| This thesis is a journey of exploration and discovery; it is an investigative research raising some essential questions that have been overlooked for thousands of years, with a humble attempt to find the answers through analysis based on Chinese medicine theoretical foundations and ancient texts to get closer to the'truth'. This thesis investigates and creates the"missing"acupuncture formula used to treat qi deficiency of the upper, middle and lower qi, first recorded in'The Treating Therapy in Oral Inquiry'chapter in the book of Miraculous Pivot, one of the two books that compose the renowned ancient classic, The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine."When the health energy is insufficient on the upper side, the cerebral marrow will not be full in the brain and the frequent tinnitus in the ears, the slanting of the head, and dizziness of the eyes will occur; when the healthy energy is insufficient in the middle the retention of the faeces and urine and the frequent borborygmus will occur; when the healthy energy in the lower side in insufficient the muscular flaccidity and coldness of the extremities and oppressive feeling of the chest will occur. When treating these syndromes, they can all be treated by pricking below the outer malleolus it is applied with invigorating therapy and retain the needle."('The Treating Therapy in Oral Inquiry'chapter in the book of Miraculous Pivot)Based on the analysis of important underlying theoretical foundations (such as yin and yang theory, five element theory, acupuncture meridian and collaterals, etc) and ancient clinical experience that form Chinese medicine, this research investigates the ancient acupuncture formula that treats qi deficiency in the upper, middle and lower qi and puts forward a therapeutically effective acupuncture formula called"Three Shining Stars"(TSS) and"Alleluia"(A).This thesis consists of four sections: (1) introductory literary review and debate, (2) theoretical analysis and discussion, (3) clinical application of the formula, (4) description of several case histories of the formula, and (5) summary.The first section raises questions, and offers a literary research and review, discussing the evolution and development of the text that mentions the formula. Although this thesis is of a high literary nature, it is also deeply rooted in clinical practice, unifying both theoretical and clinical aspects in search for a therapeutic effective answer to the treatment of qi deficiency of the upper, middle and lower qi, that in the later ming dynasty evolved to primordial qi deficiency of the triple burner.Several issues are raised such as: which point does Miraculous Pivot refer to with"below the outer malleolus"? From the ming dynasty scholar Gaowu till present day, all scholars cite the special acupoint to be kunlun (BL60), is that really the acupoint of this formula? Does the formula imply the use of only one acupoint or several acupoints? Some insinuate the possibility that the text is not accurate and has mistakes due to miscopying or misprinting over the dynasties, can these insinuations be substantiated? Could this possibly have really happened?In-depth discussion of these questions is found in the second section of this thesis offering insight on the historic development of this formula. Furthermore the author scrutinizes Share Essence and Inducing Qi manipulation (Tong Jing Dao Qi), an important acupuncture manipulation method that should be used in collaboration with the acupuncture formula in clinical practice. This method can be seen as the'key'to resolve the thousand year old mystery and question. But it is only reveals part of the mystery. Miraculous Pivot never explicitly named any acupoint and only referred to the area below the outer malleolus. To figure out which acupoint in the region below the outer malleolus has the effects of tonifying the primordial qi deficiency of the triple burner is the other key to solve this ancient mystery.After many years of in-depth theoretical and clinical research, and with the continuous support from the tutors, the author puts forward an acupuncture formula called'Three Shining Stars'comprised of Shenmai (BL 62), Qiuxu (GB40), Kunlun (BL60) and'Alleluia'with the addition of Jinmen (BL63). These 2 acupuncture formulas include the Urinary Bladder and Gall Bladder meridians, with special focus on the 8 extra meridian's Yangqiao and Yangwei meridians.The 8 extra meridians plays an important role in the formula, the relationship between the 12 meridians and the 8 extra meridians is similar to that of rivers and deep lake. As the water content and flow of the river affects the water reserve in the lake, similarly, the water supply from the lake can reversely affect the water in the rivers. This is one of the theoretical foundations that supports and underlies this thesis. Through the manipulation of the 8 extra meridians and by regulating their functions, we can therapeutically benefit and affect the 12 meridians. The formulas"Three Shining Stars"(TSS) and"Alleluia"(A) can benefit and treat deficiency of primordial qi. The clinical symptoms related to the deficiency of primordial qi are countless and the deficiency of qi can also be a beginning etiology factor of other health disorders, hence the effective treatment of primordial qi deficiency holds high clinical significance.The third section discusses what diseases can be treated with this formula, the method of clinical application and manipulation, specifies when it is appropriate to use the formula and also stresses this formula as a preventative method of treatment.In the fourth section, the author mentions a few of the several cases that can be treated using the'Alleluia'formula, obtaining swift and benefic therapeutic results that prove the effectiveness of this formula.The fifth and last section is a summary that highlights the main points discussed in the body of the thesis. From this research, we can conclude that'Alleluia'acupuncture formula's effect on tonifying the deficiency of triple burner primordial qi is supported by theoretical data and clinical evidence, henceforth ascertaining the clinical importance and efficacy of this formula. |
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