Week 1 - Chinese Therapies

Week 1A Introduction

  • Subject Overview

    • Learning outcomes

    • Assessment tasks

    • Learning resources

  • Topics Introduced

    • Channel theory

    • Tui Na techniques

    • Development of Tui Na within the Chinese Medicine Department

Introduction

  • Course Code: CMTH111

  • Department: Chinese Medicine Department

  • Date: 31/01/2022

Class Instructions

  • Lecturer Responsibilities

    • Show class how to navigate the Learning Management System (LMS)

    • Address subject overview and key components:

    • Learning outcomes

    • Assessment tasks (including guides and digital components)

  • Assessment Focus

    • Importance of understanding assessment requirements, including due dates and weightings

    • Weekly content review

Assessments

  • Details Found in LMS

  • Specifications for Evaluations

Reading Materials

Prescribed Readings

  1. Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (2023)

    • Revised Guidelines on infection prevention and control for acupuncture and related practice

    • URL: http://www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Infection-prevention.aspx

  2. Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007)

    • A manual of acupuncture (2nd ed.)

    • Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications

    • Available as mobile app (2009) or text (2007)

  3. Pritchard, S. (2015)

    • Tui na; A manual of Chinese massage therapy

    • Jessica Kingsley. [Ebook available]

  4. Additional Recommended Readings

    • Bertschinger, R. (2014), Buck, C. (2015), Chinese Medicine Board publications (2020, 2022), Godson, D. R. & Wardle, J. L. (2018), Jianshan, L. (2011), Maciocia, G. (2015), National Health and Medical Research Council (2019), Pleco Software (2019), Tortora et al. (2019), Victorian State Government (2019), Wang & Robertson (2008).

LMS & Library Resources

  • Main LMS Features

    • Subject overview & weekly learning resources

    • Communications and assessments

    • Feedback system

  • Library Accessibility

    • Library website, database access, APA referencing guide, eBooks, help resources, alongside supports available for academic skills and assignments.

Academic Skills and Support

  • General academic resources available through LMS and library services

  • Support for academic writing and referencing assignments accessed through consultations

  • Queries Related to Content

    • Engage directly with teaching staff for clarification and assistance

  • Other Support Systems

    • Student Support Services, Advisors, and Student Success programs.

Practical Skills

  • Preparation for Classes

    • Pre-read relevant sections of the assigned texts and digital resources.

    • Required materials:

    • Proportional measurement ruler/Acu-Locator Plastic Ruler (URL provided)

    • Appropriate clothing for massage areas

    • Specific footwear (flat-soled, closed-toe leather)

    • Towels and equipment for practical work

    • Non-toxic markings tools

    • Lecture notes

  • Note on Learning Materials

    • PowerPoint shouldn't be the sole learning tool; essential to also have set texts.

Introduction to Channel Theory

  • Primary Text: Huang Di Nei Jing/Ling Shu (Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor/Spiritual Pivot)

    • Historical Context: Written between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D.

    • Describes a channel system integrating Qi and blood circulation with organ systems and external environments.

    • Introduced foundational concepts of Chinese Medicine:

    • Yin-Yang 陰陽

    • Five Elements Theory

    • Internal Organs (臟腑)

    • Channel Theory (Wang & Robertson, 2008, pp. 1-14)

Neuro-Anatomical Interpretation of Channels and Points

  • Cadaver images of nerves and vascular systems will be shown.

  • Findings from Fudan University (1950s): 323/324 acupuncture points aligned with peripheral nerves.

  • Points as Critical Junctures

    • Nerve trunks, bifurcations/trifurcations, muscle motor entry points, fascial entry/exit points (Chiang, 2015; Lee et al. 2019).

Classical Descriptions of Channels

  • Description indicates channels have multiple branches, rather than a simplified straight-line model prevalent in acupuncture models.

  • Channels depicted as physically embodied structures rather than abstract pathways (Corradino, 2017).

Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

  • Acupuncture literature describes actual neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

  • Acupoints serve as maps for peripheral nervous responses, encompassing channels as neuro-vascular bundles influencing physiological reactions (Poney Chiang, 2015).

Key Concepts in Channel Theory

  • Three Pillars of Chinese Medicine: Connect foundational elements:

    • Yin Yang and Five Elements: Demonstrate physical form as channels and organs.

    • Interwoven Network: Functionally integrate internal organs with communication systems, Qi, blood transport, and disease pathways.

    • Health Implications: Disease may initiate in channels, necessitating their use in treatment for root causes (Nei Jing - Wang & Robertson, 2008, pp. 1-37).

Functions of the Channels

  • Key Functions Include:

    • Transport Qi and blood

    • Transmit Qi to problematic areas

    • Protect the body

    • Show visible disease manifestations

    • Indicate channels as sites for potential disease (Deadman et al., 2007).

Development of Tui Na

  • Definition of Tui Na:

    • Tui Na is a manual therapy modality within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aimed at preventing and treating diseases through manipulation.

  • Terminology Breakdown:

    • Tui: pushing

    • Na: grasping

    • An: pressing

    • Mo: round rubbing or simply rubbing.

Tui Na in Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Types of Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine Include:

    • Acupuncture & moxibustion

    • Chinese herbal medicine

    • Chinese dietary therapy

    • Chinese exercise therapy

    • Manual therapies (including Tui Na).

Historical Context of Tui Na

  • Key periods in Tui Na's development:

    • Xia & Shang Dynasties (1600-1100 BC): Early mention of Anmo practices.

    • Qin & Han Dynasties (221 BC-220 AD): Foundational texts reference Tui Na.

    • Sui & Tang Dynasties (581-907 AD): Official recognition of Tui Na specialist roles.

    • Ming & Qing Dynasties (1368-1911): Rapid development and prevalence of literature regarding Tui Na. (Hongzhu, 2007).

Tui Na Methods

  • Different methodologies in Tui Na include:

    • Yi zhi chan tui fa: one-finger meditation

    • Gun fa: rolling techniques

    • An fa: point pressure

    • Ji dian fa: striking methods

    • Neigong: internal exercises (Pritchard, 2015).

Therapeutic Actions of Tui Na

  • Key therapeutic actions include:

    • Balance between Yin and Yang

    • Dredging channels and collaterals

    • Regulation of Qi and blood

    • Injury recovery for soft tissues

    • Joint lubrication (Chengnan, 1993).

Clinical Applications of Tui Na

  • Indications for Use:

    • Musculoskeletal ailments

    • Digestive disorders

    • Gynaecological issues

    • Headaches and hypertension

    • Respiratory conditions (coughs, colds, asthma)

    • Children's health concerns (Chengnan, 1993; Hongzhu, 2007).

Biomedical Functions of Tui Na

  • Modern research indicates Tui Na positively affects:

    • Circulatory system

    • Respiratory system

    • Endocrine system

    • Immune system

    • Nervous system

    • Musculoskeletal system

    • Integumentary system.

Tui Na as an Adjunct to Acupuncture

  • Applications in treatments that include:

    • Combining needle techniques with Tui Na in local and distal applications for various ailments (Pritchard, 2015).

Tutorial and Practical Component

  • Discussion of relevant practice questions as part of the learning.

References

  • Comprehensive bibliographic references are provided in the final sections covering all cited works, including:

    • Betts, D. (2006). Chengnan, S. (1993). Chiang, P. (2015). Corradino, M. (2017). Deadman, P. (2007). Hongzhu, J. (2007). Lee et al. (2019). Neuro-Meridian Integrative Acupuncture. (2015). Pritchard, S. (2015). Shaw, V. (2013). Shaw, V. et al. (2020). Unschuld, P. (2016). Wang, J., & Robertson, J. (2008).

Copyright Notice

  • Includes details regarding the reproduction and communication of material as protected under the Commonwealth of Australia's Copyright Regulations 1969.