Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory, Jon and Nyssa unpack a couple case studies that demonstrate the variety of ways qi stagnation can manifest in the clinic. Clinical cases that focus on dredging shao yang qi stagnation with SJ-6 and GB-34 are discussed. They discuss the process of combining theoretical knowledge with the tactile palpation information to form clear treatments. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss three sources of medical ethics and reflect on how they can inform the modern clinic. Drawing first from a phrase attributed to the Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao ( 孫思邈, 581-682 CE) then considering scrolls Dr. Wang had painted for his office walls and finally going back to concepts attributed to the mythical Warring States period physician Bian Que (扁鵲, 407-310 BC?), the conversation reveals that some clinical dilemmas are ageless.  Who to treat, what attitude to have and where to draw the line with difficult patients are all concepts that have confronted physicians in every era. For those interested in the original Chinese phrases, see below:

孙思邈 - Sun Simiao  (from 備急千金要方)

大醫精誠

王居易- Wang Juyi (a traditional quote he kept on his clinic wall)

天不言高而自尊，

地不言厚而自重。

扁鵲- Bian Que  (from 史記·扁鵲倉公列傳)

    1-  驕恣不論於理  
    2- 輕身重財
    3- 衣食不能適 
    4- 陰陽并藏氣不定 
    5- 形羸不能服藥 
    6- 信巫不信醫

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jonathan and Yefim discuss the integration of tongue diagnosis with channel examination. What to do in cases when the presentation of the tongue doesn't match with the findings from channel examination and symptom pattern differentiation?

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

Recently Jonathan Chang and Nyssa Tang had the opportunity to treat the same patient on opposite sides of the globe and in this episode, they discuss their findings for the first time and how they chose their point combinations. This case demonstrates that the objective information which can be palpated in our patients’ channel systems can lead us to clear diagnoses and treatments. Jon and Nyssa share their own experiences as apprentices learning to trust the process and how it shaped their understanding of channel physiology. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

Acupuncturists first encountering Applied Channel Theory are sometimes confused about apparent differences between Dr. Wang's diagnostic approach and more common diagnostic models which focus on patterns arising from the Zang Fu (脏腑/yin-yang organs). In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss how a diagnostic model which places channels at the center can be reconciled with so-called "TCM" style. In fact, the discussion explores how a familiarity with Zang Fu diagnosis is indispensable. Building on the foundations of Zang Fu theory, a channel-based diagnostic process  (including palpation) generates clinical flexibility.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Jason Robertson attempts to get into Yefim Gamgoneisvili's head.  In the practice of East Asian Medicine, fine differentiation of herb properties, channel function and point function can make the difference between a mediocre treatment and the best possible results. With almost 40 years of clinical experience, Yefim's choice of point pairs sometimes involves fairly fine differentiation in diagnosis and desired treatment effects. By comparing the effects of using PC-6 with LR-5 vs. SP-4, some interesting insights into the Jueyin, Taiyin and the extraordinary vessels come out.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Jonathan and Nyssa talk about two recent gynaecological cases. The cases are different according to the general pathology, channel changes and points selected. At the same time, the evolution of the treatments is described in detail, as the points that are selected shift as the patient’s condition changes. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jonathan talks to Professor Zhang Wei-bo (张维波) about his research on the channels, which he calls the "Interstice-Interstitial Fluid" School of thought. His research has focused on the circulation of interstitial fluids within the channels, with recent research analyzing the unique content within these fluids and their relationship with the channel functions. 

Professor Zhang is a researcher and doctoral supervisor at the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. His major is biomechanics, and his research focuses on the biophysical study of acupuncture and meridians.  

For more information on Professor Zhang's research:

1) Visit our website -- www.channelpalpation.org/publications-articles

2) Professor Zhang's WeChat Channel: 经络之声

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson each discuss a recent case of temporal (Shaoyang) headache from their clinics.  Despite the similar location of the headaches, channel selection varied as the underlying patterns were actually quite different. Palpation of distal channels and local areas on the head are discussed.  

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Send us Fan Mail

The opportunity to have apprenticed with Dr. Wang Ju Yi is an enormous privilege that comes with the responsibility to continue sharing his work on classical acupuncture. In part 2 of this episode of Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory, Nyssa Tang and Jonathan Chang chat about their experiences as apprentices and teachers of this work. The conversation touches on the challenge of designing mentorship programs that maintain the integrity of Dr. Wang’s work and help convey his clinical curiosity and passion for helping his patients. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Boat Song（《船歌》） -- Sung by Wayne Wu