Week 2 A - Chinese Therapies Lecture

Week 2A Anatomy & Jing-luo Theory 1

  • Overview: The session covers foundational topics concerning anatomy relevant to Chinese Medicine, including anatomical positions, directional terminology, musculoskeletal anatomy, cun measurement, and pathways/components of channels.

Anatomical Position & Directional Terms

  • Anatomical Position: A standard position used to describe the pathways of channels and the locations of acupuncture points.

    • Description of the anatomical position:

    • Standing straight

    • Legs slightly apart

    • Eyes looking forward

    • Head faced forward

    • Palms turned forward

    • Arms held slightly away from the body

  • This position serves as a reference for anatomical landmarks and acupuncture points.

  • Directional Terms: Specific terminology used to identify the locations of channels and points in both studies and professional practice.

    • Examples of directional terms include "anterior" and "posterior".

    • Example: The stomach channel runs lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia but medial to the fibula.

Channels in the Body

  • Types of Channels: The channels in the body are classified into Yin and Yang channels:

    • 6 Yang Channels: Located on the Yang surfaces of the body.

    • 6 Yin Channels: Located on the Yin surfaces of the body.

  • Yin vs. Yang Concept:

    • Yang: Represented as the sunny side of a hill.

    • Yin: Represented as the shady side of a hill.

  • Visual Representation: Students are encouraged to visualize yin and yang surfaces on their bodies.

Musculoskeletal System

  • Comprises two systems working together:

    • The Skeletal System: Consists of bones.

    • The Muscular System: Comprises muscles.

Functions of the Skeletal System

  • Support: Provides attachment points for tendons and supports body weight.

  • Protection: Safeguards vital organs (e.g., skull protects the brain, rib cage protects organs like the heart and lungs).

  • Assistance in Movement: Facilitates movement through joints and muscle attachments.

  • Mineral Homeostasis: Acts as a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

  • Storage: Stores triglycerides.

  • Blood Cell Formation: Involved in the formation of blood cells.

    • Reference: Tortora et al., 2019.

Features of Skeletal Muscles

  • Characteristics include:

    • Electrically Excitable: Capable of generating electrical impulses.

    • Contractility: Ability to shorten and generate force.

    • Extensibility: Can be stretched beyond their normal resting length.

    • Elasticity: The ability to return to original length after being stretched.

    • Note: The treatment of muscles incorporates these characteristics.

    • Reference: Tortora et al., 2019.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Upper Arm

  • Key Structures: Important bones and structures include:

    • Clavicle

    • Scapula

    • Humerus

    • Radius

    • Ulna

    • Carpals: (1 to 5)

    • Metacarpals: (1 to 5)

    • Phalanges: (1 to 5)

    • Metacarpophalangeal Joints

  • Key Muscles:

    • Deltoid: Divided into three parts (anterior, mid, posterior).

    • Rotator Cuff Muscles:

    • Infraspinatus

    • Supraspinatus

    • Subscapularis

    • Teres Minor

    • Other important muscles include:

    • Teres Major

    • Biceps Brachii

    • Brachialis

    • Triceps Brachii (three heads)

    • Brachioradialis

    • Extensor Carpi Radialis (longus & brevis)

    • Extensor Digitorum

    • Pronator Teres

    • Flexor Carpi Radialis

    • Palmaris Longus

    • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

    • Thenar Eminence

    • Extensor Pollicis Brevis

    • Abductor Pollicis Longus

Introduction to Cun Measurement

  • Cun Measurement: A traditional method used to assess distance measurements in the practice of acupuncture.

Introduction to Pathways and Channel Components

  • Overview of Channels:

    • There are 12 Primary Channels and 8 Extraordinary Vessels that function within the body, alongside secondary channels.

Description of Primary Channels

  • Characteristics:

    • Channels run vertically, bilaterally, and symmetrically throughout the body.

    • They connect to internal organs and flow along limbs.

Components of Primary Channels

  • Main Aspects:

    1. Primary Channel: The main pathway where points are located at critical junctures.

    2. Luo-Connecting Channel: Communication branches between channels (linking yin to yang and vice versa).

    • Example: Metaphorically likened to off ramps on a freeway linking major freeways.

    1. Sinew Channel: Associated with muscle groups and described in detail in the "Ling Shu".

    2. Divergent Channels: Have defined pathways but do not have points of their own and are the least understood channel components.

    3. Cutaneous Region: Although not a channel, it refers to skin areas overlaying the network of channels and serves for superficial treatment or diagnostic purposes.

Final Remarks

  • Class Practical Session:

    • Students will practice proportional measurements and anatomical positions, including musculoskeletal palpation of the arm.

References

  • Deadman, P. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture (2nd ed.). Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.

  • Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2014). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (14th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.