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The Luo meridians & the Eight Extraordinary reservoirs ... 

29/9/2015

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Below I have copied from Paul U. Unschuld’s translation of the acupuncture classical text, namely the Nan-Ching. This particular chapter highlights the role that the luo-connecting meridians & the eight extraordinary meridians play. I believe this chapter illustrates why we have come to know the eight extraordinary meridians being referred to us ‘our inner reservoirs’, furthermore it states that the reservoirs become replete when the luo-connecting meridians are in excess and the main meridians cannot seize of the surplus. The chapter states clearly that only then, do the eight extraordinary reservoirs receive.

Furthermore, this chapter highlights that these eight reservoirs are ‘different’ to the 12 main meridians & that they are not touched by the influences flowing within. Thus, there is no mutual seizure, excess & deficiency, repletion and depletion. The eight reservoirs are “single-conduit meridians” that have the capacity to receive the ‘run off’ from the 15 luo-connecting meridians. I believe it is of paramount importance to keep this in mind.

“The twenty-seventh difficult issue: Among the vessels are the eight single-conduit meridians which are not touched by the [movement of the influences circulating through the] twelve [main] meridians. What does that mean?

It is like this. [The eight single-conduit meridians] include the yang tie meridian and the yin tie meridian, the yang walker meridian and the yin walker meridian, the through-way meridian, the supervisor meridian, the controller meridian, and the belt meridian. None of these eight meridians are touched by the [movement of the influences circulating through the 12 main] meridians. Hence, they are called the eight "single-conduit" meridians.

There are twelve [main] meridians and fifteen network [- channels], twenty-seven altogether. The influences move up and down [through these meridians and network-channels], following their respective courses. What [does it mean when it is said that] only [the eight single-conduit meridians] are not touched by the [movement of the influences circulating through the main] meridians?

It is like this. The sages [of antiquity] devised and constructed ditches and reservoirs and they kept the waterways open in order to be prepared for any extraordinary [situation]. When rains poured down from heaven, the ditches and the reservoirs became filled. In times like that, when the rain floods rushed wildly, even the sages could not make plans again; [hence, they had to be prepared]. Here [in the organism], when the network-channels are filled to overflowing, none of the [main] conduits could seize any [of their contents, and it is only then that the surplus contents of these channels flow into the single-conduit meridians.” (Paul U. Unschuld, Nan-Ching)

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.


Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)

 


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Moxibustion - a classical therapy for our modern era ...

16/9/2015

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The benefits of moxibustion are well known in various schools and styles of acupuncture. Granted, the method and type of moxibustion used does vary between acupuncture styles of practice & even the theoretical underpinnings and comprehension of moxibustion’s effects vary. However, why is it that this ancient form of cauterisation has not only stood the test of time but also gained popularity in recent times, especially in Australia? 

One possible answer is that as a form of therapy, moxibustion seems to work well regardless of who administers it. Granted, master practitioners of moxibustion who treated 40 – 50 patients per day such as Sawada, Fukaya & Hukaya truly had the practice down to an art form, and the difference between a novice and a master is apparent in any field of practice. However, direct moxibustion forms such as okyu (rice grain) has been prescribed to patients on many occasions the world over as ‘homework’ between weekly treatments carried out by the practitioner. Thus showing a patient how to perform okyu and then marking the points that they can self-administer direct moxibustion on daily greatly improves the treatment effect and the speed of amelioration. Furthermore, moxibustion on points such as Zu San Li ST-36 and the region of Qu Chi LI-11/Shou San Li LI-10 is customary and practiced in many forms of folkloric medicine in both China and Japan and it is not uncommon to find people with moxibustion scars from years of daily self-administering this vital form of therapy.

Thus, moxibustion seems to have beneficial health inducing, even immune boosting effects regardless of whether a well-practiced hand or a novice is administering, the important fact is that it needs to be performed diligently and daily for optimal health effects.

I personally see this aspect of self-care as of paramount importance and I liken daily self-moxibustion to other forms of self-cultivation such as daily meditation & yoga. As with all practices, cultivation and duration is the key.

Now, continuing on with this notion of moxibustion inducing beneficial effects regardless of who is administering it, I would like to highlight that the general effects of direct moxibustion seem to alter blood chemistry. It seems that the tiny cauterisation that occurs when direct moxibustion is performed, causes the denaturisation of proteins which results in histotoxins being released which in turn stimulates the production of red and white blood cells. Ultimately, when this is occurring over a period of time the effects relate to the strengthening of the immune system of the individual. It is important to note that these histological changes and alterations in blood chemistry occur regardless of where the moxibustion is done (i.e. on an acupuncture point or not). Now, if we mix this cascade of beneficial chemical changes with the fact that direct moxibustion emits a wavelength of light similar to that of a laser, which penetrates the tissue & thus if performed over an acupuncture point can in turn stimulate said acupuncture point. We now have the addition of a completely different mode of functionality and application.

Essentially, direct moxibustion can cause immune boosting changes in blood chemistry, initiates a deep parasympathetic state conducive to health and repair (when performed correctly), increases blood circulation, creates a thermal effect & stimulates & engages the dynamic functions of the  acupuncture point/s that it is performed on.

In my humble opinion I believe that the above may be one possible answer as to why direct moxibustion is increasing in popularity, especially here in Australia & I personally embrace and encourage it.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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The Spiritual Pivot (Lingshu) - Chapter 64 ...

15/9/2015

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The classical acupuncture text that comprises the second half of the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal medicine’, namely the ‘Lingshu’ (Spiritual Pivot) was written in the Han Dynasty some 2000 years ago. Within the Lingshu are 81 chapters covering a range of topics relating to acupuncture and the nature of health and dis-ease. One particular chapter is titled ‘Yin & Yang and the Twenty Five types on Men’, and it is this chapter that I wish to share.

Below I have taken a few paragraphs from Wu Jing-Nuan’s translation which highlights a discourse between Qi Bo & Huang Di. Essentially, the physician Qi Bo is explaining to the Yellow emperor Huang Di the five ‘main’ types of men that relate to the five elements. It is important to note that these five main categories if man are further broken down into five respectively, thus in total there are twenty five types. However, in this blog I will highlight only the five main types as seen by the master acupuncturist Qi Bo.

“The wood type of man who resonates with the upper jiao tone carries the inheritance of the Green emperor. These men have thus a greenish colour and complexion. They have small heads, long faces, large shoulders and straight backs, small torsos, and good hands and feet. As to their attributes, they labour with the heart and mind. They have sparse strength, worry a lot and labour in business. Their abilities are in spring and summer. They do not have the ability to endure autumn and winter and are then subject to the beginning of disease. The Liver meridian of the foot jueyin is easy & harmonious.”

“The fire type of man who resonates with the upper zhi tone carries the inheritance of the Red emperor. These men have reddish colour and complexion. They have wide backs, thin faces, small heads, good shoulders, back, buttocks, and abdomen & small hands and feet. They walk level on the ground. They have quick hearts and minds. They walk swinging their shoulders. Their back and flesh are full. They have Qi, easy wealth, few beliefs, much planning and worry. The see business clearly, have good foreheads and anxious hearts and minds. They will not live to an old age, they die suddenly. Their ability to counter disease is in spring and summer. They cannot do this in autumn and winter, so in autumn and winter they are subject to the beginning of disease. The hand shaoyin is very solid, solid as a nut.”

“The earth type of man who resonates with the upper gong carries the inheritance of the first Yellow Emperor. These men have a yellowish colour and complexion. They have round faces, large heads, beautiful shoulders and backs, large abdomen, beautiful thighs and legs, small hands and feet & much flesh. Their upper and lower parts are mutually appropriate. They walk level on the ground and raise their feet slightly. They have tranquil hearts and minds, and are good generous men, not happy with authority and power. Virtue adheres to these men. Their abilities are to counter disease in autumn and winter. They cannot do this in spring and summer, so in spring and summer they are subject to the beginning of disease. The foot taiyin meridian is excellent and true.”

“The metal type of man who resonates with the upper shang tone carries the inheritance of the White emperor. These men have square faces, a white colour and complexion, small heads, small shoulders and backs, small abdomen and small hands and feet. The external malleolus is prominent, but generally the bones are light. The body is clear and lean. They have anxious hearts and are quiet and fierce. They are good officials. Their abilities are to counter disease in autumn and winter. They cannot do this in spring and summer, so in spring and summer they are subject to the beginning of disease. The hand taiyin is excellent and true.”

“The water type of man who resonates with the upper yu tone carries the inheritance of the Black Emperor. These men have a black colour and complexion. Their faces are not level. They have large heads, angular chin and jaw, small shoulders, large abdomen, moving hands and feet, a swinging in the body as they begin walking, a long coccyx and a long back. They have no respect or fear. They are good as swindlers. Death may come from being killed in war or in disgrace. Their abilities to counter disease are in autumn and winter. They cannot do this in spring and summer, so in spring and summer they are subject to the beginning of disease. The leg shaoyin is wide and expansive.”

I encourage all to read over these passages of imagery as many times as you feel, your imagination will take care of the rest & you might even start to see some of these traits in your daily encounters.

(Jing-Nuan, W. ‘Ling Shu or The Spiritual Pivot’ 1993, University of Hawai’I Press, Honolulu.)

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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Kawai's Yin/Yang pairs - an acupuncture discussion ...

14/9/2015

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Last week I had a patient come and see me at my Melbourne acupuncture practice who was experiencing among other signs & symptoms, long standing depression and restrictive shoulder pain that had been present for five years.

Range of motion of the shoulder was limited on the affected side and this was clearly visible in performing lateral abduction. All in all, her arm would only raise 50% compared to her other arm before pain and restriction would stop her.

Once I had the patient on the acupuncture table I began treatment & released the palpatory abdominal findings as well as what I found to be tight or painful in the shoulder & hip regions. Once the treatment was complete I had the patient stand up and assess how she was feeling and to perform the lateral abduction movement of the shoulder joint. This resulted in her excitement as she could clearly raise her arm considerably further than previously. However, there was still some restriction compared to her ‘good’ shoulder joints range of motion.

It was at this point that I resolved to use a technique Master acupuncturist Kawai had for shoulder or hip pain that involved using the affected meridians wrist/ankle acupuncture points in the form of Yin/Yang pairs. Actually this is a very effective treatment strategy for shoulder or hip pain and essentially you ‘test’ to see which meridians are most affected. For example, in this particular case once the patient got off the acupuncture table there was still about 15% restriction in performing lateral abduction, thus I ‘tested’ and pressed into Yang Xi (LI-5) & Tai Yuan (LU-9) whilst the patient redid the movement. This increased her range of motion to the point that it was equal to that of her unaffected shoulder joint. Hence, in this case it was the Lung/Large intestine Yin/Yang channel pair that was affected and in treating these acupuncture points (needle/magnets) her range of motion was immediately restored in the session. I would like to make a quick note that although the body can respond very quickly in instances as the above mentioned case, the manner in which I have carried out the technique is purely as a symptomatic ‘touch up’ done in the last few minutes of treatment. This is not how Master Kawai would have implemented the technique & in my experience to truly resolve the condition you must always address the constitutional imbalance.

Nevertheless, a week later the patient reported that her shoulder and her mood had been in a good state, yet her range of motion had slowly decreased to around 20% less compared to the full range gained in the initial treatment.

I would like to mention that the Kawai Yin/Yang pairs for the wrist are comprised of LU9 & LI 5, PC 7 & SJ 4 and HT 7 & SI 5. Once the affected meridian/meridians are found through palpation and the subsequent immediate improvement in the patient’s range of motion or experienced pain, Kawai would then needle the acupuncture Yin/Yang pair and attach ion pumping chords (Black on Yang/Red on Yin). However, I personally have not used the ion pumping chords, yet I have found needle/magnets to be effective. Furthermore, I have found that needling the yin/yang pairs and retaining the needles for at least fifteen minutes in treatment & then applying stick on magnets (i.e. Sujok) that the patient keeps on until next treatment to prolong the beneficial effect.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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Huang Shu KID-16, Tian Shu ST-25 & Da Heng SP-15 ...

12/9/2015

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an acupuncture discussion ...

In this blog post I would like to present the three acupuncture points located level with our ‘centre’ region, our umbilicus. These acupuncture points are Huangshu KID-16, Tianshu ST-25 & Daheng SP-15 which are located on the Foot jueyin meridian (kidney), Foot yangming meridian of the stomach & the Foot Taiyin meridian of the spleen respectively. The motivation to present this brief discussion on these key acupuncture points is that in my personal acupuncture practice they seem to play a central role in treatment & diagnosis in one form or another. Furthermore as we delve a little deeper into the Chinese characters used to depict said acupuncture points, it will become apparent that the classical acupuncturists attributed a ‘high’ status these acupuncture regions.

If we observe the Chinese characters used to depict these vital acupuncture points we find that the Romanised ‘shu’ is present in both Huang Shu KID-16 & Tian Shu ST-25. However, they are different in the pictograph used. ‘Shu’ (Huangshu) is drawn as a small & basic boat or vessel that is moving its way upstream to unite itself with the vast ocean. In essence it depicts the concept of ‘transport’, ‘transfer’, ‘to bring forth’ & ‘to unite’. ‘Shu’ (Tianshu) is depicted with the character for ‘wood’ with the concept of putting things away in boxes or compartments of sorts. Thus the Romanised similarity in ‘shu’ does not reflect the Chinese character which although pronounced similarly, is actually drawn very differently & thus depicts I different meaning all together.

If we now look at the remaining halves of the above Chinese characters we find that ‘huang’ is drawn with the character for ‘flesh’ and thus denotes the body, with the addition of a small space or hole. Some translators describe this to relate to a vital space/hole between the heart and the diaphragm, as in Gao Huang Shu BL-43 “when the pathogen resides deep in the Gao Huang, moxa BL 43 Gao Huang Shu”. However others relate the concept of ‘huang’ to reflect something that was present but is no longer, i.e. something that was in the body, yet now is missing. Thus, the character for ‘huang’ may also be interpreted as ‘missing shu’ & due to its location (sides of umbilicus) may relate to the umbilical cord and the process of birth. It is apparent from the characters that both interpretations are valid and that in order to create a ‘space’ things must be taken out i.e. missing.

Either way, the region of Huangshu KID 16 is a vital palpatory region used in my clinical acupuncture practice & if pressure pain or tightness is present it is of paramount importance to release. Generally I find this region to reflect kidney or spleen disharmonies & this can be confirmed on the treatment table by which ‘concept’ treated yields the most said release. For example in cases of kidney/adrenal deficiency if Fuliu KID 7 releases the region of Huangshu KID 16 significantly, I can then confirm my theoretical/conceptual presumption. However, if I find that Yin Ling Quan SP 9 releases said area significantly or more so, then it may be reflective of a ‘spleen’ disharmony. Thus conceptual diagnosis is either confirmed or denied by actively testing and assessing via palpation, with the patient’s somatic response dictating the path of treatment.

Now for the Chinses character that is ‘Tian’, as in Tianshu ST 25. This depicts a man or person that is standing tall with the heavens directly above. Essentially, it is depicting the descending heavenly virtue which guides us all should we allow the space to receive. ‘Tian’ relates to the ‘heavens’, the ‘highest’, ‘supreme’, ‘nature’ & ‘celestial’.

In observing the characters that comprise ‘Da Heng’ SP -15 the first thing that intrigues me is that the character ‘Heng’ has the character of ‘wood’ within as does the previously mentioned ‘Shu’ as in Tianshu ST 25. Thus, both these characters that are level with each other, at the point of our bodies pivot, share the essence of ‘wood’. Thoughts of ‘structural’, ‘flexible’, ‘expanding & ‘outreaching’ come to mind. ‘Da’ shows a man with a top knot in his hair & thus depicts a grown man, evoking the concept of ‘big’ or expansive. As stated ‘heng’ has one half of the character drawn as wood yet the other half shows spot fires on a field & depicts the concept surprise and directional. Thus ‘Da Heng’ may be translated as ‘the great support that allows the flow of movement in all directions’.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm Regards,

Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)

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SP-9 'Yin Ling Quan' ... an acupuncture clinical snapshot

10/9/2015

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Some days ago I was treating an individual at my Mornington Peninsula acupuncture practice who upon palpation showed reflective pressure pain at various regions of their abdomen. If we relate said reflective regions to Chapter 16 of the acupuncture classical text, The ‘Nan-Ching’ (The Classic of 81 Difficulties) we find that they relate to the ‘Liver’ region which is located to the left of the umbilicus, the ‘Lung’ region which is located to the right of the umbilicus & the ‘Spleen’ region which is found around the rim of the umbilicus. Other ‘reflective’ palpatory findings were found, however the region of GB 21 ‘Jian Jing’ was found to be particularly tight and painful.

Now, I must say that the above presentation of palpatory findings is quite common to find in a large part of the population. Granted, there are a myriad of variations, however in general it is safe to say that the majority of individuals who present to my acupuncture practice will present with a similar presentation, with some varied additions. Normally, when addressing these palpatory reflective areas the intention is to release the pressure pain elicited upon palpation via certain acupuncture points or acupuncture concepts. For example, I stated that there was pressure pain elicited when I pressed on the region to the left of the umbilicus which according to the Nan-Ching relates to the ‘Liver’. Generally, if I engage the acupuncture point Zhong Feng (LIV 4) or Qu Quan (LIV 8) the pressure pain elicited at said ‘Liver’ reflective area will be reduced significantly. Thus, the essence of this style of acupuncture is to ‘test’ & ‘assess’ the concept you feel relates to the individual’s current state of being directly on the body in real time, with the associated release of said pressure pain or the amelioration of the symptom itself being the confirmation that your ‘concept’ really relates to the individual. In other words, it is ultimately the patient’s body that guides the treatment.

What was fascinating with the above case was that the patient’s medical history lead me to first palpate the region of Yin Ling Quan SP 9 to assess if it would release the region of GB-21 ‘Jian Jing’. I found that upon pressing this acupuncture point with my finger following the trajectory of the meridian it resulted in a dramatic release of the GB 21 region. Once I inserted the needle at the exact acupuncture point location that my ‘finger’ had found provided the optimal release I then re-palpated the patient’s abdomen. To my surprise all reflective areas that were previously painful on palpation had significantly reduced, even the very tight and originally painful region that reflects the ‘Liver’ had softened dramatically.

I strongly believe that the above acupuncture clinical snapshot highlights that fact that when the acupuncture point is integral to the individual’s state of being, it will cause an effect on a systemic scale and the body will immediately reflect this in many a way. Fortunately, thorough using the art of palpation we as acupuncturist & patient’s alike can objectively ‘see & feel’ this dramatic shift taking place. It is my humble opinion that this not only enhances the treatment effect & patients compliance, but also keeps the acupuncturist in a constant state of learning with the patient as their ultimate teacher.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have & be sure to subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive content.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)

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GB 21 'Jian Jing' ... with discussion

3/9/2015

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an acupuncturists perspective ...

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In this blog post I would like to briefly discuss the acupuncture point Jian Jing GB-21. This acupuncture point is well known in many schools and styles of acupuncture for a variety of clinical uses and applications. In my own personal acupuncture practice I utilise this acupuncture point not as a direct treatment point, but rather as a reflective area which if pressure pain is present denotes pathology is present.

I tend to find that the region of Jian Jing GB-21 tends to get quite tight & painful in individuals who present to my acupuncture practice with neck & shoulder issues, digestive issues, stress & anxiety as well as Temporomandibular Joins Dysfunction (TMJ). Granted, I also find Jian Jing GB -21 to be tight and restricted in many individuals who are not even aware of the ‘contracted’ state they tend to hold, thus it is always essential to palpate & feel the state of the meridians, associates tissues and structures.

In regards to the acupuncture theoretical underpinnings as to why the region of GB-21 Jian Jing does become tight & painful, we first need to observe the body as whole entity. Firstly, from a structural perspective it is the shoulders that assist us to walk upright in a balanced manner & they also take the ‘brunt of our burdens’. Thus, structural imbalances can occur from a pelvic shift, a foot issue or a local neck issue. Or a structural issue can result from a said ‘burden’ such as stress and worry, inappropriate positioning of bags (i.e. backpacks/handbags) or even longstanding emotional repression. A ‘burden’ is something that we carry in our lives & this can relate to the physical action of carrying a handbag always on the left shoulder, or from ‘carrying’ a constant companion in the form of anxiety, worry & fear. Regardless of the causative emotional or physical factor, the shoulders which are made to lug a load will feel the strain.

The classical acupuncturists depicted the character ‘Jian’ as an arm that moves as the swing of a door which is situated above the character for ‘flesh’. Thus, ‘Jian’ relates to the body and the action of a hinged door. ‘Jing’ is depicted as eight divisions situated evenly around a central point, essentially it depicts eight lots of land with a well in its centre. Thus, ‘Jing’ relates to a ‘source’ that gives the community ‘life’. I also interpret the diagram of ‘Jing’ to relate to the myriad of movements the shoulder joint can carry out from its central pivotal source.

I think it is important to highlight the relationship between the ‘spleen’ & ‘gallbladder’ or ‘wood’ & ‘earth’ phases as this conceptual framework can serve as a manner in which to explain why pressure pain at Jian Jing GB-21 can show in individuals with digestive disorders or emotional issues, and hence the vast majority of individuals in our society.  

In regards to a five element perspective if the earth element of which the spleen/stomach meridian pertains to is in a state of deficiency, the wood element which is comprised of the liver/gallbladder meridian can ‘invade’ and become excessive. Alternatively, if the wood element becomes excessive due to i.e. repressed emotions, it can in turn overcome and weaken the earth element (spleen/stomach) manifesting as digestive issues. Thus, this above concept highlights a mechanism to explain this natural phenomena & furthermore it explains why in treating the spleen meridian and strengthening the ‘earth’ element an immediate reduction in pressure pain at the region of Jian Jing GB-21 results.

The mind & body may be referred to separately in script & spoken word, yet in reality no such separation exists.

Until next time … & please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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SP 10 - Xue Hai

2/9/2015

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an acupuncture point discusion ...

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The impetus to briefly write about the acupuncture point Xue Hai which is the tenth acupuncture point on the foot taiyin or spleen meridian, is due to having a particular patient at my Mornington Peninsula acupuncture practice this afternoon that I feel will greatly benefit from its application in treatment.

 Xue Hai (SP 10) is known as one of the ‘ocean’ acupuncture points along with HT 3 (Shaohai), SI 8 (Xiaohai), KID 6 (Zhaohai) & REN 6 (Qihai). SP 10 Xuehai is known as the ‘ocean of blood’ & below we will delve into the Chinese characters used to depict the ‘ocean’ acupuncture points so as to grasp a deeper understanding of what the classical acupuncturist were expressing through the carefully selected names of said acupuncture points. This is far from just an intellectual exercise to fill curiosity, but rather a different way to view & connect with the acupuncture points. Through this deeper connection and increased awareness new methods of application manifest in the process of treatment & this ultimately can only benefit patient and practitioner alike.

Let us begin with the character that the five acupuncture points mentioned above share, the character ‘Hai’. ‘Hai’ is composed of water, a woman’s full breast & grass growing above. Essentially, it relates to growth & nourishment but specifically to the concept of ‘expansive’, ‘immense’ & ‘prolific’. As the character possesses ‘water’ in it, we can take the mentioned notion of expansive & prolific and relate it specificaly to a body of water. Therefore, it is for this reason that the character ‘Hai’ is generally translated to ‘ocean’ or ‘sea’ & thus collectively the acupuncture points mentioned above are referred to as the ‘ocean’ acupuncture points.

Now, SP10 (Xuehai) contains the character ‘Xue’ which is commonly translated as ‘blood’. However, if we observe the pictograph we find that it depicts a large vessel of sorts that is filled with the vital fluid of blood. Historically, this ‘blood filled vessel’ was used in ceremonies of sacrifice in ancient China & as such it depicts the concept of blood and its associated substances.

Thus from the above paragraphs we can see that Xuehai SP 10 fosters, engages & moves the vitality of blood throughout the whole organism, nourishing & integrating all that it comes into contact with. We are very fortunate that the astute masters of acupuncture who perceived the relationships between the various acupuncture points and the organism itself, fortunately left us a ‘road map’ through the depictions they have left behind. It is up to us to interpret and implement this ‘road map’ as best as we can & ultimately gauge the therapeutic effect induced.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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The 4 Seasons through Chinese Characters ...

31/8/2015

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The classical acupuncturists were very astute in their observation of nature & the flow of the seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter constitute the four seasons with the addition of ‘Late Summer’ which is associated with the ‘Earth’ element, the nutritive point at which all the other four elements pass through before moving on in there cyclical flow.

In this blog post I would like to present the Chinese characters used to depict the four seasons.

Let us begin with the Chinese character for spring, being ‘Chun’. ‘Chun’ is drawn with the sun below and ‘seedlings’ bursting forth above. Spring harnesses the dynamic warmth from the sun and allows for the release of new life. Spring highlights a shifting point between ‘absolute yin’ to the ‘rising of yang’ & with it new life & beginnings ensue.

Summer, is seen as ‘utmost yang’ with the character ‘Xia’ depicting the notion of walking at an easy pace under the fullness and abundance of the warm sun. ‘Xia’ represents maturity & ease, the bell in the curve from the dynamic growth of spring to the decline of autumn. There is something free and easy about the character ‘Xia’ reflecting the no-effort nature of summer evenings.

‘Qui’ relates to the season of autumn and it is drawn with the strokes of fire & a plant with a ripe bushel of grain at the top. It is the time of storing up the fruits of the warmer months in preparation for winter. Falling leaves and the waste remnants of plant matter are gathered and burned in autumn & it is for this reason that the character holds ‘fire’ within. ‘Qui’ reflects harvest & storage as well as marking the point at which the ‘growths’ of the soil return to nourish there ‘mother’ in preparation for the not too distant spring.

Winter relates to the character ‘Tung’ which is drawn as a ball of wool with a knot that it is tied at the end. ‘Tung’ represent both winter & ‘the end’. There is also the pictograph depicting a crystal of water as it freezes, which depicts perfectly the climatic conditions of the northern hemisphere at this time. ‘Tung’ is the ‘zenith of yin’ and within lies the seed of Yang ready to burst forth at the right point in time giving rise to spring. Winter is the season of hibernation and introspection, restfulness & peacefulness. Conserve your energies in winter, as if holding on to a warm secret.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,

Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)


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The Classic of 81 Difficult Issues - Chapter 26

28/8/2015

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Chapter 26 of Paul U. Unschuld’s translation of the Nan-Ching (Classic of the 81 Difficult Issues). This chapter from the pivotal acupuncture classic introduces why there are 15 luo-connecting meridians yet only 12 main (ordinary) meridians.

“There are twelve conduits and fifteen network[ -meridians]. Of what nature are the additional three network[ -meridians]?

It is like this. They include the yang network[ -meridian], the yin network[ -meridian], and the great network[ -meridian] of the spleen. The yang network[ -meridian] is the network[ -meridian] of the yang walker [meridian]; the yin network[ -meridian] is the network[ -meridian] of the yin walker. Hence, there are fifteen network[ -meridian].”

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm Regards,

Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula)

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    The intention behind this blog is to share ideas, thoughts, and articles relating to acupuncture, health, 
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