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A SIMPLIFIED VISION:  [up]

Initially TCM and AP may seem like a confusing mix-up of strange terms and concepts. Not to worry...it really is very logical! Step back and forget about all the different terminology. Meridian theory is based on the concept of energy flow and the "organs" associated with the major meridians. In order to get a handle on the topic you need to envision:

I view the simplified vision as the London Underground...it has the basic route through the city, comprised of various sections and each section has a station. Your visual simplification may be different but it certainly helps to have one!

Once this concept is grasped it is not so difficult to learn the route of the meridians over the body..it is just another road (tube) map. Along the route are points of interest (AP points) and intersections (meridian crossovers) and shortcuts between sections (Luo points). Traffic controllers utilize key places to influence the flow of traffic on a route. In AP one utilizes strategically placed AP points. Although there are many AP points there are a limited number of strategically placed ones..and these are the ones that must become very familiar.

The organs are like the Underground stations in that they are associated with specific meridians (route sections) and meridian points are used to influence energy (traffic) flow through the organ (station).

The next step is learning what goes on at each station (organ). Once you learn what happens at each station when traffic is running smoothly you will be able to recognize the effect on traffic, and the station, when flow along the route is disturbed. In our analogy you will be recognizing patterns that develop when energy flow is disturbed.

If you know the route well and what happens normally at each station it is only common sense ...The Five Elements and/or Eight Principles... how to figure out what station is not normal and what traffic upset has lead to the problem. With experience one learns where traffic jams are likely to occur and which stations they will affect. When one becomes more familiar with the situation you will learn short cuts between sections of the route that, when utilized, allow for smoother traffic flow.

In AP and TCM the meridians are the routes, the organs are the stations and the AP Points are the areas along the way where energy (traffic flow) can be manipulated. You need to become familiar with which areas (AP Points) work best under different circumstances to keep the traffic flowing smoothly.

AP can be used in a cookbook fashion..someone else has figured out the route and you follow their instructions.

It can also be used in a slightly different concept for the musculoskeletal system. In this concept you need to know the mechanics of movement and wherein lies the restriction to the proper functioning of that system. Once you can pin point where the problem lies you can utilize AP points that lie along and/or influence the area to improve neurological conduction, reduce muscle spasm and relieve pain.

With a firm grasp of Western anatomy,  and a vision of energy flow,  AP and the Patterns of TCM become a logical approach to wellness management.

COMMAND and SPECIAL ACTION POINTS: [up]

Wu-Shu = 5 Transporting Points (* = Well Point)

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POINT REVIEW   [up]          

The following is a schematic point review stressing the spacial relationship of some of the points.

SHU POINT COMPARISON:

Relation of Equine head/neck points:

Relation of Equine LI limb points:

SEA POINT RELATIONS:

Can you identify these points?..click on image to view full size

MERIDIAN NOTES [up]

I: LUNG

II: PERICARDIUM

III: HEART

IV: SPLEEN

V: LIVER

VI: KIDNEY

VII: LARGE INTESTINE

VIII: TRIPLE HEATER

X: SMALL INTESTINE

X: STOMACH

XI: GALLBLADDER

XII: BLADDER

XIII: GOVERNING VESSEL (DU)

XIV: CONCEPTION VESSEL (REN)

THE 8 EXTRAORDINARY VESSELS [up]

Except for the Ren (Conception Vessel) & Du (Governing Vessel) the 8 Extraordinary Vessels are made up of points located on other meridians. To use these meridains the meridian is opened with the Master Point, the desired points are used and then the meridian is closed with the Coupled Point.

EXTRAORDINARY VESSEL FUNCTIONAL PAIRS

The 8 Extraordinary Meridians -> control, join,store & regulate the Qi & Blood of each meridian.

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Other study aids include Acupoint descriptions and charts (Equine and Canine), Printer Points, Crib #1 and Crib #2