INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 1 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE (Text Book for Acupuncture Course of Tamilnadu Open University ) Compiled in Tamil by Healer. A. Umar Farook M.Acu., D.Ed(Acu) Translation by Healer. C. Natarajan M.Acu., Advisory Board Healer. Bose K. Mohamed Meera M.Acu., D.Ed(Acu) Healer. P.V. Devarajan M.Acu., D.Ed(Acu) Healer. P.M. Umar Farook M.Acu., D.Ed(Acu) qiza www.acuhome.org2 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE First Edition: Feb 2010 Revised Edition: October 2011 Rs. 150 (Without Charts) Rs. 300 (With 36” x 12” Charts) Acupuncture is a unique method of treatment. No one can patent it. Anybody can use any part of this book to the need of humanity with prior intimation to us. Printed by: Sneha Printers, Deepam Complex, Sattur. Publishers : PUTHUYIR PUBLISHERS No : 14, New Bus Stand, CUMBUM. Theni Dt. 625 516 E-mail : drumarfarook @ gmail.comINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 3 DEDICATION Gratefully dedicated to Dr. FAZLUR RAHMAN pss Dv MD PID (Acu) ( Father of Indian Acupuncture ) Editor : Health Time To him hiding wisdom as Trade Secret is against the Divine Law. He has been teaching all the wisdom realised by him towards the welfare of the Humanity.4 INDIAN ACUPUNCTUREINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 5 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE I HISTORY & PHILOSOPHIES OF ACUPUNCTURE I BASIC ANATOMY & ACUPUNCTURE PHYSIOLOGY APPLIED ACUPUNCTURE IV APPENDIX6 INDIAN ACUPUNCTUREINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 7 a Preface to the First Edition NEED OF THIS BOOK There are already so many books available on Acupuncture. A good number of books are there on identification of meridians and acu points. Then a question, what is the need of this book may arise to everyone of you. To get the answer, you have to understand the status of Acupuncture Healers of the day. We can realise the following factors from the History and Philosophies of Acupuncture. 1. Acupuncture is a unique system of treatment based only on the life energy and not on any medicines or drugs. 2. There are no any diseases which cannot be cured by Acupuncture. 3. Dr. Wo Wei Ping, the Father of Acupuncture has declared and proved that ‘Ten thousand diseases that may come can be cured with the help of a single needle’. .. AS you go on reading these, some questions may arise, certainly will arise... Dl8 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE a % How is it the Chinese Acupuncture practised and taught by a majority of acupuncturists is entirely different to these? * Is it not wrong to suggest medicines, drugs, herbals, supporting foods and tests while practising Acupuncture? o If the treatments followed today are wrong.... how to undertake the proper treatment? . the present book contains the correct answers to such of these questions. How was Acupuncture in India? s It was a method of treatment only to relieve from pains. v More than ten n eedles were used Drugs and medicines were used along with Chinese Acupuncture. . as such, Acupuncture has been practised in an absurd manner. Tamilnadu was aware that the coming of Dr Brothers has offered a new life to Acupuncture. Acupuncture philosophies originated in China were brought to practice in Tamilnadu. The entire medical field has |INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 9 | wonderstruck to see thousands were cured with the help of single needle. This ‘Acupuncture Revolution’ has given a death blow to the Allopathy medicine in Tamilnadu. Even after this, a majority of Acupuncturists have not given up their medical business. Only a very few follow the Indian Acupuncture. Only the knowledge of acu points is not sufficient to give the treatment. It is a must to know the natural function and the results of the malfunctioning of our body. What are all required for proper Acupuncture treatment alone are contained in this book. It will help you to understand Acupuncture on the footsteps of Dr. Brothers with the wisdom taught by them. With the basic desire to follow what is taught, study the lessons and follow with all sincerity. *K10 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE ee The Necessary Foreword by Dr. FAZLUR RAHMAN MBBS DV MD PhD (Acu) To equip yourself before learning Acupuncture You are going to learn the powerful, true Acupuncture which has been practised from ancient times. Dear students, you might have the absurd notion that the Doctors must be great scholars and great genius, keeping themselves away for the common public. Now, the time has come to come out of this absurd notion. From today, everyone of you, the medical students, is going to learn the acupuncture. You should have the ambition of becoming the teachers exceeding the Modern medicine. With the first lesson you learn in Acupuncture itself you can upset the specialists of English medicine who studied for eight to ten years. It is the time to make bygone the days of studying MBBS for six years spending lakhs and lakhs of Rupees.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 11 a It is the precious thing to relieve the diseased. If this is made a business, it is highly against the Divine Law. Time has come to relieve the patients from the dreadful clutches of English medicine which is in the peak of this deceit. If you are going to study Acupuncture - the treasure, with the idea of making it a business you can be sure, you are going to be a failure. You cannot treat even a single patient. You may have to turn back to your previous status. But, you have the right to earn your wages in fair manner. It is good for you. Dear students, if you really wish to benefit out of it, you have to bear in mind that there is always a wisdom better than what is taught here. You shall always believe that someone else is having better knowledge than you. As and when you earn name and fame as a renowned practitioner you should never fail to share your knowledge with your fellowmen, because of your pride or ego. If you do so, you only are going to be the loser. Be God Fearing. Let Divine Path be yours. May God Bless You. Courtesy : Health Time, Sep 199812 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE History and philosophiesINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 13 Birth of medicine systems Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing. The time when man started learning from Nature would have been the origin of Acupuncture. In the pursuit of individuals to help the diseased, different kinds of therapies have originated in the different parts of the Universe. Depending upon the circumstances and customs of various countries, different kinds of therapies have evolved. Purely depending on the lifestyles at different places, various types of therapies have originated in the beginning such as Siddha in Tamilnadu, Ayurveda in North India and Kerala, Unani in Persia, Acupuncture in China and Naturopathy in general. The inventions of great people who have understood nature have been continuing till modern days. In 18th century, Homeopathy originated in Germany and Magneto theraphy in Russia. After this, different therapies such as Bio chemistry, Floral medicine, Electro homeopathy associated with nature have evolved. In the initial stage, the therapies were based on lifestyles and later, the therapies were used in the days of diseases. All these therapies aimed to relieve man from diseases on the basis of realising nature. All the therapies existing till the invention of chemical medicines were basically treating the diseases depending on natural understanding.14 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Every country claims that the Best Medicine System has originated only in its land. Actually various systems have originated individually in different countries. It is natural, that there shall be common features in various systems based on nature. As such, Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani Systems use the same kind of herbals. The systems which do not use medicines such as Varma, Acupuncture and Massage seem to be common. Every system has its own basic philosophies and method of treatment. The systems which follow their own philasophies in all their activities only are alive till today. History of Chinese_Acupuncture Chinese literature and life of people prove that China is the origin of Acupuncture. Features of Acupuncture are seen in the Taoist philosophies which are about 8000 years old. Many people of those days were aware of the relationship between man and nature. They were aware of the invisible flow of life energy and its importance.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 15 Fku-Hsi who lived on the bank of Yellow River, about 8000 years ago, studied nature and taught it others with symbols designed by him. These symbols representing nature were called Yin-Yang by the Chinese. Fku-Hsi tried to explain the Yin-Yang philosophy which is the backbone of Chinese lifestyle. He described the Yin-Yang philosophy in his book I-Ching. This book is referred to as the basis of Chinese philosophy and book of Acupuncture philosophy in the history of China. The Chinese consider 2697-2596 BC as the Golden Age of Acupuncture. Only during this period, Huang di who is known as Yellow Emperor shown interest in medicine systems. He had detailed discussions with his chief of physicians, Qi-Bo. Their discussions on medicine were preserved in the form of Question-Answers. Later,16 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE during 206-204 BC they were published as a book in the name of Nei-Jing : The Yellow Emperor Classic of Internal Medicine. This book is considered to be the basic book of Acupuncture till today. Nei-Jing has got two major sections viz. 1. The Su-Wen and 2. Ling Shu. 1. The Su-Wen This section has 9 volumes and 81 chapters. This section explains Human Anatomy, Physiology, causes of diseases, symptoms of diseases, diagnostic methods, prevention of diseases, Yin-Yang and Five element philosophies, treatment methods, relationship between man and nature in the form of Question-Answers. 2. Ling Shu This section contains 81 chapters. This explains in detail, the Acupuncture energy meridians, Zang Fu - Cool and Warm organs, needles, characters of Acupuncture points, the method of point stimulation, vital energies and location of points. The people of Shong dynasty ofINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 17 1000 BC, started using bones, stones and wooden pieces to stimulate acupuncture points. During 421-221 BC, the metal age of China, metal needles were designed. As per the evidences available silver and golden needles were used in 113 BC. As per the sources available, during this period Acupuncture was widely practised and there lived numerous acupuncturists. During this period only the notable book an Acupuncture ‘Non-Jing’ was published. This book consists of important sections such as Five-element philosophy, diagnostic methods, extra meridians. Huang Fu Mi, a famous acupuncturist of 260- 205 AD, compiled the ancient medicine literature and published the book ‘Systematic Classics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion’. This book explains in detail about the cool-warm organs, blood and vital energy, energy meridians, Acupuncture points and their functions in 12 sections. This is considered as an important book in the history of Chinese medicine. During the period 265-581 AD Acupuncture was followed as a popular method of treatment by the people of Zen, in North China and South China. Xu-Xi families were popular acupuncturists of this period. During this18 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE period a good number of books and charts were published. Sui Dynasty of 581-618 AD and Tang Dynasty of 618-907 paved way to spread acupuncture in vast regions. Zhen Quan, the famous acupuncturist during 627-649 AD published Acupuncture books and charts with the support of Tang government. Sun Simio, another famous acupuncturist of the same period published the book ‘Thousand Gold for Emergencies”. During this period only Acupuncture rooted firmly and spread in the history of medicine. Various Acupuncture training centres and colleges emerged at this time. Then, the periods of two dynasties Song and Ming are considered to be important: “% Wang Weiyi of Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), published a book in the name of ‘The Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points & Moxa’. % The Ming Dynasty (1568-1644 AD) extensively used acupuncture. During this time the popular acupuncture practitioner Wang Gendung published a detailed book on acupuncture ‘Codes and Medical Practices’ with 120 sections. “ In 1601 AD Yang Jizhou published the book ‘Principles of Acupuncture and Moxibustion’ which is very much useful for treatment. This book is aINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 19 compilation of the points from the books Nei-Jing and Non Jing. During these days Acupuncture was the main system of treatment among the Chinese medicine systems. Practising method known as Taichi, Herbal medicine and Nature based other medicines were also followed by the Chinese. Opium wars of Qing Dynasty during 1644-1840 AD were notable in the history of Acupuncture. During this period only, the practice of combining the Herbal medicine, which was a separate entity, had come into practice. This period is considered to have twin systems - acupuncture and herbal medicine in China. After political changes in China, in 1948 AD the sorrows of Chinese came to an end. The Chinese Communist government formed the Peoples Republic of China. At this time, economic down trend and the effects of unstable governments pushed China to a lower position. This reflected in the medical field also, and Acupuncture and Herbal medicine had to face a decline.20 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE The English medicine which was spreading at that time was not sufficient. Hence, the need for the traditional medicines erupt again. During this time only the ‘Barefoot Doctors’ used acupuncture and a drastic change happened. In 1950 AD Mao Ze Dung, the Chinese leader realised the use of Acupuncture and its important part in the Economy of China, ordered to teach acupuncture to millions of people and use acupuncture in government hospitals. Once again Acupuncture spread in the entire China in full swing. But the mistake of combining acupuncture along with English medicine was started. The new practice of combining all the three systems, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and English Medicine came into existence. This practice only was termed as “Barefoot Doctors Training’. *INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 21 The Rise and Fall of Acupuncture After the declaration of Acupuncture as an official medical system, it was accepted widely throughout the world. Even before that, Soulie de Morant, had taken the ‘Principles of Acupuncture and Moxibustion’ complied by Yang Jizho (1601 AD) as a text book of Acupuncture for Europeans. % ee After 1950, the researches on Chinese Acupuncture were based on Modern Medicine. Philosophy-based treatment was given up, and temporary relief measures came into practice. Acupuncture was taken up for research by World Health Organization (WHO). In September 1962, World Health Organisation conducted a conference at Kazakhastan in Russia. It recognised 104 alternate medicines including Acupuncture. In 1965, Meridian and Points Committee of Japan and All China Acupuncture Moxa Society of China tried to fix common numbers to Acupuncture points.22 % ny ee R oS INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Later, Acupuncture started to spread in various countries like America, Canada, England, France and Australia. American President Nixon visited China in 1972. James Resten, the Chief Reporter of Newyork Times accompanied him. He was seriously suffering from acute appendicitis even after an operation. Noting this, an acupuncturist cured him within a few minutes. After returning to America, he published an article on Acupuncture in Newyork Times. In 1975, a team of doctors visited China to get training in Acupuncture. In the same year, an Acupuncture Research Centre was established in America under the name Mayo. In 1978, World Health Organisation arranged for a conference on alternate medicines in association with UNICEF and some voluntary service organisations. Representatives of 134 Governments and 67 international organisations participated in the conference. The conference suggested world countries to take up traditional medicines towards the welfare of their people.% oo INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 23 Since the names of Acupuncture points and energy meridians were in Chinese language, WHO conducted a session to generalise the terms in Dec 1980 at Manila. Countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam participated in the session. On the same subject research sessions were conducted at Tokyo in 1984, at Hongkong in 1985 and at Ceyol in 1987. Finalized Acupuncture Symbols were published at Geneva Conference in 1989. The Chinese Acupuncture which was already mixed with Herbal medicines and English medicine, accepted various new methods as it spread in different countries. To gain commercial success a good number of new instruments and methods were invented and included into the Chinese Acupuncture. In this status only, the Chinese Acupuncture entirely deviated from its philosophy entered India through Srilanka. we a“24 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Birth of Indian Acupuncture In 1980's, practitioners of Chinese Acupuncture were there at a few places of India. In those days, the Chinese Acupuncture was in use as a pain reliever and supporting medical system to other systems in practice. Certainly there were no acupuncture practitioners who followed the basic philosophies of Chinese Acupuncture. Traditional diagnostic methods and ancient simple treatments of Acupuncture were given up. Complicated and confused methods of treating with 10 to 20 needles and various instruments were existing at different places of India. This is the system of Chinese Acupuncture known to major countries of the world. Only a very few in China practise Classical Acupuncture. At this juncture, two allopathic doctors Dr. Fazlur Rahman and Dr. Siddique Jamal, known as Dr Brothers, entered the world of Acupuncture. Dr Fazlur Rahman completed his degree in Allopathy medicine in 1979 and started practice. He had given up the Allopathy practice in 1984 and took up acupuncture treatment. Till then, the acupuncture was a method of treatment for pain relief. Dr Fazlur Rahman, the FatherINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 25 of Indian Acupuncture, introduced Acupuncture as a complete theraphy which can cure all diseases with a single needle or a touch. There are large number of differences between the existing Chinese Acupuncture system and the Acupuncture system introduced by Dr. Fazlur Rahman, in philosophy and practice. Different methods were practised in Chinese Acupuncture. 10 to 30 needles were inserted deeply at various places of the body, low level electric power was passed through them with stimulators and various herbal medicines were prescribed. Specific features of Indian Acupuncture are the reading of pulse on the basis of philosophy, identification of points to give treatment at a single point, not prescribing any medicines and observance of Indian traditional philosophy in the case of removal of wastes and toxins. Dr. Fazlur Rahman proved with his patients, more than 1.5 lakhs in number, that the single point treatment of Indian Acupuncture is sufficient to cure all kinds of diseases. Dr Brothers re-established the unique nature of Chinese Acupuncture which failed in its original land. Students got trained by them are practising Indian Acupuncture all over Tamilnadu.26 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Two decisions of the Govt. of Tamilnadu and the Govt. of India are important in the History of Indian Acupuncture. 1. Acupuncture was recognised as a therapy under the GO (2003) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. 2. By the Governor’s address in 2003, the Govt. of Tamilnadu made a provision to encourage Acupuncture by voluntary organisations. Apart from these, many discussions were held in the Indian Parliament on the single needle system and healing by the touch of Acupuncture points. The UNICEF, an agency of UNO declared Acupuncture as one of the historical traditions in 2010. It is our responsibility to take forward the History of Acupuncture in India. Every one of us who masters acupuncture shall practise it in its traditional way. We have to create awareness among the people about the complete curing capability of the acupuncture by our consistent practice. Start learning acupuncture, the unique life science, with the hope of relieving people from the drugs and the society from the diseases.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 27 Acupuncture - The Art of Healing Let us analyse the term ‘Acupuncture’, representing a unique method of medicine, to understand its complete meaning. The term ‘Acupuncture’ was derived from Latin. The term came to be understood and used worldwide through the Chinese language. Books of Chinese Acupuncture analyse the term as follows: ACCUS + PUNCTURA = ACUPUNCTURE ACCUS, the Latin word means ‘needle or a sharp object. PUNCTURE means insert or pierce. Hence, the term Acupuncture means inserting a needle or piercing a sharp object. To verify the correctness of this meaning, we have to refer the following historical events. 1. As per the historical evidences, the beginning of Acupuncture dates back 5000 years ago. But the evidences of using sharp objects (Bones, Wooden pieces, Stones) are dated by 1000 BC only, that means, after 1500 years from the birth of acupuncture. That is, there are no evidences that sharp objects were used for28 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE treatment in the initial days of Acupuncture. On the basis of later evidences the historians drew the conclusion by assumption. 2. According to the History of China, metals came into use only in 400’s BC. Needles were used in China only during 421-221 BC. Silver and Gold needles were used only by 113 BC. These two historical evidences ascertain that needles or sharp objects were not used in the initial days of Acupuncture. If so, is it not incomplete, the derivation of the term Acupuncture? Let us, try to understand the meaning of the term as follows: The Latin word ACUPUNCTURE may be split as : ACUITUS + PUNCTURA. The Latin word ACUITUS is known as Acuity in English. So, ACUITUS means sharpness of thought. ‘PUNCURA’ can be taken to mean ‘insert’ or ‘stimulate’. As such, ACUITUS + PUNCTURA - Acupuncture means, stimulating with sharp thought (idea of curing) Hence, ‘Acupuncture Treatment’ doesn’t mean penetrating with needle but to help the patient, with a right thought of curing. *INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 29 Different Classifications of Acupuncture To understand the acupuncture therapy practised throughout the world, we may classify it into two : 1. Chinese Acupuncture (Modern Acupuncture) 2. Indian Acupuncture (Classical Acupuncture) Chinese Acupuncture Only this type of acupuncture is practised by majority of acupuncturists throughout the world. On the basis of scientific inventions, with the help of various equipments, a good number of changes have been introduced in the method of treatment in the Modern Acupuncture. The system follows the modern principles of believing what are visible-physiology and pathology - on the basis of English Medicine. A lot of confusions are there, in modernising the ancient medicine acupuncture using equipments. Confusions in Chinese Acupuncture According to Acupuncture, if there be any disease, we have to find out its root cause to cure the same. Without bothering about the root cause, the modern acupuncture administers treatment at the places of symptoms of the diseases.30 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Indian Acupuncture uses only one needle for treatment. According to Indian Acupuncture single needle or a gentle touch is sufficient to activate the energy point. Chinese Acupuncture uses different kinds of equipments for stimulation. 1. Tens Meter : Electric power is passed at a very low level through needles. 2. Laser Stimulator : Light laser rays are focussed at the acu points. 3. Point Detector : An electronic equipment to detect the acu points. 4. Needling Gun : The instrument used to insert needles at the acu points. 5. Computer Meridian Diagnoser : Apparatus used to identify the defective meridian of the body. 6. Blood Circulation Massager : This apparatus stimulates the acupressure pointsINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 31 available on the sole. Nowadays this is advertised as an equipment for acupuncture treatment. Addition to above equipments, Chinese accupuncturists make use of supplementary foods and herbal medicines also. KINDS OF NEEDLES : Acupuncture points are located only on the surface of skin. All the acupuncture literature say that by way of touching the points by a finger tip or a sharp object we can balance the energy meridians. This does give the expected results also. As per the reliable sources of the history of acupuncture, metal needles came into use only by 200 BC. Before that, for thousands of years, sharpened pieces of wood, bones, and stones only were used. By using these such materials, the stimulation might have been given only at the surface of the skin. These materials might not have penetrated into the skin. Hence, the needles penetrating into the skin upto 1 or 2 inches should have come into practice only after the invention of metals. As such, we can understand that, stimulating the upper surface of the skin is the correct way of treatment. Confusing methods such as using different kinds of needles and horizontal-vertical32 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE needling do not belong to the Acupuncture. Further, they are of no use in the treatment. All the traditional medicines say that, “the disease is not at the places of symptoms, the root cause of the symptoms is the disease.” The treatment given at the places of symptoms can give only temporary relief, it will not cure the disease completely. Method of eradicating the root cause is the complete system of treatment. Indian Acupuncture It is wrong to understand Indian Acupuncture as the acupuncture practised by Indians. Acupuncture system, understanding the body on the basis of Indian philosophies is the Indian Acupuncture. Though the Indian Acupuncture is followed in a few other countries, it is completely followed on the basis of philosophies only in India and that too in Tamilnadu. For the last 25 years, after the coming up of Dr. Fazlur Rahman, the Father of Indian Acupuncture, it is being received well throughout the world. Let us study the unique philosophies and the methods of treatment of the Indian Acupuncture in the pages to follow.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 33 Indian Acupuncture - an introduction Presence of life is invisible. Activity of life is invisible. We can only feel or sense its presence by the external signs and we cannot see it. The root cause of a disease also is invisible. So also is the energy which cures it. As such, to have faith on the invisible things that can be felt, is the basis of Indian Acupuncture. Giving treatment to the root cause of a disease rather than giving treatment to the symptoms of the disease is the method of treatment in the Indian Acupuncture. Rectifying the root cause is the only way to eradicate the disease. It is enough that we stimulate the natural life energy of the body to remove the disease. The body’s defence force - the immunity power will look after the eradication of the disease. The method of treatment to give this stimulation requires only a single needle or a touch. Basic Infrastructure The Indian Acupuncture consists of two sections : 1. Diagnostic methods of finding out the symptoms, nature and root cause of the disease. 2. Treatment method to eradicate the disease completely.34 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Methods of Diagnosis Diagnosis in Indian Acupuncture may be divided into three kinds: 1. Investigation 2. Observation (Examination) 3. Touching (Pulse) Details of these can be seen later. Methods of Treatment After finding out the nature and root cause of the disease with the help of diagnostic methods, stimulating the required acu point is the method of treatment in the Indian Acupuncture. Two methods are followed to stimulate the acu points. 1. Needle stimulation. 2. Touch stimulation.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 35 Philosophies of Indian Acupuncture Diagnosis and Treatment methods of Indian Acupuncture are based only on basic philosophies. There are three basic philosophies in the Indian Acupuncture. Various bye-laws and principles are formed on these basic philosophies. 1. Philosophy of Karu-Uru 2. Philosophy of Five-Elements 3. Philosophy of Morbid Elimination PHILOSOPHY OF KARU-URU Either the Yin-Yang philosophy of Chinese Acupuncture or the Pathi-Pasu-Pasam philosophy of Siddha medicine is set aside nowadays because both of them are not completely explained or understood. Though there are many books describing the outline of these philosophies, they are not in practice today. The basic symbol of Yin-Yang philosophy, the small line besides the longer line, which explains the fact of Tao tradition is no more today. Our search for the fact of this basic symbol is complete by understanding the Karu-Uru philosophy. We are satisfied to present the Karu-Uru36 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE philosophy of Indian Acupuncture, as the gift of this century to the mankind. If we are able to understand the Karu-Uru, we will be able to understand everything in this world. Let us set aside the approaches already known and approach the terms Karu and Uru. ee & Both Karu and Uru are one and the same. For the sake of understanding let us consider them as two different entities. ° Karu and Uru are not different from each other. Karu is invisible. Objective visible part of Karu is Uru. oe & Seeing the external visible part Uru alone will not help us to understand Karu. Because, Uru does contain the complete nature of Karu. Karu is invisible. te There is no Uru without Karu. As the Karu without . % Uru is not having any shape, it will not be exposed. . te Of these two, Karu is the basis of Uru. Uru cannot exist without Karu. Inside of every Uru, 4 Karu exists invisibly. ” Uru helps to sense the presence of Karu. If weINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 37 depend only on external Uru alone, the invisible Karu will not expose itself. These are some explanations based on philosopies. It will be easier to understand these with some examples. We can easily understand Karu and Uru with the help of Thirumandiram of Thirumoolar with some slight substitution of words for convenience: “s@ald © Gayld QreiorG erosruumit Sihlaeomit SHGaI & Haraug) wing Sihl\éleonit SHCA OHauraugy WINGO SHS Moor SEGA 2 Gami SwitHAGssren!”38 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Let us see another Siddha song of Siva Gnana Siddhiyar with the some word substitutions : “sqmeie © qarsGgneii) Quien ursworel 2 Halaficd © GALTeW 2 AFHGi ©. eeawsdveomd” These songs explain that Karu and Uru are not individually separate, they are one into one. Karu is the inner core of Uru, and Uru is the external shape to explain Karu. We will start citing examples from the known human body itself. Body is external - visible. This is Uru. We know that Uru is not a separate entity. If so, where is the Karu of the body? Body cannot function of its own. Then, what would be its basis? Is it the internal organs or flesh or bones? No... All these are visible and have shapes. So inside the body, life alone is invisible. Let us associate the features of Karu with the nature of life. ° Karu is invisible - yes - life is also invisible. Se ° Karu and Uru cannot be separated. Likewise, theINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 39 life and body cannot be separated. e Karu is the basis of Uru; Life is the basis for the body. . % ” We will not be able to understand Karu just with the external shape of Uru. We cannot sense Life just by seeing the body, but the functioning of the body indicates the existence of life. ” There is no Uru without Karu. There is no body without life. Life cannot be seen and felt without the body. We can understand each and every thing in the universe as the features of karu-uru match with life and body. To understand the fact distinguishly, we sense Karu through uru. After sensing Karu, the entire universe will appear to be fused with Karu. Of the two, body and life, one is visible and the other is invisible. If Uru is identified, Karu will expose itself. Karu is invisible and has the nature of coolness, generating and developing. Uru is visible and has the nature of warmnese, degenerating and shrinking.40 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE A day consists of invisible darkness (Karu) and visible day (Uru). Among the humans, man is Karu and cool. Woman is Uru and warm. Let us see some more examples to understand the concept of Karu-Uru. URU Body Womanhood External Warm Day White Object Lamp Visible Limited Superficial Seeing Explanation KARU Life Manhood Internal Cool Night Black Energy Light Invisible Limitless Deep Sensing PhilosophyINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 41 Sense 7 Feeling Bad - Good Active - Passive Destruction - Generation A very good example to understand Karu-Uru is ‘a magnet.’ A piece of magnet consists of both North Pole and South Pole. We cannot separate the two poles. Karu is always with a Uru. Karu takes form of Uru to expose itself. Warm woman has the cool uterus. The cool man has the warm testes. The uterus is cool and generative. To maintain this coolness, the woman’s body is warm. Body of man is cool to maintain the warm testes. Karu and Uru are inseparable as less warm, more cool, less cool and more warm and so on.... With the knowledge of Karu-Uru philosophy, we can understand the body and the universe.42 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Philosophy Of Five-Elements The fact in the form or ‘Karu’ modifies itself to expose as five elements. Five element qualities called ‘Pancha Bhoodas’ join together to form the Universe. “LTT FSSIWOT LGhFLOT YB SIonmMHe CsHreiryo Wc" - POTED OU WITT The five-element philosophy, one of the ancient Indian Philosophies has got fully explained in Acupuncture. More than any other medicine systems of the world, the Acupuncture vividly explains how these individual elements function, and on what basis one associates or repulse with each other. Tholkappiam, the good old Tamil Grammar introduces the five elements as follows : ‘How § hit sof MedGunG sso BUF WWESD 2G S,Haileir” - Quag@erGsngtb (635) This world is formed of the five elements fire, earth, air, water, and wood. All the ancient medicine systems of the world have the five-element philosophy as the common basis.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 43 If the Universe is made of these five elements, how is it associated with the medicine? “SHOTLFH\QVITETSS evorLto MecorTL HFA vetoes SievorLio ACTL PW Never apo Hest OM HHSTOT umisGi0 Curry.” How this Universe is made of the five elements, so also the body is made of the five elements. That is why our ancestors who tried to find out the secrets of the Universe started to understand the body. People of various ancient countries tried to realize spiritualism through medicines. That is why there is an inevitable mix of medicine in spiritualism and spiritualism in medicine in the books of ancient times. Chinese Taoist books and Indian literature appear to be similar in nature. Body and life are formed of the five elements. Functioning of these five energies is the functioning of body and life. All the functions, functioning of human body and transformation of vital energies are taking place only on the basis of Pancha Bhooda energies. The harmony and perfect coordination in the functioning of the body and the Universe are because of44 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE the nature and proper functioning of the five elements. Unhormonious functioning of the five elements leads to various problems and difficulties in the internal organs of the body. If we are able to identify the excess or deficit unhormonious nature five elements, we will be able to find out the way for a healthy life. Diagnosis and treatment methods of all the ancient medicine systems are based on the five-element philosophy. Various traditional medicine-systems which deviated from this fundamental philosophy have lost their importance. Based in five-element philosophy, the flow of vital energy and the functioning of internal organs can be studied under three cycles. 1) Generative cycle. 2) Control cycle. 3) Counter cycle. 1. Generative Cycle : Generative cycle is the cycle which is helpful for the generation. One element of five elements is helpful in the generation of another element and itself being generated from different element. Each of the fiveINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 45 elements contains the dual nature - ‘generating’ and ‘being generated.’ FIRE an woop oe EARTH WATER (2. Qe METAL From Fire Energy Earth is generated From Earth Energy Air is generated From Air Energy Water is generated From Water Energy Wood is generated wR YPN From Wood Energy again Fire is generated 2. Control Cycle: For an element to be in proper energy level, other elements also should be in their respective proper levels without exceeding their limits. To keep every element within its limits another element is used. This control46 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE cycle is the activity of the mother element to safeguard its son element. For example, Fire element generates Earth element by offering its energy, Earth offers its energy and generates Air. This is natural cycle. In this, Earth gets its energy from Fire. While the Earth gives energy to Air, if Air sucks off more energy, its mother element ‘Earth’ becomes weak. To control this abnormality .... Fire element, at the time of giving its energy to Earth itself, controls the Air which gets energy from Earth. Controlling from sucking off more energy from Earth, Fire supports the normality of the cycle. FIRE GENERATION PROTECT Qe EARTH oO METALINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 47 In this manner, each element . 2 ee & 2 is a son being generated from other element is a mother giving energy to other element * controls another element to protect its son element FIRE @ woop C) ed EARTH 5. WATER C) @ METAL 1. Fire controls Air 2. Air controls Wood 3. 4 . Earth controls Water Wood controls Earth Water controls Fire Counter Cycles : When the element-flow counteracts, it becomes destructive. One element destroys the other. It is called Destructive Cycle and it occurs in two ways :48 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 1. Counter Generative Cycle 2. Counter Control Cycle Counter Generative Cycle : As per the five-element philosophy, counter cycle occurring in the generative cycle is called the Counter Generative Cycle. GENERATIVE CYCLE FIRE COUNTER GENERATIVE CYCLE Fire generates Earth Earth destroys Fire Earth generates Air Air destroys Earth Air generates Water Water destroys Air Water generates Wood Wood destroys Water Wood generates Fire Fire destroys WoodINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 49 Counter Control Cycle : In the control cycle, if counteraction occurs at the time of control, one element destroys the other. This is called the Counter Control Cycle. One element to protect its son element, controls another element. The element which was controlled destroys the controlling element. In this stage, both the elements, controlled and controlling, get destroyed. For example, Fire controls Air. As a counteraction, Air tries to control Fire. In this stage, both the elements Air and Fire get destroyed. This is called Counter Control Cycle. FIRE won OD oe oo WATER METAL eo @ EARTH50 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Control Cycle Counter Control Cycle Fire controls Air Air tries to control Fire Air controls Wood Wood tries to control Air Wood controls Earth Earth tries to control Wood Earth controls Water | Water tries to control Earth Water controls Fire Fire tries to control Water These are the three major cycles of five elements. Though these Pancha Bhoodas are five different individual elements, every element contains a combination of all the five elements. For example... In the Air element, the major part is Air and the qualities of the other elements like Fire, Earth, Water and Wood are invisible within this. . * In the Air Element - when the fire exceeds its limits, the air blows hot. 4 ° In the Air Element - when the water exceeds its limits, air blows cool. * When the fire in the earth element exceeds its limits, the earth becomes barren. % When the water in the earth element exceeds its limits, the earth becomes marshy land.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 51 In this way, if any element exceeds its limits, the natural tendencies of the Pancha Bhoodas get affected. As the combination of the five elements Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Wood is responsible for the function of the Universe, it reflects in the internal organs of the body. Now, let us know the organs through which the five elements expose themselves. Related Internal Organs Fire Heart, Small Intestine Pericardium, Triple Warmer Earth Spleen, Stomach Air / Metal Lungs, Large Intestine Water Kidneys, Urinary Bladder Wood Liver, Gall Bladder Why are the internal organs considered to be associated with the energies of five elements? What is relation of the organ with the element? Analyse the above table on the basis of these questions. They represent the energy flow, which is a basis, not only for the Acupuncture therapy but also for the functioning of human body and Life. Ss ° What are the functions of a tree on the earth? It52 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE intakes the impure poisonous air and releases pure air suitable for breathing. Detoxification of air is the prime function of trees. Liver and Gall Bladder in our body do the same job. They detoxify the toxins in the blood and remove them. * What is the nature of the earth? It brings out the inherent energy. All the things put on the earth are amalgamated by it. A seed sown in the earth is amalgamated and comes out as a plant. Spleen and stomach do the same job. They digest the food and separate the energy. “* The job of the fire is spreading the heat and disintegrating the materials put in it. The heat existing in our body is spread by the heart throughout the body. The small intestine disintegrates the food and absorbs the energy. If you are able to analyse and associate the similarity of every element with the organs of the body, you can very well understand the complete physiological activities of our body. We have seen the organs, reflecting the energies of Pancha Bhoodhas. Every element exposes itself in two organs each. We can understand how these two organs are coupled through Karu-Uru philosophy.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 53 Karu is cool and Uru is warm in nature. The two internal organs of every element work together to do one function with these opposite but attractive cool and warm forces. For example, heart and small intestine are the organs of Fire element. Of these heart is cool and small intestine is warm. The cool heart functions and gives out warmness. The warm small intestine absorbs the coolness of the food. In the same way the paired organs of each element function together in two manners. On the basis of this functioning, let us tabulate the internal organs again: Heart Small Intestine Pericardium | Triple Warmer Large Instestine Urinary Bladder Liver Gall Bladder54 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE PHILOSOPHY OF MORBID ELIMINATION Morbid Elimination Philosophy is a unique feature of the Indian Acupuncture. (Morbid means any wastes in the form of heat, gas, liquid, solid). Of the Indian tradition, Naturopathy and Siddha are based on the Morbid Elimination Philosophy. Karu-Uru philosophy helps to analyse every thing on the Universe and the five-element philosophy to understand the function of universe and body. In the same way, Morbid Elimination Philosophy is highly useful to understand the functioning of internal organs. Truth (Karu-Uru) L Object (Five elements) L Function (Morbid removal) All these three philosophies have been offered by Indian and Chinese traditions. Other than traditional medicines, medical systems of later period also have the Morbid Elimination Philosophy. Because of not understanding of the morbid Elimination, some systems have lost their way.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 55 The universal truth, the Karu-Uru philosophy, five- element philosophy of Indo-Chinese origin and the Morbid Elimination Philosophy of India all join hands to lead the Indian Acupuncture. With the imbalance of Pancha Bhoodhas, changes take place in the functioning of the body, so the internal organs are affected. Five-element energies do not imbalance of their own. Generation alone is their natural feature. Because of malfunctioning of the internal organs, five-element energies undergo imbalance. The excess or low functioning is the malfunctioning of the internal organs. How do they happen? Because of nature-violating habits by the human being morbid is stagnated in the internal organs. Because of this stagnation, the internal organs get weakened. Because of the weakness of the organs, the malfunctioning of body and imbalance of five elements happen. The Morbid Elimination Philosophy explains where from the wastes, which cause imbalance in five-element energies, comes and how is discharged from the body. To know where are these morbids formed, we have to understand the basic functioning of the body.56 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Cell, tissue, organ, body.... all these function in an orderly manner. In each and every function, there are two actions. These two combine as a single function. 1. Assimilation. 2. Elimination Our ‘life’ collects the universal energy which is vital for the living through the skin, air energy through breathing, and food energy from the food consumed and nourishes the body. This is called assimilation. While absorbing the energies from these things during metabolic changes, morbids are produced. Only, when an object is digested and amalgamated, the energy and morbids are produced. Thus the body assimilates energy and eliminates morbids. The morbids thus produced daily are discharged by the body itself. Sweat morbid through skin, air morbid through nose, water morbid through urinary tract, faecal morbid through anus, and phlegm through any means are eliminated from the body. These kinds of visible morbids and invisible mobids like much heat and much cold are discharged regularly by the body. The regular elimination of morbid is very much important for a healthy life.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 57 Morbids, which are casually removed, stagnate at various organs of our body due to our violation of natural habits. The morbids thus stagnated are capable of converting their nature from one form to other and get discharged. Air morbid changes to water, water morbid to heat and heat morbid to phlegm and so on as necessary. Our body, to protect itself, will not allow stagnation of morbids or any foreign material inside. By our nature violation, the internal organs may weaken and morbids stagnated or stagnated morbids may weaken the internal organs. Hence, violation of natural law is the cause for diseases of the body.58 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Causes of Diseases Our invisible Life leads the body consistently towards its welfare. Hence, the involuntary functions of the internal organs are harmonious and in perfect order. There is no any breakage or confusion in these involuntary functions. Though the ‘Life’ acquires the required energies of its own, it allots some responsibilities to us - to our body. Where from the life gets the following required things? 1. Air 2. Universal Energy 3. Food 4. Water Of these, the first two are made available to the Life, without our efforts by involuntary breathing of skin and lungs. Their wastes are also discharged of their own. Life, gets the two material requirements through us viz. food and water. The wastes pertaining to these also are discharged with our help. We are not performing even this minimum work properly. We no need to do these jobs fully. Urges like thirsty, hungry, sleep are created by theINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 59 Life in the body. In the same way discharging of the wastes like faeces, urine, sweat are also taken care. Sweat is discharged without any of our efforts. Our help is required to discharge faeces and urine. As such, to take food and water when required, to co-operate in the discharge of faeces and urine, to give rest when the body requires and to accept and respond to the natural feelings of the Life are only required of us. Can we compare these petty jobs with the function of the body.......? If we perform the work allotted to us properly, the body will never become a burden. Let us know the reasons and causes we are posturing to the inconveniences and problems we face today. It is enough if we realize the mistakes and avoid them. The other things are already perfect. Let us distinctly understand the causes of the diseases in detail. Ro a60 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Causes of Diseases postured by English Medicine How does the body, which is functioning normally, get diseases all of a sudden? The ancient medical systems, prevailing at the different parts of the world, had analysed and answered this question thousands of years ago. Before understanding that, let us analyse whether the causes postured by modern medicine are correct or not. What does the Modern Medicine (Allopathy) say about the reasons for diseases? 1.Diseases are caused by the germs and are spread through air, water, food... whatever is available on the earth. 2. Sudden failure of the organs. 3. DNA-related diseases - hereditary. 4. Hormone deficiencies. 5. Deficiency of vitamins & proteins. Various reasons as mentioned are given by the Modern Medicine. Still researches are carried out to find out new reasons. Let us analyse whether there is any truth behind these reasons.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 61 1. Infection Theory Modern Medicine says that... ° 2 4 oe & Ry There are thousands of germs. Every one of them causes a distinct disease. These are spread through air, water, food and by all means. These germs spread diseases through rats, mosquitoes, flies, cattle, birds, pigs... even man. First of all, there is no any answer for the question, where from these germs come all of a sudden. In the same way they disappear. Where have they gone? Still the researches are on. Few years back, diseases like Cholera and Plague occurred. Where have the viruses said to be responsible for these diseases gone? How did the first Cholera virus come into existence? There are two kinds of germs (bacteria) - helpful and harmful. Only the harmful bacteria cause diseases. If it is so, Are the antibiotics used for the diseases taught to distinguish helpful and harmful bacteria? Are they taught to kill only the harmful bacteria? Before 1980 it was said that Leukoderma was caused by a virus, and a medicine was suggested to cure the disease. It could not cure the disease.62 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE The continued researches said, it was found that the cause for the disease is a vitamin deficiency only. Even after 30 years, Leukoderma could not be cured by the Modern Medicine and the research still continues... te Bs During the days of Louis Pasteur (1864) who proposed the infection theory, itself it was disproved by Dr. Antoine Bechamp. Various researches have proved again and again that the infection theory is absurd in the following years. The world of modern medicine has been developed only based on this false foundation. The false propagation is being spread throughout the world. If it were true that the diseases are spread by air, water, and other media, the world would have been perished long back. 2. Sudden failure of organs Organs functioning normally will not stop their function all of a sudden. Any organ would deteriorate its function due to reasons for quite some time. This could be understood by pains and inconveniences first, and after a long time only, the failure of the organ may happen. That too will happen because of the chemical effect of drugs and medicines and not by nature.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 63 We have often heard only of cardiac failure and kidney failure. Have we ever heard of lung failure and any one died of inability to breathe? All the above failures might have happened only because of the side effects of modern medicines. Though the sudden failure of organs is the reason for the diseases, the reason for the failure of organs is yet to be known. Researches of the Modern Medicine are being conducted in this line also. 3. DNA-related Diseases - Hereditary. If the symptoms of any disease are not suppressed even temporarily, that would be declared as a heriditary disease by the practitioners of Modern Medicine. By observance, we may see that the son may be affected rarely by the disease, which has affected the father on various reasons. All are not affected like this. If it is true that diseases spread heriditary through DNA and genes, then all the people should have been affected by the diseases. Further, according to them these diseases cannot be cured at all. The diseases declared as heriditary diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure can be completely cured by traditional medicine systems - particularly Acupuncture. How is it possible? Is there any change happens in the genes? Already a good number of questions are under research, and the question on genes is a new problem. Researches continue.64 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 4. Deficiency of Hormones, Vitamins, and Protein, etc., When the internal organs function normally, the body also functions in a normal way. Required hormones will be secreted by the respective glands. The functioning of the glands would be depending on the requirement of the body. Individual body will have different requirements and so is the secretion of the glands. We cannot compare one secretion with another secretion. The hormones secreted inside the body under extremely different circumstances cannot be measured outside with any machinery. Though, the Modern Medicine accepts this, it still propagates the hormone deficiency as a cause for diseases. At the same time, the English Medicine says that the ‘Hormone is still a ocean of puzzle’. Same as hormones, vitamins and protein are also produced in our body as and when required from the food we take. At the end of the digestive process at the small intestine, vitamins are produced according to the requirement. For example, if vitamin A is required, whatever be the food we take in, our body will produce the required vitamin. Whatever rich food we take in, it will be rejected if it is not needed. Functioning of theINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 65 internal organs only decides the requirement of the body and balances. Vitamins, Protein and Amino Acids are all produced by our body itself depending on the requirement. None of these can be given to the body from outside. Research of Modern Medicine is still continuing and yet to be continued. There will be no any final decision on any research. It is still a developing system. On the other hand, Acupuncture is a developed system. At the time of origin itself it was completely developed. Is there any room to find out a new acupuncture point or new channel in Acupuncture? It is wrong to compare an under-developed system with a complete system. If we understand Acupuncture without any influence of Modern Medicine, we would be able to fully realize its benefit. All the causes said to be the reasons for the diseases by Modern Medicine are confusing. Let us see what are the reasons putforth by traditional medicines and Acupuncture.66 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Causes of Diseases laid by Acupuncture We have analysed various causes of diseases in detail and realised the truth. Now, let us study the natural causes. Causes of diseases laid by Acupuncture are accepted by all the traditional medical systems. Ayurveda and Siddha Medical systems existing in India and Naturopathy which is spread as a lifestyle throughout the world also are based on these principles. As per the philosophy of Acupuncture how does a disease occur? RY o Unhormonious function of life energy causes disease. Why this unhormonious function of life energy happens? % Imbalance in the function of five elements may be responsible for unhormonious function of vital energy. Why does the imbalance in the function of five elements happen? % Improper functioning of the internal organs may be responsible for the imbalance the function of five elements. Why does this improper functioning of inner organs happen?% INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 67 Accumulation of wastes in the internal organs affects their function. This is the basic reason for all the diseases. Stagnation of wastes is the reason for the improper functioning of internal organs and weakness of the vital energy. We have already studied about the accumulation of wastes while studying philosophy. Now, let us analyse our knowledge about the diseases. n % te Rs fe Bs & What we understand as disease is the discomforts or inconveniences of the body. The discomforts occur during the discharge of morbids. There are no discomforts during the accumulation of morbids. When the vital energy acts on the morbids and tries to discharge them out, we experience discomforts like pain, swelling, or other. If that is the case, actually what is the disease? Discomforts or the elimination? Morbids or their accumulation? Is it the improper functioning of internal organs?68 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE ... All these are reactions only. So far, only we have been naming the discomforts as diseases. There was never any disease in the human body. There won’t be in future as well. Because of our habits against nature, morbids get Stagnated in the internal organs. The organs become weak. When the vital energy attempts to eliminate these wastes, while the wastes are let out, some discomforts occur. This is the normal functioning of the body. There is nothing as disease in this process. Atmospheric changes are helpful in the accumulation and elimination of wastes of the body. Various atmospheric changes such as excess heat in air, excess moisture in air, excess coolness is water, excess heat in water, too much or moderate or low heat.... are taking place continuously. Because of improbable combinations of five elements, improper climatic changes take place in the Universe and in the body as well. In addition to this, our habits against nature are responsible for the stagnation of wastes. Reacting to this, our vital energy balances the five elements, and thereby the elimination of wastes begins.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 69 Of these functions which one can be called as the cause of disease? Can we say atmospheric changes? If there are no habits of stagnating wastes, atmospheric changes will not do anything. We cannot say, the stagnation of wastes, since, they do not stagnate of their own. Hence, violation against nature and our unnatural habits are responsible for stagnation of wastes, that is the reason for all the problems. What is the violation against nature? Our activities against the natural requirements of our body are the violation against nature. “+ Not taking water when there is thirst. “* Drinking water when there is no thirst. * Not taking food while there is hunger. “+ Eating food while there is no hunger. “+ Waking while we feel sleepy. ** Working while the body requires rest Excess sleep “+ Acting against our natural thoughts.70 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE We can go on adding to this. If we realize by our reasoning what is nature, we can know what is unnatural. Living by our own nature and not going against the nature is the natural way of living. se oSINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 71 Suppression & Stagnation We have understood that going against the laws of nature is the reason for the stagnation of wastes. We can understand this clearly by associating this with certain functions of our body. Through some Siddha poems, Let us understand what will happen if we supperss our natural feelings? Suppression of Nature 1. Suppression of Hunger ‘Sans Foret Geiser CEC Sms Limbesid Coad ener, genio WSGLO GeneniiysorL Meio STAY YSCO aimpg SHRSET CHns60 Osi." This Siddha poem lists out the problems if we suppress the natural hunger. Instability of the body, confusions, stomachache, shrinkage of intestines, wheezing, tiredness in face, joint pains, etc., will occur when we suppress the hunger.72 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 2. Suppression of Thirst If we suppress the thirst same problems of suppressing hunger will occur. 3. Suppression of Sleep ‘Hsheoy SLmél Cure AHepHAGW eGwwd Caenmi HSFYD Fenvs Soci Hleitm ser Covorngendlé AG55HD GFaMG Oovornés Ageia) Cugsid iim” Suppressing of sleep will cause heaviness in the head, eye pain, giddiness, dumbness, unclear speech, etc. 4. Suppressing Sperm “sbAO0 FMOTULSAT STWLoT Hisscrmg LUST) SST FH um@pm apluimmeio Wsswmit Sprujscormgw NESHGW WpCwaisnetr SSeCHmit Cungionelest SASH GW sums sxBy” If sperm is suppressed, fever with joint pains, chest pain, diabetes and gastric problems will occur.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 73 5. Suppressing Urine “ Maintenance Energy Entire function of the Internal Life Energy is there in the dark uterus as an invisible development. When the foetus is completely developed, the productive function of the Internal Life Energy is over, the delivery takes place. The moment the foetus touches the external world, the three features of external life energy start functioning. The maintenance energy, born from the internal life energy, forms the remaining sections of the external life energy - digestion and functioning. e Extenal Life Energy Maintenance g Digestion sa eT Life Energy (] o Function Foetus with completed external life energy becomes the Baby. Crying which starts the breathing, Hunger which starts digestion and Discharge of wastes happens to the baby. As and when the external life energy gets completed and starts functioning, from that moment the internal life energy goes to the foetus state. It freezes the invisible productive function and it occupies the entire body.86 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE The external life energy starts complete functioning with three features, come to practise our regular life. Violating the natural laws, if we are not keeping the digestion and functional energies properly, they get affected. The maintenance energy attempts to get back them, to the normal status. The maintenance energy eliminates the excreta accumulated in our body. Without giving any inconvenience to the body it eliminates the wastes limited to its maintenance capacity. If the wastes stagnate beyond the limits, the maintenance energy first utilizes the digestion energy and then a portion of functional energy as immune energy. In this way external life energy maintains body health by sharing the energy. There is a specific life time for every cell and every object. As such, till our life time gets completed, by nature, our external life energy is capable of maintaining our body. By a life style of violating the natural law, we ourselves spoil our body. The external life energy tries its level best to maintain the health. Because of continued violation of laws and stagnation of wastes, if the maintenance energy loses its strength, Life, the internal life energy, leaves away the body.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 87 ‘PLOUM Sipluiet OuIgmt Sipe” - PGapwi Life doesn’t like to live inside a unhealthy body and leaves away. We call it as an unnatural death. Due to our unwanted interference, our external life energy gets exhausted and doesn’t allow the Life live upto its marked time and the internal life is forced out. Unlike this, while the maintenance energy is existing and the external life energy is still functioning, if the internal life energy leaves the body it is called the natural death. Healthy life of non-violating the natural law will not affect either the morbid stagnation or the organs of the body. In this way, with the help of the elements, the life obtains its requirements and produces what are all required. Complete function of the Life is explained by Acupuncture that the function of the Life is the function of the body. We can see that Siddha, the ancient system of Tamilnadu, explains the physiological changes on the requirements of the body. At this juncture, we shall recollect the Karu-Uru philosophy.88 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Body is visible, Life is invisible. The function of Life appears to be the functioning of the body. The energy that the Life possesses is known as the internal life energy. This energy only decides the life span of the body. The energy obtained through the organs of the body with the help of five elements is the external life energy. This energy is utilized for the functioning of the body. These are the basis of the Life and body. We have already been explained how the life energy is acquired. With the help of traditional medical systems we can know, how this energy is utilized for the physiological changes of the body as per the requirement of various stages in the visible forms of elements. The Life takes birth as Pancha Bhoodas. The combinations of these give birth to the organs - visible - Uru - This combination is known as Panchee Karanam in the traditional Siddha system. The external life energy acquired by our body can be divided into seven elements on the basis of their physical presence. Those seven elements (sngiéeer) as presented by the Siddha system areINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 89 Essence (@pawb) Blood (eer) Muscle (g=evor) Fat (@enepiiy) Bone (eresny) Nerves (epener) NDAMWP YEN &S sperm (aéeoid ) These elements are formed of the water and food - visible things and air and universal energy - invisible things acquired by the body. 1. The first element of the external life energy is the essence - (paw) - extract. This can also be called as energy. Every thing will have a basic energy. The energy of every external life energy is known as its essence. Our body extracts energy from the food we take. This is the essence of the food. In this way the essence is extracted from each and every thing acquired by the body. 2. Blood is formed of the essence. First the essence is extracted from the things we acquire as the external life energy. Then the essence is converted into blood.90 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 3. From the extract of blood, flesh is formed. There are different muscles formed such as Heart muscles, involuntary muscles, functional muscles and the like as per the requirement. 4. The extract of muscles forms fat. The fat is stored in all parts of the body such as internal organs, muscles etc. 5. The extract of fat forms bones and bone marrow. 6. The extract of bones forms the element Brain. Brain is not an organ, it is a bundle of nerves of the body. de The extract of nerves produces the sperm. The secretion of male and female genital organs is known as the sperm element. This seventh element is the final stage of one complete cycle. This element is possessing the vital energy capable of producing another life. This is the generating cycle of the seven elements. The energy acquired by the body is converted into the first element Essence. This essence gets converted into other elements step by step as per the requirement. If there be weakness in the third element Muscle, it gets energy from the previous element blood and gets revived.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 91 Like this the requirement of one element is fulfilled by the other element. The weakness of one may weaken the other. Perfection of the visible ‘uru’ can be seen in every cell of the body. In this way, the body utilizes the external life energy for the formation of elements. a92 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Functions of the Cell To understand the Morbid Removal Philosophy of Indian Acupuncture in full, let us know about the ‘cell,’ which is the basic unit of the body as proposed by the Modern Medicine. Understanding the functions of the cell will serve as the beginning of understanding the physiology of the body. Cell is the least smallest particle of the body. It is the last living particle. Whichever part of our body is incised, the last indivisible particle is called the cell. A collection of cells is called tissue. Cell cannot be seen by naked eyes. It can be seen through microscope only. Two or more cells combine to form tissue. When the number of cells is greater in a combination it is visible to the naked eye. Combination of cells is the tissue. Combination of tissues is a part or an organ. These tissues and cells are named after their location at the various places of the body. For example, tissues in the skin are skin tissues, and the cells in the skin - skin cells. Tissues and cellsINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 93 in the hair are termed hair tissues and hair cells respectively. Tissues in heart are heart tissues and the cells - heart cells. Those in kidneys are called kidney tissues and kidney cells. In this way, the cells and tissues are named after all the parts of the body such as nerve cells, bone cells, brain cells, nerve tissues, bone tissues, brain tissues.... Depending upon their location, the functions of the cells also differ. Though the different cells have different functions, all kinds of cells work under the same basis. Understanding of that basis will help us to clearly understand the entire body. Every cell is doing a job of two parts namely the assimilation of the food required and elimination of the wastes formed of it. All the wastes inside the cell will be accumulated and kept near the cell wall and the food required for the cell will be there outside the cell. By the process of osmotic pressure, the food kept outside the cell is assimilated inside and the wastes are eliminated simultaneously.94 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE This is the basic function of the cell. The same function is carried out in every organ and every part of the body - assimilates the required ones and eliminates the unwanted ones. Let us observe the elimination of wastes closely. The wastes eliminated by the cell are the general waste of the day. What happens when the same waste is accumulated and become toxic waste and the chemical wastes formed when the cell is affected by chemicals? These wastes will not be eliminated in the usual way. If so, that will affect the other cells, and the functioning of the body also will be disturbed. If the chemical and toxic wastes are transmitted to kidneys through blood, the kidneys will be affected. Then, what will happen to these wastes? Now, observe the structure of the cell. Cell is covered by the cell wall. There are cytoplasm, nucleus, nucleolus, ribosomes, lysosomes, golgi apparatus, mitochondria, etc., inside the cell wall. Lysosome will be floating on the cytoplasm. Lyso means destroying. Lysosome is a destructing part. This Lysosome destroys the chemical and toxic wastes. The destruction action of the lysosome is wonderful.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 95 The chemical wastes will be collected together and enclosed by mucusy substance. When the toxic wastes are enclosed by this sticky mucusy substance, their ill effects are kept inside safely. When the floating lysosome approaches this bundle of chemical wastes, it dashes against them and breaks itself. This lysosome is of much concentrated acids. When the lysosome dashes against the toxic wastes, they are all completely destroyed. As and when the destruction is complete, a new lysosome is formed again. This chain of actions takes place inside the smallest particle of the body - the cell. Every cell decides of its own whether a waste has to be eliminated or destroyed. It functions of its own.96 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE If we approach each organ of the body with the basis of the cell, we will be able to know the entire body completely and easily.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 97 Acupuncture Physiology We are going to study about the internal organs of the body under this section - physiology. What are all stated about the body by the Modern Medicine are based on the external changes. What physiology we are going to study is the traditional science. We have already seen that the functions of our body are decided only by the twelve internal organs. What are those organs? Element Related Internal Organs Fire Heart, Small Intestine Pericardium, Triple Warmer Earth Air / Metal Water Wood Spleen, Stomach Lungs, Large Intestine Kidneys, Urinary Bladder Liver, Gall Bladder If it is so, a question may arise, are not the other organs participate in the function of the body? The proper explanation to this question is offered by the traditional science. Five elements of the body function only through these twelve organs. The functioning of the other organs are controlled by the basic energy of these organs.98 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE We can understand this by an example: According to Modern Medicine, the brain is the chief secretariat of the body, but the Acupuncture considers brain just as a communication centre functioning under the control of these twelve organs. ‘A person takes liquor. His brain is affected by the toxins and he loses his conscience’ says the view of the Modern Medicine. Actually what happens? Is the liquor taken by the person directly goes to the brain? No. It reaches the stomach, then the toxins are absorbed by the liver. The reflective area of the liver, a section of the brain creates the unconsciousness. So, the impact of the liver reflects in the cerebellum of the brain. Orders of the cerebellum has not affected the liver. In this way, the brain functions only as the reflective centre of the twelve important organs of the body. In the same way, all the lower organs function under these twelve organs. Now, let us move on to the basic structure and the functions of these organs. #INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 99 Basic Structure of the Body Let us know the location of the important twelve organs of our body. Organs of the Fire Element Heart - Location Heart is located in the chest cavity in front of the left lung. It consists of four chambers and hundreds of blood vessels.100 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Small Intestine - Location The small intestine starts from the end of stomach in the abdominal cavity and ends in the beginning of large intestine. It functions as an important organ in the digestive system.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 101 Organs of the Earth Element Spleen - Location The spleen is located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach. This is considered as an important organ for the energy flow of the body.102 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Stomach - Location Stomach is located at the end of the food pipe on the left side of the body. It starts in the chest cavity and ends in the abdominal cavity and joins the small intestine. Anirum pyloricINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 103 Organs of the Air Element Lungs - Location Lungs are located inside the chest cavity. It has got two sections with thousands of minute chambers to tore the air.104 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Large Intestine - Location The large intestine is the extension of the small intestine. It starts from the abdomen cavity and ends in the pelvic cavity. It shares the air energy from the lungs. Flexura coli dextra Colon ascendens Valva ¢ ual A iransversumm ileocaecalis Caceam Appendix gen DF vermiformis Colon ‘sjgmoideun Heum Rectum ML sphincter ani externusINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 105 Organs of the Water Element Kidneys - Location Kidneys are located in the rear side of the pelvic cavity at the bottom of the spinal card on either side. They have got numerous capillaries to filter the wastes in the blood.106 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Urinary Bladder - Location Urinary Bladder is connected just below the kidneys by urinary tubes (ureters) and located in the pelvic cavity. Pyramidestenaies Hits reais Apex wesicee ve Lig umbaicale medians (arachus) Coepus vesicae Veuscuks seminata Prostate {Compan sponpeotin p Pars memvranacen orethrae c ‘orpes Ganda baltourethralis ——e a. M. hibonpompsonus Radix penis M wehiocavernonus Pare spongnna uecthrac Dust deferens sali tessINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 107 Organs of the Wood Element Liver - Location The Liver is located in the right side of the abdominal cavity behind the lower ribs.108 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Gall Bladder - Location Gall bladder is located in the abdominal cavity just behind the right ribs and is attached to the liver. Collum vesicae felleae Corpus f vesicae felleae Ductus _/ hepaticus communis Ductus eysticus \ Tunica serosa vesicae felleae Fundus vesicae felleae Duetus choledochus —— M. sphincter ampullae hepatopancreaticae Duetus pancreaticusINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 109 Fire Element - Invisible Organs The ten organs we have seen so far are visible ones representing the five elements. The two organs we are going to see are the invisible organs representing the fire element. Let us see them with the understanding that they don’t have any shape. Pericardium & Triple Warmer Before understanding these organs, we have to forget the shapes reflecting their names. Modern Medicine of today is also having a part called ‘pericardium.’ This is the outer covering of the heart. But the ‘pericardium’ mentioned by the Acupuncture belongs to the period much earlier than the days of incising the body. It was mentioned before 5000 years. The pericardium of Modern Medicine and pericardium of the past are not one and the same. The covering around the heart is inseparable from the heart. We cannot consider this as a separate organ. The heart and its three coverings - inner, middle and outer ones are all together a single organ. There are covering layers for lungs and brain also. Even kidneys have covering layers. All these layers are not considered as separate organs, whereas the110 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE pericardium - the covering layer of the heart alone is considered as a separate organ. This is the understanding of the Modern Medicine. Then, what is this percardium? Let us see an example. Have you seen the ‘air curtain’ used in cities? At the entrance of the shops there will be a machine fixed over head to pump down the air with high pressure. This can be seen in the shops on the roads with heavy traffic. When this machine works, air is pumped down with high pressure which will serve as a curtain. This invisible curtain will not allow any dust particles to enter the shop. This air curtain cannot be seen with naked eyes. Only by sensing it, we can understand the pressure of the air and its function of blocking the dust. Pericardium mentioned by Acupuncture is same as this air curtain, but it is a heat curtain.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 111 This invisible heat curtain preserves the coolness of the heart and protects it from the outward heat by preventing the heat from outside to enter the heart. Air curtain is formed of air; pericardium, the heat curtain is formed of heat. Hence, the invisible heat curtain covering the heart is pericardium. The triple warmer is also like this. This organ maintains the heat of the body which is divided into three parts as if there are three cabins. This is also invisible like pericardium and is made up of heat. The triple warmer protects the three sections of the body with its invisible heat curtain. These two organs are not made of any membrane. They are made of heat which is of invisible nature. If we search for these organs on the basis of Modern Medicine, we will fail. Approaching the body with the understanding on the basis of Acupuncture is the correct way.112. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Physiology Every internal organ of the body carries out the functions of the five-element energies. Every five element makes use of the internal organs according to their nature. Let us recall the five-element energies and the organs related to them. Fire : Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Warmer Earth : Spleen, Stomach Air : Lungs, Large Intestine Water : Kidneys, Urinary Bladder ‘Wood : Liver, Gall Bladder There are no any specific functions for these internal organs. They associate and carry out the functions of the five-element energies. When an organ lags in carrying out the functions of the five elements, the five elements get the work carried out by another organ of the same nature. Before knowing the function of every five elements let us understand two basic things.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 113 1. Every organ is carrying out the job of acquiring the food required and eliminating the wastes. With the contraction and expansion, these organs carry out these basic functions and also complete the functions of five elements. 2. Every internal organ has a separate energy channel. These channels distribute energy to all the organs located on their way. For example, The lung channel of the air element originates at the upper portion of the chest, runs along with anterior shoulder, anterior upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and ends at the base of the thumb. This lung channel along with five-element job of air element gives energy to all the parts in its way viz anterior shoulder, upper arm, elbow, anterior forearm, a portion of wrist and thumb. While carrying out the functions of the air element, the energy channels of lungs and large intestine supply energy to parts located on their path. By the course of the energy channel, we can understand that every Pancha Bhoodha supplies its energy together with its routine work.114. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Hereafter, we will see the functions of the five elements. We shall see their jobs other than assimilation of energy, elimination of waste and supply of energy to the parts on the course of their respective channels. sy os10. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 115 Functions of the Fire Element The fire element carries out its functions with the help of the organs heart, small intestine, pericardium, and triple warmer. It provides and maintains the heat required for the body. It maintains the function of the mind. Tongue is the external organ of the fire element. Feeling exhibited when this element is dysfunctional - happiness and pride. Exhibiting colour - red. Exhibiting taste - bitter. Gives energy directly to the chest cavity. Blood circulation is decided by the contraction and expansion functions. Absorbs heat energy from all things available to the body. Eliminates the wastes of fire energy by way of sweating.116 oan Ree en oy i INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Functions of the Earth Element Earth element carries out its functions through the organs spleen and stomach. It absorbs life energy from all things available to the body. It produces and maintains blood and lymph. External organ of this element - Lips. When this element is dysfunctional - the exhibiting feeling - sorrow. Exhibiting colour - Yellow, Taste - Bittersweet Gives energy directly to the abdominal region. Gives energy to the soft tissues of the body. Stabilizes the internal organs and maintains gums. Wastes of the earth element are eliminated along with saliva. During the time of pregnancy along with the water and wood elements maintains the uterus of the women. se10. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 117 Functions of the Air Element Air element carries out its functions through the organs lungs and large intestine. It absorbs air energy from all the things available to the body. Regulates breathing and gives air energy to the body. The external organ of air is nose. When the air element is dysfunctional, the exhibiting feeling is grief. During dysfunction, exhibiting colour is white, taste is pungent. It gives energy directly to shoulders and neck. It maintains the important organ - Skin It maintains hair on the skin (except head) Wastes of the air element are eliminated as phlegm. *118 10. i 12. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Functions of the Water Element Water element carries out its functions through the organs kidneys and urinary bladder. It absorbs the water energy required for the body and maintains equilibrium (a state of physical balance). It maintains the genital organs. Its external organ : Ears When this element is dysfunctional, exhibiting feeling is fear. Exhibiting colour - black. Exhibiting taste - salty Gives energy directly to all the joints and spinal cord. Maintains the uterus of women. Maintains hair on head, nails, bones, teeth, throat, vocal cord, voice, etc., Controls all kinds of liquid secretion in the body. It associates with the internal life energy which decides the life span. Wastes of water energy are eliminated as urine. we *10. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 119 Functions of the Wood Element The wood element carries out its functions through the organs liver and gall bladder. It removes the toxins formed in the body. It helps liver to secrete bile for the digestion of food. Its external organ : Eyes When this element is dysfunctional, the exhibiting feeling is irritation. Exhibiting colour - green, taste - sour Gives energy directly to muscles and tendons. It converts and stores the excess glucose into glycogen, which is a concentrated form of glucose. Maintains the equilibrium (a state of physical balance). Its wastes are eliminated as tears. If we completely know the physiology of body, the unique feature of Acupuncture, the diagnosis and treatment will become easier. Understanding the physiology of the body is the first step to enter into the life-style known as Acupuncture. *120 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE APPLIED ACUPUNCTUREINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 121 What is the function of the points ? By studying the history of acupuncture we have come to know, how was the acupuncture treatment in its initial stage and how it has changed in various times and deviated from the basic philosophies. Karu-Uru philosophy and five-element philosophy are not just for treatment methods. Acupuncture system is meant for the whole life. Treatment is only a small section of that. Many traditional systems followed as lifestyle have shrunk into just medical systems in due course of time. Nowadays, many medical systems have been commercialised. In our twentyfirst century, medical systems and lifestyles have lost their ways. Mind-based human life has become the money-based life. We have absorbed Acupuncture philosophies as our life philosophies and utilise them for treatment. With the application of treatment, we shall try to lead our life and understand the fundamentals. This is the way of knowing Acupuncture in full. Now, let us find out how we can make use of the life philosophy of Acupuncture for treatment.122 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE The five-element energies fire, earth, air, water, and wood function through the internal organs of our body. Every element has got organs of cool and warm nature. 1. Fire element : Cool heart & warm small intestine Cool pericardium & warm triple warmer 2. Earth element : Cool spleen & warm stomach Air element : Cool lungs & warm large intestine 4. Water element : Cool kidneys & warm urinary bladder 5. Wood element : Cool liver & warm gall bladder We have seen in the previous section that the complete function of every element depends on other elements. Every individual organ of each element has got a separate energy channel on the surface of the body. For example, one organ of the wood element liver has got an energy channel and its other organ gall bladder has got a separate energy channel. As such, the twelve internal organs of the five elements have got twelve energy channels. On these energy channels, the energy points are located. Every organ absorbs the universal energy through these points and carries out its functions.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 123 All the twelve organs receive the required energy through the points located on their respective energy channels. Every energy channel has got element points which collect the universal energy and other small stop-up points on its way to carry the universal energy to its organ. For example, energy channel of the internal organ lungs has got eleven energy points. Of these, five are the element points of fire, earth, air, water and wood elements which coordinate the five-element energies. The other six points are there on the path of the energy upto the lungs as small step-up points. We are aware that our habits against natural law will stagnate wastes in the organs. These wastes will affect the functioning of the respective organs. Those weakened organs will affect the energy points from absorbing universal energy. At this stage only, in any of the points on the energy channel, the absorption of universal energy is completely stopped. Whichever organ is affected, to get rid of the weakness, it depends on its energy channel and the energy points located on it. When the weakness of the organ increases it affects energy absorbing points.124 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE For example, When the lungs are affected by the stagnation of wastes, it affects the points on its energy channel. As a result, one of the element points on the energy channel is completely blocked. If this blocked point is of fire, the universal energy received by the lungs will not have the share of heat energy. That is, whichever element point is blocked in an affected channel, the energy pertaining to the particular element point will not be available in the universal energy received by it. This is the time for treatment. Identifying the blocked element point by diagnostic methods, that point can be activated by touching through a needle or fingertip, so that the energy channel is strengthened. Then the energy channel receives the universal energy and passes it to the affected organ. Thus the organ gets strengthened and eliminates the wastes of its own and gets itself cured fully. This is the art of curing in Acupuncture.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 125 Individualities of the Points To acquire the universal energy in full, every energy channel has got the energy points with the qualities of five elements and the small points to transmit the acquired energy to the organ. Electricity can be a good example to understand at this point. The power station which produces the electricity is the production centre. Wherever the electricity is to be supplied wires will be provided upto the point. Is it enough the power station to produce electricity and wires to carry? Though the wires are connected from the production centre to the place of supply, depending upon the distance to be covered, transformers are provided at required places to speed up the transmission. The element points function as the production centres, the energy channels as the wires and the small points on the channel function as the speed up transformers. There is only one difference in between. The only difference while comparing the internal organs and126 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE external objects is the ‘life force’. Any lifeless object cannot be compared fully with the body which has the life energy. In the example cited above, the electricity cannot decide its speed. Because, it is lifeless. But, the universal energy acquired by the element points will have the transmitting speed according to its intensity and completeness. Qualities of the five elements in the universal energy alone are the deciding factors of its speed. Let us consider that an internal organ, its energy channel, and an element point are weak. Any one of the element points, which may give the universal energy in full, is blocked. If the complete five-element energies are supplied, the organ may recover. Now, which point to be stimulated? Whether the small points on the channel which transmit the universal energy or the element point which absorbs the universal energy? Suppose, we stimulate the small points. Is there any use in accelerating the speed of the universal energy when it is incomplete? Speed will be useful only if the universal energy is absorbed in full.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 127 Then, can we stimulate the element point, obtain the universal energy in full and then stimulate the small points? We are already aware that the complete universal energy will be with full intensity and speed. Hence, what else we have to do? Identifying the weak organ and the blocked element point by diagnostic methods, stimulating that particular point only is the treatment. If the other points in the energy channel are stimulated, only temporary changes will occur. That too will return to the old stage within a few hours. While stimulating the correct element point, it is unnecessary to stimulate the other points. If we do so, it will mean that we have not understood the element points and the five-element energies properly. Every element point has a distinct unique nature. Every element point does the job of connecting the five- element quality of the point and the five-element quality of the energy channel on which it is located. Example, Take LU 10, the fire element point in the lung channel. The quality of the point LU 10 is to connect128 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE fire - the quality of the point and air - the quality of lungs. Like this every element point is with the quality of connecting two elements. Instead, saying, an individual point can cure a particular disease is only an imagination. Because, individuality is the basic philosophy of traditional medicine systems. For instance, almost all books of the world say that HT-7 is the point which may bring in sleep. Only if we stimulate this HT-7 point for 100 patients, we can know whether it is true or not. If all the 100 patients get sleep it can be true. But one or two only may get sleep. Even this, if analysed, we will come to know that the particular patients have the need of connecting fire and earth elements. HT-7 is the element point connecting fire and earth. The individuality that every point has is the element quality. Every energy channel of the twelve internal organs has got five element points each, and there are five element points in the Ren channel. These sixty five points alone are capable of recovering complete health and give complete universal energy to the internal organs.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 129 Treatment given at the element points alone is the correct method based on the basic philosophies of Acupuncture. RO a“130 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Measurement Methods of Body Knowing certain measurement methods will be helpful to locate easily the element points located in the energy channels of Acupuncture. 1. Body Inch This is the basic unit. There are two creases in each of our fingers to divide it into three parts. Each part of the pointer finger is taken as one inch. Pi The inside width of the upper part of the thumb finger is also considered as one inch. 1.5-inch, 2-inch and 3-inch measures can be identified from the following diagrams.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 131 1.5 inches 2. Inner - Outer Sides To identify a point exactly, we should know the meaning of the terms inner side and outer side. Generally, the terms in and out may be confusing. On the basis of Acupuncture physiology, let us consider the standing position with the palms open front as shown in the figure. In this position, on the hands outside is noted as thumb finger sides and inside is noted as the small finger sides. In the same way on the legs, outside is on the small finger sides and inside is the thumb finger sides.132 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 3. Anterier - Posterier Parts These two terms are used to denote the front part and back part of our body. Anterier part in the hands denotes the parts starting from palms upto shoulder, in the body starting from the face upto the genital organs, in the legs from the front portion of the thighs upto to the sole. In the same way, posterior part in the hands denotes the portions starting from the nails though back hands upto outer shoulders in the body, starting from back of the head through back upto the seat and in the legs the portions starting from back thighs upto the sole. Now, let us see the energy channels of the organs of every element on the basis of five-element philosophy.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 133 ENERGY CHANNELS AND SYMBOLS Energy Channels Symbols Heart energy channel Small Intestine energy channel Pericardium energy channel Triple Warmer energy channel Spleen energy channel Stomach energy channel Lungs energy channel Large Intestine energy channel Kidney energy channel Urinary Bladder energy channel Liver energy channel Gall Bladder energy channel Conception Vessel channel Governing Vessel channel The fire element, one of the five elements, has got two internal organs heart and small intestine to carry out its functions. They have cool and warm qualities respectively.134 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Heart Energy Channel (HT) Location : The heart energy channel originates in the centre of the armpit. It runs downwards in the inner side of the arm along the elbow, then the forearm and wrist and finally through the palm, and then ends at 0.1 inch from the outside base corner of the little finger. Element Points HT 9 Wood Point Located 0.1 inch from the outer base edge of the nail in the little finger of the hand. HT 8 Fire Point Located in the palm, on the heart-line crease between the bones of 4th and 5th fingers. HT 7 Earth Point Located in the inner edge of the wrist crease line and at the outer side of the ulna bone. HT 4 Metal Point Located 1.5 inch above the inner wrist crease edge.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 135 HT3 Water Point Located in the inner edge of the elbow crease line when elbow is folded 3/4th. Heart Energy Channel136 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Element Points HT 9 HT 3INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 137 Small Intestine Energy Channel (SI) Location : Small Intestine Energy channel originates at 0.1 inch from the inner lower edge of the nail of the little finger. It runs along the border line of the two skin colours of inner and outside palm and reaches wrist and then through forearm and elbow, reaches the back of armpit crease line. Then it rises on the back shoulder, runs zig-zag in the scapula and reaches the back of the neck. Then reaching the face through the side of the neck ends in the depression felt in the cheek in front of the ear, when the mouth is slightly opened. Element Points SI 1 Metal Point Located 0.1 inch above the inner lower edge of the nail in the little finger of the hand. SI 2 Water Point Located in front of the knuckle joint of Sth finger (little finger) and finger bone in the hand. SI 3 Wood Point This point is located at the tip of the mount on the border of two skin colours while folding the fingers in the heart line crease.138 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE SI 5 Fire Point This is located at the depression of the joint of wrist bone and ulna bone. SI 8 Earth Point This is located in the depression between the posterior elbow joint of ulna bone and the upper bone. Small Intestine Energy Channel (ST)INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 139 Element Points The Earth, one of the pancha bhooda elements, has got spleen and stomach as the internal organs to carry out its functions. They are with cool and warm qualities respectively.140 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Energy Channel of Spleen (SP) Location : The spleen energy channel originates its course at the lower edge of the inner side of the big toe and runs through the border of two skin colours in the foot and reaches the inner ankle joint. Then rises up along the inner side of the tibia bone and reaches inner side of the knee and then the inner side of the thigh. From there, it crosses the stomach area about 4 inches from the central line and about 6 inches in the chest cavity and goes upto the middle of 2nd and 3rd ribs. From there on to armpit crease and finally reaches down the middle of 6th and 7th ribs. ELEMENT POINTS SP 1 Wood Point This is located 0.1 inch from the inner nail lower edge of the big toe. SP 2 Fire Point This point is located in the depression in front of the head of the first metalorsal bone on the border of the two colours of the skin.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 141142 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE SP 3 Earth Point This point is located in the depression just at the back of the head of the first metalorsal bone on the border of the two colours of the skin. SP 5 Metal Point This is located in the depression at the inner-front side of the ankle joint when the big toe a is raised. SP 9 Water Point This point is located just below the inner side head curve of the tibia bone. Element PointsINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 143 Stomach Energy Channel (ST) Location : Stomach energy channel originates below the centre of the bottom eyelid, runs down to lower jaw, takes a ‘U turn’ on the face and ends at 3.5 inch to the lateral edge of the eyebrow. From the lower edge of the above ‘U turn’ in the lower jaw, the channel branches down through neck and runs down the chest cavity at a distance of 4 inch from the centre line and at 2 inch distance in the abdominal cavity. Then, this branch runs through the anterior outer thigh reaches the knee and ankle, and ends in the outer edge of the 2nd toe 0.1 inch from the nail base. Element Points ST 45 Metal Point This point is located at 0.1 inch below the base of the outer corner of the 2nd toe. ST 44 Water Point This is located at the junction of 2nd and 3rd fingers of the leg. ST 43 Wood Point This is located at the upper sides of the sole in144 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE the depression at the join of the 2nd and 3rd finger bones. ST 41 Fire Point This is located on front crease of ankle joint between the tendons seen above 2nd and 3rd fingers. ST 36 Earth Point This is located 1 inch below the prominent outer- front side of tibia head.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 145 Stomach Energy Channel146 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Element Points The air or metal, one of elements of the five elements, is carrying out its functions through the organs lungs and large intestine. They are of cool and warm qualities respectively.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 147 Lungs Energy Channel (LU) Location : Lungs energy channel originates between Ist and 2nd ribs about 6 inch from the central line rises through anterior shoulder and runs down through upper arm, forearm, wrist and reaches the outer lower edge of the thumb nail above 0.1 inch. Element Points LU 11 Wood Point This point is located above 0.1 inch at the outer nail base edge of the thumb. LU 10 Fire Point This is located in the middle of the border of two colours of the skin between thumb bone and LU 9. LU 9 Earth Point This is located at the outer edge of the first crease line of the wrist anteriorly. LU 8 Metal Point This is located 1.5 inch above LU9. LU 5 Water Point This point is located in the depression at the outside148 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE of the tandon in the elbow crease seen when the elbow is folded. Lungs Energy Channel LugINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 149 Element Points150 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Large Intestine Energy Channel (LI) Location : Large intestine energy channel originates above 0.1 inch at the outer lower edge of the nail of the index finger. It rises along the posterior border of the upper arm crossing wrist, forearm, elbow and reaches the anterior of shoulder. Then along the shoulder and front neck reaches the face, passes between upper lip and nose and ends at the nostrils of the opposite side. The channels of the two sides cross each other on the upper lip. Element Points LI 1 Metal Point This point is located above 0.1 inch from the outer lower edge of the index finger nail. LI 2 Water Point This point is located in the border of the two skin colours at the depression in front of the index finger and the finger bone joint. LI 3 Wood Point This point is located in the depression at the back of the index finger and the finger bone joint.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 151 LI 5 Fire Point This point is located on the outer part of the wrist in the centre of the hollow formed when the thumb is well stretched. LI 11 Earth Point This point is located in outer end of the elbow folding crease line.152 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Large Intestine ChannelINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 153 Element Points154 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Water element, one of the five elements, has got two internal organs kidneys and urinary bladder to carry out its functions. They are of cool and warm qualities respectively. Kidney Energy Channel (KI) Location : The kidney energy channel originates in the superficial portion of sole, directly below the middle finger and runs to the inner ankle, makes a loop and rises up to the knee. Then it crosses the thigh, reaches the abdomen and runs at 0.5 inch from the centre line and at 2-inch distance in the chest cavity and ends in between first and second ribs. Element Points KI 1 Wood Point This point is located on the line drawn on the sole between 2nd and 3rd finger in the depression at one third distance from the toes. KI 2 Fire Point This is located below the ankle joint in the depression on the inner side of the sole.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 155 KI 3 Earth Point This point is located in between inner ankle joint and the achilles tendon. KI 7 Metal Point This point is located 2 inch directly above KI 3. KI 10 Water Point This is located in the inner corner of the knee folding crease line.156 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Kidneys Energy ChannelINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 157 Element Points158 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Urinary Bladder Energy Channel (BL) Location : The urinary bladder energy channel originates at the inner corner of the eye and rises up and runs parallel to the central line of the body across the forehead and goes round the head. In the back neck below the hair crease divides itself into two. One branch runs down parallel to the rear central line at 1.5 inch upto 4th sacrum bone, there turns inner upto the 1st sacrum bone and again runs down vertically to the coccyx. From there through the joint of thigh and seat runs down central line of the knee. The other branch runs down 3 inch parallel to the rear central line and cross the buttock on buttock-leg crease and meets the inner branch in the back of the leg at the posterior knee crease. Then it runs along the calf muscle to the outer knee joint and runs along the border of two skin colours and ends at 0.1 inch above the little toe nail base line. Element Points BL 67 Metal Point This point is located at 0.1 inch above the outer corner of the nail base of the little toe.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 159 BL 66 Water Point This point is located in front of the joint of 5th finger and the finger bone on the border of the two colours of the skin. BL 65 Wood Point This point is located at the back of the joint of the Sth finger and the finger bone on the border line of the two colours of skin. BL 60 Fire Point This point is located at the midway between the tip of the outer heel joint and the achilles tendon. BL 40 Earth Point This point is located at the centre of the posterior knee folding crease line.160 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Urinary Bladder Energy ChannelINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 161 Element Points162 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE The wood, one of the five elements, is carrying out its functions through its internal organs liver and gall bladder. They respectively have the cool and warm qualities. Liver Energy Channel (LR) Location: Liver energy channel originates 0.1 inch above at the outer side of the big toe nail base line. It runs along the inner-front ankle, inner leg and knee. Ascending along the inner thigh it reaches the stomach region and takes a turn and goes upto the end of the 11th rib. From there, it takes a turn and ends on the nipple line in the middle of 6th and 7th ribs. Element Points LRI Wood Point This point is located at 0.1 inch above the outer edge of the big toe nail base line. LR2 Fire Point This point is located at the joint of Ist and 2nd toes.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 163 LR3 Earth Point This point is located at the metatorsal joint of the 1st and 2nd toes. LR4 Metal Point This point is located on the upper side of the foot in the depression of the first tandon in the ankle crease. LR8 Water Point This point is located 0.5 inch above the inner end of the knee crease.164 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Liver Energy ChannelINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 165 Element Points166 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Gall Bladder Energy Channel (GB) Location : Gall Bladder energy channel starts at 0.5 inch from the outer corner of the eye, goes to the front of the ear 0.5 inch below SI-19 and runs to reach the side of the head 1.5 inch from the ear lobe, runs along the ear curve and stops behind the ear in a line parallel to the lower lobe of the ear. Then once again runs parallel to the path already taken around the ear across the side of the head reaches the front side of the forehead. Then right above the eye brow reaches a point at 1 inch. Then continues its course inside the hair crease and reaches a point where the neck meets the back of the head. Then it proceeds along the neck side touches the flesh on the depression in the shoulder bone. From there runs down the front side of the shoulder and reaches the middle of 7th and 8th ribs on the nipple line. From there it slides down reaches a point where the horizontal line from the navel and the perpendicular line from the 11th rib meet. From that point in proceeds and crosses a point which is about 2/3 distance from the rear central line to butteck and runs along the outer side of the thigh in the centre, down through the knee reaches the point 0.1 inch above from the lower edge of the nail of the 4th toe.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 167 Element Points GB 44 Metal Point This point is located above 0.1 inch from the lower edge of the nail line of the 4th toe. GB 43 Water Point This point is located in the joint of the 4th and 5th toes. GB 41 Wood Point This point is located in the upper portion of the foot at the joint of 4th and Sth finger bones of the toes. GB 38 Fire Point This point is located at 4 inch distance from the top of outer ankle joint and in the front portion of the fibula bone. GB 34 Earth Point This point is located at the bottom of the head of the fibula bone.168 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Gall Bladder Energy Channel (GB)INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 169 Element Points170 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Fire, one of the five elements, apart from heart and small intestine has got pericardium and triple warmer also as its organs to carry out its functions. These also have got the cool and warm qualities. Pericardium Energy Channel (PC) Location: The pericardium energy channel originates at 1 inch outer to the nipple rises above through the shoulder and runs in between the energy channels of lungs and heart and reaches the wrist. Then crossing the palm it ends at the tip of the middle finger. Element Points PC 9 Wood Point This point is located in the tip of the middle finger. PC 8 Fire Point This point is located in the palm at the middle point where index finger and middle finger touch the palm when folded. PC 7 Earth Point This point is located in the middle of the wrist crease line.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 171 PC 5 Metal Point This point is located 3 inches above from the wrist crease centre. PC 3 Water Point This point is located in the inner border of the tendon depression in the elbow crease. Pericardium Energy Channel (PC)172 INDIAN ACUPUNCTUREINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 173 Triple Warmer Energy Channel (SJ/TE) Location: Triple warmer energy channel starts in the Ring Finger at its inner side 0.1 inch above the nail base line. It runs between the energy channels of Small Intestine and Large Intestine along the exterior of the hand and reaches back portion of the shoulder. Then it goes along the side of the neck to the lower tip of the ear, goes round ear once and ends at the outer edge of the eyebrow. Element Points SJ 1 Metal Point: This point is located at 0.1 inch above the inner nail base line of the ring finger. SJ 2 WaterPoint: This point is located in the ring finger by the side of little finger in front of the joint of 4th finger and the bone of the 4th finger. SJ 3 Wood Point: This point is located in the Ring finger by the side of the little finger at the back of the joint of the 4th finger and the bone of the 4th finger.174 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE SJ 6 Fire Point: This point is located at 3 inches from the anterior wrist crease. SJ 10 Earth Point: This point is located in the centre elbow joint depression where the upper arm bone joins.INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 175 Triple Warmer Energy Channel176 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Element PointsINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Conception Vessel (RN/CV) Of the twelve channels of the body, the six channels of the cool organs are connected with this Conception Vessel meridian. This channel and its points are important in the Acupuncture treatment. Location : 177 This CV channel originates in between the anus and genital organ and runs in the front midline of the body and ends below the lower lip. Element Points RN 5 Fire Point: On the front midline of the body, located 2.5 inch below the navel point. RN 6 Water Point: On the front midline of the body, located 1.5 inch below the navel point. RN 7 Wood Point: On the front midline of the body, located 0.5 inch below the navel point. RN 9 Metal Point: On the front midline of the body, located 1 inch above the navel point. this this this this point point point point is is is is178 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE RN 13 Earth Point: This point is located on the front mid line of the body 5 inchabove the navel point. Conception Vessel ChannelINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 179 Governing Vessel Energy Channel (DU/GV) Location : The Du channel originates in the middle of anus and coccyx. It rises along the back mid line of the body goes round the head and ends inside the upper lip at the centre of the upper gums.180 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Element Points Located in the Hands Li1 P9 H9INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 181 Element Points Located in the Hands EARTH .-4-y Sil Ti Lit182 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE Element Points Located in the Legs | K10 Spo fd \ WATER *EARTH Livi Spt * Ki * WooDINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 183 Element Points Located in the Legs184 INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE What is Diagnosis ? Every system of traditional medicines has got its own distinct diagnostic method. Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani Systems have got the pulse diagnosis, Homeopathy has the symptoms and Naturopathy has all the above as the diagnostic methods. These diagnostic methods reflect the basic philosophies of the respective systems. The diagnostic method is required to make the treatment perfect. As has been seen in the history of medicine, the systems which do not have the proper diagnostic methods disappear from practice. In every medicine system, diagnostic methods are in parallel or next to the basic philosophy of the system. On this basis, let us see the diagnostic methods of Acupuncture system. We can divide the diagnostic methods of Acupuncture in three kinds. 1. Investigation 2. Pulse Diagnosis. 3. Observation. Every method can be individually applied and the root cause of the diseases understood, and the point forINDIAN ACUPUNCTURE 185 treatment can be arrived. Let us start learning every method step by step, with a desire of diagnosing the diseases in a few seconds and equip ourselves to give treatment. 1. INVESTIGATION Enquiring the sufferings and symptoms from the patients and finding out the affected internal organs and identifying the point to be stimulated is the listening method. Though the systems like Homeopathy have this kind of listening methods for diagnosis. The listening method of Acupuncture system is very simple. To find out the root cause of diseases easily and to understand the functioning of internal organs on the basis of Acupuncture Physiology, let us consider the functions of the water element as an example. 1. Water element is carrying out its functions through the internal organs kidneys and urinary bladder. 2. The external organ of water is ear. 3. The water element maintains hair on head, nails, teeth etc 4. Its exhibited taste - salty; feeling - fear; colour - black.186 10. i 12. 13. INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE It maintains the internal life energy which decides the life span of the body. It recycles the wastes of the blood and removes as urine. It maintains the bones and produces bone marrow. It maintains the development and functions of the genital organs. Uterus of woman is under the direct control of the water element. During the time of pregnancy, in association with wood and earth elements, it offers energy to uterus and foetus. It gives functional energy to lower back and hip. It gives functional energy to all the joints of the body. Throat and voice are maintained by the water element. These are the functions of the water element in our body. The main functions of each organ related to the element are absorbing energy from the things come to it and removing away the wastes.