General Principles of Needling
Selected acupuncture-related chapters from the Ling Shu, Su Wen, Nan Jing and Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing through the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng — chiefly the original text, with annotations and commentary.
Ode on Pointing to the Profound
Dou Mo’s celebrated rhapsody on awaiting qi, directional needling and the distribution of qi and blood.
Nan Jing, Chapter 69: Mother-Son Tonification and Reduction
In deficiency tonify the mother, in excess reduce the son: the five-phase method of point selection.
Nan Jing, Chapter 78: Techniques of Tonification and Reduction
The pressing hand matters as much as the needling hand; the mechanics of tonification and reduction.
Nan Jing, Chapter 80: Awaiting Qi Before Needling
Insert when qi arrives, withdraw when it has gone: the discipline of waiting.
Contralateral Needling
Treating the unaffected side when the disorder lies in the collaterals, and how this differs from opposing needling.
Seasonal Needling, Opposition and Compliance
Where qi lies in each season, the needling that follows it, and the harm done by needling against it.
Explanation of the Needle
The forms and meanings of the nine needles, and how heat or cold beneath the needle indicates tonification or reduction.
Extended Needling Methods
Specific needling methods for specific disorders, with depth and duration prescribed.
Separation and Union, True and Pathogenic Qi
How pathogenic qi enters the channels, and the detailed operation of tonification and reduction by breathing.
Diagnostic Essentials and the End of the Meridians
The location of qi in each season, the needling appropriate to it, and the signs of a channel ending.
On Practising Needling
Why patients respond to needling differently, and what slow responders require.
Standard Needling
Twenty-six named needling methods: the nine needlings, the twelve seasonal needlings and the five zang needlings.