The Secret of Chinese Pulse Examination Bob Flaws In this article, the author discusses what he believes to be the main obstacles for Western practitioners learning and using Chinese pulse examination in their practice. According to the author, this main obstacle is a pedagogical one and a tendency not to memorise the key information to a high enough degree of certainty to make that information clinically reliable. He believes that mastery of pulse examination for making a correct TMC pattern discrimination is even more important for Western practitioners than for our Chinese counterparts. This is because, in his experience, Western practitioners are faced with patients who present, not with one textbook pattern or another, but with a combination of three, four or even five patterns. Chinese pulse diagnosis does not presuppose any exceptional, little known, paranormal endowment or ability in the person applying it. All that is required is a solid grounding in its coherent theory and a trained and well-kept hand. Read the whole article
Aspects of Clinical Reasoning in the Practice of TCM Chris Zaslawski Clinical reasoning is an important aspect underlying the diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over the last four decades research has suggested that there are three different models that are indicative of the cognitive aspects of clinical reasoning. This paper examines these three processes, these being hypothetico-deductive reasoning, systematic scanning and pattern recognition and puts them in context of traditional Chinese medicine. It also examines the nature and characteristics of expertise and its role in the clinical reasoning process.
Face Reading in the Treatment Room Maura Bright An article on the ancient Chinese art of face reading. This outlines the history of this special skill. The basic facial types according to five elements are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the significance of eyes and four case histories with diagrams are considered.
What is the Meridian System Encoding? (Part 1) Philip Beach A ‘critter’ is used as a simple biological form to model the movements induced by needling. Lines can be seen that link the sensory organs to the caudal pole of the critter; points along those lines induce similar movements. If the critter is restrained in its movement response is felt internally. A new description of muscle function is presented that is based on the primary vertebrate axes. ‘Muscle chains’ are delineated and envisioned as contractile rivers that have long evolutionary and developmental co-histories with the primary facial sense organs. Embryologically, the Wolffian ectodermal ridge integrates the sensory platform, hands, feet and genitals visa line that is intermediately placed between the dorsal (somatic) and ventral (visceral) aspects of the embryo. The limb buds are located on this ridge so therefore act on and are acted upon by both the dorsal and ventral aspects of our being. This ridge also overlies the kidney precursors, an organ that develops from the same embryological layer as the muscles and bones. It is hypothesised that distal points act on the visceral function of the organism by affecting the shape of the body wall via a long lever effect. With dis-ease the organism gets ‘out of shape’; needling in patterns moves the organism back towards better shape and hence function.
Pressing the Vessels Rory Kerr The author writes about the importance of pulse diagnosis as an 'information centre' giving guidelines on interpreting the pulse. His article is illustrated with a detailed chart on 'The Pulse Qualities'.
A Brief Introduction to Ear Diagnosis Yuan Li-Ren A detailed description of changes that take place on the ear to indicate diseases. Diagnosis can be carried out in three ways: by observation, palpation and electric measurement. Translated by Xy Zhang.
Diagnosis: A Lateral Approach Ralph McCutcheon This article is an account of the impact of alternative diagnostic methods, particularly those of Applied Kinesology (AK) on a complementary medicine practice. The history and theory of AK is outlined along with its application an an acupuncture practice and a case history.
Shaping the Debate: Developing our Agenda Alison J Gould This article reports on the Second Annual Acupuncture Research Symposium (held in London in March 1997) and shows how we as acupuncturists have moved ahead with our attitude to research. A more focused and coherent out look on on acupuncture research has developed. Participants were encouraged to find that they had common interests and were able to give strong support to approaches to research that upheld the central value of being true to traditional practice. Whilst at the same time understanding an external need for proof exists and and there now also exists a pragmatic desire to be involved in guiding and participating in clinical projects ensuring these studies respect the real practice of acupuncture in this country.
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