Author Archives: thomas
Suffering Makes Us Human
This article explores the possibility that suffering, instead of being something negative, can be one of the greatest gifts to bring out one’s humanity—if we allow it to be. The key is to learn to cultivate patience and presence with … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Art of humanity, Self Acceptance, Self Compassion, Trauma
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Medicine as Metaphor
Abstract The practice of medicine is both an art and a science. We study and learn the system so that when the time comes to apply it there is a greater possibility of successfully helping others. Yet no matter how … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Art of humanity, Extraordinary Chinese Medicine
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Healing Trauma: Cultivating Resilience and Presence Through Mindfulness
Abstract This article examines the impact of trauma on the individual’s ability to heal, transform, and evolve. It explores these issues using the dual lenses of Western and Eastern medical perspectives—specifically, the Western understanding of the autonomic nervous system, and the … Continue reading
Posted in Art of humanity, Self Acceptance, Self Compassion, Trauma
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Shifting Perspective: Trauma, Storytelling, and Healing
The stories we create around traumatic experiences serve many functions, and it is often through first establishing and then manipulating a story that one can find and realize greater levels of healing. This is a means of becoming more whole within oneself … Continue reading
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The Natural State: Daoist and Chinese Medical Views
Abstract This article examines the concept of ‘the natural state’—an experiential state of being in the world that is said to be an innate potential accessible to all humans and is a central concept present in the traditions of both acupuncture/Chinese … Continue reading
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Pairing the Extraordinary Vessels with the Primary Acupuncture Channels and Zangfu, Part 2
Abstract This article continues exploring a theoretical acupuncture model that pairs the extraordinary vessels with the primary acupuncture channels and zangfu in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, this article examines the three pairs of primary acupuncture channels and zangfu that correspond … Continue reading
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Pairing the Extraordinary Vessels with the Primary Acupuncture Channels and Zangfu, Part 1
Abstract This article is an exploration of correspondences between the extraordinary vessels and the primary channels and zangfu, and posits that there may exist a direct relationship between them. This is the next segment of an emerging theoretical model (Extraordinary … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Chinese Cosmology, Extraordinary Chinese Medicine, Extraordinary Vessels
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Pairing the Extraordinary Vessels and the Extraordinary Organs, Part 2: The Ying Qi Cycle and the Evolution of Consciousness
Abstract In this article, the ying qi cycle is used to examine the way in which the paired extraordinary vessels and extraordinary organs may relate to the evolution of consciousness and the art of humanity in acupuncture theory and practice. This … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Chinese Cosmology, Extraordinary Chinese Medicine, Extraordinary Organs, Extraordinary Vessels
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Pairing the Extraordinary Vessels and the Extraordinary Organs
Abstract This article presents a theoretical acupuncture model that pairs the extraordinary organs with the extraordinary vessels, similar to the way in which the zangfu are paired with the primary channels. First, the ren, chong, and du mai are paired with … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Extraordinary Chinese Medicine, Extraordinary Organs, Extraordinary Vessels
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Vertical and Horizontal Integration: The dynamic flow of qi at the level of humanity
Abstract The vertical and horizontal axes are reflected in many aspects of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. At one level, the vertical axis of integration is mirrored by the three dantian—the Heavenly qi of the upper dantian meets the Earthly qi … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture Articles, Art of humanity, Chinese Cosmology, Extraordinary Chinese Medicine, Pulse Diagnosis
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