четверг, 30 июля 2015 г.

SCIENCE IS FINALLY PROVING THE EXISTENCE OF MERIDIAN POINTS THROUGHOUT THE HUMAN BODY

SCIENCE IS FINALLY PROVING THE EXISTENCE OF MERIDIAN POINTS THROUGHOUT THE HUMAN BODY

It may seem counterintuitive, but there are many instances where science can actually hold us back from new discoveries and knowledge. Unfortunately, mainstream science is quick to discount anything which cannot be physically seen or felt, making notions like ‘energy points’ within the body seem like pure science fiction. But just because we can’t physically see something, does not mean it doesn’t exist. Nikola Tesla told us that “the day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence,” and hundreds of scientists around the world have been taking on this task for several years. Within the next few decades, the examination of non-material science is going to skyrocket, and we all stand to benefit. What we know as science is definitely changing.


One example where non-material science could benefit the human race is healthcare, as a number of publications have revealed the importance of mind-body connections, and how our thoughts, emotions, feelings, the perception of the environment around us and more are all connected to the health of our body and regulation of our immune system. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies titled “The Primo Vascular System as a New Anatomical System” is one that has recognized the importance of these concepts.


The medical community, for the most part, discounts healing therapies using this type of knowledge — knowledge which was present thousands of years ago in various ancient cultures. Acupuncture, a technique that manipulates the human meridian system in order to heal the body, has worked wonders for many people, yet our science has yet to explain how it does so. This is one example of many. Despite being unable to scientifically explain how these techniques function, few could deny that traditional Eastern medicine has proven successful for many people, or that it’s been crucial for curing various diseases. It has been used for thousands of years, and one has to assume that if it didn’t work, we would have abandoned the practice by now.


According to Western medicine, no known meridian system has a physical anatomical basis. The above study offers a different perspective, however:


In the early 1960s, only one hypothesis was proposed to explain the anatomical basis of the meridians. By using different experimental approaches during the past 10 years, the number of scientific papers that report the discovery of different anatomical and physiological evidence confirming the existence of an anatomical basis for the meridian system has increased. Morphological science is greatly challenged to offer a new biomedical theory that explains the possible existence of new bodily systems such as the primo vascular system (PVS).


Researchers are calling it the Primo Vascular System, and, according to another paper published in the journal Evidence Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, “even today, the meridian system is still being investigated with well-known anatomical structures.”


This includes connective tissues called the fascia system, which are representative of the function of the meridian system being established and understood, as outlined by a study published in the journal Anatomical Record that mapped acupuncture points in serial gross anatomical sections through the human arm. It found “an 80% correspondence between the sites of acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes in the postmortem tissue sections.” The study proposed that “the anatomical relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes is relevant to acupuncture’s mechanism of action and suggests a potentially important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue.”


Korean researchers (of the first study cited above) believe the primo-vascular system is in fact the physical component of the Acupuncture Meridian System. They’ve also suggested that this system is involved in channelling the flow of energy and information relayed by biophotons (electromagnetic waves of light) and DNA. They propose that the anatomical basis for the PVS and this energy, also known as “Qi,” is “an electromagnetic wave that is involved very closely with the DNA in the PVS and that DNA “provides genetics information” and “functions as a store of information that can be obtained from the electromagnetic fields of the environment.”


They cite several studies showing that the PVS has been detected in various regions of the body:


The PVs have been found inside blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The PVs inside lymph vessels freely flow in the lymph. The PVs and PNs flow in the third ventricle, fourth ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, and along the central canal of the spinal cord. The PVS has also been found on the arachnoid mater, cerebellum, perinervium, and epinervium of the sciatic nerve. The PVs and PNs are present on the surfaces of the liver, stomach, small and large intestines, bladder, spleen, kidneys and omentum, abdominal cavity, hypodermal layer of the skin, superficial fascia, fat tissue, and cancer fascia. The PVs also enter internal organ tissues.


The researchers injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians, revealing thin lines along these acupuncture points which were not present at non-acupuncture point sites (where there are no meridians). The researchers discovered that the meridian lines are not confined to the skin, but are in fact a concrete duct system through which liquid flows. They also learned that this liquid aggregates to form stem cells.


After all of their research (as seen in the publication), the scientists concluded that PVS allows communication between living organisms and the environment, and that it’s a system which spans throughout the entire body and plays a role in all biological life processes. They concluded that it receives signals in the form of electromagnetic waves from the environment, and internal signals from the body as well:


The PVS, which until now has been a missing body system, can explain many of the mysteries of life. The physical substrate for the meridian system is the missing point that can be used to combine the knowledge of ancient Chinese medicine and that of modern science into one successful unit.


It’s always interesting to look at ancient knowledge and teachings, particularly because so much has been and continues to be confirmed by modern day science. Every day, it seems, we discover why an ancient practice works on a scientific level; every day we validate something which previous generations simply understood to be valuable. And these ‘new’ discoveries of old knowledge support the notion that many more of these supposedly antiquated or pseudoscientific practices are in fact worthwhile.


There remain many phenomena for which we have no explanation. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, as seen in the the US National Library of Medicine, demonstrated that a women with special abilities was and is able to accelerate the germination of specific seeds for the purposes of developing a more robust seed stock. This is just one of many example where extraordinary things have been observed and documented yet cannot be explained scientifically.


As with meridian points and energy systems in the body, perhaps science is calling us to be more intuitive, more trusting, and more openminded. Perhaps a scientific explanation is not needed to confirm what people knew thousands of years ago and still benefit from today. It’s something to think about.



Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

среда, 15 июля 2015 г.

Science Finally Proves Meridians Exist

Science Finally Proves Meridians Exist

For centuries the ancient wisdom keepers and healers in several traditions had a keen understanding of the energetic body. The healing traditions from China, India, Japan and Tibet, as well as other countries all spoke of energy channels, meridians or nadis along which the vital energy flowed.


Life was considered to be a bio-electrical and vibrational energy phenomenon and so health revolved around balancing energy through various means. Life existed because of life force and energy running through and animating the body, ensuring we can move, breathe, digest food, think and even feel.


Healing traditions all spoke of energy channels, sen, meridians or nadis.
Healing traditions all spoke of energy channels, sen, meridians or nadis.

Energy channels


This vital life force or chi, is composed of two kinds of forces, yin and yang, and flows along a sophisticated network of energy pathways, or highways, circuiting the body. Over 2000 years ago ancient cultures knew of the existence of these energy channels. They were called ‘sen’ in Thailand, ‘nadis’ in India, ‘meridians’, ‘channels’ or ‘vessels’ in China and Japan, and ‘channels’ in Tibet. In India, where many eastern healing arts developed, there were said to be 72 000 nadis or energy pathways. Disease is believed to be a blockage in the energy flow of these channels. A range of healing traditions, including acupuncture, acupressure, massage and yoga, are founded on the principle of the existence of energy channels or pathways, known as meridians, or nadis, running around the body in an expansive network.


While it may seem a little airy fairy to some to consider the energy body while we have flesh and bone, at source we are an energy field, embedded into another energy field. Our bodies are electromagnetic in nature and science has measured these frequencies with advanced machines, like EKG’s and MRI scanning, for many years. Numerous studies demonstrate these energy pathways and points conduct electricity even when needles aren’t used. And the massage technique of Shiatsu have been found to stimulate the same energetic effects. Similarly, Qigong,Tai Chi and the postures of yoga, have been found to increase electrical conductance at acupoints, yet science never believed in the existence of meridians until now.


A range of healing traditions are founded on the principle of the meridians.
A range of healing traditions are founded on the principle of the meridians.

Scientific research


Recently scientists at Seoul National University confirmed the existence of meridians, which they refer to as the “primo-vascular system.” They say that this system is a crucial part of the cardiovascular system.


Previously, North Korean scientist Kim Bong-Han proposed that he had found meridians in the early 1960’s. Dr Kim Bong-Han showed over 50 years ago that new tubular structures exist inside and outside of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as well as on the surface of internal organs and under the dermis. He believed they were the traditional meridian lines. The meridians were called Bonghan ducts or channels, after his research, but now the existence of this system in various organs has been corroborated by further research.


The current Korean researchers now believe the primo-vascular system is in fact the physical component of the Acupuncture Meridian System. And it has also been suggested that this system is involved in channelling the flow of energy and information relayed by biophotons (electromagnetic waves of light) and DNA.


There may be a link between the meridians and energy and information relayed by DNA.
here may be a link between the meridians and energy and information relayed by DNA.

The Korean scientists studying oriental medicine with biophysical methods injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians. By injecting the dye onto acupuncture points, they were able to see thin lines. These did not show up at non-acupuncture point sites where there are no meridians. The researchers discovered that the meridian lines are not confined to the skin, but are in fact a concrete duct system through which liquid flows, and that this liquid aggregates to form stem cells.


Previously, scientists used a combination of imaging techniques and CT scans to observe concentrated points of microvascular structures that clearly correspond to the map of acupuncture points created by Chinese energy practitioners in ancient times. In a study published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, researchers used contrast CT imaging with radiation on both non-acupuncture points and acupuncture points. The CT scans revealed clear distinctions between the non-acupuncture point and acupuncture point anatomical structures.


Scientists injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians.
Scientists injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians.

The meridian system


There are 12 primary paired meridians and two single mid meridians, six yang and six yin. The yang meridians run down the body and the yin meridians flow up the body. Each meridian is also related to an element. Each meridian is most active at a certain time of the day or night and each meridian is influenced by an element or season.


The nature of meridians, in their elemental structure, and as vessels for the life force, show the intricacy and profound connection of our body at a cellular level, to the universe. We are intimately connected by the elements, energetic structure and flow of energy, to all life, at a cellular, physical level. Our earth is also said to have energetic pathways or ley lines, akin to meridians.


The map was created by Chinese healing practitioners nearly 2000 years ago.
The map was created by Chinese healing practitioners nearly 2000 years ago.

How are meridians related to health?


Our bodies need balance. A balanced flow or energy, not too much or too little, is conducive to good health. This is the same in the way we live our lives. Balance is paramount. Just enough food, water and a healthy balanced lifestyle. As the Buddha said: “middle way” or moderation in all things.


We can see this harmony and balance in life, as the balance between the energies of yin and yang – or more simplistically, masculine and feminine – the two opposing and catalyzing energies of the universe.


In our bodies we need balance, not too much or too little.
n our bodies we need balance, not too much or too little.

Our health is vibrant if there is harmony and balance between these two forces in the body. If the balance is disturbed, and the flow of one of these forces becomes greater than the other then illness arises. These forces or energies flow through very definite channels in the body, or meridians, and these are the body’s healing energy pathways.


In traditional Indian medicine, the meridians are expanded upon.There are nadis found within the physical body and these nadis make up the nervous system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the lymphatic systems, etc. Any blockages in these nadis can result in physical health conditions. Nadis can also be found in the subtle body where they carry thoughts, feelings, and nerve impulses. When these nadis are blocked, we lose our ability to feel, and connect deeply with others, the environment and ourselves. In the same way that veins and arteries are important for the body to function, nadis weave through our physical nerves and the matrix of consciousness that circuits the mind and self, supporting our physical expression from the otherworldly dimensions of existence.


Chi is made up of two kinds of forces, yin and yang.
Chi is made up of two kinds of forces, yin and yang.

When the flow of energy is blocked, it causes low energy and illness. Practices like yoga and meditation work on these subtle energy channels, supporting the flow of energy through the body. According to some ancient indian texts there are 350 000 nadis or energy pathways in the body. In traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science, the energies of the physical body, the subtle body and the causal body are said to flow through the nadis. Within this framework, the nadis are said to connect at special points of intensity called nadichakras.


The three most important nadis are those running along the spine: ida, pingala and sushumna. The Sushumna is the central channel of energy in the human body and it runs from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and carries kundalini energy, which is the primal evolutionary force. Kundalini is awakened through yoga and meditation and is said to lie dormant at the base of the spine. Activation of the kundalini leads to higher consciousness states. The aim of yoga is to broaden the sushumna and to unite the pathways. Purifying all three nadis leads to overall health, and wellness of body and mind, as well as spiritual growth. Various Pranayama techniques aid in helping to keep these nadi channels open.


The three most important nadis are those running along the spine: ida, pingala and sushunma.
The three most important nadis are those running along the spine: ida, pingala and sushunma.

If you are sensitive to energy and have had energy treatments, such as acupuncture, you may have felt streams of energy or a flow of cold or heat, for example, up the legs or arms. This is a freeing up of energy in the meridians and the flow of energy that is released when a blockage is removed.


There are many wonderful healing modalities based on the meridian system that support radiant health. By enhancing the flow of energy through the body, balance and health is achieved and we come in touch with our true selves. Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality used in China as early as the late stone age. It was used to treat all ailments affecting people. Acupuncture did not enter modern Western consciousness until the 1970’s when China ended a period of isolation and resumed foreign political and cultural contacts.


The range of applications for acupuncture has grown slowly in the West, possibly because of the belief that it has no scientific basis. Perhaps now with the scientific proof of meridians, acupuncture will become more widespread for all ailments, along with other great healing modalities based on the energetics of the body, supporting more people to have vibrant health and wellbeing.



Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

среда, 8 июля 2015 г.

Sciatica Points

Sciatica Points

Acupuncture Points used for Sciatic Pain


Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, rather it is a term used to describe the patient’s symptoms that involve a radiating pain, tingling, and numbness along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches from the lower back through buttocks, legs and feet.


The sciatic nerve can get irritated or compressed by various underlying causes, including herniated disc (or bulging disc), spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, spinal tumor or spinal infection. The response to the acupuncture treatment largely depends on the underlying cause of the sciatica.


When acupuncture is deemed applicable to treat this condition, an acupuncturist may determine the type of sciatica based on the patient’s body constitution. In addition, acupuncture needles may be administered specifically to the affected nerve root and its branches.


Standard and Non-Standard Sciatica Acupuncture Points


The sciatic nerve forms as one thick nerve at the inferior border of Piriformis muscle (gluteus region), the specific treatment applied to this area is vitally important for both L5 and S1 impingement cases. However, standard acupuncture points in the region such as BL63 or BL64 are often insufficient to produce a desired effect. Therefore, experienced acupuncturists use one or more extra-acupuncture points, located either superior, inferior, medial, or lateral from the BL63 or BL64.


Figure 1:


Acupuncture points used for sciatic pain condition - low back and hip regions
One to three points are chosen based on pain distributions, point palpation and findings from physical examinations such as deep tendon reflexes and muscle testing.

Other Sciatica Acupuncture Points: L5 Nerve Root Involvement (L4/L5)


BL25: Dachangshu 大腸兪 In the lumbar region, at the same level as the inferior border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), 1.5 Bcun lateral to the posterior median line.


BL26: Guanyuanshu 関元兪 In the lumbar region, at the same level as the inferior border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), 1.5 B-cun lateral to the posterior median line.


ST40: Fenglong 豊隆 On the anterolateral aspect of the leg, lateral border of the tibialis anterior muscle, 8 B-cun superior to the prominence of the lateral malleolus.


BL58: Feiyang 飛揚 On the posterolateral aspect of the leg, between the inferior border of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the calcaneal tendon, at the same level as 7 Bcun proximal to BL60.


GB35: Yangjiao 陽交 On the fibular aspect of the leg, posterior to the fibula, 7 B-cun proximal to the prominence of the lateral malleolus.


ST42: Chongyang 衝陽 On the dorsum of the foot, at the joint of the base of the second metatarsal bone and the intermediate cuneiform bone, over the dorsalis pedis artery.


LR3: Taichong 太衝 On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, in the depression distal to the junction of the bases of the two bones, over the dorsalis pedis artery.


Other Sciatica Acupuncture Points: S1 Nerve Root Involvement (L5/S1)


BL26: Guanyuanshu 関元兪 In the lumbar region, at the same level as the inferior border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), 1.5 B-cun lateral to the posterior median line.


BL27: Xiaochangshu 小腸兪 In the sacral region, at the same level as the first posterior sacral foramen, and 1.5 B-cun lateral to the median sacral crest. Note: At the same level as BL31.


BL31: Shangliao 上髎 In the sacral region, in the first posterior sacral foramen.


BL59: Fuyang 跗陽 On the posterolateral aspect of the leg, between the fibula and the calcaneal tendon, at the same level as 3 B-cun proximal to BL60.


BL60: Kunlun 崑崙 On the posterolateral aspect of the ankle, in the depression between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and the calcaneal tendon.


GB41: Zulinqi 足臨泣 On the dorsum of the foot, distal to the junction of the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, in the depression lateral to the fifth extensor digitorum longus tendon.


Figure 2:


Acupuncture Points for Sciatic pain - leg and foot regions
One to three points are chosen based on pain distributions, point palpation and findings from physical examinations such as deep tendon reflexes and muscle testing.

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Original article and pictures take www.acupuncturemoxibustion.com site