Energy - Meridian Misconceptions of Chinese Medicine
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Essay
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 2008;20(2)???–??? © Verlag für GanzheitsMedizin, Basel. www.ganzheitsmedizin.ch
Energy – Meridian Misconceptions
of Chinese Medicine
Donald E. Kendall
PhD, OMD, Agoura Hills, California, USA
P resently, there are numerous prac-
titioners of Chinese needling ther-
apy (acupuncture) in Europe and the
Numerous lay and medical practitioners of Chinese needling therapy (acupuncture)
rely on the Western metaphysical construct of energy and blood circulation by merid-
ians/channels. This scheme was put forth by Georges Soulié de Morant in 1939 in his
United States, including a few thou- rendering of the Chinese vessel theory of cardiovascular circulation of vital substances.
sand physicians and veterinarians. This idea is contrary to the historic facts of Chinese medicine, as well as to known anat-
Western interest in Chinese medicine omy and physiology. Soulié de Morant interpreted the Chinese character “qi” (air and
vapor) as “vital energy” and “jing” (longitudinal) as “meridians.” He believed meridians
started gaining serious attention in
were: “an additional circulatory system having no relation to the nervous, circulatory,
the 1970s. Few books in English were
or lymphatic systems.” Later in his life, Soulié de Morant concluded that the vascular
available at that time and fewer yet system actually supplied blood and energy to all the body cells. Converting potential
students and practitioners could read energy sources to “vital energy” was thought to be in the realm of metaphysics. It has
or translate the original Chinese texts. been known for some time that energy production within the cells involves oxidation
The first serious textbooks were writ- of glucose to convert ADP to ATP which then fuels cellular processes. The energy-me-
ten by Georges Soulié de Morant and ridian misconceptions need to be replaced with physiologically correct understanding
published in French in 1939 and 1941. to best serve public interests and to provide a solid basis for valid research.
English translation of this effort even- Key Words: acupuncture, meridians, metaphysics, vessel branching, neurovascular
tually followed, even including books nodes, adenosine triphosphate
published in China. This work had one
major problem in that it replaced the
physiologically correct Chinese idea
Missverständnisse bei der Interpretation des Energie-Medidian-Systems
of continuous blood circulation of vi-
der Chinesischen Medizin
tal substances by the cardiovascular
system with the Western metaphysical Zahlreiche Anwender (ärztliche wie nicht-ärztliche) der Chinesischen Akupunktur beru-
construct of energy and blood circulat- fen sich auf das westliche metaphysische Konstrukt der Energie- und Blutzirkulation
ing by means of yet-to-be discovered durch Meridiane/Kanäle. Dieses Modell wurde 1939 von George Soulié de Morant in sei-
ner Interpretation der Chinesischen Gefässtheorie zur kardiovaskulären Zirkulation von
meridians.
Vitalstoffen propagiert. Ein solches Konzept steht jedoch im Widerspruch zu den histo-
During the past few years the Chinese/
rischen Fakten der Chinesischen Medizin sowie zur bekannten Anatomie und Physiolo-
Oriental medicine community came to gie. Soulié de Morant interpretierte das chinesische Zeichen “qi” (Luft und Dampf) als
realize that the term “meridian” was “Lebenskraft (Vitalenergie)” und die longitudinalen “jing” als “Meridiane”. Er glaubte,
problematic. So they started replacing Meridiane seien „ein zusätzliches Zirkulationssystem, das keinerlei Verbindung zu Ner-
“meridian” with “channel” which now ven-, Kreislauf- oder Lymphsystem habe.” Später zog Soulié de Morant den Schluss,
circulates energy and blood. However, dass das Kreislaufsystem Blut und Energie zu allen Körperzellen transportiere. Dass po-
the reality has not changed and chan- tentielle Energiequellen in “Vitalenergie” umgewandelt würden, galt als in den Bereich
nels are also yet-to-be discovered. The der Metaphysik gehörig. Bereits damals war bekannt, dass an der Energieproduktion in
energy-meridian idea has had an unin- den Zellen, d.h. der Umwandlung von ADP in ATP, die Oxidation von Glukose beteiligt ist.
tended impact on education standards Das Energie-Meridian-Missverständnis sollte endlich durch ein physiologisch korrektes
Verständnis ersetzt werden, um eine solide Basis für echte Forschung zu schaffen.
by not emphasizing the essential need
for science-based training in anatomy,
physiology, and pathology. As a result,
many new graduates of acupuncture
schools are ill-prepared to enter clini- are being expended looking for merid- the historic facts of key Chinese con-
cal practice and be able to communi- ians and channels that do not exist. cepts of cardiovascular circulation of
cate with other health care providers. The energy-meridian misconceptions vital substances.
In addition, valuable research funds are examined herein with respect to
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008Essay
Early Chinese Medicine tory of the Former Han Dynasty by Ban approach in terms of yin and yang
History Gu (32–92 CE) lists the Neijing consist- regions that divided the body into 12
ing of 18 scrolls. By the 2nd and 3rd Cen- longitudinal areas on each side of the
While the West rightfully considers tury CE it was viewed in terms of the body [8, Fig 4.2]. Six of these were as-
Harvey’s [1] 1628 verification of blood Suwen (Common Questions) and the sociated with the hand and 6 with the
circulation the single most important Zhenjing (Needling Classic) containing feet (Table 1). The Neijing (LS 10, LS
discovery, the Chinese actually de- nine scrolls each [5, pp.3, 22–24; 7]. 11) provides a full description of 12
scribed it some 2000 years earlier. This The Neijing was then lost until 762 CE longitudinal blood vessels (jingmai 經
first account is found in the Guanzi (ca. when a Tang dynasty minister named 脈 / 经 脉) either supplying (arterial)
375 BCE) in the essay on Water and Wang Bing set out to restore a recov- or draining (venous) each side of the
Earth: “Water is the blood and breath ered copy. He added text to the Suwen body. Their pathways descriptions are
of Earth, functioning in similar fashion (SW) [5, pp.39–58; 7] and renamed in sufficient detail to identify the actual
to circulation of blood and breath (qi the Zhenjing the Lingshu (LS) (Center vessels as they are presently under-
氣 / 气)* in the sinews (muscles) and of Knowledge). Commentaries were stood [8, CH 9, CH 11]. This category of
veins (vessels) [2].” Additional ancient also made in 1056–1066 CE during jingmai represents the main longitudi-
texts recovered in 1973 from a tomb the Song Dynasty by Gao Baoheng [5, nal vessels that supply the muscles and
in Mawangdui China dated to 168 BCE pp.59–66; 7]. Additional commentaries superficial body regions and gives rise
provided detailed information about on the Suwen continued up to the 19th to neurovascular nodes (acupoints).
the Chinese blood vessel (mai 脈 / 脉) century [5, pp.66–75]. The Neijing vessel descriptions are far
theory [3,4]. Similar vessel texts were The Neijing is a compilation of Chi- more comprehensive than those in the
also found in 1983 at Zhangjiashan in nese medical concepts and is still rel- Mawangdui vessel texts which, in ad-
a tomb dated to 150 BCE. These texts evant today and provides an amazing dition, does not describe a vessel for
provide the first universal model of understanding of the human body that the hand jueyin region. The 12 main
pathology based on the blood vessel is still 80–90% accurate [8]. Reasons jingmai are considered to also supply
theory. Neither needling therapy nor for this level of understanding is the specific internal organs. Consequently,
acupoints (xue) are mentioned in these fact that the ancient Chinese conduct- certain neurovascular nodes have so-
particular texts [4, p.39, p.87]. ed postmortem examinations as noted matovisceral indications (Table 1).
The first mention of Chinese needling in LS 12 [8, p.32–34]. Here, external A second category of jingmai consist
therapy related to a known physician measurements could be made by a of 8 singular (奇 ji) vessels to account
is found in the Historical Records of the trained practitioner if the body was for the large vessels running length-
Han Dynasty (90 BCE), Chapter 105 of intact. In case of death a postmortem wise in the body cavity as well as su-
Sima Qian (ca. 145–86 BCE). His name dissection study could be performed perficial venous networks to account
was Chunyu Yi (ca. 216–150 BCE) [4,5] using a standard procedure to obtain for the fact there are 70% more veins
who treated patients with herbs, moxi- quantitative information. in the body than arteries. The main
bustion, and needling therapy. Chunyu singular vessels in the body cavity are
Yi considered blood vessels to be the Longitudinal Blood Vessels the aorta (thoroughfare – chongmai 衝
most important structures compared Both the Neijing and Mawangdui ves- 脈 / 冲脉), the vena cava (allowance
to other constituents of the body. sel books used an anatomical notation – renmai 任脈 / 任脉), and the azy-
First Comprehensive
Table 1. Chinese and modern anatomical notation scheme for 12 longitudinal (jing) body regions,
Chinese Medical Text related vessels, and muscle distributions
From the Warring States period (475–
221 BCE) forward, Chinese physicians
Chinese Anatomical Longitudinal Region, Vessel, Longitudinal Somatovisceral
participated in a text-based alignment
Divisions (pinyin) and Muscle Distributions Vessel Type Vessel Relationship
of knowledge leading to more com-
plete medical texts. Most important of Hand Taiyin Anterior Medial Hand (AMH) Artery Lungs
these is the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Hand Yangming Anterior Lateral Hand (ALH) Vein Large Intestine
Classic (Huangdi Neijing) (ca. 200–100 Foot Yangming Anterior Lateral Foot (ALF) Artery Stomach
Foot Taiyin Anterior Medial Foot (AMF) Vein Pancreas-Spleen
BCE). It is often referred to as the
“Neijing” and the date it was first Hand Shaoyin Posterior Medial Hand (PMH) Artery Heart
compiled is unknown. A fair copy was Hand Taiyang Posterior Lateral Hand (PLH) Vein Small Intestine
placed in the Han Dynasty court library Foot Taiyang Posterior Lateral Foot (PLF) Artery Bladder
by Liu Xin after 26 BCE [6]. The His- Foot Shaoyin Posterior Medial Foot (PMF) Vein Kidneys
Hand Jueyin Medial Hand (MH) Artery Pericardium
Hand Shaoyang Lateral Hand (LH) Vein Internal Membranes
* Chinese characters: Classical Characters are used Foot Shaoyang Lateral Foot (LF) Artery Gallbladder
immediately before the simplified version after a back Foot Jueyin Medial Foot (MF) Vein Liver
slash (/). The simplified characters are not repeated
thereafter.
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008Essay
gos, hemiazygos, and ascending lum-
bar veins (governing – dumai 督脈 /
督脉)(See Figure 1) [8, pp.149–158].
The chongmai is the arterial supply for
the jingmai terminating in the hands,
feet, trunk, and head. The renmai
drains the jingmai veins originating in
the feet, hands, and head. The dumai
drains veins of the trunk and the bron-
chial veins.
The character jing (經 / 经) has
several meanings, the most important
being longitudinal or lengthwise orien-
tation, including Chinese classics con-
sisting of longitudinal scrolls of verti-
cal bamboo strips as used in the word
Neijing. Soulié de Morant translated
this jing as meridian. In the Neijing it
means “longitudinal” as it applies to:
1) longitudinal blood vessels (jingmai
經脈) (LS10);
2) longitudinal muscles distributions Fig. 1. Schematic view of Chinese cardiovascular system organization and vessel branching.
(jing jin 經筋) (LS 13); and
3) longitudinal waterways (rivers)
(經水) (LS 12).
[8, Fig 9.2]. The main longitudinal ves- are best described as “neurovascular
Harper notes that the vessels (mai) sels (jingmai) flowing lengthwise in the nodes” since needling response in-
in Mawangdui texts refer to blood ves- body give rise to collateral branches volves tissue reactions mediated by
sels [4, pp.82–83] with some running (luo 絡 / 络) to form luomai (絡脈). underlying fine vessels, associated
vertically from foot to head (longitudi- The collateral vessels (luomai) further mast cells, afferent nociceptive nerves,
nally); however, the character “jing” is branch into micro or fine (sun 孫 / 孙) and immune complement alternative
not mentioned in these texts. Unschuld vessels to form sunmai (See Figure 1). pathway participation. This activates
agrees that “mai” refers to blood ves- The sunmai consist of arterioles, cap- ascending spinal cord pathways that
sels but he [5,9] and Harper [4] con- illaries, and venules that connect the subsequently provoke restorative de-
sider “jing” to mean “conduit” with out flowing arteries to the return flow- scending control signals [8, CH 14].
respect to vessels. There is no credible ing veins completing the circulation of None of these responses have anything
support for this translation and even blood “like a ring without end.” Mar- to do with energy circulation, merid-
Unschuld [5, p.370, note 381] com- cello Malpighi (1628–1694) confirmed ians, or channels.
ments that opposed to “conduit” ves- Harvey’s work on continuous blood
sels Tessenow [10] now considers that circulation by discovering capillaries Blood Circulation
in his view: “the term ‘jing’ was intro- in 1661. The ancient Chinese also cor- of Vital Substances
duced to designate the major vessels rectly noted that the heart pulse wave The essential aspects of Chinese blood
running through the body lengthwise was not able to pass through the mi- circulation includes distribution of:
in contrast to other secondary vessels crovessels and hence the pulse is only 1) a critical component in inhaled air
forming networks and branching out detectable in the arteries. (qi 氣) now known to be oxygen,
here and there.” Tessenow’s present The 12 longitudinal vessels supply absorbed in the lungs and distrib-
view is totally consistent with the his- collateral vessels and then superficial uted in the arterial blood supply;
torical facts of Chinese medicine. fine vessels associated with nodes (jie 2) nutrients (ying 營 / 营);
節 / 节) (acupoints) [8, Fig 9.3]. Dia- 3) defensive substances (wei 衛 / 卫)
Branching Vessel Networks grams showing these nodal (acupoint) (immune cells); and
Key to the Chinese discoveries was pathways are referred to as longitudi- 4) refined substances of vitality (jin-
the understanding of the continuous nal-collateral vessel (jingluo) charts. gshen 精神) which mediate emo-
branching of larger vessels, to form Some nodes are considered to have tions (hormones and other biologi-
smaller vessels for out-flowing arteries somatovisceral associations with par- cally active substances) [8].The ve-
and the reverse process for return-flow- ticular internal organs (Table 1) and nous blood returns the respiratory
ing veins. The character mai (脈) for some also reflect organ referred pain carbon dioxide (CO2) to the heart
vessel depicts the concept of branching (viscerosomatic) as discovered by the and lungs which is exhaled as air
and is applied to all arteries and veins Chinese. Needling sites (acupoints) (qi). This highly sophisticated con-
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008Essay
cept is consistent with present un- in the 1820s to experiment with Chi- Notion of Energy
derstanding. nese needling therapy (acupuncture) Soulié de Morant’s main problem was
[12,13,14]. They even applied the first his representation of qi (氣) as “ener-
Most of the misunderstanding about known use of percutaneous and tran- gy” for “lack of a better word” [18,21,
Chinese medicine revolves around the scutaneous electrostimulation [15,16]. p.46]. Almost of the all misunderstand-
meaning of the character qi (氣). As a However, by 1900 the analgesic effect ing about Chinese medicine revolves
stand-alone single character qi means: of electrostimulation was no longer in around the ubiquitous use of this char-
air, breath, gases, steam, or vapor vogue.[17] acter qi to mean energy. This miscon-
[4,5,8]. Other common usage of qi to ception continues to be used despite
mean air by the Chinese is apparent in the historical facts as previously noted
their reference to weather conditions Introduction of herein. Unschuld [5,9] notes that: “the
as “sky airs” (tianqi 天氣) and to the Energy – Meridians core Chinese concept of qi bears no re-
atmosphere as the “big air” (daqi 大 semblance to the Western concept of
氣). The atmosphere was noted to be Some 30 years prior to Georges Soulié ‘energy’.” Schnorrenberger [22] also
the source of inhaled air which was de Morant developing his energy-me- notes that qi: “is certainly not equiva-
considered the most vital substance ridian idea he had traveled to China as lent to the Western term ‘energy’.”
circulated in the blood vascular system. a young man in 1901 to originally fill Soulié de Morant expected that his
This qi is also used in tandem with oth- a position with the Banque Lehideux. energy would somehow be revealed
er characters to refer to manner, de- He soon took a keen interest in Chinese by science. His notion of energy came
meanor, temper, force, and function. medicine during his 16 year stay and from the belief that qi was identical to
developed significant skills in the prac- the Hindu concept of prana and differ-
tice of needling therapy (acupuncture). ent from nervous flux [18; 21, pp. xii,
Early European Exposure After returning to France he practiced 46]. He considered prana to mean “vi-
acupuncture and also started teaching tal energy” and supposed that this idea
The first European work on Chinese his unique view of Chinese medicine was introduced into China along with
needling therapy was written by Gi- to lay people and physicians. He is re- Buddhism from the 3rd and 4th centu-
rolamo Cardarno (1508–1576) based sponsible for the first significant effort ries A.D.” [18, 21, p.71]. Contrary to
on information obtained from individu- to introduce acupuncture to the West Soulié de Morant’s assumption, the
als returning from visits to China [11]. and produced a monumental work Chinese theory on the cardiovascular
Cardarno was a physician and medical detailed in two volumes published in circulation of air and blood was estab-
teacher in Milan. Several other books 1939 [18] and 1941 [19]. He completed lished at least 600–700 or more years
were written over the intervening years a third volume in 1955 immediately before the introduction of Buddhism
by employees of trade companies and before his death. These three works into China.
others, including physicians, and even were then combined into one volume
Jesuit Priests. The earliest first-hand in 1957 by Editor Jacques Laffitte [20]. Notion of Meridian
account on the anatomical and physi- Two volumes based on Soulié de Mo- Soulié de Morant translated “jing” in
ological basis of Chinese medicine by rant’s clinical application notes were the term “jingmai” for longitudinal ves-
a western physician was provided by also produced by his life-long collabo- sel as “meridian” even though he knew
Willem ten Rhijne in 1683 [12;13]. He rator, Dr. Therese Martiny. All five of that this jing meant longitudinal, lon-
spent two years working in Japan and these volumes are included in an Eng- gitude, or straight lines for laying out
had obtained four longitudinal-collat- lish version [21]. fields [18; 21, p.24]. He then substitut-
eral vessel (jingluo) charts from local Soulié de Morant tried to provide a ed the term meridian for the 12 main
Chinese medicine practitioners. modern explanation of Chinese medi- longitudinal vessels supplying each
Ten Rhijne observed a Chinese hy- cine in terms of energy circulation by side of the body. It is interesting that
draulic device that demonstrated how an unknown network of meridians he still used the term “vessel” when
blood continually circulates inhaled consisting of: “an additional circula- referring to both the 8 singular and
air and nutrients by means of the tory system having no relation to the the collateral vessels. Unschuld points
blood vascular system. The Chinese nervous, circulatory, or lymphatic sys- out: “The term ‘meridian,’ introduced
explained that continued branching of tems” [20; 21, pp. viii, 207]. It is clear by Soulié de Morant in his rendering
larger vessels into smaller vessels was from his work that he had a vision to: of the concept of jing… is one example
essential to distribute blood throughout “provide the first scientific and clinical among others of what might be called a
the body and that nerves were involved work on the description and utilization creative reception of Chinese medicine
as well. Ten Rhijne conducted his own of human energy” [20; 21, p.182]. Un- in Europe and North America in recent
dissection studies to confirm progres- fortunately, his fundamental miscon- years that disassociates itself from his-
sive branching of blood vessels. ception of both energy and meridians torical facts” [5, p.370, note 382].
Later, ten Rhijne’s dissertation was is inconsistent with the historic facts of
rediscovered and used by physicians Chinese medicine and known human Understanding the Term “Energy”
in France, Italy, and the United States anatomy and physiology. Soulié de Morant understood that in-
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008Essay
haling atmospheric air was most es- mother supports the foundation of life, [23] in 1937, for which he received
sential to maintain life, and that food while the father’s contribution sup- the 1953 Nobel Prize for medicine
and water were critically necessary ports the external defenses, through- and physiology. Cyrus Hartwell Fiske
as well. He had a fundamental knowl- out a person’s lifetime as noted in LS (1890–1978) and Yellagaprada Sub-
edge of metabolism and that breathing 54: Natural Life Span. baRow (1896–1948) discovered ATP in
in air containing oxygen and exhaling It is now known that at conception 1925 [24]. ATP fuels cellular functions
carbon dioxide by the lungs was con- 50% of the nuclear DNA is contribut- through a process of hydrolysis (re-
sidered most important in developing ed by each parent that results in the quires water) that breaks the high en-
personal “vital energy” [19; 21, p.125]. unique genetic disposition of the new ergy bonds between the last two phos-
But his perplexing question was how individual. Meanwhile, 100% of the mi- phates thereby releasing energy to fuel
and when universal (potential) energy tochondrial DNA is contributed only by cellular processes. The resulting ADP
transformed into vital energy and the the mother showing that energy pro- is available again for use. Each glucose
answer to that he considered must be duction within each cell has genetic molecule plus 6 molecules O2 is able to
left in the realm of metaphysics [20; determinants which influence zhenqi convert 36 molecules of ADP to 36 ATP
21, p.202]. to support the foundations of life. plus 6 molecules each of H2O and CO2.
In Soulié de Morant’s view, merid-
ians supplied and regulated energy True Function (zhenqi) Physiological Balance (zhengqi)
that was indispensable to the organs The concept of zhenqi correlates with The concept of “zhengqi” involves the
and the tiniest cells [20; 21, p.278]. the underlying metabolic processes of need to maintain physiological balance
By deduction he considered that the the body of converting potential en- over a wide range of pathogenic in-
cells themselves might also be irri- ergy supplies to power the body. This fluences (environmental, dietary, and
gated by the meridians. He recognized represents fundamental metabolism to emotional stresses) called “xieqi” to
that blood also circulates ceaselessly produce fuel for bodily functions based maintain health [8, Figs 2.3 & 13.1].
throughout the body which ensures on the essential intake of air (qi) and This is the Chinese pathogenic model
nourishment to the tiniest cells and nutrients (ying) [8, Fig 8.1]. Since it is where normal health and function is
carries away their waste products. now known that this process is con- maintained to counteract pathogenic
Soulié de Morant then considered that: strained within each cell it should be factors. These ideas are similar to
“this may be the agent of distribution easily understood that zhenqi does not Claude Bernard’s (1813–1878) bal-
of energy to the cells.” He then contin- circulate throughout the body. Soulié ance of the “milieu interieur” or Wal-
ues: “The vital energy is carried by the de Morant translated zhenqi as “true ter Cannon’s concept of “homeosta-
blood to the cells” [20; 21, p.279]. He energy” but, as it turns out, this is ac- sis” which operate by stable negative
finally concludes that energy is actual- tually his illusive “vital energy” that he feedback control [25,26]. However, the
ly circulated by the blood vessels: “The relegated to the realm of metaphysics. body also has unstable positive feed-
blood and energy which it distributes Energy production within each cell forward mechanisms that can lead to
are carried throughout the entire body is initiated by glycolysis of each mol- pathology now being referred to as
and to the cells through the vascular ecule of glucose (from absorbed nutri- allostatic regulation [27]. Allostatic
network.”[20; 21, p.280] ents) to form two molecules of pyru- processes respond to emergency and
Soulié de Morant considered that his vate. Pyruvate produced in cytoplasm emotional conditions, and other envi-
“vital energy” was qualified by the Chi- is taken up by the cell mitochondria ronmental factors. The Chinese patho-
nese concepts of yuanqi, zhenqi, and matrix and enters the Citric Acid Cy- genic model includes all these factors.
zhengqi which he respectively trans- cle. This involves a cyclic series of en-
lated as ancestral energy, true energy, zymatic and electron transport chain
and correct energy [18; 21, p.46]. It oxidative reactions that convert ad- Need for Critical Change
does not appear that he had good un- enosine diphosphate (ADP) to adeno-
derstanding of these Chinese terms es- sine triphosphate (ATP). This requires Reliance on the energy-meridian mis-
pecially since zhengqi is not related to inhaled oxygen supplied by red blood conception needs to be replaced with
metabolic processes. The present un- cells via capillaries. The resulting car- physiologically based present day un-
derstanding of these topics is discussed bon dioxide (CO2) produced is absorbed derstanding if Chinese medicine is
as follows: by the capillaries and directed to the ever going to be integrated into main-
lungs for exhalation. ATP then fuels all stream medical care. Practitioners of
Source Breath or Function (yuanqi) cellular functions of the body except acupuncture can still use what they
This is the spark or vitality of life that for mature red blood cells which do not already know about neurovascular
occurs at conception as noted in LS 8: have mitochondria. This is fundamen- nodes (acupoints), their locations, and
Origin of Vitality [8, p. 111]. Yuanqi tal cell respiration and is basically why clinical indications. They just need
is considered to provide one’s genetic breathing in oxygen from atmospheric to change their view from meridian/
disposition sometimes referred to an- air is critical to sustain life. channels to blood vessels, nerves, and
cestral function. The Chinese further Sir Hans Adolph Krebs (1900–1981) muscular distributions. This change is
considered the contribution of the first postulated the Critic Acid Cycle especially important since Soulié de
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008Essay
Morant himself seemed to realize in 10. Tessenow, H. Der chinesische Moralbegriff
“i.” Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 1991.
his later years that the blood vessels (German)
were actually supplying energy to the 11. Roccia, L. Chinese acupuncture in Italy. Am J
tiniest cells. He missed the fact that the Chin Med. 1974 Jan;2(1):49–52.
process of converting this potential en- 12. Carrubba, RW, Bowers, JZ. The Western
world’s first detailed treatise on acupuncture:
ergy to his “vital energy” only occurs Willem ten Rhijne’s De Acupunctura. J Hist
within the cells and is not circulated in Med Allied Sci. 1974 Oct;29(4):371–398.
13. Rosenburg, DB. Wilhelm Ten Rhyne’s De
the body. This is understandable since acupunctura: an 1826 translation. J Hist Med
these details were not well understood Allied Sci. 1979 Jan;34(1):81–4.
by science when Soulié de Morant first 14. Cassedy, JH. Early use of acupuncture in the
United States. Bulletin of the New York Acad-
conceived his energy-meridian idea. emy of Medicine 1974;50(8):892–896.
However, cellular metabolism was un- 15. Sarlandiere le Chevalier JB. Memories sur
derstood before he wrote his last book l’electropuncture. Private publication Paris,
1825.
on the Physiology of Energy [20,21] in 16. da Camino, FS. Sulla agopuntua con alcuni
1955. cenni sulla puntura electrica. Antonelli, Ven-
It is essential that educational re- ice, 1834.
17. Stillings D. A survey of the history of electri-
quirements for Chinese medicine fol- cal stimulation for pain to 1900. Medicine In-
low its own historical precedence of a strum. 1975 Nov-Dec;9(6):255-9.
thorough understanding of anatomy, 18. Soulié de Morant, Georges. L’Acuponcture
chinoise. Tome I L’ énergie (Points, Méridi-
physiology, and pathology (biomedical ens, Circulation). Mercur de France, 1939.
sciences) in addition to the distinctive (French)
treatment and clinical approaches that 19. Soulié de Morant, Georges. L’Acuponcture
chinoise. Tome II Le maniement de l’énergie.
continue to make this medical system Paris, Mercur de France, 1941. (French)
unique. Greater understanding and 20. Soulié de Morant, Georges. L’Acuponcture
Chinoise. 3 volumes, Paris, 1957. (French)
knowledge will only serve to benefit
21. Zmiewski, P (Ed). Georges Soulié de Mo-
public interest, and will also provide a rant, Chinese Acupuncture (L’acuponcture
solid basis for valid research. Chinoise). Lawrence Grinnell, Claudy Jean-
mougin, and Maurice Leveque, trans. Brook-
line, Mass, Paradigm Publications, 1994.
22. Schnorrenberger CC. Morphological foun-
dations of acupuncture: an anatomical
nomenclature of acupuncture structures.
References BMAS Acupuncture in Medicine, 1996
Nov;14(3):89–103.
1. Harvey, W. Exercitatio anatomica de motu
cordis et sanguinis in animalibus. Francofurti 23. Krebs, HA. The History of the Tricarboxylic
(Frankfurt) 1628. The first English text, “Ana- Acid Cycle, Perspect. Biol. Med., 14: 154–170
tomical exercises on the motion of the heart (1970).
and blood in animals.” translated and edited 24. Fiske, CH, SubbaRow, Y. The Colorimetric
by Geoffrey Keynes, London 1653. Determination of Phosphorus. J. Biol. Chem.
2. Rickett, WA. Guanzi: Political, Economic, and 66, 1925.
Philosophical Essays from Early China. Prin- 25. Cannon, WB. The emergency function of the
ceton University Press, New Jersey, 1998, adrenal medulla in pain and major emotions.
pp.100–101. Amer. J. Physiol. 1914;33:356–372.
3. Ma, JX. Acupuncture and Moxibustion, in 26. Cannon, WB. The wisdom of the body. New
Ancient China’s Technology and Science. York, W.W. Norton & Co. 1932.
Foreign Language Press, Beijing, China 1983,
pp.345–351. 27. Schulkin, J. Rethinking Homeostasis: Allostat-
ic Regulation in Physiology and Pathophysiol-
4. Harper, DJ. Early Chinese Medical Literature: ogy. A Bradford Book, MIT Press, Cambridge,
The Mawangdui Medical Manuscripts. Kegan Massachusetts, London, England, 2003.
Paul International, London and New York,
1998.
5. Unschuld, PU. Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen:
Nature, Knowledge, Imagery in an Ancient
Chinese Medical Text. Berkely. University of
California Press. 2003
6. Tsien, TH. Written on Bamboo and Silk: The
Beginnings of Chinese Books and Inscrip-
tions, Second Edition. University of Chicago
Press, Chicago. 1962, p.14.
7. Veith, I. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of In-
ternal Medicine. California University Press,
Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. 1949,
1966, pp.77–90.
8. Kendall, DE. Dao of Chinese Medicine: Un-
derstanding an Ancient Healing Art. Oxford Address for correspondence:
University Press, London, Hong Kong, New
York, 2002. Dr. Donald E. Kendall, OMD
6105 Lake Lindero Drive
9. Unschuld, PU. Medicine in China: A History
of Ideas. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London. Uni- Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
versity of California Press. 1985. dekendall@eathhlink.net
Schweiz. Zschr. GanzheitsMedizin 20 (2), März 2008You can also read
