Chinese Acupuncture Before Communism

Most people agree that acupuncture is a medical technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. And most people agree that acupuncture practice originated in Asia, specifically in China. So, over time, the number of acupuncture treatments carried out must be counted in the order of billions!

So it’s quite surprising to find that the acupuncture practiced today by most acupuncturists, and known of by the general public, is a relatively new medical technique, created following the chinese communist revolution of 1949, and known as traditional chinese medicine (TCM).

As with most revolutionary movements, what went before the revolution is consigned to history, discarded in favour of new revolutionary principles. Such has been the fate of classical chinese medicine (CCM), and of chinese acupuncture in particular.

The chinese communist revolution of 1949 was particularly severe in it’s efforts to eradicate the old ways. Books were burned, the intelligentsia silenced, old practices banned and a new communist approach was lauded as evolutionary progress.

Consequently, there is very little that is traditional in the modern chinese acupuncture paradigm. In it’s efforts to wipe the slate clean and create a new world order, chinese communism disassociated itself from a chinese heritage built over thousands of years. CCM was but one casualty of the communist cause.

Stripped of a medical model that had endured literally since the beginning of recorded time, chinese communism attempted to modernise chinese acupuncture to bring it in line with the symptomatic approach of modern western medicine. Gone was the principle of health through balance that distinguishes CCM from TCM.

This radical shift in medical doctrine was underpinned by cherry picking two CCM diagnostic techniques – ‘the differentation of syndromes’ and ‘the eight conditions’ – and presenting them as the basis for medical treatment. These two diagnostic techniques became the pillars, the foundation, for TCM. In this way, communist acupuncture practice could align with the symptomatic medical approach of modern western medicine.

However, time and evolution moves us along, and so it is in the field of medicine. Western medicine is progressing from a symptomatic approach to illness to a genetic understanding of illness. Ironically, what was discarded and rejected by the communist revolution i.e. CCM, becomes relevant in the light of the birth of genetic medicine. The medical model underpinning CCM is an energetic model, a mirror to the emerging genetic model of western medicine. One might say that genetic medicine, with it’s emphasis on the material building blocks of life, is a yin medicine in relation to the yang medicine of CCM which emphasises the energetic forces that create, control and sustain material life.

Despite the best efforts of chinese communism in its aim to obliterate the energetic model at the heart of CCM, this ancient alchemic model has survived intact. In these modern times this ancient knowledge elevates the practice of acupuncture from merely symptomatic treatment of illness to an energetic treatment of illness. In this way, the acupuncturist becomes a master acupuncturist.

The clinical methodolgy and practice of master acupuncture has been published in the latest publication of the prestigious European Journal of Chinese Medicine (pages 33-36). Here is the online link:

https://phoenixtcm.org.uk/the-european-journal-of-chinese-medicine-volume-iv-english/

For acupuncturists who aspire to become master acupuncturists, the curriculum that enables this transition is freely available. Here is the online link:

https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=http://masteracupuncture.co.uk/onewebmedia/article1.pdf&_r=3

happy new year of the wood snake

 

happy new year everybody, the chinese new year begins on January 29th 2025.

It is the year of the 'wood snake' and chinese folk astrology says that people born in this year tend to keep their emotions within themselves, with a tendency to mentalise everyday life.

They are more likely to be introverts rather than extroverts and prefer to be loners rather than interact with others in their lives. Others admire their mental abilities and they can be very persuasive, to the point of manipulation in getting their desires met.

Master acupuncturists are guided by the 'cycles of life' and know this year as a 'yi se'  year.

'yi' refers to the yin of wood element contained within the metal element to form the celestial stem energy for the year. Being a yin celestial stem, this year's energy is in deficiency. Therefore, people born in this year will have a constitutional deficiency of energy.

'se' refers to the yin of earth energy, the terrestrial branch energy of the year. On Earth the yin of earth energy manifests in people as mental agility, hence the correlation with the snake, an animal that can tie others and itself up in knots!

Alchemically, as all master acupuncturists know, a deficiency of celestial stem metal energy produces an excess of fire energy according to the ke cycle of five element theory, whilst the yin of earth energy and the six division of jue yin combine together to balance out the energies of earth and wood.

This alchemical scenario, the interaction between heavenly and earthly energies, creates seasonal harmony throughout 2025 much as in 2024 with the occasional tempestuous upset, especially in the spring season . The potential for extreme periods of short term disturbance, such as hurricane wind, is however never far away.

In this year the advice on health, wealth and happiness might be:

Health

The missing organic energies for 2024 are the kidney and bladder energies. Indeed, there is neither water element or water deep energy throughout the year. The overriding impression is one where a lack of nourishing energy leads to exhaustion and a lack of control.

Fortunately, alchemy reveals the formula that balances this energetic scenario. LU-9 and CO-11 are the celestial stem balancing points. Both are metal meridians and these are their earth points, taking earth energy - of which there is a plentiful amount in this year - to the metal energy, which then feeds the missing water energy of the year.

Wealth

This is a year for creating wealth through mental projects, such as writing, composing, IT. Investing in information technologies, platforms and apps will likely pay off.

Happiness

For master acupuncturists happiness is achieved through harmony, harmony both within and without.

Stimulating the 'four gates' (Colon 4 + Liver 3) on the 8 auspicious days of the year is an obvious way to harmonise in 2025.

Master acupuncturists use BL-23 bilateral with GV-4 to combat exhaustion in this year.

Climate

Jue Yin  dominates the energetic atmosphere on Earth throughout the year but its influence is ameliorated by the strong presence of earth energies. What can easily occur throughout this coming year are hurricanes and tornadoes. With a lack of water energy also for the whole year it is evident that an increase in wildfires is to be expected.

 As we know, every year produces energetic strengths and weaknesses. These are created by the Cycles of Life. These are natural cycles that determine not only the world we live in but also the world within us. 

If you would like to know your own energetic strengths and weaknesses, your personal energy signature, then please contact us at info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR

happy new year of the wood dragon

 

happy new year everybody, the chinese new year begins on February 10th 2024.

It is the year of the 'wood dragon' and chinese folk astrology says that people born in this year show themselves to be emotionally driven in life, with a tendency to be stubborn even in the face of reality!

They are more likely to be extroverts than introverts and prefer to be leaders rather than followers. Others admire their drive and can easily be swept up by their dogged enthusiasm. They can be intimidating, do not suffer fools gladly and they may have issues with anger management. They do like to be the centre of attention!

Master acupuncturists are guided by the 'cycles of life' and know this year as a 'chia chen'  year.

'chia' refers to the yang of wood, the celestial stem energy of the year. Being a yang celestial stem, this year's energy is in excess.

'chen' refers to the yang of earth, the terrestrial branch energy of the year. On earth the yang of earth manifests earth energy, hence the correlation with the dragon; a supernatural animal that dominates the earth.

Alchemically, as all master acupuncturists know, excess earth energy produces a deficiency of water energy according to the ke cycle of five element theory, whilst the yang of earth and tai yang combine to balance out the energies of earth and water.

This alchemical scenario, the interaction between heavenly and earthly energies, creates seasonal harmony throughout 2024 with the occasional tempestuous upset . The potential for extreme periods of short term disturbance is however never far away.

In this year the advice on health, wealth and happiness might be:

Health

The missing organic energies for 2024 are the lung and colon energies.

With no wood and fire deep energies, and with deficient water energy struggling to support and nourish these missing deep energies, the overriding impression is one of a lack of flow that can lead to internal stagnation.

Fortunately, alchemy reveals the formula that balances this energetic scenario. The celestial stem balancing point is LIV-8, the water point of the yin of wood, taking from the water energy only to give back to the water energy whilst also nourishing fire energy. PC-6 has the same deep energy i,e. earth deep energy as the terrestrial branch energy for the year. This 'inner gate' point increases water energy. When combined together they create jue yin energy, the energy necessary for improved flow of organic energy.

Wealth

This is a year to move forward. Doing nothing is not an option. Investing in property and in environmental industries will likely pay off.

Happiness

For master acupuncturists happiness is achieved through harmony, harmony both within and without.

Stimulating the 'four gates' (Colon 4 + Liver 3) on the 8 auspicious days of the year is an obvious way to harmonise in 2024.

Master acupuncturists us PC-4 to encourage the feelgood factor in such a year as 2024. It is a vasodilator to stimulate weak fire deep energy in this year.

Climate

Tai Yang dominates the energetic atmosphere on Earth throughout the year but its influence is ameliorated by the strong presence of earth energies. So, although last years theme of increased flooding continues the effects will be lessened in 2024. What can easily occur this coming year are volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, but at least the seasons follow on from each other as we would expect.

 As we know, every year produces energetic strengths and weaknesses. These effects are created by the Cycles of Life. These are natural cycles that determine not only the world we live in but also the world within us. 

If you would like to know your own energetic strengths and weaknesses, your personal energy signature, then please contact us at info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR

.

menopause and master acupuncture

 

menopause and master acupuncture

in western medicine menopause is defined as a time 12 months after a biological woman's menstrual cycle has ended due to lower hormonal levels. Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health. Treatment is focused on adjusting hormonal levels by the use of hormonal replacement therapy combined with lifestyle changes.

western medicine is concerned with gross anatomy, physiology and pathology in diagnosing and treating menopause.

in oriental medicine menopause is a natural period of change in the energetic cycles of life for a biological woman. Energy creates, controls and sustains material form. Treatment is focused on adjusting the energetic balance that creates and controls hormonal balance.

oriental medicine is concerned with subtle anatomy, physiology and pathology in diagnosing and treating menopause.

the energetic cycles of life for a biological woman were first described in a medical science book dating back more than 2000 years ago. This book, the Neijing Suwen, is the basis for all oriental medical theory and practice.

a biological woman's energy cycles change every seven years. As the neijing suwen chapter 1 states:

'the woman aged 7 years:

the kidney energy rises in power,

the teeth are renewed,

the hair grows longer.'

similarly, at the age of 49 years:

'at 7 x 7 years

fertility dries up:

the body withers and

she no longer has children.'

a master acupuncturist knows how to balance this cycle of life according to oriental medicine. To create and control both hormonal production and secretion the acupuncture points gall bladder 37 and liver 3 are used in tandem. After all, GB 37 stimulates the anterior pituitary gland. Adding the energy of chong mai to the treatment protocol enriches the blood to address many of the symptoms of energy imbalance occurring during this 7 year energy cycle.

If you would like to know more about this alternative medical approach to the menopausal condition and also to clinic availability then please email info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

     
                                   

  happy new year everybody, the chinese new year begins on January 22nd 2023

It is the year of the 'water rabbit' and chinese folk astrology says that people born in this year show themselves to be emotionally sensitive, although brave when challenged if only they can hold their nerve! They are more likely to be introverts than extroverts, even so they enjoy the party atmosphere when it arises. Whether it's work or play they are enthusiastic, however they easily tire, easily overdo what they are capable of, and consequently constantly need rests.

 master acupuncturists are guided by the 'cycles of life' and know this year as a 'kuei mao'  year.

'kuei' refers to the yin of water, the celestial stem energy of the year. Being a yin celestial stem, this year's energy is deficient.

'mao' refers to the yang of metal, the terrestrial branch energy of the year. On earth the yang of metal manifests wood energy, hence the correlation with the rabbit; an animal that springs fast across the ground.

alchemically, as all master acupuncturists know, deficient fire energy produces an excess of water energy according to the ke cycle of five element theory, whilst the yang of metal and yang ming combine to produce an excess of metal energy for this year.

This alchemical scenario, the interaction between heavenly and earthly energies, creates a 2023 dominated by firstly flood and then by drought. The tipping point between these two states will be a short period of extreme heat midsummer.

In this year the advice on health, wealth and happiness might well be:

Health

The missing organic energies of 2023 are the heart, gallbladder and three heater. Indeed, there are no Fire elemental and Fire deep energies throughout the whole year.

A weakened heart and blood circulation for people at this time is not helpful, considering the unwanted cardiac side effects of mass inoculation over the past three years.

Fortunately, alchemy reveals the formula that balances this energetic scenario. The celestial stem balancing point is Bl 60 , the fire point of the yang of water, balancing fire and water energies. SI 3 tonifies the yang within the yin of water. When combined together they create tai yang energy, the energy needed to balance the contractive nature of metal energy. 

Wealth

This is a year of consolidation. Unlike last year, tech communication companies are to be avoided. The most likely area of profit will be the mineral commodities.

Happiness

For master acupuncturists happiness is achieved through harmony, harmony both within and without.

Stimulating the 'four gates' (Colon 4 + Liver 3) on the 8 auspicious days of the year is an obvious way to harmonise in 2023

After a year of instability, the new year brings the promise of a slowing down in intensity, a period of consolidation, accepting the necessary effort needed to seemingly just stand still, enjoying the time outs to refresh.

master acupuncturists use PC 6 to encourage the feelgood factor in such a year as 2023. It transforms excess metal energy, lifting the spirit.

Climate

Yang ming dominates the energetic atmosphere on Earth throughout the year and with the absence of any fire elemental and fire deep energies to control metal energy it's likely that following flooding at the beginning of the year the rest of the year is dominated by dry conditions. Seasons will be slow to change apart from summer which is likely to be shortlived.

 As we know, every year produces energetic strengths and weaknesses. These effects are created by the Cycles of Life. These are natural cycles that determine not only the world we live in but also the world within us. 

If you would like to know your own energetic strengths and weaknesses, your personal energy signature, then please contact us at info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR

happy new year of the water tiger

 

happy new year everybody, the chinese new year begins on February 5th 2022

It is the year of the 'water tiger' and chinese folk astrology says that people born in this year show themselves to be emotionally cool, with an opportunistic nature about them. They have a discriminating approach to life that overrides their feelings, which can lead them to question the choices that they themselves make. Paradoxically, once they have made their choices they are very fierce in defending them.

master acupuncturists are guided by the 'cycles of life' and know this year as a 'jen yin'  year.

'jen' refers to the yang of water, the celestial stem energy of the year. Being a yang celestial stem, this year's energy is in excess.

'yin' refers to the yin of metal, the terrestrial branch energy of the year. On earth the yin of metal manifests wood energy, hence the correlation with the tiger; an animal that moves fast across the earth and can leap at any time.

alchemically, as all master acupuncturists know, excess wood energy produces a deficient earth energy according to the ke cycle of five element theory, and in so doing will add to the wood deep energy generated by the year's terrestrial branch, increasing the deficiency of earth energy for this year.

This alchemical scenario, the interaction between heavenly and earthly energies, continues the theme of increasing widespread famine that began in 2021.

In this year the advice on health, wealth and happiness might well be:

Health

The missing organic energies of 2022 are the stomach and spleen. Indeed, there are no Earth elemental and Earth deep energies present in the whole year.

A weakened immune system and poorly nourished blood can create instability in any or all internal organ systems.

The stomach and the spleen are the yang and yin energies of the Earth element.

Fortunately, the alchemy chart reveals that the wood energy is in excess and the fire energy is deficient. As wood feeds fire it becomes obvious the the acupuncture point Heart 9 becomes the balancing energy point for the year. It is imperative in this energetic scenario that the earth energy is well nourished by the fire energy. So, wood feeds fire feeds earth. Adding acupuncture points along the spleen meridian e.g. spleen 10 supports the missing earth energies.

Wealth

This is a moving forward year. Invest in the big players in the energy industry and equally in the tech industry.

Happiness

For master acupuncturists happiness is achieved through harmony, harmony both within and without.

Stimulating the 'four gates' (Colon 4 + Liver 3) on the 8 auspicious days of the year is an obvious way to harmonise in 2022.

2022 produces many serious concerns, focussed on earth energy. Make sure that your priority is to secure the products of the earth, especially food, for you and your family, as famine can rob many people of the happiness they need and deserve

Throughout the world this is a year of great instabilty, caused by those in power making choices that lead to great change.

The master acupuncture trauma point is spleen 3. This is the earth point along the yin of earth energy meridian. It grounds and balances.

Climate

There is a cold fieriness to the climate this year, that creates extreme sequential changes in climate. During these periods of change wind will be severe. 

The Spring will be much colder than usual. The Summer will be subject to extreme heat. The Autumn will be stormy. The Winter will be harsh with extreme cold. The Seasons are unbalanced.

Natural earthquakes and man made earthquakes (fracking and nuclear testing) can be consequences of a weak centre.

As we know, every year produces energetic strengths and weaknesses. These effects are created by the Cycles of Life. These are natural cycles that determine not only the world we live in but also the world within us. 

If you would like to know your own energetic strengths and weaknesses, your personal energy signature, then please contact us at info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

happy new year of the metal ox

 

happy new year everybody, the chinese new year begins on February 12th 2021

It is the year of the 'metal ox' and chinese folk astrology says that people born in this year will show themselves to be emotionally sensitive with a serious nature about them. They have an analytical approach to life that overrides their feelings, which can lead them to question their own motives. They have difficulty in asserting themselves in the face of stronger personalities, with a natural desire to retreat when put under pressure.

master acupuncturists know this year as a 'sin shou' year. 

'sin' refers to the yin of water, the celestial stem energy of the year. Being a yin celestial stem, this year's energy is in deficiency.

'shou' refers to the yin of wood, the terrestrial branch energy of the year. On earth the yin of wood manifests earth energy, hence the correlation with the ox, an animal that moves slowly over the earth, often yoked to heavy carts.

alchemically, as all master acupuncturists know, deficient water energy produces an excess of earth energy according to the ke cycle of five element theory, and in so doing will add to the earth deep energy generated by the year's terrestrial branch. 

This alchemical scenario, the interaction between heavenly and earthly energetics, can result in widespread famine for humans.

In this year the advice on health, wealth and happiness might well be:

Health

The missing organic energy of 2021 is the three heater energy. Indeed, there is no fire element energy for the year at all.

Looking at the five element alchemy chart for 2021, the unlike qi of the celestial stem is the small intestine energy whilst the unlike qi of the terrestrial branch is also the small intestine energy.

A weak metabolic energetic function allied to weak small intestine energy brings up digestive issues.

Small intestine energy is a fire element energy.

Fortunately, the alchemy chart reveals an excess of wood element energy and deep energy. As wood nourishes fire it becomes obvious that the acupuncture point Small Intestine 3 is the balancing energy point for the year! Add acupuncture points Three Heater 2 and 3 to promote health and harmony throughout the year.

Wealth

This is a year to consolidate gains made in 2020. Invest in metal commodities for a modest increase in wealth and cryptocurrencies for greater if riskier gains.

Happiness

For master acupuncturists happiness is achieved through harmony, harmony both within and without.

Stimulating the 'four gates' (Colon 4 + Liver 3) on the 8 auspicious days of the year is an obvious way to harmonise in 2021.

2021 produces many serious concerns, focussed on earth energy. Make sure that your priority is to secure the products of the earth, especially food, for you and your family, as famine can rob many people of the happiness they need and deserve after the trials of 2020.

Use acupuncture point GV 20 when despair rules.

Climate

Compared to last year, this year the climate is far more stable and is highlighted by cool, damp and wet conditions. So watch out for an increase in flooding. 

Because the Earth has a weak fire element energy in 2021 there is a danger of space weather forcing coronal mass ejections towards the Earth as well as an increase in earthquakes.

As we know, every year produces energetic strengths and weaknesses. These effects are created by the Cycles of Life. These are natural cycles that determine not only the world we live in but also the world within us. 

If you would like to know your own energetic strengths and weaknesses, your personal energy signature, then please contact us at info@masteracupuncture.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR