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The he -sea points relate to the bowels, which is the area where the Divergent Channels are thought to diverge. The shu -stream point is associated with bi obstruction: lingering dampness causing heaviness and pain. The Nan Jing suggests combining these points with those on the hollows of the body,…

One of the things that makes acupuncture so difficult to measure is that the medicine actually does contain some esoteric aspects. There have been numerous studies that demonstrate the neurochemical reasoning behind why acupuncture points stimulate the autonomic nervous system to enact change However, not all the benefits of TCM…

Acupuncture Today interviewed Beverley de Valois, PhD, LAc, lead author of the recently published recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in cancer care, “the first international, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology. They are the result of a two-year collaboration of 15 international…

As acupuncturists focusing on clinical practice, it is easy to relate to points or channels as isolated entities and forget that the body is an integrated whole. Elastic spiralling in this way activates the entire channel network at once – the web of primary channels, Extraordinary Vessels, Divergent, Luo -connecting…

Krystal Lynn

Pelvic pain has a prevalence of >25% in women and >15% in men, and up to 50% of cases are undiagnosed, demonstrating that there is a definite need for pelvic care awareness among health care practitioners. As holistic practitioners, acupuncturists offer a safe space for clients and are often the…

It doesn’t occur to many health practitioners that ageism can be as offensive as racism or sexism. Equally offensive is the practitioner who ignores the client and aims questions at a relative or caregiver. As a teacher of ABT, I sense the inadequacy of training in senior health at most…

Though the creation of a financially sustainable, health-promoting model feels far away today, we are casting a vision for a full return on health, believing that this compels us to keep one foot firmly rooted in caring for the sick and the other foot firmly founded in maintaining health. Shifting…

As modern medical standardization continues, the field of traditional Chinese medicine has the advantage of comprehensive personalization. For rare or complex cases, deeper consideration of constitution is invaluable. Proper constitutional assessment, especially with first-time clients, can guide desirable and predictable outcomes. This leads to a higher rate of return, and…

Discussions regarding the dangers of inflammation are found on every blog and social media site, and are the driving force behind marketing for the majority of supplements. I always use these discussions with patients to explain how Chinese medicine and acupuncture uniquely view the presentations of pain; and how each…

Jule

Despite the first case of PCOS diagnosed in 1935 and affecting up to 20% of women of reproductive age, there’s still no FDA-approved treatment for PCOS in conventional medicine. As Chinese medicine practitioners, we know that TCM offers a unique, holistic approach to PCOS – one that treats the condition…

Galina

It is common sense that our profession should follow the same path physical therapists and other professions have accomplished, accepting a professional doctorate degree as an entry-level requirement. Yes, it is well-understood that the integrity of the entry-level doctoral degree should be strengthened. However, it should be done in a…

Mariola

In clinical trials, acupuncture has repeatedly been shown to be effective at treating conditions like low back pain, chronic pain, and migraine. Its herbal medicinals have been shown to have anti-viral, anti-tumor, and even anti-depressant properties. And yet there are still many people who dismiss the medicine outright, assuming it…

McCormick

Sarah

Emotions act as a warning sign to the practitioner, indicating what organs may be involved in a patient’s pattern of imbalance. When we think about shen , we think about the emotions, but we also use the word “ shen” akin to the way Western medicine would use the word…