New Approaches to Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy

In recent years meridian based approaches to acupuncture have been gaining greater popularity and receiving more attention from the Oriental medical community. While there are several forms of meridian therapies, most of these systems work with the connections between the channels as a method for diagnosing and treating.

In meridian based approaches emphasis is placed on accurately assessing which channels are symptomatic and then determining which meridians the diseased channel connects to. The relationships between the meridians are understood according to their anatomical location, traditional Chinese names, the horary cycle, and the internal-external correspondences. Classical sources like the Nei Jing and Shang Han Lun have described these connections between the meridians for millennium, while more contemporary sources include Master Tung and Dr. Richard Tan.

Recently a significant contribution has been made to the field of acupuncture by the release of the book “Meridian Circuit Systems.” In the book, author James Spears introduces a method of pattern identification that is primarily based on the associations between the meridians. Rather than describing patterns in terms of zang-fu terminology such as liver qi stagnation, stomach heat, or kidney deficiency, the author describes syndromes in terms of meridian names. This includes the jue yin – yang ming pattern which occurs when liver imbalances affect the digestion, stomach, or large intestine. Similarly, a jue yin – shao yang pattern occurs when liver imbalances affect the gallbladder and/or san jiao meridians. The jue yin – shao yang pattern may also be used to describe various zang-fu syndromes such as liver fire, liver yang rising, and liver wind.

When this system is integrated with more conventional approaches such as zang-fu or 5-elements, greater clarity can be found in the process of diagnosis and pattern identification. From this more effective point combinations can be selected which will lead to greater clinical results. As taught in the book, a major benefit of this style of acupuncture is that it often works very quickly and with the use of fewer needles.

In addition to the book, the author has created an online training course that is approved by the NCCAOM for 5 continuing education credits. The book and online course are available through the authors website at www.ihsociety.com/acupuncture.html

The book may also be purchased through Amazon or Redwing Book Company.

Contact Information

James Spears

Director

Integrative Healing Society

Contact via E-mail