James Spears graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 2001. He has studied in five university hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hang-zhou; and studied and practiced in the U.S., Vietnam and Thailand. From 2008-2011, he was approved by the NCCAOM to lead educational tours to China for post-graduates. James has been practicing the Balance Method and Tung style acupuncture since 2004, and has written the book Meridian Circuit Systems. His current research is on Master Tung's points and how they relate to fascial plane anatomy. For more information or to contact him, visit www.ihsociety.com.
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
