Rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai in Acupuncture

Qi

Rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai is a relatively common pathology; it is more common in women than men. In women, I have seen at all ages, from teenagers to women over 65. The first mention of Rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai is in chapter 29 of the Nan Jing: “The pathology of the … Read More

Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine – A Swollen Tongue

Tongue Diagnosis

I frequently hear that a Swollen tongue indicates Qi deficiency. It is not so! In my experience, a Swollen tongue indicates Phlegm. But let us start by describing it first. A tongue is “Swollen” when the whole body is larger than normal. Crucially, a Swollen tongue is also somewhat rounder than a normal tongue. In … Read More

Stagnation of Lung-Qi and Heart-Qi in Chinese Medicine

Giovanni Maciocia, Qi

Liver-Qi stagnation is one of the most “popular” diagnoses among Western practitioners. Liver-Qi stagnation is certainly very common but, in my opinion, it is over-diagnosed and over-emphasized. Besides that, it is hardly ever mentioned that practically every organ – not just the Liver – may be subject to Qi stagnation. For example, the following organs … Read More

The Clinical Use of the Heart Channel in Acupuncture

Heart Channel, Terminology

The Heart houses the Shen and its most important clinical use is for mental-emotional problems. This article will explore the clinical use of the Heart channel for uses other than for mental-emotional problems. Itching Sexual function in men Connection with Uterus in women Backache in men Nausea, vomiting Calm “nerves” in asthma Tremors Knee Eyes … Read More

Shen and Hun: The Psyche in Chinese Medicine

Shen

This article by Giovanni Maciocia discusses the nature and functions of the Shen and Hun in the human psyche. This is based on classical texts and on Giovanni’s own thoughts and clinical experience. There are five parts to this discussion: 1) The nature of the Shen 2) The nature of the Hun 3) The Shen … Read More

TCM: Yin Deficiency and Empty Heat in Chinese Medicine

Heat, Tongue Diagnosis

Empty Heat derives from Yin deficiency and the two pathological conditions (Yin deficiency and Empty Heat) are often considered as one. All modern Chinese books include Empty Heat clinical manifestations under the patterns of Yin deficiency. For example, under the pattern of Lung-Yin deficiency they will have dry throat and dry cough (Yin deficiency) and … Read More