Traditional Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture PDF

# **Traditional Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture** ## **Qi** - Qi is described as the life force or vital energy of a living being. Without Qi there is no life. - As Qi is vital to life, it follows that if it is in poor condition, deficient in some way or not able to circulate freely throughout the...

# **Traditional Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture** ## **Qi** - Qi is described as the life force or vital energy of a living being. Without Qi there is no life. - As Qi is vital to life, it follows that if it is in poor condition, deficient in some way or not able to circulate freely throughout the body, then pain or ill-health may result. - General health or constitution depends on the quality of the Inherited Qi. This forms half the total; the quality of the rest depends on the air breathed and the food and drink ingested. - Wei Qi, is a defensive form of Qi, protecting the body from invasion by disease, circulating just below the skin and fending off invasion by Pathogens. ## **Yin & Yang** - A diagram shows Yin and Yang in a circle, Yin on the left and Yang on the right, while the image of the circle resembles a symbol of the Earth. - **Yang** - Active - Dynamic - Rage, fury - Light-hearted - Joy, delight - Courage - Uncontrolled desires - Extroverted - **Yin** - Passive - Static - Resentful, grudging - Melancholy, depressed - Grief, sadness - Timidity - Discretion, prudence - Introverted - **Hyperactivity of Yang injures Yin** - **Yang in excess produces Heat** - **Hypoactivity of Yin leads to hyperactivity of Yang** ## **Signs of Yin Deficiency** - Sleep Disturbances - Insomnia, particularly difficulty falling asleep or waking up early, often indicates depleted Yin energy. - Dryness - Symptoms such as dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes, and vaginal dryness are common manifestations of Yin deficiency. - Heat Sensations - Individuals may experience sensations of heat, especially in the chest, palms, and soles of the feet, or have difficulty regulating body temperature. - Night Sweats - Excessive sweating during the night can be a sign of Yin deficiency, as the cooling effects of Yin are insufficient. - Emotional Symptoms - Feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety are often associated with a lack of Yin energy, leading to an overactive Yang. - Thirst - Increased thirst, particularly in the afternoon, can indicate a deficiency in Yin. ## **Signs of Yang Deficiency** - Fatigue and Low Energy - Persistent fatigue and a general lack of energy are common signs of Yang deficiency, as Yang is associated with activity and vitality. - Cold Sensitivity - Individuals may feel cold or have a tendency to feel chilly, reflecting the lack of warming Yang energy in the body. - Weight Gain - Difficulty losing weight or unexpected weight gain can occur due to a sluggish metabolism associated with Yang deficiency. - Digestive Issues - Symptoms such as diarrhea or a weak digestive system can indicate a lack of Yang energy, which is necessary for proper digestion. - Emotional Symptoms - Feelings of apathy, depression, and lack of motivation may arise from an excess of Yin, which can suppress Yang energy. ## **Types of Pathogens in TCM** ### **External Pathogens** - **Wind:** - Wind is characterized by a volatile or mobile symptomatology. - Joint pain caused by Wind will not have a constant focus but is likely to move from joint to joint. - **Cold:** - Cold tends to produce a deep pain, generally static in nature with loss of joint movement - 'freezing' in effect. - **Heat:** - Heat is relatively straightforward, causing an increase in internal heat, shown by a rise in body temperature or drying of body fluids and a burning type of pain - **Dampness:** - Damp is associated with excess fluid, oedema, heaviness, swelling of the lower limbs and a dull pain, often a headache. ## **Internal Pathogens** - **Emotions and their effects** | Organ | Normal TCM activity | Damaging emotion | | :-------- | :-------- | :-------- | | Heart | Consciousness, Logical thinking, Insight, Command of self, Mental balance | Overjoy | | Liver | Sensations, Emotions | Anger or depression | | Lung | Motivation | Grief | | Kidney | Centrality, grounding, cognition, memory, | Fear | | Spleen | | Obsession | ## **Miscellaneous Pathogens** - TCM also recognizes other factors like lifestyle choices (diet, exercise) and environmental influences that can affect health. ## **The Zang and Fu Organs** ### **Fu (Hollow Organs)** | Organ | Function | | :---------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Gallbladder (Dan) | Stores bile and aids in digestion. | | Stomach (Wei) | Responsible for digestion and the initial processing of food. | | Small Intestine (Xiao Chang) | Separates clear from turbid substances; absorbs nutrients. | | Large Intestine (Da Chang) | Responsible for water absorption and waste elimination. | | Bladder (Pang Guang) | Stores urine and regulates fluid balance. | ##**Interrelationships** - The Zang organs are considered to be more yin in nature, while the Fu organs are more yang. - There is a mutual relationship where Zang organs produce substances that Fu organs utilize, and vice versa, creating a dynamic balance essential for health. ## **Meridians** - Meridians are channels in the body through which Qi circulates. They are believed to connect various organs and systems, facilitating communication and balance. ### **Primary Meridians** - **Yin meridians:** heart, pericardium, lung, spleen, liver, kidney - **Yang meridians:** stomach, gallbladder, large and small intestine, urinary bladder and tri-heater or triple burner ### **Extraordinary Meridians:** * **Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel):** Runs along the midline of the body, governing Yin energy and connecting to the reproductive organs. * **Du Meridian (Governing Vessel):** Travels along the spine, governing Yang energy and influencing the central nervous system. * **Chong Meridian (Penetrating Vessel):** Acts as a reservoir for blood and regulates menstrual cycles; it connects with both Yin and Yang energies. * **Dai Meridian (Belt Vessel):** Encircles the waist, stabilizing and regulating the flow of Qi and blood in the lower body. * **Yin Wei Meridian (Yin Linking Vessel):** Connects all Yin meridians, influencing emotional health and internal balance. * **Yang Wei Meridian (Yang Linking Vessel):** Connects all Yang meridians, playing a role in protecting against external pathogens. ## **Acupuncture Points** - Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body where acupuncture needles are inserted to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and promote healing. These points correspond to various organs and systems within the body, and their activation can help alleviate a wide range of health issues. ## **Measurement in TCM:** - A diagram shows how to measure in the TCM system, with an image of a hand showing the location of various measurements, including 1 cun, 1.5 cun, 2 cun, and 3 cun. ### **Tonification and Reduction in TCM** - **Tonification** refers to techniques used to increase or strengthen the body's energy (Qi), blood, or Yin/Yang. It is typically employed when there is a deficiency in these elements, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or coldness. 1. Gentle, slowly and small amplitude, low frequency with a short duration of operation. 2. Thrust quickly, lift slowly 3. In the direction of meridian 4. Moxa and warm needles 5. Local points - **Reduction** refers to techniques aimed at decreasing excess energy or conditions characterized by heat, stagnation, or overactivity. This approach is used when there is an excess of Qi, Yang, or heat in the body. 1. Strongly and rapidly with large amplitude high frequency and a long duration of operation. 2. Thrust slowly, lift quickly 3. Against the direction 4. Bloodletting 5. Distal points Reduction R ## **Physiological Effect of Acupuncture** - Pain Relief - Endorphin Release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. This effect can help alleviate chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and back pain. - Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture may activate the body's pain control mechanisms by stimulating specific points that inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain. - Regulation of the Nervous System - Autonomic Nervous System Balance: Acupuncture can help balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting relaxation and reducing stress responses. - Neurotransmitter Modulation: It influences neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin and dopamine, which can improve mood and emotional well-being. - Improvement in Circulation - Enhanced Blood Flow: Acupuncture can increase local blood circulation, which promotes healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products. - Vasodilation: The stimulation of acupuncture points can lead to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), improving blood flow and reducing hypertension. - Immune System Enhancement - Immune Function Regulation: Acupuncture has been shown to enhance immune response by increasing the activity of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, thus improving the body's ability to fight infections. - Cytokine Production: It can modulate cytokine levels, which are critical for cell signaling in immune responses - Hormonal Regulation - Endocrine System Influence: Acupuncture can affect hormone levels, including those related to stress (such as cortisol) and reproductive hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), helping to balance hormonal fluctuations. - Menstrual Cycle Regulation: In women, acupuncture is often used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation. - Digestive Health Improvement - Gastrointestinal Function: Acupuncture can enhance digestive function by promoting peristalsis (the movement of food through the digestive tract) and alleviating symptoms such as nausea and bloating. - Regulation of Appetite: It may help regulate appetite and reduce cravings, aiding in weight management. - Emotional and Psychological Benefits - Stress Reduction: Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and enhancing feelings of well-being. - Mental Clarity: Many patients following treatment report improved focus and mental clarity following acupuncture ## **Contraindications of Acupuncture** 1. **Acute Infections** - Patients with acute infections, such as fever or flu, should avoid acupuncture as it may exacerbate their condition or lead to further complications. 2. **Bleeding Disorders** - Individuals with bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or those taking anticoagulant medications may be at increased risk of bleeding or bruising from acupuncture needles. 3. **Pregnancy** - Certain acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential risk of inducing labor. Careful consideration is required when treating pregnant patients. 4. **Severe Skin Conditions** - Areas with severe skin conditions, such as infections, rashes, or eczema, should not be needled to prevent further irritation or infection. 5. **Severe Mental Illness** - Patients with severe psychiatric disorders may require special consideration, and acupuncture should be approached cautiously in these cases. 6. **Pacemakers and Other Implanted Devices** - Patients with pacemakers or other electronic implants should avoid acupuncture near the device due to the risk of interference. 7. **Allergic Reactions** - Individuals with known allergies to metals (such as nickel) may experience adverse reactions to acupuncture needles. 8. **Recent Surgery** - Areas that have recently undergone surgery should not be needled until healing is sufficiently advanced to avoid complications. 9. **Weak Immune System** - Patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy) should approach acupuncture cautiously, as they may be more susceptible to infection. 10. **Certain Medical Conditions** - Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, and other serious health issues may require careful evaluation before proceeding with acupuncture treatment. ## **UL Meridians** - A diagram shows the Eight Confluent Points on the wrists, showing the location of points related to acupuncture, such as Small Intestine (Si), Heart (HI), Lung (Lu), Pericardium (Pc), Triple Burner (SJ), Large Intestine (Li), Spleen (Sp) and Liver (Lr). ## **LL Meridians** - A diagram shows The six meridians of the legs, including the Bladder Meridian, Gall Bladder Meridian, Stomach Meridian, Spleen Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Kidney Meridian. - An image describes Lung Channel (LU), which is a Hand Taiyin meridian with a time of 03-05, showing a figure standing with lines indicating the path of the meridian, and the location of specific points. ## **Associated Acupuncture Points** - **LU1 (Zhongfu):** - Location: In the first intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the midline. - Function: Opens the chest, alleviates cough, and regulates lung Qi. - **LU5 (Chize):** - Location: At the elbow crease, on the radial side of the tendon of biceps brachii. - Function: Clears heat from the lungs and transforms phlegm. - **LU7 (Lieque):** - Location: 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the radial artery. - Function: Releases exterior conditions, alleviates headaches, and regulates water passages. - **LU9 (Taiyuan):** - Location: At the wrist joint, in the depression between the radial artery and tendon of abductor pollicis longus. - Function: Nourishes lung Yin, strengthens lung function, and regulates blood vessels. - **LU10 (Yuji):** - Location: On the radial aspect of the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone. - Function: Benefits the throat and clears lung heat. ## **6 meridians zones** - A diagram shows a figure with the location of the 6 meridians zones, including points on the: - (a) Ventral - (b) Dorsal - (c) Lateral ## **Protocol of treatment** - location of Symptoms. - Detect the involved meridian - Local points - Adjacent points - Distal - Ah shi points - Points for pathogenic factor. - Manipulation. - Syndrome differentiation. - Points for syndrome. - Influential points. - Ear acupuncture