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Ekaterina Fedotova The Balance Method for Zang-Fu disorders & Pulse Diagnostics

The Balance Method for Zang-Fu disorders

& Pulse Diagnostics Acupuncture with immediate results

Complete Practical Manual

Ekaterina Fedotova, L. Ac

2 Copyright © 2019 by Ekaterina Fedotova

Copyright © 2019 by Ekaterina Fedotova L. Ac All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Ekaterina Fedotova

Graphic Design of the front page: Elena Alvarez Editing: Pavel Gregory Krippa Illustrations: Igor Shadrin, Elena Alvarez & Alexei Montenegro

This book is a complete practical manual of the Acupuncture Balance Method for Zang-Fu disorders empowered by the Pulsynergy Pulse Diagnostic System of Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang. This book is written by Ekaterina Fedotova, L.Ac. It is based on her lecturing materials whilst attending lectures of Dr. Richard Tan and Dr. Jimmy Chang, as well as her own research and extensive clinical work experience.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am ever so grateful to Dr. Richard Tan and his teacher Dr. Chao Chen for shedding light upon the Balance Method and bringing this knowledge to a world-wide audience. I am wholeheartedly grateful to Sifu Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang, who opened for me the way to herbal mastery and under whom I learned his advanced Pulse Diagnostic system. I express my deep gratitude to my son Grisha for his many hours editing this book. I would like to express deep gratitude to my dear friends Elena Alvarez and Alexei Montenegro for their professional help with illustrations and graphic work. Lastly, I thank my husband Boris Krippa for his overall support for every minute of my work. Thank you to my dear patients, as you not only contributed to the creation of this material, but you teach me every day how to be a better practitioner. With the utmost pleasure, I dedicate this book to my students, for without their trust and support I would not be able to move forward. Ekaterina Fedotova

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Table of Contents

About the author........................................................................................................................7 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 8 Part 1. Pulse Diagnostics.........................................................................................................10 Position of the hands........................................................................................................... ... 12 Main positions: Cun, Guan and Chi........................................................................................ 18 What makes up a complete pulse reading?..............................................................................19 Superficial, high level pulses ..................................................................................................23 Deep and low level pulses ...................................................................................................... 24 Pulse positions ........................................................................................................................ 24 Right Cun (Lung – Large Intestine)........................................................................................ 25 Right Guan (Spleen – Stomach)……….................................................................................. 27 Right Chi (Kidney – Urinary Bladder).................................................................................... 28 Left Cun (Heart – Small Intestine).......................................................................................... 30 Left Guan ( Liver – Gall Bladder) .......................................................................................... 32 Left Chi (Kidney / Genital – Reproductive system)………………………........................... 33 Part 2. The Balance Method for Zang Fu disorders................................................................ 36 Dynamic balance……………..……....................................................................................... 37 Static balance………………………….................................................................................. 38 Patterns of the Global Balance method. Pattern Tai Yin – Yang Ming…………………….. 42 Pattern Jue Yin – Yang Ming ………………………………………………………………. 46 Pattern PC / KI Yan-Ming or Dr. Tan’s Four Magic Meridians……………………………. 48 Difference between Yang Ming patterns …………………………………………………... 51

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Pattern ST – SP – TE – PC………………………………………………………………..… 54 Pattern Jue Yin - Shao Yang…………………………………………………………….….. 55 Dr. Tan's 8 + 1 Magic Points Pattern…...………………………………………………...… 58 Shao Yin - Shao Yang………………………………………………………………………. 64 Hormonal Imbalance Pattern (Female) SP / HT – Shao Yang………….…………………... 60 Eight Magic Meridians of Dr. Tan. Gynaecological treatment……………………………….62 Heat Treatment Pattern…………………………………………………………………….... 63 Shao Yin - Tai Yang Pattern…………………………………………………………….….. 64 Tai Yin - Tai Yang Pattern …………………………………………………………………. 65 LR / LU - Tai Yang Pattern ……………………………………………………………….. ..66 LU / LI – BL / KI Pattern…………………………………………………………………… 67 Hormonal imbalance pattern (male)………………………………………………………… 68 Skin problems ……………………………………………………………………………..... 69 References…………………………………………………………………………………... 71

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About the author

Ekaterina Fedotova is an acupuncturist, psychologist and teacher of traditional Chinese medicine. She is the founder of the Balance Method Academy in the UK, as well as the president of the British Association of Acupuncture and Holistic Medicine. A graduate of Moscow State University with a Master’s degree, Ekaterina subsequently graduated from Valencia's art school and studied at the famous Amsterdam Academy Gerrit Rietveld. Being an extraordinary and versatile personality, she was always interested in the psychosomatic relationship between consciousness and human health. This prompted her to graduate from the Department of Psychology at the University of Manchester. In addition, Ekaterina was trained by the outstanding Reiki Master Mira Moiseeva, whose teachings became the basis of her own practice in Manchester, UK. Being guided by her desire to help people, she faced numerous health problems from her patients, the treatment of which required approaches and techniques that differed to what she was accustomed to. Educated in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at universities in Spain and the UK, Ekaterina continued to deepen her knowledge and develop new methods of treatment, drawing on the experience of outstanding masters such as Dr. Richard Tan and Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang.

 Ekaterina currently lives, works and teaches in London and is the founder of the Helianthus Holistic Health Clinic. She carries out extensive medical, consulting and educational activities in the field of traditional Chinese medicine and spiritual practices. Ekaterina is a leading consultant on the Balance Method in the UK and devotes much time to teaching the method in England and other European countries. With deep knowledge, many years of experience, spiritual qualities and a sincere desire to help people, Ekaterina enjoys well-deserved respect among her patients, colleagues and students.

Dr. Irina Kotlyar, L. Ac. Director of the Colourpuncture Academy

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Introduction In this book I would like to present the Balance Method for Zang – Fu disorders, which Dr. Tan called ‘The Global Balance’. The Global Balance is rooted in I Ching and Nei Jing theory. Originally, this methodology was introduced by Dr Chao Chen at the International Acupuncture Congress in 1976 as I Ching Acupuncture. The method was then presented to the public in the book ‘I Ching Acupuncture’, published by Dr. Twicken, Dr. C. Chen and Y. Chen in 2003. It meticulously describes the principles of this advanced therapy, helping to understand how to create quick and effective pain relief and fix internal disorders. Dr. Richard Tan, whose lectures I frequented, significantly simplified and expanded the ‘I Ching’ acupuncture of Dr. Chen. However, the principles of Bagua, which are the fundamentals of the method, remained untouched. We now call this methodology ‘The Global Balance’, where principles of Bagua or I Ching acupuncture are applied to general health acupuncture treatments, Zang Fu disorders or used as preventative health treatments. Under the name ‘Global Balance’, Dr Tan introduced 12 main acupuncture patterns and some other effective combinations. The approach is logical, easy to apply and has a fast response time. Dr. Tan always said that ‘the correctly chosen pattern will treat the disease’. What is new? When I started using Global Balance acupuncture in my everyday acupuncture practice, I saw how quickly the body responds to the right needling pattern. The effect of the treatment was quicker and more logical to me than Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM). Also, when practicing TCM acupuncture, which I learned from my teachers at University, I realised that I end up using the same points for every treatment. Fortunately, within the structure of the Global Balance, patients responded better to the therapy and my treatments increased in diversity and effectiveness.

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However, the success of the therapy could be even higher if the diagnostics would be more precise. Despite the fact that the principles of the Global Balance helped to correctly diagnose and apply treatment, it does not distinguish enough between patterns. In this book I would like to present the outstanding pulse diagnostics system of Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang and its application to the Acupuncture Balance Method. ‘Renowned for his skills in correlating definitive pulse diagnoses with effective herbal prescriptions, Dr. Jimmy Chang transformed his 35 years of clinical experience to create this unique pulse-diagnosis system.’ (Elotus institute) Dr. Jimmy Chang has developed a very accurate, highly efficient and easy to learn method of pulse reading. His system teaches how to recognise western biomedical conditions and/or TCM syndromes solely by pulse within seconds! The knowledge of reading pulses brings a clear understanding of a pathology which helps to choose the best treatment. With the permission of Dr Chang, I will introduce his Pulse Diagnostic method and include the references to the pulse characteristics for each pattern of the Global Balance.

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Part 1 Pulse Diagnostics Pulse Diagnostics is usually part of a standard Chinese Medicine course. When I was introduced to pulse diagnostics, I immediately thought that this subject was complicated. I thought that I must devote many years to master the art of recognising pathologies via reading pulses. When we managed to learn the basic pulse characteristics and its main locations, such as Cun, Guan and Chi, I realised that the classic pulse taking method is very limiting. I could see that many pulses characteristics describe only shape or jump and make it difficult to gather a complete diagnosis. Classical pulses rarely discuss specific pulses in specific positions, instead describing pulses as a whole to determine a TCM diagnosis. As a result, I was unable to recognise precisely the syndromes of Chinese Medicine, I could only guess. This was the reason why I neglected pulse diagnostics for years and did not include it in my practice. Some years later, I was introduced to Dr. Chang’s system of Pulse diagnostics, called Pulsynergy by my colleague, an acupuncturist. He called me with excitement saying that he attended a seminar of Pulse Diagnostics and the teacher described all of his (my friend’s) pathologies in 1 minute, including the varicocele in his left testicle. He mentioned that this Pulse diagnostic system was so precise that you could determine different pathologies very accurately. It was a life changing event for me. I immediately entered into the new world of Dr. Chang’s Pulsynergy. This system helps to recognise not only syndromes based on the eight principles, but also exact medical pathologies, such as heart murmurs, different stages of gastritis, endometriosis and PSOC, including old scars after operation and many other things. It transformed my practice as I could see the underlying cause of patient’s complaints at the beginning of the first session. I began practicing Dr Chang’s style of interview: ‘Do not ask the patient questions, you must tell the patient what is wrong with him/her’. Instead of asking multiple questions during the first session, I now take pulses as the first thing and tell them, for example, that he/she seeks attention because of their neck pain, that a tooth was removed recently, or his sleep is not good and blood pressure is high.

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Usually, people are surprised and wonder how I figured out their complaints. Dr. Chang has developed an accurate, precise and easy to learn system of pulse diagnostics. His system teaches how to recognise a medical pathology and/or Zang Fu disorders within seconds. The practitioner can easily differentiate a fatty liver from a hot liver , murmurs in mitral valve from the murmurs in the aortic valve. One can see immediately whether a patient suffers from neck or shoulder pain and distinguish whether this pain is merely muscular or there are some changes in the cervical area. This system works as a quick MRI scan; you can see symptoms of diabetes, arthritis, distinguish PSOS, endometriosis or surgery in the abdominal area. The most important aspect of this system is that it is relatively quick and easy to learn. Thanks to Dr Chang, I learned to recognise and apply the art of Pulse Diagnostics to Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. I undertook extensive training with Dr. Chang which allowed me to adapt his Pulse Diagnostic method to the Balance Method. With the permission of Dr Chang, I introduce and include the references to the pulse characteristics for each pattern of the Global Balance. I believe that Pulse reading requires a special study, and one has to devote time and attention to this amazing discovery. On the other hand, I wanted to include at least the basics of Dr Chang’s Pulse Diagnostics so one may have a taste of it. I recommend visiting Helianthus online pulse diagnostic course as visual learning is important for understanding pulse qualities. Other sources of learning include presentations of Dr Chang on Youtube and certified Pulsynergy courses on Elotus Institute website.

Objectives: •

Learn pulse positions according to Dr. Chang’s system;

•

Know the descriptions and characteristics of the main pulses;

•

Know the general indications of the main pulses;

•

Understand the links of certain pulses with syndromes of Chinese Medicine and some medical conditions;

•

Understand the connections of certain pulses with the patterns of Global Balance.

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Position of the hands Those who learned to play a musical instrument know how important to establish the correct position of the hands on the instrument. The hand position is an essential part in diagnostics too, as the precise reading will depend on the correct hand and finger position. I believe that reading pulses is an Art, the same as music, however for better performance we must follow certain basic rules. Firstly, both hands of the therapist and patient must be relaxed. •

Patient’s hand is relaxed;

•

Patient’s wrist is relaxed;

•

Patient’s thumb is relaxed.

Rule number one for reading pulses precisely is that the position of the arm of the patient is on the side, palm facing inwards. Correct positions of the patient’s hand

Incorrect positions of the patient’s hand

Patient’s palm is facing up

Patient’s wrist is bended

Pt’s wrist is tense, patient’s thumb is not fixed

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The therapist’s hand must be fixed and hand position stable. In order to fix the therapists hand, the thumb of the therapist must be on the SJ4 acupuncture point on the wrist and the fingers must be rounded. It is very similar to the finger position of a pianist or guitar player, but instead of piano keys or guitar fretboard, the fingertips of the player are placed on the radial artery of the patient.

Thumb of the therapist is on SJ4

Thumb of the therapist is on SJ4, fingers are rounded, fingertips are on the radial artery

Please, remember: •

Left hand of the patient – right hand of the therapist

•

Right hand of the patient – left hand of the therapist

When you adjust the patient’s hand, place the index finger and middle finger on the opposite sides of the Styloid Process. Styloid process is between Cun and Guan positions.

The index finger and middle finger on the opposite sides of the Styloid Process.

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Index finger and middle finger are on the opposite sides of the Styloid Process. Styloid process is between Cun and Guan.

After you positioned the index and middle finger, you must find the place for the ring finger. Here you can visually measure the distance between the index and the middle finger and adjust the ring finger to the same distance.

The distance between the index and the middle fingers is the same as the distance between the middle and ring fingers.

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Adjust the distance between your fingers according to the height of the patient. If the patient is tall, then you have to place your fingers wider.

Short patient

Tall patient

Incorrect positions of the therapist’s hand

Tension in the hands of the therapist, fingers of the therapist are too separate from each other.

Tense fingers of the therapist are too separate from each other, fingers are on the top of the patient’s arm. Patient’s palm is facing up.

Correct positions of the therapist’s hand

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Palpation technique tips: Palpation starts from a light touch. It is important not push hard in the beginning! As you can see in the picture below, for palpation we use the top part of the finger pad. •

Do not keep your finger on the pulse position. Move it up, - press again and do it a few times.

You will feel the pulse variations better and your pulse reading will be more precise if you use the same index finger for all pulse positions. Later, at a more advanced stage, you will be introduced to the technique of using three fingers all together. In addition, when you palpate with the same finger, it is easier to compare the sensations, rather than if you do it with different fingers.

Use the same index finger for the pulse reading

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Dr. Chang’s pulse diagnostics system is famous because of its precision. Therefore, we need to extract as much information as possible from each and every pulse position as every position represents the condition of a certain part of the body, organ or acupuncture channel. Some acupuncture schools teach to read pulses by using three therapist’s fingers at the same time or even 6 fingers simultaneously. In this case we have to read and understand all the pulse characteristics of the human body system simultaneously. Can I ask you, my dear reader, can you read three books at the same time and grasp their meaning? Can you read six books at the same time and understand their context? In the same way, following Dr. Chang’s technique, our intention is to analyse each position separately in order to receive more accurate information.

Analyse each position separately!

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Main positions: Cun, Guan and Chi Cun position •

Right Cun represents LU & LI

•

Left Cun represents HE & SI

Cun is situated between the Styloid and Scaphoid bone. As you can see in the picture below, the index finger is slightly turned out whilst palpating (Dr Shen’s technique)

Guan position •

R Guan –SP & ST.

•

L Guan – LIV & GB

Guan is situated directly behind the Styloid process

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Chi position •

R Chi – Western Kidneys, neck and shoulder area

•

L Chi – Chinese Kidneys, reproductive system

Chi can be palpated by both: index finger and ring finger.

Remember to have equal distance between the fingers. The distance ‘Cun – Guan’ is equal to the distance ‘Guan – Chi’.

What makes up a complete pulse reading? 1. Width 2. Strength 3. Shape 4. Level 5. Amplitude 6. Speed 19

1. Width When we meet the patient and have found the comfortable position and adjusted our fingers on his/her arm, we need to feel the pulse and interpret the sensations. The first thing that I estimate is the width of the artery. At the very beginning, when we feel the edge of the blood vessel, we can gently press deeper, feel the thickness of an artery and estimate its degree: whether it is thick or thin. •

Thick / thin - this criteria refers to the diameter of the artery (NOT to the artery wall);

•

A normal width is relative to each person’s constitution. The average diameter of the artery corresponds to the width of a tube inside a ballpoint pen.

Normal

•

Thick

Thin

Thickness of a pulse does not refer to the thickness of the arterial wall or thickness of the blood.

Not ‘thick’ artery, but thick artery wall

Not ‘thick’ artery, but flaccid

What makes a vessel or pulse ‘thick’? Heat, inflammation or increased blood pressure will expand the diameter of the artery. Also, excitement can affect the thickness of a blood vessel. What makes a pulse thin? Sudden temporary narrowing (like a spasm) from exposure to cold will often be felt on a vessel thin and strong. Also, chronic stagnation causing poor blood flow makes the arteries thin and weak. In case of Qi deficiency, the vessel wall becomes flaccid and loses elasticity.

2. Strength This is the pulsation aspect of a pulse or the sensation of the force against your finger. You can estimate the strength of it; it can be forceful, strong or weak. Normal strength is relative to each person’s constitution. Strong pulse determines presence of heat, acute inflammation, and pain

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(acute, excess, heat conditions). In the extreme condition of heat, for example, the jump can be felt too strongly, as if it is expanding. Example of a strong pulse: High blood pressure. When systolic and diastolic pressure is high, as well as heart rate, then it will result in a very strong pulse, which rebounds when pressed down. This pulse will not disappear under pressure and will be felt strong on all levels.

We consider the pulse as ‘week’ if it does not rebound under the fingers and can easily disappear with light touch. Example of a weak pulse: low blood pressure. When systolic and diastolic pressure is low, as well as a slow heart rate, the pulse does not rebound when pressed down and collapses under the fingertip.

3. Shape This is the structural aspect of the pulse. It is the shape of a vessel or how we feel its curve: Convex, Concave, Straight or Shapeless

3. Convex Level

Concave

Straight

Shapeless

4. Level This is the depth at which the pulse is felt. We distinguish three main levels: superficial, middle, deep. Normally, Cun is the most superficial, Guan in the middle, and Chi is the deepest. When Cun, Guan and Chi have this equal distribution from the superficial to deep level, then we say that the pulses ‘are home’. This distribution is considered as ‘normal’ and indicates generally good health. Evaluating the level (skin, middle, deep, etc) of each position (Cun, Guan and Chi) gives you an idea of which organ is out of balance. 21

Skin Superficial level Middle level Deep level Bone

4. Amplitude Amplitude is the magnitude at which the blood vessel expands. Heat always results in high amplitude. Lower amplitude can be a result of deficiency: in this scenario the pulse will be weak. If you feel that the amplitude is low in general, then you can refer to this situation as ‘stagnation’. If the amplitude is low but the pulse is forceful, then the vessel wall has plaque and/or viscosity of the blood is high.

5. Speed This is an important criteria and one that conventional medicine uses for medical diagnoses. We consider the pulse fast if it has more than 80 beats per minute and slow if it is less than 60 beats per minute. The speed of the pulse is important for distinguishing conditions such as Heat, Cold, prevalence of Yin or Yang, thyroid function and many others. Another aspect of the ‘Speed’ criteria is its regularity. It may feel like your heart skipped a beat, added a beat, or is beating too fast (which doctors call tachycardia) or too slow (called bradycardia).

Basic inspection of the single position (Cun, Guan or Chi) 1. Feel the diameter (Shape) •

Thick – expanding, heat

•

Thin – constriction, cold

2. Feel the strength of the pulse (Jump) •

Strong (forceful) - Excess

•

Weak – Deficiency

3. Feel the Shape: Convex, Concave, Straight or Shapeless 4. Feel the level (Level) •

Superficial - Dryness

•

Deep – Dampness

5. Estimate the amplitude and speed 22

What is a ‘normal pulse’, according to Dr. Jimmy Chang? In general, a normal pulse should not feel excessively thick or thin, fast or slow, deep or superficial; in other words, nothing extreme is normal. A normal pulse is relative to each person’s constitution. Depending on the size, age, sex of a person, a normal pulse for one may be abnormal for another. For example, it is normal to feel a wiry pulse on a growing teenager. But a wiry pulse on a postpartum patient is abnormal.

Superficial, high level pulses As it was mentioned earlier, we start taking the pulse very gently from the surface of skin. If, for example on the Right Cun, the pulse is felt directly on the surface, we call it the ‘floating’ pulse, which indicates dryness, or more precisely, ‘Heat’, which causes dryness. Let’s ask ourselves a question: ‘What brings pulses up?’ The answer is ‘Heat’. There are four main situations when the pulses are too high. It can either caused by ‘Excess heat’, in this case the jump, the sensation of the force against your finger, will be strong, and the shape of the pulse will be convex. If the jump is stronger than what a ‘normal’ pulse should be, we consider this pathology as simply Heat caused by an Excess condition. Using pulse diagnostics, we can easily distinguish Heat from Excess and Heat from Deficiency. If the pulses are thin, strong and high up, it will indicate Empty Heat, in comparison with strong and convex Excess Heat pulses. The Empty Heat pulses will be thin because the Yin deficiency and Heat presence indicate dryness. Using similar logic, it is easy to distinguish Yin and Blood Deficiency from Empty Heat. In the first case the pulses will be thin and weak as Yin and Blood Deficiency is indicative of a lack of nutrients. At the same time, these pulses still have high positions because of a lack of Yin, which implies the presence of Heat, so it will bring the pulses up. However, in comparison to Empty Heat pulses, the Yin and Blood Deficiency will be much weaker. Pathology: pulses are too high.

Excess heat

Heat

Yin and Blood Xu

Empty Heat

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Deep and low level pulses How to recognise such a common pattern in Chinese Medicine as Damp Heat and how to distinguish it from Dampness? For the herbal therapist, for example, it is crucial to recognise these factors as the herbal prescriptions in these scenarios will be different. The same goes for an acupuncturist: the therapist will apply a different Global Balance pattern for each situation. The knowledge of pulses helps to recognize Damp Heat pathology from Dampness within seconds. The general rule is that Heat brings pulses up, Cold and Dampness brings pulses down. Both pulses will be deep because of the presence of dampness, however the Damp heat pulses will be felt pounding in the depth. The pulses indicative for Dampness (without much heat) will rebound at a deep level and the amplitude will be low. The pulses indicative for conditions such as Blood Stasis will be felt as scattered, the shape of artery walls will be diffused or dispersed. The difference between Yin and Yang deficiency is easy to distinguish via pulses. The Kidney Yang deficiency, for example, will be felt on the Left Chi as a week and deep pulse, disappearing when pressed. The Yin deficiency will be felt at the same position as a weak and high pulse, disappearing after a little push.

Dampness

Damp-Heat

Yang Xu

Blood Stasis

Pulse positions The purpose of the first part of this book is to give you an introduction to the pulse diagnostic system of Dr. Jimmy Chang. We are not able to present all the variations of pulses in this volume, however provide enough information for you to distinguish Global Balance patterns and use them correctly. We envisage that the basic knowledge of the pulse positions together with the description and characteristic of the pulses and its qualities will help to understand its connection with some syndromes of Chinese Medicine and medical conditions. In the next book, we plan to include the detailed variations of pulses and the interrelationships between pulses and underlying pathologies.

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RIGHT CUN Lung / Large Intestine We usually begin pulse reading from the R Cun. R Cun: Normal pulse Normal pulse on the R Cun must be soft, strong and have the same strength on all levels. In other words, it pushes up against the fingers throughout the superficial, mid, and deep levels. Different types of pulses will indicate different pathologies. R Cun: Forceful or Jumpy Forceful or Jumpy R Cun may reflect upper respiratory infection (bacterial) or allergy. If the pulse feels like it is slightly floating, then it indicates Dryness. The deeper it is – the more moisture is in the system. R Cun: Superficial - Wiry & Weak Chronic allergy with Lu Qi deficiency. R Cun: Tent pulse (very weak) It is a convex-shaped pulse that collapses upon pressure. This extremely weak pulse will correspond to the Lung Qi deficiency and weak immune system. In this case the patient may also have a nasal allergy as his/her Wei Qi will be weak. R Cun: Deep & weak If this pulse is deep & weak with accompanying cold signs and symptoms, this indicates upper respiratory infection (viral) R Cun: Scattered pulse When it is a shapeless pulse, its border is difficult to perceive. This thick, wide, soft, slow, weak and deep pulse can be confused with the simply Small and weak pulse. The difference between Scattered pulse and Small and weak pulse is that when you try to find the scattered pulse, you will not be able feel the border of the

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artery, it will be felt dispersed. The Small and weak pulse feels like a thin hair. You will feel the border of it, but the pulse will disappear after a little pressure. Some indications of a Scattered pulse: •

Sinusitis;

•

Polyps in Large Intestine;

•

Chest pain due to micro-capillary bleeding leading to dead blood in the chest;

•

Recent traumatic chest injury from lifting heavy objects/weights.

R Cun: Short pulse It is a convex-shaped pulse that is shorter than the width of one pulse position, approximately 0.5cm in length. It can be slightly harder when compared to the other pulses. Some indications for Short pulse: •

If it is Jumpy & superficial it indicates Fire in LI (Constipation / dryness). The more floating it is – the more dryness and fire in the body;

•

Diverticulosis / Enteritis;

•

If the amplitude of this pulse is high – then it is a sign of inflammation or Colitis.

R Yangwei pulse – Lung condition This is an extra meridian pulse. You may find it distal to the Cun position, in the very corner of the Extensor policis brevis tendon and Scaphoid bone. In a normal health condition you should not feel this pulse. On the R side it will characterise any lower respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or deep cough. R Cun / Guan Dr. Chang distinguishes not only the classical Cun, Guan and Chi positions, but also extra pulses in between them. For example, if the patient’s complains of acid reflux or hiatus hernia, you will feel a jump on the Styloid process, which is between Cun and Guan.

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RIGHT GUAN Spleen / Stomach R Guan: Normal pulse - Even An even pulse is smooth and equal, it's jump is moving ‘forward’. The R Guan pulse should not be excessively pronounced in shape or jump. The pulse is called ‘Even’ because both ST and SP relate to the Earth element. The Earth represents ‘the Centre’ and must be a central equilibrium for all five elements. Therefore the pulse of R Guan should depict NO irregular qualities. R Guan: Convex, Forceful, and Superficial Convex is a bulging pulse that has a rounded feeling. It indicates any of the following symptoms: acid reflux, stomach pain, burning sensation in the abdominal area, nausea, frequent belching which can be caused by H. pylori or other bacterial infection. R Guan: Wiry, Forceful, and Superficial This pulse can be felt on the superficial level. Wiry pulse is tight and straight. If it is strong, it can indicate inflammation, bleeding or problems such as: •

Stomach pain

•

Acid reflux

•

Duodenal ulcer (from stress)

•

LR overacting on SP/ ST

R Guan: Wiry, Forceful, and Deep If you feel the same wiry pulse but on a deeper level, it indicates too much sugar or carbohydrates in diet. This patient can be pre-diabetic or may have Type II diabetes. R Guan: Deep and Concave Concave pulse is curved downward. You will find this pulse on a deep level with the curvature along the sides and bottom.

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Deep and concave pulse is indicative of a ‘weak’ stomach accompanied by gas, bloating, belching. If this pulse is also forceful, then it shows chronic superficial gastritis. R Guan: Small pulse Small pulse is thin and weak. Upon pressure, it disappears. Usually found in physically weak people, post-surgical, lupus, etc. It indicates deficiency in the middle Jiao and deficient Cold in Stomach.

RIGHT CHI Kidney / Urinary Bladder R Chi: Normal pulse Normal pulse for the R Chi is deep and can only be felt upon pressure. Healthy pulse must be deeper in level than the Cun and Guan positions but should still have jump and strength. R Chi: Bird’s beak / Pen tip pulse Convex-shaped pulse that is approx. 0.1cm in length. It feels pointy like a pen's tip. It usually feels hard and cannot be pushed away with pressure. If you find this pulse on the R Chi, then it will indicate the presence of Kidney stones in right ureter. R Chi: Turtle pulse This pulse is rounded, the shape reminiscent of a Turtle shell. It indicates neck and shoulder pain or stiffness from soft tissue damage. If it is felt on both Chi, then it indicates prostate enlargement or varicocele. The Turtle pulse can be continued proximally as a thin, forceful, wiry ‘tail’, extending from the Turtle. This is called ‘Turtle pulse with tail’. It indicates bone spurs, disk problems in the neck. The more forceful it is, the more inflammation and pain. The more recent the injury, the more acute the condition is.

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R Chi: Scattered pulse The pulse in which its border is difficult to perceive. I described this pulse earlier for the R Cun. Scattered pulse is thick (wide), soft, slow, very weak and deep. Indications: •

Frozen shoulder;

•

Past traumatic injuries with dead blood;

•

Patients may also have numbness of the fingers or arm because the shoulder is blocked.

R Chi: Taiyang pulse It is a big and long pulse. Straight, thick, expanding, and forceful on all three levels. It extends proximally to the Chi position. Cun and Guan can be soft and normal, but R Chi can be big and thick. Indications: •

Urinary dysfunctions: UTI, burning urination, Kidney infection or failure.

•

Cystitis and bleeding in urine

R Chi: Du pulse This forceful, thick, straight pulse that extends proximally to the Chi position, approximately up 1/2 of the forearm. You will find it slightly deeper than the previous Taiyang pulse. This pulse is typical for neck pain, stiffness and upper body aches and pain. If both Chi has Du pulse, it indicates big Kidney and Liver Fire. It is a pulse for environmental toxins, heavy metal poisoning or multi-chemical sensitivities. R Chi: Yinqiao This pulse is similar to the Du pulse, but deeper and even more wiry and tight. This pulse indicates severe constriction conditions and is typical for bone spurs or disk problems of the neck and shoulder area. Other indications: •

Haemorrhoids; constipation

•

Skin allergy – eczema, rash, lesions

•

Poor peripheral circulation from constriction

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LEFT CUN Heart / Small Intestine L Cun: Normal pulse Dr. Chang called the normal pulse ‘Hook’, because it is a pulse where the Cun position is higher or more superficial than the Guan and Chi. L Cun: Reverse hook pulse Sometimes you will find that the pulse on the Chi position is higher (more superficial) than Guan and Cun positions. We call this pulse ‘the Reverse hook’. It’s indicative of long-term emotional imbalance, nervousness or a frightened state. It is distinctive for people who had experience of real danger or lifethreatening events: fireman, war veteran, etc. The Reverse hook pulse shows that the adrenaline is too active or exhausted from past frightening situations. L Cun: Small pulse Small pulse is thin, weak and disappears upon pressure. Indications: •

Heart blood deficiency: poor memory, poor concentration

•

ADD: overactive, can’t concentrate

L Cun: Gu pulse This pulse may reveal itself on all positions on both arms. The amplitude of this pulse is high, but without heat symptoms. It shows heart valve problems – mitral valve regurgitation, stenosis. People with this pulse will have shortness of breath or chest pain, may feel dizzy often. L Cun: Rainbow pulse This pulse is called Rainbow because it has a long convex shape and it extends distally beyond the Cun position. If you feel this pulse on the surface, it may indicate the inflammatory process in SI, such as enteritis, food poisoning, colitis.

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L Cun: Scattered pulse The Scattered pulse on L Cun is an indication for heart murmurs or vessel blockage. It also shows an excess of fluids in the pericardium. Sometimes it appears on the L Cun when people are having cold and their sinuses are blocked. L Cun: Deep and Weak pulse Comparing to the previous Scattered pulse, you will feel the borders of a thin week straw when palpating. The presence of this pulse indicates a heart pathology and may lead to congestive heart failure. It may also result in ankle edema or blood stasis. PULSES IN THE AREA OF L CUN •

Mitral Valve pulse (Shen)

•

Yang Wei pulse (Chang)

•

Yin Wei pulse (Chang)

•

Large Vessel pulse (Shen)

These pulses, in my opinion, require some special attention as they are situated very close to each other. In spite of the fact that they are all located next to each other, they show different health pathologies. To distinguish them better, I would strongly recommend visiting our online course of pulse diagnostics or visit similar courses of Dr. Jimmy Chang on Youtube or Elotus website. This book gives you an introduction to pulse diagnostics and we are not able to describe all the peculiar pulses. Mitral Valve pulse (according to Shen) You can find this pulse on the top of the abductor policis longus tendon. This pulse accurately shows any signs of mitral valve murmurs or regurgitations related to the mitral valve. If the mitral valve works well then you will not be able to feel this pulse. The presence of this pulse can indicate both chronic and temporary problems of mitral valve, which can often be related to stress. 31

Yang-Wei pulse As I mentioned earlier, you may find this pulse distal to the Cun position, in the very corner of the Extensor policis brevis tendon and Scaphoid bone. It indicates knee and ankle joint arthritis. Yin-Wei pulse You can find this pulse close to Flexor carpi radialis tendon. It indicates a temporary emotional disbalance, nervousness or inherited heart risk factors. Large Vessel pulse (according to Shen) This pulse is situated slightly distal to Yin-Wei pulse. It indicates aortic valve problems.

LEFT GUAN Liver /Gall Bladder L Guan: Normal pulse The pulse on the left Guan is considered ‘normal’ if it situated on the middle level, is relatively strong, soft and slightly wiry. This is a very important concept. I heard many times from different sources the concept that if the Liv pulse is wiry, then it is pathological. This is not entirely correct. According to the system of Dr. Chang, a healthy L Guan MUST be slightly wiry. If the Liver pulse is NOT wiry, then it shows some liver pathology. According to TCM, Liver and Gall Bladder are related to Wind by its nature, therefore the presence of Wind in the pulse is natural and indicates a healthy organ. L Guan: Wiry, Forceful, and Deep If the pulse in the left Guan is Wiry (tight and straight), strong and you can find it only if you press the finger deep down, this indicates Liver organ function disorders; this can be hepatitis or elevated Liver enzymes. L Guan: Concave and Deep ‘Concave’ is the pulse that is curved downward. You can feel its curvature along the sides and bottom. You may also feel it scattered or dispersed. The rebound of this pulse is low.

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Indications: •

Fatty Liver

•

Emotional conditions – anxiety, depression, irritability

•

Dampness in the Liver and GB channel; Meniere’s, vertigo (esp. in middle age women)

•

If this pulse is forceful, it indicates Damp Heat.

L Guan: Bird’s beak / Pen tip pulse This is a Convex-shaped pulse that is approximately 0.1cm in length. It usually appears concave and deep. When you press the finger down towards the bone, you may feel it pointy, like the tip of a ballpoint pen. It is usually hard to touch and cannot be pushed away with pressure. This pulse indicates Gallstones. If the ‘pen tip’ is not as hard and you can feel some softness, it indicates sludge in the Gallbladder.

L CHI Kidney / Genital - Reproductive system L Chi: Normal pulse Normal pulse of L Chi is palpated on a Deep level, the same as R Chi. It should not feel week and must rebound when pressed.

L Chi: Deep and Small pulse Small pulse is thin and weak, dissapearing upon pressure. Indications: •

Infertility

•

Low libido

•

Impotence

L Chi: Bird’s beak/Pen tip pulse Indicates Kidney stones in the left ureter

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L Chi: Turtle pulse Indicative for back and lower body pain, stiffness, soft tissue damage. If it is continued proximally as a thin, forceful, wiry ‘tail’, extending from the Turtle, it indicates bone spurs and disk problems of lower back. L Chi: Scattered pulse This is a pulse which border is difficult to perceive Indications: •

Blood stasis from old injuries

•

Lower back pain

•

Lower abdominal surgery, abortion, C-section, hysterectomy

•

Vasectomy

L Chi: Superficial and Thin This pulse can be strong or weak. If it is superficial and weak, it will indicate Yin and Blood deficiency. If it is superficial and strong, it will signify Heat deficiency. L Chi: Taiyang pulse Big and long pulse. It will be felt as straight, thick, expanding, and forceful on all three levels and will extend proximally to the Chi position. Indications: •

Reproductive dysfunctions

•

Inflammation in lower abdomen

L Chi: Du pulse It is a forceful, thick, straight pulse that extends proximally to the Chi position, approximately up to 1/2 of the forearm. It indicates back pain, stiffness, strain, or sprain in the lower back area.

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L Chi: Ren pulse Ren pulse is palpated very deep, extremely close to the bone. It feels as if touching an acupuncture needle, which is laying flat on a table, with the tip of your finger. Indications: •

Endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts, small fibroids uterine prolapse fibroids,

•

Gynaecological conditions

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\ Part 2 The Balance Method for Zang Fu disorders or the ‘Global Balance’

The Balance Method consists of two main parts: the ‘Local Balance’ and ‘Global Balance’. The Local Balance was designated for treating local symptoms only, such as pain, numbness, burning and stiffness, whilst the Global Balance method treats systemic diseases. For example, imbalance of the gastrointestinal tract, problems in the field of gynaecology, immune system disorders and other diseases of a general nature, are all treated via the Global Balance. The majority of my patients come for acupuncture seeking help for pain, however most of them have general health complaints such as, for example, digestive or heart problems. Luckily the Balance Method easily combines local pain treatments and general health. Despite the differences in approach, the Local and Global Balance are based on the same Three Step rule.

Step 1. Determining the affected meridian or meridians. Step 2. Determining the meridians that will balance the “sick” meridian according to the rule of the six systems of the Balance Method. Step 3. Determining the needling points using the Mirror and Image correspondence systems.

However, to follow the rules of the Global Balance, two important criteria must be considered: •

Dynamic balance

•

Static balance

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1. Dynamic balance The First Law of Thermodynamics says that energy can be changed from one form to another. Newton’s first law of motion declares that the body continues in its state of constant velocity. One of the fundamental laws of the Universe is the law of constant movement. The day changes to night and summer moves to autumn; where there is no movement – there is death. In the Global Balance we apply this universal law to the acupuncture treatment, assuming that the human body is a reflection of the Universe. If we follow the rule of Dynamic balance, then by choosing to needle the meridians of Yin and Yang, we must follow the law of Tai Ji: Yin changes to Yang, Yang changes to Yin. Through this, the diversity of life is formed. Therefore, the channels for needling should alternate on each limb following the dynamic rule Yin - Yang - Yin - Yang.

I Right arm

Left arm II

Yang

Yin

Yin

Yang

IV Right leg

Left LEG III

I Right arm

Left arm II

Yin

Yang

Yang

Yin

IV Right leg

Left leg III

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For example, if Yang Ming (LI and ST) and Tai Yin (LU and SP), were selected for acupuncture, then the squares will be as follows:

2. Static balance Dynamic balance represents constant movement and change of energy. However, for any movement we need a solid foundation. For Dynamic balance we look for a stable structure with meridians interconnected between each other. The static criteria in the Balance Method is based on four main structures, A, B, C and D.

A

B

C

D

The line connecting the two segments means that the meridians selected for acupuncture located in these segments balance each other according to one of the five systems of the Balance Method. To follow the rule of Static balance, four meridians (one on each limb) that are interconnected in any of the five systems can be selected for needling. Structure A I

II

Right arm

Left arm

IV

III

Right Leg

Left leg

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In structure A, a line connects segments I and III; II and IV; I and II; III and IV. This means that the meridians selected for therapy and that satisfy structure A must be balanced between segments I and III; II and IV; I and II; III and IV according to one of the five systems of the Balance Method. Example: SI

HT

KI

BL

I

II

Right arm

Left arm

IV

III

Right Leg

Left leg

Segments I and III: HT and KI are balanced according to System 2. Segments II and IV: SI and BL are balanced according to System 1. Segments I and II: HT and SI are balanced according to System 3. Segments III and IV: KI and BL are balanced according to System 3. Structure B

I

II

Right arm

Left arm

IV

III

Right Leg

Left leg

In structure B, a line connects segments I and III; II and IV; I and IV; II and III. As already noted, the selected meridians in structure B must be balanced between the above segments. Example:

LI

PC

KI

ST

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Structure C

I

II

Right arm

Left arm

IV

III

Right leg

Left leg

In structure C, the line connects segments I and II; II and III; III and IV; IV and I. The selected meridians in structure C must be balanced horizontally and vertically.

TE

PC

SP

ST

Structure D

I

II

Right arm

Left arm

IV

III

Right leg

Left leg

Structure D is considered the most complex, it means that the meridians selected for therapy are balanced as harmoniously as possible. One example of such a perfect balance is Dr. Tan’s famous combination ‘8 + 1’.

LI, TE

LU, PC, HT

SP, LR

ST, GB

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Relationships of meridians within patterns •

Vertical lines are related to systems - 2 & 4

•

Horizontal lines are related to system - 3

•

Diagonal lines are related to systems – 1 & 5

Working method As noted earlier, the Local and Global Balance methods are based on the Three Step rule. The Three-Step Rule in the Global Balance is somewhat different from the Three-Step Rule of the Local Balance due to the emergence of new evaluation criteria. Step 1 Determining ‘sick’ meridians via: •

Pulse diagnosis;

•

Ear diagnosis;

•

Palpation of the problematic area and general inspection;

•

Palpation of meridians (definition of more painful meridians);

•

Changes in colour, skin structure, swelling, etc;

•

Tongue diagnosis, inspection of smell and voice etc.

Step 2 Determining the meridians that will balance the ‘sick’ meridian using the Balance Method patterns, taking into account balance in Statics and Dynamics. Step 3 Determining needling points using approaches: •

Correspondence ‘Mirror’ and ‘Image’;

•

A-shi points;

•

Conversion of Bagua meridians;

•

Seasonal Balance method;

•

The Five Elements method

It is very important to emphasise that whilst using the Global Balance, we must focus on the meridian pathways rather than the organ. For example, if a patient indicates pain in the upper

41

part of the diaphragm, instead of thinking that it is a heart problem, the Balance Method practitioner would detect the meridian that goes through the diaphragm. In this case it will be the Stomach and Kidney meridian. In case of chronic sinusitis, for example, we will focus on the Stomach meridian which travels via sinuses rather than the general TCM concept of Lung Qi deficiency etc.

Patterns of the Global Balance method 1. Pattern Tai Yin - Yang Ming Sinusitis, stuffy noses and colds can be treated using the Local Balance. However, if we would like to bring the whole system into a state of balance and harmony and at the same time balance the local points, we have to apply the Global Balance.

LI

LU

SP

ST

This pattern treats problems caused by the imbalance of the Tai Yin and Yang Ming meridians. Dr. Tan used to say that this pattern treats diseases ‘from mouth to anus’. In other words, it treats any discomfort between two branches of SP meridian. Symptoms of Tai Yin – Yang Ming imbalance: •

diseases of the upper respiratory tract, colds, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, asthma, bronchitis, sinus pain, sinusitis;

•

problems of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, overweight, digestive problems, metabolism, tumours, irritable bowel syndrome (the reason is not so much emotional as physiological);

•

problems with the urinary bladder, problems in gynaecology, infertility.

Pulse: •

R Cun and R Guan are pulses with a pronounced pathology compared to other pulses. 42

Now it is important to incorporate the Three Step Rule of the Global Balance to design the treatment. •

Step 1: Sick Meridians - LI and ST.

•

Step 2: Balancing Meridians - LU and SP (Structure A).

•

Step 3: Determine the points on the meridians for needling.

In this case, we will determine the points of influence using the correspondences “Mirror” and “Image” and the A-shi points. Some auxiliary correspondence points for allergies & upper respiratory problems: Eye

LI11

ST35

Nose, sinus

LU5 – LU6

Nose

Little grove between St 35 & St 36

Throat

LU9 - LU7, LI5

Light

LU5.5 – LU6.5

Nipple

LI7.5

Nasal congestion

LU9.5

Cough

PC6, LI5.5 – 6.5

Tonsils

LU9.2

ST41, SP5 ST40

Example. Sinusitis, stuffy nose, colds

LI4

LU7 or LU9.5

SP9

ST36

Depending on the symptoms, you can choose any points related to the condition. For example, if the patient complains about teary eyes, you may additionally needle ST35 on the L leg.

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Meridian conversion In the case of whole body sickness or, conversely, if there are too many A-shi points on one meridian (the whole meridian is sick), we can choose a Meridian Conversion. In this manual we do not give a detailed description of the Meridian Conversion approach. The Meridian Conversion method of needling is based on Bagua principles and will be presented in the next manual of the Advanced Balance Method. Nevertheless, we would like to present some patterns of Meridian Conversion here because it would be a shame not to. This is because they are truly effective, and it would be great if you could start using them instantly. Meridian conversion of Tai Yin – Yang Ming

LI 3, 11

LU 5, 9

SP 3, 9

ST 43, 36

You can use this pattern to treat any problems associated with the imbalance of LU, LI, ST and SP meridians, such as common cold, IBS, general tiredness with SP Qi deficiency, sinusitis with flu symptoms, etc. For Meridian Conversion, you must ensure there is a whole-body sickness present and not otherwise. This Meridian Conversion pattern can also be used, for example, for condition such as haemorrhoids. With haemorrhoids, varicose veins and inflammation of the hemorrhoidal veins occur. This often happens because there is a stagnation and/or inflammation in the rectum, which indicates, according to the Chinese Medicine diagnosis, a lack of Qi in the Large Intestine. To treat the Large Intestine (the “Metal” element - LU and LI) and the rectum, we need to increase the influence of the “Earth” (ST and SP) element. For this, it is necessary to balance the entire Tai Yin – Yang Ming system and apply local points to cure, for example, polyps in

44

LI or hemorrhoidal nodes in the anus. To do this, correctly determine the points for needling using the “Image” projection: for example, the points in the LU5 area treat the anus. Also, for the treatment of haemorrhoids, you can add a combination of “Dragon Eye” - eight needles are placed around the belly button at a distance of 1-2 Сun from the centre (See the location of the ‘Dragon Eye’ combination in the Online Global Balance course Lesson 13). Swapping patterns It is important to understand the mechanism of the acupuncture process. We have already discussed this issue earlier in the ‘Local Balance’ chapter. In this particular case, by needling distal points related to LI, we initiate and restore the blood circulation in the LI area. According to Chinese Medicine rules, whenever there is stagnation or lack of blood circulation – there will be phlegm/spasms and/or inflammation. The chosen pattern has to be swapped from therapy to therapy. For example: 1st treatment LI4

LU7

SP9

ST36

2nd treatment LU7

LI4

ST36

SP9

Depending on the symptoms, the Tai Yin - Yang Ming pattern can be changed to Jue Yin Yang Ming or PC / KI Yang Ming (see below).

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2. Pattern Jue Yin – Yang Ming

LI

PC

LR

ST

This pattern treats problems caused by the imbalance of Jue Yin and Yang Ming meridians. Symptoms of Jue Yin – Yang Ming imbalance: •

problems of the gastrointestinal tract associated with emotional stress (Liver invades Stomach), colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, a condition where an imbalance of the Liver causes disturbances in the Spleen and Stomach;

•

allergy, emotional illness, insomnia (waking up few times during the night and coming back to sleep after being awake), restless legs syndrome;

•

respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract;

•

restlessness, neuroticism, hurriedness, checking the time frequently, irritability (not vicious).

Pulse: •

both R Cun and R Guan pulses have a pronounced pathology related to either respiratory or digestive issues;

•

L Guan is out of balance: either too strong, convex or too wiry, or L Guan may be represented by other abnormal pulses.

Example: Irritable bowel syndrome 36-year-old woman. Bloatedness, occasional pains in intestinal area, irritability, stress at work. Sides of tongue are reddish; pulses are weak and slightly scattered. L Guan is tight, strong and superficial, L & R Cuns are low, R Guan is weak. Discussion: The Yang Ming and digestive system have to be tonified. Liver has to be pacified and balanced. We can balance the Liver meridian by needling the Pericardium channel. The Pericardium will treat the digestive system (one can use A-shi points instead of PE6) and calm the heart.

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LI4 or LI11

PC6

LR8

ST 36, 37, 38

Treatment of the deficient condition. General use formula LI 4

PC 6

LR 3

ST 36

If symptoms such as heartburn are present, the position between R Cun and R Guan will appear as a ‘Turtle pulse’. In this case, R Guan can also be pounding and strong (which means that ST is in excess). In this situation, I recommend either avoiding needling ST 36 for the first few treatments or until the ST heat subsides, and use ST 43, or ST 43 together with ST44 or ST 45. In case of gastritis or pains in the gastrointestinal area, I would suggest including PC A-shi points into the treatment. PC A-shi points will treat the gastrointestinal tract (refer to the Local Balance Course). You may need 5-6 treatments twice a week to cure the acute stage of gastritis and then follow once a week for about 2 months.

LI 4

PC A-shi

LR 3

ST 43 (44, 45)

If L Guan is too active, you may choose some additional points to needle the LI channel, such as LV5 and LV8. By needling the line LV 3 – Liv 5 – Liv 8 you will create ‘Ma’ – the concept that embraces the whole meridian.

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Meridian Conversion

LI 1, 4

PC 6, 9

LR 1, 4

ST 42, 45

Allergy For an allergy caused by Liver Wind or hay fever, you may choose the Meridian Conversion or the general use formula for deficient conditions. You can also use this treatment to prevent hay fever before it occurs. For this, start the treatment two weeks before the spring begins. For general cold prevention, you may use Tai Yin – Yang Ming pattern. You may choose the Meridian Conversion or strengthening system treatment depending on the present condition of the patient. One or two preventive treatments are usually enough.

3. Pattern PC / KI Yan-Ming or Dr. Tan’s Four Magic Meridians

LI

PC

KI

ST

If the previous pattern was a pattern of excess (Liver pathology is usually characterized by this condition), then the PC / KI – Yang Ming refers to deficiency. This pattern treats problems caused by the imbalance of Foot Shao Yin and Yang Ming meridians. It is known by the name ‘Four Magic Meridians of Dr. Tan’ as it is very effective in treating any discomfort in the area between two branches of the ST meridian on the trunk. Dr. Tan also called this pattern ‘narrow front’ because it works within the ST meridian borders and, in comparison with Tai Yin – Yang Ming pattern, which works between two branches of

48

SP, is narrower. This treatment often relates to the problems of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, cardio-vascular and gynaecological problems. Often it is applied when the patient complains of tiredness. We can use this pattern for any problems of the gastrointestinal tract and/or respiratory diseases associated with fatigue. Pulse: •

L Chi, options: deep, deep and small, scattered, weak or superficial pulse;

•

L Proximal, options: Taiyang, Ren pulse;

•

R Guan: deviation from the norm, either weak, scattered, strong or concave;

•

R Cun: possible deviation from the norm.

Example: Asthma (This example can also be used for headaches caused by problems in the sinuses.) Pulse: •

R Yang Wei is short or thin and dense;

•

L Chi - deep and small, shapeless or weak.

LI 6

PC 6

KI 2, 4, 7

ST 40

Example: Chest pain between the branches of the Meridian of the Stomach Heart problems are possible. 1

2

3

4

5

ST

LI

PC

SP

PC

LI

KI

HT

TE

BL

LI

PC

As can be seen from the Matrix analysis table, the Pericardium channel balances both the Stomach and Kidney meridians.

49

After applying the “Image” projection, we select needling points on the meridians PC, LI, ST and KI.

LI 3

PC 6

KI 1

ST 40.5 А-shi

•

ST40.5 corresponds to the level of the chest.

•

KI1 is one of the most effective point for treating heart diseases (the KI meridian balances the HT meridian by System 2).

•

You can also add SP6 as an additional point - (SP meridian balances HT meridian according to System 5).

Example: Gynaecological problems, menstrual pain, bladder problems. Woman, 35 years, complained of palpitations, as well as heartburn which goes to the throat which makes her cough. She also suffers from menstrual cramps and frequent urination. Last year doctors found a cyst in her uterus, which may cause infertility. •

Step 1: KD & ST meridians are out of balance

•

Step 2: Balancing pattern is PC / Kid - Yang Ming

•

Points: A-shi + P 7.2 or Meridian conversion

Therapy: LI 4.5

PC 7.2

KI 7-8-9 А

ST 40.5

PC 7.2 is a famous point for gynaecological disorders and uses the hand image of Korean acupuncture. You can needle this point for menstrual pain, any diseases related to uterus and/or Urinary bladder as well as for lower abdomen pain. It is a very important point for Interstitial 50

Cystitis, and you can needle it for any chronic bladder issue or pain and pressure in the bladder area. For abdominal pains you can also add HE8 as the Heart meridian balances both SP and KI channels in the intestinal area. Example: Acute cystitis. Woman 27 years old. Main complaint: a strong, persistent urge to urinate. She passes frequently, small amount of urine accompanied by burning pains and discomfort in pelvic area and urinary bladder. The painful sensation in the urinary bladder as well as the frequency of her urination subsidised significantly after the 1st treatment. There were 5 follow up acupuncture treatments twice a day, and thereafter every second day. The following week the treatment frequency was reduced to two therapies per week. Patient received 10 treatments and was discharged with no symptoms of urinary bladder discomfort. Meridian Conversion Pe / Kid – Yang Ming

LI 1, 4

PC 6, 9

KID 1, 4

ST 42, 45

Difference between Yang Ming patterns All three Yang-Ming patterns (mentioned above): Tai Yin – Yang Ming, Jue Yin – Yang Ming, PC / KI – Yang Ming, treat gastrointestinal tract problems and respiratory diseases. The main difference between these three is that Tai Yin – Yang Ming pattern is for more general use as well as being the basic pattern for treating children. Jue Yin – Yang Ming is chosen when the Liver is involved, and PC / KI – Yang Ming is applied when symptoms of tiredness accompany either digestive, respiratory or gynaecological problems. If the patient is neither tired nor tight, then we suggest to use Tai Yin - Yang Ming pattern.

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Merging patterns Jue Yin – Yang Ming and PE / KI Yang Ming If the pulses on L Guan are too wiry, thin, and/or tight and, at the same time, L Chi is deep and small, shapeless or weak, or there are proximal Taiyang and Ren pulses (problems in gynaecology), you can combine Jue Yin -Yang Ming and PC / KI – Yang Ming patterns. (watch Lesson 9 of the Online global Balance course) General health treatment: merging Jue Yin – Yang Ming and PC / Kid Yang Ming for deficient conditions. Example: Woman 33 years old, symptoms of vitiligo, catching colds very often, psychological issues: worrier, disturbed sleep by waking up at night. Overall pulses are weak and wiry.

LI 4

PC 6

LR 3, KI 7

ST 36

•

If severe fatigue is present, use a combination of KI 2, 4, 7.

•

If there are pains in the stomach area and R Guan pulses are wiry and strong, needle ST 43. You can add ST 44 and/or ST 45 depending on the severity of the condition.

•

If R Guan is pounding (high amplitude) but weak, needle both St 36 and St 43.

•

If LIV pulses are too active, tight, or too wiry, you may choose to needle LIV3 and LIV8(T), or LIV 3, 5, 8 is a good combination to enhance LIV Yin and calm the condition.

Meridian Conversion treatment: merging Jue Yin – Yang Ming and PC / KI Yang Ming

LI 1, 4

PC 6, 9

LR 1, 4

ST 42, 45

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Combination of Global Balance patterns with local points. The general rule for the Global Balance is to always treat local symptoms first, and only then add the Global Balance pattern. Please remember that when adding the pattern, do not conflate the Yin and Yang channels, always follow the sequence Yin – Yang – Yin – Yang from one limb to another. Headache There are many strategies to treat headaches caused by an imbalance of the Gallbladder meridian. If there are symptoms of SP/ST deficiency or respiratory disease, you can use the Jue Yin – Yang Ming pattern for headaches and migraines, using relevant points on the Liver meridian to treat it. Example: CC Headaches and bloatedness with loose stools A patient complains of a left side temple headache and also some general health issues such as bloatedness, discomfort in the intestinal area, occasional loose stools and mood swings. Sleep is not good and complains of waking up several times during the night. R Guan is weak, L Guan is superficial and tight. Explanation: The first aim is to treat the headache. The channels involved are GB, SJ and possibly SI. Needling LR3 towards KI1 on the right foot will treat the temple headache. If the pain persists, you can also add GB41-42 A-shi if needed or any other relevant points. When headache subsidises, you can add the general health pattern. As the symptoms suggest strengthening Yang Ming, I would recommend the sequence LI4 – PC6 – ST36 – LV3

LI 4

PC 6

LR 3, KD 1

GB 41A, ST 36

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4. Pattern ST – SP – TE – PC

TE

PC

SP

ST

This pattern can be used for fluid retention or edema. Excessive dampness is usually caused by: •

Weak Earth (Stomach & Spleen) - R Guan weak & small or deep, pulses with low amplitude.

•

Deficient Shao Yin (KD – HE) – L Chi is weak.

•

Both of the aforementioned conditions

We can apply this pattern for both weak Earth and Deficient Shao Yin. If Shao Yin is deficient, the ankles may appear swollen, so fluid retention is caused by a heart condition. In this case you can modify this pattern by needling additional points on Kid meridian such as KD1 and add LI 3 to improve the blood circulation in the chest area.

TE 5, LI3

PC6

SP9, KD1

ST40.5

Hiatus hernia

TE 5 (А)

PC 6 (А)

SP 9 (А)

ST 36 (А)

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Meridian Conversion TE1, 4

PC 6, 9

SP 1, 4

ST 42, 45

5. Pattern Jue Yin - Shao Yang Wood Imbalance This pattern treats problems caused by the disbalance of the Liver and Gall Bladder. One of the keys to choosing the Jue Yin – Shao Yang pattern is the presence of Internal Wind.

TE

PC

LR

GB

Symptoms: The problem (pains, numbness, etc.) along the Gallbladder meridian (laterally) is a Shao Yang disharmony: temporal headache, tension in GB 20–21, problems in the temporomandibular joint, pain in the ribs, shoulder girdle, lower back ( lateral), sciatica (lateral thigh), groin pain, etc., is caused by LR / GB imbalance, interosseous neuralgia, severe emotional stress (anger), mental problems associated with the state of "excess". Other related symptoms are sleep disorders, emotional stress, frustration, body tightness, intercostal neuralgia, lateral rib discomfort, headaches (laterally & above eyes), blue/green vein on temple area, testicular pain, haemorrhoids, depression, bipolar tendency, mental problems due to excess, long term fibromyalgia or infertility. Psych: Patient can be uptight, rigid, resentful, short tempered, argumentative, things have to be done in a certain way and are upset if not, controlling. Can be a drinker, a worrier.

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Pulses: •

Shao Yang pulse;

•

L Guan is strong, can be superficial;

•

L Guan is convex strong, or wiry strong.

Tongue: •

The sides of the tongue are red. The tongue can deviate to the side.

In case of local problems along the meridians LR and GB, the pulses may differ from the above. In this case, I recommend to rely on the local symptoms (for example, intercostal neuralgia, pain in the area of GB23 - GB25) when choosing this pattern. Emotional problems will be taken care of with this treatment. If a person easily becomes angry, choose Jue Yin - Shao Yang.

Meridian Conversion TE 3,10

PC 3,7

LR 3, 8T

GB 34T, 41

Some examples of points: •

PC7 and / or PC3 treat problems in the temporomandibular joint and in the thigh.

•

PC also cleanses the fever and eliminates liver stagnation.

•

GB31 & GB 41- treats headaches on the GB meridian.

Needling the Triple Heater (TE) is effective in alleviating the symptoms of Gall Bladder imbalance. It is commonly accepted that TE5 can be used to reduce the symptoms of Liver Heat. By understanding the Balance Method and the underlying connection between the meridians, we may gain understanding in the therapeutic effect of TE. TE does not balance LIV channel directly. However, TE will balance GB and PC, which indirectly will affect the Liver.

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If there are any neck/shoulder problems, you may additionally needle H7 and HT 3 A-shi to treat tension and pain in the neck. For pain in the eyes, you may choose to needle HT3 and HT7. For jaw problems use PC 7 or PC 3. Treatment of lazy eye, shaking eye, Glaucoma, itchy eyes Meridians involved: SJ, ST, Bl, GB

TE 10

PC 3

LR 8, KID 10, SP 9

GB 33, ST 35

To increase effectiveness of the therapy: •

Insert two needles from both sides of a tendon on the level of TE 10.

•

Zhu Yuan - needle right into the 1st joint of the thumb on both sides of the joint, this point is a reflection point for the eyes.

•

Gb 20 bilaterally (needle in the direction of the opposite eye)

•

You can also needle ear acupuncture points for eyes.

I usually give general advice to my patients to not use the computer too long or alternatively, closing the eyes for 10 sec whilst using the computer. Try not to use the computer for reading. If the patient does not have eye symptoms it is not necessary to needle the eye points. This general rule can be applied to everything. For example, if patient does not have throat symptoms – no need to needle throat points. In general, do not needle additional points without obvious reason.

Bipolar disorder (excess condition) Everybody has their highs and lows, however with bipolar disorder or manic depression, these highs and lows can be considerably greater. Bipolar disorder generates incredible mood, energy and behaviour shifts. From dancing around happy to crying in bed depressed, it can quickly shift from one extreme to the other. The disorder can last for years, months, weeks or days.

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If there are symptoms of manic depression, add points on the Heart Meridian (HT).

TE 3, 10

PC 3, 7 HT 3, 7

LR 3, 8T

GB 34T, 41

Dr. Tan's 8 + 1 Magic Points Pattern This pattern treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Tan used to say that this pattern treats ANY digestive problems! Symptoms: nausea (also during pregnancy), any problems of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn, vomiting, overweight, slow metabolism, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, stomach ulcer, hangover, etc.

LI4 TE5

LU7 PC6 HT5

SP9 LR8 (T)

ST36 GB34 (T)

For pregnant women, you may choose to replace LI4 with LI3. Note that the 8 + 1 pattern is applicable for the treatment of almost any diseases of the digestive system. As a result of this, it is not possible to indicate all possible pulse options for using this combination. The 8 + 1 pattern is also very effective for treating Dampness or Blood Stasis. In this case, all the pulses will be deep, shapeless and have a low amplitude. In the case of Damp Heat, they will be deep and pounding. If L Cun is deep and weak or scattered, you may add SI3 to stimulate heart function. In case of presense of any Heat symptoms (fever, hot flashes, lower grade fever) SI1 can be needled to reduce the body temperature.

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6. Shao Yin - Shao Yang Imbalance between Metal and Earth

TE

HT

KI

GB

This combination is very popular for people suffering with fatigue or mental / emotional problems due to deficiency. The key feature is that people who fit this pattern are very tight and deficient. Some accompanied symptoms: alternating cold and heat, activity and fatigue, insomnia, feeling of severe tiredness, depressed state, lack of motivation, body tension. Psychological symptoms include depression and sadness. Pulse: •

L Guan concave, weak and/or scattered;

•

L Chi - weak and small; scattered;

•

Reverse hook pulse.

HT 3, 7

TE 3, 10

GB 34T, 41

KI 3, 10

One of the main futures of this pattern is the concave and weak L guan and weak, small and/or scattered L Chi. So, if the patient’s main complaint is fatigue, and both L Guan and L Chi are weak and the most pathological pulses – then the Shao Yin – Shao Yang pattern (Meridian Conversion) would be the best choice. By knowing pulse diagnostics, it is very easy to distinguish this pattern from another Shao Yang pattern which is Jue Yin – Shao Yang. Jue Yin – Shao Yang pattern’s feature is a strong and pounding Liver pulse. People that belong to this pattern can be tired because of their 59

emotional expression. The next stage of emotional tiredness of Jue Yin – Shao Yang is the physical exhaustion of Shao Yin – Shao Yang. The application of Shao Yin – Shao Yang pattern brings energy. Most people feel much stronger and happier straight after the session. Comparison of patterns Jue Yin – Yang Ming, Jue Yin – Shao Yang and Shao Yin – Shao Yang.

Pulse L Guan

Pulse R Guan

Jue Yin – Yang Ming

Jue Yin – Shao Yang

Shao Yin – Shao Yang.

Wiry, weak, strong –

Strong convex or wiry,

Weak, or weak and

deviated from normal

Shao Yang pulse

concave, or scattered

Too wiry, weak or strong

Any

Any

Any

L Chi – weak, small or

– deviated from normal Pulse L Chi

Any. Often high with reverse hook pulse

Main

scattered

Digestion/respiratory

complaint

Emotional

Physical/emotional

stress/digestive

tiredness/stress

7. Hormonal Imbalance Pattern (Female) SP / HT - Shao-Yang

TE

HT

SP

GB

The main feature of this pattern is the imbalance of the Shao Yang meridian and pathologies, associated with the disbalance of the Heart and Spleen. We use this pattern to balance the endocrine system.

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Symptoms: irregular bleeding, bloating, digestive bloating, breast enlargement, watery retention, mood swings, sleeping disorders, forgetfulness, birth control, fertility, menopause, insomnia. These symptoms relate to Spleen in TCM. Explanation: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, an imbalance of the Spleen is accompanied by symptoms such as irregular menstruation, bloating, enlargement of the mammary glands, water retention in tissues, problems with conception, menopause. These symptoms are referred to as hormonal disorders by conventional medicine. The Spleen, according to the theory, produces blood and transfers blood to the Liver. If the activity of the Spleen is weakened, this can manifest itself in a deficiency of blood. This may affect the function of the Heart, the appearance of Wind, the rise of an uncontrolled Yang, and the functioning of the whole system. The Spleen is also associated with water metabolism and with TE (SJ) through System 4. One of the functions of the Triple Heater (TE) is water metabolism, i.e. fluid movement in the body, and this is directly related to Kidney Yang. The Triple Heater (TE) is connected to the Kidney Meridian (KI) in System 2. * Dysfunctions of the Spleen lead to water retention in the tissues. SP = Dampness, TE = Water Metabolism. In case of excess of Dampness, TE should be stimulated. Pulse: It is not possible to indicate all possible pulses for this pattern. Nevertheless, I advise you to pay attention to the pathology of the pulse upon palpation of R Guan, L Cun and L Guan. Taiyang proximal pulses on both sides may be also present. Meridian Conversion TE 1, 4

HT 3, 7

SP 1, 4

GB 34T, 41

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Hot flashes with menopause Hot flashes are usually the consequence of hormonal imbalance. In this case we take into consideration the meridians KI, SP and TE in this pattern. SI1 will help reduce heat. It is permissible to add points of the Kidney meridian if L Chi is weak. TE 3, 10

HT 5

SI 1

PC 7.2, 6, 3

SP 6, 7, 9 KI 7

GB 41 GB 34T

Eight Magic Meridians of Dr. Tan. Gynaecological treatment The pattern ‘Eight Magic Meridians of Dr. Tan’ consists of a combination of Jue Yin – Yang Ming and Hormonal Imbalance pattern SP / HT – Shao Yang. This combination treats any gynaecological diseases including fibroids, endometriosis, libido and female infertility.

LI 4.5 TE 5

SP 4, 6, 9

PC 7.2, 6 HT 5

GB 41 ST 36

KI 7

Acupuncture points: • PC 7.2 – reflective point for Uterus; • PC 6 - Luo point, Yin Wei Mai Master point, used for abdomen, chest, heart palpitations; • SJ 5 - Luo point, Yang Wei Mai Master point, reflection point for low abdomen; • LI 4.5 – reflective point for Lower Back, pelvis & Uterus • SP 6 – reflective point for uterus and heart, • SP 9, 6, 4 - combination covers SP channel, treats Hormonal disbalances & digestive problems 62

• SP 4 - Chong Mai Master point • KID 7 – reflective point for low abdomen; • GB 41 - Dai Mai Master point. Additional combinations: •

Stimulation of childbirth – Ling Gu (LI4.5) + PC7.2.

•

Pain in the lower abdomen - HT8 + P7.2 A.

The course must be interrupted at the beginning of pregnancy. Similar to other patterns, it is recommended to change sides (Yin and Yang) from session to session.

8. Heat Treatment Pattern

SI 3, 8

HT 3, 7

LR 3, 8T

GB 34T, 41

This pattern treats any health problems related to heat and fever. It works fantastically quick in reducing symptoms for any pathologies, resulting in raising the body temperature. It is also good for skin rashes, “Empty Heat” and inflammatory processes, inflammatory diseases accompanied by low-grade fever. In this case, it is recommended to start the session about an hour before the body temperature begins to rise. * If symptoms of "Empty Heat" are present, you may also consider using the "hormonal" pattern. Pulse: •

Excess condition: may be frequent, severe, pulsating everywhere

•

Empty Heat: L Chi is superficial, thin, strong;

•

Other pulse variations are also possible. They are determined by the organ that is the cause of the inflammatory process. 63

According to the Five Elements theory, “Fire” is represented by Small Intestine (SI), therefore, if symptoms of Heat are present, it is recommended to needle the SI points. If another pattern is selected, but there is an element of Heat, it is recommended to needle SI1 or bleed this point.

9. Shao Yin - Tai Yang Imbalance between Water and Fire The Chinese concept of ‘Kidney’ is different from the contemporary ‘medical’ understanding. In TCM, the Kidneys refer to the ‘Gate of Vitality’ or ‘Ming Men’. Chinese medicine sees it as a ‘battery system’ or the energy reserve for the whole body. Therefore the Shao Yin - Tai Yang pattern is related to deficiency problems (acute/chronic/injury/exhaustion) caused by low Kidney energy. It is primarily used when either ‘batteries’ are running low, adrenal exhaustion or chronic fatigue syndrome (caused by Kidney Yang deficiency). People related to this pattern use more energy than put in. This pattern is very efficient in treating problems on the back including whole back pain, pain between scapula, scapula pain, buttock pain, sciatica pain on BL & Kid channels), occipital headache, stiff neck. It is also effective for frontal chest pains alongside the Kid channel. The Kidney is the organ of Water and Fire. Shao Yin - Tai Yang pattern includes two elements of Water and two elements of Fire. As all body functions rely on the heat provided by the Kidney Qi and the Gate of Life, then the Yang element of Kidney will support and provide the functional energy for the Heart. You may reveal the Shao Yin disbalance by taking the pulse: it can be weak or scattered L Cun and weak L Chi. Another pulse characteristic of the Shao Yin disbalance is the ‘Reverse Hook’ pulse. I will not recommend applying Shao Yin - Tai Yang pattern for patients with the ‘Reverse Hook’ pulse because the ‘Reverse Hook’ pulse also indicates a low Yin of Kidneys. Needling BL meridian in this case can bring too much Fire into the system which may result in ‘Hot Flashes’, anxiety or any other Kid Yin deficiency signs. This conception relates to any Tai Yang patterns. As the kidney’s primary function is to store and control ‘jing’ or the ‘essence’, Shao Yin - Tai Yang pattern is also recommended to treat infertility caused by Kid Yang deficiency, for both men and women.

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SI

HT

KI

BL

•

problems associated with Yang deficiency of the Kidneys (chronic fatigue), pain in the neck and back along the Bladder meridian (BL), inflammation of the sciatic nerve (along the BL channel);

•

chest pain along the Kidney Meridian (KI), occipital headache, neck pain;

•

infertility caused by deficiency of Kidney Yang.

Pulse: •

L Chi - small, weak, deep. (if back pain is present, pulse on L Chi can be a “Turtle” (“Hill”) with or without a tail;

•

L Cun – weak or scattered.

Additional points: If there is pain in the lower back - add Ling Gu, Da Bai, Zhong Bai and SI 4 on the opposite side of the pain. Meridian Conversion SI 3, 8

HT 3, 7

KI 3, 10

BL 40, 65

10. Tai Yin - Tai Yang SI

LU

SP

BL

65

•

used for any pain or weakness in the upper back;

•

pulmonary cough (possibly chronic), weak lungs, pulmonary emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

•

pain along the Bladder meridian, tension/pain in the cervical segment of spine, scapula pain.

Pulse: •

R Cun - with a pathology that differs from the “normal” pulse, weak or scattered;

•

R Yang - Wei pulse present;

•

proximal pulses: R Taiyang and Du pulse;

•

other pulses may vary.

Meridian Conversion SI 1, 4

LU 8, 11

SP 3, 9

BL 64, 67

11. LR / LU - Tai Yang SI

LU

LR

BL

This pattern is used in the case of symptoms found in Tai Yin - Tai Yang imbalance. Additionally, Liver meridian will be out of balance, which will be reflected upon palpation of L Guan. Pulse: •

R Yang Wei pulse is present;

•

L Guan: Strong Convex, too Wiry or Tight, can be weak;

•

proximal pulses: R Taiyang and Du pulse;

•

other pulses may vary.

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12. LU / LI – BL / KI Water – Metal imbalance

LI

LU

KID

BL

This is a pattern of Water – Metal imbalance. By using this combination, we stimulate the Metal element, represented by LU and LI, which in turn impowers the Water. We also strongly stimulate the Water element directly by needling KID and BL. This pattern can be used for any pulmonary disorders associated with the disbalance of lungs, breathing difficulties or any other related conditions, related to weak LU. The main feature of this pattern is the weak KI Qi, which can be easily seen via pulses. We can use this pattern to successfully treat male infertility related to Kid deficiency, Kidney problems accompanied by pain in the lower back and for any disorders related to insufficient Kid Yang. Pulse: •

R Cun: weak or scattered;

•

L Chi: “Turtle” with or without a tail (if back pain is present);

•

L Chi: may also be small, weak, deep.

Kidney functional problem with Lower Back Pain

LI4 or Yao-Tong combo

LU 5–6 А

KI 7-8-9 А

BL65 or BL 57–58 А

•

To enhance function of the Kidney organ, use BL 57-58 A-shi. For better results, apply this treatment at least 3 times per week. You may also include the related auricular points to enhance the outcome of the therapy.

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•

If someone is on kidney dialysis: it is hard to treat this condition as ovaries in this case have taken over the kidney function.

Hormonal imbalance pattern (male) The treatment of female hormonal imbalance is based on bringing the Spleen into harmony. The male hormonal system refers to the function of the Liver, since the male sex glands, the testicles, are controlled by the LIV. Jue Yin - Yang Ming pattern covers the narrow frontal area between two branches of the ST meridian and also includes the Wood element. This pattern is proven to be greatly effective in treating male hormonal disfunction such as infertility, lower libido (if related to the excess of the LIV or constriction), physical trauma of penis, disorders of testicles (varicocele, testicle swelling etc). The points corresponding to the testicles are located on the index finger: LI 1–2 A-shi. Points corresponding to the penis are on the middle finger, A-shi points PC9 – PC8 treat penis problems.

LI 1–2 А

PС8 – 9 A

LR 1–2 А

ST 44–45 А

Prostate Disease Pattern Pulse: •

P Chi: "Turtle"; this pulse can be palpated on both sides on R and L Chi.

TE4, SI5, LI 5

KI 2, 4, 7 (or KI 3) LR 4

PC 6, 7, 7.2 HT 7, LU 9 BL 60 GB 40 ST 41

Add BL2 on both sides - the points of the testicles.

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Skin problems treatments Merging Jue Yin - Yang Ming & Tai Yin - Yang Ming

LI

PC, LU

LR, SP

ST

To apply this pattern, it is recommended to use A-shi points. Merging Jue Yin - Shao Yang & Tai Yin - Yang Ming This pattern is used if Internal Wind is present (see Jue Yin – Shao Yang pattern).

TE, LI

PC, LU

SP, LR

ST, GB

Merging Tai Yin - Yang Ming & Heat treatment pattern This treatment is used if Heat problems accompany skin problems.

SI3, 8

HT 3, 7

LI 3, 11

LU 5, 9

SP 3, 9

ST 36, 43

LR 3, 8

GB 34 (T), 41

You can alternate patterns: the first session Tai Yin – Yang Ming; the second session Heat treatment, etc.

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Diet for skin disorders. Do not consume: •

sea food;

•

alcohol;

•

sweets;

•

dairy products;

•

spicy food;

•

coffee (heat from the fact that coffee is a fried product).

•

no smoking (hot smoke is heat).

Insomnia For any pattern, add the extra-meridian points Yin-tan, An-mian (both sides) and the auricular Shen-men on both sides. Table of twelve patterns of Global Balance

* Tripple Heater (TH) = Tripple Energizer (TE) = Tripple Warmer (TW) = San Jiao (SJ) Congratulations dear readers! We have just finished the complete presentation of Global Balance patterns. Dr. Tan used to say that the correct chosen pattern will treat the problem and you will see the results during the treatment. The best way to choose the right pattern, in my opinion, is via pulse diagnostics. I believe that after studying it and watching the videos of the online course you will elevate your clinical efficiency and have great results in treating any Zang Fu disorder.

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References 1. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang, Brinkman, M. Pulsynergy: A Pulse Diagnosis Manual, 1995 2. Chen, Chao. Essence of Acupuncture Therapy As Based on Yi King and Computers / Chao Chen — Taipei: International Acupuncture Congress, 1966. 3. Elotus institute. Pulsynergy 1, 2, 3 https://www.elotus.org/certification/certificationprogram-pulsynergy-1-2-3 4. Handbook of Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis by Hammer, L., Bilton, Eastland Press, Seattle 2012. 5. Tan, R. Acupuncture 1, 2, 3 / Richard Teh-Fu Tan — San Diego, 2007. 6. The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di Nei Jing) New Phoenix Intl Llc; 1st Edition, 2001 7. Twicken, D. I Ching Acupuncture / D. Twicken — London and Philadelphia: Singing Dragon, 2012.

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