Summer 2006

Chinese MedicineIn Practice

The American Academy of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

Classes in Advanced Needling TechniquesAfter a successful reception of the course Advanced Needling Techniques in the winter trimester of2006, AAAOM will offer two needling courses in advanced needling techniques in the springtrimester: Classical Needling Techniques and Contemporary Needling Techniques. ClassicalNeedling Techniques will be taught by Dr. Wen Jiang, who received advanced training from China'sfamous professor and academician, Shi Xuemin, during her Ph.D. studies in acupuncture. This coursewill include the needling techniques from four masterpieces in acupuncture history. Specifically, theyinclude nine needling techniques, twelve needling methods and five needling approaches fromHuang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: Spiritual Pivot); regulating qi techniques,seasonal needling techniques, reducing and reinforcing through acupuncture prescriptions from NanJing (Classic of Difficult Issues); fourteen needle insertion methods, four "flying channel and circulating qi" techniques and eight techniques of treating diseases from the Jin Zhen Fu (Ode toGolden Needle); twelve techniques of needle insertion, eight techniques of manipulations and twenty one compound techniques from Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupunctureand Moxibustion); and many qi-inducing needling techniques from Jin Zhen Mai Hua Shi Chao (PlumFlower Poetry for Golden Needle).

Contemporary Needling Techniques is a companion to the Classical Needling Techniques courseand is being offered for the benefit of those in the professional community who need CEUs for cer-tification and licensure. This is a comprehensive demonstration of contemporary needling techniquesperformed in China. The material will be taught by Dr. Cui Han, who received advanced training fromChina's famous professor and clinician Li Xuewu during her Ph.D. studies. Dr. Han's inspiredapproaches to lecturing and demonstration are an additional bonus when you take this opportunityto absorb the state-of-the-art techniques widely used in modern China. In this course, Dr. Han willcover Wang Leting's penetration needling technique, He Puren's three techniques for opening block-ages, Lu Jingshan's paired needling techniques, the Zheng family's eight techniques, Shi Xuemin'senlightening mind and opening orifices techniques and Li Xuewu's deep needling techniques. Dr.Han will apply her three-dimensional needling approach (calibrated, graduated and gradient) to facialpoints, head points, back points, low back points, chest points, abdominal points and five-shu points.

Advanced Seminars from the AAAOM FacultyIn order to keep themselves abreast in the professional community, the AAAOM faculty membershave organized a series of seminars among themselves. These seminars are open to all faculty members, students and professional community members. Three of the topics to be presented soonare: Two Yin/Yang Schools and Their Implications by Dr. Yubin Lu, The Uterus and Its Connections toLiver and Heart by Dr. Cui Han and Needling DU 20 (Baihui) by Dr. Wen Jiang. Topics planned forfuture presentations include Confucianism and Its Implications in Medicine by Dr. James Stevenson,Acupuncture Traditions: A Tale of Many Cities by Dr. Changzhen Gong, Acupuncture Approaches toParkinson's Disease by Dr. Xiangdong Yu and TCM Approach to Diabetes by Dr. Daiyi Tang. Theseinformal seminars aim at a free exchange of ideas among the AAAOM faculty members and areintended to help the AAAOM faculty hold the top position in terms of teaching, research and practice among the TCM colleges in the United States.

Inside AAAOMAdvanced Classes 1Highlights 2Dr. Cui Han 3Open House 5

East - West ViewsThe Physiology of Acupuncture 9Acupuncture’s “Firsts” &“Mosts” 11

Our MedicineHealing Arthritis withChinese Medicine 6Food as Medicine 7The Five Zang Organs & the Five Clear Orifices 8Understanding ChineseHerbs 10

Our CommunityPre-Acupuncture Degree

Programs 4

AAAOM EventsSummer Calendar 12

For more articles and information, visit our website at: www.AAAOM.org

Advanced Classes & Seminars at AAAOM

AAAOM Graduates Our Fourth ClassAAAOM students, faculty members, administrative staffand graduate families celebrated the school's fourthgraduation ceremony on January 21, 2006. Each of thethirteen graduates wore a ceremonial black and red sashwhich said "Hua Tuo Zai Shi (Hua Tuo Still Alive)."During the proceedings, speeches were delivered byPresident Changzhen Gong, faculty member MartinKidwell and student representative Megan Odell. Dr.Gong congratulated all graduates for their achievementsin their professional adventures and remarked thatAAAOM's greatest legacy comes from the success stories of its alumni. Martin Kidwell delivered a verythoughtful speech about compassion and shared his personal experience and exploration from Confucianand Taoist perspectives. Megan Odell, representing thegraduates, shared memories of her student experienceswith the audience in a very engaging speech. A specialfeature of the evening was the performance of Chinesemelodies by Ms. Tingting Pan on the guzheng (traditional Chinese stringed instrument). Towards theconclusion of the program, Dr. Yubin Lu presented eachgraduate with a lit candle to symbolize the success ofthe graduates' future professional careers. One of thegraduates, Brian Grosam, is planning to continue hisstudies in China and will work on his Ph.D. in Chinesemedicine at Shandong University of Traditional ChineseMedicine in Jinan. He is the second graduate thatAAAOM has referred for Ph.D. study in China.

New Publications from AAAOM FacultyThe year 2005 was a very productive one for theAAAOM faculty members. Dr. Cui Han published aseries of papers on acupuncture points and point-specific needling techniques. Dr. Wen Jiang publishedfive papers on classical needling techniques and contemporary needling techniques. And, in his positionas Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Daiyi Tang published four issues ofthe International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture.Following the publication of his ten-volume set of bookson famous Chinese herbal formulas, Dr. ChangzhenGong is currently working with the China Academy ofTraditional Chinese Medicine to jointly develop a second, eleven-volume series. This second seriesincludes Three Treasures in Chinese Medicine UrgentCare, Yun Nan Bai Yao, Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, ShenLing Bai Zhu San, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Xiao QingLong Tang, Ba Zhen Tang, Fang Feng Tong Sheng San,Sheng Mai San, Wu Ling San and Yu Ping Feng San. Inaddition, a ten-volume acupuncture medicine series isgoing to be published soon. These ten volumes include:Acupuncture in Internal Medicine (three volumes),Acupuncture in Gynecology, Acupuncture in Pediatrics,

Acupuncture in Geriatrics, Acupuncture in Orthopedics,Acupuncture in Dermatology, Acupuncture in SensoryOrgan Disorders and Acupuncture in SupplementaryTreatment. This work constitutes a significant contributionto acupuncture as a complete medical system.

AAAOM Expanding Library Holdings & FacilitiesThe AAAOM library continues to expand its collection oftextbooks, reference materials and Oriental medicinejournals. Among the recent additions to the library areover one hundred acupuncture and Chinese medicinejournals in Chinese and English. The AAAOM librarycontains the largest collection of acupuncture andChinese medicine journals in the United States. Eightversions of English translations of the Yellow Emperor'sClassic of Medicine are kept in the library; a six-volumeset of Li Shizhen's Compendium of Materia Medica(English edition) and more than eighty series of newpublications from China are now available in the library.The Academy plans to expand the physical space of thelibrary in 2006.

TCM Tour Ready for China Trip A two-week trip to China has been organized for April2006. Students and alumni from the Academy are eagerlyanticipating this Far East adventure. The Academy'sAcademic Dean, Dr. Yubin Lu, will lead the tour. Stops inChina include Beijing, Xi'an, Jinan and Shanghai. In theirtravels, the group will experience an exciting blend of historic and modern China. They will visit TCM hospitals,clinics and colleges in Beijing and Jinan along the way andsample Chinese foods, Chinese lifestyles, Chinese healthcare and the dynamics of 21st century China.

AAAOM Selecting Top Ten RemediesIt is the goal of AAAOM to benefit its students in everyway possible. For alumni of AAAOM, we wish to maximize the success of their practices and place themin a strong position in the healthcare market. To this end,the AAAOM academic and clinical faculty membershave initiated a project of selecting and offering to theirstudents the most effective treatment methods whichthey have encountered in their years of experience andpractice. To be chosen, these treatment approachesmust be reliably effective through repeated testing bythe practitioner or faculty member. The first group of tenremedies is in the process of being finalized. Amongthese ten remedies are: Dr. Yubin Lu's An Mian Tang forinsomnia, Dr. Wei Liu's surrounding technique withZigong for female infertility, Dr. Cheng Chi's eight liaoapproach to male infertility, Dr. Cui Han's electro-acupuncture for depression, Dr. Wen Jiang'senlightening mind and opening orifice approach to

Highlights

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By Leila NielsenDr. Cui Han is a warm, intelligent woman with an impressive academicbackground that belies her youthful appearance. Born and raised inBeijing, she attended Beijing University of Chinese Medicine between1992 and 2002, specializing in acupuncture and moxibustion andattaining Bachelor's, Master's and PhD. degrees.

L.N.: How did you become interested in Chinese medicine? Do you come from a family of doctors?Dr. Han: No, but it was my father who encouraged my interest in TCM. He believed strongly in thewisdom and effectiveness of traditional medicine and he studied Qi Gong for 30 years. Fortunately,I was very healthy as a child, but whenever my sister or I had the flu or an upset stomach; my fathertook us to a TCM practitioner.

L.N.: What was the topic for your Ph.D. dissertation?Dr. Han: It was "The Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Major Depression." As I studied TCM, Ibecame more and more interested in mental health issues and how acupuncture can affect emotional states. The dissertation is quite long, with a lot of scientific data, but the basic conclusionwas that when depression is treated by acupuncture, with electro-stimulation applied to certainpoints, the curative effects are similar to treatment with anti-depressant medications, but without theside effects of pharmaceutical drugs.

L.N.: Did you have any hobbies or interests outside of school?Dr. Han: I enjoy sports, especially swimming, and I love to travel and read. There was not as muchfree time as I would have liked to have, because I had to concentrate on my family and my education. I got married the year I began my Ph.D. program and I gave birth to my daughter, Yuhan,three years later when I received my degree. But, I am always ready to travel when the opportunity arises.

Dr. Han went on to teach acupuncture at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine for two years andthen moved to England and obtained a Master of Education degree in educational counseling fromBristol University.

L.N.: Why did you decide to pursue a counseling degree in England?Dr. Han: I became more and more interested in teaching and in developing my teaching skills. I alsomaintained a strong interest in mental health and psychotherapy, because my clinical practice andmy teaching experience showed me how much people's emotions affect the outcome of theirmedical treatment. One thing that impressed me in England was how much more open Westernerstend to be in discussing their mental health issues and their emotions. In China, people are reluctant to discuss these things with anyone, even their doctors.

L.N.: Do you think attitudes are changing in China about mental health?Dr. Han: Yes, I think so. The rates of depression in China have been constantly increasing over thelast few years. There needs to be more psychotherapists in China. In English universities, there arefree psychiatric services and counselors available to students and there are telephone hot lines andcounselors for the general public. These services do not exist in China.

L.N.: You have been in Minnesota for three months now - how do you like it?Dr. Han: I love it here! I especially enjoy working with and teaching the students at AAAOM. Beinghere confirms my desire to focus my career on teaching.

L.N.: What are your plans for the future?Dr. Han: I would like to remain in Minnesota and teach. I am excited by the idea of helping to develop a doctoral program at AAAOM and my goals include setting up clinical research projectswith the students here.

AAAOM Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cui Han

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regulating spirit and Dr.Yubin Lu's five pointapproach to migraines.This search for reliable,effective treatment techniques is an ongoingprocess. It will definitelyimprove the quality ofOriental medicine educa-tion and Oriental medicalcare in the United States.

AAAOM Continuesto Offer CEUS toPractitionersThe American Academyof Acupuncture andOriental Medicine continues its commitmentto serve the professionalacupuncture community.The Academy has organized a series of seminars which can betaken by licensedacupuncturists, TCMpractitioners and seniorTCM students to providethem with the opportunityof earning continuingeducation credits and/oradvancing their skills. Theseminars currently beingoffered by AAAOMinclude: Top TenAcupuncture Points forTreating GynecologicalConditions, Sinusitis andChinese MedicineTreatment, TCM Treatmentfor Parkinson's disease,Acupuncture and HerbalTreatment for Diabetes,Six-Needle Technique forTreating Cervical Vertebra,Needling Techniques onAbdominal Points and TenEssential NeedlingTechniques in AcupuncturePractice.

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Encouraging news for the future of acupuncture and Oriental medicine as a recognized profession within the medical community has come from several Minnesota educational institutions. Over the last few years, theAmerican Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has been involved with these institutions in an advisory capacity. After a two-year feasibility study involving research, consultation and approval, Minnesota's firstAssociate Degree program of Health and Healing was officially inaugurated at Anoka-Ramsey Community Collegein September 2005. This two-year Associate Degree program will prepare students to move into acupuncture programs and other complementary heath programs. In the wake of Anoka-Ramsey's program, Duluth BusinessUniversity is working aggressively on starting a Pre-Acupuncture Associate Degree program in 2006.

AAAOM Advises Local Colleges in the Developmentof Pre-Acupuncture Associate Degree Programs

TCM HEALTH CENTERAcupuncture Clinic and Herbal Pharmacy

A leader in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Chronic Conditions• Gastrointestinal Problems• Skin Disorders• Functional Disorders• Ear, Nose & Throat Problems

• Pain Management• Gynecological Problems• Joint/Muscle Injuries• Supplementary Cancer Therapy• Mental & Emotional Disorders

Grand Ave/St. Paul 651-726-2459613 Grand Avenue, St. Paul

Edina/Southdale 952-926-4011

6550 York Avenue South, Suite 417, Edina

Uptown/Kenwood 612-823-6650

1403 West Lake Street, Minneapolis

University/Dinkytown 612-379-3583

1313 Fifth Street SE, Suite 212, Minneapolis

Faculty Clinic 651-631-02161925 West County Road B-2, Roseville

Dr. Wei LiuDoctor of Chinese MedicineAcupuncturist (Lic.)Nutritionist (Lic.)Herbologist (Dipl.)

Dr. Li GuDoctor of Chinese MedicineProfessorAcupuncturist (Lic.)Herbologist

Dr. Xinrong HeDoctor of Chinese MedicineProfessorAcupuncturist (Lic.)Herbologist

Dr. Cheng ChiDoctor of Chinese MedicineProfessorAcupuncturist (Lic.)Herbologist

American Academy

of Acupuncture and

Oriental Medicine

5

Highlights of the afternoon will include:• Information Sessions about our

Master’s Degree and Certificate Programs• School Tours• Tuina (TCM Massage) Presentation• Visit our Library, Herbal Pharmacy and

Student Clinic• Answers to Your Questions• Refreshments

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O P E N H O U S ES u n d a y , M a r c h 1 9 , 2 0 0 52 : 0 0 - 5 : 0 0 p . m .

To Register

Please Call651-631-0204

By Wei Liu, TCMDEach year millions of American workers are sidelined by jointpain. If the pain is mild, many just "tough it out," but find that theproblem gets worse year by year. Severe joint pain can incapacitate people, making it impossible for them to exercise orlive the life they want to live. Most people with joint pain are diagnosed with arthritis, which is a general term for a number ofdifferent conditions that involve swollen, painful, and/or stiffjoints. The two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoidarthritis, which affects more than 6.5 million people in the UnitedStates alone; and osteoarthritis, which is an age-related degeneration of joints. One in seven Americans is afflicted withosteoarthritis, and some are virtually housebound by joint pain.

In the West, anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribedfor arthritis. In the East, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, with their thousand-year-old history, are the majorhealth care modalities used to fight joint and musculo-skeletal disorders including arthritis. These ancient therapies are still usedbecause they are empirically effective, and have stood the test oftime. Now they are standing to meet the tests of western medicine.

Arthritis in Conventional MedicineOsteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, chemically-induced arthritis, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout areall types of arthritis that are differentiated in conventional westernmedicine. The most commonly seen forms of arthritis areosteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis The joint pain of osteoarthritis is primarily due tothe gradual loss of protective cartilage. Physical injury, mechanical stress or metabolic abnormality can break down thecartilage which cushions the ends of the bones from rubbingagainst each other. As a result, bones begin to grate against eachother, producing pain and further degeneration.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe typeof inflammatory joint disease. It is an auto-immune disorder inwhich the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, damaging joints and the surrounding soft tissue. Painful, stiff anddeformed joints of the hands, arms, feet and legs are commonlyseen.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are the main weapon that conventionalmedical doctors prescribe for chronic inflammatory arthritis.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin,ibupofen, and gold compounds; and steroid-based drugs such ascorticosteroids and immuno-suppressive drugs are widely usedfor arthritis. Long-term use of these medications can produce sideeffects such as stomach irritation, gastritis and ulcers. An exerciseprogram and physical therapy are helpful for osteoarthritispatients to maintain a satisfactory level of activity. Non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are provided forshort-term relief.

Arthritis in Chinese MedicineIn traditional Chinese medicine, the condition that is congruentwith arthritis is called "Bi syndrome." Bi syndrome manifests aspain, soreness, or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints, andis the result of the body being "invaded" by the external climatological factors of Wind, Cold, Heat, and/or Dampness.The symptoms manifested by the individual depend on whichexternal pathogenic factor is strongest. The four main patterns ofBi syndrome are differentiated below, and the leading herbs thatare used to treat each pattern are listed.

Wind Pattern Exposure to wind, especially when one is unprotected and exposed to the wind for a long time, is an important cause of the Wind pattern of arthritis. Any Wind pattern is characterized by movement of symptoms from place toplace. In the case of Wind Bi, there is joint soreness and painwhich moves from joint to joint. Movement of joints is limited,and there is often fever, as well as an aversion to wind, or windyweather. A thin white tongue coating and a floating pulse aresigns that help Chinese medicine practitioners diagnose Wind Bi.Leading herbs for this pattern include ledebouriella (Fang Feng),and ephedra (Ma Huang).

Cold Pattern The Cold pattern of arthritis (Cold Bi) is characterized by severe pain in a joint or muscle. This pain has afixed location, rather than moving about (as in Wind Bi). The painis relieved by applying warmth to the affected area, but increaseswith exposure to cold. Movement of joints is limited. A thin whitetongue coating, combined with a wiry and tight pulse are signs ofCold Bi. Leading herbs for this pattern include aconite (Wu Tou),and ephedra (Ma Huang).

Damp Pattern The Damp pattern of arthritis (Damp Bi) is characterized by pain, soreness and swelling in muscles andjoints, with a feeling of heaviness and numbness in the limbs. Thepain has a fixed location and is aggravated by damp weather. Awhite, sticky tongue coating and a soggy, slow pulse are signs ofDamp Bi. Leading herbs for this pattern include coix (Yi Yi Ren),and lancea atractylodes (Cang Zhu).

Heat Pattern The Heat pattern of arthritis (Hot Bi) can developfrom any of the above three patterns. It is characterized by severepain and hot-red-swollen joints. The pain is generally relieved byapplying cold to the joints. Other symptoms include fever, thirst,anxiety, and an aversion to wind. A yellow, dry tongue coatingand slippery, rapid pulse are seen with Hot Bi. Leading herbs forthis pattern include anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), gypsum (Shi Gao),and cinnamon (Gui Zhi).

A time-tested herbal formula for joint pain is Joint Strength (DuHuo Ji Sheng Wan). This herbal combination was written down

Healing Arthritis with Chinese Medicine

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about twelve hundred years ago, during the Tang Dynasty. Itcontains herbs that relieve pain, as well as herbs that nourish andstrengthen the joints. It has been used by millions of people overthe last millennium. You can take it over a long period of timewithout worrying about side-effects.

Support for AcupunctureJoint pain, back pain, and headaches constitute a large percentage of all the visits paid to doctors’ offices and acupuncture clinics in any country at all times. In traditionalChinese medical theory, it is believed that the pathogenic factors that cause Bi syndrome (Wind, Cold, Damp, Heat) lodgein the body’s meridians (energy pathways) and obstruct the freeflow of Qi and Blood in those meridians. When blood and energy are not able to flow naturally, they stagnate, causing pain,heat, and other symptoms of illness. Acupuncture and herbaltherapy help to open the blockage, balance the energy, and harmonize Qi and Blood.

Scientifically proving the validity of these ancient concepts ischallenging, but promising. More and more scientifically-designed clinical studies support the use of acupuncture forarthritis. One study examined the effects of acupuncture on 32osteoarthritis patients waiting for knee replacement surgery.After nine weeks, patients receiving acupuncture treatmentsreported a decrease in pain, while pain increased in untreatedpatients. The patients with acupuncture treatments were able towalk farther and faster, compared with the untreated group.Another study at the University of Maryland School of Medicinefound that 12 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee improvedsignificantly after acupuncture treatments. These results encour-aged the researchers to do a larger study which is currentlyunder way.

Modern scientific research has also revealed the mechanismswhich provide relief for arthritis patients. Studies show thatacupuncture can stimulate the production of endorphins (natural pain-killing hormones in the brain) and the anti-inflammatory hormone adrenalcorticotropin. Somehow, theacupuncture needles trigger the body to heal itself by producinghormones that reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture canthen be used on an ongoing basis to prevent re-occurrence ofarthritis once it has been successfully cured.

Wei Liu graduated from the Shandong University of TraditionalChinese Medicine and received her MPH (Master of PublicHealth) in nutrition from the University of Minnesota. She is alicensed acupuncturist under the Minnesota Board of MedicalPractice, a licensed nutritionist under the Minnesota Board ofDietetics and Nutrition Practice, a diplomate in Chinese herbology from NCCAM, and an item writer for the nationalcertification board of acupuncture and Chinese herbology. Dr.Liu has been teaching and practicing traditional Chinese medicine for more than ten years and is widely published.

Dr. Cheng Chi, TCMDThis is a very simple dish, with shrimp and garlic as the principalingredients. Both of these foods have a warm property and theyare especially good for nourishing Kidney Qi.

Shrimp Stewed with GarlicSuan Rong Xia Ingredients2/3 lb. (300g) shrimp1 1/2 T pureed or minced garlic1/2 T oyster oil1 T cooking wine1/2 T sugar, dissolved in the liquids1 T each: water, soy sauce 1 T sesame oil

Method1. Cut off the heads of the shrimp, make a ¼ deep cut along the

back and devein the shrimp. Arrange the shrimp upright inthe bowl of a double boiler.

2. Spread the garlic on top of the shrimp and then pour theabove liquid ingredients over the shrimp.

3. Boil water in the base of the double boiler or steamer andsteam over high heat for 5 minutes. Serve.

Note: For maximum tenderness and taste, shrimp should besteamed over high heat and served immediately. Shrimp may alsobe heated in a microwave on "High" for 3 minutes instead ofbeing steamed.

TCM FunctionsTonify kidney yang, strengthen tendons and build bones.

TCM IndicationsFor men, this recipe can address impotence, erectile dysfunction,low sex drive, low sperm count, lower back pain, cold limbs andaversion to cold.

For women, the conditions addressed are infertility, sore knees,sore lumbar area, lower back pain or cold, clear leucorrhea, general weakness, asthma, fatigue and pale skin, lips and nails.

Cheng Chi graduated from Yunnan College of TraditionalChinese Medicine with his bachelor degree and master degree inChinese medicine. Dr. Chi had had taught at Yunnan College ofTraditional Chinese Medicine in China, International Institute ofChinese Medicine in New Mexico and University of East andWest Medicine in California. Dr. Chi has twenty-nine years expe-rience in Chinese medicine practice, teaching and research. He isa Diplomate of Acupuncture from the NCCAOM and a licensedacupuncturist under the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.

Food as Medicine

By Yubin Lu, TCMD, Ph.D.There is a very special theory inChinese medicine that the five zangorgans - the liver, heart, lung, spleenand kidney - have five windows on thehead. These five "windows" include theeyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue andthe mouth. This concept is anotherfacet of the five-element

correspondence theory in Chinese medicine. Allow yourmind to do a bit of free association when analyzing thequalities of these organs and orifices and the truth of thiscorrespondence will be confirmed. Consider the following basic ideas.

· In appearance, the liver isa wedge shaped organwith two big lobes. Theeyes are also wedge-shaped and are two innumber. And, in TCM, theliver opens into the eyes.

· We have two kidneys inour bodies which areshaped like "kidney"beans. The kidneys openinto the ears and we findthat our ears also shapedlike kidney beans.

· The lungs are roughlycone-shaped, with a septum dividing them.The nose is also a cone-shaped structurewith a septum between each nostril. And, in Chinesemedicine, the lungs open into the nose.

· The heart is round on one end and sharp on theother and it is primarily a muscular organ. The tongueis also a muscular organ, and when you curve thetongue back in your mouth, it looks just like a smallheart. Therefore, in TCM, the heart opens into thetongue.

What is the significance of these similarities between thefive zang organs and the five sensory organs in Chinesemedicine? This is where the five-element correspondences come into play. For example, in TCMthe heart is believed to "belong" to the fire element. Thisis a way of saying that the heart's qi is similar to the qi offire in its nature and in its movement. The appearance offire and the shape of the heart are the result of the

similar movement of the fire qi, so the heart takes theshape of a flame. The tongue depends on support fromthe heart qi, therefore it also takes the shape of a flame.

The liver "belongs" to the wood element in the five-element theory. Wood qi predominates in the spring,which is the season for seeds to sprout. When a seed firstsprouts, it produces two rudimentary leaves calledcotyledons. The liver, which has two major lobes and iswedge-shaped, is very similar to the shape of cotyledons.Our eyes are principally supported by liver qi, so thereare two eyes that take the shape of the liver.

The kidney is the basis of the congenital constitution ofthe human body. It stores theessence that supports thegrowth and development aswell as the reproductive functions of the body. A newlife begins with a combinationof essence from each parent.Any type of seed, whether it isa fertilized human ovum or abean, is the basis for the nextgeneration. So the kidney, theseed and the bean are similarin nature and all of them arecontrolled by water qi. That iswhy the kidney takes theshape of a kidney bean. And,since the ears are supportedby the kidney qi and its movement, the ears are alsobean-shaped.

As the main architect ofAAAOM’s curriculum, Dr. Yubin Lu leads the teaching ofChinese medicine theory and Chinese herbal medicinecourses. Dr. Lu received his medical training from theShandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, aswell as his Ph.D. and Master’s degrees of medicine. Hehas been an associate professor in the Department ofChinese Medicine at Shandong University of TraditionalChinese Medicine. As a gifted instructor with more thanseventy books in print, Dr. Lu is currently conductingresearch in the area of top clinical conditions withacupuncture and Chinese medicine applications. His talented teaching style and tremendous knowledge oftraditional Chinese medicine have attracted manyacupuncture and TCM graduate students to his TCM theory and Chinese herbal medicine classes.

The Five Zang Organs and the Five Clear Orifices

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By Changzhen Gong, Ph.D.Although the practice of acupuncture has a 3,000-year history, scientific research into the exact physiological mechanisms of acupuncture has been seriously exploredonly in the last fifty years. Among the many avenues of scientific exploration into the "mechanics" of acupuncture,the following three discoveries have been widely acceptedby the medical community as validations of the scientificclaims of acupuncture. They are three landmarks ofacupuncture research over three decades of intensive effort.

Endorphins and Serotonins AreDiscovered In the 1970s, Dr. Jisheng Han discovered that serotonin (5-HT) andopioid peptides (endorphins) are twomain chemical substances mediatingthe acupuncture analgesic effect. Healso found that each chemical mediator has a counterpart whichplays a balancing role to promotehomeostasis in the body. For the firsttime, he found the functional balancebetween opioid peptides and anti-opioid peptides (CCK and some otherpeptides with anti-opioid activity) thatdetermines the efficacy of acupuncture analgesia in different individuals. Interestingly, this prevalence of peptides and neuro-transmitters which balance eachother's function is in close accord withthe ancient Chinese medicine theoryof Yin and Yang balance. The "consensus statement" of the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH) on acupuncture clearly states that "considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid peptides are released duringacupuncture and that the analgesic effects of acupunctureare at least partially explained by their actions. That opioidantagonists such as naloxone reverse the analgesic effects ofacupuncture further strengthens this hypothesis." Dr. Han'spioneering research not only provided a sound foundationfor scientific acupuncture research, but also advanced theunderstanding of neurological science.

Electrical Stimulation Induces Chemical Mediators In the 1980s, researchers and practitioners were constantlyin search of the most efficacious method for stimulatingacupuncture points. Dr. Jisheng Han found that the mostimportant determinant of the acupuncture effect is the frequency of the impulses transmitted along the nerve fibersfrom the peripheral nervous system to the central nervoussystem. He also found that impulses of different frequencies

can induce the release of different kinds of chemical mediators. This line of research revealed several importantnew implications involving the acupuncture mechanism. Inapplying electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles, different kinds of neuropeptides can be released in the central nervous system (CNS), simply by changing the frequency of electrical stimulation, without moving the position of the needle. More significantly, Dr. Han'sresearch found that low frequency (2 Hz) electro-acupuncture (EA) activated the release of B-endorphin andmetenkephalin in the CNS, while high frequency EA (100 Hz

in rats and 15 Hz in rabbits) acceleratedthe release of dynorphine in the spinalcord.

Magnetic Resonance ImagingConnects Acupoints with Brain Cortex In 1998, Dr. Zang Hee Cho published aground-breaking study correlatingacupuncture points with cerebral cortexactivity. He found that needling Zhiyin(BL 67) on the foot and Guangming(GB 37) on the lower leg, which are traditionally used to treat eye diseases,are closely correlated with the activation of the visual area of the braincortex. In contrast, the needling of non-acupuncture points different from theseeye-related points led to no visual cortexactivity. In their research, they alsofound that during the acupuncturephase some subjects showed anincrease in fMRI-documented brainactivity, while others showed a decreasein brain activity. In other words, in somepeople oxygen consumption in thebrain region increased, while in others,

it decreased. Again, there was a correlation with TCM theory, in that the increase or decrease in brain activity wasconsistent with the yin/yang characteristics of the subjects.

Changzhen Gong received his Ph.D. from the University ofMinnesota and his MS from Shandong University, China. Heis the president of the American Academy of Acupunctureand Oriental Medicine, and executive director of TCMHealth Center. He was serving the chairman of theContinuing Education Committee of AcupunctureAssociation of Minnesota and advisor for the Center forIntegrative Health and Wellness Education at NormandaleCommunity College. He came to the United States with aFulbright Scholarship. He was an assistant professor atShandong University and instructor at the University ofMinnesota. Dr. Gong has written many papers and books ontraditional Chinese medicine.

The Physiology of Acupuncture

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By Yubin Lu, TCMD, Ph.D.Today, it is becoming more and more common foracupuncture clinics to prescribe Chinese herbs to theirpatients. Every patient wonders when he/she takesChinese herbs, if the herbs work the same way as thewestern prescription medications they are used to taking.What exactly do these herbs do when they enter thebody?

The basis of TCM treatment is pattern diagnosis. Whenyou come to see an acupuncturist, you will be askedmany questions. Your answers,signs and symptoms will form thebasis of your pattern. A pattern isnot only a diagnostic process toidentify a disease, but it is also asummary of your physiologicalconstitution, as well as an indication of the way yourespond to disease. It is important to remember that different people have differentconstitutions and, therefore, theyrespond to pathogenic factorsdifferently. In other words, eachperson has a special "mechanismof life," which is the key factor forthat person to maintain the proper functioning of the body,fight disease and recover fromdisease. Therefore, treatment isviewed as a supplementaryapproach to support the "mechanism of life" of a particular individual. In TCM terminology, this concept is alsoreferred to "restoring the balance of yin and yang."

The first printed monograph on Chinese herbs, ShenNong Ben Cao Jing, categorizes herbs into three groups:herbs that endow a person with long life are called "superior herbs" because they significantly strengthenthe mechanism of life, enabling one to live a long life ingood health; herbs that assist in maintaining health andpermit the mechanism of life to function normally arecalled "moderate herbs"; and herbs which are used tointervene in a disease process and help to treat the disease, but do not strengthen the mechanism of life, aretermed the "inferior herbs." Inferior herbs are also called"toxic herbs" in this book because they may actually damage the mechanism of life while they are treating adisease.

Many herbs have a two-way regulatory effect in the treat-

ment of disease. In Western terms, it could be said thatthey promote homeostasis in the body. Suan Zao Ren, forexample, is an herb which can be used for both insomniaand lethargy. If Suan Zao Ren just worked as a sedative,it could not treat lethargy. When the mechanism of life isout of balance in its ability to regulate sleep, this herb canrestore the normal functioning of the mechanism. This ishow Suan Zao Ren can treat both insomnia and lethargy.

Many herbs have a very specific and strong effect in thetreatment of certain diseases and are really toxic innature. Since they are so powerful in eliminating

pathogenic factors, they maycause injury to the mechanism oflife. For example, Da Ji, Gan Sui,and Yuan Hua are all very strongherbs that treat conditions ofretained water in large spaces ofthe body, such as ascites, pleuraleffusion and severe edema. Theypromote excessive diarrhea todischarge the retained water, butthey may also cause damage tothe patient's constitution.Therefore, these herbs are onlyapplicable to patients who havestrong constitutions.

The principal method for administering Chinese medicinalherbs over the past 4,000 yearshas been herbal decoctionstaken orally. The reason for this isthat when herbs are taken orally,they will be absorbed into thewhole body, thus directly affect-ing the mechanism of life.

As the main architect of AAAOM’s curriculum, Dr. YubinLu leads the teaching of Chinese medicine theory andChinese herbal medicine courses. Dr. Lu received hismedical training from the Shandong University ofTraditional Chinese Medicine, as well as his Ph.D. andMaster’s degrees of medicine. He has been an associateprofessor in the Department of Chinese Medicine atShandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Asa gifted instructor with more than seventy books in print,Dr. Lu is currently conducting research in the area of topclinical conditions with acupuncture and Chinese medicine applications. His talented teaching style andtremendous knowledge of traditional Chinese medicinehave attracted many acupuncture and TCM graduate students to his TCM theory and Chinese herbal medicineclasses.

Understanding Chinese Herbs - How Do They Work?

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Acupuncture, as a 3000 years old medical system, has aremarkable history of credibility. The following are a fewlandmarks in its history.

The Most Fundamental Acupuncture Text: YellowEmperor's Classic of Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing) This text might be the most miraculous phenomenon inthe history of medicine. The Yellow Emperor's Classic ofMedicine has been continuously used as a standard textbook for over 2300 years. The first book of theYellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, Plain Questions(Su Wen), laid the foundation for Chinese medicine andacupuncture. The second book, Spiritual Pivot (LingShu), explores acupuncture theoryand technicalities including pointsand meridians, diagnostic approaches, needling techniquesand acupuncture prescriptions.

The First Acupuncture TeachingModel: Acupuncture Bronze StatueIn 1027, two human body-sizedbronze acupuncture models weremade by the Song Dynasty acupuncture doctor, Wang Weiyi.The 14 meridians and 354 acupuncture points were indicatedon the body's surface and a tiny holewas made for each acupuncturepoint. The acupuncture points werecovered by wax and the modelswere filled with liquids inside. Whenyou were tested for the location ofpoints, you used needles to puncture the holes. When you hitthe right location, the liquid flowed out. When you hitthe wrong spot, the needle stuck and you failed the test.

The Most Influential Acupuncture Technique Text: TheOde to Golden Needle (Jin Zhen Fu) In 1439, the Complete Book of Acupuncture andMoxibustion (Zhen Jiu Da Quan) was published by theMing Dynasty acupuncture doctor, Xu Feng. The Ode toGolden Needles is included in this book. This is the mostinfluential masterpiece and the most classical text inacupuncture needling techniques. This text contains auxiliary manipulations, techniques of obtaining the qisensation and simple and compound reducing and reinforcing techniques.

The First Appearance of Acupuncture in AmericanMedical School TextbooksIn 1909, in the seventh edition of The Principles andPractice of Medicine by Sir William Osler, acupuncture

was mentioned to treat lumbago and, in acute cases,was the most efficient treatment. Osler is a householdword in American medical communities. This book hasbeen reprinted in more than thirty-five editions since itsfirst publication.

The First Surgery with Acupuncture: AcupunctureAnesthesia Acupuncture is a powerful tool for relieving pain. Aninnovative technology which applies acupuncture anesthesia to surgery was first developed in the 1950s inChina. In 1958, researchers in the Shanghai No.1Hospital published their astonishing study of

acupuncture anesthesia, whichopens a new field of acupunctureapplications. Acupuncture anesthesia has been applied to allkinds of surgery including head,facial organs, neck, back, abdomen,arms and legs since then.

The First NIH ComplementaryMedicine Consensus Conference:Acupuncture In 1997, the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH) sponsored aConsensus Conference onAcupuncture, the first of its kind fora non-allopathic medical modality.The Consensus Conference concluded that acupuncture was aneffective treatment for several medical conditions. And, there issufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its

use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiological and clinical value.

The Completion of Acupuncture Points In the International Standard of Acupuncture Points, thenumber of points is totaled with 361 points. The settlement of these 361 points has taken over 2000years. The first acupuncture classic, the YellowEmperor's Classic of Medicine written 2300 years ago,describes 160 points. The Systematic Classic ofAcupuncture and Moxibustion, written by Huangfu Mi in260 AD presents, 349 acupuncture points. The GreatCompendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, writtenby Yang Jizhou in 1601, defines 359 acupuncture points.Meeting the Origin of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,written by Li Xuechuan in 1817, expands the number ofacupuncture points to 361. This book completed thenumbering of the regular acupuncture points; the num-ber has remained at that number ever since then.

Acupuncture's "Firsts" and "Mosts"

A m e r i c a nAcademy ofAcupuncture& OrientalM e d i c i n e

1925 W County Rd. B2Roseville, MN 55113

AAAOM Open HouseThe next Open House for prospective students will be held on Sunday, March 19, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Wehope to see you there!

First Day of Summer TrimesterThe first day of classes of 2006’s Summer Trimester will be Monday, April 24. Applications are now beingaccepted and prospective students are encouraged to register early. For application information, please call 651-631-0204.

Tai Chi and Healing Qigong ClassesAAAOM offers ongoing 10-week Healing Qigong classes on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, beginning April 29, 2006 and 12-week Tai Chi classes on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:30 pm beginning April26, 2006. For class and registration information, please call 651-631-0204.

AAAOM Continuing Education Seminars, 2006February 25 Sinusitis and Chinese Medicine Treatments, by Yubin Lu, Ph.D., TCMDMarch 25 TCM Treatment for Parkinson's Disease, by Xiangdong Yu, Ph.D., TCMDApril 29 Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment for Diabetes, by Daiyi Tang, Ph.D., TCMDMay 27 Clinical Application of Electroacupuncture, by Cui Han, Ph.D., TCMD June 24 Six Needle Technique Treating Cervical Vertebra Diseases (Theory and Practice), by Cheng Chi, TCMDFor seminar and registration information, please call 651-631-0204.

Dates to Remember