Acupuncture my opinion

Origin
The system of meridians and acupuncture points has developed through the
billions of years as a system of self-healing or auto- regulation, as an ECIWOsystem. A Point that needs stimulation to be able to re-establish the normal
balance, reacts with tenderness, scratchiness, changed blood circulation and
decreased electric resistance (Ohm). These changes lead to these points being
treated more often by both oneself, others and environmental electric charges.

Picture that show a horse being treated by a friend on a therapy-needing point.

Of themselves, the AP Channels do not represent, or are not part of, the
Processes; instead, they are an energetic infrastructure developed to balance the
Processes.
TCM included two therapeutic modalities, called ZhenJiu (Zhen = needle and Jiu
= Fire, or moxibustion). The word "acupuncture" comes from the Latin "acus"
(needle) and "pungere" (to puncture). Many modern interpreters of AP theory
have claimed that AP is an empirical method, i.e. one based on anecdotal
experience and one with little or no scientific basis for development. This theory
is not correct. AP is inextricably part of Chinese culture and civilisation. We can
trace the therapeutic use of needles to at least five thousand years ago, when AP
was already a highly respected and organised medical method. We should
remember that at the time when AP was evolving Chinese culture and science
had a knowledge base significantly ahead of that of western cultures. Also,
recently we have acquired new insight into neurophysiological mechanisms that
explain many of the clinical effects of this ancient Chinese method.

The Chinese were familiar with such things as the timing for the spring equinox
and the fall equinox. They were also familiar with the fact that the Earth's axis is
tilted on the solar level. They knew this as early as the 22nd century BC. They
calculated the Earth's axis to be 22.5o. We now know that it is tilted exactly
23.27o. The accuracy of the ancient calculation is such that the greatness of the
Chinese ability to observe must be admired.
The Chinese culture yielded bronze vases in the 22nd century BC. They also
mixed copper and aluminium, whereas western science has known of metallic
aluminium for barely 100 years. Although certain amalgams containing aluminium
have been known since antiquity (alumen), metallic aluminium was not produced
until 1825 here in the west. To be able to do this, we need temperatures of
1300oC. This means either that the Chinese have been able to generate these
temperatures, or they have had the knowledge of the processes by which to
make these alloys, of which we are not familiar.
A thousand years ago a Chinese astronomer described with great precision the
development of the galaxies and the spiral galaxies. He determined that the
distance between them was increasing and that the universe was expanding.
This claim can be interpreted poetically and is not necessarily meant to be a
scientific statement.
European scientists and philosophers were burnt at the stake only a few hundred
years ago because they said that the Earth was round and circled around the
Sun. An example of this is Giordano Bruno (1548-1600), who was burnt on
Campo dei Fioro in Rome in the year 1600.
The ancient Chinese were also familiar with the art of printing books. They also
knew that the blood circulated within the body 3500 years before William Harvey
(1587-1657) made the same discovery in Europe in the year of 1628.
Over several millennia, the Chinese made very precise observations of the laws
that determined changes in nature, in humans and in the universe. They put their
entire comprehension and ability to observe nature into the development of a
very complete and auto-regulating cosmology. They committed these laws to
writing in the old Classics, such as the Neijing, the Suwen and the Ijing. AP
evolved and derived directly from these writings. Arising from these classical
texts, the total system of TCM is amazingly comprehensive. It made extensive
use of herbs, spices, massage, exercise, meditation and AP. In the west, we
have adopted AP widely and view it as TCM. That is a great mistake, as AP is
only a small part, possibly the least important part, of TCM.
Computer tomography confirmed that "etzi, the iceman", found in the Alps

(1994), had arthrosis of the lumbar spine. He also had tattoos on, or within a few
mm of, classical acupoints on BL Channel in the lumbar area and others on the
pelvic limb (BL60, KI07, SP06). Those points are used in AP to treat lowback
pain and hip disorders [http://www.akupunktur-arzt.de/oetzi/science.htm]. From
this, we may conclude that AP was known in Europe already 5300 years ago.
The so-called Troy castles are other signs or indications that AP or Asian medical
thinking was known in Europe long ago. Close to my home in the Norwegian
costal town of Sandefjord is a marine peninsula called sterya ("East island").
About 1000 years ago, this land was separated from the mainland. It was a real
island, with a narrow straight used by the Vikings as they sailed between the two
main cities of Norway at that time (Kaupanger and Tnsberg). On the southern
part of the peninsula there is an area called Yxney. A part of Yxney forms a
separate and smaller peninsula as an appendix to the main peninsula, the Truber
headland (Truberodden). Two small fjords, the south and north Truberfjord, form
this headland. Between these small fjords there is a quiet isthmus (eid), over
which one can walk out to the headland of Truber. Up to the year 1800, a strange
man-made stone formation was visible on this isthmus. It was a row of stones
placed in a special pattern to form a labyrinth. This labyrinth has given the name
to the area; as such constructions are called labyrinths of Troy, in this special
case; "Truber".
Several labyrinths like the one near Sandefjord are known in Europe but
especially in Scandinavia. From ancient times, these constructions have been
called "Labyrinths of Troy". Variations of this name, such as Tryenborg, Trborg,
Trelleborg, Troytown are found all over Europe. The origin of the name lies in the
mighty old city of Troy. Why this name is connected with the labyrinths is
uncertain but we may see some relationships if we investigate the ancient city
culture of Troy.
Homers Iliad describes in detail the fierce war between Sparta and Troy. At that
time, Troy was the most western outpost of eastern philosophy and thinking,
while Sparta was more western orientated. The people (read prince) of Troy had
captured and imprisoned Helen, the beautiful princess of Sparta. After several
years of fighting Helens followers set her free. They managed to conquer Troy by
the help of a giant hollow wooden horse, in the belly of which they managed to
get into the city. Via the wooden horse, the western way of thinking got access to
the eastern philosophy. As we will see later, the constructors of the Troy castles
possibly were oriental horse-warriors that rode from the east during the time of
population migrations and settled in different parts of Europe, especially
Scandinavia.
With regards to the Troy castles there are usually myths about horses, showing
that the parallel to the Iliad may be of some value, at least of some interest.
Much, which has been written over the years about the Troy castles, often
mentions visions or myths of black horses in connection with the labyrinths. In

Sandefjord, seamen tell stories about seeing a couple of black horses just before
bad weather or storms. Such visions usually made the seamen return to shore.
This has also happened to me once. If I had not returned at that moment, my
boat would undoubtedly have been wrecked in the storm. A glowing castle has
also been observed several times at the headland.
Most of the labyrinths have several other stories associated with them. These
stories include the ability to warn of storms, or that a ritual held in the labyrinth
would prevent wreckage and guarantee a good catch of fish, as the fishermen
then would have more power over the winds and the movements of the seawater,
as well as over the fish.
Most scientists are also convinced (Colin Bord, Lorens Berg) that there were rites
connected to the labyrinths, rites to prepare the seamen to cope with bad
weather, fish catches, or horsemen to manage and tame horses. The same
scientists have also agreed on the age of these labyrinths and dated then to
1500-500 BC. As earlier mentioned it is highly possible that the builders of these
labyrinths were Asian shamans who came together with Mongolian conquerors
on horseback during or before the times of the folk migrations.
Before we take a closer look at the construction of the Troy labyrinth, we should
discuss the Asian view of human energetic physiology. Qi (the vital energy, or
essential Life Energy) flows in a highly complex 3-dimensional network of specific
Channels and Pathways throughout the body. The network of the 12 Main
Channels, their pathways and organs is called the Channel-Organ System of
TCM. An imbalance in Qi flow pattern through the Process usually results in
disease. Qi itself is 12-fold. TCM Theory held that the body and soul were 12fold. Man stands between heaven and earth and in communication with the 12
cosmic Qi streams, or energy forces, also represented by the 12 signs of the
zodiac. These streams transverse the human body in 6 levels or depths
(divisions), named from the outermost layer to the deepest into the body; the
Taiyang (Greater Yang), Yangming (Yang of Sunlight), Shaoyang (Lesser Yang),
Taiyin (Greater Yin), Jueyin (Reverting Yin) and Shaoyin (Lesser Yin).
Qi flows in the Channels and Collaterals in a sort of "lemniscate", or 8-shape. It
flows through the arms, through the body and then out in the limbs.
Qi enters the human body with or through all sense organs (smell (LU), sound
(KI), sight (LV), touch (HT) and taste (SP). It enters LU, where it goes into the
Channel-Organ System of the body and flows in specific streams; Qi circulation
starts in the middle layer of the body (in LU, Taiyin), moves in lemniscatic form
outwards in two rounds (Yangming, LI-ST) and then returns to the middle layer
again (SP, Taiyin). Then Qi flows inwards to the deepest layer (HT, Shaoyin),
where it gathers much Qi or strength before it goes out to the exterior of the body
in 2 rounds (Taiyang, SI-BL) to protect it against all influences of the Stressors.
Then Qi enters the depths again in a two-round lemniscatic circle (Shaoyin, KI

and Jueyin, PC), then to the exterior in two circles (Shaoyang, TH-GB). Finally Qi
flows to the Interior to reach Jueyin (LV), from which it flows to LU, to begin the
whole Qi cycle again.
According to the Chinese sages it is very beneficial to meditate on these
lemniscatic Qi flows throughout the body. This form of meditation is a form of
Qigong; it gives power over bodily Qi and also over the Qi in nature, helping both
internal and external balance, health and harmony.
Does this indicate some sort of correlation with the construction and myths of the
Troy labyrinths? If we walk the paths of the labyrinth, we start in the middle layer.
After that we move outwards in two turns. We head inwards in two turns almost
to the centre, outwards again two turns and finally towards the absolute centre.
The correlation of the labyrinth with the Asian teachings concerning the situation
(paths) or construction of the Qi flow in the body and the clamed effects in
"walking" or "thinking" these paths is not absolute but is amazingly coherent.
These imaginations or beliefs are amazingly coherent with the beliefs of our
forefathers occupied with fishing and hunting. The only difference is that our
Scandinavian forefathers went physically where the Asian shamans did the
exercise in their minds. It is uncertain if this knowledge was universal at the time,
or was discovered by our European forefathers, or if Asian horse-warriors
imported them before or during the times of the population migrations. However, I
argue that the last possibility is the most probable.

Background history
It is probable that TCM was already in practice around 2000 BC, as the oldest of
all medical books, Neijing, usually is believed to be written by the yellow Emperor
(2698-2598 BC). The first physical sample of this book, the Neijing Suwen, is
only from circa 300 BC. This book describes the AP system in detail, as well as
other medical knowledge.
Horses were very important during this time, and horse-priests practised
veterinary medicine from at least during the time of the Zhou Mu Emperor (974928 BC). The first book on veterinary acupuncture was written by Sun Yang
around 630 BC. Many books on veterinary medicine were written in the period
from 221 BC until 1608 AD.
One of the most famous books, called the "Horse Classic", was written in 1635
by the brothers Yu Benyuan and Yu Benheng. This book is translated to German
by Michael Heerde. There are a lot of interesting observations in this book,
although I doubt several of the observations to have reference to reality. The two
veterinary educated brothers describe horses with only 12 ribs, and they also
describe several signs that indicate that the horse will be able to live up to 90
years. This shows that we must be very critical to old Chinese observations, and
not accept all old books as authorities.

In the period around Christ's birth many books on animal diseases were
published and AP use in horses was common. Around the year 1000 AD China
developed a formal veterinary education system, of which AP was a part.
Jesuit priests, who had returned from Peking in the late 16th and early 17th
century, introduced human AP to Europe. Harvieu, a Jesuit, was the first to
translate a book on AP into French. However, the practice of AP in Europe fell
into discredit, most likely due to the Jesuit's bad training and results.
Soulie de Morant, a French diplomat who returned from Shanghai in 1927,
reintroduced AP in Europe. He translated some modern Chinese books on AP
into French. This work became the basis for the French AP School and is still one
of the greatest European textbooks on AP today. From France, the knowledge
spread to the rest of the western world.
In the 1970s, AP was given a boost after China opened its borders during the
Nixon visit. For the first time, westerners could see film and TV documentaries on
operations carried out under AP analgesia. Unfortunately, the impression that AP
had merely analgesic effects has surrounded AP since that time. However, AP
analgesia is only one of many therapeutic applications of AP. Other important
applications are the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, metabolism and
of a myriad of vital Processes, which can be reduced to the 12 main Channel
Processes that keep the body functioning, from secretion of mucus, to hair
growth, to excretion of urine, etc.
In Europe, interest in veterinary AP followed its use in humans. Drs. Oswald
Kothbauer (Austria), Jacques Milin (France) and Erwin Westermayer (Germany)
were pioneers of veterinary AP in Europe. Interest grew in America later;
American pioneers included Drs. Shelly Altman, Marvin Cain, David Jaggar, Alan
Klide and Grady Young. They were founders of NAVA (National Association of
Veterinary Acupuncture) in 1973. IVAS (the International Veterinary Acupuncture
Society) arose out of NAVA in 1974. IVAS is the largest and most highly
organised group of veterinary acupuncturists in the western world. It has
members from many different countries and has held 26 international annual
congresses on veterinary AP. IVAS has trained hundreds of veterinary
acupuncturists in Europe, America and Australia.
In 1989, NoVAS (Nordic Veterinary Acupuncture Society), a sister organisation to
IVAS, was founded. Today, NoVAS has members in all of the Nordic countries.
NoVAS organised the 19th International World Congress of Veterinary AP in
Troms in 1993.

The Acupuncture Method

The principle of AP is simple; one inserts thin needles into the body at specific
points, the acupoints. The acupoint locations and their relationships to the

Process and clinical uses have been documented for millennia. The stimulus
produced by needling the acupoints sends its "message" to the Processes that
are Deficient, Excessive or otherwise imbalanced. If the body's Channel-Organ
System can respond, this message induces the Process Imbalances to
normalise. In western terms, provided that the homeostatic capacity can respond,
the AP stimuli mobilise the body's adaptive defense mechanisms to assist in the
resolution of the functional imbalance.
The choice of the correct point is more important than the choice of the method
used to activate the effect of the point. In TCM, needling and moxibustion were
used as effective ways to stimulate the effects of a point. However, many other
ways are effective also, including point-injection, massage, warmth, cold,
electromagnetic waves (microwave, chromotherapy, laser, sonotherapy,
ultrasound, etc) and many other methods, including the projected Qi of the
therapist, especially of a therapist trained in Qigong.
When we want to treat an acupoint we should be aware of the effects of the
point, the content of the message (stimulation of the point sends a message to
the body) and in which context it relates to the bodily Processes, or which laws it
follows.

The Laws of TCM-AP

Fundamental Laws of TCM-AP include:
Five Phase Law
Yin-Yang Law
Chinese Qi Clock (biorhythm)
Husband-Wife Law
Deficiency law

1. Five Phase Law

This Law states that all created things can be classified into Five Phases, or
Elements. These are fundamental qualities that correspond with common
experience of the natural world. The Phases interact or influence each other
directly in two ways, the Sheng Cycle and the Ko Cycle. These Cycles either
support (Sheng) or control (Ko) each other. Some practitioners call the Ko Cycle
the Control Cycle. The Sheng and Ko Cycles are explained further in the section
on diagnostic methods (see page 80). Thus, there are two cycles:

&Mac183; The Sheng Cycle supports or nourishes its following (Son) Phase.
&Mac183; The Ko Cycle dominates or controls its Ko Son Phase (the next Phase
in the Pentagram).
The Sheng (Mother-Son) Cycle is an anabolic, generative or creative cycle. Each
Mother Phase creates, nurtures, stimulates or strengthens its Son (succeeding)
Phase. Each Son Phase needs or receives its Qi from its Mother (preceding)
Phase. The Sheng Cycle creates (>>) the succeeding Phase in a clockwise
circle, where:

Fire >> Earth >> Metal >> Water >> Wood >> Fire
Fire is the Mother of Earth and the Qi of Fire is nourished by the Qi of Wood (Fire
is the Son of Wood), etc.
The Ko (Controlling Father) Cycle. In the Ko Cycle, as Earth divides Water so
does SP control KI and BL. As Water controls Fire, so does KI control HT-SI (and
PC-TH). In my experience, Yang Channels also control their Ko Son Phases but
to a lesser extent than the Yin Channels can control their Ko Sons (both Yin and
Yang). Perhaps this is due to the fact that Yin Channels contain more Qi to a
greater extent than their Yang counterparts.
The Ko Father Phase controls (X) the Ko Son Phase in a clockwise pentagram,
where:

Fire XX Metal XX Wood XX Earth XX Water XX Fire

In the Ko Cycle, Fire Qi is the Ko Father of (controls) Metal Qi and Fire Qi is the
Ko Son of (is controlled by) Water Qi.

The main Processes of the Five Phases are:

Fire

Earth

Metal/Air

Water

Wood

It warms and is
full of emotions
and feelings.
Fire Excess is
destructive and
eats up
whatever it
attacks (the
Weak Structure).
We can imagine
these forces like
those of strong
emotions and in
craving love.

Controls
transformation. It is
more purely
destructive. It helps
to transform each
Phase into the next
one, for example
death and
resurrection.
Gravity dominates
Earth and leads to
the detachment of
the material lesion
from the body.

Controls the
body's gases.
Metal/Air
Deficiency
loses control
over the gas
Processes.
Also Metal
dominates or
controls pain.

Controls
the flowing
of all
liquids,
blood, and
lymph and
in the
excretion
of all
liquids.

Controls all growth

processes. As a tree
grows and produces
leaves, Wood is
responsible for all
tissues and
processes that grow
in the body, including
lumps, nodules and
cancers (before they
enter the Earth
Phase and tend to
withdraw from the
body).

In another version, Earth is viewed as a transitional Phase, placed in the centre,

between all the other Phases. The force of Earth can be either destructive or
transformational, helping to change one Phase into the next. Although the Five
Phases originated in ancient Chinese philosophy, especially that of TCM, they
are identical to the European tradition as taught, for example, by Rudolf Steiner.
Classification of the created universe into different Phases is a very old idea and
we see such classifications in most cultures. In European tradition, existence
usually is classified into Four Elements, although some ancient philosophies
used Five (Appolonius from Tyana). The Asians usually divided all creation into
five categories and named them after Fire, Earth, Metal/Air, Wood and Water. By
this we mean that all things, in their own forms, follow the Laws, which in turn
follow that Phase to which each created thing relates.
Classical physics, in which all things can be divided into three aggregate states,
has parallels to this. The states are solid, fluid and gas. Each Phase can come
under one of these three states and each state follows its own Laws. Fluids flow,
solids retain their form and gases adapt themselves to the shape of their
environments.
We can classify and characterise precise Laws for the various Phases.
Phenomena which belong to the Fire Phase all act similarly, as do all phenomena
that belong to the Water Phase. If we combine phenomena from Fire and Water,
they neutralise each other. Therefore, it is practical to categorise all things and
Processes by Phases; thereby we can predict their effects more easily. In this
way TCM evolved its concepts of physiopathology. TCM categorised all the
phenomena in nature and in the body by the Phase(s) to which they belonged.
They could then predict what the reaction of the organ would be to specific
medicines or treatment that were categorised by the same Phase system. Thus,
treatment of HT (Fire Phase) with a plant like Equisetum arvense (Water Phase),
would subdue the activity of HT.

2. Yin-Yang Law
The predictable interaction of Yin-Yang is the most universal law in Asia. It
derives from holistic concepts in a cosmological thinking process, or world-view,
used to relate all natural phenomena.
In common with modern physics, Yin-Yang Law perceives all things as a balance
between reciprocally conflicting powers. This viewpoint is unlike the dualism of
later European philosophy, which conceive opposites to be independent. In
contrast, Asians view opposites to depend on each other, in a constantly

interchanging and dynamic auto-control system with creative and destructive

aspects. Extreme Yang creates Yin and extreme Yin creates Yang, just as each
season follows the next, turning from the heights of its power to the depths of its
weakness. Day proceeds night and crying creates the following laughter.
Anything can be Yang compared to something that is more Yin; anything can be
Yin in relation to something that is more Yang. The meaning of this is that all
things have something which is beneath and/or above them; that which is
underneath is Yin in relation to that which is above. The shoulders are Yin in
relation to the head, but are Yang in relation to the chest. The chest is Yin in
relation to the shoulders, but is Yang in relation to the abdomen. Yin and Yang
are terms used to describe states of relativity between different things or
functions. They can be viewed as material and energetic polarities, where Yang
is positive or active (+), and Yin is negative or passive (-).
Relative to the thing to which it is being compared:
YIN IS LESS UNDER BEFORE INSIDE COLD DARK (UNFEELING) FEMALE
DARK ETC
Yang is More Above Behind Outside Warm Light (feeling) Male Bright Etc
Relative to the function to which it is being compared:
YIN IS HYPO DESCEND CENTRIPETAL NIGHT-ACTIVE DIASTOLIC ATONIC
PASSIVE ETC
Yang is Hyper Ascend Centrifugal Day-active Systolic Spastic Active Etc
The Monad, an ancient Yin-Yang symbol, illustrates the Yin-Yang relationship
especially well.

The Monad, or Yin-Yang symbol.

The dark segment represents Yin, whereas the light represents Yang. The two
dynamically oscillate around each other; each needs the other and continuously
transforms into the other; they are opposite, mutually complementary and ever-

changing. Together, they form unity. Everything is relative to something else.

Within each main polarity, the small dot of opposite colour symbolises that there
are no absolutes; there is always some Yin in Yang and vice-versa. The only
absolute is the Law of Change; everything must change in time.

3. Biorhythms, the Chinese Qi Clock or Circadian Clock

We often find that the manifestations of disease (the Lesion-Symptom
Complexes) change at or near specific times of the day or night. The LesionSymptom Complexes aggravate, begin, improve, or in some way or another
change at these times. These changes coincide with the biorhythms of the
Process Imbalance(s), the root cause(s) of the disease. When we know the
biorhythm of the specific Channels and their Processes, we can reach a more or
less precise diagnosis of the Process Imbalance (Qi Imbalance). This is
explained in depth on page 137.
The time of day is also important in relation to therapy. If it is possible to do so,
we should preferably choose the corresponding time to treat Lesion-Symptom
Complexes that relates to a specific time of day.
A diagnostic example:
A woman with migraine asked me to treat her. The migraine had been present for
several years; severe pain had confined her to bed at least once per week. It was
difficult to find a pattern in her Lesion-Symptom Complexes but when she told me
about her first attack, the cause became clear. She remembered the first attack
very well. It appeared on the beach exactly 12 noon during strong Summer Heat.
It was the middle of the summer and it was a Sunday. I diagnosed HT Qi
Deficiency due to Fire (External Stressor). I tonified her HT Channel (HT09, Ting
Point of HT). One session of treatment was enough to heal her migraine.
A therapeutic example:
A horse with KI Deficiency may consequently develop joint or bone disorders. In
such horses, we must stimulate KI Qi Process, for example by stimulating KI01.
(Elsewhere, I will explain why I do not use the classical Mother / Son Points for
tonification / sedation. Instead, I use Command Points on the principle that they
all stimulate the different functions of the whole Channel. (see page 194).
Improved KI Qi automatically stimulates PC (PC is the Qi Clock successor of KI,
and also the 5-Phase successor in the Ko-cycle of KI), and this helps blood
circulation in the forelimbs. In contrast, aiming to stimulate blood circulation to
help the forelimb, but not knowing the Laws of Qi Balance, a novice might treat
the Lesion-Symptom Complexes only. For example, s/he might stimulate PC
directly by using its Ting-point (PC09). However, that intervention could
exaggerate KI Deficiency as stimulating the fire element could eventually
suppress the water element, and eventually would increase the damage to the

forelimb joints.

4. The Husband-Wife Law

The interpretation of ancient Chinese calligraphy is that harmony within
organisms and seasons is best preserved when the husband is stronger than the
wife is. The Chinese had noted that the most harmonious households had strong
husbands and a somewhat weaker wives. Likewise, if summer becomes stronger
(more energetic) than autumn, this creates imbalance and illness in nature and in
human or animal bodies.
The Husband-Wife Law states that the man should be stronger than his woman,
otherwise there may be conflict in the house. Therefore, one should ensure that
the male Processes or Channels are stronger than the female. If both Husband
and Wife are Deficient, one must stimulate the Husband before the Wife,
otherwise one will exaggerate the problem. If only the Wife is Deficient, one
should stimulate the Wife. The table below shows the Husband-Wife
relationships between "Channel couples". These pairs are NOT the same as the
Channel Couples within the Phases (the Yin-Yang Phase Mates).
Summary of relationships between Pulse-Positions for Organ Diagnosis and the
Husband-Wife "Pairs
Puls-Position Husband left Wife right
Dyp (Yin)

sd

sd

HT >

< LU

LV >

< SP

KI >

< PC

Superficial (Yang)1
1

SI >

< LI

GB >

< SI

BL >

< TH

(1) This chart also shows where to sense the various Process in Pulse Diagnosis.
If we place the wrists palm-up beside each other, we see a precise version of the
Husband-Wife Law, as well as the classical Pulse-Positions of TCM. Looking at
the radial artery areas just proximal to the palmar surface of our wrists, we see

the relative positions of the pulses, as shown in the table above.

The relationships form a mirror-image, folded vertically through the centre. The
left Process are the "Husband" Partners of the right Process, which are the
"Wife" Partners:
&Mac183; The left deep (Yin) pulses are the Husbands to their corresponding
right deep Yins, which are their "Wives". For example, HT is Husband to LU; LU
is Wife to HT, etc.
&Mac183; The left superficial (Yang) pulses are the Husbands to their
corresponding right superficial Yangs, which are their "Wives". For example, SI is
Husband to LI; LI is Wife to SI, etc.

5. The Deficiency Law

This Law states that whenever there is an excess (painful condition, mainly in the
Yang Channels), there must be a deficiency (not painful condition, mainly in the
Yin Channels).
The inferior acupuncturist treats the excess, but the superior acupuncturist treats
the deficiency.
The Nei Ching states that: "The normal doctor treats the thousands of symptoms
(local, symptomatic treatment), the good doctor treats the underlying excess
(excessive Channel), but the superior doctor treats the underlying deficiency
(usually the Ko-father of the symptom-carrying meridian).
I will give you an example of this:
A dressage horse had a deficiency in the Heart Channel over a long time. Then
he began to develop more muscles in the left leg, due to pain in the right leg.
After investigating the right leg, I did find a painful muscular nod in Musculus
Pectoralis Profundus, pars scapularis (the subclavius muscle). This muscle lies in
the exact parthway of the LI Channel, and this Channel showed excess and pain.
But the real underlying cause was the deficiency in the HT Channel, and only
after treating the HT Channel, the situation resolved permanently, although the
horse felt much better after treating the LI Channel. But the treatment of the LI
Channel did not last permanent.

Modern Explanations of the Mechanisms of AP

Recent studies have given us a better understanding of mechanisms by which
AP has its clinical effects in accordance with concepts of western medicine and
physiology. Various mechanisms have been presented to explain the effects of
AP but none gives a satisfactory explanation for all of the physiological changes
that AP can induce. Probably several other mechanisms, some still unknown, can
explain the effects also. However, the seven main theories that try to explain the

diverse effects of AP are:

1. Neural effects: Stimuli from needling of the acupoints influence body
functions by reflex action via the nerve receptors and neural tracts. For example,
the Gate-Control Theory of Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall explains some of
the analgesic effects of AP. AP stimuli from the periphery "close gates" in the
spinal cord and thalamus, thereby blocking the ascending pathways in the cord
and thalamus. This prevents pain stimuli from areas related to the stimulated
acupoints from reaching the cerebral cortex in the brain, i.e. the subject feels no
pain from the area that otherwise would feel painful. The neural theory explains
how competing neural signals from the acupoints can block pain signals from an
injured area from reaching the brain.
2. Hormonal effects: Many research studies confirmed that AP stimulation can
modulate hormonal production and release. For example, AP can influence
metabolism and endocrine release in the hypophysis-hypothalamus, thyroid,
adrenal, pancreas and gonads.
3. Endogenous opioid effects: Brain, nervous tissues and other sites in the
body secrete endogenous opioid compounds, such as enkephalin, endorphin,
dynorphin, etc. The physiological effects of endogenous opioids resemble those
of powerful opiate drugs. Opioids influence pain perception, mood, behaviour,
blood pressure, appetite, and many other bodily functions. For example, longdistance running, extreme jogging, anxiety, battle and fatal situations activate
opioid mechanisms; under their influence, the person usually is unaware of (or
less aware of) pain, feels euphoric and shows unusual strength. AP stimulation
releases endogenous opioids in the brain and circulation. This influences various
pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). Release of endogenous opioids
in the brain and cord can explain some effects of AP, especially its analgesic and
euphoric effects.
4. ECIWO biological effects: ECIWO is the acronym for E=Embryo,
C=Containing, I=Information, W=Whole, O=Organism. Several scientists have
written recently about ECIWO Biology. Several books (for example by Vilhelm
Schjelderup, Hyskoleforlaget 1998) and three international congresses focused
on ECIWO biology. Its theory is very old indeed; it stems from the ancient TCM
theories on relationships between microcosms and macrocosms, but it is also
very new and analogous to modern holographic theory (see page 40). The new
aspect of ECIWO theory is that some scientists acknowledge this law as a fact,
even a general phenomenon; it may be found at all stages in a living organism.
For example, if we look at a tree, its stem represents an ECIWO System at the
first level, a branch on the second level, a leaf on the third level etc. All these
smaller parts contain all the information needed to build the total organism and all
the systems are in internal communication (intercommunication) with the totality
and also with each other. The foundation and function of the Process and their
acupoints and the diagnostic and clinical applications of these concepts, depend
totally on this intra- and inter- communication.
5. Professor Pishinger from the University of Berlin describes the cell, its
environment, and the reaction of the cell to the connective tissue as the most

important auto-regulative mechanism in the body. We may say that a cell-based

ECIWO System can influence the whole organism.
6. I will also mention, to make the picture of what we see happening in the clinic
complete, a theory which is called the theory of remembrance. This is merely an
empiric and deductive theory, not a scientific theory. According to this theory
disease develops because the mind of the patient (or the totality) in a way forget
the organ or part or process in question. Such may happen if the nerves or the
communication or the contact with the area is lost due to a trauma, overwork or
similar conditions. When the body is then reminded about the existence of the
forgotten part, process or organ, then the cooperation will be re-established, and
the symptoms will disappear. The different methods of acupuncture, neuraltherapy, homeopathy or the numerous forms of manipulative methods will, if they
are done properly, remind the body of this missing part and the former relations
to this part, so that normal relations may continue.
7. Bioelectrical Theory attempts to merge eastern and western ways of
thinking. It explains the AP effects from weak electrical currents, which penetrate
to every part of organism. EEG, ECG and EMG can detect tiny bioelectrical
currents. Abnormalities in these currents can be of diagnostic value because the
electrical conductivity of pathological parts of the body changes. Conduction can
be improved by stimulating acupoints; non-AP stimulation, or stimulation of
unrelated acupoints, or stimulation of carefully chosen non-AP points usually
does not elicit these effects. AP normalises the bioelectric flows throughout the
body's pathological parts. This latter way of thinking has much in common with
the old way of thinking on which AP is based. Dr. Robert Becker, a US Army
surgeon in the Veterans' General Hospital, New York, wrote the best explanation
of this theory in "The Body Electric". His book describes 30 years of his research
on the importance of effects of the bodys electrical signalling system. He shows
how they relate to research in medicine, AP and our own natural environment.
Becker concluded that electrical currents exist within the body as a form of slow
acting "Primitive Nervous System", analogous to that of plants and invertebrate
forms of animal life. This system uses a cell-to-cell signalling systems by direct
electrical currents to control many of the bodys slower-acting processes, such as
those of wound-healing, tissue regeneration and growth. Becker's Bioelectrical
Theory indicates that the eastern concepts of Qi, Yin and Yang are not just
philosophical figures of speech; they describe measurable and comprehensible
phenomena for westerners. Apart from religious and sociocultural beliefs, hardheaded westerners are reluctant to believe in phenomena that cannot be
measured. Also, it has been impossible until recently to detect these weak
bioelectrical currents by modern technology.
Becker became interested in bioelectricity as part of his research on tissue
regeneration in US soldiers that were badly wounded in battle in the Far East.
While amputating salamander tails, he discovered that a special electric pattern
arose in regenerating before the amputated tail was fully regenerated. Frogs,

who do not have the ability to regenerate amputated limbs, show a totally
different electrical pattern. He hoped that this could lead him to a solution as to
why various bone fractures do not knit again. He concluded that bone fracture
healing in all types of organisms depend on the electrical pattern, much
resembling his observation of salamander regeneration.
This theory was added to the previous idea of how the nervous system worked.
Becker discovered the fact that there exists in all organisms a continual electric
flow, which is totally unlike normal nerve impulses. (Nerve impulses are
explained as an unstable threshold value and chemical transfer between
synapses, and not as constant currents).
Becker was able to prove the existence of these currents related mainly to the
Schwann cells, which encircle all nerve fibres (axons and dendrites). Schwann
cells surround even small nerve fibres, which do not have any myelin chains.
These cells create an electrical area enabling them to adapt to changes like
injury, pain, or an altered state of consciousness. It also seems as if feelings can
have a curing effect by modifying these currents. Professor Nordenstrm from
Sweden has also demonstrated similar electrical currents, which accompany the
blood veins.
Another electric current, for example via attached rubber electrodes, can modify
or influence these weak currents in the tissues. Such methods have been used
for several years (electrical medical treatment).
There are also various angles of incidences for the use of electric stimulation,
amongst which are the uses of magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Becker holds that we should be cautious with the use of such methods, due to a
lack of research in this field. Possible side effects should be uncovered;
therefore, the use of electromagnetic stimulation should only be used as a last
resort.
We are able to develop new technology for the use of EMFs for healing because
electrical fields are produced and influenced by magnetic fields. Stationary
magnetic fields used to influence specific areas can, according to Becker, have a
good therapeutic effect without noticeable side effects. He is, contrarily
concerned about the continual use of technological inventions which allow
pulsating EMFs to influence the whole body. These not only accelerate certain
aspects of healing but can also accelerate the growth of cancer cells. Such
equipment is accessible to everyone but should be used with caution.
The earth has two types of EMF. One, the balanced background EMF, appears to
interact with the currents of the organism and is essential to the regulation of
biorhythms, a good immune system and life itself. The other earth field,
geopathic radiation (to be discussed on page 00), has adverse effects on health
and well being of animals and plants.

Becker claimed that cancer could arise only by the influence of natural causes,
such as the influence of the sun, moon, stars and chance exposure to
photoradiation, or natural geopathic forces, before this century. However, in this
century, we have changed our electromagnetic background more than at any
other time in human evolution. For example, the density of radio waves, which
now surrounds us, is 100-200 times that of the natural radiation of the sun.
The large increase in cancer cases, especially amongst children, has been
related to living close to high voltage electric wires. Pregnant woman working at
computer terminals have a higher risk of abortion and many people who live or
work exposed to EMFs complain of headaches and irritability.
Clearly, when we try to diagnose the factors that cause their diseases, we must
consider the adverse effects that EMFs may have on our patients. Without
widespread public demand for proper regulations for our safety, it is most unlikely
that national or international authorities will legislate to reduce or ban man-made
EMFs, or that industry will accept such regulations. As educated citizens with
power to educate others, it is our duty to inform all who will listen as to the
existence and effects of these noxious energies. (See also the Appendix about
the geopathic radiation).