Micro-Acupuncture in Practice, 1e

606 Pages·2008·23.66 MB·English

by  Yajuan Wang OMD LAc

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St.Louis,Missouri 63146
MICRO-ACUPUNCTURE IN PRACTICE ISBN:978-0-443-06732-7
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Preface
after 6 months I still had pain.During this time I also noticed a
Introduction
pain and tightness on the top ofmy head near the acupuncture
The purpose ofthis book is to provide students and practition- point Du 19.I decided to needle this area ofmy scalp and to my
ers with a user-friendly, clear, and useful manual on micro- surprise my tailbone pain was gone the next day.This incident
acupuncture systems.Writing this book about micro-systems is triggered a memory about a scalp acupuncture book that I had
both my passion and challenge.It is my hope that the publica- read many years ago. I started applying the theory to my
tion of this book will gather more interest in the acupuncture patients and had many success stories. Now, acupuncture
community,and will further education and research of micro- points Du 19,Du 18,and Du 17,which are also three regions in
acupuncture.I also hope this book can become a valuable clin- Fang’s scalp acupuncture that are associated with the low back,
ical reference and practice manual, as well as an auxiliary are used in my clinic on a daily basis.
textbook for education.
Who Will Benefit from This Book and Why Is This
Background Book Important to the Profession?
Through my education in Oriental medicine,I became familiar Acupuncture students and practitioners will benefit equally.
with some micro-system theories, such as auricular acupunc- The purpose of Micro-Acupuncture in Practiceis to provide an
ture and scalp acupuncture.My first encounter that increased informative text and reference book about all of the micro-
my belief in micro-systems came one day during a visit to an acupuncture systems a collection ofknowledge that has not yet
attorney in 1992.We were both seated at his desk,face to face, been fully displayed in a single text.This book is unique in that
with his back to a large,sunny window.I noticed a dark spot in it contains extensive information on all ofthe micro-systems,as
his ear at the digestive area according to auricular micro-system well as comprehensive instruction on micro-acupuncture
theory. I did not mention anything at the time but just took therapy and clinical treatment methods.Other available books
notice. Later, during a visit with his wife, I mentioned that on micro-acupuncture deal with single specific systems,rather
both she and her husband had digestive problems.She was sur- than covering all micro-systems. A student or practitioner
prised at my insight and asked me how I knew such personal would need to purchase over 15 different books to get the
information about her husband. I explained to her what amount and variety ofinformation found in this book.
I noticed in her husband’s ear and she told me that he had just One of the main reasons I chose to write this book was
recently had surgery for colon cancer.This situation piqued my because I saw a lack ofinformation written in English about the
interest in micro-system theory and led me to believe that there many micro-systems available for acupuncturists to use.In addi-
was important knowledge in this theory. tion to the lack ofinformation,the books that have been written
A few years later,I was attending an acupuncture convention were specific to one type ofmicro-acupuncture theory.I noticed
in California and I met a man who teaches Korean hand that students and practitioners were not comfortable using
acupuncture.He was performing a diagnosis on my hands by micro-acupuncture systems because they doubted the effective-
running a metal wheel over my fingers to check for tenderness ness and were unfamiliar with the concepts and techniques.
and soreness.The area on my hand that was extremely sore was I decided that a book outlining many of the different micro-
the medial side ofmy left little finger proximal interphalangeal systems available was necessary.By putting many ofthe systems
joint.I asked him what that indicated.He told me that this area together in one book, it is easier for readers to compare and
corresponds to the medial side ofmy left knee.Interestingly,at determine which system is best for the patient they are treating.
the time, I was suffering from left knee medial pain due to a I believe that many students today are only taught a few of the
skiing accident,which he did not know about.To my surprise, micro-systems and not in much detail.This book provides stu-
his diagnosis was extremely accurate.He then applied a stick-on dents and practitioners with advanced study in micro-system
metal ball to stimulate that area and decrease my knee pain. theory.It is important to have a thorough,easy-to-use manual
Another personal success story with micro-acupuncture and reference tool for effective and efficient clinical use.I want
theory happened many years ago when I fell on my tailbone to make the use ofmicro-systems more widespread and conven-
while cross-country skiing.I thought the injury would heal but ient to use in a clinical setting for busy acupuncturists.
v
vi Preface
Conceptual Approach mean readers need to read this entire book in order to use these
simple and effective systems.For example,readers can reference
I have written this book to be used in three possible ways: a few pages of this book covering wrist and ankle acupuncture
1. By studying this book in its entirety,readers will completely for a specific clinical case and see amazing results. This book
understand all micro-acupuncture systems, and be able to introduces 18 modern micro-acupuncture systems and their
apply their theories and techniques successfully in the clinic. subsystems with an easy-to-use style.The therapeutic areas cov-
This book gathers almost all the different micro-acupuncture ered include internal medicine,surgery,gynecology,obstetrics,
systems and branches in the world,and if readers have great pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology,
interest in micro-acupuncture systems,this is the best method and rhinology with 72 different diseases and their appropriate
of study. After reading this entire book, it is important to treatment protocols.The classifications of disease in this book
apply these theories in clinical practice to further understand- are mainly titled using traditional Chinese medicine categories,
ing and utilizing their benefits.Once readers are comfortable which means that the disease names are actually signs and
using micro-acupuncture techniques and are fully familiar symptoms of the disease. This book also includes more than
with the theories and methods,this book can act as a reference 300 pictures and illustrations.
to assist readers in formal research and study. Unit 1 introduces the history and basic concepts ofthe micro-
2. By focusing studies on one or a few different micro- acupuncture systems,as well as micro-acupuncture techniques.
acupuncture systems, readers can quickly gain valuable Because many ofthese ideas are new theories in the acupuncture
knowledge that can immediately be applied in clinical practice field,some ofthe concepts and acupuncture points are still in the
to enhance results.After selecting one or a few different micro- discussion and research process. The relatively new concepts
acupuncture systems to learn,readers should thoroughlyread presented here give readers the opportunity to be on the fore-
about that system in Unit 2 and review some common front ofacupuncture ideas allowing for further studies,research,
conditions in Unit 3 to see how that system is therapeutically and improvement. Unit 1 also introduces the similarities and
applied in the clinic. This study method allows readers to differences between micro-acupuncture and macro-acupuncture,
quickly learn and practice one system to gain thorough giving readers a new alternative in their clinical practice.Using
understanding and skill, as well as achieve great clinical traditional acupuncture techniques and achieving less than ideal
results.The systems I use most are wrist and ankle acupunc- results or being unable to do a complete acupuncture treatment
ture,ear acupuncture,and scalp acupuncture,which I have due to an inconvenient environment or the patient’s restrictive
seen the most benefits from in my clinical practice. condition can be common problems in a typical acupuncture
3. This book can be used as a reference tool in a clinical setting. practice, but micro-acupuncture gives practitioners effective
Ifreaders meet a condition in the clinic that they have been options when these situations occur. This chapter also gives a
unsuccessful treating, they can turn to Unit 3 to find this detailed introduction to many traditional,widely used acupunc-
condition and learn new ways of approaching treatment. ture techniques,as well as some special techniques used in micro-
Readers can also turn to Unit 4 to learn how to add massage acupuncture systems.Both traditional and special techniques are
and self-care methods to the treatment plan. For example, able to be used alone or in combination, but some of these
when treating a patient with stubborn headaches, readers special micro-acupuncture needle techniques will serve as the
can turn to the section on headaches in Unit 3 and select a main procedure during the acupuncture treatment.
micro-acupuncture system to use.Then they can go back to Unit 2 gathers more than 18 different micro-acupuncture
Unit 2 to find the point locations,distributions,and func- systems and their subsystems, which details almost all the
tions. They can even refer to Chapter 2 to learn specific micro-acupuncture systems in the world.Because these systems
needle techniques or Unit 4 for specific massage techniques. derive from many different world perspectives,the point loca-
tions and indications sometimes vary. For example, Japanese
scalp acupuncture is quite different from Chinese scalp
Organization
acupuncture, and French ear acupuncture has several
Upon opening this book,many readers may feel excited by the differences compared with Chinese ear acupuncture. Unit 2
wealth ofvaluable and interesting subject matter,but this breadth explains each system with detailed illustrations and photos to
of information may also seem overwhelming.Readers may ask: assist readers in understanding the information,while allowing
What is micro-acupuncture and what are its characteristics? for easy reference and self-study. Even though these micro-
What is the difference between micro-acupuncture and macro- acupuncture systems may have different information, all the
acupuncture? How can I use micro-acupuncture to treat my systems are based on one main concept: holographic theory,
patients? There are so many systems and techniques,how do I which means that each part ofthe body can reflect a miniature
know which system will fit my patient? Which type of micro- image or small ratio of the whole body.In conclusion,Unit 2
acupuncture therapy can help me improve my clinical results? can be studied in great detail to learn the similarities and differ-
This book will give readers the answers to these questions. ences ofthe world’s micro-acupuncture systems,or readers can
In general, Micro-Acupuncture in Practice details the whole focus on and study a particular system that is easily applied and
picture ofmicro-acupuncture concepts;however,that does not integrated into an acupuncture practice.
Preface vii
Unit 3 gathers 72 common disorders in which micro- that I have chosen to share.In particular,at the end ofeach sec-
acupuncture techniques can be effective.This chapter’s material tion in Unit 2 there is a box labeled “What to Expect,”and at the
appears in a standard presentation.Each section starts with an end ofeach section in Unit 3 there is a summary ofeach disease;
introduction about the disorder,including recognized Western both places contain words ofwisdom from my valuable years of
medicine names for the condition,as well as a differential diag- experience. Shared personal experience is precious, but I also
nosis in traditional Chinese medicine terms.Next are the ther- understand that there are limitations to one’s life and experi-
apeutic treatments for each disorder; however, due to size ence,so I gathered many peoples’ideas to collaborate efforts for
limitations, only a few common systems are listed. For some furthering the development of micro-acupuncture. I truly
conditions, if different or additional treatments are needed, believe that micro-acupuncture as a branch ofacupuncture will
readers can reference Chapter 2 for more concepts,point loca- benefit readers’clinical practice,and I am interested in hearing
tions, and treatments. The final part of each section gives a feedback from readers, about their opinion of this book and
summary detailing important information regarding treatment their experience learning and practicing micro-acupuncture.
that has been gathered from reference books and my personal
clinical experience. The standard presentation used in this
Distinctive Features of this Book
chapter makes it easy to locate information quickly.
Unit 4 lists 71 auxiliary massage therapies. The most Micro-systems are very useful in our fast-paced society. A
remarkable part ofthe micro-acupuncture system is the ability micro-system point can easily be incorporated into a traditional
to place the needles at locations that allow for physical activities acupuncture treatment,and best ofall,the patient can often be
during the treatment. These physical activities include active sent home or allowed to do movement with a micro-system
movement, passive movement, and massage. This auxiliary needle still in place.This provides the acupuncture point with
massage chapter includes preventive self-massage techniques constant stimulation and more opportunity to effect change.
that can be taught to patients for daily home care.Many ofthe This book contains many features that I believe will make it a
massage techniques listed here are my morning exercises that useful reference:
have provided me many benefits over years ofpractice.Readers ● Well-structured format, allowing readers to use this book
can utilize these simple massage methods in combination with from many different angles,for example,to gather detailed
acupuncture treatment, or introduce patients to self-massage information,as a quick reference,or to focus on one system
methods to achieve greater clinical results. that interests them
Micro-acupuncture has both benefits and limitations. It is ● Many photos and illustrations, so readers can have a clear
simple and easy to study, economical, practical, and safe. For view ofthe concepts and a quick reference
most ofthe micro-acupuncture techniques,there are no limita- ● Standardized sections for what to expect to give readers a
tions on the positions of the patient’s body. However, because quick summary ofthe concepts,cautions and contraindica-
micro-acupuncture is localized to a specific part of the body, tions,and tips for practice
such as the head or hands and feet,this small area ofstimulation ● Routine summary sections in Unit 3 to give readers quick
does not have as great a systemic reaction as macro-acupuncture practice information and reference
can,and thus the results of the micro-acupuncture therapy are ● Many treatment protocols described in Units 2 and 3 for
often more specific to the ailment being treated.In my opinion, easy learning and teaching
it is important to combine micro-acupuncture with macro- ● Most micro-acupuncture system techniques shown in
acupuncture to achieve better clinical results.This is because the photos and illustrations to demonstrate the appropriate
two different systems are able to compensate for the disadvan- treatment techniques
tages ofthe other system. ● Clear photos and movements with word descriptions for
This book contains quite a bit ofcontent that has come from massage and self-care treatments that can be applied in a
many years of reading,study,teaching,and clinical experience practice or at home

Acknowledgments
I deeply appreciate all the support, patience, enthusiasm, and preview and corrections. Their exceptional skill and opinions
encouragement from my colleagues,friends,patients,and stu- helped the book-writing process greatly.
dents.Without their help and support,this book could not have I am grateful to the Elsevier staff,with many thanks to Kellie
been written. White, Kelly Milford, and Jennifer Watrous for their useful
I give special thanks to Karen Nelson,Christine Kaiser,and guidelines, attentive care, and patience during the editorial
Dena Larsen for their help and hard work in gathering and process. I would also like to thank Lois Schubert from Top
organizing the information,as well as help with design layout Graphics for her wonderful work on graphic design and the
and translation support. photo process.I also appreciate the work ofEK Photography for
I appreciate the work of many students at Bastyr University their professionalism during our photo shoot and the resulting
for their help previewing and correcting medical terminology high-quality photos.
and English grammar. Finally,I would like to thank my daughter,Shannon Gao,for
Many thanks to Tom Luerken, Marit Hanson, Onur her patience,understanding,forgiveness,and sacrifice offamily
Aydinoglu,and Jason Robertson for their dedication and dona- time during the long process ofwriting this book.I would also
tion of their bodies for illustrations and photos. Their great like to thank my father,Xi-Min Wang,and mother,Zhi Xia Zhu,
work made this book more attractive and complete. for leading me into my medical career.
I would also like to thank Beverly Kindblade, Amber
Blankenship,a Jessica Ross for their kind support and help with
ix