Micro-Acupuncture in Practice

601 Pages·2008·23.17 MB·English

by  Yajuan Wang OMD LAc

11830 Westline Industrial Drive
St.Louis,Missouri 63146
MICRO-ACUPUNCTURE IN PRACTICE ISBN:978-0-443-06732-7
Copyright © 2009 by Churchill Livingstone,an imprint ofElsevier Inc.
All rights reserved.No part ofthis publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means,electronic or mechanical,including photocopying,recording,or any information storage and retrieval
system,without permission in writing from the publisher.Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier’s
Rights Department:phone:[phone] (US) or ([phone] (UK);fax:[phone];
e-mail:[email protected] may also complete your request on-line via the Elsevier website at
http://www.elsevier.com/permissions.
Notice
Neither the Publisher nor the Author assume any responsibility for any loss or injury and/or damage to
persons or property arising out ofor related to any use ofthe material contained in this book.It is the
responsibility ofthe treating practitioner,relying on independent expertise and knowledge ofthe patient,to
determine the best treatment and method ofapplication for the patient.
The Publisher
Library ofCongress Control Number 2007943793
Vice President and Publisher:Linda Duncan
Senior Editor:Kathy Falk
Developmental Editor: Kelly Milford
Publishing Services Manager: Julie Eddy
Project Manager: Marquita Parker
Design Direction: Amy Buxton
Printed in the United States ofAmerica
Last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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
UNIT ONE INTRODUCTION TO MICRO-ACUPUNCTURE
1
Introduction to Micro-Acupuncture:
History and Theory
Micro- and Macro-Acupuncture Systems
Introduction
The current micro-acupuncture system is based on the holo-
Micro-acupuncture is a special system of acupuncture that is graphic biologic theory as it was introduced by Ralph Alan
based on stimulating specific points in specific areas of the Dale, an American, in 1976. Dale separated all acupuncture
human body to treat disease.Micro-acupuncture is easy to use, points into two systems depending on point distribution and
economical,safe,and practical.It has a broad spectrum ofuses point characteristics. These systems are now known as the
with an overall positive effect;it is used widely in diagnostics, macro-acupuncture system and the micro-acupuncture system.
therapeutics, anesthesia, and preventive medicine. Micro- In general,the macro-acupuncture system indicates the tradi-
acupuncture theory is based on Chinese medicine, Western tional meridian and point system,which is distributed over the
medicine, and clinical experience; over time it has developed whole body,including the 12 meridians,15 Luo meridians,and
into its own complete system. In the past 30 years, micro- 8 extraordinary meridians. The micro-acupuncture system
acupuncture has become a more fully developed theory based indicates a point system in a specific part of the body. Dale
on research and clinical experience. The micro-acupuncture summarized all the micro-acupuncture systems, which came
system originated from different times, countries, and areas. from ancient China, modern China, France, Germany, India,
Although there are differences in origin,the common charac- Japan,and America,including the 14 micro-acupuncture sec-
teristic is groups ofpoints located on specific parts ofthe body. tions within the micro-systems.These sections include the ear,
Each ofthe points reflects information oftheir internal organs hand,feet,abdomen,back,neck,scalp,face,nose,tongue,wrist,
or tissues.This concept is clarified in the next section. ankle, arm, leg, and eye. Since Dale’s work, scientists and
acupuncture practitioners have continued to develop the
Bioholographic Theory micro-systems, finding new sections in the body and adding
In 1973,Yin-Qing Zhang,a Chinese professor from Shan Dong new information based on this theory. In fact, in traditional
University ofChina,found a new group ofacupuncture points Chinese medicine,face,tongue,and pulse diagnosis are models
on the second metacarpal bone.From this discovery,he devel- of bioholographic theory.Abnormal pathology changes occur
oped the bioholographic theory, which he called Embryo in this area when internal organs have a problem or disease.By
Containing the Information of the Whole Organism (ECIWO). using these changes to diagnose disease,needling or massaging
Bioholographic theory comes from the idea of holographic painful spots, the practitioner is able to treat internal disease.
photographic technology,in which each part ofthe holographic The holographic theory has provided a strong foundation for
film contains an image of the whole object that was pho- acupuncture point and meridian theories.
tographed.The bioholographic theory has developed very rap-
idly,not only in biologic fields,but also in biomedicine,which Ear System
includes holographic unit theory,holographic physiology and The Huang Di Nei Jingdescribes the relationship,including the
pathology and point rule,and holographic diagnosis and treat- physiology and pathology, between the ear and the human
ment. body meridians and internal organs in great detail. The Nei
One of the most important findings of the bioholographic Jingdescribes meridians in the body as having a specific route
theory is the concept ofthe holographic unit.The theory states, through the body. The six Yang meridians either run directly
all biological bodies are made from many holographic units, into the ear,or around the side of the ear.The six Yin meridi-
each with their own characteristics and development. The ans connect with the ear directly or indirectly by other diver-
human body consists of many holographic units,each having gent meridians and connect with the Yang meridians. For
two characteristics. One of the characteristics relates to the example, the Luo meridians of the hand Taiyin, foot Taiyin,
individual unit’s development and the other relates to the whole and foot Yangming directly connect to the ear. All the blood
body’s development.Each unit is not only a part of the body’s goes to the face and head, and the essence goes to the eye,
structure,but it also plays a role in the body’s development.The thereby sending energy to the ear.This theory was adapted and
energy signal is transmitted from the skin to the corresponding developed over thousands of years and continues to be devel-
body organs.In other words,each part ofthe small units might oped today.
assimilate energetic signals from specific associated parts ofthe In the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) the doctor Si-Miao
human body. Shuen detected the Er Zhong point, or Zero point, for the
1
2 CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Micro-Acupuncture: History and Theory
first time. In 1946, F. L. Potter, an American doctor, reported Dr. Shuen-Fa Jiao from Shan Xi, China, theorized that
that people with a genetic kidney defect had a specific ear Western medicine’s view of brain structure and function indi-
shape.In 1956,research published in the Shan Dong province cates that there are cerebral contacts on the surface ofthe scalp.
ofChina indicated that ear acupuncture can treat acute tonsil- He then used acupuncture needles to stimulate these specific
litis. In 1957, French and German scientists (P. Nogier, L. R. areas.Through much clinical research he discovered that corre-
Boundig, and F. Bahr) developed the first ear acupuncture sponding areas in the body were affected.Through this research
points chart with the picture of the upside-down fetus on the he developed 16 specific stimulation areas on the scalp. Dr.
ear and 50 auricular micro-system points. They provided Yuen Peng Fang from Shan Xi,China,recognized that the con-
detailed information to diagnose and treat diseases using the figuration ofsutures in the skull is a representation ofthe whole
ear.After Nogier’s work, Chinese acupuncturists proposed an body and developed head imaging scalp acupuncture. Dr.
international standard for auricular nomenclature to the World Shong-Yan Tang from Shanghai,China,developed the theory of
Health Organization (WHO) in 1987,and Er Zhong point was the meridians and Chinese medicine.He separated the head into
included in that standard. Yin and Yang sections and set up points,lines,and areas to use
for treatment.Dr.Ke-Yan Cheng from Beijing,China,collected
Scalp System all of these theories into traditional Chinese medicine.He also
Chinese doctors used the holographic theory to invent scalp incorporated tonification and sedation techniques into the
acupuncture. This was a major advancement in the acupunc- head micro-acupuncture system. In 1984, an international
ture field. Scalp micro-acupuncture theory has multiple sys- meeting in Japan approved a proposal for an international stan-
tems ofpoint location,diagnosis,and treatment.As early as the dard ofnomenclature for scalp acupuncture;this standard was
New Stone Age, people used Bian Stone, which is a specific reconfirmed in 1989 by the WHO and continues to be used.
shape ofstone,to stimulate the head to relieve related diseases.
Following this was the invention of metal tools, the meridian Hand System
system and scalp acupuncture continued to develop. As dis- The hand,which is one of the most developed micro-systems,
cussed earlier, the Nei Jing identifies the head as the meeting contains multiple systems within it.As early as the Ling Shu Hai
area of all the hand and foot meridians. The hand and foot Luen,it is recorded that internally the 12 meridians belong to
Yangming meridians distribute to the forehead and the face;the the internal organs and externally they connect parts of the
hand and foot Shaoyang meridians distribute to the side ofthe body.This means in the human body,the 12 meridians have 3
head; the hand Taiyang meridian distributes to the head and Yang meridians and 3 Yin meridians that distribute to the hands
neck;and the foot Taiyang meridian goes to the vertex and back and feet.The hands and feet,in turn,are the connecting areas
of the head.The six Yin meridians also travel to the head and for the Yin meridians and the Yang meridians. It is the place
face. The hand Shaoyin and foot Jueyin meridians go to the where the human body’s Qi and blood connect.The hand and
head and face directly,while all other meridians go through the foot Yin and Yang distribution,flow,pathologic symptoms,and
divergent meridians or connect via their internally or externally indications have been recorded.Clinical experience has shown
related Yang meridian.Additionally,the Du meridian goes up to that the hand meridians have the function to adjust the whole
the brain,to the top ofthe head,and ends at the nose.Ancient body’s Zang fu,Qi,and blood,as well as to treat disease.Hand
texts recognize the head as the largest meeting area of all the and foot acupuncture systems were developed based on ancient
meridians;there are many points close together and abundant Chinese medicine theories and is more recognized in the last 30
energy and blood flow.Using acupuncture needles to stimulate years because of the influence of the bioholographic theory.
the scalp area,the practitioner can not only treat diseases ofthe China and South Korea developed several oftheir own systems.
head,but also treat diseases ofthe whole body. Dr.Zhen-Hua Zhu started the hand point therapy based on the
In the Song Dynasty (960–1204 AD), Dr. Wei-Yi Wang meridian,holistic,and balance theories.He named 159 points
published the Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on Bronze on the hand. Dr. Yuen-Peng Fang found three images of the
Figure, which confirmed the head acupuncture points and is human body on the hand and developed the hand imaging
still in use.Later,when Western medicine started to spread to acupuncture system. Dr. Xin-Ming Wang discussed the hand
China, people began to learn new ideas about the structures acupuncture point distribution,the meridians,and the relation-
and functions of the brain. This information helped scalp ship between the hand and internal organs. He published the
acupuncture research to evolve.Starting in the 1950s,practi- Hand Meridian Chart. Dr. Tae-Woo Yoo from South Korea
tioners began combining Western medicine and Chinese developed Koryo Hand Therapy, which has been adopted by
acupuncture theory. Gradually a variety of different theories acupuncture practitioners worldwide and is very effectively
on scalp/head acupuncture were developed. From clinical used today.
experience and research, people discovered that using
acupuncture needles to stimulate a specific area of the head Eye System
could treat a specific area of disease on the body. Positive Eye acupuncture therapy is based on the theory ofthe Nei Jing,
results are seen especially for diseases that are caused by brain and the famous Dr.Hua Tuo,who observed the eyes to formu-
disorders. late his diagnosis. Doctor Jing-Shan Peng developed eye
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Micro-Acupuncture: History and Theory 3
acupuncture theory in the early 1970s. His ideas came from based on traditional Chinese medical theory,modern medicine,
classic Chinese medical sources; he used these ideas clinically, and long-term clinical experience.The common characteristic
and through much research invented this acupuncture therapy ofthese systems is that all points are located in one specific part
to treat diseases ofthe body.The theory was recognized in 1986 ofthe body but all represent the whole body.Each system has a
and has since spread around the world.Two other doctors Dr. different degree ofrepresentation,since some represent organs,
Gou-Zhen Li and Dr.Gui-Quan Hang from Taiwan,China,also others represent channels,and yet others,the whole body.
published a book about eye acupuncture therapeutics based on
their clinic experiences. Bioholographic Theory
Micro-acupuncture system theory is based on the bioholo-
Wrist and Ankle System graphic theory.In the bioholographic theory,the human body
Wrist and ankle therapy was developed in the 1960s in is viewed as a complete,holistic unit.Any independent part of
Shanghai,China.It is originally from Transcutaneous Electrical the body is called a holographic embryo, or an Embryo
Nerve Stimulation (TENS) electro-acupuncture therapy com- Containing the Information ofthe Whole Organism (ECIWO).
bined with traditional Chinese medicine theory.It was discov- This means that each unit is a smaller representation of the
ered that if electro-TENS were placed on certain points of the whole body. The ancient Greeks used the name homunculus
six hand meridians and six foot meridians, such as P 6 (Latin for “little man”) for this concept.Their theory stated that
(Nei Guan),SJ 5 (Wai Guan),Sp 6 (San Yin Jiao),and GB 39 the whole body was contained or represented by smaller units
(Xuan Zhong),all points had a good result in the clinic.Further on the body. In classic theory this was the body’s germ cells.
research revealed that if an electro-TENS was placed on the Modern neuroanatomy used this concept to map the sensory
anterior side of the wrist,there was a reaction in the anterior perceptions ofthe body to a homunculus on the brain.Micro-
and upper part of the body.It was also discovered that there is acupuncture theory is similar to these theories of the
a reaction in specific areas of the body with stimulation on homunculus in that the entire body is represented within sev-
three Yang and three Yin meridians around the wrist or ankle eral smaller units ofthe body.It is not only a part ofthe body’s
areas.So they set up 6 stimulation points around the wrist and structure but also plays a role in the body’s development.Each
ankle area to treat diseases in 12 different regions of the body. unit ofthe independent part ofthe body has a relationship with
Based on many successful clinical cases,this form oftreatment and continuously exchanges information with the whole body.
was named wrist and ankle acupuncture therapyin 1975. In other words,each ofthe small units assimilates energetic sig-
nals from specific parts ofthe human body (Figure 1-1 A,B,C).
Summary There are groups ofpoints that are associated with the whole
The micro-acupuncture system is a significant improvement to body’s internal organs and tissues at each unit.The point distri-
the macro-acupuncture system and its history. The micro- bution is always connected from the nearest to the farthest at
acupuncture systems will continue to develop improvements the longitudinal line,such as the four extremities.For example,
and be adopted by practitioners around the world. the foot point of the forearm connects with the head point of
Micro-acupuncture system diagnosis and therapeutics has the upper arm.The points distributed also are small ratios of
been developing quickly over the past 30 years and has gradu- the human body.For example,both the forearm and the upper
ally become more complete.Scientists and clinical practition- arm have separate human body figures. This holographic
ers in this field have emphasized its use more and more.Many embryo can reflect the pathologic changes of the body.
countries are still doing research for deeper study and collect- Therefore,if the human body is diseased at a local area or an
ing data from clinical experiments.In this introduction,many internal organ, the related bioholographic points will have
micro-acupuncture systems are mentioned briefly that are abnormal changes such as itching, pain, and abnormal sensa-
well known around the world. There are many other fields tion. The micro-systems and the body units have the holo-
being established. In this book, information is collected as graphic features. These holographic units can be used to
much as possible about micro-acupuncture systems around diagnose and treat disease (Figure 1-2).
the world.Some ofthe information has been adapted by inter-
national standards from the WHO. Some of the systems are Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridian Theory
very well developed and are used widely and effectively.Some Chinese meridian theory and Chinese medicine fundamentals
of the systems are still in their beginning, waiting for more are the basis ofmicro-system theory.Acupuncture points reflect
clinic experience to prove their effectiveness.The macro- and the body’s physiological and pathological condition.The points
micro-acupuncture systems are the two most significant are also the treatment locations.These points are connected by
branches of modern acupuncture practice. meridians also called Jing Luo.Jingmeans the path;it is the main
pathway ofthe meridian system.The meridian connects points
from the top to the bottom and internal to external.Luomeans
Micro-System Theory
web.The Luo meridians are a branch ofthe Jing meridians and
Although the micro-acupuncture systems were formed in dif- are smaller but can connect all ofthe small parts ofthe body like
ferent time periods and different geographic areas,they are all a web.The Jing Luo connects the internal organs to the end of
4 CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Micro-Acupuncture: History and Theory
A B C
FIGURE 1-1 A, Fang Scalp Acupuncture system.A homunculus figure of the top of the scalp area.B,New Nose Acupuncture system.A homunculus figure on
local area of the nose.C,The somatotopic map of the ear.A homunculus figure is viewed with the head facing downward and feet upward.
the extremities and the internal organs with the exterior of the relationship of the Yin and Yang. The channel Qi that moves
body.With these meridians,the entire human body’s functions from the Yin to the Yang represents the inter-transformation of
can be coordinated to keep the body in balance. During an Yin and Yang.In the micro-acupuncture system,there are many
acupuncture treatment, after a differential diagnosis is made, parts that represent the Yin and Yang through the physical
tonifying or sedating needle technique is used. tissue structure, physical function, pathology, diagnosis, and
Micro-system theory is based on Chinese medicine theory, therapeutics.Thus,the micro-acupuncture system’s formation
meridian theory, and mechanisms of Western medicine. The and development also contains Yin-Yang and Five Element
micro-acupuncture system is a specific treatment area that con- rules.For example,in the hand,the palm and dorsal sides ofthe
tains information about the entire body.Through reflex activi- hand represent the opposition ofYin and Yang.The palm side
ties such as neuro-regulations, humoral regulations, and auto represents Yin and the dorsal side represents Yang.
regulations,micro-acupuncture is used to treat the disease.By
using stimulation techniques to activate a specific area of the Root and Branch, Origins and Ends Theory
human body,the internal organs connect with the extremities. Root and branch is the theory that talks about meridian energy
flow at the origin and end.It is based on the meridian distribu-
Chinese Fundamental Theory: Yin-Yang tion and further explains the energy’s relationship to the inter-
Theory nal with external and the superior with inferior. It is a better
Yin-Yang theory is based on two interpretations ofnatural phe- way to explain the functions and indications ofthe head,chest,
nomena.Yin represents influences in nature such as cold,dark, abdomen, and four extremities. Where the channel Qi origi-
night, and passiveness, whereas Yang represents influences in nates is called the root, and the limbs are called the origin.
nature such as warm,light,day,and activeness.Chinese medi- Where the channel Qi ends is the branch, and the head and
cine is based on Yin-Yang and Five Element theories and how trunk are the end,or end of the channel.The root is the Jing
they are applied to the human body’s physiology and pathology. well points at the ends of the four extremities. The branch is
There are four rules for the relationship ofYin and Yang: located at the head, chest, and abdomen. In recent years,
● Opposition ofYin and Yang research has found that the root and branch are not only
● Interdependence ofYin and Yang located on the one point but are spread around a specific area.
● Interconsuming-supporting relationship ofYin and Yang So,the four extremities’specific points (such as the Jing well,
● Intertransformational relationship ofYin and Yang Ying spring,etc.) are all called the root area.But the head,chest,
The Qi and blood circulation from the Yin channel to the and abdominal relative areas are all called the branch,or end.In
Yang channel represent the interdependence ofYin and Yang in the 12 channels,the root starts on the hands and feet and ends
their physical functions and the regulation ofQi and blood cir- at the specific area of the head,chest,and abdomen.All Yang
culation.The end ofthe three Yin channels with the start ofthe channels end at the head and face and all Yin channels end at
three Yang channels represents the interconsuming-supporting the chest and abdomen.Through the Yin and Yang influence,