The Eight Extraordinary channels are amongst the most interesting and clinically important aspects of Chinese medicine and Qi Gong. This book introduces the theory behind the channels, explains their clinical applications, and explores their psycho-emotional and spiritual qualities. The author also describes how to cultivate the channels through Nei Dan Inner Meditation. As a practitioner of Chinese medicine or acupuncture, the key to creating effective individual treatment plans is having a wide understanding of channel theory, and a comprehensive knowledge of the pathways and the points on the channels. David Twicken provides treatment strategies, methods and case studies, offering a variety of approaches so as to give the reader a solid foundation from which to confidently create customized treatment plans for each patient. Offering a historical perspective as well as modern insights, this book will be essential reading for novice as well as experienced practitioners.

First referenced in the Ling Shu and the Su Wen, the Luo Collaterals or Luo Mai, are an integral part of the acupuncture channel system. In this book, Dr. David Twicken provides a comprehensive account of the Luo Mai, including detailed analyses of the classical and contemporary theories and clinical applications. Modern practitioners often use the Luo Collaterals to treat the emotions and the organs, with treatments influencing the blood network, especially the veins and capillaries, along the Luo pathways. Dr. Twicken presents a thorough historical analysis of the new theories on which our modern understanding of the Luo Collaterals and Luo points is based, and explains the applications. He explores the classical Chinese medical and Taoist interpretation of the Shen, the five Shen and the emotions and provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the Window of the Sky points. Dr. Twicken also includes instruction on Healing Sounds Qigong, one of the oldest and most effective forms used to treat the emotions, the internal organs and the five Shen. An accessible and authoritative guide to the Luo Collaterals, this book will be of immense value to students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Taiji and Qigong practitioners; and anyone with an interest in Taoist practice.

I Ching Acupuncture - The Balance Method is a system of acupuncture point selection based on the principles of Chinese philosophy and classic Chinese texts, including the I Ching, Nei Jing Su Wen and Ling Shu. In this unique book Dr. Twicken presents classic Chinese philosophical models that explain the relationships between philosophy, Chinese medical principles, acupuncture channels and the human body. The models are the He Tu, Luo Shu Nine Palaces, Early Heaven Ba Gua, Later Heaven Ba Gua, Twelve-Stage Growth Cycle, Stems and Branches and the Chinese calendar. These models and theories clearly show the relationships between the acupuncture channels and the human body and provide guiding theory for acupuncture strategies and point selection. I Ching Acupuncture presents six Balance Methods. This clinically effective system of acupuncture is based on minimal and distal acupuncture treatments. I Ching Acupuncture - The Balance Method is a valuable and effective acupuncture system that can complement any practice.

Rooted in the Su Wen and Ling Shu, Dr. Twicken's book integrates Chinese and Taoist medical philosophy, theories, and principles to clearly demonstrate that the Divergent Channels are an essential aspect of the clinical practice of acupuncture. He takes a step-by-step approach to assist practitioners in 'working out' the channels, and shows how this versatile channel system can be used in any acupuncture treatment. Twicken also includes instruction on Five Shen Nei Dan inner meditation to help practitioners gain a more profound emotional and spiritual understanding. With case studies and reference to the classic texts throughout, this book provides a complete resource that will help clinicians understand and use the Divergent Channels in clinical practice. An accessible and comprehensive account of the Divergent Channel system, this book will be a valuable addition to the shelves of students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine; taiji and qigong practitioners; and anyone with an interest in Taoist practice.