Book: "The Web That Has No Weaver ~ Understanding Chinese Medicine" 2000. Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
"I find Chinese medicine very appealing because of its strong emphasis on prevention and because of its practical success with conditions that Western medicine is not so good with" - Andrew Well, MD of the Book's Forward
"Chinese medicine is a coherent and independent system of thought and practice that has been developed over two millenia...philosophy, logic, sensibility, and habits of a civilization entirely foreign to our own...developed its own perception"
"The Chinese method is based on the idea that no single part can be understood except in its relation to the whole. A symptom, therefore, is not traced back to a cause, but is looked at as a part of a totality." P.7 Chinese Medicine wants to know how a patient's symptoms fit into their entire life/behavior; Less analytical than Western Medicine
The Western Doctor diagnosed 6 patients with peptic ulcer disease after x-rays.The Chinese Doctor diagnosed each of the same 6 patients differently, different bodily disharmonies, excess, dampness, or deficiency.
Yin and Yang control each other, mutually create each other, and transform into each other.
气 "Qi is the cosmic breath that unites disparate forms" P.46 Qi is the source of all movement, accompanies all movement, protects the body, warms the body, ensures stability, governs retention, & it is the source of harmonious transformation.
3 Origins of Qi "intermingle to produce the Qi that permeates the entire person." P.47 Original/Prenatal Qi is from parents to child at conception. Grain Qi is from digestion of food. Natural Air Qi is extracted by the Lungs from the air.
5 Primary Types of Qi: Organ Qi, Meridian Qi, Nutritive Qi (blood), Protective Qi (resists&combats external harms), & Ancestral Qi (collects in chest, out the throat, connects with heart/vessels & moves respiration: regulates Lungs/Heart)
During Disharmony, either Yin or Yang is dominant. Disharmonies of Qi: Deficient Qi occurs when any of the 5 Qi Functions is insufficient to perform. When Deficient Qi gets to the level that it is so insufficient it cannot hold organs in place, then it is Collapsed Qi. Stagnant Qi occurs when the normal movement of Qi is impaired. When Stagnant Qi goes in the wrong direction, then it is Rebellious Qi. | Deficient Qi-Yin Condition & Stagnant Qi-Yang Condition
血 "Blood of Chinese medical terminology is not the same" as of the West. P.53 Similarities, yes, but "its characteristics and functions are not so indentifiable". It circulates, nourishes, maintaining & moistening some parts, moving through blood vessels & meridians.
"Qi creates and moves the Blood and also holds it in place. Blood in turn nourishes the Organs that produce and regulate the Qi." P.54 "Heart rules the Blood" "Liver then stores the Blood" "then Spleen governs the Blood"
Disharmonies of Blood: Deficient Blood occurs when the entire body, a part, or an Organ is insufficiently nourished by Blood. Congealed Blood occurs when Blood is not flowing smoothly
精 Jīng (Essence) is "the basis of reproduction, growth, ripening, & withering". P.57 Originating from Prenatal/Congenital Essence (with Original Qi determing one's basic makeup & constitution) inherited from parents and Postnatal Essence from purified parts of ingested food & continuous physical, emotional, & mental stimulation from one's environment. "The Postnatal Essence allows for modification of Prenatal Essence. Together, they compose the overall Essence of the person." P.56
One's development is accompanied by corresponding changes of One's Essence. Essence imbues an organism with the possibility of development, from conception to death, stages of growth (eg. puberty), developing wisdom P.56
Disharmonies of Essence: improper maturation, sexual dysfunction, infertility, ungraceful aging, incapacity to be self-reflective as one matures
One's Qi & Essence are mutually dependent. "Qi emerges out of Essence, since Prenatal Essence is the root of life." P.57 But Qi helps transform food into Postnatal Essence, thereby maintaining & expanding that life. In relation to each other, Essence is Yin & Qi is Yang. In relation to Blood, Essence is the more active, Yang. "Blood is associated with the everyday cyclical process of maintenance, nourishment, & repair. Essence is tied to ongoing, long-range development." P.57
Fundamental Textures of the Human: Qi, Blood, Essence, Spirit, & Fluids are "the basics of the Chinses system" P.67
"This network of organs and textures sustains the human activities of storing and spreading, preserving and transforming, absorbing and eliminating, ascending and descending, activating and quieting. When all these activities take place harmoniously, the person is healthy and in balance." "The Chinese cannot measure health as it's customarily done in the West. Health is not a composite of quantifiable entities, such as chemicals in the blood and urine." P.75
"Meridians are the channels or pathways that carry Qi and Blood through the body. They are not Blood Vessels. Rather, they comprise an invisible lattice that links together all the fundamental textures and Organs." P.105 "The Meridians connect the interior of the body with the exterior... the basis of the acupuncture theory..." P.106
Origins of Disharmony: The 6 Pernicious Influences: Dampness, Wind, Cold, Fire or Heat, Dryness, & Summer Heat
Origins of Disharmony: The 7 Emotions: Worry, Anger, Elation, Sadness, Grief, Fear, & Fright
Origins of Disharmony: Ways of Life: Factors not considered Pernicious Influences or Emotions: Diet, Physical Activity, Sexual Activity, & the Misc. Factors of burns, bites, parasites, & trauma
4 Examinations-Signs & Symptoms: Stage 1 is Looking (appearance, physical shape, facial color, tongue). Stage 2 is Listening & Smelling (voice, respiration, odors, coughs). Stage 3 is Asking (Chinese Dr. asks questions similar to Western Dr., Topics: sensations of cold/heat, perspiration, headaches, dizziness, pain, urine/stool, gynecological, thirst/appetitie/taste, personal background/medical history). Stage 4 is Touching (pulse).
The 8 Principal Patterns-The Faces of Yin & Yang, "enables the training physician to organize the relationship between particular signs and Ying and Yang" P.215
"The Chinese worldview is circular and self-contained. It imagines that the universe is whole, a macrocosm, made up of the constant unfolding and flux of Yin and Yang. Chinese medicine, like Chinese thought in general, begins and ends with this notion of a whole, within which all the parts are related to each other and also to the whole." P.295
Book: "Acupressure Made Simple ~ Easily Treat Yourself for Common Ailments" 2019. Deborah Bleecker, LAc, MSOM
P.9 Top Ten Acupressure Points "commonly used in many acupuncture clinics" in ABC Order: Heart 7, Kidney 3, Kidney 6, Kidney 7, Large Intestine 4, Large Intestine 11, Liver 3, Pericardium 6, Spleen 6, & Stomach 36
"When acupuncture is done, the needles are left in place for about 30 minutes. In some cases they are left in less time, but that is a common amount of time. When I treat patients, I leave the needles in a minimum of 20 minutes." P.25
"When doing acupressure, you need to press long enough to activate the point. In my experience, it is a minimum of five minutes. What I typically do is press on one side for five minutes, then switch to the other side." P.25
"Your reaction and rate of healing is determined by how many ailments your body has to heal, and how bad it is. If you have had a problem for 10 years, it will take longer than treating something you got that day, such as an allergic reaction." P.26
"In China, acupuncture is done daily, and a series of 10 treatments is considered a course of treatment. In hospitals in China treatment is done twice daily, and Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed." P.26
"If you are treating pain, sometimes it works better to treat the opposite side of the pain." P.28
"Ear acupressure can be used to treat any type of ailment. It is especially popular to treat pain... auricular" P.37
"When I treat the ear with acupressure pellets, I alternate ears. One treatment is the left ear, then the next is the right ear. The points will stop responding to the pellets, and they need a rest." P.40
refractory - uncontrolled - drug resistant | etiology - cause | DU & GV same Meridian
"In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), epilepsy was first described in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing), an ancient Chinese medical book which was compiled around 770-221 B.C. Its etiology, from the point of view of TCM, is supposed to chiefly result from the qi disturbance and thereby evolved to be the excess of yang due to deficiency of yin (qi, yin, and yang are abstract concepts in the antique Chinese philosophy to describe the energy or essence vital to homeostasis and proper function and its dynamic change inside the body). Since TCM considers that DU Meridian or Governing Vessel (GV), which is located in the posterior midline arising from the perineum to the head, is to govern the whole yang of the body, therefore the most often used antiepileptic acupoints are selected from this Meridian."
(4.2 of Article) Acupoints used during thalamus study: ST36, GB34, LV3. LI4, UB/BL60
(4.2.4) "Some acupuncture practicioners have summarized the acupoints prescriptions which are particularly effective in coping with certain specific epilepsies"
Grand Mal, Petit Mal, & Mixed Epilepsy - GV20, EX B9, PC6, CV15, ST40
Tonic Clonic - GV20, CV15, EX B9, ST40, plus UB/BL18, GB34, UB/BL15
Status Epilepticus, a life threatening condition with strong, unremitting seizures - strong manual acupuncture stimulation applied to more acupoints of multiple meridians (except GV20, PC6, ST40) - GV26, LI4, LV3, GB20, EX-HN3 Yintang, CV4, HT7, PC5, KD1
(4.3 Thalamus Involvement in Neurostimulation Action)
Vagus Nerve is a Parasympathetic Nerve VNS - Vagus Nerve Stimulation TNS - Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation
DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation (by the anterior nucleus of the thalamus, has been proved to reduce seizures)
VNS Effects - reduction in seizure frequency, reduction of spike wave/EEG improvement, shortness of attack episodes, efficacy increases over time, life quality improvement
Massage Acupoints, Apply Pressure w/ Fingers, a Writing Utensil/Pen/Round Side, a Small Object, or Mini Massager
It is common to start with numerous acupuncture sessions (such as daily, weekly, or twice per week) & then slowly reduce. For acupressure, one should aim to do it daily or twice per day.
Pregnant Women need to take note of which acupuncture points are pregnancy-safe, may induce labor (Li4, UB/BL60)
Following Points stated by Yin Yang House, incorrelation with epilepsy or the temporal lobe
Extraordinary Vessels can be seen as "lakes of Qi". Meridians can be seen as "rivers of Qi".
Kidney 6 - Shining Sea - Zhaohai is the Master Point for Yin Qiao Mai. It Passes through points of Kidney, Bladder, & Stomach Meridians
inner side of foot/ankle, below bone | throat problems, menstrual issues, Yin Deficiency, nightmares, insomnia, nighttime epilepsy
Bladder 62 - Extending Vessel - Shen Mai is the Master Point for Yang Qiao Mai. It Passes through points of Bladder, Gall Bladder, Small Intestine, Triple Warmer, Stomach, & Large Intestine Meridians.
outer side of foot/ankle, below bone | combine with KD6 for Insomnia, epilepsy
Working together to bring balance to all of these associated Meridians "holding them as a pair brings extreme effective calm and balance to the whole bodymind system"
HOW? - "Knead", Rub/Press in Circles, both Directions & from Top to Bottom, 20x per Direction for 5 Reps each
When tapping, some Acupuncture Points along the Conception Vessel Meridian, Governing Vessel Meridian, Urinary Bladder Meridian, Gall Bladder Meridian, or Stomach Meridian can/may be stimulated
Top Center Line of Head - GV/DU20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Head Top - UB/BL3-7, GB13, GB15-17, ST8
Front Midline of Chest to Stomach - CV22 down to CV6, CV8 is belly button, CV17 regulates qi/energy & is at the sternum/middle of chest, CV22 is the point at the bottom of the throat, the indent in between the bone, top of chest, in line with shoulders
Some Vagus Nerve Stimulation also occurs from the Stomach tapping
The 4 Gates Acupressure Treatment - Influences the Circulation of Qi & Blood, LV3 4min & LI-4 2min.
The "4 Gates" is a great starting point for acupressure. Great to massage when feeling physical/mental stress! In comparison to applying pressure only to Li4, doing the complete "4 Gates" is even more calming. Independently I cannot apply pressure to Li4 & LV3 simultaneously, but right after each other still reaps benefits for me.
01/23/2022 I added GV/DU26 to my bedtime diy sessions, first time felt a light flow of air through my body
Adding KD6 & UB/BL62 to my bedtime session has been wonderful! It has made me arise feeling well rested! I have read that it is great for sleep problems and yin deficiency (TCM states seizures as yin deficiencies) & I have sleep seizures!
Dec 1, 2022 I had my FirstAcupuncture Session! Right after, my body felt less tired/heavy. I was told to continue to aim to do my daily acupressure. Great Sessions! I will continue 2023 with My Weekly Hour Acupuncture Sessions! *At times, unable to do 1 or 2 points, due to "awakened nerves" (needle pain in some areas)*
Session1 12/01/2022 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6 (not both sides of the body for all points) Session2 Dec12 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6 (both sides) Session3 Dec19 & Session4 Jan5 - Add DU24 (both sides) Session5 Jan9 & Session6 Jan16 - Add Li10 (both sides) Session7 Jan23 - Add DU20 (both sides) Session8 Jan30 to Session34 Aug07 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, & DU20 (both sides) *Acupuncturist agrees with me to try an "Acupressure Wrist Band" to stimulate PC6 whenever I want! Session35 August14 - Add Ear Shenmen (my suggestion)
August 2023 I began my trial usage of an Acupressure Wrist Band to stimulate PC6. So far so good! Stimulation of PC6 is stimulation of the vagus nerve which activates the parasympathetic nervous system (calming system). I wear it when I feel signs of fatigue, exhaust/stress, or dizzy/motion sickness. I also wear it for 30-60min prior to bed and arise much calmer than before.
August 19, 2023 I stimulated DU26 and it improved my circulation and muscle cramps. I felt tingles throughout my body.
Session36 Sept 05 to Session43 Oct 16 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, & Ear Shenmen (both sides) Session44 Oct 23 - Add Scalp Acupuncture, 2 Frontal Hairline Acupoints (I asked for more calming head points) Session45 Oct 30 - Add GB37 (I asked for points for the eyes, to be less affected by lights/fast movement/etc.) Session45 Oct 30 to Session47 Nov13 - Li4, LV3, ST36, Yintang, LU7, PC6, SP6, DU24, Li10, DU20, Ear Shenmen, 2 Frontal Hairline, & GB37 (both sides) Session48 Nov18 - For more vagus nerve stimulation, I asked to add Acupoint HT7.
"Controlled investigations reveal that acupuncture outperforms drug therapy for the treatment of vascular dementia" Efficacy: 60% Drug Therapy, 80% Conventional Acupuncture, 90% Xing Nao Kai Qiao Acupuncture Protocol
"Conventional Acupuncture Group was needled at the following acupoints": GV/DU20, GV/DU26, EX-HN1 Sishencong, GB20, GB39, Li11, ST36, & KD3
"Xing Nao Kai Qiao acupuncture treatment consisted of body and scalp acupuncture points. Body style acupoints included": PC6, GV/DU26, EX-HN3 Yintang & "Scalp acupoints included the following": GV/DU21, GV/DU24, UB/BL6, and the emotional area (2cm laterally to the anterior median line and 2cm within the hairline)
"All acupuncture protocols were applied to patients once per day, six days per week, for a total of thirty days. The results demonstrated that acupuncture outperformed drug therapy."
"Huang et al. conclude that scalp acupuncture significantly improves cognition, activities of daily living, TCM signs and symptoms, mental state, and social behavior for vascular dementia patients."
The Seven Chakras of Yoga | Mudras Similar to Acupuncture, the Philosophy of Yoga is centered on Balancing One's Body The Seven ChakrasMudras & Their Benefits Methods to Balance Chakras: Healthy Diet, Asanas (Yoga Poses), Breathing, Meditation, & Mudras (Gestures) Mudras & Yoga Poses to Help Balance the Chakra Muladhara Chakra - Root Chakra - Element of Earth - Stability, Ambition, & Self-Sufficiency,Prithvi Mudra, Mountain Pose & Tree Pose Svadhishthana Chakra - Sacral Shakra - Element of Water - Sexuality, Creativity, & Self-Worth, Varun Mudra, Shakti Mudra, Goddess Pose & Triangle Pose Manipura Chakra - Solar Plexus Chakra - Element of Fire - Ego, Anger, & Aggression,Agni Mudra, Matangi Mudra, Cobra Pose, Boat Pose, Bow Pose, & Forward Bend Pose Anahata Chakra - Heart Chakra - Element of Air - Love, Attachment, Compassion, Trust, & Passion, Vayu Mudra, Padma Mudra, Camel Pose, Fish Pose, & Half Bridge Pose Visuddha Chakra - Throat Chakra - Element of Space - Inspiration, Healthy Expression, Faith, & Ability to Communicate Well, Akash/Shuni Mudra, Lion's Breath Pose, Gentle Head Rolls, & Gentle Neck Stretches Ajna Chakra - Third Eye Chakra - Intelligence, Intuition, Insight, & Self-Knowledge,Hakini Mudra, Kalesvara Mudra, Easy Pose Sahastrara Chakra - Crown Chakra - Spirituality, Enlightenment, & Dynamic Thought/Energy, Dhyana Mudra, Corpse Pose VIDEOS: Complete Guide to Mudras, 5 Mudras for Total Wellness, 13 Best Mudras for Health, Mudras Meditation Epilepsy & An Imbalanced Crown Chakra
My Mushroom Journal Mushrooms are the fruiting body of a fungus. Mushrooms are used around the world for various health benefits. Chóng Lǎoshī 老師 ☺#thechonglaoshi Research Start Date: 09-14-2022 Lily's Story Trial 09-16-2022 to Dec 2022: 500mg Reishi Mushroom capsules & 500mg Lion's Mane Mushroom capsules daily Sept 26 I increased to 1g of each. Oct 6 I increased to 1.5g of each. Nov 27 I increased to 2g of Lion's Mane. On Nov 1, 2022, I decided to be a better scientist by solely taking Lion's Mane. I need to learn the effects of each mushroom. 2023 discontinued.