Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine Body Clock

2008-04-17T18:20:12Z

There are twelve energy pathways, or meridians, in the human body that connect to specific organs in the body. Chinese medicine believes that each organ has a two hour time period when the Qi is at its peak in that meridian. The Qi flows cyclically in a clockwise rotation like a wave through the meridians.

]]> We always pay attention to symptoms that occur repeatedly at specific times because this may be an indication of the organ that is out of balance. For example, waking every night between 1 and 3 a.m. almost always is indicative of a Liver imbalance. This chart shows the order of the flow.

Dr. Richard Tan uses Chinese clock relationships in his Balance Method theory. Organs next to each other on the Chinese clock will balance each other. Organs opposite each other on the Chinese clock will balance each other. The time of the actual treatment is not significant in Dr. Tan's Balance method when using these relationships.

There are some treatment protocols where the actual time of the treatment may be enhanced by coordinating the treatment with the flow of Qi according to the clock, but this is not always practical.

About the Author:
Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Moxibustion For Breech Pregnancy

2008-04-05T08:51:48Z

Up to 25% of babies at some point in a pregnancy are in a breech position, but by 34 weeks most fetuses turn into a head-down, or vertex, position on their own. This is the normal and safest fetal position for birth. Delivering a baby in a breech position involves several risks to the infant. Most obstetricians in todays world therefore will opt to perform a caesarean section if the fetus has not turned on its own.

Moxibustion, the burning of the herb mugwort over an acupuncture point, in this case Bl-67 on the little toe, has been shown to be very effective to turn the fetus. Here is an excellent video where Dr. Lorne Brown, an acupuncturist from Vancouver Canada, demonstrates the procedure. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Brown at a seminar in Toronto last year where Jane Lyttleton lectured on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of infertility.

]]> Although this technique is simple and safe, there are instances where you would not want to turn a breech presentation. Zita West, in her book “Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth” warns that you would not want to turn a breech for the following situations: twin pregnancies (the cord may compress), previous caesarean for breech position (the mother's pelvis may be too small too deliver vaginally), raised blood pressure, bleeding in pregnancy, and Rh negative (the mother's and baby's blood may mix).

Moxibustion over BL-67 appears to stimulate hormones that cause the uterus to contract. This causes the fetus to move. Studies in China claim a success rate of 80 to 90% in correcting the breech position with this moxibustion technique. Women should be closely monitored by their midwife or obstetrician during this process. Excessive treatment could over-correct and bring the fetus back into breech.

About the Author:
Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist that provides acupuncture therapy in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Acupuncture Treatment For Bladder, Uterine or Rectal Prolapse

2008-04-04T08:15:50Z

I was recently asked by one of my patients whether or not I thought acupuncture treatments would benefit their sister who was told she had a bladder prolapse. Since most of my patients seek help for painful conditions, it reminded me that many people are not yet aware that Chinese medicine is also very beneficial for other types of disorders.

Yes! Unless the condition has progressed to the point of requiring immediate surgical repair, acupuncture may help prevent organ prolapse conditions from deteriorating, if not completely rectify the problem.

]]> In Chinese medicine theory, prolapses of internal organs are usually explained by a weakness of the Spleen energy. Another name for energy is qi (pronounced “chee”). The normal direction of the Spleen qi is upwards. When that qi is weak, the body experiences a feeling of bearing down, fatigue, mental depression, diarrhea and the actual prolapse of internal organs. This aspect of qi deficiency is often referred to as “qi sinking”. And there are specific acupuncture points and herbs that have the effect of raising the qi.

The most powerful point on the body to raise the energy in the body and counter prolapse is Du20, which is located on the top of the head. Historically, it is well documented to treat the sinking of the yang energy at the other end of the Du meridian, hence rectal prolapse. In modern practice, this point has also been effective to treat the prolapse of the uterus and vagina. For this purpose, moxibustion is used to stimulate Du20.

For rectal prolapse, I add the Master Tung foot point Menjin which is on the Stomach meridian slightly proximal to ST43 and the traditional ST44 point. Ling Gu, another Master Tung point located proximal to LI4 is effective for rectal prolapse.

Extra point Tituo, located on the lower abdomen, is a primary point for treating uterine prolapse. A special needle technique is used. The needle is superficially threaded from its location (about four inches from the midline of the abdomen and about three inches below the navel) towards Ren-2. Then the needle is rotated until it is wrapped in the muscle fibers and pulled upward and outward . It is taped to the skin in this raised position for 20-30 minutes. This is not a painful procedure.

In the January 2001 issue of Acupuncture Today, there is an interesting article entitled “Prolapse: A Natural Condition With Oriental Medicine”, written by Skya Abbate. Since Dr. Abbate has a strong background in Japanese acupuncture, she suggests using KI-27, ST-13, LV-5 and a group of points slightly off of the LI meridian called the naganos to treat prolapses. Her article is excellent reading for an explanation of the energetics of these points. Click here to read the article.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is a famous Chinese herbal formula that historically has been used for organ prolapses, especially following childbirth. The formula includes many herbs that strongly tonify the Spleen qi including Huang Qi (astragalus) and Bai Zhu (atractylodes). Chai Hu (bupleurum) and Sheng Ma (cimicifuga) are also in this formula. Both are very effective to raise Spleen qi and pull up the prolapse.

Jake Fratkin cites a research study in his book “Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines”, where 23 cases of uterine prolapse were treated with a decoction of this formula along with instructions to perform Kegal exercises. Within two weeks, 76% were cured, 6% improved and 18% had no change.

In recent years, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan has become popular to treat many complaints based on a Chinese medicine diagnosis of Spleen Qi deficiency.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Cupping Therapy For Lower Back Pain

2008-03-30T10:32:44Z

Here is a demonstration of Chinese medicine cupping to treat low back pain - performed by the author of “Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy”, Ilkay Zihni Chirali. In this video, he is using cups made of glass. Glass cups are probably the most commonly used in this country because they are easy to sterilize and it is easy to see the strength of the suction when applied to the patients skin. In China, bamboo cups are very common because they are inexpensive, but they have some disadvantages. They have sharp edges, break down easily and can be a greater risk for cross-infection.

In both cases, the technique of obtaining suction is the same. A cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and lit. This is used to heat the inside of the cup which removes the oxygen and creates a vacuum. When the cup is placed on the patient, the skin is drawn up into the cup. By placing the cup over an injured area, stagnant blood and toxins are brought to the surface allowing fresh blood to nourish the injured site. Often the skin will be left with circular bruises that may last up to two weeks.

]]> In this particular video, the cups are being placed over specific acupuncture points that have the function of tonifying the Kidney energy – UB23 and DU4. Chronic, dull, low back pain in Chinese medicine is usually associated with deficient Kidney energy. This may be due to the normal aging process, or may be brought on by activities that deplete the Kidney energy, such as excessive overwork, excessive sexual activity, multiple pregnancies, or standing for long periods of time.

Since sexual complaints (impotence and loss of libido) are also closely associated with Kidney energy deficiency, this same treatment can be used to improve sexual function. In terms of western medicine, the nerves of the lumbar vertebrae supply the sex organs and nerve centers in the lower end of the spinal cord are very important in activating an erotic response in the body. When blood flow is increased in this area of the body, sexual function improves.

About the Author:

Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist who provides acupuncture therapy in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy

2008-03-29T12:13:50Z

Cupping Therapy has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years and continues to be incorporated into treatments today. This book by Ilkay Zihni Chitali is an excellent resource for the practitioner of Chinese medicine. Mr. Chitali provides details for ten different cupping methods. For each method he explains the technique itself in detail along with valuable illustrations.
Examples are given for conditions that may benefit from that particular technique. Half of the book (almost 100 pages) is devoted to specific treatment protocols for common ailments. Cupping instructions are given along with acupuncture points, moxibustion and herbal remedies. Case studies accompany each section.

Several techniques may be used with children and he specifically notes the difference in cupping duration and technique that should be applied for each age group.

]]> Some of the common disorders that benefit from cupping are the common cold, back pain, insomnia, hiccups, fatigue and constipation. For children, asthma and bed-wetting are probably the most frequently treated conditions. But, you may also be surprised to know that cupping can increase libido and help correct bladder and uterine prolapse!

About the Author:

Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist serving the Utica-Rome, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Master Tung Five Tiger Points For Finger and Toe Pain

2008-03-19T16:08:00Z

There are many Master Tung points that I personally have found to be more effective than traditional meridian acupuncture points and Wu Hu (Five Tigers) is in that category. Wu Hu is a set of five acupuncture points located on the radial aspect of the proximal segment of the thumb on the border of the red and white skin. The points are numbered sequentially, one thru five, with Wu Hu 1 being the most distal point and Wu Hu 5 the most proximal.

Wu Hu 1 is selected for finger pain, palmer pain and tenosynovitis. Wu Hu 3 is selected for toe pain. Wu Hu 2 is added to strengthen the effect of Wu Hu 1 or 3. Wu Hu 4 is needled for instep or dorsal foot pain and Wu Hu 5 is very effective for heel pain (in combination with points on the heel of the palm and PC 7 on the pericardium meridian). As with most Master Tung points used to treat painful conditions, points are needled contralaterally to the pain and the patient is asked to move the affected part of the body while the needles are stimulated.

]]> Yesterday a patient dropped a door on his big toe while doing some home improvements. Though he had been coming to see me for neck pain, Wu Hu 2 and 3 were my first choice to relieve the throbbing pain in the toe before we continued with the treatment for the neck.

I have used Wu Hu 1 and 2 for a patient with Dupuytren’s contracture and within seconds the patient was able to fully extend the fingers as the whole palm relaxed. We were both amazed at the instant change.

I also used Wu Hu 1 and 2 for a gentleman who had had a stroke. The stroke had left the entire left side of his body very weak. When he came to see me, his main complaint was spasms in the fingers of his RIGHT hand, which he relied upon to navigate with his cane. After two treatments with the Five Tiger points, he had significant improvement for seven weeks! Unfortunately, he had other health issues that prevented him from resuming treatments.

I have recently learned that Dr. Robert Chu, another Master Tung experienced practitioner, has documented a similar set of points on the big toe, calling those points “Foot Five Tiger”. The indications for the Foot Five Tiger points mirror those of the Master Tung hand points. You can read more about these points on www.chinesemedicinetimes.com/section/218/1/the_acupuncture_of_master_tung.

So, although these points are outstanding for acute sports injuries, I have used them for chronic conditions as well.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Acupuncture Point Xiaojie for Ankle Pain

2008-03-18T10:23:17Z

Master Tung passed away in 1975 leaving behind only one book documenting his acupuncture points. Today there are only three direct disciples of Master Tung living in the US. Dr. Wei-Chieh Young is one of them. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Young for sharing his experience with Master Tung’s points via his lectures, seminars and recently published books.

Xiaojie is a point that Dr. Young discovered based on Master Tung’s holographic imaging of the body and contralateral needling technique. This point is located at the base of the ball of the thumb and needled for an inch and a half thru the thenar eminance of the palm. This acupuncture point alone is amazingly effective for sprained or strained ankle and I have had occasion to use it several times in my clinic.

]]> Once inserted on the side of the body opposite to the sprain, the needle is rotated while the patient moves the affected ankle for ten minutes. Then the needle is retained for 30 to 45 minutes. Usually significant relief is achieved in one or two treatments!

For those acupuncture students or practitioners interested in Dr. Young’s books, they can be purchased at his website - http://www.drweichiehyoung.com/.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Self Acupressure For Diarrhea

2008-03-17T10:27:39Z

Here it is - my debut on www.youtube.com! My sister convinced me that I could make an instructional video on acupressure, so we gave it a whirl. Considering we had several takes due to one or both of us bursting out laughing, it didn't come out too bad, if I do say so myself.

I chose to demonstrate this Master Tung acupuncture point because I have used it myself and I know it is effective. As I say in the video, the translated name of the point is "Intestine Gate". Intestine Gate has a powerful effect on calming the intestinal tract. Acupressure can be used in an acute situation. Acupuncture to this point along with others based on the Chinese medical differential diagnosis can be used to treat chronic diarrhea.

]]> The point is located on the small intestine meridian. Approximately three inches proximal (closer to the elbow) on the same meridian, is another point called Liver Gate. Acupuncture to both of these points can help enteritis due to hepatitis.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a practice in New Hartford, NY. . She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Master Tung’s Gynecology (Fu Ke) Acupuncture Point

2008-03-16T15:59:36Z

This two-point unit is located on the ulnar aspect of the proximal segment of the dorsal side of the thumb. This acupuncture point is very effective to treat almost any kind of gynecological disease including irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, uterine pain or fibroids, frequent miscarriage and infertility.
This point is needled on one hand and often coupled with a different point on the opposite hand called Return to Nest (Nest being a reference to the uterus). The first time Fu Ke will be needled on the left and Return to Nest on the Right. The next time, Fu Ke will be needled on the right and Return to Nest on the left. Continue alternating the points with each treatment.

]]> Depending on the condition being treated, additional points may be needled. For example, adding ST44 and SP6 – meridian acupuncture points, will alleviate menstrual cramps. Adding another Master Tung point on the second toe – Mu Fu – can be an effective way to open blocked fallopian tubes.

I always add the Fu Ke points to a treatment plan when a woman seeks acupuncture treatment for infertility. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), infertility is divided into five types – Kidney deficiency, Qi and Blood deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Blood stagnation or phlegm dampness. An infertility patient will commonly present with a combination of patterns. All of them respond well to herbal and acupuncture therapy. Based on pattern differentiation, acupuncture points to address the underlying cause of the infertility are added to the Fu Ke protocol.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Mind Body Spirit Fitness - The NIA Technique

2008-02-23T21:54:22Z

Last weekend I attended a NIA workshop at the Kripalu Yoga Institute in Lenox, Massachusetts. Carlos Rosas, co-founder of the technique, led our “Dancing Through Life” workshop. NIA, an acronym for Neuromuscular Integrative Action, is an amazing mind, body and spirit approach to fitness.

You may think that a website devoted to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an odd place to be discussing a fitness technique, but if you consider that TCM also focuses on keeping the body in balance to maintain health by addressing the mind, body and spirit of each individual, you will see that there is a definite correlation.

]]> I was first introduced to NIA about fifteen years ago. Like it is for so many people, NIA was life changing for me. NIA incorporates moves from nine fitness disciplines, including tae kwon do, tai chi, yoga, jazz and modern dance. Each routine adds visualizations and vocalizations to enhance the workout. NIA is all about body awareness and appreciation. Specific moves are choreographed to promote strength, flexibility, mobility, agility and stability. NIA movements are designed to release emotions in a healthy way and cultivate personal power and self-confidence. For me, NIA was instrumental in my decision to change careers at the age of 50.

But it wasn’t until I was actually studying TCM in Albuquerque, NM several years later and found a NIA class out there, that I realized why NIA was so powerful. NIA is done in bare feet. Each NIA step is designed to activate the acupuncture point on the bottom of the foot (KI 1), taking in energy from the earth. Every movement that opens all of the energy pathways on the front of the body is followed by a movement that opens all of the energy pathways on the back of the body – balancing the yin and the yang energies. Finger flicks activate the jing well points on the hands. Visualizations often bring in the elements of wind, water, earth and fire – another integral part of Chinese medicine. And I could go on.

“The NIA Technique” book pictured here discusses all of the NIA moves and is a great reference for both the curious and the serious NIA student. Many testimonials are included from people who found relief from such conditions as arthritis, depression and fibromyalgia. But the book doesn’t compare to actually experiencing a NIA class. You can go to www.nianow.com to find an instructor near you. You won’t be sorry!

About the author

Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has practiced NIA for ten years and continues to attend classes and workshops.

Self Acupressure for Constipation

2008-02-22T17:25:40Z

I often give my patients homework to do between acupuncture treatments. This homework commonly involves acupressure. Sometimes small seeds are applied to the ear to stimulate corresponding parts of the body to relieve pain. Sometimes points are stimulated on the hand corresponding to Korean Hand acupuncture points. And sometimes pressure is applied directly to the meridian acupuncture points.

Acupressure can address acute symptoms between the acupuncture treatments which in turn focus on addressing the underlying imbalance in the body that is causing the pain, symptom or disease.

Here is a short video clip I found on YouTube demonstrating the use of acupressure to relief constipation. The narrator explains that this technique can be helpful for those incidences of constipation that many people experience while travelling.

]]> The chops to the side of the hand are stimulating the small intestine meridian. The pats to the elbows are stimulating the large intestine meridian.

About the Author:
Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist who provides acupuncture therapy in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

The Magic Points of Master Tung

2008-02-22T15:00:16Z

If I had to pick one event in the last six years that had the most impact on my career as an acupuncturist, I would have to say that it was in 2003 when I listened to a taped lecture by Susan Johnson on Master Tung’s Top Ten Points.

At the time, my training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) had focused on the 365 points of the Fourteen Meridian System, a system that has been standardized in the People’s Republic of China. This is the system that is most often taught in the acupuncture schools of the U.S. It is the system upon which the national (NCCAOM) acupuncture board exam is based.

]]> Master Tung’s system of acupuncture evolved in Taiwan. Just when I thought I had mastered all the points I needed to know, here was another system with several hundred more unique points! Some of his points are located on the meridians. Some are located between meridians. And for some of the traditional points, Master Tung had documented some completely new indications.

It was Susan’s enthusiasm and willingness to share her twenty plus years of experience with Master Tung’s points that captured my attention. Two weeks after listening to her lecture, I was in California attending one of her seminars. I just had to learn more!

Since that time, I have also studied Master Tung’s points with Dr. Palden Carson in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Carson is one if the few original disciples of Master Tung alive today. I have attended Dr. Richard Tan’s seminar on Master Tung’s points in conjunction with his Balance Method. I have purchased every book available on Master Tung as soon as it is published in English. I continue to attend seminars whenever I can. Because I see such amazing results with these points, I want to learn as much as I can from those who are willing to share their knowledge.

Here you can still get the audio lecture cassettes that first inspired me by Susan Johnson on Master Tung's points. Her recent lecture on Master Tung's points are available on cd. If you are an acupuncturist or a student of acupuncture, listening to her tapes will be the first step in the best investment you can make in your future practice. Other websites that may be helpful to you are www.tungspoints.com, www.drweichiehyoung.com, and www.worldtaa.org.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a NYS licensed acupuncturist and is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She incorporates many of Master Tung's acupuncture points in her treatments.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Smoking Cessation

2008-02-21T20:01:57Z

With the new year, come New Year’s resolutions, and several people have been asking me about using Chinese medicine to help them to quit smoking. Acupuncture has been used successfully to overcome addictions in this country for decades.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was formed in 1988 and promotes the use of a specific ear acupuncture protocol to help with the anxiety and stress associated with hardcore drug addiction withdrawal. This protocol has been applied to smoking cessation. Four or five points are selected on the ear and stimulated either by hand or with electrical stimulation.

]]> I also add an extra point on the lung channel called Tim Mee, an experience point for addictions. Additionally, I needle Master Tung points on each thigh called Four Horses. Master Tung believed that this was the reaction area for the liver and the lung. These points are used for many lung related issues. The acupuncture treatments target the lungs and trigger the release of natural chemicals in the body (endorphins), which reduce a smoker’s cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms and induce relaxation.

But smoking is a very complex addiction, and although acupuncture can help overcome the physical addiction, the patient must still address the social and psychological addiction. To be successful, the person must be aware of when they smoke and why. They must be motivated by a strong desire to quit for themselves. Not because someone else is pushing them to seek treatment.

In addition to the acupuncture treatments, I encourage my patients to stay hydrated, refrain from drinking coffee, cut back on sugar and have a plan for what they will do during a craving.

I recommend three treatments the first week (it takes 48 hours for nicotine to be flushed out of the body). Then an individualized treatment program may be suggested for a few weeks. They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. During this time, acupuncture points will be selected based on the individual’s constitution with an emphasis on relaxation, detoxifying the liver and nourishing the lungs.

There are a couple of herbal products specifically formulated to aid smoking withdrawal. One product is West Lake Tea (Smoking Quitter Support). Ingredients are Green tea, lotus seed, ginseng leaf, Chinese asparagus and licorice root. The tea helps eliminate nicotine from the body through the urine and the stool. Some people find that the tea makes the taste of a cigarette unpleasant. I ask that the patient substitute this tea for coffee normally drunk during the day.

The other product is called Miraculous Stop Smoking Perfume. This product is unique in that it is not ingested, but rather inhaled for 10-20 minutes a day for three days and then as needed for a week. It is used to stop the desire for cigarettes, aid in the detoxification of nicotine and to increase lung qi.

If you are having trouble quitting smoking on your own, or with other methods, it may be worth your while to try a new approach.

About the Author
Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist located in New Hartford, NY. She helps patients quit smoking through acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine. Patients have found these treatments to be helpful with withdrawal symptoms and to be smoke free.

Bleeding the Ear Apex

2008-01-23T23:37:55Z

There are many good books on the market for auricular acupuncture and I have several in my reference library, but there is one that is special to me – “Modern Chinese Ear Acupuncture” by Ping Chen. Dr. Chen (though she always insisted that we call her Ping) was one of my professors at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a dedicated teacher and compassionate doctor and I am very grateful to have had her as a mentor.

Ping’s book is thorough in point location and indications with detailed diagrams and case studies. She speaks of many ways to stimulate the auricular points including seed acupressure, needle implantation, plum blossom needling, ear moxibustion, ear massage, medicated plasters, electroacupuncture, magnet therapy, medicine injection and bloodletting.

]]> Bloodletting is commonly done to the ear apex to treat a variety of conditions. The ear apex is located at the top of the ear. If you take the back of the ear and fold it towards the face, the ear apex located at the top of the ear where the crease is formed. First massage the auricle until the ear becomes red and warm. Bloodletting is done with a small three-edged needle after the area is carefully sterilized with alcohol. Prick the apex to draw three to five drops of blood and then stop the bleeding with pressure using a sterile cotton ball.

This procedure discharges heat from the body and is calming for the patient, relaxing tension and alleviating pain. This technique is very effective for reducing fever. Generally, fever will be reduced by 0.8-1.2 degrees centigrade a half hour after bloodletting and will return to normal within three daily treatments. Another common application is the treatment of early stage sty where the eyelid is marked by redness and swelling. Bleeding the ear apex is often the first step in a treatment protocol for treating migraine, acute sore throat, psoriasis, acne, insomnia and hypertension.

When I left Albuquerque, Dr. Chen was treating patients and hosting seminars for both acupuncturists and the general public at her beautiful Yi Ling Medical Center. If you get the opportunity to stop in and meet her, tell her that I remember her words of wisdom every day in my own clinic.

About the Author:

Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist that provides acupuncture therapy in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Insomnia Due to Heart Disease

2008-01-23T13:49:32Z

A local support group for heart and stroke patients asked me recently to give a talk about acupuncture and Chinese medicine at one of their monthly meetings. One gentleman approached me afterwards and said that he had not slept well since his heart bypass surgery, which had been about three years earlier. This did not surprise me, as the Heart in Chinese medicine is said to house the spirit and has a lot to do with the body’s ability to sleep peacefully. Since the problem was becoming really worrisome (he only slept two hours a night), and he did not want to add another medication to his long list of prescriptions, he decided he had nothing to lose by trying acupuncture treatments.

We started weekly treatments. I used points that are well known to calm the mind and nourish the heart to help sleep. For a couple of weeks, he would sleep better for a night or two only to return to the same pattern of two hours a night. After four treatments he was getting discouraged, and even though I did not expect to turn around a three year-old habit overnight, I was searching all of my materials for the best protocol for his constitution.

]]> As so often happens when I return to my well-read reference books, I stumbled across a point that I thought would help my patient. A Master Tung point that is used for poor sleep due to heart disease – 77.17, Tian Huang or Heavenly Emperor. Though most of Master Tung’s acupuncture points are not on the regular meridians, this was one point that is located exactly at Spleen 9. Never in my TCM training was this point emphasized for heart disease. It is a point used for water metabolism – abdominal bloating and edema of the legs. And yet, in Miriam Lee’s book, “Master Tong’s Acupuncture”, she recalls cases where she observed Master Tung use this point for heart disease problems, including poor sleep.

Since purchasing this book, I have been told that there are typographical errors and incorrect point locations and diagrams. So, it may not be the best reference for Master Tung points, but I still find the case examples invaluable. And this is an excellent example.

The next treatment I gave included Du20, Yintang, Ear shenmen and point zero bilaterally to calm the mind, and Tian Huang. That was it. The gentleman slept 6-7 hours a night every night that week! We repeated the treatment another two times. It has now been several weeks since I have seen him, but he called the other day just to wish me a happy New Year and to tell me that he was still sleeping fine.

These are the times that I absolutely love what I do!

About the Author:

Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.