In this episode, Yefim and Jonathan discuss the treatment of acute knee pain.  Yefim shares his general approach to the treatment of this type of disorder, from treatment methods to diagnosis with the use of channel palpation. 

In this episode Jonathan shares a surprising belching case where channel palpation changed the course of his diagnosis and understanding of the patient’s physiology. He and Nyssa also discuss how Dr. Wang differentiated burps, the P6/SP4 point combination and its many uses. 

In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss a case which shines a light on the interesting role channel palpation might play in Chinese herbal medicine.  What seemed like a fairly straightforward gynecological case using Wen Jing Tang (温经汤) offered potential insight into the Yang Ming system.  One of Dr. Wang's hopes was to integrate channel palpation more methodically into Chinese herbal medical diagnosis and strategy. To that end, Dr. Wang used herbal formulas in some of his...

In this episode Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson have a dialogue on the concept of qi in the channels.  Conclusions are difficult but the idea that there is a physiological process (or connectivity/通/tōng) taking place within the anatomical spaces of the acupuncture channels was a foundational concept for Dr. Wang Juyi.  Questions such as "how might think about the effects of acupuncture needles on the local anatomy" and "what kind of concepts did Dr. Wang use to explain qi in the channels"...

In this episode, Jonathan Chang describes to Jason Robertson interesting cases from his recent teaching in Spain, Poland and Canada.  In the process, a discussion arises regarding the importance of focusing on a 'chief complaint' or 'primary symptom' (主症 zhǔ zhèng) in order to construct a 'symptom-pattern-structure' (證候結構 zhèng hòu jié gòu).  For much more on diagnostic strategy, please see/download Jason and Jonathan's article from The Lantern - Home | The Lantern

In this episode, Yefim and Jonathan discuss the extraordinary vessels, with a focus on Dr. Wang’s understanding of the Yin Qiao. Clinical application of KI-6 to regulate this vessel is also described. 

In this episode Jonathan and Nyssa share some recent gynecology cases from their clinics using only acupuncture and moxibustion, and discuss the importance of nutrition in building healthy blood.  They also discuss how Dr. Wang respected and uplifted acupuncture as a powerful medicine that deserved the status of herbs in the clinic.   Hope you enjoy the conversation!

In this episode Jonathan and Jason discuss the fascinating synergy of the annual TCM Kongress held in Rothenburg Germany.  This event was the last place Dr. Wang taught internationally in 2014 and one he enjoyed immensely.  This year, Jason participated in a roundtable discussion and demonstration of palpation in East Asian medicine. In addition, he discussed the anatomy and physiology of the Jueyin system as described in classical texts with Italian sinologist Giulia Boschi.  For more...

In this episode, Jonathan Chang talks to Dr. Meng Xiaonan about his experiences becoming a doctor at a TCM hospital in Beijing. Later in the episode, Dr. Meng answers some listeners' questions about the treatment of post-stroke patients. 

In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson remember Dr. Wang on the annual holiday known as "Tomb Sweeping Day"  (清明節- Qing Ming Jie).  In the spirit of remembrance, Jon and Jason reflect on one of Dr. Wang's favorite quotes from the Neijing.  Ling Shu chapter one describes the very nature of  "channels/points [which are] where spirit qi moves, exits and enters [and are] not [the same as] skin, flesh, tendons and bones" （所言節者，神氣之所遊行出入也，非皮肉筋骨也）.

In this episode, Yefim Gamgoneishvili and Jason Robertson discuss the much-debated question regarding 'tonification/補 bǔ' in acupuncture. Specifically, the question often arises regarding whether or not we can actually tonify using acupuncture (or moxa) or whether 'true' deficiency requires herbal medicine or dietary supplementation.  In this episode, Yefim also discusses how a practitioner might assess whether a given point is in a state of 'excess' (實 shí) or 'deficiency' (虚 xū).

In this episode of Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory, Jonathan Chang and Nyssa Tang chat about an eye twitching case that illustrates an aspect of the yin-yang relationship between the Jue Yin and Shao Yang.  The conversation also meanders into some observations about channel pathophysiology post-Covid and Dr. Wang Ju-Yi’s needling technique at DU14.  Hope you enjoy the conversation!

In this episode, Jonathan talks with Dr. Rodrigo Aranda about his experiences treating post-Covid patients in Chile. Four common categories of patients that are typically seen are discussed (chronic fatigue, IBS, peripheral neuropathy and cough), including the  common point combinations used. 

In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson describe a common point pairing strategy used by Dr. Wang.  Namely, what might be done when a presenting pattern fails to fit perfectly into categories of 'excess' or 'deficiency'.  In these situations, more of a 'regulating' treatment is called for where the channels and organs are cleared without depleting. This discussion provides a broad overview of how these patterns might look in each of the six channels.  In addition, some guidelines...

One of Dr. Wang’s most useful analogies for describing the physiology of the channels is the classic bamboo steamer that is a common sight at dumpling and bao shops in China. It’s a useful image for understanding how the channels support and influence each other to maintain a healthy internal environment.  In this episode of Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory, Jonathan and Nyssa share two cases where the lid of the steamer is opened to vent the Shao Yang. 

In Lingshu Chapter 18, the Neijing describes each of the three 'burners' (焦 jiao) in the trunk of the body as having what Dr. Wang described as 'environments'.  In that text, the middle burner is described as a 'pickling pot' (漚 ou). In this discussion, Jonathan and Jason discuss a variety of common patterns and physiological concepts related to this central area of post-natal qi creation.  Cases are described, questions are posed and, as usual, there is more to explore in the clinic!  

In this episode, Jonathan talks to Dr. Meng Xiao Nan from the Huguosi TCM Hospital about his use of Applied Channel Theory in the treatment of post-stroke patients. Music by The Strayun.  If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

In this episode, Mei and Jonathan answer some listeners’ questions. A few topics are covered, such as Dr. Wang Ju-yi’s approach to tonifying and draining points, point selection and changes observed to the channels over the course of treatments.  Music by The Strayun.  If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

Dr. Wang Ju-Yi always reminded his students to see acupuncture points like friends. It takes time to learn their character and personality, tendencies in activity, needle sensation, and how each point should feel when palpating for their location. In this latest episode, Jonathan and Nyssa chat about some point friends  they have re-visited recently in their clinics, like PC-6 and LR-5, and, how channel palpation helps to re-evaluate their functions.  Music by The Strayun -- Clancy of the...

In this episode, Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson discuss an unusual recent case.  Some have noted that post-Covid patterns may involve the Shaoyin channel. When this pattern emerges, it often includes more familiar symptoms of insomnia, heart palpitations and some kinds of tinnitus. In this case, the primary complaint was a deep pain in the left shoulder joint.      Music by The Strayun. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit: ...

April 5th, 2022 was the Tomb Sweeping Day （清明节）.  Jonathan shares some thoughts and memories of Professor Wang Ju-yi, who passed away in August 2017. Music by The Strayun: Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow 

In this episode, Yefim and Jonathan talk about the difference between treating channel sinew disorders with the Tai Yang and Jue Yin. Different strategies and point combos are discussed, illustrated with a  couple recent clinical cases.   We would also like to thank Tom Dole and his band the The Strayun for letting us use their song Clancy of the Overflow. If you're interested in listening to the entire song, please visit:  thestrayun.bandcamp.com/track/clancy-of-the-overflow

In this episode Jonathan Chang begins by asking Jason Robertson about an article he wrote for the Journal of Chinese Medicine (https://www.channelpalpation.org/s/Point-Pair-Synergy-and-Defensive-Qi.pdf). In the course of discussing the article, Jon and Jason reflect upon  just a few of the concepts surrounding clinical application of defensive qi (衛氣 wèi qì) theory in East Asian medicine.  While avoiding  assigning  one-to-one equivalency of  'defensive qi' to the  'immune system', cases are...