All posts by taiqi

Taichi links

Offered here are a number of links.

This Page was created a decade or so ago. Some links may have disappeared. 

Please respect their material by following any copyright restrictions they might have.

These links may be from organizations that are based on the skills, reputation and charisma of an individual or group.

It is TaiQi.com’s opinion that there is no “best TaiQi” or “only way” to practice Acupuncture, Taichichuan, Taoism, Buddhism or anything else.

Be wary of those who might offer THE answer to all life’s questions.

Remember, “That which can be defined is not the Tao.”.

A good resource for articles and links: taichi-chuan.net/taichi/articles/article.html

Link to more links: www.scheele.org/lee/tcclinks.html> – -this one should keep you busy for a few weeks.

about some speculation on the Yin and Yang: www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/yinyang.htm

WU style tachi chuan www.wu-taichi.de  – For the German reading folks out there.

Some Wikipedia references:
about acupuncture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture
about the Taichi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taichi
about the exercise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Chi_Chuan
for practitioners and students:
ITM ONLINE is a great resource for students and practitioners. Here is the page for acupuncture. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/acuintro.htm

Remember the Palm Pilot- historical musings

Palm Pilot

This article is more than a decade old… how things change… how they stay the same.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark, L.Ac.

Rule #1: Never trust an advertisement for a product that says “it will simplify your life”.

We here at the review section of Taiqi.com have always had an uneasy relationship with technology. Color TV, electronic car door locks, 10 digit zip codes: are they really necessary? We were very wrong about the personal computer, having thought it a fad that would soon pass over like 8-track tapes.

However, I recently tried a Palm Pilot PDA for a week and then bought one for myself. This little miniature computer has been a great help for me. If you cannot carry it with you everywhere than it would be less so, even useless.

For those of you who don’t know, a PDA (Palm and Visor are the major brand names now) comes with a set of basic programs for organizing calendar events, telephone numbers and memos. Plug it into your computer at night and any new information is stored. All PDA’s share a common Operating System or file system so there are no compatibility problems between brands.

Now there are thousands upon thousands of programs that can run on a PDA. From cooking recipes to Medical calculators, a program is out there. Although data is stored on your home computer, the program itself is not itself generally accessible there (which is a bit of a disappointment).

Everyone suggested I buy an 8 meg model. These are starting to be advertised for $100 with a rebate, about half of what I paid for it just a few weeks ago. For more money, you can get email service, cameras, and MP3 audio devices. My friend has one inside his cell phone, but I think this is going overboard. I’m still convinced that cell phones will go the way of the 8-track tape.

Because my PDA fits in my pants pocket (and, yes, I am happy to see you), I can now schedule appointments at home, while doing my daily chores around town and more importantly, while retrieving phone messages from remote locations. Because my office staff consists of one person: me, I now have less fear of double bookings. For years I carried a pencil and a small notebook at all times but the PDA seems to work better. I never liked bulky “organizers”.

So try one out for yourself before you buy. It may not be for you. If you do make the purchase, you will soon find that there are many programs available (usually running around $15) and a few programs that are made for acupuncturists. The best sites for programs are Palmgear.com, Tucows.com, Memoware.com and Handango.com . Generally, PDA programs are smaller and more limited in their scope than what you might find in a desktop computer program. You will also probably have to get a program such as Jfile, which stores the information for many programs in your PDA. I also purchased a small fold up keyboard (Stowaway by Targus) ($ 99) to do major typing. This is a very worthwhile accessory.

There are several very nice programs for acupuncturists using a PDA. An most amazing piece of software is the Chinese Herbal Database by Mark Tryling of Meridian Harmonics. This is a fairly complete Chinese Materia Medica and it is really excels at integrating the computer with the herbs. I have used this in the clinic and it works smoothly. The herbs are organized by group (e.g. blood tonics), then by Pinyin name and gives all the information of taste, temperature, Latin, properties, actions and contraindications. Herbs in Latin or Pinyin, as well as actions, can be searched for within the Jfile format. Search for “tremors” for example and indeed ten herbs come up as possibilities. Mr. Tryling is finishing his studies at the Dallas Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and credits his teacher Pingping Zhang for her teaching and inspiration for the Herbal Database. This makes for another nice feature of the Database which is that additional comments are included. It is nice to have a different perspective about the herbs from Bensky/Gamble. For example, under Di Long there is a rather involved special note of the actions of this “herb” for bronchitis obviously reflecting his teacher¹s clinical experience. Comments can be added at the end of each herb. I await eagerly for Mr. Tryling to finish his TCM Formula Database. The Chinese Herbal Database is available at PalmGear.com.

Acupuncture and Command Point is a very nice program that provides the numbered and pinyin name of all the points. It shows both the “energetics” and the symptoms of the points in a concise form. As well, combinations are shown with a short explanation of the reasoning. All these sections are editable which makes it extremely useful for your own comments. The “Command” section displays the “antique” points of each meridian as will as the yuan source, luo, horary, entry and exit points, back shu, mu-alarm, xi-cleft, hours of activity and the lower he-sea points. One can create “new meridians” which will allow you to make new groupings of points. Each point displayed has a line for additional information that you can be added to. This is a neat and a must have program for PDA carrying acupuncturists. The program also makes use of the Jfile database system.

BodyEnergyPoint by Grace-Comp Systems is an interesting program that gives you the “point of the hour”, used in some non-TCM systems. For example, in turning it on now, it gives the present time and date and the point, Stomach 45, an English translation of the point name and a neat little drawing and description of the location. For those who use this system of optimal acupuncture times, it replaces wall calendars and books giving the same information. Search the Web for this program, I have little other information about it.

If you know of other useful PDA programs, let me know. I have looked at a few medical programs for tracking patients and some Chinese translation programs that frankly have been disappointing.

Acupuncture Point Combinations Ross Book

Acupuncture Point Combinations, The Key to Clinical Success
by Jeremy Ross

Jeremy Ross goes further than most books on the same subject.

Ross clearly states in the introduction that Acupuncture Point Combinations deals with deeper treatments involving the organ systems and constitutional issues and not with symptomatic point combinations. This decision reflects Ross’s depth as a practitioner.

In over 400 pages, Ross outlines different treatment methods including many styles of “5-element” and “Eight-Extra” treatments (although Japanese acupuncture is not addressed). He devotes a large section to a thorough discussion of the elemental personality types. At last, a writer has been able to present this concept in a coherent and useful manner. Later chapters are devoted to the organ systems and then to 45 individual syndromes often found in the clinic.

Ross’s willingness to address psychological issues are reflected throughout the book. Each of the chapters on the organs includes its emotional energetics. For example, his introduction to the Large Intestine points includes not just channel problems, heat in the blood, various stagnations and but also combinations of points to clear the mind. Much space is given to the function of the Kidneys on a psychological/emotional level. One can then look at Acupuncture Point Combinations as an expansion of the most intriguing aspects of Maciocia’s Foundations. While the latter book would admirably bring up in brief concepts of personality and treatment, Ross is able to do in-depth discussions of them.

The author shares his clinical experience and opinions about various treatment styles. Ross writes extensively about opening points, antique (transporting) points, 5 element and 8 extra treatments. Rather than seeing them as distinct and separate systems he is clearly able to describe the relationships between them and when best not and best to use them in combination.

The book presents a comprehensive review of the organ systems. Discussions about the Spleen, for example, include the organ both as a center of energy and as a functional organ. Kidney syndromes involving Jing, Qi, Yang and Yin are clearly differentiated. Relationships between the different organs lead to more of those famous graphs for which Ross developed in his previous book, “Zang-Fu”.

Acupuncture Point Combinations lives up to his name. For example, if you know that Ren (CV) 17 should be used, Ross provides tables with the functions of over two dozen other points that can be used in combination. This comprehensive book is both an in-clinic quick reference and night-time reading. Standard common sense combinations are presented along side more complex ideas. Acupuncture Point Combinations should assist many practitioners in enhancing their treatments.

Published by Churchill Livingston

CHINESE WAY TO HEALING Cohen Book

THE CHINESE WAY TO HEALING

The Chinese Way to Healing: Many Paths to Wholeness written by Misha Ruth Cohen with Kalia Doner

The Chinese Way to Healing: Many Paths to Wholeness is a consumer directed book with a difference. The author, Misha Ruth Cohen (with Kalia Doner) is an experienced practitioner and The Chinese Way to Healing fills a very important niche in acupuncture literature. This beautiful designed book will encourage your patients who wish to participate more fully in their own treatments. 

From acupuncture needles to Zang-Fu concepts, the book is instructive to the many facets of current American TCM practice. Although the focus is on TCM, Cohen writes of other modalities including homeopathy and Western Medicine. 

Using this book, the practitioner can refer their patients to comprehensive sections on diet, gynecology, western medical integration, self-massage and food diaries. As anyone who has struggled with patient brochures knows, clear answers to questions about acupuncture needling and raw herb preparation are a god-send in saving time in the clinic. 

The phrase “Wholeness = Dietary Guidelines + Herbs + Acupuncture + Qi Gong” is used as a guide to the different aspects of patient self-care. The section on Wei and Nei Qi Gong exercises should get your patient started on the right path. Also included is a recognition of the importance of the Qi Gong instructor. 

Unlike many others, this is not a “self-help” book. It states clearly that it is to be used with a practitioner not instead of one. Short case studies and testimonials stress the results of working with a professional acupuncturist. Practitioners will appreciate Cohen’s continual warnings against using self-medication when using herbs. 

Although I have been stressing that this book is for the consumer, I can easily imagine that The Chinese Way to Healing will be extremely helpful for the practitioner in the clinic. Here in one book, is a guide to diet, ear points and reflexology. While reading together with the patient,  I can see how I might be reminded of many aspects of treatments I might have otherwise overlooked. The dangerous down-side, of course, is that your patients may become increasingly more assertive and “difficult”. Humor aside, The Chinese Way to Healing will be an extremely effective “Workbook” that can be used in conduction with the practitioner and patient. The language and level of explanation is sufficiently high to give the patient an excellent education.  An enlightened patient means that the practitioner can be more open and will no longer have to “protect” the patient from complex concepts. 

Misha Ruth Cohen is an acupuncture “veteran” with a history including Lincoln Hospital, lectures in China, contact with the mysterious “W.B”,  to her current role in the important work of Quan Yin and Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine Centers in San Francisco. Both her experience and warmth in “patient-based” acupuncture come through strongly in this book. 

The Chinese Way to Healing: Many Paths to Wholeness may be the book that acupuncturists will want to stock for sale to their patients. As well, it may be the best book to refer to potential clients, friends and relatives when one is asked that dreaded question, “How does acupuncture work?” 

The Chinese Way to Healing: Many Paths to Wholeness  
written by Misha Ruth Cohen with Kalia Doner  
– 1996-  
A Perigee Book  
published by The Berkely Publishing Group  
200 Madison Avenue  
New York, NY  
10016  
$15 US 

Putnam Berkley- http://www.berkley.com 

Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture Book

The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture 

by John E. PirogPacific View Press 1996
$70

The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture is one of the more interesting books to come out of the American Acupuncture press. Most acupuncture books written and translated into English are basically texts used for teaching purposes. This book is written with an independent voice of inquiry and Pirog has distinguished himself by the depth of his study. To its credit, the tone of the book is like that of a journal article exploring new ideas and concepts.

A “classic” like Chinese Acupuncture and Moxabustion is not really the “best of TCM” that has filtered down through the centuries. However, it IS an incredibly good teaching tool for millions of Chinese and thousands of Western students. In its scope, CAM is unparalleled but we would all agree it doesn’t have a lot of depth. Meridian Style Acupuncture has, if not answered, addressed many questions left unsaid by texts and teachers.

Although Meridian Style Acupuncture is aimed at practicing acupuncturists, students should definitely read it. It also could be used as a textbook for acupuncture classes.

Meridian Style Acupuncture is divided into five sections. The first and shortest is what Pirog calls a “simplified” approach to making an acupuncture prescription. It really serves as a coherent and concise introduction to his approach for the rest of the book. Pirog introduces the chapter by pointing out the differences between needling techniques and makes clear why finding the point location changes according to how one uses the needles. As I understand it, he says that (in general) the “harder” Chinese needling technique reaches out to the point to be affected. “Softer” and shallower Japanese needling must be exactly on the point thus more palpation is needed to determine the point. This is a refreshingly non-judgmental assessment and one that clears a lot of confusion between different styles of acupuncture.

Pirog says that “meridian therapy” is the recognition of the flow of energy in the channels. The points, he eloquently states, “functions like the holes of a flute that could be opened or closed to alter the ‘tone’ of the meridian flow”. The primary role of the meridians is different than the emphasis on the points themselves as stated in most TCM text books. Pirog is able to talk about the points in exciting ways from this perspective.

The second, third and fourth sections cover much of the material in other acupuncture books but Pirog writes interesting and often lengthy discussions of the how, what and whys of the channels and the meridians. For example, he convincingly explains why we should care about the significance of distinguishing points as belonging to the Foot and Hand Tai-Yin, Shao Yin etc… Similarly, he devotes 15 pages to the Luo connecting channels. Here Pirog changes the conceptualization of their use that conforms to the indications as outlined in the Ling Shu. Acupuncturists may be surprised at the some of the conclusions he draws.

Other chapters in the second, third and fourth sections are devoted to lengthy discussions of the cutaneous zones, the proportion of Qi and Blood in the meridians, intersection points, xi-cleft, the “antique points, yuan source and entry and exit points.

Some of the writings here will not be without their controversies. I asked a acupunctuist from China to give me his opinion of the book. Although he reacted generally favorably, he mentioned several ideas that are inconsistent with acupuncture theory in China. One example which will cause much discussion is Pirog’s writings about the Chong channel. Pirog makes the argument that the Chong is a description of the arterial system. He asks whether this is why the Chong is called the “sea of blood”.

Pirog also blows away any illusions about the “window of the sky points” which so captivate many American acupuncturists. According to Pirog, the window of the sky points have no special clinical significance, despite their “heavenly” names which many say are evidence to their psychological functions.

Pirog’s discussion of the six levels is fascinating. He manages to re-frame the significance of their usage in a way that is practical and not solely theoretical.

The fifth section goes over functions for many of the points and is the weakest section of the book. Even these are not without some different conclusions. Fortunately, this section occupies only a small part of the entire book. Given the scope of the rest of the book this is a small complaint.

I was confused as to how much truly original information was in the book. Meridian Style Acupuncture flips between references to the ancient texts and what might be seen as totally original concepts. Often Pirog’s references are quotes from other footnoted sources. I felt as if his own concepts could have stood out more readily if the context for his ideas would have been referenced in relation to other books, or schools of thought. One also wishes that Pirog would have had the chance to read and comment Maoshing Ni’s newly published and imaginatively translated Su Wen as a source text.

The market for acupuncture books in the United States, new as it is, has given us many books that reflect the Chinese acupuncture school curriculum. We know that more Asian language acupuncture books will be translated into Western languages. Of no less importance are authors like Pirog who search for the best contemporary and practical solutions to our patient’s health.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac

Tai Chi Flipbook Balcom Book

The Tai Chi Flipbook

by Craig Balcom & Kirk Bales

The Tai Chi Flipbook presents the Yang style form from beginning to end in 415 individual photographs. The concept is simple, ingenious and it works. In addition, there are short descriptions of the positions, the trigrams and other comments concerning aspects of Chinese philosophy. For those who are beginning to learn the form, want to review it or learn a new style this is a great way to do just that.

This review is about 8 years old and I’ve lost track of where one can find this book. If you find out, let me know.

The Tao and The Tree of Life Yudelow Book

The Tao and The Tree of Life 

Eric Yudelove

The Tao and The Tree of Life is an extremely unique and fascinating book that looks at the practices of Taoist Qi Gong and compares it to the Kaballah, an ancient European Jewish mysticism. The author Eric Yudelove, is a long time practitioner of Mantak Chia’s teachings, one of the most prolific writers in English about Qi Gong. If nothing else Yudelove should be praised for coherently and succinctly describing Montak Chia’s exercises in this book. Yudelove also describes the Kaballah and its fascinating history as a Jewish tradition and then as parts of it became absorbed into European mysticism as a whole. This spin-off from the Jewish tradition, Yudelove calls Western Kabbalism. It is most recently known through the writing of Alistar Crowley and in the spirit of the Tarot Cards. He has also done a fine job of explaining “alchemy” and its importance to both practices.

Yudelove is a fine writer and The Tao and The Tree of Life is remarkably non-judgmental in exploring aspects of both Taoism and the Kaballah. It is a good read for those curious about the Kaballah as well as Taoist Qi Gong. For those who want ONE Montak Chia book or want a concise description of many, many Taoist exercises, this is the book to own. The Tao and The Tree of Life is very much a companion to Carolyn Myss’s Anatomy of the Spirit which ties together yogic, Christian and Kaballistic conceptions of ritual and chakras (energy centers).

Yudelove and Llewellyn Publications (which most people know through their Astrology publications and calendars) should be commended for the high quality of The Tao and The Tree of Life. It is concise, informative and fascinating material.

Llewellyn Publications
St. Paul, MN
$14.95

Qin Bowei Anthology Book

A Qin Bowei Anthology 

translated by Charles Chace with Zhang Ting Liang
Paradigm Publications 1996

Qin Bowei is a modern legend in Chinese acupuncture. Born at the turn of the century he went on to found and defend Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shanghai and Beijing Traditional Chinese Medical Universities. He was known as a brilliant clinician, teacher, administrator and writer.

The Qin Bowei Anthology is a collection of some of his writings. This is exciting material. Of special interest are the few case studies at the end of the book. These put all the concepts together into a coherent clinical context. Qin Bowei was unique in his ability to bridge the gap between pre-TCM and the modern world that TCM now inhabits. Just as Qin’s work has been invaluable in China, this is the type of material that will advance TCM in the English-speaking world.

Chapters include:
Discussion of Liver Disease
Discussion on the Use of Medicinals in Prescriptions
Chinese Medical Therapy for Abating Fever
Cough from External Contraction
A Brief Discussion on the Question of Supplementation
A Preliminary Inquiry into the Life Gate
Case Notes on Understanding Water Swelling Illnesses
Qin Bowei’s Case Histories

Obviously Mr. Chace knows what the current concerns are of American acupuncturists. The 80 pages on liver illness are especially important when so many of our patients are diagnosed with liver qi stagnation. Qin breaks down liver illness into liver vacuity, liver qi (pathological counterflow), liver depression, liver fire, liver heat, liver yang, liver wind, liver cold, liver reversal, liver repletion (excess), liver accumulation, liver fixity, liver distension, liver water and liver impediment.

In the section on Liver Yang Qin writes, “In general, the nature of liver yang is closely connected with heat and is fundamentally a vacuity (deficiency) pattern. This may be clarified by the recognition that the above statement specifically relates to a vacuity of liver yang presenting as intimidation, headache and numbness, and lack of warmth in the four extremities. Therefore it is said that its nature is intimately related to heat. So is this, or is this not, a contradiction? It is not. A liver yang pattern also implies a blood vacuity and internal heat with yang rising. The vacuity here is not in the liver yang itself.

There is much to ponder and study here. My reservations about the book would center on the dryness of the translations. As well, terms pop up such as “wind depression”. Does anyone know what this is? Also there is liberal use of the words “liver qi” to describe “an excessive strength in the liver viscus that produces pathological symptoms”. I suppose it is admirable that certain translators adhere to the standards of Nigel Wiseman’s “English-Chinese-Chinese-English Dictionary of Chinese Medicine” however it should be evident that this seldom seen volume is not the standard for most clinical practitioners.

There also is a particular editing problem in that Charles Chace has added his own comments to clarify sections. I liked this very much. However, it is never clear when the text reverts back to the original writing. This is a rather minor point that only slightly detracts from a very valuable and readable book.

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark L.Ac

Warm Diseases by Liu Book

Warm Diseases

A Clinical Guide
by Guohui Liu

(Eastland Press: $65.00; 580 pp. ISBN: 0-939616-34-3)

Reviewed by Douglas Eisenstark, L.Ac.

Warm Diseases, A Clinical Guide by Guohui Liu is probably one of the best Chinese Medicine books to be published in English. Finally we have a book that puts it all together, theory, practice, historical perspective, written by an experienced practitioner and teacher. Just when you thought that Chinese Medicine simply couldn¹t be transmitted in English a book like this comes along. In the same league as Steven Clavy¹s Fluid Physiology and Pathology or Introduction to Meridian Therapy by Sudo Denmei, Warm Diseases shows us how a skillful writer and publisher can create an instant classic.

Mr. Liu has several things going for him in writing this book. First, he is a Chinese trained practitioner who studied with his father as well at the Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine. At Chengdu he was a professor where he also wrote articles and books. He now lives, teaches and practices in the United States. He is obviously comfortable in transmitting the material needed to understand and practice the material. Mr. Liu is fluent in the historical perspectives, which he weaves throughout the book. Finally, either he is being overly modest about his English skills or he had considerable help from Eastland Press for the book reads perfectly in its use of English. China¹s schools like America¹s have “teacher¹s editions” of their textbooks. Whereas many other Chinese Medicine texts seem to be a regurgitation of texts on subjects of which the author¹s have neither clinical experience nor adequate historical perspective A Clinical Guide very much is appropriately aimed towards the actual needs of its readership.

This book reads like that class you wished you had had in Wen Bing. Without an adequate explanation in theory, Wen Bing theory seems to be: “these are the symptoms, these are the formulas”. Liu takes us step by step through the process of understanding not just Wen Bing theory but also the mechanisms of Qi in all manners of treatment in Chinese Medicine. Probably as a result of his teaching experience, when a new concept is introduced in the book, Dr. Liu anticipates questions and answers them with helpful explanations and case studies. Dr. Liu obviously is aware of the difficulties in teaching the subject matter and overcomes them in an extremely careful and thorough manner. Theory, etiology, differentiation and treatment methods are broken down into a completely understandable and usable manner.

Wen Bing (and Shang Han Lun) is primarily about herbal medicine. Any herbalist should read the book for the extensive and carefully delineated discussions for the subtleties of the herbs and formulas. Modifications are also carefully explained. Although often shown by their English translation there are many comparison charts and descriptions of the formulas. One imagines that the editors at Eastland had more than a few discussions about how to handle the listing of formulas.

In short, I think this is the next book that students or practitioners of Oriental Medicine should add to their library.