Introduction to the Channels and Vessels

These seminars introduce both the theory and clinical application of the “channel complexes” (經 絡 – jing luo), exhibited in the architecture of the five systems of channels or vessels.

These channel complexes provide the conceptual foundation for Neijing (Inner Classic) style acupuncture. They offer a rich conceptual framework for clinicians to use in understanding both physiological and pathological processes. This pair of one-day seminar introduces the basic model of individual life that was explored in the Neijing (Inner Classic), characterized by 精 神 (jingshen), which I’ve chosen to translate as “embodied spirit.” Jing-Essence (精) contains an individuated shen-spirit (神) , and that shen animates the individual’s jing to disseminate and provide a dynamic foundation for the vital functions of individual life. While our personalities consider the symptoms and signs of disease to be afflictions, they are also the embodied spirit’s gestures to express its distress.

The acupuncture theory of Neijing is particularly focused on the development and evolution of pathology, rather than simply classifying the nature of manifest imbalances. Learning to work with the five systems of channels and vessels of Neijing gives clinicians new and powerful tools for treating their patients with challenging or persistent ailments. I’m committed to teaching the soul of Chinese medicine.

Come learn the basic framework of Neijing for probing patients to reverse their degenerative and progressive diseases. This seminar is scheduled for:

Santa Cruz, CA on Feb. 4&5, 2012:
Five Branches University

200 7th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

Download a course description for this special pair of seminars.

To register for this class, contact Alexandra Polk at: scextension@fivebranches.edu or (831) 476-9424 x41

During this seminar, I’ll refer to several of my previous essays. While I encourage everyone to peruse those titles, I’m already planning to include many ideas that I’ve discussed in:

The Myth of Deficiency

Beware the Rampaging Hun

The Living Systems of Acupuncture Channels

The World of Dao: Movement in Chinese Medicine

Chunyu Yi and the Stages of Classical Text Transmission

Share
  • About Steven

    Steven Alpern, L.Ac., practices acupuncture and Chinese medicine as applied clinical philosophy. He is also a teacher, author and speaker. His efforts to discern the nature of individual health draw upon the classics of Chinese medicine and several historical traditions and specialties. Learn more...
  • Subscribe by Email