Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory – Details, episodes & analysis

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Acupuncturists first encountering Applied Channel Theory are sometimes confused about apparent differences between Dr. Wang's diagnostic approach and more common diagnostic models which focus on patterns arising from the Zang Fu (脏腑/yin-yang organs). In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss how a diagnostic model which places channels at the center can be reconciled with so-called "TCM" style. In fact, the discussion explores how a familiarity with Zang Fu diagnosis is indispensable. Building on the foundations of Zang Fu theory, a channel-based diagnostic process  (including palpation) generates clinical flexibility.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode Jason Robertson attempts to get into Yefim Gamgoneisvili's head.  In the practice of East Asian Medicine, fine differentiation of herb properties, channel function and point function can make the difference between a mediocre treatment and the best possible results. With almost 40 years of clinical experience, Yefim's choice of point pairs sometimes involves fairly fine differentiation in diagnosis and desired treatment effects. By comparing the effects of using PC-6 with LR-5 vs. SP-4, some interesting insights into the Jueyin, Taiyin and the extraordinary vessels come out.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Nyssa Tang discuss some recent Shao Yin/Shao Yang cases where the channel changes made them rethink the pathophysiology and location of the disease. They discuss their evolving understanding of the inter-related Qi dynamics in these two systems and how symptoms manifest when they are dysregulated.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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Jonathan talks to Dr. Meng Xiao-nan from the Huguosi TCM Hospital about his recent clinical research on the treatment of post-stroke shoulder and hand syndrome. His research studied the use of Applied Channel Theory, such as channel palpation to achieve more precise diagnosis, while also applying Dr. Wang’s methods of acupuncture and different massage techniques for more effective results.

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode Nyssa Tang and Jason Robertson discuss two less-often remembered xi-cleft points. KI-8/交信 /jiāo xìn  is the xi cleft of yin qiao vessel. KI-9 筑宾 /zhù bīn is the xi cleft of yin wei vessel.  Dr. Wang's experience with these points is discussed as are clinical cases from Nyssa and Jason.  

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode, Jason Robertson and Jonathan Chang discuss his recent trip to teach at the yearly international congress in Rothenburg Germany.  Jason asks Jonathan about his presentations on cardiology and the concept of 'constraint'  (鬱 yù).  For those interested in diving deeper into Jonathan's presentation, see his article here

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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 In this episode, Yefim Gamgoneishvili and Jason Robertson discuss the centrality of placing a 'primary symptom' (主 症 zhǔ zhèng) at the heart of the diagnostic process.  Dr. Wang Juyi would often emphasize that the careful choice of a primary symptom was the crucial first step in the process of perceiving symptom-pattern-structure (症候结构  zhèng hòu jié gòu).  While many students and practitioners learn this concept early in their training, we all can make the common clinical error of diffusing the effects of acupuncture by needling single points for single symptoms. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode, Yefim and Jonathan discuss the treatment of acute knee pain.  Yefim shares his general approach to the treatment of this type of disorder, from treatment methods to diagnosis with the use of channel palpation. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode Jonathan shares a surprising belching case where channel palpation changed the course of his diagnosis and understanding of the patient’s physiology. He and Nyssa also discuss how Dr. Wang differentiated burps, the P6/SP4 point combination and its many uses. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

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In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss a case which shines a light on the interesting role channel palpation might play in Chinese herbal medicine.  What seemed like a fairly straightforward gynecological case using Wen Jing Tang (温经汤) offered potential insight into the Yang Ming system.  One of Dr. Wang's hopes was to integrate channel palpation more methodically into Chinese herbal medical diagnosis and strategy. To that end, Dr. Wang used herbal formulas in some of his clinical cases but felt that the work was not finished. We're hoping that those listening might find ways to build experience using this approach to evaluate the mechanisms of formulas in their clinics. 

Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow