EMOTIONAL NEEDLING TECHNIQUES Using the Inner and Outer Bladder Channel
DAVID MAINENTI, L.AC., DIPL. O.M.
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Published by David Mainenti, L.Ac. Dipl. OM Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA
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Introduction There are many reasons why acupuncture works after Western medicine has failed. Although advanced advanced technologies technologies are available available to assist one in a diagnosis, not every level in the body can be measured in a precise and scientific manner. For instance, there is a blood test for sugar, but what about testing sugar levels in the lymph system? This is actually a much much more serious condition that can lead to the development of a tumor; however, Western medical researchers have yet to discover how to create such a test. To treat serious diseases and disharmonies that cannot be diagnosed by Western medicine, one must learn how to treat the spirit; the method of doing this is the basis of the discussion between Huang Di and Qi Bo in the Nei Jing . There are six emotion points and five physical points that can be combined together to treat irreconcilable problems inside the human body. These problems are beyond one’s physical health; the self creates them, which usually becomes one’s own worst enemy. These situations result in chronic problems that develop from a Zang Fu deficiency, especially in the Lung, Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney. Such problems seem too difficult to overcome and often lead to alcohol abuse, abuse, drug addiction, addiction, or severe severe mental depression. depression. The high demands of modern living also produce stress; in addition, the expectations of family and friends can often be the root of a serious disease. Therefore, one must must learn to use the Six Emotional Points and Five Zang points to treat the Five Shen in order to resolve difficult problems, going truly beyond the physical realm and working to harmonize more ethereal aspects of the human construct.
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The Six Emotional Points
pò hù
heavenly spirit/dragon spirit/daytime spirit/white spirit door/house
This point (UB-42) is located 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra and Fei Shu (UB-13); thus, this spirit is white because it corresponds to the Lung. This point represents instant psychic psychic power, power, which is not recognized in Western biomedical analysis; it is a gate to a kind and wonderful spirit, embodying an individual’s compassion and ability to communicate. communicate. When a practitioner places the hands on Po Hu, one touches a sensitive sensitive part part of the patient’s soul. Ordinarily, it is not easy to see this spiritual component of the body, but one can feel its presence. When needling this point, one should use a needle that is only 0.5 cun in length, inserting it like a strand of silk to communicate communicate with the large quantity of Qi Qi located in this this cave. Needling this point point is for spiritual spiritual practitioners – it is not for the technicians. technicians. When inserting the needle, point it towards towards Fei Fei Shu and the midline (Shen Zhu Zhu (DU-12)). (DU-12)). One can combine this point with needles at Fei Shu to strengthen its effect. When the problem is more emotional in nature, treat Po Hu first, then Fei Shu; if the problem is more physical, treat Fei Shu first, then Po Hu. This point combination can be used to treat personality disorders, drug addiction, and other seemingly uncontrollable situations. These points can be used to treat psychological problems relating to the Lung, such as sadness, worry, and depression; these types of conditions seem to be more and more common in industrialized or technologically advanced nations, indicating that burdens of modern society cause undue stress to be exerted on the body. Thus, when 4
needling this point, try to connect back to a time where the patient knew what he or she was good at and use it to bring the best out of the patient in the here and now, working to develop a clarity of vision. One can even combine this method with the ten ear points used in chemical dependency detoxification for a stronger, more concentrated effect. One can also use other substances substances besides the needle needle at Po Hu, such as rocks, herbs, bamboo sticks, or the palms of the hands. Do not worry if the condition is hot or cold, deficient or excess; Po Hu can neutralize any imbalance by nourishing the heavenly soul.
gāo huāng shū
high/tall/exhalted/aged/great/vital/enlarged/to raise up/above region below the Heart and above the Lung, where medicine can not reach to move/carry/transport
This famous point (UB-43) is level with the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra, 3 cun from the midline, level with Jue Yin Shu (UB14). Locate this point point by placing the palm on Ge Shu Shu (UB-17, 1.5 cun from the midline, level with the lower border of T7) and stretching the fingers out: it is exactly exactly where where the ring finger finger lands. Gao Huang Huang literally means ‘fatty vital hollow;’ ancient doctors would often say that when the disease is in the region of the Heart and no diagnosis is available, this this point must be treated. treated. It is used to treat all severe conditions, especially drug addiction and in cases where no problems can be determined through the employment of normal diagnostic methods. It is used used to revive revive a patient who is in a late stage stage of life (e.g., just about to die). It can be used to prolong life slightly, so if someone needs to get his or her affairs together, such as completing a will, this point should be needled, because once disease has entered the Gao Huang region, it difficult to reverse. Sometimes in life, problems occur that are out of the normal sphere of control; once all possible cures are exhausted, the final key is to maintain the breath and to come to a realization about death and 5
dying. Is it not not amazing amazing that even in this this situation, a skilled acupuncturist can still treat the patient through the use of Daoist medicine? This point can also help nourish the mind and the memory, refreshing our past; it can thus be used in astral travel, since it helps heal beyond physical limits. One can needle this point in conjunction with Jue Yin Shu; is it not interesting that the character Jue [ 厥 ] in Jue Yin Shu and the character Que [闕] in Shen Que (REN-8) have the same main radical? This is because at birth, the baby is severed from the mother in both the front and back, allowing one to enter duality (e.g., the world of Yin and Yang). Yang). Therefore, Gao Huang Shu Shu can be used used to treat the entire Qi and pulse of the body; remember that the pulse contains the spirit of the Heart Heart (the Shen). Shen). This point also opens up Ya Men (DU15), the ‘Deaf and Dumb Gate,’ which treats men, women, children, and elderly patients who have not reached any stage of enlightenment in their lives.
shén táng
spirit/god/supernatural/soul/alive/heart/essence/core hall/meeting place/temple/shrine/chamber/flourishing/excellent
This point (UB-44) is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, level with Xin Shu (UB15) and the physical location of the Heart; it is easily found when the patient takes a straight sitting posture. posture. This point speaks for for itself in that it unifies one’s spiritual force, bringing all the spiritual soldiers of the body together to enhance the consciousness of an individual via the connection of high level frequencies of energy. This point harmonizes the five aspects of the Shen into one point that goes straight to the Heart.
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If a practitioner listens closely after placing the palm (e.g., Lao Gong (PC-8)) over this point, one can perform a truly beyond diagnosis, developing a sensitivity of the hand whereby one can hear and see energy flows flows in the body. body. When one learns how to to do this, it is the Shen of the Heart that makes it possible. Simply place the palm over the 12 inner shu/transport points (located 1.5 cun from the midline) to diagnose problems in each particular Zang Fu and meridian system.
hún mén
earthly spirit/tiger spirit/nighttime spirit/animal soul gate/door/entrance/exit/to guard/aspect/section
This point (UB-47) is located 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with Gan Shu (UB-18) and the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra. Hun Men is the gate of the soul; soul; it deals with mastering all the spirits, spirits, returning to the Earth upon death. This point corresponds to the spirit of the Liver and is thus very effective in treating mental illnesses and chronic emotional problems, such as depression or repressed anger. Because is represents the earthly soul, it can make other types of life possible. Therefore, one can use rocks, needles, or bamboo sticks at this point as replacement therapy for Prozac and other psychological medications. This point is also very effective for individuals who are afraid of the dark, or for people who often walk in the dark at night, since the Hun corresponds to the Yin hours of the nighttime. One must strengthen the nighttime spirit so that one does not feel helpless when out alone in the dark dark or during during the wee hours of the night. night. Because the Liver corresponds to the eyes, it will also allow one to see far at night by using one’s inner eye for guidance.
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yì shè
mind/will/intention/meaning/volition/wish/purpose/idea/ opinion/thought hut/house/inn/shed/lodge/guest house/residence/ overnight stay/put/place
This point (UB-49), is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, on the same horizontal line with Pi Shu (UB-20), (UB-20), corresponding corresponding to the Spleen. This point provides a person with a large amount of intellectual power and internal strength; it also gives a lot of post-natal power to support astral travel. To travel far distances, distances, one must must be sure to train train the Yi to remain rooted in the Earth; it allows one to communicate very far. One can use an astral traveling stick to open up this point by stretching out this area of the back.
zhì shì
determination/will/purpose/ambition/scope/records/statistics room/apartment/chamber/mansion/house/home/household/ family/clan/wife
This point (UB-52) is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, across from Shen Shu (UB-23), the the palace of the Kidney. Kidney. It is responsible responsible for storing the pre-natal will power, allowing one to realize his or her dreams in life and beyond. In combination with Shen Shu, Da Zhu (UB-11), and Ming Men (DU-4), it is one of the most effective points for treating spiritual problems associated with the Kidney and one’s ancestry, which are often often beyond beyond physical physical understanding. understanding. These points are also very effective at strengthening the spine, bone, and marrow, since all of these items are rooted in the energy of the Kidney and thus represent levels of genetic inheritance.
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The Five Zang Points
fèi shū
lung to transport
This point (UB-13), level with the lower border of the third thoracic vertebra, treats all Lung disorders and immune system problems, especially when when combined combined with Gao Huang Huang Shu. It allows for Lung Lung Qi to descend, treating asthma and breathlessness. It clears Lung heat, treating bronchitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumonia, high fevers, and thirst. It can resolve resolve restlessness, restlessness, due to its connection to the Po. Po. This is the principal principal back point to tonify Lung Lung Qi and to treat chronic chronic Lung deficiency. deficiency. It also clears away external wind conditions, causing rhinitis or skin disorders. This point also treats phlegm congestion in the chest.
x ī n shū
heart/spirit/emotions/love to transport
This point (UB-15), level with the lower border of the fifth thoracic vertebra, treats all forms of insomnia, especially when combined with Ge Shu Shu and Nei Guan. Guan. It also treats muteness, muteness, a stiff tongue, epilepsy, impotence, premature ejaculation, and excessive bleeding. It also calms the mind and nourishes the Heart, treating nervous anxiety, depression, depression, and other psychological psychological disorders. disorders. Xin Shu is very effective in treating treating mental mental retardation retardation in children. This point point moves blood and Qi in the heart, treating palpitations, pain, and any other types of chest irregularity.
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gān shū
liver to transport
This point (UB-18), level with the lower border of the ninth thoracic vertebra, treats conditions such as Qi stagnation, pain in the chest and flanks, damp-heat jaundice, genital disorders, blood deficiency, and internal wind. Gan Shu effectively resolves eye disorders, whatever the symptom, and disperses heat associated with addictive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and prescription medication,
pí shū
spleen to transport
This point (UB-20), level with the lower border of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, effectively tonifies the middle burner, treating conditions that result in loose stools, abdominal distension and pain, or prolapse of the organs. This point can resolve dampness and phlegm accumulation, nourish and invigorate blood, and provide energy for chronic, deficient conditions.
shèn shū
kidney to transport
This point (UB-23), level with the lower border of the second lumbar vertebra, is the most important of the back Shu/Transport grouping. This point makes bone, tonifying the Kidney and the marrow; it also clears away stagnation in the lower region region of the body. body. Thus, it tonifies Yin and Yang in the body, along with nourishing the 10
Jing/Essence. It can treat weakness, mental disharmony, spinal problems, bone problems, dizziness, poor memory, tinnitus, and fatigue. It clears away dampness in the lower burner burner and and urinary bladder and resolves kidney stones. This point supports the primal arrangement of Yin and Yang in the body and is thus the principal Shu/Transport Shu/Transport point used in the clinic.
Treatment Techniques There is a secret method of Daoist acupuncture where one can treat the most serious of diseases by combining the horizontal Shu/Transport points for the Five Zang organs on the inner Urinary Bladder channel with their corresponding Emotional Points on the outer Urinary Urinary Bladder channel. These treatments treatments are effective effective when there are irreconcilable differences occurring within a patient (e.g., disease that cannot be treated for it cannot cannot be seen). These disorders extend beyond one’s physical health; they are mental/emotional in nature and create the most chronic of problems, all growing growing out from inside inside the personality. These problems involve issues that are difficult to overcome, such as drinking, smoking, depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. Such disorders can also be caused by an abnormal amount of stress, which comes about because of the high level of demands and expectations placed on each human being in modern society. To begin this type of treatment, first locate the five Shu points of the five Zang organs and determine, through the use of palpation, which points need to be treated. treated. This method method of silent observation will take time to develop, for it requires the use of one’s Qi to determine what organs are are affected affected and contributing contributing to to the incurable incurable disease. disease. Once the Zang Shu point is located, palpate the associative Emotion point (1.5 cun cun further out from the midline). midline). When these these four points are combined together in one straight horizontal line, they can treat extreme problems inside the body landscape. 11
It is important to measure the energetic qualities of each of the five points before selecting the most affected elemental system. Once the points are located, needle the bilateral points so that each needle is directed towards the midline. midline. For primarily primarily mental problems, problems, insert the outer Urinary Bladder points first (e.g., the Emotion points); if there is primarily a physical problem, needle the inner Urinary Bladder points first first (e.g., (e.g., the Zang Shu/Transport Shu/Transport points). If the condition is very extreme, one can add Gao Huang Shu to the treatment, which is especially useful in cases presenting with drug addiction. One can can also combine this treatment with a ten-point auricular detoxification methodology for complete complete spiritual spiritual revitalization. revitalization. After the treatment is complete, remove the needles, working from top to bottom, left to right. Treat the patient daily for seven seven straight straight days with the same points and methods methods utilized each time. This routine practice will detoxify human beings and cure deep problems. Whenever one treats serious conditions, always finish by performing Qi Gong on Gao Huang Shu, Ge Shu (UB-17), and Shan Zhong (REN-17); these points assist in building Qi and blood. Whenever a practitioner is treating a serious case, they need to focus on their own internal breath. One must must practice by blowing rice paper to strengthen the suction action of one’s lower abdomen. One can also practice practice by picking up a bottle bottle with the palm. palm. These two methods methods help strengthen the Guan Yuan/Qi Hai areas, nourishing Da Zhu and the blood and bones, connecting Shen Que (REN-8) with Ming Men (DU-4), harmonizing harmonizing life and connecting oneself to the spiritual realms. The connection between Shen Que and Ming Men creates a mysterious energy that forms the foundation to all advanced Daoist spiritual practices; it also allows for a connection to take place between Ming Men, Yao Yang Guan, Shen Shu, and Yao Yan to open up the back, back, which is the palace of of the Kidney. Such a practice practice will strengthen one’s needling needling methods. methods. It is important important to learn how to carry the Qi at the tip of your needle; when mastered, there can be no fair price for a treatment, for your healing will go beyond physical limitations. 12
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David Mainenti,
L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), President of EcoMed, LLC, is a Board-Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, and Oriental Medicine practitioner who combines over 15 years’ experience in international international business and integrative health. Mr. Mainenti is a scholar of Taoist philosophy and a highly-trained practitioner in classical Chinese medical arts including acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, nutritional analysis, reflexology, massage, bodywork, Qi Gong 氣功, meditation, Feng Shui , Yi Jing , palmistry, and medical astrology. David holds a BS from Villanova University, cum laude , and an MS from Tai Hsuan Hsuan College in Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawai`i, with honors. honors. David currently teaches Feng Shui at both the Long Island University and the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine. The author would like to give special thanks to Dr. Chang Yi th Hsiang, 64 Generation Heavenly Master from the Mountain of the Dragon and Tiger, for passing on key elements of the Tian Shi Dao 天師道 lineage. Her knowledge and wisdom is present throughout throughou t this document. Mahalo and a hui hou !
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