Acupuncture should work with each person’s individual rhythm.

The following is the most beautiful piece of advice for all acupuncturist’s to adhere to, it is taken from Dr. Wang Ju-Yi & D. Robertson’s book ‘Applied channel theory in Chinese medicine’.

“Below the surface of the best treatments is a complexity of technique not unlike that learned by professional musicians. Think of the movements of the hand during acupuncture as being somewhat like those of a violinist. There are a wide variety of sounds that a violin can make. You can move the bow with greater or lesser frequency and strength. One might bow loudly or softly with harmonic notes, or instead create a cacophony of contrasting sounds. Sometimes, one might not use the bow at all and instead pluck the strings to get the desired sound. An acupuncturist ‘plays’ the channel system in a similar manner.

Of course, the channels of the body are more complex than the strings of a violin – they are part of an even greater whole. In a larger sense, the organs are like instruments in an orchestra. There is the constant, even beating of the heart, the slow bass thrum of the lungs, and the pervasive hum of the liver. The stomach and intestines constrict with a rhythm of their own. When healthy, the process of life is a symphony. As a doctor, when one treats a patient, that person’s channels should be treated delicately and with respect. One should create effects in the channel system that are like the music of an experienced musician.  Don’t beat on the strings or play indiscriminately. A successful treatment should be like conducting a piece of beautiful music.”

I am very much looking forward to meeting Dr Wang in Dublin on Friday for his course on Channel Theory, if you would like details on the course please contact Cycrille at [email protected]

From ‘Applied channel theory in Chinese medicine’ Wang Ju-Yi, Jason D. Roberstson page 548