Abdominal Acupuncture - Dave Shipsey [1]
Abdominal acupuncture is an incredibly powerful, yet very gentle system that utilizes the abdomen to regulate the function of the zangfu organs and meridians to treat the whole body for pain and internal disorders. In May 2017, Dave Shipsey simplified the system to teach us how use only the abdomen to treat all kinds of conditions. Meet Dave.
Dave Shipsey [1] is a seasoned acupuncturist with over 15 years of experience and training in the most powerful acupuncture systems around. Dave's Dublin clinic, Dan-Tien Complementary Health Studio, was established in 2001. Prior to practicing as an acupuncturist, he studied acupuncture for a year in Ireland, completed his studies in China at the International University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing and interned with many of the affiliated hospitals with highly revered doctors including, Dr. Qiao Weilei. Over the years in Nanjing, Dave completed 6 months of internship with Dr. Han Yan studying abdominal acupuncture (Fu Zhen).
HOW DO YOU USE ABDOMINAL ACUPUNCTURE?
When starting off with this new system, it's best to map out all the points so you have an idea of where everything goes. First, you will want to find the "start" point. This point can be located by sliding both of your thumbs medially along the exterior borders of your patient's ribs as they arch around the abdomen until they meet in the middle at the bottom of the xiphoid process. This will be tender for the patient. It is the soft depression above the sternum at the xiphisternal synchondrosis. Next, locate the center of the belly button (Ren 8). The distance between the "start" point and Ren 8 is 8 cun. Use this body measurement to locate Ren 9, Ren 10, Ren 11, and Ren 12. Next, locate the top of the pubic bone. The distance between Ren 8 and the top of the pubic bone is 5 cun. Use this body measurement to locate Ren 7, Ren 6, Ren 5, and Ren 4. Next, locate KD-16, ST-25, and SP-15 which are all lateral to Ren 8 by 0.5 cun, 2 cun, and 4 cun respectively.
MISSED THE CLASS? No worries, it was all recorded so this wisdom has been preserved for a lifetime. You can get Dave’s 2-part class, Mastering the Art of Abdominal Acupuncture, Part I [2] and Mastering the Art of Abdominal Acupuncture, Part II [3], here [4]. If you are an Annual Gold Pass Member [5], find all of Dave’s videos here [6] to begin your complimentary viewing.
In the meantime, below is a compilation of a few Abdominal Acupuncture clinical pearls from my notes:
- Guide Qi home with points: Ren-12, Ren-10, Ren-6, and Ren-4
- Use ST-25 for digestive issues. Also, front Mu of LI
- KD-13 nourishes Kidneys; use bilaterally
- Order of insertion: upper --> lower; inner --> outer
- 4 Gates: ST-24 & ST-26 bilateral; has similar functions to LI-4/LR-3 combo
- Ren 4 + 0.5 cun lateral (bilaterally) is good for Kd Essence
- Ren 6 + 0.5 cun lateral (bilaterally) is good for Liv Essence
- In Abdominal Acu, treatment is on the same side as the pain. Ex. Right elbow pain, treat right abdominal side
- SP-15 is for general muscle tissues and targets MJ
- Ren 12.5 is the same as DU-20
Let me know if this helps your practice!
Donna Chow, L.Ac.