Acupuncture Quadriplegia Cases Study

by

Introduction

David Tai

History:

10 years old Tai was fall 5miters from the tree, lesion to left side of the body, T7 ribs, pelvic and temporally lost consciousness. Tai damaged L3-4 dislocation-subluxation, thrown javelin paraplegia in 1949, and at home accidence in bathroom, lesion to C7-T1 fracture and subluxation Quadriplegia in 1987, right finger between index and thump interosseous muscle atrophied.

That is Tai learning Western medicine and Acupuncture try to treating his body less disable, live and walk independently, now Tai is 87 still practicing acupuncture for Tai and SCI patients.

 

Following are Tai from 1979 to 2019 in Australia treating Quadriplegia and paraplegia SCI cases study.

 

Ben Quadriplegia

Abstract   

Purpose: To develop and evaluate acupuncture and neuroscience approach to spinal cord injury to maximize residual functional capacity and minimum disability.

Acupuncture Methodology:

SCI is a complex damage to the nervous system, essentially, is injured to the spine, spinal cord, upper and lower motor neurons, spinal nerve, in which lost of skin sensation, muscles movement, and internal organs-such as lost urination, bowel movement and sexuality function.

Acupuncture is one form of medical treatment for SCI. The methodology is applying neuro-science, and needle techniques achieved the result.

The three sets GV, Huatoujiaji, and BL meridian points on the spine-Back Shu points, four sets CV, KI and ST+SP points on the Chest-Front Mu points, upper and lower limbs Five Shu points. Fire burning the mountain-Pure Reinforce method is applies.

The differentiation in this study:

The major points of difference in this approach is: the utilization of different strengths of acupuncture needle application which incorporates three effects: Receptors stimulation (strong medium and gentle), cellular repair (blood and QI), and utilization of the acupuncture needle-sharp, which performs like a scalpel to release and stretch the scar tissue and muscles following the initial needle insertion point has been made.

The second point of difference is the utilization of the acupuncture needle by multiple needle insertion within the body, which produces nerve impulses as a strong wave vibration, which pass through sensory and motor gates and the neurotransmitter that transmits from one neuron to other neuron, which rebuilding reflex components.

Repeat needling into the points can induce inflammation and wounding of the tissue to recruit macrophages into the region and to induce local inflammation cellular for SCI wound healing.

This treatment protocol is offered as 3 sessions/week lasting one hour, over 3 to 6 years post-injury.

Conclusions: Our approach is based on maximizing the patients’ own repair processes by maximizing bone marrow derived macrophage recruitment; stimulation of local populations of stem cells and utilization of the acupuncture needle to stimulate key neurological networks above and below the spinal cord lesion. With the aim of maintaining/providing neurological input on neural networks that would otherwise receive limited stimulation. This case study report demonstrates that western medicine combined with acupuncture methodology significantly enhances functional recovery beyond current available rehabilitation methodology and physiotherapy in SCI.

Ps: in the pass thirty years, Tai had treating SCI—8 cases Quadriplegia and 7 cases Paraplegia Patients, at that time more involved clinical practice requirement, in this book, the last discussion of the preview cases, will pay more attention on analysis the treatment progress.  

 

Definition of Acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to the insertion of a fine filiform needle into key point on the body to treat illness. Points are located in the tissues of the body’s wall. The needle is inserted into body wall tissues through different channels largely are via the nervous system, activated the body potential and strength to heal the illness. Dependent on where the illnesses required, ACU point is located, the practitioner is inserted the needle target on the illnesses and the correlated point in which is located into the skin, into the connective tissues, muscles or joints, even deep into the periosteum of the bone. Only in the rare cases would a skilled practitioner target an internal organ. In most acupuncture practice is through reflexes mechanism achieves the result, not of necessity having to needling into the organ directly. Traditionally, the sharp tip of needle does not carry any medication or herbs.

 

SCI Diagnosis

ACU clinical diagnosis of SCI utilizes the American Spinal Injury Association standard based on neurological examination, MRI and/or CT scans, as well as the hospital diagnosis at discharge.

 

Quadriplegia cases study

 

Ben—Quadriplegia

Name: Benjamin Tillman

Date of birth: 9/2/1987

Male

Date of accident: 27/10/2012

Date of initial acupuncture treatment: 12/1/2013.

 

https://m.huffingtonpost.com.au/2015/08/29/learning-to-walk-again_n_7980408.html

 Picture 1

Picture 2

 

 

 

 

Diagnosis:

  1. Ben was in a severe motor vehicle accident

overstretched flexion and extension of the head and neck

cause lesion to the medulla and brainstem neural pathway.

  1. MRI and CT scan report showed C5-6-7 cervical vertebrae fracture and cord injury
  2. Clinically Ben was diagnosed C7 (neurological level) ASIA B

 

 MRI

 Picture 3

Fig 1. Ben’s X-ray images: just after injury (10/2012)

Picture 4

Fig 2. Ben’s X-ray images: 4.5 years after injury (16/5/2017)

 

Bens’ X-ray study:

The lesion in cervical vertebrae involved C1 to C7 Fracture, compression, and T1 to T12 spine curvature, the spinous processes fracture, the involved ligament thickness.

After SCI, Ben had neck operation, the crusted attempt stability of the C4, 5, and C6, neck position.

 

Clinically shows head neck and upper chest and back muscles contraction and vertebral column instability. The results of fracture on vertebrae associated with Red nucleus—brainstem damage; show more severe muscle contraction and extremities spasticity. After SCI, Ben attempt strenuous exercises to achieve the recovery, the outcome become more complicated, the leg spasticity come and go, and more frequency, after body movement. 

 

Three years after accidence, and ACU treatment, Ben can stand and walk well with walking frame, it seems Ben achieve good outcome and match to ASAS—American spinal cord injury association standard, Ben continue ACU treatment, want to walk independently.

 

Table 1. Ben’s lower limb motor power

________________________________________________________________                            10/10/12          23/1/13               30/3/17

                           L      R               L      R               L      R

Hip   flexion                0       0                0       0                4       4

         Extension 0       0                0       0                4       4

         Abduction         0       0                0       0                4       4

         Adduction         0       0                0       0                4       4

         Opposition        0       0                0       0                4       4

 

Knee flexion                0       0                0       0                3       3

         Extension 0       0                0       0                3       3

 

Ankle        flexion                0       0                0       0                1       1

         Extension 0       0                0       0                1       1

 

Foot flexion                0       0                0       0                0       0

         Extension 0       0                0       0                0       0

 

 

Toe   flexion                0       0                0       0                0       0

         Extension 0       0                0       0                0       0

________________________________________________________________

L: left, R: right

 

       

 

Picture 5Picture 6 

Ben cervical vertebrae C3 left subluxations, C4, C5, C6, C7 vertebral column, spinous process fracture and subluxation, the post operation screw shows.

Post operation scars on the neck, the scars are not situated on the centre, more on left site cross the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and shows the following side clavicular bone rising. The scars causing neck and head imbalance of the cervical vertebrae movement, especially, after removal of the screw, show the body symptoms, spasticity, sleep difficulty to keep the head position and weakling up headache. Ben after operation asking the surgeon how that going? The answered was ‘see three months after operation’, after operation; Ben still sit on wheelchair, had neck pain and difficulty in sleep.

 

 Picture 7

 

Those four pictures show Ben had acute and chronic damaged on his vertebrae and pelvic, picture-D, initial T1 to T4 vertebrae fracture and subluxation, from T4 to T12 spine curvature.

Ben car vehicle accident was drunken driving, severed head and neck flexion and extension, right site back muscles contraction and left site flatten. Direct impact to spine causing vertebrae fracture dislocation compression and curvature, the severed head and neck flection and extension, also  lesion to Brainstem and medullar oblongata neural pathway.

 

ACU treatment

Ben interest with acupuncture, that was no another choice, he was frightening the needle, especially, needling to the neck and head, and here is the essential lesion part.

Ben confident with Tai; that is a hope, and Tai demonstration his paralysed legs moving—reflex activity.

In one year, ACU treatment Ben can stand, two three years after, Ben can walk with walking frame hundred meters, but Ben does not feel ACU treatment had improvement, because he feels when he is walking just like flying on the air, that mean: he not necessary is walking. Lucky enough Ben keep coming for ACU treatment and Tai do what he can. Ben believed that one day soon he can walk independently.

 

The immediate treatment is released the urgent symptoms:

Musculature contraction on the back of the scapular, stiffness of the neck, hands and legs spasticity…

The essential treatment focus on:

Motor central nuclei pathway lesion

Neck and head lesion

Spine—Cervical and thoracic vertebrae

Spasticity

Regain skin sensation and muscles movement

Training stretching, the thigh, leg and feet, walk with walking frame, crutches, stick and independent walking.

 

1-1. The Red Nucleus

The syndrome of lesion to the red nucleus; essentially, reveal the symptom of pectoralis contraction, in scapular region, posterior superior serratus, rhomboid major and minor, trapezius, arm and hand muscles, fingers flexion spasticity.

 

Ben car accidence show chest and upper back muscles contraction, arm, hand stiffness, and fingers spasticity, that is means lesion to Red nucleus. ACU treatment is focuses on release muscles contraction, especially, the distal extremities spasticity, when extremities spasticity is stop, the muscles symptom is released the lesion in Red nucleus is recovery.

 

ACU points selection:  

  1. Pectoralis: Points selection: LU1-2, ST15-16-17, KI22 KI24, CV3-15-22.
  2. Biceps: ACU point LI15, and LU5 PC3.
  3. Posterior Superior Serratus, Rhomboid, Trapezius muscles and tendons: BL 41 to 47 on the edge of spine of the scapular and points on vertebral column BL11 to BL18. Method: gentle needling and 15 minutes needle retention to reduces the muscles contraction, strong needling to excitation the weaken muscles. After needling gentle stretching the upper chest and back muscles.

In treating Ben needs focus on the cervical vertebrae, GB20-21, BL11, GV14 and JIAJI points on C6, C7, and T1. When muscle flexion spasticity reduce, that included finger, arm, chest and back, and Ben hands feel more strength.

Right-side shoulder and back of spine muscles strong contraction, and left-side muscles flatten. ACU treatment reinforcements the left muscles and reduction of the right muscles, and avoid doing strenuous-exercises, of the back and chest, prevention of spine curvature.

1-2. Reticular Formation

Reticular formation is a set of interconnected nuclei that are located throughout the brainstem, which is a neural pathway connected brainstem to motor central nuclei, and down to spinal cord motor neurons.

The needle insertion, Moxa heat and massages to the skin, muscles spindles, joint capsules or periosteum receptors; stimulates the fingertips, body trunk and extremity points may via spino-reticular tracts, spino-thalamic tracts ascending to motor cortex, the results pass through reticulo-spinal descending tracts and effect the motor neurons maintaining tone, balance, and posture, especially during body movements.

Vestibulospinal tract assist the reticular formation to maintain muscle tone and balance the body’s posture, so when patient standing and walking needs to keep the head up and eyes looking forward in a straight position.

 

ACU treatment for reticular formation:

  1. Needle insertion stimulates the fingertips, body trunk BL meridian points and the points on extremity, body most of ACU points are cooperated with Reticular formation.
  2. Moxa stick heats the point for temperature stimulation, especially in winter or/and weakness of the body part that affect to Brainstem.
  3. Breathing exercises affect the breathing centre (in brainstem) and increase reflex activity, blood and lymphatic circulation.
  4. Scratching and stretching increased blood flow, joint, muscle and tendon activity.
  5. Combining methods may apply, ACU point selection and needle techniques and associated different methods increase blood flow and stimulation activate the Reticular formation neural network activity, recently, believed in human body, that Red nuclei and Reticular formation form a system, in which largely influences to ACU treatment perception.

 

1-3. Medulla Oblongata

Trauma in the anterior median fissure and pyramidal tracts the sensation cannot get through the olive medulla, then the cortico-spinal tracts cannot send the motor signal to the spinal cord and thus motor movement is impaired.  Emergency treatment, ACU point selection: GB20 BL10 TB17 TB 16 GV15 GV16. The main aim is reducing edema at anterior median fissure. GV Huatoujiaji and BL meridian points targets on trapezius, scalene, rhomboid minor or major and levator-scapula muscles. ACU points GB21 GV14 BL11 BL41TB14 and TB15.

Treatment on the neck, there is a scar tissues on the throat at Adam level, needling the points surrounding on the scar and into the central of scar.

Point selection: LI18, ST5, ST9, ST11, CV22, CV23, TB17

Point below the mandibular ST6 ST7

The metal in cervical vertebrae is for stability the neck movement, the location is on C5-6-7 in which is bass of the neck, together with lesion to C8-T1, the neck movement is affected to the neck and spinal cord, particularly, Ben in deep sleep at night and a strong leg muscles contraction when Ben wake up at early morning, only after removal the metal, and continue ACU treatment slowly no more leg trembling.

 

Activated Breathing Potential

  1. Phrenic nerve—C3-4-5, and the nerve distribution pathway, Vagus neural path initial ear foramen distributed to xiphoid in which is along the side of the sternomastoid muscle and sternum inter-costal joints distributed into abdominal organs.
  2. Sternum to Xiphoid, initial CV22, the first rib and down, that involve the rib cage joints KI points, muscles ST, SP points. That is called: The front four sets of meridian points-on the chest and abdomen.
  3. The back three sets of meridian points on spine are JIAJI, GV and BL meridian points.
  4. Lateral of the rib X,XI, and XII, points selection: SP16 to SP21 GB24, GB25 Liv14.
  5. In Chinese version ‘QI-Kung’ exercises can maintain wellbeing. The thoracic cage and thoracic vertebral column are a strong and stable structure to maintain body posture and spine. The Chinese breathing exercises QI-Kung is focused on the QI—the respiration, using inspiration and expiration muscles and diaphragm, stretching the chest and abdominal wall muscles: to strengthen the thoracic wall muscles, to improve the coordinated muscles movement of the body front and back, rib cage and the thoracic vertebral column to stabilized the spine.

Actually, the results of the breathing exercises are more than external musculature reaction in which included increases the internal organ’s function, in particular, the neurovascular pathway, which is involved on diaphragm, neck, head, the lungs and the heart region blood circulations and the nervous system function. The breathing also actively mobile and massage the internal organs—liver, spleen, stomach, intestines and kidney. The body musculature moves the body part and naturally and powerfully move the body lymphatic and blood circulations.

Spinal cord and spinal nerves, especially, the lower thoracic and lumber vertebrae are directly involved the lower extremities skin sensation and muscles movement Without muscle movement the tendon on the ankle and legs will lack of blood supplies may loss function or atrophy. The lymphatic and blood circulation will stasis or loss; and the ankle and legs may swell. The old ageing process is starts from the legs—Chinese version. If does not move the legs will sit on wheelchair the real-life value is gone.  

 

The breathing exercises fundamentally involved the respiration muscles. The clinical observation, frequently, the interruption is on ACU points: CV22 CV15 CV16 GB25 GV6 BL20 BL50.)

 

1-4. Chest and Abdominal wall muscles points

There are four sets of chest meridian points can be selected CV, KI, ST, and SP.

Pectoralis contraction ACU points: LU1 SP20 PC1 ST16 ST17 KI24.

Sternum and costal joint: CV and Kidney points on the chest.

Abdomen muscles points: ST 19-23-25-27-29, CV3-4-12-14, SP12,13-14-16, GB25-27-28, LV14, and KI11,2,13 KI22.

 

1-5. Thigh

  1. Major points are on the lumber-sacral plexuses such as BL22, 23, 25, 26 and BL50,51,52 on sacrum BL27 to BL34, BL53 and, BL54.
  2. Tendons and muscles linking point such as tensor fascia latae with gluteus maximus fascia and iliotibial tract with vastus lateralis ACU point GB30 GB31 GB32 GB33.
  3. Muscles attachment surrounding the greater trochanter and hamstring muscles. ACU points: BL35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40.

The right thigh affected to motor central nuclei, chronic muscles spasticity caused chronic inflammation on the muscle attachment to the bone or joint. Ben SCI mainly lesion to brainstem upper motor central nuclei, when Ben mobile head, neck or body trunk immediate shows right leg spasticity. Thus, Ben thigh and right leg muscles are larger than the left, however, when walking the left leg moving and walk better than the right. If Ben head or/and neck on incorrect position; not maintain on straight position Ben difficult control the right leg moving. Beside needling correct the neck scars tissues and maintain head neck straight position, repeat and slow walking retrain; balance the cerebellum, reticular and cortex function. Obviously, after removal the metal in the cervical vertebrae leg and body trembling reduce obviously.

The chronic inflammation in trochanter and hamstring muscles attached to the tuberculosis and back of the knee tendons, must release inflammation rapidly, and excitation the muscles got the strength for stand. The point is palpated where the muscles are tightening and needling releases it.

 

1-6. Spinal nerve, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve

  1. Most of SCI patients have lost the function of urination, sexuality and bowel movement.
  2. The points selection involved Vagus CNX, BL23,24,25,28,32, GV1,2,4, Huatoujiaji on L3 and L5 vertebrae level. Sacrum on S3 and S4 foramen BL meridian points.
  3. Abdominal points included CV1,2,3, KI11,12, ST25,28,29.

 

 

1-7. Five-SHU points on the leg

Needling Five Shu points improve the strength of the legs, Ben left leg more involved lower motor neurons, however, right leg may consideration treating motor central nuclei, particularly, needling to the points in plantar KI1, Jing-Well points and tendons of the foot, needling show leg strong reaction. After needling need doing stretching exercises. ACU treatment for lower extremities are strongly focused on extension and flexion coordinated muscles movement, passive and active movement of the leg. When patient can stand need special training stand straight head up, lock the knee and relax the trunk and body, more training of walk with walking frame, once or twice per day.

 

The thigh muscles are tone can lift the thigh up to the pelvic, need needling to the lateral side of the body, and asking patient used abdominal and thigh muscles move the leg included knee and ankle joints. In this stage, patient can train walk with walking frame. Few months after the leg’s muscles getting more strength can walk confidently and try to walk with crutches, that still need well training and avoid accident, if the sensation reaches to the foot and legs muscles more strength and coordinated movement. Slowly, the participant can walk with walking stick.

Ben is happy to the whole ACU treatment progresses in which take times achieve the results. When you have severed accidence, you need times and patience face to the truth, ACU treatment slowly get better both patient and practitioner need paid good effort together achieve the better out-come.

 

Discussion

Quadriplegia is lesion to upper motor neurons, however, Quadriplegia is included lesion to the lower extremity.

Ben lesion is involved lesion to Red nucleus, reticular formation in brain stem, medullar oblongata, and severed fracture subluxation on Cervical vertebrae C5, C6, C7, and T1 to T3, and thoracic cages curvature.   

Ben shows  right hand spasticity, and right leg spasticity, and right shoulder muscles severed contraction, that is not border to Ben, in which though that is regular pattern in SCI, for sure, that is severed lesion to the SCI. Ben expecting in one year can walk again, so he done lots of strenuous exercise attempt quickly recover, unfortunately, he made more damage to his body, such as both shoulder muscles; one side contraction and another side flatten and pull thorax to one site, spine curvature.  

One year after ACU treatment Ben can Stand, two years after ACU treatment Ben can walk with walking frame, he said his treatment no improvement; because he felt when he walked with walking frame, just like flying on the air. That took another three more years ACU treatment, the leg spasticity slowly reduces and control. Only when spasticity is controlled, Ben can walk better, in which recovery and balance the spinal cord, motor central nuclei and motor neurons innervated into the leg muscles. The cause of the spasticity not necessary only in one point or one section of the body, in Ben case involve centre motor pathway, spine curvature, L5 and S1, hip, knee and ankle joints included Plantar tendon, the termination of Ben and family support is the best achievement for Ben in SCI.

 “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““ 

Clinical Practice Anatomy-physiology points selection:

1-1 Medullar oblongata, C4,C5, C7-T1-T4 GB20, GB21, GV14, GV13, Huatoujiaji, BL11-BL14, BL44-48

1-2 Spine curvature T6 to T12 ACU points three section GV, JIAJI, and BL meridian

L5-S1, Lumbar and sacrum

 

Dr Tai Acupuncture Project

by

Introduction:

  1. Foreword
  2. Dr David Kie Pang Tai  (16/10/19)
  3. What is Acupuncture
  4. The criteria of ACU treatment
  5. Preventative medicine
  6. Spine Trauma Pathophysiology
  7. Clinical severity valuation


Foreword

 

In the lifetime of Albert Einstein, Metter began to disappear as it was replaced by Energy as the central or vital factor in human (Western) thinking and behaviour. Prior to that time, Matter and its philosophy, Materialism, dominated the West and the rest of the world set out rapidly to follow. The result was alienation, acquisitiveness and violence unprecedented to human history and prehistory till, finally, it become a recognized threat to survival of the species and of life on this planet. 

 

The revolution in human thinking, however, and the one implied in human behaviour, has not gone as far.  Scientists still, almost completely, live in a pre-Einstein world.  Theology finds it no easier to make the shift because human energy is disturbingly organic and sexual while philosophy wrestles with what Gregory Bateson called “Cartesian Dualism”.  It could be expected that medical doctors would be amongst the first to begin the shift from matter to energy, with all its biological implications, but they are not.

 

Acupuncture raises the question of Energy in the human body and the necessity for it to be able to function within – as activity rising to a high point, then subsiding or relaxing, then rising again.  The oscillation of Energy is the pulse of life.  This principle of Yin and Yang, it appears, is the essence of the philosophy of Chinese Medicine – both ancient and modern – and of Chinese philosophy as a whole.

Energy within the body cannot be compartmentalized, or considered or treated as being in the mind only or in the body only.  It cannot be comprehended by a science or philosophy, which is reductionist or positivist.  The fact that Energy exists means that the human body, although constantly changing and fluctuating, is one living unit.  It is not separable, either, from what is not within it, that is to say, from its environment, especially the human parts of that environment.

 

Health and, we may say, personal and human growth depend upon an energetic flow of experience between the individual and others (close body contact or intimacy, and the need for this may be the strongest of all animal instincts) and with the natural environment.  In Western culture, it may be that artificial (“intellectual” and repressive) separations are now more damaging than ever before in human history.

 

In his book, Dr David Tai explains, better than has been done previously, the significance of the theory of human energy and its use in diagnosis and clinical practice, which embodies “anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, clinical syndromes” and other medical concepts.  He adds to it as well the significance of Emotions.

 

It may be that acupuncture, more than any other branch of medical practice, will show the importance of Energy and the holistic philosophy and practice.  No other single aspect may be as important for the field of medicine and no other may help as much in opening up ways of creating personal and social health in our society.  Dr David Tai is well equipped to assist in this development and this book is an example of what needs to be done, because it is first of all” a book of education for the healers and for those who need to be healed.

 

Dr Jim Cairn, PhD. Canberra, 1987

 

 

 

Dr David Kie Pang Tai  (16/10/19)

 

In 1933, Tai was born in Sumatra Medan Indonesia. Was growing up in a big family of Timber industries. Poor and sick Tai is arrived on the wrong time; when Tai in little boy was very ill hospital unable treating him, his strong and riches Grandfather is gone-pass away, lucky enough his grandfather in law save his life. 

 

In 1944, when Japanese is invited Indonesia stop all other school, only Japanese school is allowed open; until Japanese surrender able return to the school; the very Chinese family not allowed Tai attended the Japanese school.

 

Following the Independent ‘Merdeka’ of Indonesia, the fire burning the heart of the Indonesian, fire and bullet everywhere Tai right forearm between radius and ulna a bullet run through but Tai still alive.

 

The revolution of China, young David in 1952 left the family and went to China. Study in ‘Nan-Jang high school’ and pass the exam get in to ‘Beijing University Medical College’ in 1955; he wants to be a good Doctor firstly help his illness; he damages his lumber vertebrae and help other out of illness. In school holiday Tai is in library studying medicine ‘the Great Wall’ is not far away but he never joins it, pays more time in study and graduated in late 1960.

In 1961, Tai lectured Western medicine at Tianjin Medical University. During his Pathophysiology research, specifically on the cardiovascular system and it was at this time that Tai first embraced the study of Chinese acupuncture practice, particularly fascinating the myth and the stories.   

 

One year- (1968-1969) that is near the end of Culture Revolution, when Tai finish one of his research project and the officer sent Tai to services the country people; and Tai worked as a Doctor, but in circumstances dissimilar to the norm in that I was located at Mongolia-with-in China and instead of calling the ambulance, this city boy doctor had to learn to master a galloping horse. Provided the surgery the medicine and the acupuncture to the village patients. This enjoyable time for Tai experiencing cold weather and running on horse-back every day applies all type of treatment for patient.

 

In 1972, Tai moved to Hong Kong where Tai started new approach to Chinese medicine Tai lectured acupuncture, demonstrated Thyroid-sectomy acupuncture approach anaesthesia with the surgeon in the ‘Kuan-Tang Hospital’ and lecture acupuncture and showed different needling techniques for the practitioners come from many countries. The over-sea Doctors asking Tai come to their country practicing and lecture acupuncture, which involved German hospital director at Lindau.     

 

In 1976, Tai moved to Australia. By now, my training in Western medicine had become inextricable from my knowledge of Chinese methods. I was sure these, at times, diametrically opposed; ways of tending to the human body became far more powerful when it is combined together. In Australia Tai treating SCI patients allowed them stand and mobile out of wheelchair: The book ‘The Healing Power’ Neville Drury 1981 and film SCI document in ABC (Australia) also in BBC (British) filming a young girl suffered completed Quadriplegia.   

 

What follows is not my autobiography. It is, instead, what I hope will be a road map for others who want to provide the best possible care for patients, some of these clearly sick, others in the preventative phase. In my long career, I have become known as the man who can ‘heal the impossible’, the doctor to whom other doctors send patients who, they say, may never walk again, or patients whose lives are curtailed by the daily endurance of pain. It is to me that parents bring their sick children. But the point of this book is not to say, ‘Look at what David Tai has done.’ No. My compulsion is that others learn for what I do, that the skills I use, while requiring focus, skill and a lifetime’s hard work, be transmitted to the next generation. This must happen, on that I am absolutely certain.

In order to do this, I must first debunk a myth. While acupuncture is powerful, there is no ‘secret power’. It is not magic nor is it some Impenetrable Chinese art. In its simplest equation, it is about sparking forces within the human body so the patient’s own life force is used to heal himself. Western medicine is largely in its use of drugs and operations to prolong life.

Chinese medicine activates the force already within the body, although perhaps lying dormant. My purpose in what follows is to show when you combine Medical sciences and Acupuncture healing methodology: whom able to accurately activated the hiding power with in the body to maintain wellbeing, providing strength, healing the illness, and the results can be not anticipated.

Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses, yet restricting this to traditional methods – devised in ancient times when scientific understanding of the functions of the body was of course less advanced than today – can lead to uncertain results and, to use a contemporary expression, ‘not enough customer satisfaction’. In clinical practice, it would be disingenuous to insist on continuing ways of practicing acupuncture simply because these methods were in use thousand years ago. Best practice is to harness ancient knowledge, combine it with the most up-to-date medical thinking and use this fusion for the best possible outcome for the patient.

Tai had written two Acupuncture books ‘Acupuncture & Moxibustion’ Harper & row publishers, Sydney 1987 and the second book ‘Acupuncture’—A comprehensive guide to clinical applications of acupuncture. Sydney 1997 and continue publishes more in Internet “Tai acupuncture”.

 

Tai continue learning and practicing Acupuncture these ancient healing acts is fulfils Tai lifetime medical practice and his interest in acupuncture is never end.

 

What is Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture refers to the insertion of a fine filiform needle into key point on the body to treat illness. Structurally, Acupuncture points are located in the tissues of the body’s ‘wall’. The needle is inserted into body wall tissues through different channels largely are via the nervous system, activated the body potential and strength to heal the illness. Dependent on where the illnesses required, ACU point is located, the practitioner is inserted the needle target on the illnesses: Systematically; that involved body organs functions, especially, the nervous system, circulation system, and lymphatic cellular barrier, and the correlated point in which is located into the skin, into the connective tissues, muscles or joints, even deep into the periosteum of the bone. Only in the rare cases would a skilled practitioner target an internal organ. In most acupuncture practice is through reflexes mechanism achieves the result not of necessity having to needling into the organ directly. Traditionally, the sharp tip of needle does not carry any medication or herbs, clinically is provided different length and diameter of ‘Filiform’ needle in clinic practice.

 

The Criteria of ACU Treatment

 

Initial LING-SHU, which stated the criteria of ACU treatment:

  1. Reinforcement of deficiency
  2. Reduction the overpower
  3. Releasing the obstructive tissues
  4. Removal the blood congestion improved blood and lymphatic circulation
  5. Recently some illnesses still unable to treat just because the practitioners are not jet achieved the needling techniques.

Obviously, the criteria are stated: the needle is a tool the practitioners are using this tool for released where the illness is interrupted or selected correlated point to activate the body potential to heal the illness. That is preferable using Chinese version and Western medical sciences to interpreted the truth of how does acupuncture is worked.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the principle of preventative medicine and is utilized in this context. Huang-Di Nei-Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s classic of internal medicine, 500-300 BC) states that:

“Hence, the sages did not treat those who were already ill; instead, they instructed those who were not yet ill. They did not wish to rule those who were already rebellious; instead, they guided those who were not yet rebellious. To administer medicine for illnesses, which have already developed is comparable to the behaviour of those who start to dig a well after they have become thirsty, or those who begin to cast weapons after they have already engaged in battle. Would not these actions then be too late?”

Acupuncture treatment is concerned with the prevention of both mental and physical illness. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was deemed vital to understand an illness before the symptoms occurred, rather than understanding symptoms that had already occurred.

Spine trauma is a severed lesion to the spinal cord, nervous system and disability illnesses. Spine trauma is caused of many factors, such as motor vehicle, motor bicycle accidences, fallen down from the tree or building, head hit on the rock…e.g. the lesion of the spine is severed; fracture dislocation or compression to the spinal cord. Preventative is better than cure; there are many common methods have developed for prevention such as ‘First aid’. Personally, such as: stress, alcohol, tired, medication, body illnesses especially the vision disorder etc, need to avoid, especially at night driving a motor vehicle.   

 

 Spine Trauma Pathophysiology

 

  1. Cases of fracture and dislocation of the vertebral column are particularly apt to cause transverse compression when any severe degree of bone injury has occurred.
  2. Injuries of the spinal cord may be produced by displacement and distortion of neuronal tissue at the moment of impact.
  3. In most traumatic lesions the central part of the spinal cord with its vascular grey matter, suffers greater injury than the peripheral parts (principles of Neurology 2001. McGraw.  Hill).
  4. Intra spinal cord haemorrhage may result from trauma or vertebral vascular lesions such as:
  • 4-1 A meningeal artery tear – epidural haematoma
  • 4-2 Leakage from spinal veins resulting in extravasations of blood in the subdural space subdural haematoma.
  • 4-3 A ruptured spinal artery bleeding into the subarachnoid space – subarachnoid haematoma.
  • 4-5 Bleeding in the pia mater may apply direct pressure to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
  1. The immediate injury causes precapillary haemorrhages that coalesce and enlarge, particularly in the grey matter. Infraction in the grey matter and central haemorrhages enlarge to occupy one or two levels above and below the lesions of the spinal cord.
  2. If the cerebrospinal fluid contains blood in the acute phase, partial or complete blockage of the subarachnoid channels may occur.
  3. Glial and fibrotic scars and the formation of meningeal adhesion is the usual result.
  4. The spinal cord may be affected by different degrees of degeneration.
  5. The direct bone injury to the cord may not be limited to one segment only. A lesion from vascular haematoma may also involve different segments of the cord.  Thus the severity of the lesion section of the cord can be simple or complex.

 

Clinical Severity Valuation:

 

Large wound surrounding vertebral column, rib dislocation, associated vertebrae fracture and compression, the cerebrospinal fluid contains blood in the acute phase, partial or complete blockage of the subarachnoid channels may occur. Coma after SCI, lower extremities severed spasticity, upper extremity complete lost skin sensation, however, still able use the hand and arm, no interrupted of muscles movement, even pain on the shoulder. After long period ACU treatment released the pain symptom, large wound healing, able use the hand and arm, driving a car and regular life style.

 

ACU treatment processes:

  • In general, one year after ACU treatment the patient can stand. Three years after ACU treatment patient can walk with walking frame 100 meters.

Ben

Debbie

Adam

Jay

  • A severe lesion to the cord, such as haemorrhage in the cord If the cerebrospinal fluid contains blood in the acute phase, partial or complete blockage of the subarachnoid channels may occur. Glial and fibrotic scars and the formation of meningeal adhesion is the usual result. The spinal cord may be affected by different degrees of degeneration. In this case:
  • ACU treatment may minimum disability, and maximum the recovery, satisfactory to general regular life style, especially, regain hand usage.

David

Mark

Richard

 

 

Tai Acupuncture Needle Techniques

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Activating the potential of healing

 

  1. The Skin

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1-1. The epidermis

Point location: the needle is inserting onto the epidermis

Depth: range of 0.07- 0.12 cm

Response: no pain or bleeding, the skin shows red in color and the skin feel worm

After needle: Chinese coin gentle scratches or/and moxa heat the point

 Physiology:

Skin consists have epidermis stem cells in the basal layer are ensured the process of epidermal renewal.

The deepest layer of the epidermis is the stratum basal or the stratum germinativum in this layer the cells with clear cytoplasm, which are dendritic cells of the immune system and sensory system.

Results: activated the epidermis cells can improve wound healing and renewal the skin on the face.

1-2. Insertion into dermis

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Location: two layers—papillae and reticular

Needling depth: depth 0.5cm-0.6cm and 1.3cm length needle is often used

Response: stimulated the receptors and increases stretching power

Needle diameter: small diameter is for gentle stimulation

In the case of SCI a correct needle insertion method: the large diameter needle stimulation should be large enough to activated the action potential regenerate the nerve impulses that will rebuild the sensory neuron and motor neuron connection and function. The matter is the needle stimulation must be strong!

Repetitive needle techniques are provided.

 

Location of sensitive points

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* ACU points—Jing Well points K1 GV26 sensitive points are selected

* Neurological sensitive receptors– Merkel’s discs—tactile domes are found in hairless skin, such as the fingertips.

Meissner’s corpuscles are located in the dermal papillae of the skin especially palm of the hand and plantar of the foot, nipple and external genitalia.

 * Dorsal ganglia: The cell nuclei of somatic sensory and afferent fibers lie in ganglia throughout the spine. These neurons are responsible for relaying information about the body to the central nervous system.

* Treating paraplegic limp requires select sensitive points and correct needle insertion method is applies large diameter needle fast and repetitively (four times is a second) repeat inserted into a point.

 

  1. Activated The Stem Cells

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 Acupuncture is activated those stem cell from one’s own body-autologous must be able to produce new blood cells and immune cells over a period of term, demonstrating potency.

 1-1 Endothelial cells

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Point Location: At surrounding the wound side

Method: the needle is inserted perpendicularly into the skin deep into the subcutaneous and the side of the muscles: after needling scratches the points

Physiology:

That can reduces the tension of the skin improves blood circulation and form new blood vessel to that region improves wound-healing processes.

1-2 Stem cells from lipid cells

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Point Location: in subcutaneous and connective tissues ACU point ST25 or GB30 for example

Method: makes a straight line cross the rectus abdominis muscle for example; the points are on the line 1cm interval, inserting needle perpendicularly deep into the adipose tissues lifting and thrusting needle in the point 10 times after needling deep massages or deep scratches the points.

Physiology:

Adipose tissue (lipid cells) can produce stem cells. In body different part has adipose tissues

 1-3 Bone marrow stem cells

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Point Location: in periosteum to bone ACU point St31 or GB28 for example

Method: The tip of the sharp inserted deep into the big bone: such as iliac crest applies repetitive 10 times lifting and thrusting needling method deeper into the periosteum and bone massages and scratching the point.

Physiology:

The stimulation and drilling into the bone may produces stem cells and following the blood distributed into the blood circulation for wound healing especially for treating fracture healing in SCI

 

1-4 “Fire Burning the Mountain”

Pure Reinforcement Techniques

 FireBurningMntn

 

‘Fire Burning the Mountain’

 

METHOD:

 

The depth of the point is determined and mentally divided into three levels: Heaven, Man and Earth (Skin, Muscles and Periosteum). The Needle is slowly inserted through the skin, thrust firmly into the first level and lifted gently back to just under the skin. At each of the three levels, the needle is firmly thrust and lifted gently back to just beneath the skin. At each of the three levels, the needle is firmly thrust and gently lifted nine times. On completion, the needle is quickly withdrawn from the third (deepest) and the point sealed with the fingers.

 

If correctly applied, the patient feels a warm sensation at the local areas. If this is not so, the entire procedure may be repeated, but not more than three times, before the needle is completely withdrawn.

 

Needle insertion and stretching exercises activated the neurotrophin and neurotrofic factors improve the sensory neurons recovery and the motor neurons innervated into the muscles improve the muscles strength.

This needle technique is frequently applies for ACU treatment for long times and regards can reinforce the healing process it seems is work on activated the stem cells function.

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  1. Fire two gates—produce nerve impulses-neurotransmitters

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1-1. ACU treatment is through needle techniques stimulation to the skin receptors and the muscles spindle fire the sensory neurons the first step is regain the sensory neurons function.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

A gentle needling into the skin receptors not of necessity can produce action potential-nerve impulses, especially in the case of SCI, because the skin is lost sensation. If a strong needling method, which is strong enough depolarization in the postsynaptic membrane sufficient to reach the threshold then action potential- nerve impulses may produce as such a repetitive needle technique or hypersensitive point. The action potential- nerve impulses required get through the synapses processes, which are via the chemical channel, produce electronic nerve impulses-neurotransmitters transmitted to other neurons.

1-2. Types of motor neurons are Alpha motor neurons, beta motor neurons and gama motor neuron

“A single motor neuron may innervate many muscle fibers and a muscle fiber can undergo many action potential in the time taken for a single muscle twitch (faciculation). As a result, if an action potential arrives before a twitch has completed, the twitches can superimpose on one another, either through summation or tetanus.

In summation, the muscle is stimulated repetitively such that additional action potentials coming from the somatic nervous system arrive before the end of the twitch. The twitches thus superimpose on one another, leading to a force greater than that of a single twitch. On the other hand, tetanus is caused by constant, very high frequency stimulation – the action potentials come at such a rapid rate, which individual twitches are indistinguishable, and tension rises smoothly eventually reaching plateous.”

 

  1. The reflexes circulate

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1-1. Initiate the needle stimulated receptors fire sensory neurons through neurotransmitters interneuron connects to motor neurons in spinal cord gray column

1-2. The sensory neurons ascending to central motor nuclei via descending tracts effect to inter-neurons and motor neurons

 1-3. The nerves innervated to the muscles through origin of the muscle down to the insertion of the muscle for example: normally rectus abdomini from T7 to T12, when SCI lesion to T7 the muscles origin down to insertion T12 lost skin sensation and muscles movement; when the skin sensation return nerves recovery is showed on T7-T12.

If SCI patients regain skin sensation on this level usually can lift the thigh up to the hip.

 1-4. Intersegmental spinal reflexes

 Significance: These inter-segmental spinal reflexes are important for urgent treatment using acupuncture for SCI. This method can allow the nerve impulses to progress through the upper and lower lesion section of the white matter as well as release the wound and rapidly assists with recovery to the lesion in the spinal cord gray column.

Method: Inserting the needle into the skin receptors and muscles spindles while focusing on the vertebral column such as BL, GV and JIAJI points by using moderate needling and retention needles in the points.

The ‘opposition needle techniques’ can be start on BL41 meridian point down to BL54. In the case of lesion at T11 for example: the BL48-49-50 ACU points can be selected the tip of the needle is obliquely toward the spine or opposition the BL meridian QI flow direction and repetitive needling method is provided.

Method: the needle is inserted into the skin receptors and muscles spindles, the needle tip is obliquely opposite the meridian line and rapid and repetitive needling techniques is applies.

The nerve impulses may progress through the white column, ascend to the central motor nuclei via the descending tracts, and react to the motor neurons in grey column of spinal cord.

 If needling into the points at BL11 down, the tip of the needle is following the meridian line allows the descending tracts work on spinal cord gray column activated the motor neurons function.

 The point selection:

Where the vertebral column is damaged that level

Needle insertion is starts from the upper part of the vertebral column down to the below vertebrae.

Results: The treatment take times for recovery usually when needles sensation regain function at T12 level the patient can lift the legs up to the hip.

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Back shu points

There are three sets of meridian points: Jiaji, GV and BL on the vertebral column in which are significance in treating SCI.

The damage vertebral column may involve two to three vertebrae, the ACU points surrounding the vertebral column such as GV, JIA-JI, and BL meridian points are selected. The inter-segmental spinal reflexes are important for urgent treatment applies acupuncture for SCI. This method can allow the nerve impulses to progress through the upper and lower lesion section of the white matter as well as release the obstructive wound and rapidly assists with recovery to the lesion in the cord.

The result is:

Repeat and intensive ACU treatments the skin sensation will regain; take about one to two months for a section of segmental of the cord recovery. ACU treatment should continuous following the same pattern further down to the next vertebral column.

 The BL meridian points such as BL41 to BL54 is selected for strong repetitive needling method for fire the sensory neurons; the needle is inserted into the skin receptors and the muscle spindles and obliquely upward opposite the BL meridian line after needling gentle scratched the point upward show red in color.

 This needle technique is applies for Debbie SCI initial T7 down to BL54 one year after ACU treatment her spine muscles is good enough supporting her for stand.

 BackShuPnts

 

 

Five Shu Points

 

Five Shu Points originated in Ling Shu Jing, which is applies for treating upper or/and lower extremities illnesses. In treating SCI the result is significances.

 

The upper limbs five shu points:

Three Yin Meridians of Hand:

Lung – LU11, LU10, LU9, LU8, LU5

Pericardium – PC9, PC8, PC7, PC5, PC3

Heart – H9, H8, H7, H4, H3

 

Three Yang Meridians of Hand:

Large Intestine – LI1, LI2, LI3, LI5, LI11

Three Heaters – TH1, TH2, TH3, TH6, TH10

Small Intestine – SI1, SI2, SI3, SI5, SI8

 

The Five Shu Points of Lower Limbs

Three Yang Meridian points of foot

Stomach          ST45   ST44   ST43   ST41   ST36

Gall Bladder   GB44 GB43   GB41   GB38   GB34

Bladder           BL67   BL66   BL65   BL60   BL40

 

Three Yin Meridians points of foot

Spleen           SP1   SP2   SP3   SP5   SP9

Liver             Liv1 Liv2 Liv3 Liv4 Liv8

Kidney           K1     K2     K3   K7     K10

 

  1. Points on apex of fingers or toes:

Needle insertion:

The needle is rapidly inserted into the skin bring a droop of blood out of the point and no needle retention

Indication:

Sensitive point for strong stimulation

Improved lymphatic and blood circulation releases edema

SCI no feeling and reaction

Only when skin sensory neuron recovery show certain reaction and pain

 

  1. Jing-well points

Location: the point is located on the side of the corner of the finger or toenail

Method: the needle is rapidly inserted into the skin no needle retention

Sensation: For a normal patient needle insertion is painful, in the case of SCI it is no pain sensation only when the sensory neurons recovery shows pain.

 

  1. The Web

Location: on between two fingers or toes the neurovascular pathway

Needle insertion method:

Usually, the needle is inserted at the point located on the dorsal section of the web. If the needle is inserted at the palm side the reaction will be stronger. The needle is released the obstruction and stimulated the neurovascular pathway

 

  1. The phalangeal joint:

Two points are located on both sides of the phalangeal joint. The needle is inserted perpendicularly into the joint capsule. Needle insertion can also involve the tendons and interosseous muscle that attached to the joint.

The results: improves the joint tendon and muscles movement

The points on palm or plantar are sensitive for stimulation and need the needle retention

 

  1. The points on the wrists or ankles

There are tendons cross the wrist or ankle and the ligament stability the joint

For the case of SCI:

After SCI need to provided external support for stability the joint

Point selection: lower limbs

The points surrounding the ankle such as K2 and K3 BL60 BL62 GB40 ST41 SP5  

The needles are target on the tendons ligaments and ankle joint

The foot the ankle and the tendons are significant in paraplegia legs movement

Method:

Repetitive needling method is following on the side of the tendons direction provided blood flowing and stimulation; after needling gentle scratching and passive movement.

Needles are retention in the ACU points for fifteen minutes.

Observation: focuses on the calculus tendon and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles reaction

 

  1. The muscles below the knee: HE sea points

The needle insertion methods:

Such as the needle is inserted at the point of GB34 the needle insertion is involved the peroneus longus and extensor digitorum longus and the point ST36 is involved the tibialis anterior a single individual muscle.

That is preferable makes a line cross GB34 and ST36 the peroneus longus extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior the points are 1 cm interval on the line. The needles are perpendicularly inserted into the skin and fascia of the muscles.  

 

The flexor digitorum longus is coordinated with the extensor digitorum longus in which is the same as tibialis poterior is coordinated with tibialis anterior.

 

There are few ACU points on the line of tibialis anterior for example:

In general ST 36 is located on the tibialis anterior origin of the muscle and the ST40 seems located on terminate of the muscle and the tendon cross the leg to the base of metatarsal bone.

In needle inserted to the muscle that is preferred begin from the origin and the belly of the muscle and terminal to insertion of the muscle.    

 

ACU treatment involved needle insertion, moxa, scratching, stretching and maintaining correct body postural position all in which is a system in treatment processes observation the illness finding and the treatment result.

 

 

ACU points, Brainstem and Central motor nuclei

In clinical ACU treatment without correctly managing of central motor nuclei cooperate with lower motor neurons functional communication: the paralyzed patients particularly the Quadriplegia patient difficult achieve proper muscles coordinated movement and voluntary movement.

Pons

The pons lies between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain. It contains tracts that carry signals from the cerebrum to the medulla and to the cerebellum as well as tracts that carry sensory signals to the thalamus.

Twelve pairs of cranial nerves nuclei are involved with the pons. These include most of the sensory organs, which include vision, hearing, balance, body posture, smell, swallow and speech. In particular, the CN10 -Vagus nerve, which is involved the internal organ functions such as bowel movements, urination and sexuality, that is lost in the SCI patient.

Acupuncture treatment requires needling to the pathways for example: where the scalp of the foramen is located that is the Vagus nerve exits to the skull and passes through the neck to the abdomen.  

Inserting the needles into the skin and muscles of the face and head at the scalp points strengthens the function of the pons has great valuable than releasing the symptoms. Especially cranial nerves of CN1, CN3, CN8, CN10, CN11 and CN12 are more involved in SCI.

ACU and CN10 for example:

 

 CentralMN

Vagus nerve—CNX

General consideration:

The CN X is extends through the jugular foramen, then passing into the carotid sheath between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein down below the head, to the neck, chest and abdomen, where it contributes to the innervations of the viscera.

The point of neuropath:

Jugular foramen—point behind the ear TH17 TH18

Carotid sheath—point is on the side of sternocleidomastoid LI18 ST9

 

The head injury at temporal ear region or the neck trauma in SCI may cause damage to Cranial nerves especially involved to CNX, CNXI and CNXII.

Vestibular tract also involved the head neck and eyes need balance posture.

 

Medulla oblongata

 Spinal cord initiated medulla oblongata at the base of skull (foramen magnum) the cervical vertebra C1 down to the first lumbar vertebra, lesion to any segmental of the cord cause SCI and medulla oblongata is located on a high-risk region for SCI and that is the key point of acupuncture when treating SCI.  

 Trauma in the pyramidal tracts can cause severe SCI. If the sensation cannot get through the olive medulla, then the cortico-spinal tracts cannot send the motor signal to the spinal cord and thus motor movement is impaired. The urgent treatment of SCI in this region is of significant importance.

 According to ACU clinical treatment perception the point selection are focused on where the damages parts that is the main issue point.

The points on the back of skull and scalp:

Trapezius attached to skull—GB 20, BL10

Mastoid process—sternocleidomastiod TH17

Jugular foramen—GB12    

 

The points on the neck

Mandible: neck angle oblique line and incisive fossa of mandible and at the lateral surface of coronoid process-St5-6-7, St10-11-12-13

Clavicle: sterno-cleido-mastoid attachment, pectoralis major, and clavicle fossa- LU1-2

Hyoid-CV22-23

Temporalst-GB8

 

General Acupuncture Needle Techniques

by

Acupuncture needle techniques design is the key issue in ACU treatment.

In this chapter is introducing some different needle techniques, which are common, applied for clinical practices.

 

  1. Ling-Shu-Jing needle techniques

 

Today, in China, in general clinical practice, practitioners follow the original LING-SHU text, especially in needle techniques.  

There are two popular techniques found in the Ling-Shu-Jing:

 

The preferred technique is known as the ‘Three Section Needle Insertion Technique’. The needle is inserted into the skin, goes through the muscle and terminates at the bone. Originally, (four thousand years ago), Ling-Shu-Jing used anatomical terminology to describe the needle technique.

 

In the ‘Five SHU’ Needle Insertion Technique’, needle insertion is connected with one of the five Zang.

  1. Needle insertion into the skin is connected with the lungs.
  2. Needle insertion into the small blood vessel is connected with the heart.
  3. Needle insertion into the tendon that is attached to the joint is connected to the liver.
  4. Needle insertion between two muscles is connected with the spleen.
  5. Needle insertions into the periosteum, or on the side of the bone, are connected with the kidney.

 

The criteria of needle techniques:

  1. Reinforces the deficiency
  2. Reduction of overstress
  3. Releases the obstruction
  4. Released blood and lymphatic stasis

 

The following are needle techniques from LING-SHU:

 

1-1. Nine Needle Insertion Techniques

 

  1. ‘Shu’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the Five-Shu Points, such as, Jing-Well, Yu-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River and He-Sea points of the hand and leg.

 

  1. ‘Long Distance’ Insertion Technique

When illness appears in the upper section of the body, such as the head, the needle is inserted into the point such as LR 1, which is located on the lower section of the body.

 

  1. ‘Jing’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the Lou point that is connected with the ‘Large Jing’.

 

  1. ‘Lou’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the small blood vessel. (Needling to the blood vessel wall or prick a droop of blood from the vessel.)

 

  1. ‘Divided’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the fascia between the two muscles separated the adhesion.

 

  1. ‘Large Xie’ Insertion Technique

Using needle insertion technique to make a few holes opens up the superficial layer of the skin to allow the pus to excrete from the body.

 

  1. ‘Skin Insertion Technique’

The needle is inserted into the the skin.

 

  1. ‘Great’ Insertion Techniques

When the disorder appears on the left side of the body, the needle is inserted into the point located on the right side of the body.

 

  1. ‘Fire/Burning’ Insertion Technique

After burning the needle, it is inserted into the point.

 

1-2. Twelve Needle Insertion Techniques

 

  1. ‘Opposite’ two needle Insertion Technique

One needle is inserted into the point located on the front of the body, such as the chest, and another is inserted into a point located on the back just opposite to the front. (Opposite in Chinese can mean: upper and lower, front and back, left and right.) One needle is inserted obliquely following meridian QI flow another needle is opposite or reveres the QI flow.

 

  1. ‘Pau’ Insertion Technique

When the pain syndrome is not located on a specific point, the needle is inserted into a local point and focuses on the pain area. Then the needle is withdrawn and inserted again.

 

  1. ‘Hui’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the point perpendicularly and then the needle tip is turned to another location. Continue needling into the different angle.

 

  1. ‘Triple Needles’ Insertion Technique

One needle is inserted into the centre of the point perpendicularly and another two needles are inserted obliquely.

 

  1. ‘Five Needles’ Insertion Technique

One needle is inserted into the centre of the point perpendicularly and another four needles inserted obliquely into the area around it.

 

  1. ‘Direct’ Insertion Techniques

May be called ‘Subcutaneous’ insertion technique. The helping hand pulls up the skin as the needle is inserted perpendicularly into the point.

 

  1. ‘Shu’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted deep into the interior tissue perpendicularly, gently manipulated and then immediately withdrawn.

 

  1. ‘Short’ Insertion Techniques

The needle is inserted deep into the periosteum, and then a gentle short movement or manipulation of the needle at the same point is used to massage the bone.

 

  1. ‘Floating’ Insertion Techniques

The needle is inserted obliquely into the tissue allowing the needle to “float” in the point.

 

  1. ‘Yin’ Insertion Technique

The needle is inserted into the point from the Yin side through to the Yang side, such as KD 3 to BL 60.

 

  1. ‘Oblique’ Insertion Techniques

One needle is inserted into the point perpendicularly and another obliquely.

 

  1. ‘Chan’ Insertion Technique

Perpendicularly insert the needle into the point at the superficial layer of the skin, then lift and thrust the needle a few times, immediately withdraw the needle and allow the point to bleed.

 

1-3. The Insertion Techniques involving ‘Five Zang’

 

  1. ‘Half’-Insertion Technique involved with the Skin – Lung

The needle is inserted into the skin as a prick, the needle does not touch the muscle, and it is limited to the skin.

 

  1. ‘Big Cat Skin’ Insertion Technique involved with the Blood – Heart

The needle is inserted into the four corners that surround the point involved with the Jing-Luo.

 

  1. ‘Kuan’ Insertion Technique involved with the Joint – Liver

The needle is inserted into the point located in the tendon that attaches to the joint.

 

  1. ‘He-ku’ Insertion Technique involved with the Spleen

The needle is inserted into both sides of the muscle’s fascia.

 

  1. ‘Skin’ Insertion Technique involved with the Bone – Kidney

The needle is inserted deep into the periosteum perpendicularly. After the needle is inserted into the point it is immediately withdrawn.

 

SPECIFIC POINTS

Some of the acupuncture points in the Main Meridians have specific functions and produce particular results in acupuncture treatment. They are grouped into ten categories.

 

  1. Five-SHU points.

These points lie between the apex of the fingers and the elbow, and between the apex of the toes and the knee. The traditional Chinese belief was that QI flow in a meridian was similar to the motion of the water and was expressed as:

 

1-1. Where QI starts to bubble: Jing-Well points. Jing-Well points are very sensitive. They have a strong influence on the Qi flow. They are used for reviving someone from a state of unconsciousness and for bringing mental and physical Qi together. In clinical practice they are used for treating mental illness, and difficulty breathing of the chest.

 

1-2. Where Qi flow begins to flourish: Ying-Spring points. Ying-Spring points are used for treating fever.

1-3. Where Qi movement increases: Shu-Stream points. Shu-Stream points are used for pain relief and for the feeling of heaviness in the body.

 

1-4. Where Qi flow is abundant: Jing-River points. Jing-River points are often used for dyspnoea, coughing and throat disorders.

 

1-5. Where all the Qi accumulates: He-Sea points. He-Sea points are used to treat disorders of the Fu organs (i.e. stomach, small and large intestines, bladder and gall bladder).

 

Clinically, there are two different ideas concerning the understanding and use of the Five-Shu points, or the Five Element Acupuncture Points. They are as follows:

Following the Five Element Theory to select points for acupuncture treatment.

Following the Qi flow concept to select the points.

 

The Chinese versions, and the medical sciences’ understanding, are:

 

The points on the apex of fingers or toes, JING-WELL points, are very sensitive. They are utilised for reviving someone from a state of unconsciousness, and for bringing mental and physical Qi together.

The cerebral motor cortex is controls of the distal part of the extremities’ activities. Practically, the needle is inserted into JING-WELL point LU11 for example, this could revive someone from a state of unconsciousness. The result of needle insertion is connected to the lung and cerebral cortex. Acupuncture clinical practice is similar to the medical sciences.

The points from the toes to the knee that seem to go with the muscle and tendon, such as the ST36, which is located at the origin of the anterior tibialis, and runs across the ankle end to the great toe. The points are along the side of the muscle, such as ST37, ST38 and ST39. The points ST41, ST42, ST43, ST44 and ST45 are on the side of the extensor digitorum longus tendon.

 

  1. YUAN (SOURCE) points

These points are located where Yuan Qi passes through, or accumulates. There is a Yuan (Source) point for each of the Twelve Main Meridians. All are found in the extremities. A specific sensation is always felt at the associated points when disease attacks the body’s internal (Zang/Fu) organs. The Yuan (Source) points are therefore significant in the diagnosis and treatment of some of the disorders affecting the Zang and Fu organs.

The Chinese medicine believed that the QI regulated all vital activities of the body movement and metabolism.

Classification:

  1. Yuan QI—primary QI (Congenital QI)
  2. Zong QI—pectoral QI
  3. Ying QI—nutrient QI  

Wei QI—defensive QI

The cooperated Congenital QI and Acquired QI is the Congenital QI promotes Acquired QI in turn Acquired QI nourishes Congenital QI

According these perceptions in the body wall tissues or points in which is existing the specific point that can activated the action potential to regenerate the special power or strength to strengthen the body or organs function. Such as a healthy person the ZONG QI is abundant reveal a deep and strong voice. UNDERSTAND NONE OF THIS!

 

 

  1. YUAN (SOURCE POINTS)
TWELVE YUAN (SOURCE) POINTS
Meridian Yuan

(Source)

Point

Three Yin

Meridians of Hand

Lung

Pericardium

Heart

LU 9

PC 7

HT 7

Three Yin Meridians of Foot Spleen

Liver

Kidney

SP 3

LR 3

K I3

Three Yang Meridians of Hand Large Intestine

Three Heater

Small Intestine

LI 4

TE 4

SI 4

Three Yang Meridians of the Foot Stomach

Gall Bladder

Bladder

ST 42

GB 40

BL 64

 

 

  1. Fifteen LUO points

Each of the Fourteen Meridians has a Luo Point. The Spleen Meridian has an extra point called ‘Major Luo’ (SP 21)*, making fifteen in all. The main function of these points is to connect the Qi flows of the Yin and Yang meridians. For example, LU 7 is a Luo point, which connects the Qi flow of the Lung to that of the Large Intestine. A Luo point is used for treating diseases that involve two (external and internal) related Meridians, and for treating disorders in the regions served by them.            

* Major Luo (Sp 21)

 

FIFTEEN LUO POINTS
Meridian Luo

Point

Three Yin Meridians of Hand Lung

Pericardium

Heart

LU 7

PC 6

HT 5

Three Yin Meridians of Foot Spleen

Liver

Kidney

SP 4*

LR 5

KI 4

Three Yang Meridians of Hand Large Intestine

Three Heater

Small Intestine

LI 6

TE 4

SI 7

Three Yang Meridians of the Foot Stomach

Gall Bladder

Bladder

ST 40

GB 37

BL 58

Extra Meridians Conception Vessel

Governor Vessel

CV 15

GV 1

 

 

 

  1. Sixteen XI points

A Xi (Cleft) point is located deep between two separate body tissues where meridian Qi is concentrated. Altogether there are sixteen Xi points in the body’s extremities: one in each of the Twelve Main Meridians, and one in each of the Four Extra Meridians (Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao). The Xi points are often used for treating acute disorders. When massaged, the points can feel painful because of the disorders in their respective Meridians and in their connecting organs. Hence, Xi points can be used for diagnosing disorders in those organs.

 

SIXTEEN XI POINTS
Meridian Luo

Point

Three Yin Meridians of Hand Lung

Pericardium

Heart

LU 6

PC 4

HT 6

Three Yin Meridians of Foot Spleen

Liver

Kidney

SP 8

LR 6

KI 5

Three Yang Meridians of Hand Large Intestine

Three Heater

Small Intestine

LI 7

TE 7

SI 6

Three Yang Meridians of the Foot Stomach

Gall Bladder

Bladder

ST 34

GB 36

BL 63

Four Extra Meridians Yin Wei

Yang Wei

Yin Qiao

Yang Qiao

KI 9

GB 35

KI 8

BL 59

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Eight Confluence Points of The “EIGHT EXTRA MERIDIANS”

 

Within the Twelve Main Meridians there are Eight Confluence Points in the extremities, which communicate with the Eight Extra Meridians. Although the latter do not directly circulate in the extremities, their Qi are connected to the Qi flows of the Twelve Main Meridians. Therefore, these points are used for treating disorders related to the Twelve Main Meridians, and to the Eight Extra Meridians.

In clinical practice, combinations of the Eight Confluence Points are necessary for total treatment. For example, points of the upper extremities (PC 6) are combined with those of the lower (SP 4) in order to treat disorders of the heart, chest or stomach region

EIGHT CONFLUENCE POINTS
Organ/Function Influential Point
Zang

Fu

Energy (Qi)

Blood

Tendon

Blood Vessel (Pulse)

Bone

Marrow

LR 13

CV 12

CV 17

BL 17

GB 34

LU 9

BL 11

GB 39

 

  1. Eight Influential Points

The Eight Influential Points in the Fourteen Meridians have special functions connected to certain related organs, and their functions. These functions are always described in terms of Chinese medicine.

Clinically, LR 13 can be used for treating disorders of the five Zang (Lungs, Heart, Liver, Spleen and Kidneys). Point CV 17, a centre of Qi, can be treated with moxa to balance and increase the body Qi level.

EIGHT INFLUENTIAL POINTS
Main Meridians Eight Influent Points Eight Extra Meridians Principal Areas of Treatment
Spleen

Pericardium

SP 4

PC 6

Chong

Yin Wei

Heart, chest, stomach
Small Intestine

Bladder

SI 3

BL 62

Governor Vessel

Yang Qiao

Eyes, neck, ear, bladder, shoulder, small intestine
Three Heater

Gall Bladder

TH 5

GB 41

Yang Wei

Girdle Vessel

Eyes, ear, cheek, neck, shoulder
Lung

Kidney

LU 7

KI 6

Conception Vessel

Yin Qiao

Lungs, throat, chest

 

 

  1. Back-SHU points

These points are at the back of the body in the Bladder Meridian, 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel. Their special function is in relation to the internal organs (Zang and Fu), whose Qi accumulates in some of the Back-Shu Points.

 

In clinical practice, any disorders of the Zang and Fu manifest themselves in the corresponding Back-Shu points, through symptoms such as tenderness, lumps, swelling and aches. These points play an important role in disease diagnosis. Good results will be obtained from treatment after needling into these areas.

 

In practical terms, as well as following the philosophy of Yang balancing Yin, the Back-Shu Points (Yang) are used mostly for treating disorders of the Zang organs (Yin), whereas the Front-Mu Points (Yin) are more frequently used when treating disorders of the Fu organs (Yang).

 

TWELVE BACK-SHU POINTS
Organ Back-Shu Point
Lung

Pericardium

Heart

Liver

Gall Bladder

Spleen

Stomach

Three Heater

Kidney

Large Intestine

Small Intestine

Bladder

BL 13

BL 14

BL 15

BL 18

BL 19

BL 20

BL 21

BL 22

BL 23

BL 25

BL 27

BL 28

 

 

 

  1. Front-MU points

These points are located on the front of the body, in the chest and abdomen and serve the same functions as the Back-Shu Points. In some of these Front-Mu points, the Qi of the related Zang and Fu accumulate. Disorders in the Zang and Fu reveal themselves in these points, making them useful for diagnosis and treatment.

Likewise, following the philosophy of Yin balancing Yang, the Front-Mu Points (Yin) are preferred when treating disorders of the Fu organs (Yang) whereas, for the disorders of the Zang organs (Yin), the Back-Shu Points (Yang) are more frequently used.

 

The general rules for selecting Back-Shu and Front-Mu points are:

Disorders of the Zang organs, Back-Shu Points

Disorders of the Fu organs, Front-Mu Points

Acute diseases, Back-Shu Points

Chronic diseases, Front-Mu Points

Shi (excess) syndromes, Back-Shu Points

Xu (deficiency) syndromes, Front-Mu Points

 

The result of Front-MU point combination with Back-SHU point in treating lower back pain is significant. (If go with the muscles coordinated movement perception in which is equilibrium between the abdominal wall and the erector spinae muscles.)

 

TWELVE FRONT-MU POINTS
Lateral Aspects of Chest and Abdomen
Internal Organ Point
Lung

Liver

Gall Bladder

Spleen

Kidney

Large Intestine

LU 1

LR 14

GB 24

LR13

GB 25

ST 25

Midline of the Chest and Abdomen
Internal Organ Point
Pericardium

Heart

Stomach

Three Heater

Small Intestine

Bladder

CV 17

CV 14

CV 12

CV 5

CV 4

CV 3

 

 

 

  1. Meeting points

The point of intersection of two or more Meridians is known as the Meeting or Crossing point. Such points are used to treat disorders not only in one Meridian, but also disorders of the other Meridians crossing through it. For example:

 

CV 4 is the Meeting Point of three Yin Meridians of the Foot. Thus, it is used to treat disorders of the Conception Vessel Meridian, as well as those of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney Meridians.

SP 6 is where the Kidney and Liver Meridians cross. Therefore, it is used to treat disorders of the Spleen Meridian, as well as those of the Kidney and Liver Meridians.

In clinical practice, more often, the two muscles or tendons crossing point is an occurred pain symptom, which is caused by post- trauma tissue adhesion obstructing the muscles movement. A needle inserted into the point immediately eases the symptom.

  1. HE-SEA points

These points, which are part of the Five Shu Points, are important for treating disorders of the Fu organs. For example, BL 39 is used for treating urine retention, ST 37 for treating colitis and ST 39 for treating spasm of the small intestine. Each of the Six Fu has a He-Sea Point in the three Yang Meridians of the Foot. (The three Yang Meridians of the Hand have three inferior He-Sea Points in the Yang Meridians of the Foot.)

 

 

SIX HE-SEA POINTS
Fu Organ Point
Stomach

Large Intestine

Small Intestine

Three Heater

Bladder

Gall Bladder

ST 36

ST 37

ST 39

BL 39

BL 40

GB 34

 

 

 

 

‘Golden Needle’ Technique

 

This needle Technique is described in the book called “Golden Needle”. The book dates from the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644.

 

There are eleven different types of needle insertion techniques, also called The Complex Reduction and Reinforcement Needle Technique.

 

1-1. ‘Fire Burning the Mountain’; Pure Reinforcement Techniques

 1-1

‘Fire Burning the Mountain’

 

 

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined, and mentally divided into three levels: Heaven, Man and Earth. The Needle is slowly inserted through the skin, thrust firmly into the first level and lifted gently back to just under the skin. At each of the three levels, the needle is firmly thrust and lifted gently back to just beneath the skin. At each of the three levels, the needle is firmly thrust and gently lifted nine times. On completion, the needle is quickly withdrawn from the third (deepest) and the point sealed with the fingers.

 

If correctly applied, the patient feels a warm sensation at the local areas. If this is not so, the entire procedure may be repeated, but not more than three times, before the needle is completely withdrawn.

 

Failure to warm the point may be due to poor technique or disease in the local area. This method is often used for local cold disorders.

 

Because the translated name for this technique is ‘Fire Burning the Mountain’, this is often referred to as the ‘volcano technique’

 

Warning

 

This is suitable only for points at musculature regions or where the connective tissue is deep, and should not be applied to the face or dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. Gentle manipulation is also desirable at sensitive points and for sensitive patients.

 

1-2. ‘Penetration of Celestial Freshness’; pure reduction technique.

 1-2

‘Penetration of Celestial Freshness’

 

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined, and mentally divided into three levels (Heaven, Man, Earth). The needle is rapidly inserted into the point, penetrating directly to the third (deepest) level. The needle is then thrust gently and lifted firmly, a further six times at each level. On completion the needle is withdrawn slowly though the skins surface from the first (most superficial) level, and the point left unsealed.

 

After treatment, the tissue surrounding the point feels cold (‘as cool as mountain air’ according to the ancients). If not, the entire procedure may be repeated, but not more than twice, before the needle is withdrawn completely. This method is used for excessive heat in the body.

 

Warning.

 

This method is suitable only for points at muscular regions or where the connective tissue is deep, and should not be applied to the face or dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. Gentle manipulation is also desirable at sensitive points and for sensitive patients.

 

1-3. ‘Shadow of Yin between the Yang’; Combination of reinforcement and reduction techniques

 

 1-3

‘Shadow of Yin between the Yang

 

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined, and mentally divided into two equal parts. The reinforcement aspect is applied at the upper level. The needle is thrust, and firmly lifted gently and slowly nine times.

The reduction aspect is used at the lower level. The needle is thrust gently and lifted firmly six times, slowly retracted into the upper level, then slowly withdrawn. The point is left unsealed.

 

This method is used for treating a cold disorder which has been followed by heat symptoms, or for a disease causing body weakness and giving rise to heat symptoms. The reinforcement aspect first strengthens the body and the reduction aspect removes the heat.

 

1-4. ‘Shadow of Yang between the Yin’; Combination of reduction and reinforcement techniques

 

1-4 

‘Shadow of Yang between the Yin’

 

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined mentally, and divided into two equal parts. Reduction is used in the lower half. The needle is inserted directly into the deepest level, then lifted firmly and thrust gently six times.

 

The needle is retracted into the upper level for reinforcement, which involves gently lifting and firmly thrusting the needle nine times. The needle is quickly withdrawn and the point sealed with the fingers.

 

This method is used for treating the patient who has suffered from a heat disorder which has weakened the body condition, and created a cold disorder. The reduction aspect removes the excess heat, producing a cool sensation after which the reinforcement aspect strengthens the body by providing warmth.

 

1-5. ‘Battle of the Dragon and Tiger’; Combination of reduction and reinforcement technique through needle rotation

 1-5

 

 

METHOD.

 

The needle is inserted into the point. When it ‘receives Qi’ and gives the ‘acupuncture sensation’, the needle is rotated clockwise nine times in the direction of Meridian Qi flow; this is followed by rotation anti-clockwise six times.

 

On completion, the needle is left in the point for twenty to thirty minutes. When the pain has been relieved, the needle is quickly withdrawn and the point sealed.

 

Combining these two techniques through needle rotation balances the Jing and Wei Qi flows, and removes local Qi obstructions. Clinically it is used for pain relief.

 

1-6. ‘Descent and Ascent of the Dragon and Tiger’; Combination and reinforcement and reduction techniques through needle rotation and lift and thrust

 1-6

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined and mentally divided into three levels (Heaven, Man, Earth). The needle is inserted into the uppermost level and, following the direction of the meridian Qi flow, rotated 180 degrees clockwise.

 

The needle is firmly thrust into the middle level, gently retracted back to the uppermost level and rotated 180 degrees clockwise. This procedure is repeated nine times and results in the Yang Qi of the uppermost level being sent down to the middle level. The Chinese called this the ‘Dragon Descending’.

 

The next step is for the needle to be gently thrust from the middle to the deepest level, rotated 360 degrees anti-clockwise, then firmly lifted back to the middle level. Holding the body of the needle, this procedure is repeated six times and results in excess Qi being brought to the surface. This, the Chinese call the ‘Tiger ascending’ (While the dragon descends the tiger ascends; in other words Yang Qi is sent downwards and excess Qi is brought upwards). The needle is then retracted to the surface, slowly withdrawn and the point left unsealed.

 

This strong needle stimulation is mostly used for balancing Yin and Yang Qi flows, removing energy obstructions in the Meridians and, especially, removing any local blood stases and local energy obstruction. Clinically, it is used for relieving severe pain, this type of stimulation balances the pain and quickly relieves it. Pain is not felt from the needle.

 

1-7. ‘Pounding the Meridian in Mortar’; Combination of reinforcement and reduction techniques through needle rotation and simultaneous lift and thrust

 1-7

METHOD.

 

The needle is inserted into the point and manipulated until the ‘needle sensation’ is attained. The needle is then firmly thrust and gently lifted at the same time, as it is rotated 180 degrees clockwise in the direction of the Qi flow. This is repeated nine times.

 

The needle is then gently thrust and firmly lifted at the same time as it is rotated 360 degrees anti-clockwise in the direction opposite to that of meridian Qi flow. After six repetitions, the needle is slowly withdrawn and the point left unsealed.

 

This method is used to balance Yin and Yang Qi flows, remove Qi obstruction in the Meridians and to treat water retention.

 

1-8. ‘Wagging the Tail of the Dragon’

 1-8

METHOD.

 

The needle is inserted into the point, when it has ‘acquired QI’ its tip is turned obliquely in the direction of the disorder. The needle is left in the tissue, taking care not to move the body of the needle.

 

Holding the handle and tail of the needle, a slow and gentle movement is made from back to front (as in rowing a boat), (3 x 9) twenty-seven times. The needle is quickly withdrawn and the point sealed.

 

This method increases the Qi flow throughout the region of the disorder (which is caused by body weakness and Qi obstructions in the local area).

 

1-9. ‘White tiger shakes his head’; Reduction through manipulation of the tail of the needle

1-9 

 

 

METHOD.

 

The needle is inserted straight in to the point and gently thrust at the same time as it is rotated anti-clockwise in the direction opposite to that of the Meridian Qi flow. The needle is then firmly lifted at the same time as it is rotated anti-clockwise, eighteen (3 x 6) times.

 

The needle is left in the point and, while holding only its handle and tail, manipulated from left to right (as if ringing a bell) eighteen (3 x 6) times. The needle is slowly withdrawn and the point left unsealed. This technique is used for removing blood stasis in the Luo Meridian.

 

1-10. ‘Tortoise Detects the Point’; Multidirectional placement of the needle for reinforcement

 1-10

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined and mentally divided into three levels. The needle is inserted slowly through the skin, gently rotated and firmly thrust into the tissue from the uppermost level to the middle and then to the deepest.

 

The needle is then lifted gently and then rapidly back to just beneath the skin surface and the direction of the needle changed. This movement from left to right to be repeated until the needle has punctured a large area around the point. The needle is then quickly withdrawn and point sealed.

 

This strong reinforcement technique is used for increased Qi flow in the Meridian.

 1-11

1-11. ‘Peacock’s Fantail’; Reinforcement technique

 

METHOD.

 

The depth of the point is determined and mentally divided into three levels. The needle is inserted slowly through the skin, gently rotated and firmly thrust into the deepest level. When the needle acquires the ‘needle sensation’, it is retracted gently and rapidly to the uppermost level.

 

When the needle again responds, it is gently rotated and firmly thrust into the middle level, rotated 180 degrees clockwise, then gently lifted and firmly thrust several times. Finally, the needle is withdrawn quickly and the point sealed.

 

When Luo Meridian Qi is obstructed, this technique increases Qi and starts it flowing again.

 

 

 

 

 

Needle Technique Collection

 

Acupuncture needle insertion into the point, first contacts is the skin. When the needle is inserted into the dermis, where the receptors are located, a pain sensation occurs.

If the tip of the needle is rapidly inserted over the dermis, after needle insertion, in a few seconds the pain is gone.

In clinical practices, the pain could be part of an acupuncture treatment, however, the pain sensation should be diminished. There is no necessity for acupuncture to cause great pain.

 

  1. diminish pain Sensations

 

1-1. When inserting the needle into the point: the needle should be inserted directly into the skin, rapidly passing through the dermis, the pain will soon diminish.

 

1-2. Before needle insertion, talk to the patient, relax them and use a finger press on the skin where the practitioner will insert the needle. Also let the patient know which points are to be needled.

1-3. For a new patient’s first acupuncture, select a less sensitive point for needling, such as LI11. Talk to the patient, and while the patient is unaware, rapidly insert the needle into the point. After needling, talk to the patient and explain that the sensation occurs for only a second and then it is gone. So the participant has no need to fear with the needle.

 

1-4. Acupuncture inserts a sharp needle into the living body: a sensation of pain will occur, which is a normal response, unless the patient is unconscious or has lost skin sensation.

 

1-5. In many instances, in acupuncture treatment, when the needle is inserted into the sensitive point, some pain will occur, but that is required of the treatment. In this case, practitioners need to warn their patients and ask them to do deep breathing exercises to reduce the local pain sensation.

The use of hypersensitive point treatment is generally only used on a patient that has lost consciousness, or in paralysis.

 

1-6. In physiology, a sharp needle stimulates the receptor, the free nerve ending. If the stimulation is large enough it can produce an action potential in which can regenerate the nerve impulses go with the axon—afferent ascending track send the message to the CNS. The response from the motor cortex, for example will via descending track effects to the motor neuron in the spinal cord and react to the motor end plate the involved muscle will contract.

 

1-7. Acupuncture is a form of medical treatment, or natural healing practice. If the patient fears the needle, then suggest that the patient chooses another form of treatment, unless acupuncture is the only option.

 

  1. The Needle Direction and Depth

 

According to traditional Chinese acupuncture clinical practice, there are two needle insertion techniques commonly used: the needle insertion into the point, which is dependent upon the needle insertion resulting in ‘Acquired QI’, no matter how deep the needle is going. That could be shallow, or deep.

 

The other conception is the ‘Heaven, Man and Earth’, three layer needle technique.

In general clinical practice, which needs to discover where illness is located, the illness can be located at skin level, or deep in the periosteum. The needling focuses on the illness location may be in the skin, or in the tendon.

 

It is preferable to use medical science to locate the point, whether it is located at the skin, the joint or the tendon. The superficial illness the needle is focuses on the skin level, and not necessary needling deep into the lower layers.

The acupuncturists realized that the direction and depth of needle insertion is important in their clinical practice. Such as the point near the blood vessel ST9, ST30 or SP12, where only a few mm difference in the needle’s direction and depth of insertion can cause an accident, and needle insertion into the large blood vessel would be, of course, extremely dangerous.

If the needle is not precisely inserted into the point of the inflammation lump, then the pain cannot be released.

 

Acupuncture texts stress the importance of the needle direction and the needle depth, although the experienced practitioner in clinical practice may alter the direction and depth written in the texts.

 

Great care is necessary in achieving the correct needle insertion direction and depth: Especially, if the point is near the large blood vessel. Such as ST9 and LI18.

 

ST9

Location: At medial of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with tip of thyroid cartilage (Adam’s Apple), just on line with the common carotid artery.

Method of treatment:

Needle: 0.1-0.3 cm perpendicularly

 

LI18

Location: On lateral side of the neck, at the level of the tip of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple), between sternal and clavicular heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle

Method of treatment:

Needle: 0.3-0.5 cm perpendicularly

 

Anatomy and Pathophysiology of LI 18 and ST9

 

The points, LI 18, and ST 9, are located at the tip of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple), on the side of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. ST 9 is located on the medial side, while LI 18 is on the lateral side. The omohyoid and sternohyoid muscles are inferior of the sternocleidomastoid and platysma muscle covers on the superficial level.

 

At this level (Adam’s apple), the carotid artery and internal jugular vein are located. The common carotid artery at this level consists of the internal carotid and external carotid artery. The carotid sinus (carotid baroreceptors) is located in the internal carotid artery. The carotid body is located in the external carotid artery. Both are connected to CN IX—Glossopharyngeal nerve, and CNX—Vagus nerve.

 

The omohyoid and sternohyoid muscles are attached to the hyoid bone the stylohyoid and digestic muscles are attached above the hyoid bone.

 

The omohyoid inferior belly and digestive posterior belly run across the carotid artery on the superior and inferior section. The tension of the surrounding musculature can interfere with the function of the carotid artery. The tension of the carotid artery may, via the barorecaptor, cause a change in the body’s blood pressure, fearfulness, coughing and palpitation symptoms.

 

There are several acupuncture points such as LI 17, LI 18, ST 9, ST 10, ST 11, TH 16, TH 17, SI 16 and SI 17 in which are involved the treatment of illness in this region or point. All these points’ locations are situated in the sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, stylohyoid, and digastic muscles.

 

Needle Insertion Method for LI 18

 

The needle is inserted into the side of the muscle fibers to relieve the muscle tension, thus relieving the tension in the carotid artery. The needle insertion depth is limited to 0.3 cm.

 

According to clinical observation, more often the disorder is an interruption in the skin, or the fascia of the muscle.

The needle is inserted to a depth of 3mm, which stimulates the receptors and releases the tension in the skin or muscle.

If the needle insertion discovers obstructive tissue, the needle may focus on removal the obstructive tissues. The practitioners have to be cautious due to the proximity of the carotid artery and the reflex activities.

 

  1. The needle diameter

The small diameter needle inserted into the body causes less pain then the large diameter needle, but the large diameter needle is easier to insert and more sensitive. The design and clinical selection of different diameter mainly is for the needle stimulation or/and needle operation.

 

  1. Relaxation

Relaxation treatment is part of the general acupuncture treatment.

Relaxation can maintain mental and physical wellbeing, thus in general acupuncture treatment, a quiet environment and an expert relaxation needle technique is necessary.

Stress management, and the relief of tension type headaches, is helped by the gentle needle insertion technique, administered in a quiet and peaceful environment is. Facial and cranial ACU points, and distal points of the hand and foot are commonly used, such as, BL2, TAI YANG, CV24, LI4, and Liv3.

 

 Relaxation

  1. Needle Techniques Involved Nervous System

 

The ACU needle has a sharp tip, designed to stimulate the skin receptors. The needle is a stimulus for treating illness by detecting the body’s sensitive points, the free nerve endings.  

 

The nervous system regulates the body’s mental and physical wellbeing.

To achieve the desired results, acupuncture practitioners require neurosciences and combination with ACU needle techniques, the needles are inserted into the skin and muscle receptors, largely through the nervous system neural network reflexes mechanism achieve the out come.

 

Paraplegia

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PARAPLEGIA

 

SCI at or inferior of T1 the thoracic spinal levels down to sacrum level is results in paraplegia.

All type of SCI in which is lesion to spinal cord is occurs paralyzed the lower extremities. ACU treatment correctly managing the paralyzed lower limbs is significant for SCI patient stand and mobile out of wheelchair.

(more…)

ACU Treatment and Exercises to Enable Movement Out of Wheelchair

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After SCI the skin lost sensation and muscles lost movement particular in the case of Completed Lesion of the cord, which is difficult for patient performed active exercises.

In the case of incomplete lesion of the cord partial of the muscles may still function possibly the patient can do part of active exercises. Because of the lesion of the spinal or peripheral nerve function and/or the loss nerve innervated into the muscles therefore the lower extremities muscles are lost muscles coordinated movement.

In this instance the active exercises are difficult to achieve better out come, is frequently, a strenuous active exercises could cause inflammation on the correlative joints.

The weakness of lower extremities muscles are difficult carrying heavy body weight the joint inflammation and malformation is the result, especially, if the patient is applies calipers for strenuous exercises. The inflammation also may initial the elbows or hands.

Usually, pain symptom revealed in the hip joints swollen knees joints and swollen and malformation in ankle joints. The patients are difficult continue carry on future exercises preferred sit on wheelchair.

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Case Study: Releasing Muscle Contraction

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A young person has a stiffness of neck. Usually take pain killer rapidly stop the pain. The Dr. diagnosis whiplash—is neck injury. Heavy medication does not work. Chiropractor treatment gets better few weeks after pain return. Massages feeling good become more dependent on strong touching. She is easily gets angry and feels stressful. Previous acupuncture treatment resulted in more stress and pain.

She attends Tai Acupuncture treatment  the first consultation, during which the practitioner asked if her period was coming soon, the patient confirmed this. The treatment is gentle inserted few needles on BL2, GB20 and GB21, the point on CV2 and CV12, GV20 and GV14. The patient felt happy when she left and the next day she called in and said thank you.

(more…)

Case Study: Tinnitus Aurium

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A patient attends acupuncture treatment the medical diagnosis: Tinnitus aurium. The patient asks is that acupuncture can treat the disorder?

Acupuncturist answered yes, the patient asks the illness is in middle ear how does ACU can treat? The medical Dr say that is untreated able. Acupuncturist asks the patient why you come here for?

 

Acupuncturist examination the patient right ear at ACU point TH21 can palpate the superficial temporal artery pulsation.

case study-01

Artery vein and parotids gland surrounding the ear

 

The practitioner following the anatomy illustration needling into the skin and connective tissues at the side of the artery vein and parotid gland released the obstructive tissue the tinnitus symptom is released. To cure the illness require balance both side temporo- mandipular joint and sternomastoid muscles movement.

 

In other case for example: the illness for more then ten years the TMJ joint is compressed to the ear the patient had tinnitus one side and lost hearing on other side the ACU treatment is too late.

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Acupuncture Pain Released

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Abstract

Pain is an unpleasant feeling, which is the sensory nerve impulse transmit to the brain by sensory neurons.

Pain arises initial several factors:

Trauma is a major cause

Arise from an illness

Frequently is, associated psychological disorder such as depression or hormone imbalance and may even occur in the absence of a recognizable activate factors

Pain more often is more than a pain sensation, or the physical awareness; it also includes perception, the subjective interpretation of the discomfort.

The various conscious and unconscious responses to both sensation and perception, including the emotional response, add further definition to the overall concept of pain.

In the West early-recognized Acupuncture starts with acupuncture can release pain and interested in searching how does acupuncture able release the pain. Following the West research result; conclusion is mysteries or uncertainty.

ACU treatment can release major factors causing pain symptoms, however, the significance ACU treatment can cure many different type of illnesses.

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