Secondary Vessels, Medigogymedigogy.com/sites/default/files/attachments/...The divergent meridians...
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120206 1 Yvonne R. Farrell, DAOM, Lac 2/2012 In the 4 years of training acupuncturists receive in their Master’s training the secondary vessels are barely skimmed over. There is a discussion of the points but not much discussion of the systems as a whole or how to use them clinically. For instance, we all know it’s a good idea to add Lu-7 & Sp-4 to the treatment when we are treating gynecological issues. But most of us are not taught how to do Ren Mai or Chong Mai treatments.
Transcript of Secondary Vessels, Medigogymedigogy.com/sites/default/files/attachments/...The divergent meridians...
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Yvonne R. Farrell, DAOM, Lac 2/2012
} In the 4 years of training acupuncturists receive in their Master’s training the secondary vessels are barely skimmed over.
} There is a discussion of the points but not much discussion of the systems as a whole or how to use them clinically.
} For instance, we all know it’s a good idea to add Lu-7 & Sp-4 to the treatment when we are treating gynecological issues. But most of us are not taught how to do Ren Mai or Chong Mai treatments.
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} In fact, many acupuncturist are so well trained in the Zangfu theory of TCM that they may not even recognize the term “secondary vessels” or be aware of exactly which systems fall into that category.
} What we are speaking of here is Channel Theory.
} Understanding the importance of pathways first.
} 12 primary channels } Some suggest there are 14 including with
the 12 the Ren Mai & Du Mai because they have their own points.
} The 12 Sinew Channels (TMMs) } The 16 Luo-Connecting vessels } The 6 confluences of Divergent Meridians } The 8 Extraordinary Vessels
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} What if the12 primary channels are not named as such because they came first or because they are more important or more effective than the others?
} What if they are called this because they are typically the first (primary) vessels chosen in treatment?
} Think of the primary vessels as representing the median of the whole system.
} They circulate ying qi } Directly connect to the zangfu } They are amenable to acupuncture
treatment combined with herbal theory. } In the current education system for TCM
practitioners the study of zangfu theory can be equally applied to the practice of both acupuncture & herbology.
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} Associated with the primary channels } Sometimes seen as extension of or alternate
expressions of the primary channels } They are said to extend the influence of the
primary channels (esp. the divergents) } Sinew channels } Luo vessels } Divergents
} These vessels, for the sake of convenience, are usually included in the Secondary Vessels.
} They are however quite different in their nature than the other 3 systems.
} These are the only Pre-natal vessels and as such can be seen as “prequels” to the primary and secondary vessels.
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To qi or not to qi…
} The function of acupuncture is to influence qi in order to:
} Restore balance to yin & yang } Regulate & harmonize the circulation or qi & blood
} Dispel pathogenic factors
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} These functions can all be achieved through the primary channels.
} However, the use of the primary channels is not always the most direct or effective way to influence anything but Ying qi and zang fu disharmony.
} The primary channels may be less efficient when the pathology involves Wei qi, Yuan qi, Blood & Jing.
} The primary channels become even less effective the more complex the patterns of disharmony.
} This lessening efficacy is countered in China by
choosing an acupuncture prescription and repeating it 2-5 days a week for 1-2 courses of 10-12 treatments each.
} This repetition enhances the influence of the
primary channels and increasing their efficacy.
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} Here in the West most patients cannot afford the time or money needed for this approach.
} Most patients in the west want to see faster results and few will wait for 10-12 treatments to achieve results.
} If you can significantly change the chief complaint in 3-4 visits they will frequently continue treatment until they get the results they came for.
} This means you need to have a more direct influence on the problem.
} One of the ways you can get more directed results is by targeting the level of qi that is most effected by the disorder.
} Is the disease manifesting in: } Wei qi } Ying qi } Yuan qi } Jing
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} Protects the body against pathogenic factors } Circulates on the exterior warming the muscles
and superficial tissues
} How we initially react to our external environment
} Reflexive } Autonomic } Instinctual
} Associated with posture, mood & how we react to the world before thinking. Related to the Po.
} Qi aspect of blood } Nourishes the organs and tissues } This is the qi that is activated when you
needle an acupuncture point. } This qi is linked to emotions, digestion and
lifestyle. } Closely associated with the function of the
Heart, Pericardium & Spleen
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} Provides motive force for life } Basis of organ function } Derived from Jing it is closely related to the function of the Kidneys and San Jiao.
} Associated with deep-knowing and belief systems. It is also powerfully linked to curriculum.
} Sinew Channels Wei qi } Luo vessels Ying qi to wei qi } Primary Channels Ying qi } Divergents Wei & Yuan qi } 8 Extras Wei to Jing
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Aka: tendino-muscular meridians (tmms)
} Protect the body from trauma } Sustain the posture & upright position } Connect muscles to bones maintaining the
integrity of the structure. } Govern movement } Linked emotionally to temperament. } Habitual or characteristic inclination or mode
of emotional response. (defense) Usually based on a person’s sensitivity to outside stimuli.
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} Muscle pain: acute trauma, muscle tension, muscle or sinew bi syndrome
} Skin conditions } Neuralgias/neuropathies: zoster, sciatica,
trigeminal neuralgia, Reynauds } Postural imbalances: scoliosis, flat feet,
armoring, restricted ROM
} In his Channel Theory book, Maciocia says the influence of the organs on the TMMs is a “one-way” street. From interior to exterior.
} I wonder if it isn’t it possible that structure can also influence function?
} Can re-structuring posture change perspective, belief systems and emotions?
} Balancing the wei qi of the tmms & cutaneous zones may open an avenue for transformation and consciousness. “Body awareness”.
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Releasing through ying qi
} Each time we experience something in life, we process that experience.
} In order to learn & grow we must have the ability to process life from a sensory, emotional & mental perspective.
} The most profound effect on that processing is supported by the function of:
} The pericardium, heart, spleen, qi & blood.
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} The movement of qi & blood is essential for the process.
} Stagnation of either qi or blood inhibits the ability to smoothly process emotion and thought.
} The luo-collaterals circulate Ying qi } They are closely connected to the processing function of the blood, heart, pericardium & spleen.
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} Considered extensions of the primary channels.
} They “diverge” from the primary meridians to go more deeply into the body (yuan qi).
} They “emerge” from the depth to rejoin the primary channels (wei qi).
} Balance Yin & Yang (organs & head) } The yin channels connect to the yang
channels as they emerge. } Protect the organs from EPF by holding the
pathogen in latency. } Because they are polarity vessels they often
hold the pathogen on one side causing unilateral symptoms.
} When the system cannot hold the latency any longer it will move to the other side (migrating symptoms).
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} Chronic conditions that are: } Intermittent } One-sided } Alternating sides } Imbalances in polarity } Identification with or suppression of a particular emotion.
} Auto-immune conditions } Arthritis } Chronic degenerative conditions } Structural degeneration or postural issues
} Jing xu } Chronic wei qi xu } Persistent emotional patterns
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} Goal: Healthy release of stored somatic stagnation.
} The divergents can help us fulfill our destiny or
see our resistance to our destiny. } In pursuit of our destiny our expressions and
actions must be aligned with the deepest truth of who we are.
} The divergent meridians can help us achieve that
alignment.
Qi Jing Ba Mai
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} They are not restrained by the primary channel system. (Nan Jing)
} They do not pertain to the main channel system & do not have exterior & interior relationships. (Li Shi Zhen)
} Modern texts imply that the 8 extras are extraordinary because they are unusual & add something to the primary channel system.
} Reservoirs (of vital substances) } Contain essence } Integrates curious organs with the ZF } Impacts & resonate with the 4 Seas } Links to 7 orifices } Regulate, balance & integrate
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} Regulates flow of qi from the primary channels
} Regulates excess/deficiency of yin &/or yang } Links yin channels & yang channels } Balances Yin & Yang in the trunk & head } Balances Left-Right, Above-Below, Interior-
Exterior, Front-Back } Integrates 8 extras with internal organs,
curious organs, four seas & gao huang
} Mental/emotional problems } Neurological problems
} Constitutional issues
} Pulse appropriate conditions
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4 Seas 4 Transporters
} Accumulations of vital substance
} Resources } Vessels of curriculum &
destiny } Determines core
identity } Genetic substrate
} Vehicles for the circulation of vital substances
} Distribution of resources
} Vessels of the journey } Determines character
style } Genetics unfolding
} Lonny Jarrett wrote, “I would change nothing in my life if it meant not being here now. These words, when spoken freely, without a waiver in the voice or blink of the eye, suggest we have arrived at a place of healing.”
} Because the 8 extras impact qi from wei to jing, these vessels have the most powerful effect on our pursuit of destiny.
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} When regulated these vessels provide the most support for growth & consciousness.
} By regulating the cycles of jing they allow for an unfolding of purpose.
} They can help us to see that we would indeed “change nothing if it meant not being here now.”
} Ultimately, understanding these vessels and learning to appreciate their effect can only make us better clinicians.
} You may not need an Allen Wrench very often
but when you do no other tool will do the job.
} Make friends with the red-headed step-child. She’s fun and she knows what she’s doing!
