Advanced Applied Channel Theory:  Clinical Strategy and Needle Technique

This two-day class will be both a continuation of introductory classes on Applied Channel Theory and an opportunity to further explore this approach to acupuncture with a focus on clinical application.  When Dr. Wang Juyi (王居易) would discuss acupuncture technique, he repeatedly emphasized the primary importance of precise point location and stimulation. This class will focus on developing the manual skills for needling the major point pairings from Dr. Wang’s repertoire.  

In addition, the class will further develop skills for embodied practice with a focus on channel palpation and differential diagnosis. To that end, students will also observe Dr. Robertson treating live patients and discussing cases. Each day, one or two patients will be presented and Dr. Robertson will discuss what he feels while palpating the channels, how he arrives at his diagnosis, and how he would choose a treatment plan for each patient. A treatment plan will involve discussion of point prescriptions for the current and future treatments as well as an estimate of how many treatments each patient might need for a given primary complaint.

The class will be open to both new attendees and students who have attended a previous Applied Channel Theory class.

New students should note:

• As a means of preparing new students for the clinical class, an assigned reading from the Applied Channel Theory text will be assigned. New students will then submit 2-3 questions from the reading to Dr. Robertson. Questions will be chosen for discussion during the first hour of the seminar. The goal of this assignment is to attempt to get all new students up to speed and to answer common questions regarding channel palpation.  

• This is a pre-requisite for new attendees. 

Schedule for the event:

Day One

• Quick overview of Applied Channel Palpation Basics with review of Student Questions

• Demonstration and Discussion of Needling “Into the Spaces”

• Locating and Needling Taiyin/Yangming Point pairs – Demonstration and Student Practice

• Live Case Demonstration

• Locating and Needling Shaoyin Point pairs – Demonstration and Student Practice

Day Two

• Locating and Needling Taiyang Point pairs – Demonstration and Student Practice

• Live Case Demonstration

• Locating and Needling Jueyin/Shaoyang Point pairs – Demonstration and Student Practice

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More information about Applied Channel Theory, including articles in both English and Chinese, can be found at www.channelpalpation.org