Description

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Channel examination is a classical diagnostic technique not often taught in modern acupuncture schools. Emphasized in the earliest acupuncture texts (Nei Jing/Nan Jing), observation and palpation of the channels is extremely helpful for confirming diagnosis, refining point selection and improving clinical results.

This three-day class will focus on learning and applying channel diagnosis through interactive lectures and extensive hands-on practice of technique. In addition, an exploration of channel-based physiology will be presented from the text Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine (Eastland Press, Seattle 2008). Students will leave with a greater understanding of classical physiology and diagnostic techniques for evaluating pathological patterns in both internal conditions and musculoskeletal complaints.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

– An introduction to Applied Channel Theory (經絡醫學 jīng luò yī xué). This will begin with an overview of the classical conception of the channels based on the life work of Beijing Professor Wang Juyi (王居易).

– An understanding of the physical location and function of the channels will underpin our exploration of clinical strategy. This will include a discussion of physiology from the perspective of ‘channels’ as six sub-categories of homeostasis.

– Each day will also include practice of channel examination.  Hands-on demonstration and practice with feedback from the instructor will be extensive.  Students will develop skills for gleaning diagnostic information from careful palpation of the distal channels. Much like tongue observation and pulse diagnosis, channel examination can be crucial for determining patterns of disharmony (証 zhèng).

– Building on basic techniques, discussions of channel-based physiological models will expand to include discussions of how pathology can manifest specific, palpable changes on the acupuncture channels.

– Specific points will be considered including demonstrations of precise point location and discussions of common findings and their possible diagnostic significance.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK

CLICK HERE to order your copy

ABOUT JASON ROBERTSON

Dr. Jason D. Robertson (MS, DAHM) is the co-author of Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine (Eastland Press, 2008) with his teacher Professor Wang Ju-yi (王居易). Dr. Robertson has studied Chinese language for 30 years and Chinese medicine in Chengdu and Beijing. He currently maintains a private practice in Seattle, WA and is a full-time faculty member at the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine (www.sieam.edu).  Dr. Robertson has taught courses on channel theory and diagnosis around the world and has been recognized by the Beijing Administration of Chinese Medicine as an official apprentice of Wang Juyi.

More information about Applied Channel Theory, including articles in both English and Chinese, can be found at www.channelpalpation.org (look under the ‘media’ tab).

 Interested students might also enjoy our podcast “Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory”- found in all of the usual places.