Acupuncture (AP) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
RESEARCH ON THE CHANNELS AND VESSELS (1/2)
Chen_MF; Wu CC; Jong SB; Lin CC (1994) Radionuclide venography by sc injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate at AP point KI03: a case report. AJCM 22(3-4):337-340. Dept of Nuclear Med, Kaohsiung Med Coll, Taiwan, ROC. Recently, we developed a new method of radionuclide venography of lower limbs, namely SC-RNV, by sc injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate at AP points K-3. In this study, we applied this method to evaluate the venous drainage of lower limbs in a patient with severe varicose veins and edematous swelling of the left lower extremity. For comparison, an ascending radionuclide venography by iv injection of Tc-99m MAA (IV-RNV) was also done. The SC-RNV showed normal venous drainage of the right side but complete obstruction of the left popliteal vein with a prominent collateral flow, compatible to the findings of IV-RNV. SC-RNV may be useful as an alternative method of venography as previously suggested.
Chen_MF; Wu CC; Jong SB; Lin CC (1993) Differences in AP point SP10 and non-AP point after sc injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate. AJCM 21(3-4):221-229. Dept of Nuclear Med, Kaohsiung Med Coll, Taiwan, ROC. A new method of radionuclide venography, namely SC-RNV, by sc injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate at AP points was recently developed in our Lab. The time-activity curve of SC-RNV can be divided into 3 phases as: the phase of diffusion of radioisotopes through the sc space, the phase of entrance of radioisotopes into intravascular space to reach a peak level and the phase of equilibrium state of radioisotopes in the intravascular space. In this study, we used the 3 phases of SC-RNV to evaluate the absorption of Tc-99m pertechnetate injected sc in the AP point SP10 and in a non-AP point near SP10. The absorption of Tc-99m pertechnetate via SP10 was significantly greater than that of non-AP point, evidenced by shorter phase 1, higher peak activity and greater accelerating rate of phase 2. This suggests that the absorption of radioisotopes from AP point is faster and greater than that of non-AP point.
Draehmpaehl_D; Ottensmeier A; Kleinpeter A; Kiupel M (1993) Vessels, Nerves, Muscular and Tendinous Spindles as the Aims of AP by Cats and Dogs and Their Therapeutic Properties. Monatsh Veterinarmed Oct 48(10):537-551. Heidekampweg 100, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. Histology and mesoscopy showed coincidence of reduced electrical cutaneous resistance with nerve-vascular-bundles piercing the superficial fascia of the trunk in dogs and cats. A comparison of AP Channels at the carcasses revealed in many regards morphological reference structures (large blood vessels, muscular and tendinous spindles). Their courses and those of the chains of muscular function which have other therapeutic possibilities were stressed. New aspects of the courses of the Channels implicate distributional pattern of cutaneous blood vessels also. The Channels of BL and GV on the back and ST, KI, SP and CV on the abdomen are discussed especially. Osteological differences between species raise questions concerning the localisation of AP points and their sphere of action.
Hou_TZ1; Dawitof M; Wang JY; Li MD (1994) Experimental evidence of a plant Channel system: 1: Bioelectricity and AP effects on electrical resistance of the soybean (Glycine max). AJCM 22(1):1-10. Xinjiang Acad of Forestry Science, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Experiments were conducted on the bioelectrical potential and resistance of soybean (Glycine max) roots, stems, leaves and pods. Results showed a higher potential and lower electrical resistance associated with the leaf cushion, main vein and small vein areas in comparison with other parts of the plant. When 2 needles were inserted into one of the low resistance points, i.e., the leaf cushion area, the electrical resistance decreased 26% on the main vein and 4.5% on the mesophyll of the soybean leaf for at least 5 h after AP. These characteristics, similar to those of Channel transmission lines in humans and other animals, suggest that a Channel system might also exist in plants.
Hou_TZ2; Re ZW; Li MD (1994) Experimental evidence of a plant Channel system: 2: The effects of needle AP on the temperature changes of soybean (Glycine max). AJCM 22(2):103-10. Xinjiang Acad of Forestry Science, Urumqi, China. When stainless steel needles were inserted opposite each other in the stem near the unifoliolate buds of soybean plants and retained there for the whole experiment, leaf temperatures increased for 2 d consecutively. After AP, the mean temperature of the main vein on d 1 and d 2 increased 0.59oC and 0.48oC, respectively, while the temperature of mesophyll increased only 0.50oC and 0.47oC on d 1 and d 2. These results are very consistent with studies on the human Channel system. This is our 2nd report on experimental evidence that plants may have a Channel system as is known to exist in mammals.
Hou_TZ3; Luan JY; Wang JY; Li MD (1994) Experimental evidence of a plant Channel system: 3: The sound characteristics of phylodendron (Alocasia) and effects of AP on those properties. AJCM 22(3-4):205-214. Xinjiang Acad of Forestry Science, Urumqi, China. The sound characteristics of phylodendron leaves were studied by measuring their power with a laser beam. Phylodendron leaves produced sound waves at relatively low frequencies (from 50-120 Hz). Those leaves accepted external sound wave stimulations, with frequencies lower than 150 Hz giving the strongest responses. When the plants were under stress, such as drought, the sound emissions from the plant's leaves increased circa 20-30 dB, while the range of response to external sound wave stimulation decreased 10-20 dB. However, these increased emissions returned to normal 6 min after watering. When stainless steel needles were inserted into the petiole of the plant, spontaneous sound production increased circa 40 dB for the main vein and 6 dB for the mesophyll. This is our third report on experimental evidence that plants may have a Channel system as in humans and other animals.
Kovacs_FM; Gotzens V; Garcia A; Garcia F; Mufraggi N; Prandi D (1992) AP and radioactive pathways of hypodermically injected technetium-99m [letter]. J Nucl Med Nov 33(11):2060.
Lazorthes_Y; EsquerrÚ JP; Simon J; Guiraud G; Guiraud R (1990) AP Channels and radiotracers. Pain Jan 40(1):109-112. Clinique de Neurochirurgie, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France. AP is frequently used and in particular to treat pain. One of the cornerstones of its use, at least in Western countries, is the concept of the AP Channel. Yet, their existence has never actually been proven. Recently, a report was published stating that injection of a radiotracer at an AP point allows the visualization of the corresponding Channel in the shape of a radioactive path which is apparent on scintiscans. The present work confirms the appearance of radioactive paths after the injection of a radiotracer at AP points. However, the cross-checks made with the method used (counting the radioactivity of the venous blood, studying radioactivity of the organs which normally take up the tracer, scintiscan study of the complete Channel paths as they are described in TCM and studying the effect of venous blockade on the observed radioactive paths) show that the radioactive paths in fact correspond to vascular drainage of the radiotracer.
Wu_B1; Hu X; Xu J; Yang B; Li W; Li B (1993) [Localization of the Channel track over body surface by the method of blocking the AP effect with mechanical pressure]. Chen Tzu Yen Chiu 18(2):128-131, 114. Fujian Inst of TCM, Fuzhou, PRC. Mapping the Channel course with objective methods is important in Channel research. Therefore, selecting a proper indication to plot out the Channel track over the body surface during AP is significant for elucidating the essence of Channel. The purpose of this paper was to plot out the Large Intestine Channel track by blocking the AP effect with mechanical pressure, when electroretinogram (ERG) was taken as a responsive indication. The plotting out the track was carried out on 5 subjects with marked propagated sensation along Channels (PCS) and 5 without PCS. The pressure was applied on LI07, LI10, LI11, LI14 and LI15 respectively, when LI04 was punctured. Under such condition the variation of ERG amplitude decreased markedly or even disappeared. But the variation rate of ERG amplitude was still distinctly increased when the pressure was applied on both sides of any above points. The difference is highly significant (p <.01). When the proper objective indication was used, the Channel track on the body surface during AP was plotted, not only in subjects with marked PCS, but also in those without PCS. Its course basically coincided with that of the Channel described in the books of TCM. One can safely say that the Channel track on the human body surface is a real phenomenon. This work provides a new approach to objectively map the Channel course; the work has broad prospects for further application.
Yan_Z; Chi Y; Wang P; Cheng J; Wang Y; Shu Q; Huang G (1992) Studies on the luminescence of Channels in rats and its law of changes with "Syndromes" and treatment of AP and moxibustion. Chung i tsa chih (JTCM) Dec 12(4):283-287. Inst of Biophysics, Chin Acad of Sci, Beijing, PRC. We previously reported the discovery of 14 Channels in the human body, which possessed the biophysical property of high emission of light. In this study we found the same property on the CV and GV Channels in healthy rats. Also, we discovered that the luminance of the related Channels in rat models with different "Syndromes" varied greatly. For instance, a markedly low luminance appeared on the GV Channel in animals with experimental Syndrome of Yang-Xu (Yang deficiency) induced by cortisol; while in animals with experimental Syndrome of Xue-Xu (Blood Deficiency) induced by blood-letting, an apparently low luminance occurred on the CV Channel. The intensity of the emitted light on GV and CV Channels increased after AP treatment, but not significantly. This phenomenon conforms to TCM theory that the GV Channel is the "Sea of Yang Channels", while the CV Channel is the "Sea of Yin Channels".
Yang_JM01 (1996) The 12 Main Qi Channels: Part 1. Adapted from WWW (Acupuncture.com) from the book by Jwing-Ming YANG: "Chinese Qigong Massage", YMAA Publication Centre, Jamaica Plain.
This chapter briefly reviews the 12 Main Qi Channels along with the 8 Extraordinary Vessels and the Yin-Yang organs. The body has 6 Yang organs and 6 Yin organs. Each Yang organ is associated with a Yin organ by a special Yin-Yang relationship.
Paired Yin-Yang organs belong to the same phase in the Five Phases. Their Channels are sequential to each other in the circulation of Qi, their functions are closely related, and disease in one usually affects the other. In TCM, the Channel corresponding to the Yang organ is often used to treat disorders of its related Yin organ. In the limbs, the Yang Channels are on the external side of the limbs while the Yin Channels are on the internal side. Generally speaking, the lateral sides of the limbs are more Yang and are more resistant and prepared for an attack, while the medial sides are more Yin and weaker.
To distinguish different levels of the Yin-Yang characteristics, the Main Channels and their organs are further subdivided into the Six Channels (Six Levels). The Yang organs are divided into Taiyang (Greater Yang), Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) and Yangming (Yang Brightness, Sunlight). The Yin organs are divided into Taiyin (Greater Yin), Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) and Jueyin (Absolute Yin). In the following discussion, all of the classifications will be shown in the title, for example: LU Channel of Hand Taiyin.
1. LU - Lung Channel (Hand Taiyin)
LU (Yin) and LI (Yang) are paired Metal organs. They correspond with the westerly direction, the season of autumn, climatic Dryness, the colour white, the pungent taste, the rank odour, the emotion of sadness, and the sound of weeping. Their opening is the nose, and they govern skin and hair.
In Qigong practice, as LU belongs to Metal, LU can regulate heartburn. HT belongs to Fire. In HT-Qi-Shi (Excess), deep breathing can lead HT-Fire to LU, and therefore cool the heartburn. LU is the first organ to sense the weather change from Damp, Hot summer into Dry and cool autumn. If LU cannot readjust to fit the new situation smoothly, one may catch a cold. LU makes contact with the outside world through the nose and skin. LU-Qi comes from the air; it controls the overall Qi state of the body.
Regulated breathing is a strategy to lead Qi to the extremities, such as skin and hair. Proper regulation of breathing strengthens Weiqi (Defensive- or Guardian- Qi) and generates an expansive Qi shield to protect the body. One also can raise or lower one's Qi state through breathing. For example, in an emotional Qi-Shi, such as when one is angry, deep breathing can calm the excited state.
LU is sensitive to emotional changes, especially when one is sad or angry. LU also controls the skin, and the part of liquid metabolism which distributes liquid to the skin.
Because LU is usually the first to be attacked by Perverse-Qi (exogenous diseases, or "Evils"), LU is called the Delicate Organ. These diseases can also cause what is called the Non-Spreading of LU-Qi. The main symptom of a LU problem is coughing, which is a form of Rebellious Qi (since LU-Qi normally flows downward). If coughing is also accompanied by lassitude, shortness of breath, light foamy phlegm, and weakness in the voice, it is called LU-Qi-Xu. However, the Syndrome is referred as LU-Yin Xu if the cough is dry, with little phlegm, the throat and mouth parched, and other Yin-Xu symptoms are present (such as night sweats, low grade fever, red cheeks, etc).
2. LI - Large Intestine Channel (Hand Yangming)
LI (Yang) and LU (Yin) are paired Metal organs (Table 2-1). They correspond with the westerly direction, the season of autumn, climatic Dryness, the colour white, the pungent taste, the rank odour, the emotion of sadness, and the sound of weeping. Their opening is the nose, and they govern skin and hair. The main function of LI is the metabolism of water and the passing of water. It extracts water from the waste material received from the SI, sends it on to the BL, and excretes the solid material as stool. Many disorders affecting this organ are categorized as SP and ST Syndromes. Certain abdominal pains are considered manifestations of LI Qi- or Xue- Stasis.
In Qigong, the Dan Tian in the lower abdomen is considered the residence of Yuanqi (Source Qi). In order to keep this Qi at its residence, this area must be strong and healthy. The Qi circulating around the intestines must not be stagnant. When you practice Qigong you must learn how to regulate your breathing to smooth the Qi flow in LI and LU. This will allow you to relax the front of your body and regulate the Qi flow in the other organs.
3. ST - Stomach Channel (Foot Yangming)
ST (Yang) and SP (Yin) are paired Earth organs. They correspond with the centre, the season of long summer (the end of summer), climatic Dampness, the colour yellow, the emotion of pensiveness, the taste of sweetness, fragrant odour, and the sound of singing. Their opening is the mouth and they control the flesh and the limbs.
The Yin/Yang relationship between SP and the ST is a very good example of the relationship between organs. The ST receives food while SP transports nutrients. The ST moves things downward while SP moves things upward. The ST likes Damp while SP likes dryness.
Most ST disorders are caused by Shi states, though some Syndromes relate to ST-Xu (many of which originate in SP). ST-Fire causes painful, burning sensations in the stomach, unusual hunger, bleeding of the gums, constipation, and halitosis.
Once saliva has begun the process of digestion, food passes to the ST, located in the middle TH (Middle Jiao) area. The ST breaks down food, and then sends it to the SI and LI, where Nutritive-Jing-Essence is absorbed and converted into Qi, and circulated through the entire body.
The ST is related to the emotion of pensiveness. When one is upset, ST will not function normally. In Qigong, regulating the mind is the first step to maintaining ST in a healthy condition. The type of food eaten is the second consideration. The proper amount and quality of food helps to obtain high quality Qi to circulate in the body.
4. SP - Spleen-Pancreas Channel (Foot Taiyin)
SP (Yin) and the ST (Yang) are paired Earth organs. They correspond with the central direction, the season of long summer (the end of summer), climatic Dampness, the colour yellow, the emotion of pensiveness, the taste of sweetness, fragrant odour, and the sound of singing. Their opening is the mouth and they control the flesh and the limbs.
SP is the main organ of digestion. Its function is to transport nutrients and regulate the Xue (regulate means to keep it within the Channels). SP controls the transformation of food into nourishment.
In SP-Xu, the weak SP can not play its full role in extracting and processing Nutritive Qi from food; thus, nourishment which should be available to the body, is reduced. This causes general fatigue, lassitude and a pasty complexion. The upper abdomen is considered the province of SP. SP-Qi-Xu manifests as a sense of malaise or fullness in that area. Because the transportive function of SP should distribute its Qi upward, SP-Xu usually causes diarrhoea. SP-Qi is also regarded as the Middle Qi, and it holds the Zang-Fu (hollow bowels and solid organs/viscera) in place. A weak Middle Qi may cause prolapsed ST, KI, etc. In more serious cases, SP-Yangqi-Xu may occur, manifested in diarrhoea, Cold limbs, and abdominal pain that can be soothed by the warmth of frequent Hot drinks.
If any of the above symptoms are accompanied by bleeding, especially from the digestive tract or uterus, it is called SP Not Controlling the Xue.
Yang_JM02 (1996) The 12 Main Qi Channels: Part 2.
Cold and Damp Harassing SP is a manifestation characterized by a pent-up feeling in the chest and a bloated sensation in the abdomen, lassitude, lack of appetite and taste, a feeling of Cold in the limbs, a dark yellowish hue to the skin, some edema and diarrhoea or watery stool. The Cold and Damp prevent SP from performing its transforming and transporting functions. This leads to a great disturbance in water metabolism and is one of the origins of Phlegm.
In Qigong, one of the final goals is to regulate the Qi flow to its normal level in the Five Zang (Yin Solid Organs). Among them, SP is the last and the hardest organ to regulate. If one can regulate SP-Qi to a normal and healthy level, one will have grasped the key to health and longevity.
5. HT - Heart Channel (Hand Shaoyin)
HT (Yin) and SI (Yang) are paired Fire organs, balancing each other. They are called "Sovereign Fire", in contrast to PC and TH ("Ministerial Fire"). They correspond with the southerly direction, the summer season, climatic Heat, the colour red, the emotion of happiness, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness, and the odour of burning. Their point of entry is the tongue, they control the blood vessels and are reflected in the face.
Almost all HT disorders are Xu Syndromes, associated with weakness (Deficiency, Depletion). The 4 major types of HT weakness are HT-Qi-Xu, HT-Yang-Xu, HT-Xue-Xu, and HT-Yin-Xu.
The main functions of HT are associated with the Shen-Spirit and the blood vessels. HT governs the blood vessels and moves Xue through them. It also stores the Shen-Spirit, and is the organ usually associated with mental processes. Therefore, some forms of emotional distress, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and lack of vitality are common symptoms of HT ailments. HT Qi-Xu is symbolized by general lassitude, panting and shallow breathing, and frequent sweats. If the face is swollen and ashen grey or bluish-green, and the limbs are Cold, it is called HT-Yang-Xu. The symptoms of restlessness, irritability, dizziness, absentmindedness, and insomnia are typical signs of HT-Xue-Xu. In HT-Yin-Xu, developments with a flushed feeling in the palms and face, low grade fever, and night sweats will occur.
The symptom of HT-Shi arises from HT-Fire-Shi. This is manifested by fever, occasionally accompanied by delirium, a racking pulse, intense restlessness, insomnia or frequent nightmares, a bright red face, a red or blistered and painful tongue, and often a burning sensation during urination. The latter symptom is the result of Heat being transferred from HT to the SI, which interferes with the SI role in metabolism and the body's management of water.
Qigong teaches that the mind is associated with HT, and that it is also directly related to the Shen-Spirit. The term HT (Xin) is usually used to represent the emotional mind or ideas. The Middle Dan Tian at the solar plexus is considered the residence of the Fire-Qi. This Fire is used to nourish the brain and the Shen-Spirit at its residence, the Upper Dan Tian or third eye. In TCM, HT is the temple of the Shen-Spirit because it supplies Fire-Qi and can nourish Shen without limit.
Generally speaking, HT is very sensitive during the summertime: HT is a Yin Channel; when the summer Yang comes it can increase HT Qi and cause problems. Emotional disturbances, such as excitement from happiness, are considered harmful to HT as well, especially during the summer time. Qigong emphasizes regulating HT in the summer.
6. SI - Small Intestine Channel (Hand Taiyang)
SI (Yang) and HT (Yin) are paired Fire organs which balance each other. They are called "Sovereign Fire", in contrast to PC and TH ("Ministerial Fire"). They correspond with the southerly direction, the summer season, climatic Heat, the colour red, the emotion of happiness, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness, and the odour of burning. Their point of entry is the tongue. They control the blood vessels and are reflected in the face.
The major function of the SI is to separate waste material from the nutritious elements in food. The nutritious elements are then distributed throughout the body and the waste is sent on to the LI.
The SI and LI are located in the Lower Dan Tian. In order to store Yuanqi converted from Yuanjing (Source Essence), the abdomen must be healthy and the Qi circulation in the area of the SI and LI must be smooth and natural. The best way to reach this goal is through abdominal breathing exercises. One such exercise is to lead the Yuanqi upward following the HT and SI Channels to Subdue HT-Fire.
7. BL - Bladder Channel (Foot-Taiyang)
BL (Yang) and KI (Yin) are paired Water organs. They correspond with the winter season, climatic Coldness, the southerly direction, the colour black, the emotion of fear, the taste of salt, the smell of decay, and the sound of groaning. Their sensory organ is the ear. Their opening is the urethra. They control the bones, marrow, and brain, and their health is reflected in the hair of the head.
The main function of BL is to transform Fluids into urine for excretion.
In Qigong, BL has never enjoyed serious attention. However, its pairmate (KI) is one of the most important organs, one which all Qigong practitioners train most often. The reason is that KI houses the Yuanjing (Source Essence).
8. KI - Kidney Channel (Foot-Shaoyin)
KI (Yin) and BL (Yang) are paired Water organs. They correspond with the winter season, climatic Coldness, the southerly direction, the colour black, the emotion of fear, the taste of salt, a rotten smell, and the sound of groaning. Their sensory organ is the ear. Their opening is the urethra. They control the bones, marrow, and brain, and their health is reflected in the hair of the head.
KI stores Yuanjing (Source Essence), which controls growth, development, and reproductive functions. KI plays the primary role in water metabolism and control of body liquids. KI also holds the body's most fundamental Qi of Yin-Yang.
Because KI houses the basal Yin-Yang of the body, any disorder, if sufficiently chronic, will involve KI. More significantly, a disease of KI will usually lead to problems in other organs. Methods of strengthening KI are therefore used by both TCM and Qigong to increase or maintain vitality and health. The symptoms of KI-Yang Xu or KI-Yin Xu are typical symptoms of the disorder, and will appear to a certain extent as Yang-Xu or Yin-Xu Syndromes in any organ.
It is easy to memorize the symptoms of KI-Yin-Xu if one learns the correspondences of KI and remembers that Yin is the Jin-Ye and the constructive, nourishing aspect of the body. Usually, the lower back is weak and sore, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and loss of hearing acuity occurs and the face is ashen or dark, especially under the eyes. Dizziness, thirst, night sweats and low grade fevers are common. Also, men have little semen and tend toward premature ejaculation, while women have little or no menstruation.
Symptoms of KI-Yang-Xu are significantly associated with loss of energy or warmth. As in KI-Yin-Xu, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness and soreness in the lower back are common. However, the soreness is characterized by a feeling of Cold, lassitude, and fatigue with weakness in the legs. Men may tend toward impotence; clear and voluminous urine or incontinence may occur in both sexes.
Yang_JM03 (1996) The 12 Main Qi Channels: Part 3.
KI-Yin-Xu usually generates similar disorders in HT and LV, while KI-Yang-Xu disturbs the functions of SP and LU. The progression could be in the opposite direction. When this Syndrome is associated with LU, it is called "KI Not Receiving Qi," a wheeze characterized by difficult breathing, mainly during inhalation. This Syndrome also manifests as a faint voice, coughing, puffiness in the face and spontaneous sweats, plus KI-Yang-Xu symptoms.
KI has an important role in the metabolism of water. If these functions are disrupted, the Syndrome of KI-Xu will lead to Spreading Water (oedema).
Yuanjing (Source Essence) in Qigong is considered the Origin of all human vitality (Yuanqi, Source Qi). Jing-Essence is converted to Qi, which supplies the entire body and nourishes the brain and Shen-Spirit. In both TCM and Qigong, KI houses Yuanjing. In order to protect this, one must strengthen KI. Only when KI is strong can one keep Jing-Essence at its home. Therefore, keeping KI healthy has become one of the main aims of Qigong.
Maintaining KI in a healthy state includes protecting the physical KI from degeneration, and maintaining a smooth and correct level of Qi flow. In order to reach this goal, the diet must be considered. For example, too much salt injures KI, and eating too much eggplant weakens KI. Also, the condition of the body is important. Overwork without proper rest increases tension on KI and causes stasis of Qi flow (KI-Qi-Stasis). In winter, KI has more tension than in summer. Thus, Qi flow is more stagnant (KI-Qi-Stasis is more common) in winter than in the summer. Consequently, back pain problems increase in the winter.
In order to protect KI, Qigong practitioners have studied the relationship of KI to nature, food, and even to emotional states. They have developed massage techniques and specific exercises to increase Qi circulation in KI during the winter. Since the health of KI is related to the emotions as well, learning how to regulate the mind in order to regulate the Qi has become one of the major training goals in Qigong.