Deepest Health Chinese Medicine Podcast Episode 3 : The power of self cultivation
Hey everyone,
It’s Friday and time for another podcast. I’m hoping to invest in some equipment to make the podcast a little more refined in the future, but for now I hope things sound alright. This week I discuss the power of self-cultivation for Chinese medicine (and all) physicians. I also discuss why I think it’s so important to care for our patients from the time they step in the clinic door until the time that they leave. I ramble a bit, but hopefully it’s endearing and not annoying. ;) This one weighs in at about 20 minutes and almost 30MB. The podcasting software that I have been using needs updating, so you may see some changes in the way that the podcast is displayed in the relatively near future.
Some links I discuss in the podcast:
- My beloved alma mater : NCNM
- Some articles of my own that I mention:
- Website of Heiner Fruehauf, founding professor of the Classical Chinese Medicine department at NCNM
Please click on the player below to hear the podcast, you should also be able to right click and download it or - NEW! - download it via iTunes! Please let me know if you have any technical issues and I can help you troubleshoot.
Deepest Health Chinese Medicine podcast : Episode 3 [20:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (103)Thanks as always,
Eric
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Tags: Acupuncture, Blogging, clinic, Cultivation, heiner fruehauf, meditation, ncnm, Podcast, QiGong, Student LifeRelated posts
5 Chinese Medicine texts you shouldn’t live without [Video]
I’ve been figuring out how to take Deepest Health to the next level. It seems important to start diversifying media. Text is great, but the power of the Internet doesn’t stop there. I’m going to begin experimenting with audio and video content to see how best to integrate them into Deepest Health. I’m planning a Podcast series, tentatively on Fridays, that will probably be me rambling about some of what I learned in the given week. I will also be adding interviews with professionals and students when I am able to get them. I will also do Video when possible, particularly when that medium will add something special to the given content.
In the video below, I’m mostly just getting used to the medium. I tried to provide some value for you folks, though, by talking about the five books that are practically glued to me right now. :) You’ll notice product links in the video, I hope they’re not too annoying. I’m also unsure whether RSS/Email subscription readers will be able to see the video - you may have to come to the site to see it. I encourage you to do so! Please give me feedback about this new format. Don’t worry, text will continue. Depending on the situation, I may offer transcripts to folks who request them because they aren’t capable of using the audio or video content. Contact me for more details.
Note: Brief reviews of the following texts are included in this video:
2. Arnaud Versluys’ and Heiner Fruehauf’s formulas text
(Link for the above text points to the NCNM bookstore - you may have to contact them by phone or email to order the book.)
3. Bensky’s Formulas and Strategies
4. Mitchell/Wiseman’s Shang Han Lun translation
5. Deadman’s Manual of Acupuncture
(Links for the last three texts are within the video itself.)
Enjoy!
Tags: Acupuncture, Blogging, book-review, books, chinese-herbs, formulas, videoRelated posts
Learning acupuncture : Master points of the Extraordinary vessels
Early in the life of this blog, I wrote a lot of basic “what is this” posts about Chinese medicine. I did that because I saw that there was a need for basic information, and since I was learning it, it seemed like a natural progression. I realize that there are a lot of readers who don’t “need” this basic information, but other folks new to the medicine might. I hope everyone can enjoy this basic article.
For what seems like the hundredth time, we were taught about the master points of the extraordinary vessels recently. It’s interesting how much you can learn about something if the lesson is just repeated again and again. I have struggled to find my way with regards to acupuncture. The road to a Classical Chinese herbal practice has been clear ever since I came to NCNM. On the acupuncture side, things have been much less clear. We have learned a lot of Jing Luo theory, which has helped us to understand the complexity and interconnectedness of the Qi pathways in our body. We have learned all the standard categories, and have focused a lot on point prescriptions laid out in various Classical texts. Recently, I’ve begun to study how to apply Shang Han Lun style thinking to acupuncture practice. I’m also learning a lot about Five element acupuncture. Through all of this, one thing has always captured my interest - the extraordinary vessels and their master points.
Note: Throughout I may use the word vessel and channel interchangeably as is my custom. Forgive me if this offends your sensibility - I have heard them used in this way so many times I fear I can’t find a reason to do otherwise.
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels : 奇Qi 经Jing 八Ba 脉Mai : neglected powerhouses
From what I understand, these eight channels were not discussed as a group in the Neijing (Suwen or Lingshu) though they were mentioned separately. They were first gathered together in the Nanjing. They are called 奇, Qi, which can be translated as strange, rare, or even marvelous. You can also call them the “extra” channels, insofar that they exist outside the normal 12. They differ significantly from those 12 channels in the following ways:
- They don’t have regular starting and ending points
- They don’t go to the arms at all and barely exist on the legs
- Apart from the Ren Mai and Du Mai, they don’t have points of their own (instead sharing points with the regular channels)
- They are not associated with the 12 Zangfu organ systems, but are sometimes associated with the Extraordinary Fu organs
- They are not paired in a way similar to the 12 regular channels
Many times I have been taught that the Qi Jing Ba Mai act as reservoirs for Qi and Blood that overflows from the regular channels. As such, when accessed, they can mobilize great reserves of Qi and Blood for use in healing disease. Peter Deadman in his Manual of Acupuncture states:
“The Nanjing compares the extraordinary channels to reservoirs which are able to absorb excessive qi and blood from the primary channels in the same way that reservoirs take excess water from canals and ditches at times of heavy rain” (17).
They are also said to link up the rest of the channels in various ways, and thus can act as a way to access many channels at once. The rest of the functionality of the channels depends on the character of the channel itself. I will not be going deeply into this right now, as it would make the article impossibly long. The important thing for this article is to note the functional pairings of the Extraordinary channels and their control points, as well as providing some guidelines for usage as it has been described to me. Below, I will list the channels, some brief information about each and their control points.
One more important note: I was taught two ways to pair the extraordinary vessels. The first is structural - this is a more familiar type of pairing analogous to the way that Triple Burner (TB) and Pericardium (PC) in the regular channel series are paried. They are on similar parts of the body, but one is Yin and one is Yang. The second, and I think more powerful, pairing is functional. Here, the channels are bound by a shared range of influence - similar to the way that Shaoyang Gall Bladder (GB) and Shaoyang TB are paired. Most of my understanding of these pairings come from my first acupuncture teacher, Dr. Jim Cleaver.
任脉 Conception vessel (Ren Mai) : Ren Mai is one of the more well known of the extraordinary vessels, learned in most acupuncture schools. It arises in the uterus or lower abdomen and emerges from the body at the perenium then rises to just below the lips. It exerts a powerful influence over the Yin of the entire body. As such, treating CV points often gives direct access to the Zang organs. Consider that many of the Front-mu points of the organs are located on the CV channel. While front-mu points are often used for acute disorders of an excess nature, CV points - particularly those on the lower abdomen - are quite nourishing and tonifying and thus can be used for chronic diseases of a deficient nature. The master point of Ren Mai is LU-7, Lie Que. Ren Mai is functionally paired with the Yin Qiao Mai.
督脈 Governing vessel (Du Mai) : The Du Mai is a structural pair with Ren Mai - which is to say that they are similarly placed on the body. Ren Mai covers the front of the body and runs up the anterior midline. Du Mai covers the back of the body and runs up the posterior midline. There are many important points on the Du Mai including GV-14/Da Zhui, a popular point for releasing heat and wind pathogens from the body and GV-4.Ming Men, a popular point for strengthening the basic energy of the body and dispelling cold. The Du mai is especially good at treating back pain, headaches, dizziness, fevers and all manner of musculoskeletal issues along the back of the body. The master point of Du Mai is SI-3, Hou Xi. It is functionally paired with the Yang Qiao Mai and treated together, these channels excel at treating all manner of musculoskeletal complaints as well as various brain disorders.
陰跷脉 Yin Motility vessel (Yin Qiao Mai) : The Yin/Yang Qiao and Yin/Yang Wei are less familiar to most folks. The Qiao vessels are sometimes referred to as “motility” vessels as they deal with motion and lack thereof, but they are also referred to as the “heel” vessels as that is where they originate on the body. It originates on the inside of the foot and exerts its influence along the medial leg, through the lower abdomen and up to the mouth and eyes. Its master point is KD-6, Zhao Hai - the Shining Sea. It is functionally paired with the Ren Mai and used together these points can have a great therapeutic effect on the chest, lungs and throat as that is part of their shared range of influence.
陽跷脉 Yang Motility vessel (Yang Qiao Mai) : The Yang Qiao Mai is structurally paired with the Yin Qiao Mai. They treat similar conditions, but on different parts of the body. The Yang Qiao is associated with the outside of the leg, but can also treat conditions like epilepsy, insomnia, and various disorders of the eye and eyelid. It is functionally paired with Du Mai and its master point is BL-62, Shen Mai.
衝脉 Penetrating/Surging vessel (Chong Mai) : The Chong Mai is said to link up the 12 regular channels’ blood and Qi to a greater degree than the other extraordinary channels. The Chong runs through the core of the body and has a great influence on the menstruation of female bodied people, storing the blood as the cycle progresses towards the monthly flow. It is sometimes called the “Sea of Blood.” Sometimes I have heard that whenever we see a point with “Chong” in the name (like ST-42 - Chong Yang) the Chong Mai is somehow involved. The control point of Chong Mai is SP-4, Gong Sun. It is linked with the Yin Linking Channel (Yin Wei Mai).
带脉 Girdling/Belt vessel (Dai Mai) : The Dai Mai is one of the more interesting extraordinary vessels, in my opinion. It’s short, encircling the body approximately at the waistline. It is structurally paired with the Chong Mai, so is often discussed when considering women’s disorders. It can easily be associated with the point called Dai Mai, GB-26 - a point primarily used for transforming damp heat, particularly when there is a problem of discharge from the lower jiao. However, the master point of the Dai Mai is further down the Gall Bladder channel, at GB-41, Zu Lin Qi. The Dai Mai treats the lateral side of the torso, but also can treat problems in the shoulders and lateral side of the neck. The Dai Mai is functionally paired with the Yang Wei Mai, and treated together these channels can work with a lot of classic Shaoyang symptoms like alternating chills and fever and flank pain or fullness.
陰维脉 Yin Linking vessel (Yin Wei Mai) : The Yin Wei Mai runs along the inside of the leg, taking its point from the Kidney, Spleen and Liver channels as well as the Ren Mai conception channel. It is sometimes discussed as controlling the tendons and muscles on the inside of the leg as well as influencing the chest and abdomen. Pathological symptoms include heart pain, stomach pain and fullness in the center of the diaphragm. The control point of Yin Wei Mai is PC-6, Nei Guan. It is functionally paired with the Chong Mai (penetrating/surging vessel). Treated together, Chong and Yin Wei will have a powerful effect on reproductive health, abdominal and chest pains, as well as problems with the Heart and Stomach organs.
陽维脉 Yang Linking vessel (Yang Wei Mai) : Finally, we come to the Yang Wei Mai. The Yang Wei Mai runs along the outside of the leg, but more posterior to the Yang Qiao Mai. It is particularly good at treating epilepsy and eye diseases, but as the other Wei and Qiao, it treats musculoskeletal disorders along its track. It is functionally paired with the Dai Mai, as discussed previously. Its master point is TB-5, Wai Guan - which should be familiar to most of you. This helps us to understand more completely the shared range of influence on Shaoyang syndromes.
This is obviously just an overview of the Extraordinary vessels - intended to provide some basic information. I would like to continue my exploration of these important channels, but first would like to open it up to you, Deepest Health readers. What have you learned about the Extraordinary vessels? How have you used them in clinic? Do they interest you as much as they interest me?
I should say that the only Maciocia book I can recommend is his recent study of the Extraordinary Vessels. It’s a good overview.
Tags: Acupuncture, Classical Texts (general), classical-chinese-medicine, education, LearningRelated posts
Classical Chinese Medicine events in Portland, OR
I know not everyone is lucky enough to live in or around Portland, OR. ;) I would still like to announce these events - they are more than worth the travel cost and time, I assure you. Click on the flyers for bigger versions, you should be able to click on the flyer when it opens in another window to zoom in even more.
If you’re having a hard time seeing the flyer, you can go to the NCNM Continuing Education event website and scroll down the page to May events.
For those experiencing trouble, here’s a quick summary:
1. Dr. Liu Lihong and Dr. Tang Nong
- Classical Chinese Medicine in Modern China
- Pearls of Wisdom from the Shanghan Lun
Date: May 10, 2008 9:30 – 5:30 // Location: NCNM Ross Island Campus; Portland, OR, Great Hall
This 2-part,1-day seminar will feature the combined genius of the two founders of China’s first official research institute for the clinical application of classical Chinese medicine. Professor Tang, chair of the Institute at Guangxi College of TCM, is the charismatic leader who made deadlines as China’s youngest hospital director. Dr. Liu, co-chair of the Institute and its medical director, is the author of the highly influential “Sikao Zhongyi” (”Contemplating Chinese Medicine”), the best-selling plea for a renaissance of classical Chinese medicine that has reached more readers in China than any other modern Chinese medicine publication during the last century. Both are veterans of the Chinese medicine machine in China, who have a clear view of the limitations as well as the potential of TCM in our time.
2. Dr. Manfred Kubny
An Introduction to Chinese Medical Astrology
Date: May 24-26, 2008 930am -530 pm // Location: NCNM Ross Island Campus; Portland, OR, Great Hall
“Chinese Medical Astrology: A Systematic Introduction” May 24-26 (9:30am-5:30pm each day). This pioneering 3-day workshop will present, for the first time in the U.S., the highly sophisticated model of Chinese constitutional and medical astrology as researched and synthesized by the West’s leading authority, Professor Manfred Kubny (University of Berlin).
If you’re interested in other events pertinent to Classical Chinese Medicine you can check the following sites - note that events are all over the US and Europe:
1. Events page at Arnaudversluys.com
2. Events page at Classicalchinesemedicine.org
3. For the five-element acupuncture fans among you, check out the Portland based home of David Ford and David Berkshire - asomseminars.com
4. NCNM’s Continuing Education Department page
Tags: Acupuncture, classical-chinese-medicine, events, news, Portland, portland oregonRelated posts
Classical Chinese Medicine resources on the web
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about what’s available on the web for people interested in Chinese Medicine. Living in Portland, OR, I have so many amazing wellsprings of knowledge and experience all around me, I sometimes forget that other folks are relatively more isolated from the information they seek. The Internet is a fantastic source for both the more and the less isolated. You just have to know where to look! I’m in the process of updating my Resources page, but I thought I would do a more in depth review of a few of the most promising resources.
1. ClassicalChineseMedicine.org : Internet home of Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, PhD the founder and continued inspiration behind the incredible Classical Chinese Medicine program at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. I’ve talked many times about Heiner Fruehauf on this site, but let it suffice to say that he is what drew me to this medicine and what he has taught me has helped me to expand my ideas not only about health and healing, but about the world and my place in it.
There are some articles available for free available along the top of the main page, including basic information about Classical Chinese Medicine, some partial translations of Classical Chinese texts and more. You can also access information about upcoming lectures, Dr. Fruehauf’s clinic and a list of excellent links. There is some incredible paid content available as well. For $195 a year, you have access to an ever expanding collection of video and written material from leading voices in the field of Classical Chinese Medicine. This is content you simply will not find anywhere else. You can also obtain NCAAOM continuing education credits through the Associates Forum, which more than justifies the cost. You can check out a preview of the Associates Forum if you haven’t already. I’ve really benefited from the use of this site and I think you will as well.
2. Arnaudversluys.com : Website for Dr. Arnaud Versluys, PhD, leading scholar and clinician of Chinese Medicine in the Shang Han Lun tradition. There are a few gems here, although I think the best is still yet to come. I want to point out the incredible resource that is the Forums section of his website. There are some pretty intense theoretical discussions going on, plenty of food for thought in an environment of open inquiry. I would love to see more people putting their questions out there and sharing their wisdom. You have to sign up to access the forums, but there is no cost and you will not be spammed! You won’t get a follow up email once you register, just try your username and password later the same day to see if you’ve been given access. You can also find information on the now forming Journal of Classics in East Asian Medicine, Dr. Versluys’ diagnostic services, his clinical practice and the upcoming addition of Continuing Education material.
3. Not strictly Classical, but an invaluable and rapidly developing resource is the Chinese Medicine site, Rootdown.us, my go-to source for basic info on herbs and acupuncture. There are 7 basic portions to the site: Herbs, Formulas, Acupuncture, Tests, Community, Pearls and CEUs. The first three sections are basic information about Chinese Medicine presented in a very accessible format. The databases for these three sections are expanding and being cleaned up all the time. You can also add your experiences with these categories through the “suggestions” tab - such as special clinical information that you’ve learned about a particular formula. Through this tool, I think this section can grow to be a repository of great Chinese medicine information!
The last four sections are incredibly exciting! The testing section is new and is growing daily. Here you can take tests on a variety of Chinese medicine subjects for free, both California-only information and information on the national Board exams. What an incredible asset! I don’t have space to discuss the rest of the sections right now, but they are all well worth your time. Accounts are free - if you sign up, be sure to add me as a “buddy” as the social interaction with colleagues all over the world is one of the primary aims of Rootdown.
4. A newly launched Classical Chinese Medicine wiki was started by a NCNM student. If you don’t know, the idea of a Wiki is that anyone can edit the information and through the power of the group, a rich and accurate resource is created. While it is true that “anyone editing” means that “anyone can add incorrect information,” in general the group will correct any misleading passages quickly - particularly when the amount of subject material is relatively small. I suggest you check it out and add what you know!
5. A couple of resources for research purposes: You can do a Google Book Search for “Classical Chinese Medicine” and restrict it to give you only books that have partial or full previews, then read full pages of various texts. If you’re working with Chinese language texts and would like more information on a particular character, including ancient forms of the character, check out the Chinese Etymology Home Page. Finally, definitely check out all of the articles available for free with Blue Poppy’s “TCMInfo” online database.
6. Finally, I’ve recently come across a number of great Chinese medicine related blogs to add to my daily reading list. I’d like to list them (as well as my old favorites) here and ask you to check them out.
Abdallah B Stickley writes about Chinese Medicine, Islam and clinical practice at Even Unto China
G. Michael Reynolds writes about Asian martial arts, Chinese medicine and many topics at The Life Giving Sword
Yael in Israel writes about many facets of Chinese Medicine and clinical practice at Chinese Medicine Notes
Ross Rosen writes eloquently about Chinese medicine practice and other facets of daily life on his blog
The recently started Five Minds holds a lot of promise in discussing some more esoteric and personal aspects of Chinese medical theory and practice.
Portland Acupuncture Blog is just getting started but covers some specific conditions and provides a ready example of how blogging can be used to promote CM businesses
I don’t mean to leave anyone out - these are just the few that stand out in my mind as being quality sources of Chinese medicine related information with relatively frequent updates.
If you think I’ve missed something vital - add it in the comments and maybe I’ll edit the post and add your choices! Don’t be afraid to self promote… if I missed you and you think I shouldn’t have, it’s probably just because my mind is melted after having PASSED MY CLINICAL ENTRANCE EXAMS. Oh yeah!
Eric
Tags: Acupuncture, Blogging, Blogroll, Character, chinese-medicine-research, internet, scholar, websites
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