Rooted in the Su Wen and Ling Shu, Dr. Twicken integrates Chinese and Taoist medical philosophy, theories, and principles to clearly demonstrate that the Divergent Channels are an essential aspect of the clinical practice of acupuncture. He takes a step-by-step approach to assist practitioners in 'working out' the channels, and shows how this versatile channel system can be used in any acupuncture treatment. Twicken also includes instruction on Five Shen Nei Dan inner meditation to help practitioners gain a more profound emotional and spiritual understanding. With case studies and reference to the classic texts throughout, this book provides a complete resource that will help clinicians understand and use the Divergent Channels in clinical practice.An accessible and comprehensive account of the Divergent Channel system, this book will be a valuable addition to the shelves of students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine; taiji and qigong practitioners; and anyone with an interest in Taoist practice.
Author Note. Chinese Dynasties. Introduction. 1. The Divergent Channels Pathways. 2. Working It Out. 3. Divergent ChannelsSequencing Theories. 4. The Divergent Channels. 5. Working it Out: The Major and the Connecting Channels. 6. Working It Out: Cycles ofTime. 7. Working It Out: The Five Shen. 8. Working It Out: The Nine Needles. 9, Working it Out: Guiding Theories and Principles. 10. ClinicalApplications. 11. Introduction to Nei Dan Inner Meditation. 12. The Cauldron. 13. The Small Heavenly Orbit. 14. Five Shen Nei Dan InnerMeditation. Conclusion. Tables. End Notes. Bibliography. Index.
This is my new favorite of Dr. Twicken's many books displaying his masterful grasp of Taoist cycles, I Ching, and Chinese bio-psycho-spiritual medicine. It's a brilliant summary of how divergent channels integrate the 14 major treatment strategies and 9 needling methods. He deciphers the complicated Su Wen and Lingshu classics for us, with practical and elegant divergent strategies linking 8 Extra Vessels/bone marrow, 12 organ meridians, muscle/tendon and skin levels. Especially valuable are four chapters on Neidan Five Shen, Cauldron and Orbit meditations that allow anyone to directly penetrate the psycho-energetic depths of their body's Qi channels. Dr. Twicken has outdone himself. This fascinating book is a must-have for both healing professionals and Tao meditators seeking a lucid map of what's possible.
