ACUSOURCE
The Acupuncture Handbook
Compiled by Michael James Hamilton, LAC
Copyright © 2000 by Michael James Hamilton, L.Ac.
2nd Edition Copyright © 2002
3rd Edition Copyright © 2004
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any kind without prior written permission of the compiler is prohibited.
PREFACE TO THE MAIN WORK
This Acupuncture Source Book targets anyone wanting to know more about Chinese acupuncture. The compilation of the information for this book was my method of studying for the acupuncture licensing examination. Therefore, it may be very good for licensing exam preparation. It is also intended to be a quick reference guide in professional practice.
This book concisely and completely compiles information from commonly used text sources studied in acupuncture schools today, and organizes the information to be referenced quickly. It systematically summarizes the history of Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion, energetic theory, diagnostic method, syndrome evaluation, and treatment method. The appendices include the diagnostic arts of body analysis, face analysis, and hand analysis, and additional treatment modalities utilizing acupoints, electro-acupuncture, acupuncture anesthesia, auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, Korean hand acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha.
The sources are referenced at the beginning of each section in tabular form and at the beginning of each subsection in parentheses. All figures are located at the end of the document and referenced throughout. Quotations, all acupuncture medical terminology, and classical Chinese medical texts that are in Pinyin (presently used Chinese phonetic alphabetical language) or Wade-Giles (older Chinese phonetic alphabetical system) are shown in italics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS i
FOREWORD BY LOOKING BACKWARD ii
PREFACE ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS x
MAIN WORK
HISTORY OF CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION 1
SOURCES 2
ORIGIN OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION IN CHINA 3
ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 3
Warring States Period 3
Han Dynasty 4
Jin Dynasty 4
Southern and Northern Dynasties, Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty 4
Yuan Dynasty 5
Ming Dynasty 5
Qing Dynasty 6
SPREAD OF CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION TO THE WORLD 6
MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN ACUPUNCTURE 6
Modern Acupuncture 6
Modern Decline 6
Rejuvenation and the Republic 6
THEORY: Understanding Patterns of Energy 7
SOURCES 8
THE SINGULARTIY POINT IN VOID: The Nature of Qi (The Pulse of Life) 9
Origins 10
Classifications 12
Functions 15
Dynamics 15
Transformations 16
THE DUALITY OF YIN AND YANG: The Products of Qi 20
Historical Development 20
Natural Philosophy 20
THREE TREASURES (SAN BAO): Three Realms 26
THE FIVE ELEMENTS (WU XING): The Manifestation of Qi 27
Basic Qualities 28
Interrelationships 29
Correspondences 31
ZANG-FU ORGANS: The Functional Manifestation of Qi 34
Zang Organs 35
Zang Organs Relationships 41
Spiritual Resources of the Five Viscera 43
Fu Organs 44
Extraordinary Fu (Curious) Organs 48
MERIDIANS AND POINTS: Path and Accumulation of Qi 50
General Meridian Function 50
Meridian Count 50
Meridian Types 50
Meridian Classifications: Yin and Yang Distinction 52
Meridian Relationships 54
Meridian Point Classifications (Energetic Integrity): General Locations and Functions 55
Horizontal Lines of Points 82
Body Measurements for Point Location: Biometrics 83
12 Regular Meridians: Flows and Points 84
8 Spiritual Vessels: Flows and Points 183
Non-Meridian Points 212
DIAGNOSIS: Discovering Syndrome with the Four Pillars 233
SOURCES 234
INSPECTION: Looking 235
Expression/Shen 236
Face 236
Body 236
Tongue 238
Secretions/Excretions 246
AUSCULTATION AND OLFACTION: Listening and Smelling 246
Speech, Respiration, Cough 246
Abdomen 247
Odors 247
INQUIRING: 10 Questions 248
Chills and Fever 248
Perspiration 248
HA/Dizziness 249
Body Pain 250
Digestion 252
Stool 253
Urine 254
Sleep 254
Ears 256
Eyes 257
Gynecological Concerns 257
Children 258
PALPATION: Touching 259
28 Pulses 259
Hara 267
SYNDROME: Interpreting Diagnosis 269
SOURCES 270
ETIOLOGY: Causative Factors of Syndrome 271
Seven Emotional (Endogenous/Interior/Internal) Factors 272
Six Meterological (Exogenous/Exterior/External) Factors 274
Diet 279
Over-exertion 280
Unregulated Sexual Activity 281
Traumatic Injury 282
Phlegm Fluid and Stagnant Blood 282
PATHOGENESIS: Syndrome Occurrence, Development, and Change within the Body 283
Pathogenic Factors of Qi 283
DIFFERENTIATION OF SYNDROMES: Interpreting Etiology and Pathogenesis 284
Eight Principles 284
Qi, Blood, and Fluid 289
Triple Warmer 292
Four Portions 293
Five Elements 295
Six Meridians 297
Meridians and Collaterals 299
Zang-Fu Organs 302
TREATMENT: Correcting Syndrome 323
SOURCES 324
THEORY OF TREATMENT FUNCTION 325
Traditional Theory 325
Scientific Theory 326
PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT 331
Root and Manifestation 331
Supporting Upright Qi and Expelling Pathogenic Factors 332
Patient Constitution 333
PRINCIPLES OF POINT PRESCRIPTION 333
Point Quantity 333
Point Selection 333
Point Combination 334
ANCIENT THERAPEUTIC INSTRUMENTS AND METHODOLOGIES 335
Instruments 335
Methods 335
BASIC TREATMENT PROCEDURE 341
Preparation 341
Technique 342
Safety 344
GENERAL ACUPUNCTURE: Instruments and Methodologies 346
Filiform (Common): Fine Needle 346
Three-edged 347
Cutaneous (plum-blossom, seven-star, rolling drum) 347
Pressure (pushing) 348
Intradermal (thumbtack type, grain-like type) 348
Long (beard of wheat) 348
Bloodletting 349
Warm 349
Hot (tempered) 350
MOXIBUSTION 350
Herbal Identification 350
Treatment Characteristics 351
Treatment Methods 352
Safety 352
APPENDICES 353
SOURCES 354
DIAGNOSIS APPENDICES 355
BODY ANALYSIS 355
Expression Of Spirit: Quality of Qi 355
Energetic Balance: Integrity of Yin and Yang 355
Three Sections: Life Scenario 356
Elemental Type: Personality 356
Features: Life Attributes 363
FACE ANALYSIS 370
Expression Of Spirit: Quality Of Qi 370
Energetic Balance: Integrity Of Yin And Yang 372
Orientation 373
Elemental Types: Personality 374
Planet Areas: Vitality And Fortune 376
Star Points: Charisma 377
Twelve Palaces: Activity 377
100 Position Points Of The Floating Years: Present Position 378
Features: Life Attributes 378
HAND ANALYSIS 399
Overall Hand 399
Fingers 401
Palm 412
TREATMENT APPENDICES 429
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE 429
Overview 429
Treatment Method 429
Treatment Indications 429
Electrical Impulse 430
Safety 431
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) 431
ACUPUNCTURE ANESTHESIA 432
Method 432
Considerations 432
Prescriptions 433
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE 434
Point Location Inspection 434
Treatment Methods 435
Needling Technique 435
Ear Points 436
SCALP ACUPUNCTURE 442
Site Location Principles 442
Reference Lines and Crossings 442
Scalp Stimulation Areas (Lines) 442
Treatment Method 444
KOREAN HAND ACUPUNCTURE 444
Theory 444
Treatment 448
CUPPING 450
Jar Types 450
Treatment 450
GUA SHA 452
Instruments 452
Treatment 452
FIGURES 455
FIGURE KEY 456
BIBLIOGRAPHY 583
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Foreword:
There are presently few books available on the subject of acupuncture, and the majority of these are from unrenowned publishers. This fact reflects the skepticism which has long been associated with this Chinese art. The attention recently given to acupuncture in reputable periodicals suggests that books on the subject from major publishing houses maybe forthcoming.
Chan Wing-Tsit. "The Story of Chinese Philosophy," in The Chinese Mind: Essentials of Chinese Philosophy and Culture. Ed. Charles A. Moore. Honolulu: East-West Center Press, 1967, pp. 31-76.
Dimond, E. Grey. “More than Herbs and Acupuncture." Saturday Review, December 18, 1971, pp. 17-19.
Galston, Arthur W. "Attitudes on Acupuncture." Natural History, LXXXI (March 1972), 14-16.
Gutman, William. Introduction to Stephan Palos. The Chinese Art of Healing. Trans. Translagency Ltd. New York: Herder and Herder, 1971.
Horn, Joshua S. Away with All Pests. An English Surgeon in People's China: 1954-1969. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1969.
Lang, Frances. "Acupuncture." Ramparts, 10 (October 1971), 12-16.
Martin, Robert P. “Acupuncture at Close Range: A Combination of 'Zeal and Science." U. S. News and World Report, LXXII (March 13, 1972), 24-25.
Palos, Stephan. The Chinese Art of Healing. Trans. Translagency Ltd. New York: Herder and Herder, 1971.
"Place in American Medicine?" Science News. 99 (June 12, 1971), 400.
Saar, John. "A Prickly Panacea Called Acupuncture." Life, 71 (August 13, 1971), 32-36.
Tkach, Walter R. “I Watched Acupuncture Work." Reader's Digest, 101 (July 1972), 146-147.
White, John. "Acupuncture--A Chinese Puzzle." Reader's Digest, 101 (July 1972), 145-149.
"Yang, Yin and Needles." Time, 98 (August 9, 1971), 37-38.
Main Work:
Berkow, Robert, M.D., Editor-in-Chief. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (16th Edition). Rahway, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories, 1992.
Boyd, David. <acupuncture.com>. “Acupuncture and Orthopedics” Dec., 2000.
Chen, Sidong. Review and Pretest For Acupuncture Licensure Examination. Kenosha, WI: Chinese-English Translation Co., 1998.
Ellis, Andrew, Wisenman, Nigel, and Boss, Ken. Grasping the Wind: An exploration into the meaning of Chinese Acupuncture Point Names. Brookline, MASS: Paradigm Publications, 1989.
Harris, S., Harris, J., and Clark, C. Trigger Points I and II. Ontario: Papertech, Inc., 1998.
Jing-Nuan, Wu. Ling Shu, Spiritual Pivot. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1993.
Jwing-Ming, Yang. Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Chi Kung: The Secret of Youth. Jamaica Plain, Mass.: YMAA Publication Center, 1991.
Kaptchuk, Ted. The Web That Has No Weaver. Chicago: Congdon & Weed, Inc., 1983.
Kendall, D.E., “A Scientific Model for Acupuncture.” American Journal of Acupuncture. (September, 1989): Part 1, Vol. 17, No.3, pp.251-268, and (December, 1989): Part 2, Vol. 17, No. 4.
Kuei, Chi An. Face Reading. Scherz Verlag, Germany: Souvenir Press, 1998.
Lade, Arnie. Acupuncture Points: Images and Functions. Seattle: Eastland Press, Inc., 1989.
Landis, Dennis “Korean Hand Acupuncture.” Treatment and Needling. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Summer 1996.
Lau, D.C. Confucius: The Analects. London: Penguin Books, 1979.
Lee, Richard, and Garripoli, Garri. “Gua Sha: Ancient Technique for the Modern Body.” Massage and Bodywork. Spring 1998: 7-8.
Maciocia, Giovanni. Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Seattle, Eastland Press, Inc., 1987.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1989.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1994.
Mann, Felix. Acupuncture: The Ancient Chinese Art of Healing and How It Works Scientifically. New York: Vintage Books, 1962.
Mann, Felix. Acupuncture: The Treatment of Disease. London: William Heinemann Medical Books, Ltd., 1974.
Matsumoto, Kiiko, and Birch, Stephen. Extraordinary Vessels. Brookline, Mass.: Paradigm Publications, 1986.
Mitchell, Stephen. Tao Te Ching. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1988.
O’Connor, John and Bensky, Dan, translators and editors. (Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine). Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Seattle: Eastland Press, Inc., 1981.
Shen, Peter with Joyce Wilson. Body Fortunes. Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia: Pelanduk Publications, 1997.
Shen, Peter with Joyce Wilson. Face Fortunes. Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia: Pelanduk Publications, 1997.
Siou, Lily “The Ear.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1993.
Siou, Lily “The Eight Spiritual Vessels.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1992.
Siou, Lily. "Palmistry." Taoist Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1993.
Siou, Lily. “Pulse Diagnosis.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1993.
Siou, Lily. “Ghost Points.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1996.
Tyme. Student Manual on the Fundamentals of Traditional Oriental Medicine (3rd Edition). San Diego: Living Earth Enterprises, 1997.
Unschuld, Paul, translator and annotator. Nan-Ching: The Classic of Difficult Issues. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1986.
Veith, Ilza. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1949.
Welden, John. “History of Oriental Medicine.” Personal notes. 2001.
Williamson, John. Face It: What You See Is What You Get.
Wilson, Joyce. The Complete Book of Palmistry. New York: Bantam Books, 1971.
Wu Jing-Nuan, translator. Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot). Washington, D.C.: The Taoist Center, 1993.
Xinnong, Chen, ed. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (CAM). Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1987.
Yang, Tian De, trans. <acupuncture.com>. “The Herbs of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.” 1 April 1997.
Zong, Xiao-fan and Liscum Gary. Chinese Medical Palmistry: Your Health in Your Hand. Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press, 1995.