In our last newsletter, we discussed Orthopedic Acupuncture, a very direct approach for pain and musculoskeletal injury and recovery. In this article, we’ll explore the technique of distal acupuncture and how its immediate and lasting effects offer life-changing relief for our patients. Distal acupuncture involves placing needles at locations far from the area of concern but connected through the acupuncture channel system and a holographic correspondence model of the body.
What is the Holographic Correspondence Model of the Human Body?
The holographic correspondence model is a conceptual framework that posits that each part of the body is a microcosm of the whole. In other words, each smaller area can represent the body as a whole. An example of this concept can be seen in a well-known modality like reflexology where each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body. This principle allows practitioners to treat distant parts of the body to address problems in another, more targeted area. This is a unique feature of distal acupuncture that makes it a powerful modality for treatment, often resulting in immediate relief.
Additionally, similar body parts can be used to treat one another. For example, using this model we can treat the elbow with acupuncture to provide pain relief in the knee. Because these 2 body structures are similar (both are “hinge” joints, both are located halfway between the trunk and the extremities, and both have similar anatomical structures), we can use the brain’s powerful processing to start the body’s innate healing process.
This type of body mapping and correspondence is not an idea exclusive to acupuncture. The development of the human body from different embryonic stages is where many of our cells and organs came from the same cell or groups of cells which replicated and divided during our development. For example, our kidneys and the cartilage of our ears came from the same group of cells, hence their similar shape. Distal acupuncture uses the innate organizing and creating ability of our own body and brain to generate pain relief and healing.
Tung's Acupuncture Method
Tung's Acupuncture is a family lineage system that became public in the mid-20th century by Master Tung Ching-Chang. It utilizes a different set of acupuncture points than the well-known 12 Channel System, many of which are distal, to treat various ailments effectively. Tung's method focuses on the "mirroring" and "imaging" concepts, where one part of the body can correspond to another part, creating a mapping system that allows for potent distal treatments.
Tan's Acupuncture Method
Dr. Richard Tan also refined the practice of distal acupuncture by developing the Balance Method. Tan's approach seeks to establish harmony within the body's energy systems by selecting points along the meridians that are opposite to the diseased or painful area. This balancing act often leads to immediate symptom relief, making it popular for conditions like acute pain.
I’ve been studying and using these both of these distal acupuncture methods for over 10 years and the results never stop amazing me and more importantly, my patients! Most recently, a patient had a weeklong headache that nothing was helping. He came for one treatment, and we used distal acupuncture on his hands and feet (both areas have correspondence to the head and face) and reported a 100% relief of his headache that same day and 2 weeks later, the pain still hasn’t returned.
We see results like this all the time in the clinic, but it’s important to understand that each patient is unique, with a lifetime of acquired physical and emotional adaptations and injuries, and it may require multiple treatments to achieve our goals.
Why Choose Distal Acupuncture?
Less Intrusive
Distal acupuncture is generally less intrusive, meaning needles don't have to be inserted near sensitive or painful areas, making the treatment potentially more comfortable for the patient.
Immediate Relief
Both Tung and Tan methods are known for providing immediate symptom relief, making them preferred choices for conditions like acute pain or migraines. We may also observe immediate improved range of motion on a structure like the neck or shoulder because the patient is able to move the injured area during treatment.
Versatility
Distal acupuncture can be applied to a wide range of conditions, from physical pain to emotional disorders, offering a versatile treatment approach.
Other Benefits of Distal Acupuncture
Pain Management: Effective for both acute and chronic pain.
Flexibility: Suitable for treating multiple conditions simultaneously.
Speed: Faster symptom relief compared to other acupuncture methods.
Minimal Side Effects: Less potential for soreness post-treatment than trigger point acupuncture or strong local acupuncture.
Convenience: Allows patients to remain clothed during the treatment, making it more accessible and comfortable.
I will very often use both Distal and Orthopedic Acupuncture styles and other acupuncture techniques in the same treatment plan for my patients. My education and training allow me to customize my patients’ treatments to their unique needs. Reach out with any questions and I’m wishing you good health and happiness! -Angela