The anatomy of a channel: what makes a channel?
- Citation:
- 2019
- Issue Date:
- 2019-06-27
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| Filename | Description | Size | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAR Burlington, Virginia, USA 2019 FINAL.pdf | Accepted Manuscript version | 618.01 kB |
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Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (ZJJYJ) is the earliest text dedicated to clinical acumoxa therapy in Chinese Medicine (CM), 282CE. While there are a number of theories suggested to define acupoints and explain the mechanisms of acupuncture, a single explanation is yet to be validated. Therefore, the authoritative source to provide construct validity should be provided by the ZJJYJ, the earliest classical source. Objective To discern any pattern of clinical indications for each channel or body region. This study examined CM clinical indications (CI) for 349 acupoints from the main 14 channels. Method Two source texts were used to collect CI data: Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing Song Dynasty edition (1069) and the The systematic Classic of acupuncture and Moxibustion English translation by Yang and Chace (1994) Sign and symptom clusters were coded based on ‘book’ and ‘chapter’ source. The data collected were examined for errors and inaccuracies, then subject matter experts were consulted to ensure validity and reliability of the collected dataset. Data analysis: ‘Term frequency’ of CI per channel were calculated to determine the clinical focus of the 14 channels. The CI collected for channels in same body regions were analysed together based on ‘term frequency. Findings Clinical indications become more localised to the acupoint closer to the torso. Higher Frequency of clinical indications at the extremities and at joints. Acupoints at the extremities have a varied clinical profile, whereas acupoints proximal to the body have a single clinical focus. Conclusion There was strong evidence to support classical knowledge of acupoints, channels and diseases as seen in the ZJJYJ, to be a valid source that can better inform future research into basic sciences of acupuncture. The available evidence suggests the involvement of the neurovascular system, however more investigation is required based on better understandings of proper uses of acupoints from the ZJJYJ. The ZJJYJ shows that there are certain acupoints on different channels that may have strong clinical effect. The current study has identified a range of acupoints that have yet to be investigated using fMRI. The acupoints identified display similar CI characteristics to those already investigated using neuroimaging techniques therefore this can potentially provide a guide for acupoint selection in both clinical and research settings in the future. Closing the loop – a conversation that continues… The project engaged in transdisciplinary practice to create synergistic and innovative methods of inquiry that crossed time to engage in the ‘old’, reframing this against clinical research contexts, as a way of knowing. Respecting the context of its origin, this provided a holistic understanding – a bold approach that was innovative and creative within a ‘science’ environment, done in support of an emerging integrative medicine/health future in support of community and wellbeing. Complexity and reflexivity both featured strongly in the project, with iterative cycles of conversation between different disciplines, associated practitioners, and content experts, combining their knowledge, techniques, methods, as well as cultural and personal perspectives, in a co‐design process.
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