TAOIST STEMS AND BRANCHES ACUPUNCTURE FOUNDATION COURSE

Huang Lao Stems and Branches, is an integral part of Han acupuncture philosophy and is readily applicable to all traditional acupuncture styles, whether TCM or five elements. Each seminar will explore one of the aspects of this theory in detail, always with reference to the Neijing, including Suwen, Lingshu and Nanjing, as well as other classical texts. At the end of each seminar you will have a thorough understanding of the philosophical basis of the theory, as well as its practical applications which can readily be integrated into your own style of acupuncture treatment.

Eligibility

This course is intended for qualified acupuncturists but does not require previous knowledge of Stems and Branches acupuncture theory. It is also suitable for those who want to deepen their understanding of Stems and Branches acupuncture and for ICOM – International College of Oriental Medicine - students.

Venue

Temple Lodge
51 Queen Caroline Street
Hammersmith
London W6 9QL.

Ten Day Acupuncture Course Content

TIME

Time is the first expression of the interaction between Heaven and Earth, that is time is the measurement of the apparent motion of the heavenly bodies around the Earth. As acupuncturists, the influence of the ebb and flow of yin and yang, the five elements, and the changing phases of the Moon on health and their relevance to acupuncture treatment will be explored. This class will also deal with important calendrical concepts as a foundation for Stems and Branches acupuncture theory.

HEAVEN, EARTH AND MAN

In the acupuncture classic, the Neijing, Qi Bo, explains that Heaven and Earth are the father and mother of humanity. We will look at the practical implications of this acupuncture philosophy in terms of physiology and classical acupuncture treatment.

5 ELEMENTS ACUPUNCTURE

Five elements are an integral part of stems and branches acupuncture theory. This class will focus on the sheng and ke cycle of the 5 elements in real clinical terms. It will also clarify the position of the earth element and explore some of the origins of five element acupuncture associations. Note that this is not Worsley style 5 element acupuncture.

SIX DIVISIONS (two days)

The six divisions of yin and yang are divisions of time, of energy, and of the body and relate to the acupuncture meridians. They also represent an interaction between Heaven and Earth. This seminar will focus on the inter-relationship between all these aspects of six divisions through an examination of the host and guest sequences, an understanding of which is essential for the stems and branches acupuncturist.

SIX DIVISIONS cont.

Continuing from the previous six divisions lecture, this day will focus on the relationships between the interaction between guest and host energies, and guest heaven and guest earth energies with reference to clinical pictures. Acupuncture treatments based on these principles will be discussed.

THE GREAT MOVEMENTS

The Great Movements are movements of the energy associated with the five elements of acupuncture. These interact directly with the ten stem organs (to be discussed in another class), and also with the six divisions of yin and yang. This seminar will focus primarily on the effects of excess (yang) and deficient (yin) 5 elements for each year, and the symptoms they might produce, as well as the strong relationship between these energies and the six divisions.

TEN CELESTIAL STEM ORGANS

As part of the Chinese calendrical system, the ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches combine and are used to count the hours, days, months and years. This provides a numerical basis for natural processes and were integrated into explanations used for the natural sciences including acupuncture philosophy and treatment. Applied to the body, the ten stem organs interact directly with the Great Movements. These primarily demonstrate the ke cycle of five elements acupuncture. Again we will look at specific symptoms in relation to the stems, whether it is a weak (yin) or strong (yang) stem. We will also look at the differences between the ke cycle relationship as applied to the stem organs, and as applied to the Great Movements.

TWELVE EARTHLY BRANCHES

The twelve earthly branches interact with the stems and Great Movements. The branch sequence demonstrates the relationship between the sheng cycle of 5 elements acupuncture and the rise and fall of yin and yang. The logic of the branch sequence, and the clinical relevance of the inner energies of the branches will be explained.

COMPLETING THE SYSTEM

This seminar will look at general rules governing Stems and Branches acupuncture, and the relationship between the different aspects of a person’s chart. You will also be taught how to put together a stems and branches acupuncture chart for the individual, as well as a four pillars chart (the stems and branches for the hour, day, month and year).

ACUPUNCTURE CASE STUDIES

This day will bring together the whole training course with reference to acupuncture case studies. You are welcome to bring your own cases so that these can be discussed in class, and new ways of looking at your patient’s case in relation to their own unique makeup can be fully explored. The integration of yin and yang and five element theory forms a foundation for stems and branches acupuncture.