Nei Jing Eastern Medicine Blog

Dr. Ramirez Appears on the Janet's Planet Radio Show 12/07/11

2011-12-09T00:20:00.001-08:00

We're moving! (Across the parking lot)

2011-10-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

Nei Jing Eastern Medicine is moving across the parking lot.

We were notified that a more serene space was available across the lot. We want patients to feel at home when they visit the office, so we will move to the nicer space.

Our new address starting November 1, 2011, will be:

5839 Green Valley Circle
Suite 107
Culver City, CA 90230

We hope you enjoy or new home!

OpEd: The way to get man back on his feet.

2011-10-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Originally published in the October 22, edition of The Hindu. Original link here.

The way to get man back on his feet

PROFESSOR B. M. HEGDE

“There is no science of man,” wrote Nobel Laureate Alexis Carrel in his celebrated book Man, the Unknown. Modern medicine, even today, nearly 85 years after the death of conventional science following Werner Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, is buried in the linear science of Newtonian Physics which believes that man is made up of matter, which follows certain deterministic predictability patterns. That was before the new awareness in science of the atom having been made up of smaller sub-atomic elements. Even more earth- shattering was the discovery that atoms emit various strange energies such as X-rays and radioactivity.

Newer discoveries in physics showed that matter and energy are the two sides of the same coin — a duality. (Hans Peter Durr). One should read his article, Matter is not made out of matter, for the lay people to get a better idea. The human body is but the human mind in an illusory solid shape. As the famous Johns Hopkins physicist, Richard Conn Henry, put it in 2005, “This world is immaterial — mental and spiritual.” Atoms are made out of invisible energy; not tangible matter. Quantum physics speaks a strange language of “now you see it, now you don't.” Each atom or molecule has its own unique energy signature.

Everything in this world, including you and me, radiates our unique energy signature. This new science, which will be the new science of man, nullifies our idea of organ based diseases, which we started 450 years ago from the time of Vesalius. All organs have their cells and atoms that have their unique energy signature. Human body is a colony of 50 trillion happy individual human cells that did exist as unicellular organisms for millions of years before getting together as this multicellular colony. Fritz-Albert Popp, a German physicist, has been able to map all our cells using his biophoton camera where he defines “health as a state where the cells are vibrating in synch with one another; disease is when they fall out of synch!” The latest development of science has now accepted the definition of Whole Person Healing (WPH) for future. (Late Professor Rustum Roy at the IOM meeting in February 2010). Time has come to abandon the disease era of medicine. We have to concentrate on the whole human organism for the future management of altered physiologies. The new definition of health is “enthusiasm to work and enthusiasm to be compassionate.” This comes close to the definition of health in Ayurveda, a much more scientific healing art, which followed quantum physics from day one long before physicists discovered quantum physics. Durr does write that the concept of Indian advaita is a better understanding of quantum world compared to his definition of a-duality.

Our old model had a linear structure which followed the Ford Motor style assembly line. If biochemical transmission failed between points A and B, the precursor chemical could accumulate at point A and point B will be depleted of it. The holistic model is that if there is any such lapse, the effect could be felt in multiple areas and systems. One example will clarify this. When you are bitten by a spider you get a severe swelling and itching in the area due to release of the powerful histamine, locally. But if you treat that with an antihistamine, the latter will go round everywhere and have dangerous distant effects even in the brain. While histamine increases capillary permeability locally producing swelling, in the brain histamine enhances the neuronal function for better output. In our present thinking we give you antihistamine and your itching stops but the same antihistamine blocks the brain histamine levels and your brain cells function less, making you very drowsy! This tells us why the biggest killer today is Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR). Further studies have shown that any drug we give helps only because of the faith the patient has got in the doctor (placebo) and the drug has only side-effects! This earth-shaking discovery was made recently in a multi-centric study in the four leading universities. (Science Translational Medicine March 2011).

Biological systems like man are redundant. This redundancy makes the same signal to be used in multiple places in the body to achieve many things economically with varied behavioural functions. This was the fallacy of our old reductionist model where we thought one defect one effect and one drug molecule to rectify it. That is why nature has just given us 25,000 genes. One gene could look after so many functions. In addition, we have trillions of genes acquired from a multitude of germs that have become a part of us over millions of years and they live a symbiotic existence, the so called human meta-genome. When we disturb the germs inside us, we fall sick! This shows how foolish our expensive search for genetic modelling and genetic engineering, including stem cell research is. In fact, studies have elegantly shown that body cells, if needed, could transform themselves into pluripotent stem cells. Richard Becker showed way back in the 1950s that while a bone fractures, the blood clot seen under the periosteum could make the red blood cells there to gradually acquire a nucleus and then put out pseudopodia to become stem cells to heal the fracture — holistic natural healing!

Physicists have failed to inform the lay public of the purely mental nature of the universe (man included) and biologists and physicians are yet to understand quantum physics. There is a nice simple book by a Nobel Laureate biologist; Albert-Szent Gyorgyi, Introduction to Submolecular Biology. Today bio-chemistry provides the mechanistic foundation for biomedicine. That branch of science is so out dated that our researchers have no understanding of the molecular mechanisms that truly provide for life. The very word animate comes from the proteins in the genetic chain. They twist and bend like a snake to give us mobility at the molecular level right up to our movements! In truth, quantum properties of matter can influence the biochemical reactions as shown above. It is the invisible forces of electromagnetic energy that keep us alive and all those frequencies like cellphones, microwave ovens, radio frequencies and even the scalar energy affect our DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Similarly the right frequencies of electromagnetic energy could be used for healing any cell in any organ under any circumstance. We are using such frequencies to treat killer diseases like heart attacks, brain attacks and any other damage in the cells of any organ. An added advantage is that energy signals travel at a phenomenal speed of 1, 86,000 miles per second, while chemical transmission is just one centimetre per second!! While drugs take months to get one back on one's feet after a major illness, energy healing takes only hours to days!

Living organisms must receive and interpret environmental signals in order to survive. The signals reach the single cells through their antenna in the cell wall. So our connection with the outside world is through the cell wall, our true brain. The environmental signals are our true saviours, God if you like (Bruce Lipton). When this signal dies, organism dies only to enter another shell to be reborn! Eastern wisdoms like Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Chinese medicine and many other systems adopted quantum physics eons ago and their ideas of energy channels in the human body are now proving to be highly scientific. We condemned the whole lot of them as unscientific mainly because of the pressures from the drug and instrument lobbies.

Instead of understanding human physiology properly, modern medicine created the monsters of “killer diseases” which are nothing but deviations in physiology and behaviour from some hypothetical norm as unique disorders and dysfunctions. The gullible public thinks that they are all killer diseases, thanks to the 24X7-hour advertisements. Let us understand the human being and try and set the deranged cell frequencies with suitable alternatives to get man back on his feet.

(The writer is a former professor of cardiology, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, University of London and former Vice-Chancellor, Manipal University. His email is: hegdebm @gmail.com)

Dr. Raul Ramirez Receives the Harley Rubenstein Caregiver Award

2011-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Dr. Raul Ramirez of Nei Jing Eastern Medicine received the Harley Rubenstein Caregiver Award today at the 20th Annual Access Awards Luncheon. It is a great honor, but the opportunity to serve the community is a greater honor. Thank you to everyone that made this award possible.

Dr. Raul Ramirez of Nei Jing Eastern Medicine to Receive the Harley Rubenstein Caregiver Award!

2011-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Raul Ramirez of Nei Jing Eastern Medicine to receive the Harley Rubenstein Caregiver Award. The award will be given October 17, 2011 at the 20th Annual Access Awards Luncheon. Dr. Ramirez makes many contributions to the disabled community, and is honored to accept this award for his continued work. Congratulations to all those honored!

Long Term Physiological Effects of Psychological Stress According to Nei Jing and Modern Research

2011-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

The physiological effects of psychological stress can linger long in the life of an individual. The measurable effects from stress begin instantly and endure:

“The stress response can be viewed as an intereactional process that causes psychophysiologic reactions that are immediate and can occur up to and including physiologic events three weeks after confrontation with the stressor.” 1

Modern research is beginning to explain the connections between the “body-mind” and the effects of stress on the body:

“The “body-mind” functions as a single psychosomatic network of information molecules; thoughts, feelings, sensations and the biological feedback of digestion, heart function and elimination are just one.” 2

The reaction to stress is commonly simplified into the two functions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS); Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), “Fight or Flight,” and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), Relaxation.

“Dysregulation of this critical balance between the differeing functions of the ANS is clearly responsible for a number of psychophysical disorders. The hyper functioning of the SNS, will in general terms create restlessness, aggression, palpitations and suspicion. Hyper activity of the PNS will cause withdrawal, lack of interest and anhedonia.” 3

Yet, the human body is still more complex when hormones and neurotransmitters are factored into the equation.

“Stress response hormones cause a number of other biochemical and physiological changes, which in the short term are vital, but if the stressor is chronic then these stress hormones can start to undermine wellbeing. This stress response is designed to be mainly short term. In the long term these hormones cause blood clotting to increase, and blood cholesterol levels to elevate increasing the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, stroke ans angina. While stress hormones stimulate the immune system immediately, they weaken it in the long term. Increases in blood pressure are another long-term effect of these stress hormones increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.” 3

Elevated levels of certain stress hormones can also affect the levels of vital neurotransmitters such as serotonin. 4, 5

Medical practice described in Nei Jing is true holistic medicine. The importance of inquiring about the psychological state, and how long term stress affects the patient is emphasized many times. Nei Jing: Su Wen, chapters seventy-seven and seventy-eight, list principals that will allow the practitioner to make a proper diagnosis, at the same time, explain the long term effects of stress on the body in eastern medical terms. Here are two of the principals:

1. Failure to Gather a Thorough History of the Patient’s Life

A proper history is the first step in making a proper diagnosis. The many events in a patient’s life can have a long lasting effect on their health. The first instance that Nei Jing lists is the trauma associated with the change from rich to poor. In the second paragraph of chapter seventy-seven, Huang Di explains,

“必问贵后贱，虽不中邪，病从内生，名曰营；富后，名曰矢精；五气留连，病有所并。医工之，不在脏府，不变形，之而，不知病名；身体日，气虚无精，病无气，酒酒然时，病者，以其外于卫，内于。良工所失，不知病情，赤治之一过也.”

“You must ask whether the patient was once rich then poor after, although not the central cause of the disorder, disease arises from the interior, this is called ‘peeling away the nutritive,’ To have wealth at first then to become impoverished is called,‘Losing Jing.’ When a middle level doctor tries to make a misinformed diagnosis, they cannot tell if the disease is in the zang or fu organs, they cannot tell if it has changed the body shape, they diagnose the accompanying symptoms, they do not know the name of the disease. The patient’s body deteriorates day-by-day, the qi becomes deficient and the jing empties, the disease deepens until there is no more qi left. This is the first mistake in treating.”

In this case, the subject was change from wealth to poverty. There is one more example given later in this chapter, “If a person was a high ranking official then demoted...” The practitioner should not be so ridged in thought to think that these are the only types of experience that can affect a person in such a profound way, there are many different traumas that can adversely affect the health of the patient, especially the long term health of the patient. Huang Di reiterates later, “虽不中邪，精神内伤，身必败亡。” “Although not the central pathogen, their jing, shen, and internal organs are injured, the body can weaken and die.” This is why thorough history taking is very important to making a proper diagnosis.

2. Failure to Gather Information on the Patient’s Diet and Emotional Status

This principal requires the acupuncturist to ask the patient about their emotional status regarding their lives and their diets. Yet, in the following passage, they add an extra point, knowing proper treatment method once a diagnosis is made.

“凡欲诊病者，必问饮食居处，暴乐暴苦，始乐后苦，皆伤精气。精气竭绝，形体毁沮。暴怒伤阴，暴喜伤阳，厥气上行，满脉去形。愚医治之，不知补写，不知病情，精华日脱，邪气乃并，此治之二过也。”

“When making a diagnosis, the doctor must ask the patient about their eating, drinking habits as well as how they are getting along in their daily life, if they are suddenly happy or suddenly sad, if they start off happy then later become sad, all of this can harm jing and qi. The jing and qi are exhausted, the body is destroyed. Sudden anger injures the yin, sudden joy injures the yang, and then deficient energy will rise to fill the channels and the form of the body leaves. A lower level doctor cannot treat the disorder, they do not even know how to properly tonify and sedate, they do not know pathology, the patient’s jing diminishes day-by-day, as the pathogen gets stronger. This is the second mistake in treating.”

This paragraph emphasizes the strong influence that emotion and diet have on health, regardless of the prominent symptoms that the patient is showing. The doctor must remember that this patient had previous experiences that have left a weakness in the body. Therefore, the patient’s history must be remembered when making a proper diagnosis.

The previous passages demonstrate the ancients’ understanding of the long term effects of stress on the body. This blog post would be too long if each eastern medical term is explained. Modern research is only adding the evidence proving right the knowledge of the ancients.

1. Robinson, L. (1990). Stress and Anxiety. Nursing Clinics of North America.
2. Pert, Candace. (1998). Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mindbody Medicine: Simon and Schuster
3. Weber, Daniel. (2010). Chinese Herbal Medicine and Psychophysiology: Vagus Nerve; Psychological and Neuropsychological Dysfunction: Panaxea Publishing
4. McCance, K.L. (1998). Pathophysiology, The Biological Basis for Disease in Adults and Children: Mosby
5. Niehoff, Debra. (1999). Biology of Violence: How Understanding the Brain, Behavior, and Environment Can Break the Vicious Circle of Aggression: Free Press

Thoughts on the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Nei Jing

2011-08-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Nei Jing does not state that needle treatment is effective and that herbal medicine is not effective, but most diseases are curable with needle treatment alone. Huang Di makes this next statement at the very beginning of Ling Shu, chapter one:

“余子万民，养百姓，而收其租税。余哀其不给，而属有疾病。余欲勿使被毒药，无用砭石，欲以微针痛其经脉，调其血气，营其逆顺出入之会，令可传于后世。”

“I am responsible to all the citizens, [I must] nourish the hundred families, and to let and tax. I feel sorry for the incapable ones that cannot help themselves, especially those too sick to help themselves. I have a great desire to not hurt the patients with medicine (herbal medicine), nor to use the stone device. I want to use the tiny needle to unblock the meridians, to regulate the blood and qi, to nourish the rebellious and sooth the meeting points of the entrances and exits. I order that this be recorded for later generations.”

Huang Di’s clear bias against the herbal medication used during his era. To say herbal medicine he uses the words, “毒药” which means “injured by medicine.” He must have seen the dangers involved in the use of herbs. Yet, the doctors that teach Huang Di in the book do not hesitate to mention the cases that require herbal medication in conjunction with acupuncture.

Cases where herbal medicine is recommended are rare. There are two cases mentioned in Su Wen, chapter thirty-one. The mention of herbal medicine is a reason why Zhang Zhong Jing, author of the herbal prescription classic, Shang Han Lun based his book off of this chapter of the Nei Jing. The statements made by Qi Bo in chapter thirty-one leave room for the addition of herbal prescriptions, especially since no exact prescriptions are specified after the mention of herbal medicine is made.

Throughout Nei Jing, it becomes clear that the lack of herbal prescription demonstrates the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment alone. One of the last paragraphs of Ling Shu, chapter one solidifies this sentiment:

“今夫五脏之疾也，譬犹刺也，犹污也，犹结也，犹闭也。刺虽久，犹可拨也；污虽久，犹可雪也；结虽久，犹可解也；闭虽久，犹可决也。或言久疾之不可取者，非其说也。夫善用针者，取其疾也，犹拨刺也，犹雪污也，犹解结也，犹决闭也。疾虽久，犹可毕也。言不可治者，未得其术也。”

“When people contract a disease in their five viscera, it is like having a thorn embedded in the body, like being tarnished, like being tied into a knot, like being closed down. The thorn although embedded for a long time, can be removed; the tarnish although present for a long time, can be wiped clean; the knot although tied for quite a long time, can be untied; what was closed down can be opened again. To say that a chronic disease is not curable is speaking incorrectly. The doctor that is good at acupuncture can find the disease, can remove the thorn, can wipe away the tarnished, can untie the knot, and open the closed. A disease, although chronic, can be overcome. Those who say that diseases are incurable, have not mastered the art of acupuncture.”

It is the needle that does the work, there was no mention of herbal medicine. When translating the word acupuncture it must be noted that only one character is used in the Chinese of the previous passage. Only the character for needle, “针” is used, not “针灸” which is the modern word for acupuncture. There are no general terms used, like “eastern medicine,” only “needle.” Therefore the needle must be reintegrated into the modern treatment. It appears that many practitioners rely on herbal medication more than the needle. These are the people that, perhaps, “...have not mastered the art of acupuncture.”

Dr. Ramirez Honored by Los Angeles County Commission

2011-07-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ramirez was honored at the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities meeting. This recognition was for his "numerous contributions for the benefit of all citizens of LA county."

Dr. Ramirez works hard to help all who need help.

Dr. Ramirez receives certificate of appreciation from Los Angeles County Commissioner Janet Neal

Modern Healthcare System is Leading Cause of Death

2011-07-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

By Gary Null PhD, Carolyn Dean MD ND, Martin Feldman MD, Debora Rasio MD, Dorothy Smith PhD

This study which looks at many different causes of death that can be linked to the modern healthcare system.

Read the full article here.

Via Panaxea.com

Nei Jing Philosophy

2011-06-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Chapter four of the Nei Jing, Su Wen, entitled, “金贵真言论” or “True Sayings form the Golden Cabinet” provides the following philosophical descriptions that will give the basis to understanding disease progression.

They start from the very beginning, Yin and Yang; “阴阳者，天地之道也，万物之纲纪，变化之父母，生杀之本始，神明之府也，治病必求于本。。。阳化气，阴成形。寒极生热，热极生寒。” “Yin and Yang are the way of heaven and earth, the primary discipline of the myriad things, the mother and father of change, the root of birth and death, the god’s palace also. To cure disease one must seek out its root... Yang transforms qi, Yin becomes form. Extreme cold creates heat, extreme heat creates cold.”

This passage presents the presuppositional view that dualistic Yin and Yang are the ultimate laws of the universe. Here heat is represented by Yang and cold is represented by Yin. Yet, an overabundance of Yin can cause a transformation of Yin into Yang. They can transform into each other, like the Tai Ji diagram suggests. They have a dynamic relationship where change is the only constant.

Fig. 太极，or Tai Ji diagram. Commonly referred to as Yin and Yang. Showing the interconnectedness between these two aspects of the universe.

Integrative Medical Group Grand Opening!

2011-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

We will open a satellite clinic that will also be an integrative medical clinic in LA! More details soon...

2011-05-20T00:19:00.001-07:00

Nei Jing Eastern Medicine Offers Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture! Acupuncture Face Lift!

2011-04-15T00:17:00.001-07:00

Nei Jing Doctors are not just good at treating serious injuries and internal medical problems. We also provide Facial Rejuvenation, or "Acupuncture Face Lifts."

This type of acupuncture is growing in popularity as an effective alternative to Botox and Restylane.

It involves a series of treatments that leave the patient feeling soothed and refreshed.

Facial Rejuvenation makes national headlines. View entire article here.

Customizable Herbal Skin Cream

2011-04-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

About Cosmetics

2011-03-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the store and checked the ingredients form many "natural" cosmetics I found that many have unsafe ingredients. The same has happened when patients bring in special "natural" products that they found online. Why are there so many toxic ingredients in our cosmetics? It appears that the answer is no regulation. Here is some information on the situation. Try to learn more about toxic ingredients and stay away from them in your market.

We do sell nontoxic cosmetics and herbal medicine here in the office because here the ingredients can be controlled. Nei Jing Eastern Medicine is regulated by the honor system. The goal is to get patients healthy again, not to give the patients toxic products that cause other health problems.

The marketplace is unregulated, please learn about what ingredients are toxic and stay away.

Here is an entertaining video about the current situation:

Here is an online database where you can enter ingredients and products to check for their safety, Click Here.

Take care out there in the marketplace.

Nei Jing Anecdotes: Fever Contraindications

2011-03-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

I received a phone call from a patient the other day. She was worried about her mother's fever. The mother had a fever for over the weekend, then the fever broke. When the when the fever broke the mother regained her appetite. My patient fed her mother meat with some potatoes. Soon after, the fever returned. So, the mother got acupuncture treatment and has since recovered.

This is reminiscent of what is described in Nei Jing: Su Wen, chapter thirty-one, entitled, "Re Bing" or "Heat Disease." Fever is a part of this category of disease, which is commonly referred to as "Febrile Disease." In the case of fevers, eating meat contraindicated.

“帝曰：病热当何禁？岐伯曰：病热少愈，食肉则复，多食则遗，此其禁也。”

“Huang Di asked, ‘Are there any contradictions for heat disorders?’ Qibo replied, ‘If [the patient] is recovering and eats meat, then the disease will recur; refrain from overeating, these are the contraindications.’”

Eastern and western medical schools teach that the patient must eat meat, like in chicken-noodle soup. This assertion is not always true. Cultural customs play a part in the belief that meat is always beneficial to the body. While every meat has unique properties according to eastern medicine, they offer little to the body besides protein. Yet, Nei Jing says no meat during Re Bing. Modern scientific research supports this ancient book yet again.

The general public believes that protein is synonymous with meat, and that meat is the best source of protein. There has even been a technical distinction made regarding plant and animal protein. Animal protein is called “high quality,” plant protein is classified as “low quality.” Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, and author of the China Study, the twenty year research study of nutrition and disease, explains the concept of “high and low quality” proteins:

“The proteins of other animals are very similar to our proteins because they mostly have the right amounts of each of the needed amino acids [proteins]. These proteins can be used very efficiently and therefore are called “high quality.” Among animal foods, the proteins of milk and eggs represent the best amino acid matches for our proteins, and thus are considered the highest quality. While the “lower quality” plant proteins maybe lacking in one or two of the essential amino acids, as a group they do contain all of them.”

This type of labeling might lead one to think that eating animal products are not only healthy, but also that meat may be the ideal food for humans. Dr. Campbell goes on to explain that efficiency does not always equal quality, or health. “This would be well and good if the greatest efficiency equaled the greatest health, but it doesn’t, and that’s why the terms efficiency and quality are misleading.” “...there is a mountain of compelling research showing that, “low quality” plant protein, which allows for slow but steady synthesis of new proteins, is the healthiest type of protein.”

There are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better provided by plants. Nutrition from plants can substantially control the adverse effects of noxious chemicals. Dr. Campbell explains,“the assumption is that meat would be safe if it didn’t have those unnatural chemicals in it. The real danger of the meat, however, is the nutrient imbalances, regardless of the presence or absence of those nasty chemicals. Long before modern chemicals were introduced into our food, people still began to experience more cancer and more heart disease when they started to eat more animal-based foods,” (Campbell, p.5).

Nei Jing considers diet to be an integral part of medical treatment. The goal of acupuncture is to create an environment in the body that is conducive for healing; the patient therefore should also create a healing internal environment by consuming food that combats disease. Eating meat creates an internal environment that allows disease to develop especially during time of fever.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system and protects the body from free radical damage. Antioxidants “are only present in animal-based foods to the extent that animals eat them and store a small amount in their own tissues,” (Campbell, p. 92, 93). Therefore, refraining from animal protein during Re Bing and switching to a plant based diet, provides the body with the nutrients needed to combat disease.

The aspect of not eating too much during Re Bing is considered in “Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology.” Volume 9, contains a study by Dutch scientists who found that fasting stimulates the response that tackles the bacterial infections responsible for most fevers.

Volunteers in the study fasted by drinking only water, “Levels of gamma interferon fell slightly, while levels of another chemical messenger, interleukin-4, nearly quadrupled. Interleukin-4 is characteristic of the humoral immune response, in which B cells produce antibodies that attack pathogens lurking outside our cells.” One of the researchers, Gijs van den Brink of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam states, “This response is needed to tackle most bacterial infections.”

Modern research proves the wisdom of the ancients. Eating meat lowers the body’s ability to protect itself from disease, in this case, fever, and eating too much food lowers the ability to fight infection.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Proper Insertion of the Needle.

2011-02-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

This passage speaks for itself. Ling Shu, chapter one：

“持针之道，坚者为宝，正指直刺，无针左右，神在秋毫，属意病者，审视血脉者，刺之无殆。”

“Technique for holding the needle, hold firmly as if holding a precious treasure, the fingers must be securely set for perpendicular insertion, do not needle [to the] left or right, the spirit is at the tip*, the doctor [must] focus the intention on the disease, check the pulse, acupuncture must not endanger the patient.”

* “神在秋毫” is literally, “the spirit is at the autumn down,” or the new fine down feathers with fine tips. Obviously a tender reference to the tip of the needle.

Passages from Nei Jing: The Function of the Five Shu Points

2011-02-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

Regarding the function of the five Shu points, the Nei Jing is very clear and shows how the disease may effect the Zang-Fu organs and which points to use. Chapter forty-four of Ling Shu states;

“病在脏者，取之井；病变于色者，取之荥；病时间时甚者；取之输；病变于音者，取之经；经满而血者，病在胃，及以饮食不节得病者，取之于合。。。是谓五变也。”

“When the disease is in the Zang organ, choose the Jing-Well point; when the disease changes the complexion, or color of the patient, choose the Ying-Spring point; when the gets better and worse at different times, choose the Shu-Stream point; when the disease changes the tone of the patient, choose the Jing-River; when the meridian is full with blood, or when the disease is in the stomach and cases of improper diet, choose the He-Sea point... These are called the five changes.”

Learn Authentic Wu Style Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

2011-01-11T01:06:00.000-08:00

Wu Style Taiji Quan is a later version of Taiji Quan originally developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It is a type of Gong Fu (Kung Fu) exercise that challenges the mind and body, with practical self-defense applications.

Unfortunately, the original movement sequence (form, kata) is no longer taught, or known by most Wu style practitioners.

Now is your chance to preserve a part of history by learning an extremely rare, and authentic form from one of the few remaining teachers that knows the original movements, philosophy, and applications of this challenging, yet gorgeous style of Taiji Quan.

For more information, please contact Dr. Raul Ramirez

5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 201
Culver City, CA 90230
Raul@neijingeasternmedicine.com
(310) 930-6046

Classes will be held on Saturdays and during the week. Please enquire for specific times. Private lessons are available.

Instructor: Dr. Raul Ramirez

Instructor Background: External Northern Kung Fu, including Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing) and Shuai Jiao (Traditional Chinese Wrestling) in Beijing, China and is trained extensively in a number of Internal styles including Qi Gong, Xing Yi Quan, Yue Jia Quan, Yin Yang Palm (Si Liang Zhang), Chen Style Tai Ji Quan, and Wu style Tai Ji Quan.

Beyond the Chinese Martial Arts, Dr. Ramirez is also trained in Indonesian Bangau Putih Silat, Sumo Wrestling, Brazilian Jujitsu, and Muay Thai.

His talent in Sanda and Shua Jiao has taken him to the top of the national Sanda arena, winning the National Full-Contact Sanda Championship in 2002 and 2003.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Fetal Development

2010-12-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Nei Jing is thousands of years old, yet here is an astounding description of fetal development that includes aspects of eastern medicine, specifically the meridians.

The meridians are the foundation of the body. This importance is poetically described by Huang Di himself in the beginning of Ling Shu, chapter ten. The young doctor Lei Gong begins the discussion when he asks the following question;

禁服之言，凡刺之理，经脉为始，营其所行，制其度量，内刺五脏，外别六腑。愿尽闻其道。黄帝曰：人始生，先成精，精成而脑随生，骨为干，脉为营，筋为纲，肉为墙，皮肤坚而毛发长，谷入于胃，脉道以通，血气乃行。雷公曰：愿卒闻经脉之始生。黄帝曰：经脉者，所以能决死生，处百病，调虚实，不可不通。

“[Ling Shu, chapter forty-eight, entitled] ‘Jin Fu’ states, every acupuncture theory begins with the meridians, [they] circulate the nutrients, traverse and regulate every measure of the body, internally can treat the five zang organs, and the external fu organs. I wish for you to thoroughly explain this to me.” Huang Di replies, “[When] human life begins, first there is the combination of the essence [of both parents], the essence becomes the brain marrow, the bones form, the vessels begin to deliver nutrition, the sinews begin attaching, the muscles form like walls, the skin solidifies and the hair develops, food then enters the stomach, the meridians are able to go through, transporting blood and qi.” Lei Gong asks, “Can this lowly servant hear about the meridian’s origins?” Huang Di answers, “The doctor [that knows] the meridians, can determine if the patient will live or die, they can tell which of the many diseases the patients has, they can regulate deficiency and excess [conditions], and tell if the meridians are flowing properly.”

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: The Power of Acupuncture

2010-10-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

From Ling Shu, chapter one:

The Nei Jing also contains methods of diagnosing terminal diseases. It does not claim that everyone will live forever by using acupuncture. The point here, is that it is always helpful to seek acupuncture treatment regardless of the illness.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Heart Meridian has no Shu Points

2010-10-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Shu points are a very special group of five points on each meridian, except the Heart Meridian. Shu points were added to the Heart meridian in a later book called, Nan Jing, even though the Nei Jing takes the time to explain exactly why the Heart meridian does not have Shu points. Ling Shu chapter seventy-one makes the reason clear.

“黄帝曰：手少阴之脉独无输，何也？岐伯曰：少阴，心脉也。心者，五脏六府之大主也，精神之所舍也，其藏坚固，邪弗能容也。容之则心伤，心伤则神去，神去则死矣。故诸邪之在于心者，皆在于心之饱络，饱络者，心主之脉也，故独无输焉。”

“Huang Di asks, ‘Why is the Hand Shao Yin meridian the only one without Shu points?’ Qi Bo replies, ‘Shao Yin is the heart meridian. The heart is the master of five Zang and the six Fu’s great master, it is the spirit’s home, this organ is firmly protected, disease must not enter. If a disease enters the heart, it will be injured. If the heart is injured, the spirit leaves. If the spirit leaves, the patient dies. Consequently, the diseases related with the heart, fall upon the pericardium meridian. The pericardium meridian is controlled by the heart. Therefore, the heart meridian is the only one without Shu points.”

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: The Tip of the Needle

2010-09-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture points are locations where disease enters the body. Su Wen, chapter sixty-two explains all sites where pathogens enter the body.

“人有精气津液，四支，九窍，五藏，十六部，三百六十五节，乃生百病，百病之生，皆有虚实。” “Humans have Jing, Qi, Jin, Ye, four limbs, nine orifices, five zang organs, six fu organs, sixteen channels, three hundred sixty-five acupuncture points, where the hundred diseases can develop, in the development of the hundred diseases each has its deficient [aspects] and excessive [aspects].”

Su Wen, chapter ten adds the needle into this equation, “人有大谷十二分，小溪三百五十四名，少十二俞，此皆卫气所留止，邪气之所客也，针石缘而去之。” “Humans have twelve major meridians dividing [the body], three hundred fifty-four acupuncture points along with twelve more shu points, these are all for the Wei Qi to flow, pathogenic Qi can enter here, like a visitor, the needle’s sharp end expels [the pathogen].” This is how acupuncture points are simultaneously linked to the development and treatment of disease. The acupuncture needles are used to directly treat disease at the acupuncture point.

*“神在秋毫” is literally, “the spirit is at the autumn down,” or the new down feathers with fine tips. Obviously a tender reference to the tip of the needle.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Diagnosis Skill

2010-09-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Learning and practicing this diagnostic method should be given due diligence since Nei Jing lists facial complexion diagnosis as the method of the higher quality doctor. In Ling Shu chapter four, Huang Di states，“...见其色，知其病，命曰明：按其脉，知其病，命曰神；问其病，知其处，命其工” or, “...when a physician can diagnose the disease by examining his complexion (color), they are called bright; when the physician can diagnose the disease of the patient by palpating the pulse, they are called “godlike”; when one can diagnose the disease by only inquiring the patient’s signs and symptoms, they are considered of average skill.”

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Needling Heat

2010-08-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

The very first chapter of Ling Shu describes the needling method of hot and cold disorders as follows, “刺诸热者，如以手探汤；刺寒清者，如人不欲行.” “When needling heat disorders, needle as though a hand touching [hot] soup; when treating cold disorders, needle like a person that does not want to leave.” The description of the hand touching the hot soup implies that the doctor, when treating, must insert the needle and then pull the out instantly. The action of pulling the needle out instantly resembles the instinctual recoil reaction of a person the just touched something very hot. The rapid removal of the needle creates somewhat of a vent like reaction for the patient. The skin is pierced and the heat is allowed to escape out of the open hole made by the needle.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Aspects of Yin and Yang

2010-07-28T11:15:00.001-07:00

Chapter four of the Nei Jing, Su Wen, entitled, “金贵真言论” or “True Sayings form the Golden Cabinet,” provides the following philosophical descriptions that will give the basis to understanding disease.

“阴阳者，天地之道也，万物之纲纪，变化之父母，生杀之本始，神明之府也，治病必求于本。”

“Yin and Yang are the way of heaven and earth, the primary discipline of the universe, the mother and father of change, the root of birth and death, the godʼs palace also. To cure disease one must seek out its root..."

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Balanced Pulse

2010-07-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

The pulse of a healthy person is discussed in Ling Shu, chapter nine. Keeping with the thorough nature of the Nei Jing, the healthy pulse resonates through the entire microcosm and macrocosm. From the pulse, all can be discerned about the patient.

“所谓平人者不病，不病者，脉口人迎应四时也，上下相应而俱往来也，六经之脉不结动也，本末之寒温之相守司也，形肉血气必称也，是谓平人。”

“The one that is called the balanced person is not sick; Cun Kou [and] Ren Ying pulse [beat] in accord with the four seasons; the upper pulse (Ren Ying) and the lower pulse (Cun Kou) heed each other’s comings and goings; the pulses of the six meridians beat with no irregularities; the [body’s] beginnings and ends, the cold and warmth are self-preserving and self-regulating; the body’s form, muscle, blood, and qi must be in agreement, this is what is called the balanced person.”

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing #2

2010-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

“[Ling Shu, chapter forty-eight, entitled] ‘Jin Fu’ states, every acupuncture theory begins with the meridians, [they] circulate the nutrients, traverse and regulate every measure of the body, internally can treat the five zang organs, and the external fu organs. I wish for you to thoroughly explain this to me.” Huang Di replies, “[When] human life begins, first there is the combination of the essence [of both parents], the essence becomes the brain marrow, the bones form, the vessels begin to deliver nutrition, the sinews begin attaching, the muscles form like walls, the skin solidifies and the hair develops, food then enters the stomach, the meridians are able to go through, transporting blood and qi.” Lei Gong asks, “Can this lowly servant hear about the meridian’s origins?” Huang Di answers, “The doctor [that knows] the meridians, can determine if the patient will live or die, they can tell which of the many disease the patients has, they can regulate deficiency and excess [conditions], and tell if the meridians are flowing properly.”

The meridians are distributed throughout the body. Every part of the body is connected through the meridian system, from the innermost organ, to the outer surface of the skin. The doctor, by using the needle to pierce the skin to reach the acupuncture points of the meridian, is then able to touch the associated organ at the same time. This is how acupuncture is able to treat minor aches and pains, Re Bing, as well as any internal medical disease.

Meridians have many aspects. They are the channels that carry the organ’s Qi and blood. When there is an impairment in the flow of Qi or blood, problems can arise. If the Qi of an organ is imbalanced disease can enter the meridian and it can affect the organ. Internal factors, such as emotional stress and poor diet, can disable the functioning of an organ that can affect the meridians as well. Huang Di goes into considerable depth explaining the meridian pathways and then he lists the symptoms of meridian dysfunction and the symptoms that appear when the internal organs are affected as well as reiterating the corresponding pulse. Nei Jing is rarely redundant. Pulse diagnosis is repeated here because it is vitally important to confirm the diagnosis.

Beautiful Passages from Nei Jing: Which is Smaller, a Needle or a Sword?

2010-06-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

There are many beautiful passages in Nei Jing. This ongoing series will share many of the most poetic with hopes that everyone will enjoy them.

In Ling Shu, chapter sixty, Qi Bo explains the vast importance of the needle to Huang Di.

黄帝曰：余以小针为细物也，夫子乃言上合之于天，下合之于地，中合之于人，余以为过针之意矣，愿闻其故。岐伯日：何物大于天乎？夫大于针者，惟五兵者焉。五兵者，死之备也，非生之具。且夫人者，天地之镇也，其不可不参乎？夫治民者，亦惟针焉。夫针之与五兵，其孰小乎？

Huang Di inquires, “All needles are small and slender objects, some say that above, [the needle] is in accord with heaven, below, [the needle] is in accord with the earth, in the center, [the needle] is in accord with humans, I think that making needles this important is hyperbole, I would like an explanation.” Qi Bo replies, “What object is as big as heaven? Humans and the ‘Five Weapons’1 are larger than the needle. The ‘Five Weapons’ oppose life and are instruments of death. Humans are heaven and earth’s sentinels, can they not act in or intervene in [matters regarding heaven and earth]? Yet, a human can cure all people using only the needle. Of humans, needles, and the ‘Five Weapons’ which one is small?”

What can be larger than the needle? Weapons are larger, but they are used to murder people, not to save lives. Since the most precious creatures between heaven and earth are humans, and their lives are saved by the needle, how can the needle not be considered as important as heaven and earth? This demonstrates the fact that the study of acupuncture is difficult and laden with responsibility.

1 The “Five Weapons” are, the Bow, Spear, Lance, Sword, and Halberd. The five would be considered a whole arsenal of myriad weapons. Reducing many weapons to five types and calling the entire arsenal “Five Weapons” is a sort of understatement common in Chinese Literature (Spiritual Pivot, Wu, page 198).

Dr. Ramirez to do Interview Wednesday, June 2 on KTYM Radio

2010-05-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, June 2, at 9:30AM, Dr. Ramirez of Nei Jing Eastern Medicine will be interviewed on KTYM AM 1460. Community Forum, is a local show hosted by, Los Angeles County Commissioner Janet Neal. Topics will include Eastern Medicine and how the community can access Eastern Medical services. The show will also be streamed from the KTYM website.

Enjoy!

The Cyborg and Dr. Ramirez

2010-05-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 9th, Dr. Ramirez trained with pro MMA fighter Cris "Cyborg" Santos in San Diego, CA. It was a great experience. He has a long history of training with the best fighters and coaches from all over the world. He hope to give his students the best training experience possible.

Here is his post along with pics.

Martial Arts Training Burns High Amount of Calories

2010-05-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

The May edition of Women's Health Magazine touts the benefits of martial arts training, in particular the high caloric expenditure. It states that students burn, on average 500 calories per hour. Martial arts workouts also, "boost your metabolism, improve your balance, and chisel a strong, stunning physique." Martial arts training incorporates punching and kicking, which are also "proven stress relievers."

Consider taking our Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing) class. Classes are held Tuesdays at 2 PM, and Saturdays at 1:30 PM. All levels are welcome. 11671 National Blvd. West L.A., CA 90064

Nei Jing and Vegetarianism

2010-02-15T22:11:00.000-08:00

There is overwhelming scientific evidence proving the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. What does the Nei Jing say about animal protein and disease? The Nei Jing does not make endorse any specific diet. In fact, meat is recommended as a supplement for one specific case in Ling Shu, chapter nine, along with strongly spiced vegetables.

Yet, when discussing the serious subject of infectious diseases, or “Heat Diseases,” the Nei Jing is clear. Su Wen, chapter thirty-one states: “帝曰：病热当何禁？岐伯曰：病热少愈，食肉则复，多食则遗，此其禁也。” “Huang Di asked, ‘Are there any contradictions for heat disorders?’ Qibo replied, ‘If [the patient] is recovering and eats meat, then the disease will recur; refrain from overeating, these are the contraindications.’”

Eastern and western medical schools teach that the consumption of meat is safe and nutritious. This assertion is not always true. Cultural customs play a part in the belief that meat is always beneficial to the body. While every meat has unique properties according to eastern medicine, they offer little to the body besides protein. Nei Jing says no meat during Re Bing. Modern scientific research supports this ancient book yet again.

The general public believes that protein is synonymous with meat, and that meat is the best source of protein. There has even been a technical distinction made regarding plant and animal protein. Animal protein is called “high quality,” plant protein is classified as “low quality.” Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, and author of the China Study, the twenty year research study of nutrition and disease, explains “high and low quality” proteins:

“The proteins of other animals are very similar to our proteins because they mostly have the right amounts of each of the needed amino acids [proteins]. These proteins can be used very efficiently and therefore are called “high quality.” Among animal foods, the proteins of milk and eggs represent the best amino acid matches for our proteins, and thus are considered the highest quality. While the “lower quality” plant proteins maybe lacking in one or two of the essential amino acids, as a group they do contain all of them.”

This type of labeling might lead one to think that eating animal products are not only healthy, but also that meat may be the ideal food for humans. Dr. Campbell goes on to explain that efficiency does not always equal quality, or health. “This would be well and good if the greatest efficiency equaled the greatest health, but it doesn’t, and that’s why the terms efficiency and quality are misleading.” “...there is a mountain of compelling research showing that, “low quality” plant protein, which allows for slow but steady synthesis of new proteins, is the healthiest type of protein.”

There are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better provided by plants. Nutrition from plants can substantially control the adverse effects of noxious chemicals. Dr. Campbell explains,“the assumption is that meat would be safe if it didn’t have those unnatural chemicals in it. The real danger of the meat, however, is the nutrient imbalances, regardless of the presence or absence of those nasty chemicals. Long before modern chemicals were introduced into our food, people still began to experience more cancer and more heart disease when they started to eat more animal-based foods,” (Campbell, p.5).

Diet should be an integral part of any medical treatment. Nei Jing considers improper diet one of the major causes of disease. The goal of acupuncture is to create an environment in the body that is conducive for healing; the patient therefore should also create a healing internal environment by consuming food that combats disease. Eating meat creates an internal environment that allows disease to develop.

Dr. Campbell and his many colleagues’ research over the decades, prove that all animal protein, including dairy and eggs, increase the activities of enzymes that allow carcinogens to damage the DNA of cells, leading to cancer. Plant protein decreases this effect. All fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system and protects the body from free radical damage. Antioxidants “are only present in animal-based foods to the extent that animals eat them and store a small amount in their own tissues,” (Campbell, p. 92, 93). Therefore, refraining from all animal protein during “heat diseases” and switching to a plant based diet, provides the body with the nutrients needed to combat disease.

The aspect of not eating too much during “heat diseases” is considered in “Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology.” Volume 9, contains a study by Dutch scientists who found that fasting stimulates the response that tackles the bacterial infections responsible for most fevers. Volunteers in the study fasted by drinking only water, “Levels of gamma interferon fell slightly, while levels of another chemical messenger, interleukin-4, nearly quadrupled. Interleukin-4 is characteristic of the humoral immune response, in which B cells produce antibodies that attack pathogens lurking outside our cells.” One of the researchers, Gijs van den Brink of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam states, “This response is needed to tackle most bacterial infections.”

Modern research proves the wisdom of the ancients. Eating meat lowers the body’s ability to protect itself from disease, and eating too much food lowers the ability to fight infection, which may result in “heat diseases.” Another aspect to consider is to eat little to no animal protein on a daily basis and to refrain from overeating in order to prevent “heat diseases.”

The science is overwhelming and “heat diseases” are not the only conditions benefited by vegetarianism. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research states that a vegetarian diet will help many common health conditions.

Preventing Cancer
Beating Heart Disease
Lowering Blood Pressure
Preventing and Reversing Diabetes
Gallstones, Kidney Stones, and Osteoporosis
Asthma

While there is no clear endorsement of vegetarianism in the Nei Jing, it does recognize the detrimental effects of the consumption of animal protein. Consider minimizing animal protein in your diet.

Campbell, T. Colin; Campbell, Thomas M.; The China Study The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health
www.pcrm.org/health

Chinese Sanda Defeats Muay Thai Again!

2009-12-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, the Chinese Sanda team defeated Thailand's Muay Thai team 4 fights to 1. Come learn this dominating style. Come learn Sanda with Nei Jing Eastern Medicine! Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm at AMMS gym, 11677 National Blvd. West L.A., CA 90064.

For video of the fights, click here.

Winter Solstice Marks a Change in Acupuncture Treatment

2009-12-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

    The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter. Similar to the seasonal differences that affect the pulse, the seasons also affect the location of the acupuncture point. The more Yang energy present in the environment, the more superficial the location of the acupuncture point. Ling Shu, chapter nineteen discusses the impact that the season has on the acupuncture point depth.
黄帝问于岐伯日：夫四时之气，各不同形，百病之起，皆有所生，灸刺之道，何者为定。岐伯答曰：四时之气，各有所在，灸刺之道，得气穴为定。故春取经血脉分肉之间，甚者深刺之，间者浅刺之。夏取盛经孙络，取分门绝皮肤。秋取经输，邪在府，取之合。冬取井荣，必深以留之。
Huang Di asked Qi Bo, “The energy of each of the four seasons is different, [each one] can cause diseases to arise, how does one decide the proper acupuncture technique?” Qi Bo replies, “The energy of the four seasons has its own location that will influence the acupuncture method used to reach the acupuncture points. Therefore, during spring aim for the space between the blood vessel and the muscle, needle deep for a severe disease, needle shallow for a less severe disease. During summer recognize that the meridians and superficial collaterals are full, stop the insertion just after penetrating the skin. During autumn choose the Jing and Shu points, [if] the disease affects the Fu organs, use the He point. During winter select the Jing (Well) and Ying points, they must be needled deeply and the needle must be retained longer.”

    In the previous passage the proper insertion depth is revealed for two seasons, spring and summer. These seasons have the most Yang energy. In spring the point is located under the skin, yet above the muscle. This is described as being at the same level of the vessels. During summer the energy of the season fills the body and raises the point location to precisely under the skin at the level of the superficial collaterals. The first layer under the skin is designated as the superficial collateral level. Deeper, lies the muscle and the bone level, but they were not mentioned in this passage. Therefore, the depths of autumn and winter are not given here.
    Su Wen, chapter sixty-four provides the missing depths. “秋刺经脉，血气上逆，令人善忘；秋刺络脉，气不外行，令人卧不欲动；秋刺筋骨，血气内散，令人寒慄。” “Inserting the needle to the depth of the vessels during autumn reverses the qi and blood flow upward, causes people to become extremely forgetful, or amnesia; inserting the needle to the depth of the superficial collaterals blocks the outward flow of Qi, causes people to lie down and not want to move; to needle down to the tendons and the bone during autumn will scatter the Qi and blood, causing people to feel cold and tremble.” By mere exclusion, the only safe depth during autumn is the muscle level. Ling Shu, chapter nine also offers this statement, “秋气在分肉。” “The Qi is between the muscles during autumn.”1
    The proper insertion depth during winter is obvious. The chapter begins with this passage, “冬气在骨髓中。” “[During] winter the Qi is in the bone marrow.” This refers to the philosophy that during winter the body’s energy contracts and sinks to its deepest depths. Later in the chapter the same list of contraindications is given about needling during winter. Even though the passage says the energy is inside the bone, the acupuncture point is located just above the bone. This conclusion is made because of the sheer improvability of needling into the bone, but also to the statement made in Ling Shu, chapter one, “Each acupuncture point is located where the qi drifts and flows out and in, below the skin, between the muscles, along side the tendons, and above the bones.” So, to follow the words of Nei Jing, one must insert the needle to a depth, just above the bone, during winter.

Skin
Summer: Superficial Collateral Level
Spring: Vessel Level
Autumn: Muscle Level
Winter: Bone Level
Bone

Figure 1: Table of needle insertion depth according to the season. The skin is the most superficial level, bone level is the deepest.

1 Su Wen, chapter sixty-four provides a serious dilemma for the reader. The beginning of the chapter lists five seasons, which includes the long summer. This addition is logical according to Five Element philosophy. But, the depth of needle insertion during long summer is designated as being the muscle level. This designation does not match the logical progression laid out in the rest of Nei Jing regarding acupuncture point depth. There is reprieve later in this chapter. Long summer is no longer mentioned in the second half when the ill effects of improper needling are mentioned. Autumn then, takes the place of long summer as having its acupuncture points located at the muscle and tendon level.

Thank You for Making Nei Jing Eastern Medicine One of Your Favorite Places

2009-12-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

“Thank you all,” is the only phrase that comes to mind. Beyond that, Nei Jing Eastern Medicine is at a loss for words at being selected amongst Google’s Favorite Places. “Over 100,000 businesses were identified as Favorite Places, representing less than 1% of the 28 million U.S. businesses.” “We believe that our standards for selecting businesses are as selective or more selective than other companies which have run similar initiatives,” states Google’s website.

A decal was sent to the office today. A special barcode is printed on it for quick scanning by smartphones. It will take the user directly to the Nei Jing Eastern Medicine business page.

The most important aspect about receiving this recognition is that, “Google users ‘decided’ based on their actions, and we sent the decals.” “The list was determined based on the popularity of a business' Local Business Center listing, as determined by how many times Google users looked for more information about a business, requested driving directions to get there, and more.”

Apparently, it is not easy to be selected as a Favorite Place. Google explains, “No, it is not possible for a business to request becoming a Favorite Place.” “We may decide to periodically send out more decals to businesses that meet our criteria. We have not determined specific dates for additional mailings.”

Thank you all for making Nei Jing Eastern Medicine a popular and Favorite Place!

NSCA Article Regarding Athletes and Vegetarian/Vegan Diets

2009-12-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

The National Strength and Conditioning Association released their Performance Training Journal, vol. 8.6, today, containing the article, “Where Do Vegetarian Athletes Get Their Protein?” by Juan Gonzalez PhD, CSCS and Ashley Eubanks. The article discusses many current misunderstandings that surround vegetarianism and veganism, and offers some great assurances to the many athletes that are becoming vegetarian or vegan.

“Achieving optimum nutrition is something every serious athlete strives for every day. Many people believe that maintaining the appropriate level of nutrition is harder for vegetarian athletes than it is for their omnivorous counterparts. As this article will explain, a vegetarian athlete can be energized well enough to perform maximally with a diet which is diverse and well-rounded.”

One misconception discussed is the incorrect notion that a vegetarian will not be able to get all appropriate proteins from plant protein sources. This is not true. Many plant sources contain all the essential proteins, for example, soy protein, buckwheat, hempseed, and quinoa. Plants that do not contain all essential proteins can be mixed with other plants in the daily diet resulting in the athlete getting all essential proteins.

"Therefore, a vegetarian needs to become knowledgeable about protein sources. For instance, even though some plant-based sources have reduced amounts of particular amino acids, one can combine foods to fill in these “amino acid gaps.” If one food is low in lysine for example, then it should be combined with a food that is high in lysine. Some examples of appropriate combinations are:
• Grains and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils)
• Legumes and seeds (sunflower and sesame)

Previously, it was believed that complementary proteins needed to be included in the same meal. It has been realized that as long as the foods are consumed in the same day, one will receive the same benefits (3). By including complementary proteins as a part of the daily diet, a vegetarian can be confident that they are obtaining all of the essential amino acids. Research indicates that a diet containing diverse plant foods can provide all essential amino acids (1,3).

The American Dietetic Association observes that a vegetarian diet offers high levels of dietary fiber, carotenoids, flavonoids, and various phytochemicals. The ADA also recently announced in 2009, that the typical protein intake of lacto-ovo-vegetarians (and vegans) appears to meet or even exceed requirements. In addition to this, the ADA affirmed that athletes obtaining protein from plant-based diets are able to achieve their protein needs. The American Dietetic Association listed the following as typical benefits of a vegetarian diet:
• Lower blood pressure levels
• Lower blood cholesterol
• Lower risk of hypertension
• Lower risk for Type II diabetes
• Lower BMI (Body Mass Index)

It appears the vegetarian diet has many health benefits. As this article shows, athletes who are following a vegetarian diet can achieve adequate amounts of protein. The well-rounded vegetarian diet is able to successfully energize athletes by providing all the necessary protein requirements in addition to offering a high-carb, low-fat diet."

Now is a good time to reconsider your food choices. A vegetarian or vegan diet will not limit a person in any way. All activities can be done, and many report feeling more energetic (4).

References
1. American Dietetic Association. Position statement of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. 109(7): 1,266 – 1,282. 2009.
2. Bergstrom J, et al. Diet, muscle glycogen and physical performance. Acta Physiologica
Scandinavica. 71: 140 – 150. 1967.
3. Young VR, and Pellett PL. Plant proteins in relation to human protein and amino acid
nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 59(5): 1,203S – 1,212S. 1994.
4. Vegetarian Times, December 2009.

Fundamental Reasons Treatment Goes Wrong

2009-11-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

    Currently, there are many, so called, styles of acupuncture. Each style has its leaders proclaiming the superiority of that particular style. Why are there so many styles, and why do they not work on every patient? Ling Shu, chapter one states, "Those who say that diseases are incurable have not mastered the art of acupuncture." Eastern medicine can treat every patient no matter what the disease. If this is so, then why do so many patients claim, “Acupuncture didn’t work for me?” When an acupuncturist today is baffled at the lack of progress of his patients and feels as though acupuncture cannot cure the patient, there is a reason. When a practitioner begins to believe that the effect of acupuncture is weak compared to the effect of western medication, there is a reason for failure in acupuncture. The failure is the doctor, not the needle, moxa, or the herbs. Acupuncture cures the most severe of diseases, but according to Nei Jing the patients that are not cured have only the doctor to blame. Ling Shu, chapter four also lists the cure rate at 60% for "Low Level" doctors, and 90% for "High Level" doctors.
    Chapter seventy-seven of the Su Wen, entitled, “Five Mistakes in Treatment,” and chapter seventy-eight, entitled, “Four Losses in Treatment,” explain the reasons for failure in diagnosis and treatment. The Su Wen even goes as far as giving checklists for doctors to find out where the treatment went wrong. Chapter seventy-seven lists the five faults as:
1. Failure to gather a thorough history of the patient’s life.
2. Failure to gather information on the patient’s diet and emotional status.
3. Inability to read the pulse.
4. When the doctor waivers on his treatment course.
5. The doctor does not understand disease progression, etiology, and treatment.
    Chapter seventy-eight lists more examples of “losses” in the practice of acupuncture:
1. When the doctor diagnoses without clear thought and understanding Yin and Yang and how to regulate “逆” “counter-flowing.”
2. Absurd needle technique.
4. Not having a clear history of the patient leads to an imprecise diagnosis.
5. Failure to ask about the onset of the disease.
This list is very simple yet, is a precise summary of the many mistakes made by acupuncturists from antiquity until now.

Failure to Gather a Thorough History of the Patient’s Life

    A proper history is the first step in making a proper diagnosis. The many events in a patient’s life can have a long lasting effect on their health. The first instance that Nei Jing lists is the trauma associated with the change from rich to poor. In the second paragraph of chapter seventy-seven, Huang Di explains, “必问贵后贱，虽不中邪，病从内生，名曰营；富后，名曰矢精；五气留连，病有所并。医工之，不在脏府，不变形，之而，不知病名；身体日，气虚无精，病无气，酒酒然时，病者，以其外于卫，内于。良工所失，不知病情，赤治之一过也.” “You must ask whether the patient was once rich then poor after, although not the central cause of the disorder, disease arises from the interior, this is called ‘peeling away the nutritive,’ To have wealth at first then to become impoverished is called,‘Losing Jing.’ When a middle level doctor tries to make a misinformed diagnosis, they cannot tell if the disease is in the zang or fu organs, they cannot tell if it has changed the body shape, they diagnose the accompanying symptoms, they do not know the name of the disease. The patient’s body deteriorates day-by-day, the qi becomes deficient and the jing empties, the disease deepens until there is no more qi left. This is the first mistake in treating.”
    In this case, the subject was change from wealth to poverty. There is one more example given later in this chapter, “If a person was a high ranking official then demoted...” The practitioner should not be so ridged in thought to think that these are the only type of experience that can affect a person in such a profound way, there are many different traumas that can adversely affect the health of the patient, especially the long term health of the patient. Huang Di reiterates later, “虽不中邪，精神内伤，身必败亡。” “Although not the central pathogen, their jing, shen, and internal organs are injured, the body can weaken and die.” This is why thorough history taking is very important to making a proper diagnosis.
The same paragraph explains that a low level doctor would be lost and never find a proper diagnosis or treatment if they do not collect enough information. If only more doctors would take the time to learn these simple lessons, there would be more successful practices.

Failure to Gather Information on the Patient’s Diet and Emotional Status

    This principal is similar to the previous section in that it requires the acupuncturist to ask the patient about their emotional status regarding their lives and their diets. Yet, in the following passage, they add an extra point, knowing proper treatment method once a diagnosis is made.
“凡欲诊病者，必问饮食居处，暴乐暴苦，始乐后苦，皆伤精气。精气竭绝，形体毁沮。暴怒伤阴，暴喜伤阳，厥气上行，满脉去形。愚医治之，不知补写，不知病情，精华日脱，邪气乃并，此治之二过也。”
“When making a diagnosis, the doctor must ask the patient about their eating, drinking habits as well as how they are getting along in their daily life, if they are suddenly happy or suddenly sad, if they start off happy then later become sad, all of this can harm jing and qi. The jing and qi are exhausted, the body is destroyed. Sudden anger injures the yin, sudden joy injures the yang, and then deficient energy will rise to fill the channels and the form of the body leaves. A lower level doctor cannot treat the disorder, they do not even know how to properly tonify and sedate, they do not know pathology, the patient’s jing diminishes day-by-day, as the pathogen gets stronger. This is the second mistake in treating.”
    This should leave the doctor with much to think about and consider when making a diagnosis. This paragraph emphasizes the strong influence that emotion and diet have on health, regardless of the prominent symptoms that the patient is showing. The doctor must remember that this patient had pervious experiences and eating habits that may have left a weakness in the body. Therefore, the patient’s history must be remembered when making a proper diagnosis.

Inability to Read the Pulse

Inability to read the pulse is perhaps the single most important aspect of making a diagnosis. Reading the pulse properly is necessary for a doctor to know what points to tonify and to sedate, and to know when the patient is going to die if they are suffering from a terminal disease. All of these aspects are explained in other chapters of the Nei Jing. This chapter explains the importance of pulse reading as follows,“善为脉者，必以比类奇恒，从容知之，为工而不知道，此诊之不足贵，此治之三过也。” “The physician that is good at reading the pulse will definitely know easily the type of disease. The low level doctor will not know the proper method to read the pulse, his diagnosis will be worthless, this is the third mistake in treating.”

When the Doctor Waivers on his Treatment Course

    When a doctor has made a diagnosis and knows how to treat the disease, there must be no wavering on the treatment plan. The treating doctor must not waiver on the treatment method for any reason, even if it requires somewhat painful procedures. “医不能严，不能动神，外为柔弱，乱至失常，病不能移，则医事不行，此治之四过也。” “If the doctor is not resolute, then they will not be able to move the patient’s spirit, treating the surface in an easy accommodating way, this doctor will get bad results often, the disease cannot be removed, this kind of medical treatment does not work, this is the fourth mistake in treating.”

When the Doctor Does not Understand Disease Progression, Etiology, and Treatment

    Just as it is common in modern times to find an ignorant doctor, (eastern and western doctors alike), it was also common in antiquity. Like today, there were many unqualified doctors practicing on patients, and like today, they do not find much success in curing disease. This chapter describes this phenomenon as follows:
“凡诊者，必知终始，有知余绪。切脉问名，当合男女，离绝菀结，忧恐喜怒，五藏空虚，血气离守，工不能知，何术之语。尝富大伤，斩筋绝脉，身体复行，令泽不息。故伤败结，留薄归阳，脓积寒炅。粗工治之，亟刺阴阳，身体解散，四肢转筋，死日有期，医不能明，不问所发，唯言死日，亦为粗工。此治之五过也。”
“The doctor must know the beginning and the end of the disease, the doctor must also know all that is involved in treating the disease. The doctor must know how to unite male and female, to sever and unite, the four emotions, whether the five zang organs are empty and deficient, how to disperse and protect the qi and blood. The low level doctor cannot know, cannot speak the language of the art of acupuncture. They greatly injure the qi, sever the sinews and exhaust the meridians, the body regresses, the detriment does not cease. The injuries compound, weakness remains affecting the Yang, pus accumulates and cold increases. The careless doctor treats rashly, weakening the body, the four limbs transform, death draws closer, [the careless] doctor is not able to comprehend, cannot even ask what occurred, but can only say the date of the patient’s death, this is what the careless doctor is like, this is the fifth mistake in treating.”
This chapter goes on to describes what a high level doctor knows and how they treat patients. “圣人之治病也，必知天地阴阳，四时经络，五脏六腑，雌雄表里。刺灸砭石，毒药所主：从容人事，以明经道，贵贱贪富，各异品理，问年少长勇惧之理；审于分部，知病本始，八正九候，诊必副矣。” “When the sagely doctor treats, the sage knows heaven, earth, yin and yang, the four seasons, the meridians, the five zang and six fu, the feminine and the masculine, the external and the internal, interior and exterior; they have mastered acupuncture, moxa, surgery,1 and herbal medicine: from the appearance they can tell the patient’s condition, they can tell the condition of the meridians, discern the precious from the substandard, the poor from the wealthy, everything unusual can also be managed, [they] inquire the age, height, if the patient is courageous or fearful; [they] examine all aspects of the body, [they] know the root of the disease, the equinoxes and solstices,2 the diagnosis must [therefore] match.” The main requirement for becoming a sagely doctor is time spent studying the entire Nei Jing, meaning both volumes, the Su Wen and Ling Shu. This level of doctor is hard to find, then and now, but if one were only to read the entire Nei Jing one could learn everything necessary to become a sagely doctor.

The Doctor Diagnoses Without Clear Thought and Understanding

    Nei Jing: Su Wen, chapter seventy-eight, entitled, “Four Losses in Treatment,” further elaborates on the subject of erroneous treatment. In this chapter, Huang Di explains the four losses to the young doctor Lei Gong. He explains that a young doctor tends to have less wisdom and is sometimes unable to focus their thoughts, but youth is not a loss in treatment. Huang Di further explains the importance of mental focus, “夫经脉十二，络脉三百六十五，此皆人所明知，工之所循用也。所以不十全者，精神不专，志意不理，外内相失，故时疑殆。诊不知阴阳逆从之理，此治之一失矣。” “Humans have twelve meridians, and three hundred sixty-five acupuncture points, all of this must be keenly known, [the principles] are therefore obeyed and used. The doctors that are unstable, cannot focus their jing and spirit, cannot control their thoughts and intentions, the internal and external are equally lost, they constantly doubting their knowledge and endanger [patients]. In diagnosing, they do not know how to regulate the counter-flowing of Yin and Yang. This is the first loss in treating.”
This type of mental instability can occur at any age. This passage might challenge the common notion that the older acupuncturist is better than the younger acupuncturist, because it shows that the real test of knowledge and skill is to see if the doctor is able to focus his mind on the medicine and the patient; and just how closely the doctor follows the principles of the Nei Jing.

Absurd Needle Technique

    The Nei Jing emphasizes, “absurd” practice is a direct cause of “loss” or failure in treatment. Huang Di says, “受师不卒，妄作离术，谬言为道，更名自功，妄用砭石，后遗身咎，此治之二失也。” “[The doctor that] absurdly uses some random needle method, talks erroneously about the medicine, uses some famous method and claims that it is his/her own, absurdly uses surgical procedures, later he/she can only blame himself/herself for mistaken treatment. This is the second loss in treatment.”
    There is no room to argue in this passage. When a doctor practices in an absurd and careless way then the patients do not get better, and their conditions might even get worse. If a doctor studies and understands the principles in the Nei Jing then there would be no reason for a doctor to look elsewhere for “some random needle method.” The passage reflects the current situation with the popularity of misguided acupuncture gurus.

Not Having a Clear History of the Patient Leads to an Imprecise Diagnosis

    Just as in the previous chapter seventy-seven, the idea of proper history taking is reiterated. All the same topics are restated in this paragraph, like diet, and living situation. The end of this paragraph reads, “。。。不知比类，足以自乱，不足以自明，此治之三失也。” “...not knowing this information [about the patient], leaves the doctor confused, without understanding.” Just like the paragraph in chapter seventy-seven, the doctor must collect a thorough history of the patient. As this is a restating of a fault in the previous chapter, there is no reason to expand further.

Failure to Ask About the Onset of the Disease

    An example is given in this paragraph explaining the importance of asking the onset of disease. The example of a patient suffering unable to leave the bedroom is given. If the doctor fails to ask the onset of disease he might miss the possibility that the patient merely has food poisoning and not some more serious disease. If a doctor begins treatment rashly there is large possibility that the procedure might be for a different disease. Then there would be no effect or a worsening of the patient’s condition. This is the “fourth loss in treatment.”
    Asking the onset of disease can be very important in making a proper diagnosis. In an emergency, knowing the onset can help determine the severity of the disorder. Knowing can also let the doctor know if the current disorder is related to previous problems or if it is unrelated.

Additional Consideration

    The Nei Jing leaves a checklist for doctors of all generations to follow. The study of the Nei Jing should never end. There are countless principles to learn from the Su Wen and the Ling Shu. When the doctor feels that he is at a sufficient level to practice, there is a quick review sheet for the doctor to remember the main reasons for faulty treatment. Both chapters never lay blame on the patient, the doctor is the soul cause of failure in treatment. A good doctor must be in control of the patient’s treatment, including acupuncture and daily activities of the patient including the diet. When the doctor’s knowledge of the Nei Jing is sufficient, then there is no reason for failure in treatment, no matter the severity of the disease.
    If the knowledge of the Nei Jing was more precise and in depth than what is taught in the modern eastern medical universities of the world, then there would be absolutely no reason for the acupuncture gurus of the ages. If the doctor only studied the Nei Jing they would be able to see through all the sophistry of the modern gurus and even many so-called “classic” Chinese medical texts that give illogical reasoning for the mistreatment of patients.
    The Nei Jing places responsibility on failure in treatment solely on the doctor. Text explains all aspects of medicine that one would ever need to know. Famous doctor, Zhang Zhong Jing tried to promote the Nei Jing in his writing. From his praising of the Nei Jing in this preface, to him using the six-stages as a framework to explain when to use his herbal formulas. If only modern doctors would take the time to learn about the Nei Jing, eastern medicine could be elevated in the world as a leading treatment for all types of diseases.
    All doctors should strive to be a high level doctor with a 90% success rate. All patients should try their best to be open and honest with their doctors. Patients should also look for a doctor that is thorough like the high level doctor described in the Nei Jing.

1 Some consider the stone needle as the ancient instrument used to perform surgery in ancient China. 砭石 , Bian Shi, literally means stone probe.

2 The equinoxes and solstices are a determining factor on the depth of needle insertion. They mark the changing of a season, and consequently the changing of the depth of needle insertion.

Description of Sanda

2009-11-28T00:22:00.000-08:00

An intense and dynamic workout, Sanda or 散打, tests your levels of cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Sanda is a full-contact sport fighting style that transforms the whole body into a weapon. Utilizing punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and spectacular takedowns and slams, it can be a very exciting sport to watch.

It has become one of China's popular sports and is practiced in most countries around the world. China has a national tournament called the Chinese Sanda King Tournament. It lasts the majority of a year. The United States started a national Sanda King tournament in 2003. Dr. Ramirez of Nei Jing Eastern Medicine won a gold medal at this inaugural tournament.

Dr. Ramirez trained in China at the Beijing University of Physical Education, (北京体育大学). He is currently teaching Sanda Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Academy of Mixed Martial Science 11677 National Blvd.West L.A., CA 90064.

Private Training is also available. Please email or call.
raul@neijingeasternmdicine.com
(310) 930-6046

What are Qigong and Taiji?

2009-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Both Taiji and Qigong are considered "internal exercises." It means that they not only help the physical body, but also the mind and spirit.

Qigong powerfully exercises the body’s Qi, or life force through simple, yet elegant postures, movements, breathing techniques, and focused intent. The practice of Qigong allows the practitioner to heal the body, focus the mind, and calm the spirit. With no complicated or strenuous movements to learn, anyone can benefit from Qigong, regardless of flexibility, age, or fitness level.

Taiji is known for slow and steady movements, that unite the breath, body, and mind. It is a beautiful and intricate martial art. Every exquisite movement of this ancient and battle tested art has practical applications for self defense. The practitioner will enjoy the mental calm and clarity that comes with the learning the movements, as well as the confidence that comes from knowing the commanding self defense applications. Only the most authentic Taiji styles are taught here.

Taiji and Qigong classes begin next week! Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

2009-10-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Come learn some of the most authentic versions and applications of different internal martial arts. Hope to see you all there!

Classes will be held at The Academy of Mixed Martial Science, 11677 National Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064

Tuesday (Taiji): 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Thursday (Qigong): 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Friday (Qigong): 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday (Taiji): 9:00am - 10:15am

Why a Needle?

2009-09-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

    The needle must be used to treat the patient because the acupuncture point is under the skin. The tip of the needle touches the acupuncture point and begins the healing process. Ling Shu, chapter one describes the functional part of the needle as being the tip, “神在秋毫” “the spirit is at the tip.”*
    If the needle penetrates too deeply it will not have a curative effect. Despite popular belief that acupressure is effective as acupuncture, such massage techniques where the acupuncture point it pressed with the fingers does not effect the balance of Ren Ying and Cun Kou pulse. If the pulse is not balanced after the treatment, the patient will not be cured. Another aspect that makes the use of needles crucial is the location of the acupuncture point.
    Chapter one of Ling Shu states, “节之交，三百六十五会，知其要者，一言而终，不知其要，流散无穷。所言节者，神气之所游行出入也，非皮肉筋骨也。” “Through out the entire body, there are 365 acupuncture points, the one that knows their crux, needs to be told only once, the ignorant fumbles without end. Each acupuncture point is located where the qi drifts and flows out and in, below the skin, between the muscles, along side the tendons, and above the bones.” A massage therapist pushes on the surface of the skin but cannot pierce the surface of the skin. A needle can reach the exact location of the acupuncture point. Without penetrating the skin the acupuncture point cannot be tonified or sedated.
    Nei Jing lists few major acupuncture techniques that only slightly differ from the following premise found in Ling Shu, chapter one, “持针之道，坚者为宝，正指直刺，无针左右，神在秋毫，属意病者，审视血脉者，刺之无殆。” “Technique for holding the needle, hold firmly as if holding a precious treasure, the fingers must be securely set for perpendicular insertion, do not needle [to the] left or right, the spirit is at the tip, the doctor [must] focus the intention on the disease, check the pulse, acupuncture must not endanger the patient.” The treatment of disease unfalteringly follows this foundational statement. The location of the acupuncture point is specific. If the tip of the needle has to touch the point, then inserting the needle at any other angle will cause the acupuncture point to be missed. The pulse will not regain balance and the patient’s condition will not improve.
    Acupuncture points are locations where disease enters the body. Su Wen, chapter sixty-two explains all sites where pathogens enter the body. “人有精气津液，四支，九窍，五藏，十六部，三百六十五节，乃生百病，百病之生，皆有虚实。” “Humans have Jing, Qi, Jin, Ye, four limbs, nine orifices, five zang organs, six fu organs, sixteen channels, three hundred sixty-five acupuncture points, where the hundred diseases can develop, in the development of the hundred diseases each has its deficient [aspects] and excessive [aspects].” Su Wen, chapter ten adds the needle into this equation, “人有大谷十二分，小溪三百五十四名，少十二俞，此皆卫气所留止，邪气之所客也，针石缘而去之。” “Humans have twelve major meridians dividing [the body], three hundred fifty-four acupuncture points along with twelve more shu points, these are all for the Wei Qi to flow, pathogenic Qi can enter here, like a visitor, the needle’s sharp end expels [the pathogen].” This is how acupuncture points are simultaneously linked to the development and treatment of disease. The acupuncture needles are used to directly treat disease at the acupuncture point.

*“神在秋毫” is literally, “the spirit is at the autumn down,” or the new down feathers with fine tips. Obviously a tender reference to the tip of the needle.

The Reviews Are In

2009-08-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Nei Jing Eastern Medicine has humbly received some great reviews on Yelp!

See for yourself.

Nei Jing on the Vital Importance of the Acupuncture Needle

2009-08-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

The acupuncture point is where the disease is treated by the doctor using acupuncture needles. This is the most vital aspect of eastern medicine. It has lost its place from the forefront of treatment. Many doctors have shifted the main treatment method to herbal medicine. The reason that acupuncture is not the first choice is that it is much more profound and complicated than other treatment methods. In Ling Shu, chapter sixty, Qi Bo explains the vast importance of the needle to Huang Di.

黄帝曰：余以小针为细物也，夫子乃言上合之于天，下合之于地，中合之于人，余以为过针之意矣，愿闻其故。岐伯日：何物大于天乎？夫大于针者，惟五兵者焉。五兵者，死之备也，非生之具。且夫人者，天地之镇也，其不可不参乎？夫治民者，亦惟针焉。夫针之与五兵，其孰小乎？

Huang Di inquires, “All needles are small and slender objects, some say that above, [the needle] is in accord with heaven, below, [the needle] is in accord with the earth, in the center, [the needle] is in accord with humans, I think that making needles this important is hyperbole, I would like an explanation.” Qi Bo replies, “What object is as big as heaven? Humans and the ‘Five Weapons’* are larger than the needle. The ‘Five Weapons’ oppose life and are instruments of death. Humans are heaven and earth’s sentinels, can they not act in or intervene in [matters regarding heaven and earth]? Yet, a human can cure all people using only the needle. Of humans, needles, and the ‘Five Weapons’ which one is small?”

* The “Five Weapons” are, the Bow, Spear, Lance, Sword, and Halberd. The five would be considered a whole arsenal of myriad weapons. Reducing many weapons to five types and calling the entire arsenal “Five Weapons” is a sort of understatement common in Chinese Literature (Spiritual Pivot, Wu, page 198).

The Difference Between “Sham Acupuncture” and “True Acupuncture” Must be Clarified.

2009-08-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

As acupuncture and Eastern Medicine become more mainstream, more misleading research is appearing in the news. It is important to clarify any possible mistakes.

In an attempt to create a placebo group for acupuncture trials, researchers have been needling nonspecific acupuncture points in what is called, the “sham” acupuncture group, and needling specific acupuncture points in the “True Acupuncture” group. John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC’s latest article in this month’s Acupuncture Today goes over some specific trials where this took place. He describes the process of “Sham” and “True” acupuncture.

In this research, studies were categorized by use of wrong points, nonpoints, and normal insertion and stimulation versus superficial insertion or minimal stimulation. The researchers obviously discounted superficial stimulation, as in various forms of Japanese acupuncture, as a valid treatment despite its thousand-plus year history. They further discounted any acupuncture points as invalid or wrong other than those which are illustrated on the human acupuncture mannequin or a typical acupuncture chart.

Not surprising, both acupuncture groups improved.

Why do both groups improve?

The reason both groups improve is because in both groups, needles are placed in the pain area, for example, low-back, arm, head, for pain in the associated area. What needs to be understood here is the fact that inserting an acupuncture needle into a painful location on the body, will stimulate the body to heal itself. The mechanisms are well documented, they range from increased blood circulation, enkephalin release, to the shear fact that inserting a needle into a muscle will cause the muscle fibers to relax. There are many scientifically proven reasons for the patient to feel relief with both needle treatment protocols, feel free to insert your own.

Yet, in the studies the “True Acupuncture” protocols are superficial as well. The patients in the “True” group seem to get a general point prescription very similar to the “Sham” group. There is virtually no difference between the groups. The vast majority of patients improve in these studies. Amaro states, “True blind or double-blind studies may essentially be impossible within acupuncture research due to the fact as long as a patient is able to feel a sensation at the point of needle contact (whether actual or simulated), it cannot be considered a valid blind study. The methods utilized in most acupuncture research are without question, a ‘sham.’”

Therefore, the attempt to create a placebo group is the real “sham.”

Amaro continues, “It is very apparent that those who are conducting what would otherwise be considered valid and scientific research at extremely impressive and recognized institutes are in fact guilty of the highest malfeasance with the models they have chosen to use regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture. Unfortunately, the general public and the scientific community regard research from these sources as gospel and would never question the validity of these studies.”

The Point of This Article

Both “Sham” and “True” acupuncture treatment protocols are superficial and imprecise. Yet, they provide relief to the majority of patients.

The most important of the earliest books about acupuncture, Nei Jing: Ling Shu, chapter four expresses the importance of proper diagnostic techniques and treatment. “故善调尺者，不待于寸，善调脉者，不待于色。能参合而行之者，可以为上工，上工十全九；行二者，为中工，中工十全七；行一者，为下工，下工十全六。” “Therefore, the doctor that is good at interpreting the condition of the forearm, does not need to refer to the Cun Kou pulse, the doctor that is good at regulating the pulse, does not need to wait to check the complexion. The physicians that are capable of diagnosing using all three of these aspects are called superior doctors, they can cure nine of ten patients; the physicians that are capable to use two of the three diagnostic methods are called the middle level doctors, they can cure seven of ten patients; physicians that use only one method of diagnosis are considered low level doctors, they can cure six of ten patients.”

The generalized treatments in the studies would probably be categorized as the treatment of lower level doctors according to the Nei Jing.

The real lesson to be learned is that acupuncture works. The message to the patient is to imagine the benefit when a qualified acupuncturist is allowed to use more precise diagnostic protocols and treatments. The results are greater.

Fan Appreciation Day!!!

2009-08-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all that became fans on Facebook!!! I want to make a "Fan Appreciation Day!" Monday August 24th. $25 treatment all day! Please call or email for an appointment!

Dong Yi Bo Gam Now a World Treasure

2009-08-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Classic medical book from Korea is now immortalized as a world treasure. In my humble opinion it is this book that set the bar of herbal medicine higher in Korea.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/07/148_49413.html

Treating Feather Picking in Parrots

2009-08-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

Feather Picking is a difficult condition to treat for parrot owners and vets alike.

A 1993 study on 28 parrots by Worell and Farber showed: “Certain types of birds, in particular, Umbrella Cockatoos and Moluccan Cockatoos, show very positive and beneficial responses to acupuncture therapy for feather picking."

Nei Jing Eastern Medicine has been successful at treating a male Eclectus without the use of collars. This parrots case is still ongoing. He is regrowing his feathers, and is not actively plucking.

If the other therapies have not worked. Please consider acupuncture for your beloved companion parrot.

Before:

After: