Medical acupuncture

A little about medical acupuncture.

The pathway of information was from China to France, then to the US. It got modified and reorganized in France, and adapted to the American mind and environment.
The major concept is that of the body as a series of circuits. They are of course (in the sequential order within the circuit):
1. Shao Yin/Tai Yang -> Kidney, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, which is responsible for structure and foundation.
2. Jue Yin/Shao Yang -> Liver, Pericardium, Triple Burner, Gall Bladder, which is reponsible for movement.
3. Tai Yin/Yang Ming -> Spleen/Pancreas, Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, which is reponsible for replenishment.
4. Curious meridians are viewed as circuits as well and are plugged into the whole structure as needed

Others:
5. Direct meridians is term given to the braches that go directly to the Yin/Yang organs, and a specific program is used for those
6. Tendinomuscular meridians are activated separately
7. Five-Element theory is incorporated as a separate entity
8. Reflex areas taught more often are: ear, scalp, hand

Treatment is based on the 12 personalities corresponding to the 12 organs as well. Interview, pulse, and tongue used as well as medical diagnoses.

Diagnosis and energy movement are done along these circuits by creating a directed energetic imbalance towards Yin or Yang in appropriate circuits. Frequently, electricity is used to augment the effect, especially for more dense material problems. Lower frequencies being tonifying, middle moving, and higher purging.

There are additional techniques, such as periosteal stimulation, scar injections or trigger point therapy that are often used along with the more traditional modalities, such as moxa (or just infrared heat).

Most of the time, although thought process is slightly different, point selection is similar to more traditional acupuncture techniques.