In this video we use the pulse points - deriving from the acupuncture meridian system - to both diagnosis and treat a musculoskeletal condition. Acupuncture is a form of medicine as old as time. There are 12 bilateral and 2 central midline meridians, divided up equally into Yin and Yang. In every Yin theres a little Yang and in every Yang theres a little Yin. Typical pulse points account for six superficial and six deep pulses along the radial artery, which can vary in amplitude due to more or less contraction of the vessels' muscular fibers, this is something that scientist can measue with pressure transducers, showing changes in the external pressure on the artery. Goodheart added two extra pulse points for the Conception & Governing Vessels (Ren & Du) on the thenar eminances to this quantum phenomenon. These can also guide the course of our treatment, for example, in the video our patient Large Intestine meridian showed up, so we could then examine him for something that could be throwing his energy system out of whack - such as an open/close ileoceacl valve.
With modern advances in Applied Kinesiology, we can use our handy dandy tool - therapy localization - to easily find the meridian that is most deficient in that point in time, plus with a basic understanding of the acupuncture system and anatomical relations, we can treat it in a couple minutes (something that would take an acupuncturist years to master).
We first start with the diagnosis. To remember this we use the acronym PMA, Pulse point, Muscle, Alarm point. To find a positive pulse point, we start with an indicator muscle that is strong in the clear. I like the straight arm test with the shoulder elevated off the table to get a more neurological test, after all, the AMC (Acupuncture Meridian Connectors) will serve as our window into the nervous system, and the pulse points serve as our window into the AMC...windowception! From here we should only have one pulse point show a positive TL (make muscle weak), if two: their occiput is out, if none: they're either dehydrated; have an atlas subluxation; or we need to address beginning and ending acupuncture points (could be hypothalamic involvement).
After we have accessed which meridian is deficient, we will check the associated muscles for weakening to confirm our findings, in the video above we found the LI meridian deficient and . (if no muscles are weak, we could need to address five element theory). Refer to the chart below for meridians and their associated muscles.
As for the final step in our diagnosis process, we check the alarm point for the the meridian we found deficient by having the patient put their fingers on it while we recheck the muscle for strengthening. (if it fails to strengthen the muscle go backwards on the 24 hour meridian clock til an alarm point strengthens it.)
Now treatment is much more simple (thank god). We use the acronym NAT: Nutrition; Adjust; Tonify. Personally, I always like to address the structural aspects first before going into nutrition because sometimes you can clear up the bodies need for supplementation by returning the bodies natural flow of energy to homeostatis. but, this is the way I learned it so it's how I'll teach it. (don't get mad please.) For nutrition, every organ has it's own nutritional need, we can more specific with which time of nutrition can be most beneficial to the individual by using different hand modes and TLing bilaterally to the BL1 meridian, located one fen medial and superior to the medial canthus of the eye.
Next, we stimulate the associated point by either tapping, or manipulation of the spine. The associated points are all on the BL meridian channel and run the course of the spine. They serve as fuse boxes to the meridians and turn on their respected channel. In the video we stimulated L5 for the LI.
Finally (at last), we look at the tonification point to bring chi to the deficient meridian. This can be done by tapping, rubbing, or dry needling, whatever the practictioner wants! I went with tapping :)
We did it! now you guys can balance the AMC of your friends and family, congrats!