Exploring Dao-Qi and Scalp Acupuncture for Deep Healing

 Kit Li

After completing my Level 1-3 Scalp Acupuncture courses last summer, I continued to deepen my skills this year by attending a 2-day Dao-Qi technique workshop in early May. The workshop, held in London, was led by Dr TJ Wang, a respected expert in Scalp Acupuncture. 

What is Dao-qi?

'When one inserts and pulls out the needle slowly, it is called the inducement of the energy.' said Qibo. (Wan B, Wu LS, Wu Q, 1997, p.653)

'Slow insertion and slow withdrawal, that is called guiding the qi.' said Qibo. (Unschuld PU, 2016, p.354).

These classical definitions highlight the essence of Dao-Qi: An intentional method of needling designed to awaken and guide the movement of qi, restoring internal balance.

During the workshops, I witnessed several demonstrations on my fellow practitioners experiencing conditions such as lower back pain, stiff neck, and elevated stress levels. Remarkably, after being needled on specific points along the Du-mai or Ren-mai, and using the Dao-qi technique, each individual responded differently, yet all experienced significant and immediate relief. 

My clinical experiences with Dao-qi and Scalp Acupuncture (SA):

For the past two weeks, I began incorporating Dao-qi techniques in combination with SA and selected body acupoints in treating the patients and experiencing various levels of emotional and psychological distress. These patients presented with conditions such as anxiety, chronic depression (3), and unresolved childhood trauma. Their instant feedback was meaningful and touching. It helped me see more clearly how effective and powerful techniques can be in clinical practice.

1) 49 years old male (presenting persistent daytime fatigue): 

'The sensation moved to my neck and around the occipital area, but I feel very comfortable.' (needled on the back)

2) 70 years old female (living with chronic depression for over a decade):

 'After receiving the treatment, I was so tired and slept for about 4-5 hours in the afternoon. Surprisingly, the next day I was able to walk for 1.5 hours without experiencing shortness of breath, I could feel my strengthens gradually returning' (needled on upper abdomen combined with SA)

3) 45 years old male (suffering from shoulders tension and pain due to his stressful job):

'I feel the sensation on my neck, shoulders, and chest, I feel more relaxed and breathe freely.' (needled on the back)

4) 40 years old female (experiencing anxiety for several years):

'The local area is soft and deeply relaxed, the sensation travelled down the lateral side of my right thigh, all the way to my toes,' (needled on the upper abdomen combined with SA)

This hands-on clinical experience has offered me a deeper appreciation for the synergy between Dao-Qi and SA, particularly when working with neurological and psychological disorders such as severe depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. By gently guiding the qi with mindfulness and precision, we can support a process of transformation, insight, or healing that goes beyond the physical and mental, touching the deeper layers of the self.

References:

1. Wang B, Wu LS, Wu Q (Trans). Yellow Emperors Cannon of Internal Medicine. Beijing: China Science & Technology Press, 1997.

2. Unschuld PU. Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu: the ancient classic on needle therapy. University of California Press, California, USA, 2016. eBook.

3. Clinical observation on governor vessel Dao-qi method for treatment of dyssomnia in the patient of depression

4. Potential scalp acupuncture and brain stimulation targets for common neurological disorders: evidence from neuroimaging studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40329319/

Strengthening Defensive Qi to Prevent Chronic Coughs in Seasonal Transitions

Kit Li

Although, the temperature in the afternoon soar to around 20c, while early morning still carry a chill with temperature dipping in single digits. This dramatic contrast between day and night temperatures, combined with the fluctuating humidity, often makes people more susceptible to colds and flu.

Recently, a couple of my patients have suffered from chronic coughs lasting more than six to nine months. Their symptoms include coughs with sputum stuck in the throat, fatigue, and frequent occurrences of  wind-cold or wind-heat syndromes due to weakened immunity (Defensive-qi).

From a TCM perspective, wind-cold and wind-heat are two distinct pathologies. Both are considered evil-qi that attack the superficial levels of the body.

1) Wind-cold: Invasion by Wind and Cold, the nature is Yin pathogenic factors and leads to Cold constraining the body:

1. Symptoms: Mild fever or chills, but chills is more than fever; has a strong feelings of aversion to cold or wind; no sweating or slightly; 
2. Coughs with thin and white sputum; with clear and watery nasal discharge; 
3. Tongue is thin with white coating.

2) Wind-heat: Invasion by Wind and Heat, the nature is Yang pathogenic factors and results in Heat agitates:

1. Symptoms: More pronounced fever, but fever is more than chills; has a mild to moderate feelings of aversion to cold or wind; sweating present; 
2. Coughs with thick and yellow sputum; with yellow and thick nasal discharge and sore throat;
3. Tongue is thin with yellow coating, also red tip.

If we do not treat these symptoms promptly, the evil-qi can penetrate deeper, from the Superficial level into the Qi level, then the Nutritive level, and ultimately the Blood level. This can lead to chronic conditions and impair internal organs function.

To prevent evil-qi from reaching the Qi level, promoting and strengthening Qi is essential. I prescribe Jade Screen + (modified Yu Ping Feng San) for both conditions or combine it with Qing Fei Tang in Wind-heat syndromes, particularly when clearing yellow and sticky phlegm is necessary, as well as acupuncture treatments.

Yu Ping Feng San (Classic Herbal Formula) :  Huang Qi (黄芪)* - Astragalus Root, Bai Zhu (白术) - Atractylodes Rhizome (White), Fang Feng (防风) - Siler Root

Qing Fei Tang : Huang Qin (黄芩)* - Scutellaria baicalensis, Sang Bai Pi (桑白皮)* - The root bark of Morus alba, Xing Ren (杏仁) - The seed of Prunus armeniaca....etc.

In general, after a week of treatment with these two modified formulas, the phlegm is resolved, coughing is relieved, and sleep quality improves. 

References:

Huang Qi  (黄芪) : 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463872/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28830214/

Huang Qin (黄芩) :

Huang Qin contains several active flavonoids, including baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, which contribute to its pharmacological effects:

1. Baicalin: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties.
2. Baicalein: Known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. 
3. Wogonin: Demonstrates anxiolytic and anti-tumor activities.

Sang Bai Pi (桑白皮）have been used to treat conditions characterized by Lung Heat and phlegm accumulation. These formulations aim to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and restore normal lung function.

For the prevention of Covid 19 with modified Yu Ping Feng San

https://chinesemedicinesalon.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-prevent-variant-virus.html

Yu Ping Feng San （玉屏风散） is considered the best immune tonic herb in stabilizing and strengthening the protective “Qi”.

Yu Ping Feng San, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix, Regulates the Release of Cytokines in Murine Macrophages - PMC

The Beginning of Summer (Lixia)

Kit Li

The beginning of the Summer (LiXia 立夏) has quietly arrived, starting on Monday, 5th of May, according to the 24 Solar Terms in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Summer is the season when Yang energy reaches its peak, a time of expression, warmth, growth and activity.  The Heart becomes especially active and also more vulnerable.  Emotional excess, such as over-excitement, stress, or restlessness can disturb the Shen (Spirit), leading to insomnia, anxiety or palpitations.  

Additionally, dampness and heat can burden the Spleen, often leading to loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, and even eczema.  To support digestion and balance internal damp-heat, dietary adjustments are crucial.

Here are some practical and inspired tips for the Beginning of Summer to help you transition smoothly into the warmer months, both physically and emotionally:

- Sleep early, wake early.  Rise with the sun to align with the surge in Yang energy.

- Take a nap (20 mins) after lunch to nourish the heart and counter Summer fatigue.

- Avoid staying up late, which depletes Heart-yang and disrupts sleep quality.

- Keep your emotions balanced, avoid over-excitement, anger or sadness.

- Gentle activities like meditation, calligraphy, nature walks, journaling, or gently breathing exercises help calming the mind and regulate emotions.

- Strengthen the Spleen and dispel dampness with: Soups made with winter melon, barley, and lentils; a daily "ChenPi FuLing tea" (Dried tangerine peels and poria); "Four Gentlemen’s Porridge" which replenishes qi, and support weak digestion.

- If experiencing insomnia, dry mouth, irritability, or blood pressure fluctuations, try massaging the Neiguan  (PC-6) or ShenMen (HT-7), it  helps to calm the Shen and relieve palpitations.

- Make a porridge with Tai Zi Shen 15g (Pseudostellaria root), Lian Zi 15g (Lotus Seeds) and Suanzao Ren 10g (Wild Jujube Kernel) to nourish Heart and promote Qi and Yin.

- Exercise during cooler times (early morning or evening).  Choose gentle movements such as  Taichi, yogo, or brisk walking.

- Avoid excessive sweating, which can weaken Heart-Yang.  Rehydrate with lightly salted water or cooling herbal teas like chrysanthemum or honeysuckle.

-After sweating, avoid chilly breeze.  Carry a light scarf or shawl to cover your neck when entering air-conditioned spaces.

- Reconnect with nature.  Spend time under trees, near rivers, or in gardens, tune in to the seasonal rhythms.

Living in harmony with the seasons is a fundamental principle of TCM.  By aligning your lifestyle with nature's shifts, you can cultivate inner balance, resilience, and well-being, not just through Summer, but all year round.

Link:

Lunar Chinese Calendar:

https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/calendar/24-solar-terms.htm