yale.s All
events in the body generate fields which interact as a whole field. This field deter-
mines the activities of its parts and in turn is determined by those parts.
- The semi-conductor system of interconnected molecular systems and the
quantum considerations of Albert Szent-Gyorgyi.6 Oschman extends Szent-
Gyorgyi's model to include the connective tissues and in particular the planes of
fasciae, allowing communication between every cell and every other cell, every
organelle, and all other organelles?
- The DC current system described by Robert Becker, which is associated
with growth, healing, and regeneration and which is thought to correlate to the
acupuncture channels and their points.B
- The various currents which have been found associated with embryological
development, orientation of neurones, muscle cells, the prediction of the sites of
limb bud formation, etc.9
- The battery properties of the epidermis and the current of injury in relation
to piercing the skin.10
- The ionic currents of the body which compose the biologically closed elec-
tric circuits of Bjorn Nordenstrom.11
- The electrical fields associated with neural and muscular activities which
communicate throughout the body, triggering responses in cells tuned to the fre-
quencies of associated cells, the window effects of Adey (the signatures associated
with the temporal features of the fields accompanying the contraction of muscle
tissues).12
- The contracting muscles that generate sounds which move within the body.
In the correct medium, such as water, these sounds can be communicated between
organisms. Research has shown that these sounds sometimes encode informa-
tion.13
- The sensitivity of the body surface to very weak electrical fields, both close
and distal- projected- fields, as described by Yoshiaki Omura.l4
- Possible antenna properties of a needle inserted through the skin and its
electrical effects upon the body.15
- Possible piezoelectric effects of needle insertion.16
- The correlations of frequency-dependent relationships that exist between
particular organs, tissues, the body surface and electrical fields. In 1974, Arthur
Pilla described models of how electrochemical information can be transferred
across cell membranes, how a cell can be stimulated, inhibited, or exhibit passive
response depending upon the frequencies and amplitudes of the signals
employed.1 7
- The quantum studies and speculations on bioelectrical functions of
Wlodzimierz Sedlak of Poland. He has theorized on the integrated functions of the
bioelectrical systems, for example, that of electrostasis, and the flow of electrons to
the body surface with the role of protection and shielding of the body interior.lB
He has further speculated on the possible magneto-hydrodynamic effects occur-
ring in biological structures and their importance in both the generation of electri-
cal signals in the body and the maintenance of the bioelectrical environment inside
the body.19
416 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals

- Bioelectrical homeostasis and its possible relationship to acupuncture. 20

- The electrical characteristics of the channels and their acupoints, measured
by many different devices and means, and speculations on the role of this electrical
system relative to body functions.21
- Hiroshi Motoyama's electrical studies of the channel systems and his spec-
ulations on the nature of qi.22
- The superconductive properties of specific tissues, cell structures, and mol-
ecules, and their possible role in living processes.23 Biological superconductivity is
seen as an important mechanism for allowing organisms to maintain homeostasis.
Some authors have even speculated on the roles of this relative to the acupuncture
points and channels.24

MAGNETIC POSSIBILITIES
It is difficult separating magnetic properties from electrical properties
because wherever we have a moving electric charge- electrons, protons, ions, etc. -
we also have magnetic fields. Since research has shown that electrical fields and
currents are generated at all levels of physiological activity, then in all likelihood so
too are magnetic fields. Specific measurements of these magnetic fields have been
made using sensitive equipment. The magnetic fields represent another set of
information carriers concomitant with the electrical carriers. The following is a list
of some of the measured fields and their proposed properties:25
- John Zimmerman has done considerable research into the magnetic fields
of the body, in particular the brain and its responses to varied perceptive stimuli,
the magnetic fields associated with palm healing or therapeutic touch. He has also
speculated on the general functions of these fields, particularly in healing.26
- The earth's magnetic field has been shown to be very important to life, to
the timing and integration of normal physiology, and to be related to various disor-
ders including psychiatric disturbances and possibly even cancerP Some authors
have speculated on the roles of biomagnetic homeostasis relative to the actions of
the geomagnetic field.28
- William Tiller has proposed that part of the nature and origin of the electri-
cal potential in the channels, in particular the battery-like effect of the acupoints, is
generated by the magnetic vector potential field. Such a proposal accounts for phe-
nomena observed in the acupoints.29
- In his studies of the bi-digital 0-ring test, Omura has speculated on the
possibility that electromagnetic resonance phenomena participate in the use of the
test for localizing and identifying molecules in the body. In general, the phenome-
non of electromagnetic resonance can be said to also carry information between
like substances that resonate.30
- Molecular mechanisms may be involved in a variety of magnetic field phe-
nomena.31

ELECTROMAGNETIC POSSIBILITIES

Just as cinematic images appear to be real but are only combinations of light and
shade, so is the universal variety as delusive seeming. The planetary spheres,
with their countless forms of life, are naught but figures in a cosmic motion pic-
ture. Temporarily true to man's five sense perceptions, the transitory scenes are
cast on the screen of human consciousness by the infinite creative beam. 32
 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals 417

As well as the electrical and magnetic fields, currents that can act as carriers
of signals or information, there are more diverse electromagnetic fields and waves:
light in all of its various forms, both visible and non-visible, coherent and non-
coherent. Sedlak has measured this extensively in his research and has proposed
models of how the living organism creates and utilizes such energies:
The evolutionary mechanisms sought in the relation to environment can be solved
by reducing both sides to a common nature. The author conceives the organism
and environment in terms of electromagnetic fields. At every level of complexity
the organism emits electromagnetic radiations. This applies to individual cells
(mitogenetic radiation) as well as to organs and to the whole complex organism.
Human brain radiations have been best studied so far. The '"metabolism'" of
electromagnetic energy is a manifestation of life as much as the transformation of
matter. The biological field with its electromagnetic qualities is a universal mani-
festation of life. The organism may be considered as an oscillator emitting biologi-
cal field with large band spectrum. 33

All molecular changes, interactions, etc., produce electromagnetic radiations that

travel away from their origin. Different tissues, different molecules, and atoms, are
tuned to radiations of specific wavelengths and frequencies. Frequently biological
organisms even project coherent light in the form of laser-like light.34 Throughout
evolution all levels of organization seem to have taken advantage of this produc-
tion of energy and sensitivity to specific energies.
Several authors have developed theories of how these energies are utilized.
For example, Philip Callahan, in his studies of insect communication systems,
found that such sensitivities exist and are very much exploited.35 He has further
postulated that molecules and atoms emit "inversional and rotational emission
waves" that are particular to an atom or molecule, have "signatures," that hold
information about the state of the molecules and atoms, and can be read by mole-
cules and atoms elsewhere which are tuned to those waves. This system of molec-
ular emissions exists throughout nature in all living things and in the environment.
There exist an almost infinite number of signal carriers, of information in the envi-
ronment and within and between all living things.
Concepts such as these have been discussed by a variety of authors. In a
related theory, Herbert Weaver, a telegraph company worker from England, devot-
ed his retirement to the study of the phenomenon of divining. He researched the
mechanisms of this ancient art, proposing that it uses the radiations naturally emit-
ted by all objects. He provided evidence showing that natural systems are tuned to
these radiations as a kind of "primary sense," a very ancient method of sensing
things in the environment. He further argued that living things developed geomet-
rical forms and shapes that served to disguise their radiations so that their preda-
tors could not find them. He also proposed that primitive man's writings and
drawings used forms and figures which could elicit similar responses.36
Weaver's theories resonate with Manaka's discussions about the possible ori-
gins of acupuncture, as a kind of primitive sense that has been lost to more modem
civilized man. Similar discussions have also been initiated by physicist and
acupuncturist Yasumasa Katsumata, a colleague of Dr. Manaka. In particular,
Katsumata arrived at the concept of sayoshi, a phantom function or effect that can
be transferred between objects, that is not itself material, and that can even be left
in the place or space which an object formerly occupied. He first began studying
the mechanisms of the bi-digital 0-ring test and through extensive research arrived
at this more general theory. He proposed that it is the emission of "molecular
waves," in the ultra-infrared or microwave range, which produces the effect. This
418 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals

is similar to the concepts described by Callahan and Weaver.3 7 His general theory
is discussed in appendix 4 of this text. His findings and speculations are not dis-
similar to research findings in the study of qigong, where many research groups
have identified low frequency infrared radiation as a factor.3 8 The findings of
lkuro Suehara, a Japanese physicist and acupuncturist, may also be relevant here.
Through his research using pure samples of individual chemical elements and
muscle testing, he has found correlations between the effects of pure elements from
within a vertical column of the periodic table of elements and a single channel. He
has reportedly mapped these correlations for all the channels. These possible cor-
relations need more rigorous investigations, but if correct, they reveal some signifi-
cant bioenergetic correlates to the theories of acupuncture which could potentially
be "signal" mechanisms in Manaka's more general theory.39
It is clear from these discussions that there may be many mechanisms
involved in acupuncture, at many levels of electrical, magnetic, and electromagnet-
ic activities, all of which may act as carriers of the signals described by Dr. Manaka.
It is helpful to look further at proposals of a more global nature that try to explain
the whole field in simpler terms. If only a few of the above mechanisms participate
in the signal system, it is indeed a very complex and powerful system. To grasp it,
a simpler, more encompassing theory would be helpful. William Tiller has pro-
posed a sophisticated and far-reaching model that is not only able to explain the
effects of acupuncture, but many other healing disciplines, ancient practices, etc.
This model has come from his many years researching acupuncture, meditation,
and paranormal phenomena. Though his work is as yet unpublished, his many
papers outline the basic theory.40 He has proposed the existence of "positive
space-time," the realm most easily accessible to our senses, and "negative space-
time," a more subtle world that coexists with the positive:
Whereas positive space/time matter is associated with the forces of electricity and
electromagnetic (EM) radiation, negative space/time matter is associated primari-
ly with magnetism and a force which Tiller describes as magnetoelectric (ME)
radiation. 41
In negative space/time, energy is magnetoelectric and negatively entropic and
substance is of a subtle magnetic character.42
It is possible that this theory, worked out in some detail by Tiller and already
correlated to acupuncture and the energy fields of the body, especially the "subtle
bodies," may be able to explain many of the phenomena observed by Dr. Manaka
and describe the general nature of the signals.
The holographic paradigm is another possible global model of how signals
may be produced, propagated, and received. David Bohm's theory of implicate
order and holographic nature is pertinent.43
In such a universe, higher levels of order and information may be holographically
enfolded in the fabric of space and matter/energy.
Because what happens in just a small fragment of the holographic energy interfer-
ence pattern affects the entire structure simultaneously, there is a tremendous
connectivity between all parts of the holographic universe.44
Aside from the obvious correlations of this model to the model described above
(i.e., the connectivity of all parts to each other), the storage and transfer of informa-
tion between all parts of the system, it can also be seen as a good candidate for
describing some of the signals that participate in Manaka's signal system. There
have been other speculations on the role of the holographic paradigm in acupunc-
ture.45
 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals 419

Rupert Sheldrake's theory of the morphogenetic field may also be relevant.

Sheldrake, a biologist, postulated a theory that has weathered scientific scrutiny.
He proposed that non-physical, morphogenetic fields exist. They guide morpho-
logical development, activity of forms, etc. This represents another candidate for
describing the global regulation of information storage, transfer, and activity.46 In
a more limited biological model, we can postulate that the global regulation mech-
anisms, which function to allocate energy within species and individual organisms,
may also be relevant. This is sometimes called "the principle of allocation."47 On
a larger scale, but still in a limited biological sense, the Gaia hypothesis of James
Lovelock may also be relevant. This states that the earth itself functions to globally
regulate life and energy distribution.48 It is possible that regulatory mechanisms
operate at many levels of organization in nature.
These last two models describe how underlying principles in nature can regu-
late higher-order activities and functions such as the general distribution of energy
and information. Order is an important function of living things; any system
which can create order may be useful to life. We saw in Tiller's model that the
more subtle energies of the negative space-time are negatively entropic; they create
order. This seems similar to the models described above, specifically that chaotic
systems seem to spontaneously give rise to order. Recent studies have unravelled
exquisite mathematical principles operating throughout nature, at all levels, which
give rise to order. Deep within chaotic systems are layers of hidden order.49 These
are properties of whole systems and not parts of systems, and are important here
because they too describe how information can be stored, transferred, and regulat-
ed. They provide further potential global descriptions of Manaka's signal system.
Physiological integration is essential to life. Without ordered, well-timed,
and integrated systems at all levels of activity within an organism, life would slow-
ly begin to degenerate. This is probably the simplest way of describing how dis-
ease develops. The mechanisms of physiological integration are complex and var-
ied, but somehow remain an integrated whole for maximal activity.SO It is proba-
ble that the systems which serve to regulate the organism are not describable solely
by the normal physiological languages of molecular, atomic, and cellular interac-
tions. There are many principles operating, many at very low energy content. If
Dr. Manaka's hypothesis is correct regarding the role of acupuncture relative to
this signal system, then this is indeed significant.Sl In a way, much of what Dr.
Manaka has said can be seen in a simple analogy. When one walks into a factory
that has been idle for the weekend, it may take only the flick of a few switches to
engage the factory's equipment and machines in production again. Here, only a
tiny amount of energy, - the flick of a few switches - activates many processes cre-
ating and expending huge amounts of energy. In the body, only a tiny stimulus at
the skin surface can activate a multitude of processes in the body, creating and
expending large amounts of energy. When the factory is already in full operation,
it is regulated and controlled by similar small amounts of energy applied to appro-
priate leverage points: switches, buttons, dials, etc. To regulate the body's activi-
ties (within at least a physiological range), only small amounts of energy need be
applied at key leverage points. In the factory, the languages describing the ener-
gies of general activity will be electrical, magnetic, thermal, etc. In the body, the
Chinese described energy as qi in a variety of forms, and, using yin-yang, five
phase, and channel theories, they described how one is able to choose the appropri-
ate leverage points to create change.
In modem biological language, the inner workings of the body are complex and
enmeshed. Possibly all of the mechanisms discussed here participate in the regulation
of physiological activity. The Chinese descriptions of these concepts are difficult at best.
420 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals

Modem physiological descriptions are also complex, and may best be simplified, at
least while the full model is being researched, in appropriate general languages.
In addition to describing this unbelievably complex interpenetrating regulato-
ry system in the technical languages of systems and information theory, we may
also use the language of mathematics. In particular, the language of topology, three
dimensional geometry, and the use of more recent mathematical ideas developed in
the studies of chaos, may be useful. Finding an appropriate language for describing
certain characteristics that arise from global interactions and not local properties can
be difficult.
Dr. Manaka frequently referred to the language of three-dimensional geome-
try, or topology, as a valid manner of describing some of the theories of acupunc-
ture. He founded and was president of the Shinkyu Topology Group (the
Acupuncture and Moxibustion Topology Group), holding yearly meetings in
Kyoto. This group has shown how the language of topology can be useful in
describing complex phenomena in acupuncture.
The term "connectedness" is important for modern views of nature; if all
things are inseparable and non-reducible, then they are all connected. "At all lev-
els, from atoms to persons, connection is a requirement for life."52 Cunningham
proposes that:
Health depends on a property which may be called "connectedness," an optimal
passage of information between the levels of the organism and its environment.
The right kind and amount of information must be transmitted to maintain
health. 53
Disease is the reverse, what he calls "disconnectedness." If these views are
correct, and commonsense interpretation of the information and systems theory
models of life suggest that they may be, then connectedness is an important prop-
erty of living things. We find the property of connectedness in the study of topolo-
gy. Connectedness is a topological property; thus the use of the language of topol-
ogy for describing connectedness in the living body may be useful. Dr. Manaka
takes advantage of this with his sophisticated theories regarding structure-function
relationships, especially those inherent in octahedral theory.
Mathematics can also be used to describe yin-yang and the five phases phe-
nomenologically. The behavior of the body's yin-yang and five-phase systems
seem to have such precision that it is not unreasonable to suggest that the language
and descriptions of these theories may be referring to mathematical rather than
merely philosophical concepts. In appendix 5, two papers are presented that
develop such phenomenological models, providing a minimal mathematical
description of the five phases and their various interactions. Important parallels to
Manaka's information model derive from these descriptions. In particular, we
found that for the system of five interacting phases to remain in balance, which is
the essential nature of the system according to traditional descriptions, what passes
between each phase must have a qualitative and not a quantitative nature. That is,
the five-phase interactions must be informational in nature. For example, if we
think of what is passing between the water and wood phases in the sheng cycle, as
quantities of stuff (i.e., xue, gu qi, ying qi, zong qi, etc.), then the system of five phas-
es cannot maintain balance. Only when we reduce the amount to near zero, i.e., to
a qualitative entity such as information, can the system work as described.
Working in consultation with William Tiller, we developed a mathematical
model that bridges the gap between traditional descriptions of a channel and the
simplest electrical model of a channel- based on electrical measurements -the five
 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals 421

phases, the actions of the five-phase points, observed clinical findings, and clinical
applications. In short, we have the beginnings of a mathematical model that is able
to describe research findings, traditional descriptions, and clinical practice. This
particular model is important because it interfaces traditional concepts with scien-
tific measurements and tests using a "neutral language."
If we are to develop a full scientific model of acupuncture, we must first
develop a precise idea of what is testable with rigorous scientific methodology.
Only thus may the theory be raised to the standard of science. It is our intention to
rigorously investigate the specific findings of Dr. Manaka which have led to the
formation of the signal system model. Mathematical models are the starting point
for this research. It will take much careful work to unravel the traditional theories
and mechanisms of acupuncture and Manaka's X-signal system. We hope this
work will contribute to that process.

NOTES
1 The idea that tiny stimuli or signals produce therapeutic effects is similar to one expressed by
Speransky: "Hence we obtain the rule that only weak degrees of irritation can have a useful signifi-
cance, strong ones inevitably do damage." A Basis for the Theory of Medicine, quoted from Chaitow, L.,
Soft-Tissue Manipulation, p. 66.
2 In Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, we develop an argument that shows the parallels
between traditional Chinese descriptions and modem scientific discoveries, specifically the observed
field and energetic phenomena. See chapters eight and nine.
3 Kobrin, L.E., "The role of Chinese medicine in modem medicine," Jefferson Alumni Bulletin, pp.
12-18, Winter 1988.
4 Szent-Gyorgyi, A., "Protometabolism," Int. Jour. Quant. Chern., "Quant. Bio. Symp. 11," pp. 63-
67,1984.
5 Burr, H.S. and F.S.C. Northrop, "An electro-dynamic theory of life," Quart. Rev. Bioi. 10:3,
pp.322-333, 1935; and Burr, H.S., The Fields of Life, New York: Ballantine Books, 1972.
6 Szent-Gyorgyi published many books and papers on this subject. The following is a good
example of his work: Szent-Gyorgyi, A., Introduction to a Submolecular Biology, New York: Academic
Press, 1960.
7 Oschman, J.L., "The connective tissues and myofascial systems," paper presented at the
Rolfing '81 conference in Los Angeles; Oschman, J.L., "The structure and properties of ground sub-
stance," Amer. Zoo!. 24:1, pp. 199-215, 1984. See also Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Hara Diagnosis:
Reflections on the Sea, chapters seven, eight and nine, where this concept is explored and correlated to
traditional Chinese and Japanese medical texts and theories. See also the more recent text, Oschman,
J.L., "A biophysical basis for acupuncture," The Proceedings of the First Symposium of the Society For
Acupuncture Research, Boston, MA, Society for Acupuncture Research, 1994.
8 Becker, R.O. and A.A. Marino, Electromagnetism and Life, Albany: State University of New York
Press, 1982; Becker, R.O. and G. Selden, The Body Electric, New York: William Morrow, 1985; Becker,
R.O., "Electromagnetic controls over biological growth processes, Jour. Bioelect. 3:162, pp. 105-118, 1984.
9 For discussion see: Jaffe, L.F., "Developmental currents, voltages and gradients," in Subtelny, S.
and P.B. Green, Developmental Order: Its Origin and Regulation, New York: A.R. Liss Inc., 1982, pp. 183-215.
10 Barker, A.T. et al., "The glabrous epidermis of cavies contains a powerful battery," Amer. Jour.
Physiol. R358-366, 1982. The "current of injury" is discussed in many places. See for example, Becker,
R.O., "The basic biological data transmission and control system influenced by electrical forces," Ann.
N. Y. Acad. Sci. 238, p. 236, 1974; Becker, R.O. and A.A. Marino, Electromagnetism and Life, pp. 14-16.
Both of these are discussed in Stux, G. and B. Pomerantz, Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas, Berlin:
Springer-Verlag, 1987, pp. 23-24.
11 Nordenstrom, B., Biologically Closed Electric Circuits, Sweden: Nordic Medical Publications, 1983.
12 Adey, W.R., "Tissue interactions with nonionizing electromagnetic fields," Physiol. Rev. 61:2,
pp. 435-514, 1981; Sawin, S.W. eta!., "Ionic factors in release of 45 Ca2+ from chicken cerebral tissue by
electromagnetic fields," Proc. Nat!. Acad. Sci. USA 75:12, pp. 6314-6318, 1978; Williamson, S.J. and L.
Kaufman, "Biomagnetism," Jour. Mag. and Mag. Mater. 22, pp. 129-201, 1981.
422 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals

13 Oster, G., "Muscle sounds," Scientific American, p. 108-114, March 1984.

14 Omura, Y., "Effects of an electrical field and its polarity on an abnormal part of the body or
organ representation point associated with a diseased internal organ, and its influence on the bi-digital
0-ring test (simple, non-invasive dysfunction localization method) & drug compatibility test - Part 1,"
Acup. & Electrother. Res. Int. J. 7, pp. 209-246, 1982.
15 Romodanov, A.P. et al., "Antenna properties of acupuncture needles," Vrachebnoe Delo 8,
pp. 93-96, 1984; abstract in Amer. Jour. Acup. 13:1, p. 74, 1985.
16 Oschman, J., op.cit., discusses the piezoelectric properties of the connective tissues, and thus
skin. See "The connective tissue and myofascial systems." paper presented at the Rolfing '81 confer-
ence in Los Angeles. See also, Lipinski, B., "Biological significance of piezoelectricity in relation to
acupuncture," Medical Hypotheses 3:1, pp. 9-12, 1977.
17 Presman, A.S., Electromagnetic Fields and Life, New York: Plenum Press, 1970. See pp. 52 and
following for examples of tissue frequencies. Pilla, A.A., "Electrochemical information transfer at living
cell membranes, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 238, p. 149, 1974. William Tiller describes the possibility that the
channels and their acupoints represent the surface flows of energy associated with the functioning state
of the internal organs. The characteristics of these energy flows relate to specific pathways, etc. See
Tiller, W.A., "On the evolution of electrodermal diagnostic instruments," Jour. Advancement in Med. 1:1,
pp. 41-72, 1988. He further describes different effects that result from at least two frequencies of stimula-
tion at the skin. See Tiller, W.A., "What do electrodermal diagnostic acupuncture instruments really
measure," Amer. Jour. Acup. 15:1, pp. 15-23, 1987.
18 Sedlak, W., Bioelektronika, 1967-1977, Poland: Instytut Wyadawniczy, 1979. On pages 82-85 is a
good summary in English of his concept of electrostasis, its origins, nature and functions.
19 Ibid., pp. 203-205.
20 Zukauskas, G. et a!., "Quantitative analysis of bioelectrical potentials for the diagnosis of
internal organ pathology and theoretical speculations concerning electrical circulation in the organism,"
Acup. & Electro-ther. Res. Int. J. 13, pp. 119-130, 1988. See also Nordenstrom, B., Biologically Closed Electric
Circuits, and Sedlak, W., Bioelektronika 1967-1977.
21 For good reviews of the literature and the specifics of what the measurements really measure,
see: Zhu Zong-Xiang, "Research advances in the electrical specificity of channels and acupuncture
points," Amer. Jour. Acup. 9:3, pp. 203-216, 1981; Tiller, W.A., "On the evolution of electrodermal diag-
nostic instruments," Jour. Advancement in Med. 1:1, pp. 41-72, 1988; Tiller, W.A., "On the evolution and
future development of electrodermal diagnostic instruments," in Energy Fields in Medicine, Kalamazoo,
Michigan, John E. Fetzer Foundation, 1989, pp. 257-328.
22 See for example, Motoyama, H., "Electrophysiological and preliminary biochemical studies of
skin properties in relation to the acupuncture meridian," Research Relig. & Parapsych. 9, 1980. Also,
Motoyama, H., "A biophysical elucidation of the meridian and ki energy. What is ki energy and how
does it flow?" Research Relig. & Parapsych. 7, p 1, 1981.
23 See for example, Cope, F.W., "Evidence from activation energies for superconductive tunnel-
ing at physiological temperatures," Physiol. Chern. Phys. 5:3, pp. 173-176, 1971; Cope, F.W., "Biological
sensitivity to weak magnetic fields due to biological superconductive junctions," Physiol. Chern. Phys. 5,
pp. 173-176, 1973.
24 See for example, Dubrov, A.P., The Geomagnetic Field and Life: Geomagnetobiology, pp. 152-153.
25 For a good review of the general literature in this area, see Williamson, S.J. and L. Kaufman
"Biomagnetism," op.cit.
26 See for example, Reite, M and J.T. Zimmerman, "Magnetic phenomena of the central nervous
system," Ann. Rev. Biophys. Bioeng. 7, pp. 167-188, 1978; Zimmerman, J.T. et al., "Auditory evoked mag-
netic fields: A replication with comments on the PSO analog," II Nuovo Climento 2D:2, pp. 460-470, 1983;
True, B., "Professor tunes in on touch healers," Up the Creek 4:56, February 14-20, 1986; Zimmerman J.T.;
Laying-on-of-hands and therapeutic touch: a testable theory," Newsletter of the Bio-Electro-Magnetics
Institute 2, 1, 8-17, 1990.
27 There is considerable literature in this area. The most comprehensive is perhaps A.P.
Dubrov's work, The Geomagnetic Field and Life: Geomagnetobiology. This text is a landmark in the field.
Many other authors have researched and speculated on the significance of the geomagnetic field.
Robert Becker has speculated on the role of the channels relative to the varying geomagnetic field. See
Becker, R.O., "Electromagnetic controls over growth processes," op.cit. Kyoichi Nakagawa, a Japanese
physician, has uncovered a variety of disorders which result from underexposure to the geomagnetic
field; see Nakagawa, K., "Magnetic field deficiency syndrome and magnetic treatment," Japan Medical
Jour. 2745, 1976. Other literature of interest relates to studies of specific disease entities. See Friedman,
 Appendix Six: Thoughts About the Nature of the X-Signals 423

H. et al., "Psychiatric ward behavior and geophysical parameters," Nature 205, pp. 1050-1052, 1965;
Marton, J.P., "Conjectures on superconductivity and cancer," Physiol. Chern. Phys. 5, pp. 259-270, 1973.
Elsewhere, we discussed some of the roles of the geomagnetic field and explored possible correlations
to Chinese biorhythm ideas; see Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, pp. 74-75,216-221.
28 Dubrov, A.P., op.cit., p.152.
29 On the evolution of electrodermal diagnostic instruments; op.cit.
30 For further discussions, see: Omura, Y., "Electromagnetic resonance phenomenon as a possi-
ble mechanism related to the 'hi-digital 0-ring test molecular identification and localization method',"
Acup. & Electrother. Res. Int. J. 11, pp. 127-145, 1986.
31 For a good summary of the possible see Surgalla, L.A., "Molecular mechanisms of magnetic
medicine," Magnets; 3:4, p. 14, April1988.
32 Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi, pp. 318-319.
33 Sedlak, W., Bioelektronika 1967-1977, pp. 82-83.
34 Ibid.
35 Callahan, P.S., Tuning into Nature: Solar Energy, Infrared Radiation and the Insect Communication
System, Old Greenwich, CT: Devin-Adair, 1975.
36 Weaver, H., Divining the Primary Sense: Unfamiliar Radiation in Nature, Art and Science, London:
Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1978.
37 See: Katsumata, Y., "Fundamental studies of the 0-ring test," Ida no Nippon Sha, 504, August
1986; 505, September 1986. See also Katsumata, Y. with comments by Y. Manaka, "On certain unknown
factors, hypothetically named 'sayoshi' by Y. Katsumata, which affect the living body," Unpublished
manuscript, December 1988.
38 Qian Cun-Ze et al., "Simulated human-body information in bio-medical therapy," unpub-
lished manuscript; Shen, G.J., "Study of mind-body effects and qigong in China;" Advances; 3, 4, 134-
142, 1986; Sampson, R., "A survey of qi related research- East and West," paper presented in conjunc-
tion with the Sino-U.S. Qigong health sciences exchange program, first U.S. symposia series, September
14-26, 1985, Beijing.
39 See for example, Suehara, I., Genso Keiraku Ho (Fundamental Channel Therapy), p. 11, Onso
Shindangaku Kenkyujo Research Institute, 1985.
40 See for example Tiller's Introduction to Motoyama, H., Science and the Evolution of
Consciousness: Chakras, Ki and Psi, Cambridge, MA: Autumn Press, 1978, pp. 9-19. One of the better sum-
maries and descriptions of his ideas can be found in Gerber, R., Vibrational Medicine, Santa Fe: Bear and
Company, 1988, pp. 143-153 and 503-507.
41 Gerber, R., Vibrational Medicine, op.cit., p. 147.
42 Ibid., p. 506.
43 See Bohm, D., Wholeness and the Implicate Order; Wilber, K., The Holographic Paradigm and Other
Paradoxes.
44 Gerber, R., Vibrational Medicine, op.cit., p. 61.
45 See for example, Hameroff, S.R., "Ch'i a neural hologram? Microtubules, bioholography and
acupuncture," Amer. Jour. Chin. Med. 2:2, pp. 163-170, 1974.
46 Sheldrake, R., A New Science of Life: the Hypothesis of Causative Formation, Los Angeles: J.P.
Tarcher, 1981.
47 This is an attempt to describe global energy regulation. See for example, Campbell, N.A.,
Biology, Menlo Park, CA.: Benjamin Cummings Publishing, 1987, p. 1004.
48 Lovelock, J., Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1979.
49 See for example, James Gleick, Chaos, Making a New Science; Ira Prigogine and I. Stengers,
Order Out of Chaos; and Benoit Mandelbrot, The Fractal Geometry of Nature.
50 A good description of physiological integration and the views afforded by such a model are
given in Adolph, E.F., "Physiological integrations in action, Physiologist 25 (supplement), p. 2, April
1982.
51 Dr. Manaka has speculated in several recent papers about the possible nature and roles of qi in
this signal system. See for example, Manaka, Y., "Speculations on the media of qigong," paper present-
ed at the National Congress of Qigong in China, fall of 1988. See also Manaka, Y., "Speculation on qi in
Chinese medicine as the media in the signal system," Text of the 18th annual convention of the Shinkyu
topology group, Nippon Shinkyu Topology Gakkujutsu Taikai, July 1988, pp. 6-21.
52 Larry Dossey, Space, Time and Medicine, p. 76.
53 A.J. Cunningham, "Information and health in the many levels of man."
 APPENDIX SEVEN
BIOGRAPHY OF YOSHIO MANAKA M.D., PHD.

BORN: April23, 1911, in Odawara, Japan.

DIED: November 20, 1989, in Odawara, Japan.
FAMILY ADDRESS: Odawara-shi, Minami-cho, 3-4-31.
EDUCATION: Graduated Kyoto Imperial University Medical School, 1935.
PhD in physiology from the Kyoto Imperial University Medical School, 1957.
WoRK EXPERIENCE: 1935-37, surgical department of Tokyo Imperial University.
1939-45, military service as army surgeon.
1945-1989, director of Manaka Hospital, Odawara.
1950-1989, active member of Japanese Association of Oriental Medicine.
1952-56, elected to Municipal Commitee of education in Odawara.
1957-58, elected President of Odawara Medical Association.
1974-1989, Director emeritus of Oriental Medical Research Center affiliated
with the Kitasato Institute, Tokyo.
1973-83, President of M.D. Society of Oriental Medicine.
1981, Chairman of 1981 Congress of Japanese association of Oriental Medicine.
1971-83, Director of Financial Foundation for Oriental Medicine.
1978-1989, President of the Topology Acupuncture Group in Kyoto.
1968-1989, Lecturer of the Annual Summer Seminar on Acupuncture.
1975-85, Editorial staff of the Medical Encyclopedia of Kodansha in Tokyo.
1980-81, Editorial staff of the Annual reports of basic and clinical researches
on acupuncture in Japan.
1960-70, President of the Toyo Shinkyu Senmon Gakko (East Asian Acupuncture
and Moxibustion School) in Tokyo.
Dr. Manaka taught at many international congresses and seminars in coun-
tries, including: Canada, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina,
Spain, China, Korea, France, Germany, Holland, Egypt, Phillipines, Hong Kong,
etc. Later visits to China included, for example, October, 1987: Tianjin,
International Symposium on the therapeutic principle of Huo xue Hua yu, where he
presented a paper entitled " Acupuncture applied for Huo xue Hua yu," November,
1986: Beijing, International Symposium on the Regulating Function of
Acupuncture, where he presented a paper entitled " Acupuncture's effects on the
microcirculation, especially its activation of vasomotion."
426 Biography of Yoshio Manaka

MOST RECENT AREAS OF STUDY:

1. -Speculation on "qi" in Chinese Medicine, as the media of the signal system.
2. - "Biasology" applied in acupuncture.
3. - Abdominal diagnosis in Chinese Medicine.
4. - Acupuncture as intervention in the biological information system.
5. - Placebo effects and bias effects.
6. - The Yi Jing in the field of acupuncture.
PUBLICATIONS IN jAPANESE:
Kappa Zuihitsu (Kappa Essays), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1955.
Byoki no Jikoshindan no Tebiki (A guide to disease self-diagnosis), Kubo Sha, 1960.
Kyu to Hari (Moxibustion and Acupuncture), Shufu no Torno Sha, 1961.
PW Doktor Okinawa Horyoki (POW Doctor- An Okinawan prisoner's account), Kongo
Sha, 1962.
Hari Kyu Kanpo (Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Herbal Medicine), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1962.
Muntera- lsha to Kanja (Muntera- Doctors and Patients), Sogen Sha, 1963.
Kappa Zuihitsu (Kappa Essays [letters from the spiritual world]), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1970.
Shinkyu Rinsho Iten (Dictionary of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Ido no
Nippon Sha, 1970.
Katakori to Yotsu (Shoulder pain and stiffness and lumbar pain), Sogen Sha, 1971.
Shinkyu no Riron to Kangaekata (Thoughts and Theories of Acupuncture and
Moxibustion), Sogen Sha, 1973.
Okyu no Kenkyu (Studies in Moxibustion), Goma Sha, 1976. Translated into Chinese
as Jiu Xue Zhi Liao Fa, Si Li Publishing Company, Taiwan.
lka no Tameno Shinjutsu Nyumon Kuowa (Introductory Lectures on Acupuncture for
Medical Doctors), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1980. Co-authored with Dr. Herbert Schmidt.
Translated into Chinese and Korean.
Hiratashi Junnihanotai Nesshin Shigeki Ryoho (Hirata-style Hot Needle Therapy), Ido no
Nippon Sha, 1982.
Chiguan Zuihitsu; Soroban no Mudadama (Essays to Chiguan; Playing with the Beads of
the Abacus), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1988.
Manaka Yoshio Ronbunshu (Collected Essays of Yoshio Manaka), Shinkyu Topology
Gakkai, 15th anniversary issue, 1988.
Karada no Naka no Genshi Shingo (Primordial signals inside the body: Chinese medicine and
the X-signal system), co-authored with K. Itaya, Tokyo, Chiyu Publishing Co, 1990.
PUBLISHED TRANSLATIONS:
Chiropractic, by W. Pepper, Ido no Nippon Sha, 1952.
Tsuina Ryoho, Chugoku Anma Ryoho (Tuina Therapy, Chinese massage therapy), Ido no
Nippon Sha, 1961.
Naikateki Shikkan no Shinkei Ryotai Ryoho, a translation of Die neurotopische diagnose
und Therapie innerer Krankheiten (Neural Dermatome Therapy for the Treatment of
Internal Diseases), by Dittmar F. and E. Dohner, ldo no Nippon Sha, 1965.
Kiketsu Zufu (An Illustrated Guide to the Extra Points), Ido no Nippon Sha, 1971, from
the Chinese Qi Xue Tu.
 Biography of Yoshio Manaka 427

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PUBLICATIONS:

L'Acupuncture, "a val d'oiseau" (Acupuncture, "as the crow flies"), Co-authored with
Marc Siegel, Yokohama, General Printing Company, 1960.
The Layman's Guide to Acupuncture, Co-authored with Ian A. Urquhart, Rutland,
VT: John Weatherhill, 1972.
Quick and Easy Chinese Massage, Co-authored with Ian A. Urquhart, Japan
Publications Trading Company, 1973. Translated to Dutch, Snelle Destrijding Van
Pijn, 1984. Translated to Finnish, Kiinalainen Hieronta, 1984.
PAPERS:
Too numerous to mention. Hundreds of "Essays to Chiguan" in the Ida no Nippon
magazine. Publication of many articles and research papers in many languages in
many countries, especially journals specializing in acupuncture, herbal medicine,
and Western medicine. Most recently authored the landmark paper, co-authored
with Kazuko Itaya, "Acupuncture as Intervention in the Biological Information
System (Meridian Treatment and the X-Signal System)," presented at the annual
assembly of the Japan Meridian Treatment Association in Tokyo on March 1986,
subsequently translated and published in Chinese, German, French, English,
Swedish, and Spanish.
Yoshio Manaka was also an accomplished poet, artist, and sculptor; there have
been several exhibitions of his work over the years.

BIOGRAPHY OF KAZUKO ITAYA

EDUCATION:

1968- Graduated the Toyo Shinkyu Senmon Gakko, Tokyo.

1978 - Educational certificate in a special course designated by the Minister of
Public Welfare, Japan.
1980- California acupuncture and herbal medical licensure.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
1974-1989 - Research fellow at the Oriental Medical research center of the
Kitasato Institute, Tokyo. Her work here has been in numerous areas of research
and the preparation of many papers, presented at conferences around Japan, in
China and other countries.
1987-present- Councillor of the Nippon Toyo Igakukai.
PUBLICATIONS:
Author and co-author of numerous papers on acupuncture published in Japan.
 ~~
~
BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS IN ORIENTAL LANGUAGES:

Akabane, K., Hinaishin Ho [Method ofHinaishin], Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1964.
Fujita, R., Meridian-phenomena, myogen circulatory membrane system, Yokosuka: Ido
no Nippon Sha, 1964.
Ida no Nippon Journal of Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 45:4 (SOOth special
issue), April1986.
Ikegarni, S. (trans.), Tianjin Chinese Medical College, Shinkyu Rinsho no Riron to Jisai
[Theory and Practice of Acupuncture and Moxibustion], vol. 2, Tokyo: Kokusho
Publishing Association, 1988.
Imaizumi, H., Ekikyo no Nazo [Mysteries of the Yi Jing], Tokyo: Kobun Sha, 1988.
Irie, S., Fukaya Kyu Ho [Fukaya's Moxibustion Therapy], Tokyo: Shizensha, 1980.
Kobayashi, Y., Chugoku no Atarashi Chiryooten [New Chinese Treatment Points],
Osaka: Osaka Kobayashi Ryodoraku Institute, 1972.
Kono, T. Kin Shin Dan Ho [Muscle Diagnosis Method], Tokyo: JICC Publishing
Company, 1986.
Li Ding Zhong, The Jing Luo Phenomena vols. I & II, Kyoto: Yukonsha, 1984,1985.
Li Shi Zhen, Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao [An Examination of the Extraordinary Vessels], from
the Tu Zhu Nan Jing Mai Jue [Discriminating Pulses from the Classic of Difficult Issues
with Illustrations], Taipei: Shui Cheng Shu Ju Publishing Company, 1970.
Manaka Y., Kyu to Hari [Moxibustion and Acupuncture], Tokyo: Shufu no Torno Sha, 1961.
_ _, Shinkyu Rinsho Iten [Dictionary of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion],
Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1970.
_ __, Katakori to Yotsu [Shoulder Pain and Stiffness and Lumbar Pain], Osaka: Sagen
Sha, 1971.
_ _, Shinkyu no Riron to Kangaekata [Thoughts and Theories of Acupuncture and
Moxibustion), Osaka: Sagen Sha, 1973.
_ __, Okyu no Kenkyu [Moxibustion Studies], Tokyo: Goma Sha, 1976.
_ __, Hiratashi Junnihanotai Nesshin Shigeki Ryoho [Hirata-style Hot Needle Therapy],
Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1982.
_____ , Manaka Yoshio Ronbunshu [Collected Essays of Yoshio Manaka], Kyoto:
Shinkyu Topology Gakkai, 1988.
_ _, Kiketsu Zufu [An Illustrated Guide to the Extra Points], Yokosuka: Ido no
Nippon Sha, 1971, translated from the Chinese Qi Xue Tu.
430 Bibliography

Manaka, Y., and Herbert Schmidt, Ika no Tameno Shinjutsu Nyumon Kuowa
[Introductory Lectures on Acupuncture for Medical Doctors], Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon
Sha, 1980.
Miyawaki, K., Yin Yo Rokugyo Setsu no Shinjutsu [Yin Yang Six Phase Acupuncture
Treatments], Tokyo: Soikai Sha, 1976.
Nagahama, Y., Shinkyu Chiryo no Shinkenkyu [New Studies in Acupuncture and
Moxibustion Therapies], Osaka: Sogen Sha, 1959.
_ __, Shinkyu no Igaku [Western Studies of Acupuncture and Moxibustion], Osaka:
Sogen Sha, 1956.
_ __, Toyo Igaku Gaisetsu [Outline of Oriental Medicine], Osaka: Sogen Sha, 1961.
Nagatomo, T., Nagatomo M.P. Shinkyu Kuowa Hachiju Hachisyu [Mr. Nagatomo's 88
Lectures on the Minus Plus Needle Therapy], Kyoto: Shinkyu Shinkuokai Sha, 1976.
Omura, Y., Illustrated Lectures on the Bi-digital 0-ring Test, Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon
Sha, 1986.
Shiroda, B., Shinkyu Chiryo Kisogaku [Fundamentals of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapy], Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1978.
_ __, Shinkyu Shinzui, The Basics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Yokosuka: Ido
no Nippon Sha, 1977.
Takagi, K., Seitai no Chosetsukino [The Control Systems of the Biological Organism],
Tokyo: Chuokoron Publishing Company, 1972.
Yanagiya, S., Shinkyu Ijutsu no Man [An Introduction to the Medical Arts of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion], Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1948.

BOOKS IN WESTERN LANGUAGES:

Anon., Symposia Proceedings of the National Symposia of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
and Acupuncture Anesthesia, June 1979.
Baldry, P.E., Acupuncture, Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Pain, Edinburgh:
Churchill Livingstone, 1989.
Barral, J.P., and P. Mercier, Visceral Manipulation, Seattle: Eastland Press, 1988.
Becker, R.O. and A.A. Marino, Electromagnetism and Life, Albany: State University
of New York Press, 1982.
Becker, R.O. and G. Selden, The Body Electric, New York: William Morrow
Company, 1985.
Bischko, J., An Introduction to Acupuncture, Heidelberg: Haug Publishers, 1985.
Bohm, D., Wholeness and the Implicate Order, London: Ark Paperbacks, 1980.
Bourdiol, R.J., Auriculosomatology, Paris: Maisonneuve, 1983.
Capra, Fri~of, The Turning Point, New York: Bantam Books, 1982.
Chaitow, L., Soft Tissue Manipulation, Wellingborough, England: Thorsons
Publishing Group, 1987.
Davies, P., The Cosmic Blueprint, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988.
Diamond, J., Life Energy: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Your Emotions to Achieve
Total Well-being, New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1985.
Dossey, L., Space, Time, and Medicine, Boulder: Shambhala Publications, 1982.
 Bibliography 431

Ellis, A. et al., The Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, Brookline, MA.: Paradigm

Publications, 1988.
Foss, L., and K. Rothenberg, Second Medical Revolution, Boston: Shambhala
Publications, 1987.
Gleick, J., Chaos, Making a New Science, New York: Viking Penguin Inc., 1987.
Harding Rains, A.J. et al., Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, London: H.K.
Lewis and Co. Ltd., 1971.
Hashimoto, K., and Y. Kawakami, Sotai: Balance and Health Through Natural
Movement, Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1983.
Kapel, P., The Body Says Yes, San Diego: A.C.S. Publications, 1981.
Kapit, W., and L. Elson, The Anatomy Coloring book, New York: Harper & Row, 1977.
Kinoshita, H., Illustration of Acupoints, Yokosuka: Ido no Nippon Sha, 1970.
Lau, D.C., Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, London: Penguin Books, 1963.
Lovelock, J., Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth, Oxford: Oxford University Press,
1979.
Lu Gwei Djen and J. Needham, Celestial Lancets: A History and Rationale of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1980.
Manaka, Y. and I. Urquhart, The Layman's Guide to Acupuncture, New York: John
Weatherhill Inc., 1972.
Mann, W.E., Orgone, Reich and Eros: Wilhelm Reich's Theory of Life Energy, New York:
Simon and Schuster, 1972.
Matsumoto, K. and S. Birch, Extraordinary Vessels, Brookline, MA.: Paradigm
Publications, 1986.
_ __J Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea, Brookline, MA.: Paradigm Publications,
1988.
Nakatani, Y. and K. Yamashita, Ryodoraku Acupuncture, Tokyo: Ryodoraku
Research Institute, 1977.
Needham, J., Science and Civilization in China vol. 2, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1956.
Nogier, P., Handbook to Auriculotherapy, Sainte-Ruffine: Maisonneuve, 1981.
Nogier, P., From Auriculotherapy to Auriculomedicine, Sainte-Ruffine: Maisonneuve,
1983.
Nordenstrom, B., Biologically Closed Electric Circuits, Sweden: Nordic Medical
Publications, 1983.
Prigogine,l. and I. Stengers, Order Out of Chaos, New York: Bantam Books, 1984.
Requena, Y., Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture, Brookline, MA.: Paradigm
Publications, 1986.
---J Character and Health, Brookline, MA.: Paradigm Publications, 1989.
Reich, W., The Function of the Orgasm, New York: Meridian Books, 1971.
Rolf, I. P., Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures, New York: Harper and Row,
1977.
Schoffeniels, E., Anti-Chance, New York: Pergammon Press, 1976.
Schonberger, M., The I Ching and the Genetic Code: The Hidden Key to Life, New York:
ASI Publishers, 1979.
432 Bibliography

Tae Woo Yoo, Koryo Sooji Chim: Korean Hand Acupuncture, vol. 1, Seoul: Eum Yang
Mek Jin Publishing Company, 1988.
Ulett, G. A., Principles and Practice of Physiologic Acupuncture, St. Louis: Warren H.
Green, 1982.
Unschuld, P., Medicine in China: Nan Ching, the Classic of Difficult Issues, Berkeley:
University of California Press, 1986.
Voll, R., Kopfherde Diagnotik und Therapie mittels Elektroakupunktur und
Medikamentestung (Diagnosis and Therapy with Electroacupuncture and Medication
Testing), Mediz. Liter, Verlag-gesellschaft, 1974.
Walther, D. S., Applied Kinesiology, Pueblo, CA: Systems D.C., 1976.
Wilber, K. (ed.), The Holographic Paradigm and other Paradoxes, Boulder: Shambhala
Publications, 1982.
Worsley, J.R., Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Vol. 1: Meridians and Points, Tisbury,
England: Element Books, 1982.

PAPERS
Anon, "Xue Wei Ya Tong Bian Bing Zhen Duan Fa," compiled by the Chinese
Scientific and Technological Information and Research Institute, Beijing: Science
and Technology Document Publishing Company, 1978.
Becker, R.O., "Electromagnetic controls over biological growth processes," Jour.
Bioelect. 3:162, pp. 105-118,1984.
Birdsong, M. and J.E. Edmunds, "Harlequin colour change in the newborn: Report
of a case,"Ob. + Gyn. 7, p. 518-521, 1956.
Bossy, J., "Morphological data concerning the acupuncture points and channel net-
work," Acup. & Electro-Ther. Res. Int. Jour. 9, pp. 79-106, 1984.
Chai Wenju, "Researches on diagnosed method at points (a review)," Journal of
Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1, pp. 1-2,1987.
Chen Weichang et al., "The determination of the depth of puncture for the devel-
opment of needling sensation," National Symposia of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
and Acupuncture Anesthesia, June 1-5, pp. 113-114., 1979.
Davenas, E. et al., "Human basophil degranulation triggered by very dilute anti-
serum against IgE," Nature 333, pp. 816-818, 30 June, 1988.
Diggle, J.H., "Familial proctalgia with painful harlequin flushing," unpublished
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A arm jue yin channel sinew:
abdominal aorta: 134
abdominal distension: 230
abdominal pain: 45, 99, 134,
149, 167, 230, 267, 269, 279-
280, 282, 318-319, 321, 406-
407
abdominal palpation: 89,
120, 127, 131, 133-134, 136,
141, 143-144, 159, 162, 319,
400
abdomen, healthy: 136
abdomen, thin: 128
acne:232
Acrasiales amoeba: 20
acupoint: 6, 10, 14-15, 19, 25,
28, 31, 36-37, 43, 49-53, 56-
61, 63-66, 71-75, 77-78, 82,
84, 87-95, 101, 103, 105-107,
111, 118, 160, 223, 233, 235,
252,254-256,311,314,318-
319, 323, 325, 328-329, 331-
333, 344-345, 348, 350-352,
355, 363, 366-367, 372, 389,
396-397, 401, 403-404, 409-
410,416,422
acute conditions: 148, 155,
160, 235, 242
Akabane testing: 329
akashi-based diagnosis: 114,
152
allergic rhinitis: 220, 232, 317
allergic skin conditions: 254
alopecia: 232, 270, 344
alternating hot and cold: 160
amenorrhea: 54, 239, 332,
343-344
analgesics: 136
anemia:245,259,269
angina:213,268,271,315
anosmia: 216
anti-bias: 32-33
appetite, poor: 195, 209
apoplexy: 129, 259, 316
appendicitis: 141, 214, 280,
311-312, 316
INDEX
150
arm shao yin channel sinew:
150
arm tai yang channel sinew:
150
arm tai yin channel sinew:
76, 150
arm yang ming channel sinew:
150
arrhythmia: 230, 315
arthritis: 144, 147, 193, 211,
216, 231, 240, 272, 276, 290,
317,406
ASIS region: 137, 161, 171,
268
associated-shu points: 183-
184, 266, 273
asthma: 10-11, 145, 150,209,
212-213, 221, 230, 236, 244,
259,285-288,312,351
astigmatism: 215
auriculomedicine: 12 16 79
244,397 I I
auriculotherapy: 11-12, 16,
73, 79,90,117,244,344,397
autonomic nervous system:
221,254,257,332
ba gang bian zheng: 10, 115,
176,309
B
back-shu points: 137, 142-
143,147,158,166,223,311
bacterial infections: 129
Baldry: 326
Becker: 31, 37, 52, 79, 397,
415, 421-422
Bell's palsy: 149, 217, 231
Benoit: 28, 423
beri-beri: 216
bias: 7, 12, 27, 29, 32-34, 43,
84-85, 124, 130, 132, 157, 165,
179, 181, 196, 205, 218, 228,
245, 261, 306, 324, 339-340,
397
hi-digital 0-ring test: 25, 93,
128, 134-135, 141-142, 144-
145, 151-153, 166-167, 181,
189,212,243,265-266,272-
273,278-283,288-289,291-
293, 295-296, 306, 324, 326,
399, 405-406, 411, 416-417,
422-423
bihourly supplementation:
132, 167
biliary tract ascariasis: 315
biliary tract infection: 315
biological system: 18-19, 30,
112,400
biometeorology: 33
biorhythms: 10, 19, 28, 58,
66, 68-69, 87, 89, 99-101, 103-
106, 112-113, 116-117, 151,
159, 166-168, 180,367, 371,
392,423
biorhythmic treatment: 99,
103-106,116-117, 159,166,
168,371
I biorhythms and five phases:
99
Bischko: 79
bitter taste in the mouth: 167
BL-1: 85, 233-235, 240, 359,
365
BL-2:188,234,238,240,359
BL-4: 234-235
BL-5: 234, 359
BL-6: 173, 234, 359
BL-7: 188, 234, 316
BL-8: 234, 359
BL-9: 188,234,359
BL-10: 188-189, 193, 209-210,
213-217, 233-234, 236, 239-
240, 255-256, 359
BL-11: 50, 188,213-214,216-
217,237,317,359
BL-12: 85, 188,209, 213-217,
237-238, 253
BL-13: 94, 142, 184, 212-213,
215, 234, 237, 240, 253, 266,
285-288, 314
438 Index
BL-14: 142, 184,213-214, 234,
253,297
BL-15: 142, 184, 213-217, 234,
240,253,289,315,359
BL-17: 177, 184, 194-195,
212-216, 237, 239-240, 285-
286, 305, 333-334, 337-338
BL-18: 72, 137, 142, 177-178,
184, 186-187, 189, 194-195,
200, 203, 206-210, 213-217,
234-235,237,239,253,255-
257, 266, 273, 283, 291-295,
297, 303-304, 307, 315, 317,
405-406
BL-19: 142, 184, 187, 214,
216, 234, 237, 289-290, 303,
305,315
BL-20: 142, 177-178, 184, 187,
194-195, 207, 209-210, 212-
216,228,234-240,253,256-
257, 269, 287-288, 292, 303,
315,317
BL-21: 142, 184, 187, 214-215,
236-238,240,291-294, 303-
305,311
BL-22: 142, 184, 187, 210,
214-216, 235, 237, 239, 256;
292-293, 303, 305
BL-23:94, 139,142,161,176-
178, 184, 187, 189, 193, 200,
207-210, 213-216, 234-240,
253, 256-257, 266, 269-270,
273, 276, 283, 285-288, 293-
294, 316-317
BL-25: 142, 184, 187, 189,
193, 208, 210, 212, 214-216,
234-236, 238-240, 253, 256,
265-266,269-271, 273, 289,
293-294
BL-26: 240
BL-27: 142, 184, 186-187, 189,
215-218, 234-235, 240, 273,
290,305,315,317,406
BL-28: 142, 184, 186-187, 228,
239,291,407
BL-30: 240, 359
BL-31:215,287,352
BL-32: 176-178, 187, 194, 210,
213-216, 219, 234, 237, 239,
253-254,257,317,352
\L-33: 176, 187, 214-216, 257,
352
BL-34: 187, 194, 352
BL-35: 50
BL-36: 50, 359
BL-37: 208, 216, 314, 359
BL-38: 295
BL-40: 89, 97-98, 100, 103,
187,194,206,211,234,236,
238-240, 256-257, 314, 359
BL-42:94,142, 184,215,300
BL-43: 142, 184, 207, 209-210,
212, 235-236, 256
BL-44: 142,184,315
BL-45: 315
BL-47: 142,184,186-187,295
BL-48: 142, 184
BL-49: 142, 184
BL-50:50, 142,184,214,315
BL-51: 142, 184, 187, 214,
235,268
BL-52: 94, 142, 177-178, 184,
187, 210, 212, 215, 234-236,
239,253,256,265-266
BL-53: 142,184,214,216,235
BL-54: 168,234,240
BL-55: 187, 240
BL-56: 140, 187, 359
BL-57: 140, 187, 234, 239-240,
288
BL-58: 140, 187, 190, 194,
200,208,210,256-257
BL-59: 85, 215-216
BL-60: 89, 97, 103, 169, 214,
216, 238-240
BL-61: 85
BL-62: 11, 85, 159-161, 171-
175, 240, 268-269, 290, 292,
294, 3001 359
BL-63: 85
BL-64:92, 168,171,175,190
BL-65: 89, 94, 97, 100-101,
103,164,168,181,233,238,
272,277,291,406
BL-66: 89,97, 103,168,180
BL-67:89,94,97, 101,103,
164, 168-169, 215, 257, 272,
277,291,365,406
blackbox: 55, 79
bladder channel: 7, 50, 53,
60, 67, 73, 76, 78, 93-94, 97,
100, 104-105, 168, 225, 235,
272-273,277,281-282, 301,
359, 406, 411
bladder problem: 253, 272,
277,281,295,354
bladder tuberculosis: 214
blockages of the blood ves-
sels: 13
blood: 13, 42, 49, 65-66, 70,
82, 85, 87, 118, 128-130, 137,
143, 150, 153, 162, 179-180,
182,203,209,221,228,237-
242, 246, 261, 267, 279, 298,
305, 307, 315-316, 324, 333-
341,344,349-354,388
blood coagulation: 129, 351,
354
blood pressure: 42, 153, 162,
209, 221, 238, 240-241, 279,
315-316
blood stasis: 128-130, 137,
153,179-180,182,203,228,
237-239, 241-242, 246, 261,
267,298,305,339-341
blood transfusion: 129
blood-clearing medicinals:
246
bloodletting: 3, 116-117, 129,
148, 158, 168, 203, 206, 240-
242,246,307
blue-colored superficial
veins: 129
body organs: 391
body palpation: 133
body structure: 18, 34, 82,
84, 106, 111, 118
body tissues: 65, 125, 391
body types: 391
Bohm:24,37,418,423
bonesetting: 197
Bourdiol: 79
Boyd:21
bradycardia: 315
brain point: 219, 221, 257,
307

breast pain: 215
broken bones: 231, 254, 256
bronchiecstasis: 167, 314
bronchitis: 145,209,213,230,
237, 312-314
bruising: 129, 253
bursitis: 218
c child: 5, 9, 94-98, 102, 140,
callus: 130
cancer: 130,141,302,314-
315, 317, 352, 416, 423
Capra: 17
cardiovascular system: 31
carotid pulses: 131
carriers of biological infor-
mation: 396
central nervous system: 76,
245,422
central nervous system,
severe damage: 245
cerebral apoplexy: 316
channel acupoints: 14, 57,
59, 71, 73, 77, 84, 91, 100,
103, 106, 158, 188-191, 195,
282,311,331,370,403,408
channel biorhythm: 69, 99-
101, 103, 106, 168
channel clock: 66, 71, 99, 111
channel frequency relation-
ships: 73
channel palpation: 89
channel pathway: 50, 61, 69,
87, 157, 225-226
channel sensitivity: 193
channel sinew symptomolo-
gies: 145, 148
channel sinews: 49, 58, 73,
75-78, 116-117, 145, 148-150,
183-184, 197
channel software: 54-55, 58-
59, 61,79
channel stretching: 75, 191,
205,212,219,243,307
channel system: 10, 12, 18,
43, 49-80, 88, 106, 118, 156,
323, 398, 401, 410
channel therapy: 10, 114,
116-117, 156, 423
channel trajectory on the
hands: 225-226
chaos:28,37,419-420,423
Cheng: 11, 50, 58, 86
chest pain: 230
Chiba: 15
144,163,215,282,285,306,
366,392,395,398,403-407,
410
childbirth: 179-180
childhood pertussis: 215
childhood polio: 215
chong mai: 83-85, 138, 146,
159, 162, 187, 265, 268-271,
275, 277, 295, 318
chronic gastroenteritis: 214
chronic shoulder and low
back pain: 32
circadian: 66, 71, 100-101,
111-112, 181, 373, 400
circuit flow: 60, 65-66
circulation, poor: 129, 179,
210,241
climatic patterns: 391
closed circuits: 18, 126
coherent light waves: 396
cold: 5, 134, 145-150, 153,
160, 176, 183, 209-210, 213,
236-241, 257, 266, 285-286,
309,343,349,351-352,354
cold feet: 145-146,257
cold in the cheek muscles:
149
coldness or achiness in the
lower back: 146
colitis: 171
color: 47, 54, 87, 91-93, 119,
128, 130, 136, 150, 158, 161-
163, 165-166, 182, 241-242,
257, 261, 277-279, 363, 367,
391,401,404-405,408,411
color-phase correspon-
dences: 91
combinations of points and
colors: 92
Index 439
common cold: 209, 213
comparison of the abdomi-
nal quadrants: 136
conception vessel: 82
confluence-jiaohui points: 10,
68, 82, 99, 105, 112, 120, 138,
159,161,171,256-257,324
congestive heart failure: 129
conjunctivitis: 206, 215, 232,
406
constipation: 195, 210, 214,
230, 236, 254, 256, 260-261,
268, 302, 315
constitution: 178,332
contracted feeling in the
center of the chest: 150
contusions: 206, 208, 227-
228, 231, 242-243, 253, 256,
298
correct qi: 5
corrective exercises: 246
correspondences: 41, 43, 71-
72, 75, 87-94, 97, 100, 105,
107, 134, 143, 153, 157, 165-
166,184, 224-225, 258, 273,
318, 324-325, 363-364, 367-
373, 391-392,396-397
costal arch, narrow: 128
cough: 160,230,236,259
counter-bias: 33-34
counter-engendering: 392-
393,395,409
counterflow qi: 160, 194
counter-restraining: 392,
394-395, 409
cramping: 148-150
cramping and epilepsy: 149
cramping and pain of the
sexual organs: 149
cramping at the little finger:
150
cramping at the top of the
big toe with pain: 149
cramping below the navel:
149
cramping between ST-12
and the cheek: 149
/
440 Index
cramping in chest: 149-150
cramping in knee region: 148
cramping in the neck mus-
des: 150
cramping of the abdominal
muscles: 149
cramping of the lateral knee
muscles: 148
cramping on the medial side
of the thigh: 149
cramping on top of the big
toe: 149
cross syndrome: 137-139,
146, 152, 161, 167, 180, 187,
223, 266-270, 273, 275-276,
279-280, 305, 325
cupping: 3, 116-117, 148, 203,
241-242,246
curvature of the spinal ver-
tebrae: 148
C"-1: 71, 83-85, 234, 360
C"-2: 78, 181, 215, 235, 253,
257, 306-307
C"-3:74,78, 134,176,181,
210, 214-216, 234-236, 239,
253,281-283,316,360
C"-4: 74, 78, 134-135, 166,
178, 181, 194-195, 208-210,
212, 234-237, 239-240, 253,
257,278,342,405-406
C"-5: 74-75, 78, 134-135, 181,
360
C"-6:61,78, 177,181,214-
216, 235-237, 239, 281-282,
289, 302, 315, 360
C"-7: 78, 178, 181, 194-195,
214-215, 235, 253, 279-280,
317,360
C"-8: 78, 236-237, 239, 352,
360
C"-9: 78, 181, 213-215, 234-
235,237,282,360
C"-10: 78, 153, 181, 234, 237,
253, 265, 292
C"-11:181,237,315
C"-12: 74, 78, 134-135, 137,
164, 166, 177-178, 181, 194,
207,209-210,212-216,234-
240, 253, 257, 274, 279, 281,
288, 294, 297, 302-303, 305,
315, 365-366
C"-13: 181,214,216,234-
235,237,239
C"-14: 74, 102, 134-135, 137,
164, 181, 209-210, 212-214,
216-217, 280,291-292,306-
307,370
C"-15: 102,105,181,302,
360
C"-17: 9, 74, 134-135, 137,
139,153,161,164,181,208-
210, 212-216, 234-236, 267,
270, 289, 360, 365
C"-21: 181, 281-283
C"-22: 10-11, 85, 142, 161,
216,233-237,243-244,318
C"-23:85,233-234,365
C"-24:83,85,234,365
cycle: 87-88, 91, 93-94, 96, 98,
101, 111, 392, 420
cystitis: 176, 215, 227, 231,
267,316
D difficulty breathing: 150
dai mai: 29, 68, 81-83, 85, 120,
139, 146, 159, 161, 187, 228,
270-271,275,279,290
daily branch method: 101
daily rhythm: 99-100, 102-
103, 168, 180
danokyu:203,242
daoyin: 75, 78
Davenas: 37
de qi: 185, 218
deep body temperature:
328-329,341-344
deformity at the side of the
mouth, sudden: 149
degenerative diseases: 130,
227
degranulation: 37
dermatitis:232,240,279,307
dermatome: 34, 117, 143,
240,323-324,331,351
diabetes: 216, 231, 240, 259,
274,316,353
diagnostic confirmation:
132, 143, 159
diagnostic methods: 114,
118, 127, 329, 332-333
diagnostic palpation: 89,
114, 127, 132-134, 136, 138,
142-143,151,153,161,195,
405
diagnostic points: 11, 31, 52,
62-64, 74, 92-93, 96, 100-101,
104-105, 115-117, 125, 134,
140,142,144,151,157,161,
163-164, 166, 168, 171, 181,
184, 188, 311-313, 318, 325,
328,333
diarrhea: 160, 210, 214-215,
230,236,302,305,351-352
diarrhea in nursing child:
215
dietary problems: 157,237,
246,256,261
difficult labor: 215
difficult menses: 215
difficulty bending and
straightening the knee.: 148
difficulty moving: 150, 217
difficulty moving the shoul-
der: 148
difficulty turning the head
to right and left.: 150
digestive problems: 130, 146,
194,243,256,274
direct moxa: 72, 148, 166,
176-177, 181, 184, 187-188,
203,227,252,286-290,293,
303-304, 307, 351
direction of flow: 49, 55, 60-
63, 111, 365, 403
directional polarities: 60
discoloration of an area: 129
disease patterns: 137, 159,
254, 341, 391
diverticulitis: 141
dizziness: 146
D.N.A.: 5, 23, 112, 364, 366,
371-373
drainage: 7-8, 43, 60-61, 63-
64, 79, 94-98, 100-102, 111,
115, 140, 145, 159-160, 163-
164, 166-168, 241, 366,376,
388,403

dreams: 231
drllikll1g:59, 155,352
dryness: 5, 129
du mai: 29, 49, 64, 71-72, 81-
82, 85, 146, 148, 159, 185,
193, 228, 242, 255, 259-260,
268-269, 295, 361
duodenal ulcer: 214, 230,
312-313, 315
dysentery: 315
dysmenorrhea: 115, 195, 259,
317
dyspepsia: 230, 315
.E
ear and eye problems: 146
ear, nose, and throat prob-
lems: 145
ear pain: 150
early stages of catching
cold: 146
earth phase: 28, 87, 89, 91-
92,97,363,391-392
eczema:210,217,232,240
edema: 129, 143, 183-184,
237,340
Eigen: 23
ejaculatio praecox: 230
electrical fields: 79, 396
electrical characteristics of
the channels: 52, 55, 416
electrical current: 121-122,
124,126,366,381,387,396,
400-401, 410
electrical moxa devices: 252
electrical potential: 121, 329,
416
electrical resistance: 25, 219,
325,329,345
electrodermal: 79, 97, 117,
219, 222, 227, 271, 328, 345,
366,398-399,410-411,422-
423
electromagnetic: 30, 37, 53,
71, 120-121, 153, 324, 326,
381, 387-388, 396, 413, 416-
418, 421-423
electrostatic adsorbers: 19,
31, 102-103, 113, 119-120,
122, 125, 132, 136, 144-145,
159, 161-164, 265-266,272-
273,277,279,288-292
embryogenesis: 18,27-29,
44,81,83,346,400,415
emotions: 5, 32, 87, 129, 158,
194,232,257,324,326,391,
408
endometritis:215,317
engenderillg cycle: 88, 92,
94-96,111,392,398
enteritis: 210, 230, 237, 259,
306,315
enuresis: 215
epilepsy: 146, 149, 209, 216,
316
epistaxis: 206, 232
esophagealspasms:214
evolution: 14, 18, 23, 26-30,
53, 55-56, 79, 85, 106, 112,
344,393,411,417,422-423
extraordillary vessels: 10-11,
18, 36, 49, 57-58,61, 79, 81-
86, 89, 99, 105-106, 111-112,
114, 116-117, 120, 122, 128,
130, 137-138, 141-142, 145,
153, 156, 159, 161-163, 166-
167, 169, 171, 178, 182, 187,
223,259,269-270,404-405
eyes, illability to close: 149
E gallbladder channel: 53, 66,
face problems: 146, 217, 236,
253
fatigue: 115, 119, 146, 194,
253-254, 280, 352
febrile condition: 7, 129, 146-
148,242
fire needle: 3, 76, 143, 183-
184, 191-192, 195, 197-202,
212,219,243,307
five phases: 4, 19, 28, 36, 87-
108, 111-112, 117, 133, 159,
168,188,223,324,327,339,
363-366, 373, 391-413,419-
420
five-phase points: 64, 71, 82,
88-89, 91-93,95, 98, 106, 111,
117,156,165,396,421
Index 441
five-phase theory: 2, 18, 30,
87-91, 93-94, 97, 105-106,
114, 365, 391-392, 408-409
flaccid muscles: 128, 134,
162, 267, 308
flat wart: 232
flow of qi: 10, 65, 84, 96, 365,
402
flu:5, 147-148,241,307
folliculitis: 232
food allergies: 256
formulating a diagnosis: 127
four examinations: 127
fretful child: 215
Fujita: 53, 73-75
Fukaya: 205-206, 244, 253,
303
functional diseases: 33, 76,
113, 130, 332-333
functional hyperesthesia:
141-142
functional hyposensitivity:
142
functional muscle groups:
75-77
functional uterine bleedillg:
231
Furukawa: 65-66
G
69, 71, 78, 84, 128, 235, 273,
290,360
gallbladder problem: 146-
147,194,290,315
gallstone: 168, 214, 231, 267,
270, 276, 313
gastric spasms: 214
gastric ulcer: 114, 230, 311-
313, 315
gastritis: 153,167,210,230,
237, 259, 315
gastrocnemius palpation:
140
gastroenteritis: 214
gastroilltestinal problems:
147,230
442 Index

gastroptosis: 210, 214, 230, GB-31: 64, 84, 178, 208, 216, GV-3: 214-216, 235-236, 239-
237,256,315 253,255 240, 287-288
gastrospasm: 315 GB-32: 360 GV-4:214-215,235-236,239
GB-1: 234-235, 360, 365 GB-33: 240, 360 GV-5: 235
GB-2: 188, 206, 216-217, 233, GB-34: 89, 103, 168, 178, 194, GV-6: 361
237-238 198, 206-208, 211, 213-217,
GV-8: 201, 216-217, 292-294
GB-3:215,234,360 234, 237-240, 253, 255-257,
GB-4: 235 298,315 GV-9: 213-214, 216

GB-5: 215 GB-35: 64, 84-85, 232-233, GV-10: 188,201,213-214,361

243,257,301
GB-6: 235 GV-11: 316, 361
GB-36: 213, 315
GB-7: 188, 235 GV-12: 177-178, 185, 187-188,
GB-37: 140 190, 194, 201, 206-207, 209-
GB-8: 234-235 210, 212-217, 235, 253, 257,
GB-38: 89, 94, 101, 103, 164,
GB-9: 235 287
168-169,237-238, 289, 300
GB-10: 234-235 GV-13: 234
GB-39: 194, 234, 238, 243,
GB-11: 234-235 253, 257, 299-300, 407 GV-14: 53, 61, 72, 188-190,
193, 209, 213, 215-216, 234-
GB-12: 188,206-207,216-217, GB-40: 92, 169, 178, 194, 208,
238,240,244,286-287,289,
235-236 235,240,253,257
291,294,314
GB-13: 85, 235 GB-41: 11, 68, 82, 89, 103,
GV-15:85, 188,361
105, 159-161, 168, 171-175,
GB-14: 188,219,234-235,
206, 209, 214, 216, 233, 237, GV-16: 85, 216-217, 234, 236,
238,240
240,266-271, 279, 291-294, 238,361
GB-15: 235, 360 299-301, 304, 315-316, 405,
GV-17: 234,361
GB-16: 215, 235 407
GV-18: 361
GB-17: 72,213, 216, 235 GB-42: 105, 360
GV-20: 71-72, 136, 178, 188,
GB-18: 235, 360 GB-43: 89, 94, 101, 103-104,
194,207-210, 212-214, 216-
164,168,289,300
GB-19: 235 217, 233-238, 253, 255-257,
GB-44: 89, 103, 168, 257, 365 365
GB-20: 71-72, 188, 193, 207,
209, 212, 215-216, 233-238, general treatment: 113, 115- GV-22:216,304,361
240,255,289,291 118, 137, 143, 145, 148, 151,
GV-23: 188,206,212,303
153, 156, 158-159, 161-162,
GB-21: 85, 188-189, 207-210, 165-167, 176-177, 179-183, GV-24: 71,234,361
212-213, 217, 235-236, 240, 193, 203, 205-206, 223, 227,
256,289,295,297,360 GV-25: 361
233, 244-245, 255-257, 265-
GB-22: 360 283,285-308,367,370 GV-26: 234-237, 240
GB-24: 74, 134-135, 137, 139, genetic information: 23, 30, GV-28: 85, 234 .
161, 164, 289 112
gynecological problems:
GB-25: 74-75, 134-135, 214- geomagnetic field: 33, 104, 145-146,194,243,253
215,235 416, 422-423
GB-26: 64, 85, 135, 137, 139, geometry: 19,28,37,98,420, H
145,161,164,167,171,239, 423
266, 269-270, 274-276, 279, hara: 47, 79, 126, 133, 153,
299, 317, 319, 407 glaucoma:232,270,317 182,244,261,325-326,353-
354,397,421,423
GB-27: 85 Gleick: 37, 423
Hashimoto: 85, 195, 197,
GB-28: 85 gonorrhea: 215 203,326,389,405,407
GB-29: 85, 135, 137, 164, 209, governing vessel: 82 headache and vertigo: 231
318-319
GV-1: 85,234-235, 240 headache: 71, 74, 231, 238,
GB-30: 210, 216, 234, 238,
GV-2:214,235,256 296,322,333
240,338

heart attack: 129, 150
heart channel: 66, 69-70, 100,
102, 105, 128, 168, 225, 370
heart: 221, 397
heart problem: 70-71, 145-
146,162,181,213,253,265,
277
heart valve disease: 213
heat: 5, 72, 117, 149-150, 176-
179, 182, 186, 192, 198, 202,
209, 227, 236-240, 252, 258,
289, 291-294, 329, 340, 348,
350-352
heat-pain threshold
response:329,331,333
Heaven and Earth: 5, 87
HEENT problems: 146
hematuria: 70
hemiplegia: 129,254,257
hemmorhoids:254
hemolysis: 129
hemoptysis: 213, 312
hemorrhaging: 215
hemorrhoids: 145,210,214,
231,240,256,259,280
hepatitis:210,221,228,230,
276-277, 279, 315
herbal medicine: 13, 15, 176-
177,203,227,314,339
hernia:214,231,304
herpes zoster: 227-228,232,
240,270
high fever: 242, 352
hinaishin: 61, 205-206, 217-
218,376,389,407
Hirata: 128, 131, 143, 153,
180,232,235,245,258,260
Hirata Liver Zone: 128, 131,
143,180,232,258,260
holographic paradigm: 16,
24,35,91,418,423
home moxa therapy: 157,
194,245
home therapies: 155-158,
177-178, 180, 206, 245-262,
307
homeopathy: 20-21, 25, 36-
37, 326, 353, 389
hot needle: 76, 143, 325
HT-1: 239, 315
HT-2: 356
HT-3: 89, 103, 169, 180, 216-
217, 315, 356
HT-4: 89, 103-104, 168,217,
315
HT-7: 89, 92, 94, 100-101,
103,164,168-169,207,209-
210, 213-214, 216-217, 234,
237, 240, 289, 315
HT-8: 89, 100, 103, 169
HT-9: 89, 94, 100-103, 164,
168,289,365
hyperesthesia: 141-142,308
hypertension: 152, 213, 230,
268,315
hypertensive medications:
136, 142
hyperthyroidism: 216, 231
hypertrophic rhinitis: 216
hypoesthesia: 141-142, 308
hyposensitivity: 130, 141-
142,333
hypotension: 141-142, 230,
269, 308, 315
hypothyroidism: 231
I 282,306
imbalances of the autonomic
nervous system: 254, 332
impotence: 149, 215, 230,
239,257,259
infection: 10, 147-148,213,
216, 230, 241, 307, 315, 350
infectious disease: 147, 230
inflammation of the canthi:
215
inflammation of the shoul-
der joint: 313
inflammation of the spinal
cord: 216
inflammation of tissues: 215
Index 443
information system: 18, 26,
35, 112-114, 118, 127, 183,
337,397,411,413-414
inherited predisposition: 129
insertion of needles: 19, 389
insomnia: 146,195,208,231,
237,257,259,268,278,342,
344
inspection of the skin: 128
intercostal neuralgia: 208,
216, 231, 239, 312, 316
intersection-jiaohui points:
64-65, 71-72, 76,84-85, 112,
178,189, 193,232,~235,
243
intestinal cancer: 141
intestinal hernia: 214
intestinal invaginations: 141
intestinal problems: 145-146,
253
intestinal spasm: 315
intestinal TB: 141
intradermal needle: 61, 117,
158, 193-194, 205-206, 217-
219, 223, 227-229, 233, 243,
281,286-288,290-305,339,
343-344, 352, 376
intussusception: 214
ion beam device: 19,95-96,
105, 113, 119-120, 122-125,
132,1~145,151,159,161-
164, 268,271,273-277, 281-
ion pumping: 18-19,31,95,
102, 113, 119-122, 125-126,
140, 144-145, 158-159, 161-
165, 167, 171, 190, 193, 212,
227,232-233,244,246,265-
273, 275, 278, 283, 285-305,
307-308,404-405
ionic currents: 31, 121, 126,
396,415
iritis: 215
irritability: 257
irritable bowel: 315
ischemic angina: 315
isophasal correspondences:
90,93
444 Index
isophasal relations: 157, 180
isophasality: 18, 28, 37, 89-
94, 99-100, 107, 111, 116, 156-
158, 168, 180-181, 183, 188,
190,219,223,244,327,366-
367,373
Itaya: 54, 130, 138, 153, 194-
195, 205, 219, 227, 244, 261,
306, 327-362, 397,411
J 1
jaundice: 214
Jia: 103, 168, 355
jing: 3, 5, 7, 9, 14-16,25, 49-
52, 56-58, 77-82, 86-87, 89,
94, 103, 105, 116, 130-133,
160, 241, 243, 255-257, 307,
325, 328-330, 341, 343, 348,
355,363-374,388,391,411
jing luo: 49-80, 52-76, 116,
239, 325, 328, 411
jing luo theory: 49-51, 77-80
jing mai: 49, 86
jing xue: 14, 57
josen: 219, 240, 295
jue yin: 7, 56-57, 67-68, 70,
142, 149-150, 180, 184
K 67, 70, 72, 83, 92, 94, 96, 100,
Katsurnata: 21, 375, 389, 417,
423
keiraku chiryo: 10, 35, 89, 116
keratitis: 215
Kl-1: 83-85, 89, 94, 96, 98,
100-101, 103, 164-165, 168-
169, 181, 214, 257, 272-274,
276, 281, 288, 293-295, 300,
317, 365, 404
Kl-2: 67,85,89, 103,168,358
KI-3: 72, 85, 89, 92, 98, 100,
103, 168-169, 177, 190, 207,
209, 213-214, 216, 234, 237-
240,316,371
KI-4: 190
Kl-6: 85, 105, 125, 137, 144-
145, 159-162, 171-175, 177,
240, 265, 267, 269, 271, 282,
285-288,290,304,308
Kl-7: 67, 89, 94, 96, 98, 101,
103, 164-165, 168-169, 178,
194, 209-210, 238, 253, 257,
269-270, 272-274, 276, 281,
286,288,293-295,297,300,
342-343,358,370,404
Kl-8: 85
Kl-9: 85, 216
Kl-10:89, 100,103,168,180,
237
Kl-11: 7, 60, 85, 104-105, 135,
137, 139, 161, 164, 268-269,
272, 277, 281, 291, 318, 358,
406
Kl-12: 176,215,239
KI-16: 62, 64, 67, 72, 83-84,
92,96,98, 100,103-105,135,
137, 139, 141, 144-145, 152,
161, 164-165, 214-216, 235,
265, 267, 269, 271-274,276,
279, 281-282,285-289,291-
297, 300, 316, 318-319, 370,
404
Kl-21: 85, 358
KI-23: 135, 137, 164, 213,
289,370
Kl-25: 213
KI-27: 213-214, 216
kidney channel: 50, 57, 62,
102, 104-105, 130, 137, 180,
189-190,270,274,276,280-
282,311,358,370,404
kidney problem: 147, 180,
187,267,273,281-282, 293,
313
kidney qi vacuity: 238, 314
kidney stones: 141
kidney-large intestine: 103,
105, 137, 140, 152, 165, 187,
193, 265, 271-272, 274, 276,
281, 288-289, 293-295, 299,
302-303, 370
kinesiological: 25, 33, 78,
144, 311, 324
Kinoshita: 15
Kobayashi: 229,244
kong xue: 14
Korean hand acupuncture:
90,206
koryo sooji chim: 223, 244
Kreb's cycle: 90, 99
Kyushin, Yurnoto: 7
kyutoshin: 176, 184-191, 193-
194, 265-266, 271, 276, 283,
289-295,303-305,343,352
lactation, insufficient: 212,
215
large intestine channel: 51,
55, 59, 62, 67, 70, 73, 75, 91,
94, 102, 189-191, 235, 271,
274, 280-282, 297, 363, 365-
366,370,401
large intestine problem: 67,
189
laryngitis: 317
leg jue yin channel sinew:
149
leg shao yin channel sinew:
149
leg tai yang channel sinew:
76, 148
leg tai yin channel sinew:
149
leg yang ming channel
sinew: 149
leg pain: 149
leukorrhea: 210, 231, 239,
317
LI-1: 55, 89, 91, 103, 107, 168,
206,209,356,363,365,367
LI-2: 51, 61, 63-64, 89, 94-95,
97, 101, 103, 164-165, 168,
272-273, 282, 288, 293-295,
297,300
LI-3: 89, 103, 169, 180
LI-4: 25, 31, 37, 44, 59, 61-64,
74-75, 77, 91-92, 95, 97, 104,
152, 168, 188-190,206-207,
209, 212-213, 215-217, 233-
235, 237-240, 253, 255, 292,
298, 304, 318-319, 342, 356,
365-367, 371, 401, 408
LI-5: 89, 103, 168, 240, 282

LI-6: 61
LI-7: 214, 316
Ll-8: 61
Ll-10: 188-190, 210, 212, 214,
216-217, 253, 255-257, 298,
300-301
Ll-11: 61, 63-64, 89-91, 94-95,
97, 101-103, 107, 164-165,
168, 177-178, 188, 190-191,
206-207, 212-217, 234-240,
253, 256, 272-274, 276, 281-
282,288,293-295, 297-298,
300,370
LI-13: 296, 300, 314, 356
Ll-14: 85, 191, 296, 299-301,
407
Ll-15: 85, 188, 190-191,208,
212, 214, 217, 234, 236, 239-
240
LI-16: 85, 188
Ll-18: 188
LI-19: 188, 214, 234-235, 356
Ll-20: 188, 190, 216-217, 233-
235,238,240,317,356,365,
367
Li Ding Zhong: 52, 79,314,
325
1i Shi Zhen: 86
lifestyle modifications: 245
lifestyle, poor: 157
ling gui ba fa: 105, 171
Ling Shu: 3, 7, 50, 56-57, 75,
78-79, 145, 148, 183, 197, 348,
391
liu zi jue: 97
liver and gallbladder prob-
lems: 146
liver cancer: 315
liver channel: 32, 57, 72, 93,
128, 130, 140-142, 1~165,
180-181, 190, 212, 235, 257,
266, 273, 275-278, 280, 298,
301, 306, 308, 405, 408-410
liver problem: 25, 32-33, 57,
76, 128-129, 137, 142, 146-
147, 152, 165, 179-181,202-
203,214,218,228,235,244,
261, 265, 272-273, 275, 277-
278, 293, 298, 306, 314-315,
405
liver-small intestine: 137,
140, 152, 165, 167, 171, 184,
187,273,275, 280,291-292,
296-298,300,302-303,306
loca1Urrflammation:147
local swelling: 129, 256
lordosis: 148
Lovelock: 37, 419, 423
low back pain: 32, 150,219,
239, 266,269,280-281,290-
291,295,299,313,317,343,
405-406
low back problems: 32, 219,
266,269,300
lower abdominal problems:
146-147, 288
lower ribs and costal border
region are distended: 128
LR-1: 89, 93, 103, 168, 180,
365
LR-2: 77, 89,93-94, 101, 103,
164-165, 167-169, 239, 273,
275, 277-278, 292, 296-298,
301,307,406
LR-3: 76-77, 83-85, 89, 92-93,
103, 142, 168-169, 178, 194,
199,208,210,233-234,236-
240,253-255,257,278,290,
342-343
LR-4: 89, 93, 103, 169, 178,
194, 207-210, 214-215, 235,
237,253-254,257,342-343
LR-5: 239, 287
LR-6: 239
LR-7: 195
LR-8: 89, 93-94, 101, 103,
164-165, 167-169,210-211,
214-216, 237, 239, 273, 275,
277, 292, 296-298, 301,307,
406
LR-10: 193,212
LR-11: 193
LR-13: 74, 85, 134, 180-181,
214,216,237,239,291-292
LR-14: 44, 64, 74, 85, 93, 134-
135, 137, 139-140, 161, 164,
180-181, 209-210, 212-214,
216, 237, 239, 273, 278, 293,
296,298,306,318-319,405-
406
Index 445
LU-1: 55, 74, 92, 104, 134-
135, 137, 139, 141, 144-145,
152, 191, 212-213, 217, 232,
265, 269,271-272, 277,281,
285-287,289,291,318,355,
366,406
LU-2: 135, 137, 139,236, 355
LU-3: 139, 191, 238, 355
LU-4: 139, 191
LU-5: 51, 89, 94, 101, 103,
164, 168, 213-214, 216, 232,
234, 236-237, 240, 272, 286,
291, 316, 355, 406
LU-6: 209-210, 213-214, 216-
217, 232, 256
LU-7: 51, 79, 105, 125, 137,
144-145, 159-162, 171-175,
206, 209, 216-217, 233-238,
240,253,265,267,269,271,
281,285-288,304,308
LU-8: 89, 103, 169, 355
LU-9: 51, 89-90, 92, 94, 101,
103, 164, 168-169, 236-237,
272,277,291,316,406
LU-10: 37, 89, 92, 103, 168,
181, 236-237, 355, 408
LU-11: 89, 103, 169, 180, 240,
355,365-366
lumbago: 57, 194, 254, 266,
306,318
lumbar pain: 146, 210, 221,
235-236,248,256,405-406
lung channel: 55,59, 62, 76,
78, 92, 94, 101, 104, 115, 137,
160,164,187,191,226,232,
266, 281-282,355, 365-366,
406
lung problem: 145, 253, 277,
281
luo mai: 49-51, 77-80, 159,
189-190,235,328,364,367
luo points: 159, 188-190,235,
364,367
M
magnet: 4, 18, 21, 25,31-34,
37, 44-47, 53, 61-65, 75, 77,
91,95-96,99-100, 113, 119,
121-124, 132, 151, 158, 179-
182, 246, 279-280, 305, 324,
329,345,366,375,382-383,
385-389, 396,401,403-404,
413,415-419,422-423
446 Index
magnet heater: 34, 179-180,
246,279-280, 305
magnetic fields: 21, 121, 324,
329, 386, 396, 413, 416-417,
422
malignant tumors: 153, 245
Manaka mu points: 135, 137-
138
Manaka san yin jiao: 99, 178,
181, 275, 279-280
Mandelbrot: 28, 423
mapping particular patterns
of reactive points: 143
Maruyama:53,244
massage: 7, 13, 196-197, 210-
211,257,293,349-350
mastitis: 212, 231
mathematical model: 391-
412, 420-421
Mawangtui: 56, 348
maximum-minimum energy
relationships: 102
McBurney's point: 79, 141
Medikamententestung:25
Melzack: 16, 326, 402, 411
memory, poor: 195
menopause: 180, 210, 231,
239,241,317
menorrhagia: 317
menorrhalgia: 231
menses: 180, 210, 215, 227,
239,257,332
menses, irregular: 215, 239
menstrual cycle: 85
menstrual flow, incomplete:
129
menstrual pain: 195, 239
menstrual problems: 129-
130, 146, 194
mental disorder: 316
meridian imbalance dia-
gram (M.I.D.): 18, 34, 36, 47,
85, 118, 130, 178, 221, 327-
329,332-333,341,346,361
metal phase: 67, 87, 89, 92,
94,366,391
metronome: 71-73, 98, 101,
104-105,182,195,242,245,
255, 268, 277, 282, 288-291,
294
microcirculation: 129-130,
228,327,333-338,340,361
microsystems: 90-91, 223,
325
migraine: 216, 231, 255, 260,
285,299,316,318
minimal stimulation: 18-19,
33, 43, 59, 65, 93, 107, 118,
121, 123-124, 155, 197, 302,
341-343,395,401,419,421
monosyllabic phonemes: 97
morning sickness: 215, 239,
317
mother-child relationship: 5,
9, 94-98, 102, 140, 144, 163,
215, 282, 285, 306-307, 366,
392,395,398,403-407,410
motion sickness: 231
motor points: 311, 323, 326
movement of qi: 83
moxa, indirect: 183, 287-288,
350-351
moxa on the handle of the
needle: 176, 183-185, 188-
189, 193-194,203,212, 228,
233,288,343,352
moxibustion: 3-5, 7-8, 10-19,
30,32-35,49,51-52, 56-57,
59, 65, 72-73, 77, 87, 106, 111-
112, 116-117, 121, 136, 143,
146, 148, 155, 157-159, 166-
167, 176-178, 181-195, 198-
203, 205-206, 210, 212-217,
219, 227-228, 233, 236-237,
239-240, 243-245, 252-253,
256, 258-259, 265-266, 268-
269, 271, 273, 276, 278-283,
286-295, 300, 303-305, 307,
314, 325, 327-329, 341-344,
348-355, 361, 382-383, 389,
406-407, 420
moxibustionists: 8, 12, 205
mu points: 74-75, 133-135,
137-138, 143, 166, 278, 314,
318
Mubunryu hara diagnosis:
133
muscle testing: 206, 418
muscle tone: 150, 196-197
muscle-posture-channel
relationships: 77
musculoskeletal: 116, 148,
156, 158, 193, 243, 256, 290,
326
musculoskeletal problems:
148,193,243,256,290
myocardial infarction: 315
myocarditis: 315
myopia: 219, 232, 240
N
Nagahama: 15
nai jia fa: 103, 168
naizhifa: 101,167-168,171
Nakatani: 52,79,399
Nan Jing: 3, 7, 9, 15-16, 57,
86-87, 89, 94, 131-133, 160,
366,391
nasal bleeding: 317
neck stiffness: 193
negative electrode: 102, 105,
136, 164
nephritis: 214-215, 230, 276,
316
nervous gastroenteritis: 230
nervous problems: 136, 146-
147, 254, 331-332
nervous system: 18,21-22,
25, 31, 43, 60-61, 76, 95, 98,
121, 143, 245, 254, 257, 324,
331-333, 376, 388, 398, 422
nervousness: 146, 268-269
neural dermatomes: 117,323
neuralgia: 10-11, 146,207-
208, 216-217, 231, 238-239,
306, 312-313, 316
neuralgia of the arm: 217
neuralgia of the inguinal
joint: 216
neuralgia of upper arm: 217
neurasthenia: 316
neurological disorders: 196,
316

neurological medications:
136
Neurometer: 67, 399
neurophysiology: 18, 25-26
neurosis: 145-146, 216
neurotransmitters: 153
Nogier: 11, 16, 35, 73, 117,
217, 219-220, 222-223, 244,
325,344,348,397
non-inserted needle: 186,
376
Nordenstrom: 31, 37, 126,
415,421-422
north and south magnets:
44,46,75,91
north magnet: 25, 31, 37, 62-
63, 99-100, 182, 382-383, 385,
388, 403-404
numbness of the arm: 217
nutrition, poor: 245
0 37, 43-47, 55, 59-64, 67, 71-
occipital pain: 217, 267
ocean of the blood: 82
ocean of yang: 82
ocean of yin: 82
octahedral model: 26, 47, 70,
81-86, 103, 189
octahedral relationships: 34,
331
octahedral structure: 81-82,
178
octahedral symmetry: 26, 28,
43,47
octahedral theory: 18-19, 29,
43,4~64,309,327,378,420
Chnura:25,32, 128,142,144,
153,324-326,337,399,403,
405,411,415-416,422-423
open point: 103-106, 159,
161, 166-169, 171, 173, 175,
180,265,267,286,289-290,
292-293,300-301,305,370
open ulcers: 217
organ-channel system: 49,
160
Oschman: 31, 37, 415, 421-
422
osteoarthritis: 317
otitis media: 216, 306
ovarian cystoma: 317
overcontraction and
swelling of the neck: 150
~
pain and cramping: 149-150
pain, axilla: 148, 150
pain, chest: 134, 149, 230,
405
pain, chin: 150
pain killers: 142
pain, knee: 211, 232, 283,
288-289
pain, medial malleolus: 149
pain, navel: 45, 149, 278
pain, neck: 150, 193, 232, 296
pain, olecranon process: 150
pain: 7, 11-12, 16-17, 31-33,
72, 74, 76, 79, 83, 91-93, 96-
100, 102-105, 107, 114-115,
118, 120, 122, 127, 130, 132,
134-137, 140-146, 148-150,
152, 156, 160, 162, 164, 166-
168, 176, 178, 180-182, 184,
187, 189-191, 193-198,205,
208-212, 214-215, 217-219,
221-223, 226-228,230-232,
234-236, 239-240, 243, 246,
248,253,255-256,260,265-
267, 269-270, 272-283, 288-
291, 295-297, 299-300, 302-
303, 305, 311-326, 328-329,
331, 333, 340-341, 343, 352,
364-367,370,384,388,401-
408, 410-411
pain, penis: 149
pain, scapular region: 150
pain, shoulder: 32, 146, 148,
184,190,208,217,219,223,
228, 270, 275-276, 280-281,
283,288-289,296,406
pain, thigh: 149, 193
pain, tibia: 149
palpation: 60, 89, 114, 127,
132-134, 136-137, 139-143,
145, 151, 181, 187, 195, 212,
274,283,311,314-317,400,
405
Index 447
palpation, gastrocnemius
muscles: 127, 137, 139, 143
palpation of abdominal
points and areas on the
abdomen: 89, 120, 127, 131,
133-134, 136, 141, 143-144,
159,162,319,400
palpation, radial pulse: 89,
127,131-132,137,143,314,
400
palpatory reflex areas: 391
palpitations: 134, 146, 208,
213,253,282
pancreatitis: 231-232, 238,
316
panting: 160
paradigm: 24, 35, 91, 182,
244,326,397,411,418,423
paranasal rhinitis: 317
parotitis: 214
pathophysiology: 337
pattern: 3, 24, 28, 33-34, 36,
44,63,69,76,87, 104,113-
114, 117, 127, 131, 135, 137-
138, 141, 144-145, 151-152,
155, 157, 161-162, 165-167,
171, 179, 184, 186-187, 189,
195,223,239,265-271,275-
277, 279-280, 282, 285, 306,
318,320-322,325,341,392,
406-407,418
PC-1: 135, 137, 139, 153, 161,
164,266,274
PC-3: 64, 84, 89, 103, 169,
233,253
PC-4: 64, 213, 216-217, 234,
253,315
PC-5: 89, 103, 169, 234
PC-6: 82, 120, 159-161, 167,
171-175, 208,210, 217, 234,
236-240, 255, 266-271, 278,
291-293,301-305,308,405
PC-7: 64, 84, 89, 92, 94, 101,
103, 164, 168-169, 171, 175,
208,210,217,233,240,253,
315
PC-8:89, 103,168,317,356
PC-9: 89, 94, 101, 103-104,
164,168,356,365
448 Index
pelvic inflammatory disease:
147-148
pendants: 42, 159
periarthritis humeroscapu-
laris: 231
pericarditis: 315
pericardium: 6-7, 56-57, 59,
64, 67-68, 70, 72, 75, 78, 81-
82, 84, 89, 92, 94, 101-102,
132, 1~135, 142, 146, 153,
164,180,184,187,226,233,
242,255,274,297,301,303,
319,321,356,365,396-397
perineural: 31
peripheral circulating blood:
338
peritonitis:214,312,316
pertussis: 213, 215, 313
phantom function: 21, 417
pharyngitis:214,240,317
phasal characteristics: 89, 92,
107,365,396
phasal correspondence: 97,
368,396
phase cycles: 91, 94
phase, phasal: 24, 28, 49, 67,
70, 87-94, 96-101, 103-104,
106-107, 111-112, 116, 119,
133, 141, 159, 166, 168, 180,
188,223,324,363-371,391-
399,403-404,408-409,419-
420
pheromone: 20-21
pi: 6-7, 142, 184, 187, 303, 355
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(P.I.D.): 147-148
pigmentation: 128-131, 136,
203,290,345,405
pimples: 130, 227
pleuritis:213,312
pneumonia:213,312,314
Po Di Gao: 203
point reactions: 127, 153,
166,318,322
polar agents: 163
polar channel pairs: 83, 102,
122, 158-159, 161-163, 166
polarities of needle direc-
tion: 378
polarity agents: 18-19, 31-33,
54-55, 60-63, 65, 91, 95-96,
102-104, 106-107, 112-113,
119,122,138,144,156,159-
161,183,325,366,404
polarity tests: 83
positive electrode: 102, 105,
132,164
postpartum discharge: 317
pre-disease conditions: 332
pressure pain: 7, 12, 31, 33,
37,44-46,55,59-64,67,71-
72, 74, 76, 79, 83, 91-93, 96-
100, 103-105, 107, 127, 132,
134-137, 141-145, 150, 152,
162, 166-167, 176, 178, 181,
187, 189-191, 193-195, 212,
219, 231-232, 234-236, 240,
253, 278-279,283, 297, 311-
326, 328, 352, 364-367, 370,
401-408,410
pressure perspiration reflex:
26,43
Prigogine: 23,423
primary channels: 49-50, 57,
61, 66,75
primitive signals: 83
problems that come when
sitting from a lying position:
147
problems that come when
standing from a sitting posi-
tion: 147
problems, urination: 145,
316
propagating sensations: 52-
53
prostatitis: 230
psychological counselling:
157
psychological problems:
129, 136, 146, 194, 216
psychosomatic disorders:
332
pulling pain at the lateral
edges of the chest: 149
pulse diagnosis: 8, 13, 47,
131-133
pulse,ilTegular:213
pulses: 8-9, 13, 16, 28, 47, 71,
89, 93, 100, 102, 104, 124,
127, 131-133, 137, 140-141,
143, 145, 150-152, 156, 158,
162, 167, 178, 181, 190, 206,
213,265-267,272-273,275-
278,280,282,2~306,314,
370,372,391,400,405-407
pulsings: 134
pyelitis: 215
pyelonephritis: 316
Q
qi: 5-6, 10, 13, 19, 35-36, 41,
43,47,49,58,65456,69,81-
84, 86, 89, 96, 112, 116, 136,
143, 146, 149, 155, 160, 177,
185, 194, 218, 237-239, 244,
255, 314, 327, 349, 365, 375,
386,388-389,396,399-402,
411, 413-414, 416, 419-420,
423
qi counterflow: 255
qi gong: 5, 75, 78, 97-98, 181,
197,375,389,418,423
qi jing ba mai: 81, 86, 116
qi jing mai: 49
Qigong: 75, 78, 97-98, 181,
197,375,389,418,423
quadrantality: 26, 43, 85-86,
341
R
radial pulse palpation: 89,
132,400
radial pulses: 8, 127, 131-
132,137,141,145,150,156,
158, 167, 314
range of motion: 150, 193,
198-202, 206, 212, 218, 227,
246,272,283,291,297,406
reflex point: 7, 35, 57, 59, 63,
67, 71-72, 75, 77, 79, 90-91,
93, 100, 105, 117, 141-143,
145, 165-166, 180-181, 187,
232, 266, 281-282, 288-289,
302, 319, 324, 365, 367, 401,
407

reflex points, tender: 59
reflexology: 34-35, 90-91
regeneration:22,37,351,415
regulation and distribution
of qi: 81
ren mai: 29, 49, 64, 71-72, 81-
82, 85, 137-139, 141, 145, 148,
159, 161-162, 171, 181-182,
187,193,212,242,255,259-
260,265-267,269,271,280-
281,285,287,290,295,302,
318,360
ren mai-du mai axis: 29
renal atrophy: 215
renal calculi: 316
renal disease: 230
renal tuberculosis: 177, 214
Requena:326
respiratory disorders: 243
restore the balance of qi: 155
restraining cycle: 88, 92, 98,
100, 111, 392, 398
restricted movements of the
shoulder: 254
retinitis: 216
rheumatic heart: 315
rheumatoid arthritis: 147,
211, 216, 231, 317
rhinitis:206,216,220,232,
240,282,306,317
right-brain pattern recogni-
tion:3,36
rings: 159, 196
river-jing points: 104, 160
root treatment: 113, 115-118,
137, 143, 145, 148, 151, 153,
156, 158-159, 161-162, 165-
167, 176-177, 179-183, 193,
203,205-206,223,227,233,
244-245, 255-257, 265-283,
285-308, 367, 370
Ryodoraku: 52, 79, 117, 244,
411
~ Shiroda: 8, 177-178, 205-206,
san jiao: 6-7, 142, 184, 221
Sawada: 8, 177, 205-206, 213-
217
sayoshi: 21, 37, 375-390, 417,
423
scarring moxibustion: 178,
203
scars:27,32, 196,203,206,
228, 296, 350, 353
schizophrenics: 71
Schoffeniels: 23, 30, 37
sciatica: 146, 208, 216, 231,
238,273,299,316,407
scleritis: 215
scoliosis: 148, 196
scrofula: 217, 349
self-massage: 155
semi conductor network: 31
serious conditions: 162
severe pain: 205, 227,280,
290
sexual dysfunction: 257
sexual organ: 149
shaking of the leg: 149
shallowly inserted needles:
254, 376, 405-407
Shang Han Lun: 7,146
shao yang: 7, 56-57, 67-68, 70,
75-76, 148, 150, 180
shao yang-jue yin: 180
shao yin: 7, 57, 67-68, 70, 149-
150, 180-181, 370
shen men: 219, 221, 286, 301,
303-305
shi si jing: 49-50, 57-58, 79
Shi Si Jing Fa Hui: 50, 57-58,
79
Shinjutsu: 16, 153, 389
Shinkenkyu: 15
Shinkyu: 15, 79, 146, 213, 236,
244,307,354-355,361,411,
420,423
Shinkyu Rinsho Iten: 146, 244
213-217
Index 449
shou po li: 15
shoulder, inability to raise:
148
shoulder pain: 32, 146, 148,
184,190,219,223,228,270,
276, 283, 288, 406
shoulder problems,: 146,
180,189,191,227,236,242,
254,256,271,405
shoulder stiffness: 254, 256
shu ha ri: 15, 244, 309
SI-1: 89, 103, 168, 365-366
Sl-2: 67, 89, 103, 169, 180
SI-3: 11, 89, 94, 99, 101, 103,
159-161, 164-165, 167-168,
171-175, 180-181, 188, 213,
233, 237-238, 240, 268-269,
273,275,277,290,292,294,
296-298, 300-301, 307, 406
SI-4: 63, 92, 169, 190, 240,
278
SI-5: 89, 103, 168
SI-6: 217
SI-7: 188
SI-8: 89, 94, 100-103, 164-165,
167-169, 240, 273,292, 296-
298, 300-301, 307, 406
SI-9: 139, 188, 192, 239-240,
289, 296-297, 356
SI-10: 85, 139, 192, 216-217,
283,297,301
Sl-11: 188-190, 192,208,212-
215,217,297,317
SI-14: 188, 236, 256
Sl-17: 233
Sl-18: 188, 217, 234-235, 356
SI-19: 188, 206, 216,233-234,
237, 240, 365-366
signal: 18-27, 30, 32-33, 35-
36, 43, 47, 49, 58-60, 65-66,
73, 83,88-89, 96, 102-104,
106-107, 111-114, 117-119,
121, 125, 136, 144, 156, 158,
198, 309, 323, 325, 363-367,
370-373, 375-376, 398, 408-
411, 413-414, 417-419, 421,
423
450 Index
signal system: 18-20, 22-27,
30, 32-33, 35-36, 43, 47, 49,
58-60, 65-66, 73, 88-89, 96,
102-104, 106-107, 111-114,
117-119, 121, 125, 136, 144,
156, 158, 309, 325, 371, 373,
411, 413-414, 418-419, 421,
423
single channel problems:
136-137
sinusitis: 216
six character method: 97
skin problems: 217, 253
skin temperature: 329
skin texture and color: 150
small intestine channel: 53,
57, 67, 69, 78, 99-100, 135,
140-141, 181, 184, 189-190,
192, 218, 225, 275-278, 280,
283, 298, 300-302, 306, 308,
366,370
small intestine problem: 100,
135,189,278,306
sotai: 85, 158, 195, 197-203,
209-210, 245-251, 256, 288-
294,307,324,326,389,407
Soulie De Morant: 323, 326
source points: 82, 90-93, 103,
165-166, 168, 188, 190, 364,
367
source-luo points: 189
source-yuan points: 52, 63,
67-68, 72, 75, 92, 160, 324
south magnet: 25, 31, 63,
113,382-383,385,388,403-
404
SP-1: 89, 103, 168, 180, 357,
365
SP-2: 89, 94, 101, 103, 145,
164, 166-168, 171, 274-276,
299,407
SP-3: 89-92, 103-104, 166,
168-169, 190, 237, 279
SP-4: 82, 120, 159-161, 167,
171-175,210, 236-237, 239-
240, 266-271, 278, 291-293,
301-305, 308, 405
SP-5: 89, 94, 98, 101, 103,
145, 164, 167-168, 240, 274-
276,299,370,407
SP-6: 64, 71, 84-85, 194, 208,
210, 214-216, 232, 234, 236-
240, 243, 253-254, 256-257,
296-298,317,342-343,357
SP-7:210,232,256,357
SP-8: 210, 239, 253, 256, 298,
303-305, 316
SP-9: 89, 101, 103, 169, 211,
237, 239-240, 303, 357
SP-10: 64, 71, 84, 142, 178,
194, 210, 216, 239-240, 243,
253-254, 257, 283, 315, 317,
342
SP-11: 316,357
SP-13: 85, 139
SP-14: 214
SP-15:85, 139,279
SP-16:85, 139,357
SP-20: 357
SP-21: 135, 137, 139, 145,
161,164,167,303
spasming of the muscles
around ST-32: 149
spasming of the muscles of
the third toe: 149
spasming of the sole of the
foot: 149
speech disorders: 146, 307
spider veins: 129
spinal extension problems:
147
spinal flexion problems: 147,
201,291
spine and neck problems:
146
spinal problems: 146-147,
216
spiritual turtle eight meth-
ods: 105
spleen channel: 84, 100, 128,
130,145,167,189-190,225,
259,274-276,311,357,370
spleen problem: 145, 265,
275,370
spontaneous bleeding: 129
sprained ankle: 243, 256
sprains: 208, 231, 242-243,
254,256
spring-ying points: 160
ST-1: 85, 233-234, 240, 358,
365
ST-2: 85, 238
ST-3:85, 188,234-235
ST-4:85,233-235,238
ST-5: 85, 214, 217
ST-6: 188, 233-234, 237-238
ST-7: 188, 214, 217, 233-234,
237-238, 240, 358
ST-8: 188, 234, 238, 358
ST-9: 85, 139, 142, 161, 188,
209,213-214,216,358
ST-11: 83, 161, 188, 289, 318-
319
ST-12:85, 139,142,149,161,
188, 190, 318, 358
ST-14: 314
ST-16: 314
ST-17: 358
ST-18: 304-305
ST-19: 214
ST-20: 315
ST-21: 135, 164, 214, 216,
232,237,303-304,315
ST-23: 78
ST-24:214-216,317
ST-25: 63, 72, 74-75, 78, 134-
135, 137, 139, 145, 161, 164,
166-167, 171, 178, 194, 207,
210, 234, 236-237, 239, 253,
257, 266-267, 269-270, 274-
276, 279, 291, 294, 299, 301-
302, 305, 315-316, 318-319,
407
ST-26: 63, 78, 100-101, 135,
137, 139-140, 152, 161, 164-
165, 167, 171, 266, 268-269,
273, 277, 280, 285-286, 289,
291-292,294,296-298,300-
301, 305-306, 317, 366, 370,
406

ST-27: 31, 62-63, 67, 75, 91,
100, 135, 137, 141, 152, 161,
164-165, 167, 171, 194, 210,
214-215, 256, 265-266, 272-
274,280-282,285,288-289,
291-295,297,300-302, 304,
316,318,370,405
ST-28: 236-237
ST-29: 236
ST-30: 83, 85, 139, 142, 193,
239,358
ST-31: 193,212,358
ST-32: 139,149,290,316,358
ST-33: 358
ST-34: 209-210, 214-216, 283,
297,317
ST-35: 240, 358
ST-36: 89-91, 98, 103, 107,
169, 177-178, 206-210, 212-
217, 234, 236-240, 253, 256,
290, 297-298, 316, 378
ST-37:214,234,237,255
ST-38:239,256,342,358
ST-39: 210, 237-238, 255, 315
ST-40: 189, 235-239, 303
ST-41: 89, 94, 101, 103, 132,
152, 164, 167-168, 171, 181,
206,235,240,256,276,304
ST-42: 92, 168, 189-190
ST-43:89, 100,103,169,180,
240
ST-44:89, 103,168,176,232-
233, 237-238
ST-45: 89, 91, 94, 101-103,
107,164,168-169,301,365
stagnant liver qi: 314
Stengers: 423
sterility: 152, 210, 215
sternocleidomastoid mus-
des: 143
stiffness: 148, 150, 184, 188,
191,193,228,246,254,256,
272,283,289-291,406-407
stiffness and difficulty mov-
ing the tongue: 150
stiffness of the fourth toe:
148
stiffness in the back of the
neck: 148
stomach atony: 214
stomach cancer: 315
stomach channel: 50-51, 55,
62, 102, 128, 137, 153, 171,
189, 212, 226, 232, 274, 311,
358
stomach hyperacidity: 214
stomach problem: 134, 146-
147,153,194,210,253-254,
275, 303, 314
stomach ulcer: 194, 214, 304,
314,331
stomatitis: 214
stream-shu points: 160
stress: 59,136,205,232,253-
254,256-257,269,285,302-
304,306,324,326
stretching exercises: 256
stroke: 216, 219, 241, 257,
349
structural disorders: 116,
156,183,195-197,246
Su Wen: 3, 5, 7, 9, 16, 56-57,
343, 348, 391
subcostal reactions: 102, 153,
167,181,268,277
subcostal tension: 33, 93,
102, 132, 137, 162, 171, 181,
273, 280, 291-295, 297,299-
300
subcutaneous tissues: 136
summerheat: 5
Sun Si-Mo: 13
sunken appearance: 128
superficial invasion of cold
or external qi: 146
supplementation: 7-8, 60-61,
63-64, 79, 94-98, 101-102,
104, 111, 132, 140, 145, 159-
160, 163, 166-168, 181, 276,
366,388
surgery: 10, 27, 79, 136, 179,
228,268,270,279,281,302,
306-307,316,331,405
sweat rash: 217
Index 451
sweating problems: 146
swelling and pain of the
fifth toe and heel: 148
swelling of the anterior por-
tions of the thigh: 149
symmetry: 22-23, 25-26, 28,
33, 43, 47, 81, 111, 113
symptom control treatment:
115, 118, 156, 177, 203, 205-
245,252
symptom patterns: 131, 145-
146, 153
symptoms in confirming
diagnosis: 145
systematic and comprehen-
sive treatment plan: 18
systematic correspondences:
391
systemic microcirculatory
changes: 65
T
tachycardia: 315
tactile examination: 127, 131
Tae Woo Yoo: 35, 117, 180,
217,219,223,244,299,325
tai ji moxa: 253
tai yang: 7, 56-57, 67-70, 75-
76, 146, 148, 150, 180-181,
221,370
tai yang disease: 146
tai yin: 7, 56-57, 67-68, 70, 76,
149-150, 180-181, 188-189,
370
taikyoku: 176, 206, 232
Takagi: 26, 43
TB-1: 89, 103, 169, 365
TB-2: 89, 103, 168, 289
TB-3: 89, 94, 101, 103, 164,
167-168, 171, 175, 233, 274-
276,299,407
TB-4: 63, 72, 92, 166, 168,
171, 175, 177, 207, 214-217,
240,279,357
TB-5: 11, 68, 82, 159-161,
171-175,188,206,209,233,
236-238, 240, 266-271, 279,
291-294,301,304-305,405
452 Index
TB-6: 89, 103, 166, 168, 239-
240
TB-7: 357
TB-8: 64, 84, 178, 188, 194,
206-208, 213, 232-233, 253,
256, 301, 357
TB-9: 192, 216-217
TB-10: 89, 94, 101, 103, 164,
167-169,240,275, 299,370,
407
TB-13: 85, 188
TB-14: 188, 192, 239-240
TB-15: 85,192,213,216-217,
288-289, 291
TB-16: 235, 357
TB-17: 188, 213-214, 216-217,
233, 235, 237-238, 240
TB-18: 235, 357
TB-19: 235, 357
TB-20: 188,235,357
TB-21: 188,206,235,230357
TB-22: 215, 217, 357
TB-23:235,240,357,365
temperature differences:
134,341
temporal relationships: 69
ten-day channel biorhythms:
103
ten-day stem method: 103-
105
tension: 28, 31, 33-34, 37, 59,
71-72, 74, 76, 84, 93, 96-97,
102,127,132,134,137,141-
144, 150, 152, 156-158, 162,
171, 176, 181, 183, 187, 189,
191, 193, 195, 197, 203, 205,
212,219,227,236,246,254-
256, 266, 273, 277, 279-280,
291-295, 297, 299-302, 304-
306, 323, 325-326, 384, 401,
405-407
tension and pressure pain:
33,37,59, 76,132,162,193
ten-stem: 169, 396
testicular pain: 149
tetany of the muscles anteri-
or to the femoral bone: 148
tetany of the muscles in the
pectoral and anterior neck:
148
tetany of the posterior
gluteal muscles: 148
thoracic: 53, 221,240, 259,
272,313,316,406
throat infection: 213, 216
thrombophlebitis: 317
thumb: 13, 18, 25, 31, 55, 59-
60, 95-98, 119, 132, 144, 155,
251,254,266,282,352,378
tilted uterus: 215
tinnitus: 150,216,232,237,
259
tiredness: 146,254
tones: 97, 391
tonsillitis: 209, 216, 317
tonus, poor: 128
tooth extraction: 221
toothache: 33, 57, 145, 194,
207,214,221,235,237,253,
255
topology: 18-19, 27-28, 42-
43, 79, 82, 84, 106, 307, 361,
411, 420, 423
trachoma: 215
tranquilizers: 136, 142
transporting-shu points: 88-
89, 92, 94, 111
trauma: 115, 129, 179, 206,
254,256,273,290,296,298,
323
traumatic injuries: 254, 256
trigeminal neuralgia: 10-11,
146,207,217,231,238
trigger points: 16, 219, 311,
323-324, 326, 411
trigrams: 105,363-364,366-
367,369,371
triple burner: 6, 56-57, 59,
63-64, 67-68, 70-72, 75, 78,
81-82, 84, 89, 92, 94, 97, 101-
102, 132, 134-135, 142, 145,
164, 166-167, 171, 180, 184,
187,191-193,225,242,274-
276, 299-300, 303, 319-320,
357,365,370,397,407
tuberculosis: 7-8, 177, 213-
214,230,312,314,353
tuina: 197
tumors: 130,153,227,245
twelve branches: 169
twelve channels: 7, 36, 50,
67, 69, 74, 81-86, 88, 94, 103,
106, 111-112, 145, 159, 168,
180,234,259
two-metal contact: 31, 83,
119, 122-123
typhoid fever: 242
u
ulcer of the oral cavity: 317
ulcers: 130, 217, 237, 338, 351
Ulett: 326
unidirectionality of channel
flow: 18
uniting-he points: 160
Unschuld: 14-16, 373,398,
410
unusual sweating: 146
upper limb problem: 220
uranaitei: 176, 209-210, 214,
253, 286-288
urethral calculi: 316
urethritis:215,316,406
urinary incontinence: 239,
316
urinary retention: 230, 316
urticaria: 221, 232
uterine bleeding: 215, 231
uterine cancer: 317
uterine prolapse: 317
v
vacuities: 7, 13,94,96,100-
101, 113, 128, 141-142, 152,
157, 162, 177, 194, 236-239,
252-253, 269, 271, 273, 282,
290,309,314,348,366,395,
400,402-404,408,410
vaginitis: 285, 287-288
vascular spiders: 128-130,
241-242

vasomotion: 333-338, 340
venesection: 129, 158, 203,
241-242,246
vertical relationships: 18, 73
vesical calculi: 316
viral infections: 148, 242
visible raised venules: 128
visual examination: 127-128,
131,143
Voll: 25, 32, 52, 79, 117, 326
vomiting blood: 150
vomiting milk: 212, 215
w Yamashita: 79, 354
wakakusa: 185
water phase: 87, 89, 92, 94,
101,365-366,392,395,420
weakness, extreme: 155, 275,
308
wei: 11, 13, 49, 57, 65-66, 68,
82, 84-85, 137-138, 141-142,
146, 152-153, 159, 161-162,
167,171,184,187,228,265-
271, 275, 277, 290, 295, 318,
325,414
well-jing points: 160
whiplash: 146, 207, 228, 236,
244
wide costal arch: 128
Wilber: 423
wind: 5, 236-238, 240, 285
Wiseman: 15
wood phase: 87, 89, 92, 94,
97, 364, 366, 391-392, 395,
420
wooden hammer and nee-
dle: 72-73, 100, 104-105, 192-
193,195,202,211,242-243,
253-254, 256-258, 282, 372
work habits: 155
Worsley: 79
wounds: 253-254,256,349,
351
Index 453
yin-yang balancing: 197, 203
xiang: 5, 195 yin-yang channels: 137
xie qi: 5 yin-yang theory: 18, 39-41,
81,328
xin bao: 6-7
yin-yang triplets: 146-147
xin zhu: 6-7
Yoshiaki: 25, 415
X-signal system: 17-38, 43-
44, 47, 49-50, 58-60, 65-66, yu yao: 219, 240
73, 88-89, 96, 102-104, 106- yuan qi: 5
107, 111-114, 117-119, 121,
125,136,144,156,158,309,
325,339,367,371-373,375, z
388,398,400-401,411,413- zangfu: 6
414,418-419,421,423
Zhen ]iu Da Cheng: 11, 50, 58
Zhen ]iu ]u Ying: 50, 58, 355
y
zhenggu: 197
zi wu: 69
yang ming: 7, 56-57, 67-68,
70, 149-150, 180-181, 188-189 Zi Yun Gao: 203
yang ming-tai yin: 91, 180
yang patient: 128
yang qiao mai: 11, 85, 146,
159, 161, 228, 268-269, 295,
318
yang wei mai: 11, 57, 68, 85,
137, 146, 159, 161, 187, 228,
265-267,271,290,318
yang wei-dai mai: 137-139,
167
Yasumasa:21,375,389,417
Yi ]ing: 105, 355, 363-374
yin qiao mai: 85, 145, 159,
161-162, 187, 193, 265-267,
269,271,290,295,318
yin qiao mai-ren mai: 128, 137,
139, 141-142, 144, 152, 162,
223,265,283
yin wei mai: 57, 85, 137, 141,
146, 159, 161-162, 187, 265-
267,269-271,277,295,318
yin wei mai-chong mai: 128,
137, 139, 142, 153, 162, 167
Yin Yang Shi Yi Mai ]iu ]ing:
56,348
ying: 13, 49-50, 58, 65-66, 69,
82,89, 103,355,365,376,
414,420
ying qi: 69, 365, 414, 420
Yoshio Manaka, MD
with Kazuko Itaya and Stephen Birch

Y oshio Manaka was a poet, artist,

scholar, physician, and healer. He lived
for and was inspired by ideas and inven-
tion. At the pinnacle of his life he reached
a level of healing skill that only those who
have invested many years of practice,
research, and study can achieve. Yet he sought not accolades, but hopeless
and puzzling medical cases. He was not content with fame but sought
bright young idealists to challenge and inspire.
His transformation of East Asian traditional medical theory into a ratio-
nal scientific model established the foundation for a new explanation of
acupuncture, the X-signal system. It explains and explores both traditional
and modern theories without trivializing either. He based every aspect of his
model on clinical tests, observations, and years of successful clinical prac-
tice, both his own and that of a network of skillful and dedicated healers.
Chasing the Dragon's Tail assembles the elements of that model, begin-
ning with a clear exploration of the observational evidence. It organizes and
presents Manaka's experim~tal and clinical findings, explaining each of the
many levels. The system of theoretical explanation and clinical practice he
evolved is detailed step-by-step with illustrations and instructions. Manaka's
system is proven and practical, and is based on tests and observations every
practitioner may confirm for themselves. It is an invitation not only to a
new and dynamic understanding of acupuncture but to new levels of clini-
cal skill.
Chasing the Dragon's Tail
ISBN-13: 978-0-91211132-2