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
The thinking about geriatrics in Chinese medicine has been dominated by Kidney deficiency for centuries. As Kidney-Jing declines as we age, the clinical approach to the treatment of the elderly has been based largely on tonifying the Kidneys. However, modern diseases of the elderly that account for 90% of mortality (cancer, heart disease and stroke) … Read More
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
When I give lectures I often hear that “ST-40 resolves Phlegm”: I wish! Resolving Phlegm involves much more than simply using ST-40. In order to resolve Dampness or Phlegm, it is necessary to activate the Three Burners. The Triple Burner is described in the Nei Jing as the official in charge of irrigation: this means … Read More
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
The “chest/breast” area is on the sides of the tongue, between the centre part and the tip. The chest area reflects a pathology of three organs: heart or lungs in men and women or breast in women. The chest area reflects pathologies of the lungs, heart or breast but in a Western medical sense. A … Read More
When giving my lectures I was often surprised by the fact that many practitioners do not use the Back-Shu points very much. In this short article I explain how I use the Back-Shu points in practice. The Back-Shu points are mentioned in various chapters of the Nei Jing. Chapter 51 of the “Ling Shu” lists … Read More
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
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
I have been consulting the Nei Jing for 35 years initially in its French translation (by Chamfrault) and later in Chinese. As we all know, the Nei Jing is a mine of information and most of the things we do in practice are in this text. It should be stressed that the Nei Jing was … Read More
