The choice of Acupuncture points for AP therapy

This paper was written in 1980. For an update, see the attached paper on the Choice of AP points for particular conditions

INTRODUCTION

One may use veterinary acupuncture (AP) by the transposition method (from human to animal) or by the traditional vet method. It follows that the choice of points for therapy can be based on either or both of these methods.

Some of the AP textbooks on man and animals have therapeutic indices (point prescriptions) for specific disease conditions or symptoms. Other texts have not this facility. We have also seen that many different combinations of points may be used in any one clinical condition.

The student is advised to study only a few AP texts initially. However, she/he should know that one text (or even 3-4 texts) does not cover all conditions which may respond to AP. Therefore, over a period of years, the serious student can expect to accumulate and study dozens of different texts. Each of these texts will have to be integrated with material from earlier texts. Therefore the student will need to make out personal prescription lists, using data from many sources.

This paper discusses the choice of AP points based on the human transposition system but first we must consider some differences between orthodox and unorthodox concepts of disease.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ORTHODOX AND UNORTHODOX CONCEPTS OF DISEASE

AP is frequently of great value in treating the pain and lameness associated with x-ray evidence of severe osteoarthritis or "intervertebral disc prolapse syndrome", despite the persistence of the lesion. Orthodox practitioners would suggest that this is impossible because they assume that the pain and lameness primarily is caused initially by nerve stimulation from the lesion, but which soon becomes a self-perpetuating system, (i.e., a vicious circle). They claim that if the muscle spasm and tissue oedema is relieved, the locomotor function may be restored despite the persistence of the x-ray lesion.

Severe gastric ulcers, even bleeding ulcers, may respond rapidly to AP, with no change in dietary habits. Orthodox concepts would prescribe change of diet, drug therapy with antacids, gastric sedatives, antispasmodics, Zantac or Cimetidine, etc. However, stimulation of certain AP points, especially NeiKuan (PC06); TsuSanLi (ST36), ChungWan (CV12) and WeiShu (BL21) has powerful effects on the autonomic nervous system (anti-nauseous effects), acid secretion and regenerative power of the gastric mucosa. Thus, AP can combat the symptoms of gastric ulcer and promote the ideal environment for self-healing, by reducing acid-secretion and stimulating the defence systems of the body.

Similarly, AP can help patients who have lost motor function of an arm or leg following a cerebrovascular accident, encephalitis etc. Orthodox medical concepts claim that damaged neurons cannot regenerate. Acupuncturists agree with this but they claim that many types of paralysis are due to functional rather than organic damage, (i.e.) that the motor-neurons are "asleep but not dead", due to inadequate oxygen or blood supply. AP at certain points has marked effect on brain microcirculation and, thus, can restore nerve function in such cases. Also, the nervous system itself has considerable "plasticity" and new circuits can be established to replace the functions of damaged circuits.

Another difference between orthodox and unorthodox concepts is in the importance of the nature of the lesion. Orthodox clinicians would set great importance on the nature of a toe pain (for example). Is it arthritis, sprain, gout, subluxation etc? To an acupuncturist, such questions are of minor importance, as the point combination used covers all responsive conditions of the toe and the Channel-Organ System (COS) related to the toes. For pragmatic purposes, however, it is helpful to establish a firm diagnosis before attempting to treat the condition.

Thus, AP claims to treat or help many conditions which, according to our western training, should be difficult or impossible to treat successfully. How, then, do we go about choosing the best points for therapy?