-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
contraception
acupuncture

patterns and combinations

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therapeutic note:
• The basic momentum of Chinese medicine has historically emphasized fertility rather contraception. The cultural and economic values placed on the family throughout all but the most recent part of Chinese history, and hence the social imperatives of its medicine, have always supported childbearing in the interests of productivity and parental care. In particular, the Kidney function is perceived as the key to strength, fertility and longevity and hence is usually the object of nourishing and strengthening therapies. Ultimately the greatest resources in the area of contraception offered by classical Chinese medicine can be found in the cultivation of the sexual energies as offered through various disciplines usually derived from Taoism. Semen retention and ovulatory cessation are typically achieved after qualified training and disciplined practice. Here the primary goals are increased awareness, spiritual insight, longevity and the cultivation of Qi, but contraception is most often an indirect outcome.
Furthermore, whether by pharmacological or surgical means, contraception should be considered suspect in light of the disruptions and damage caused to the organs and channels. In particular, tubal ligations and vasectomies sever the acupuncture channels of the inguinal area, notably the Liver, Spleen and Kidney channels. The repercussions of such intervention are both subtle and long-term not only in their disruption of the circulation through the channels themselves but through their impact on the Lower Warmer, lower extremities and possibly the associated organs themselves.
Likewise, therapeutic abortion also disrupts the natural processes of the body. During pregnancy the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) reverses its flow so as to focus the body's resources on the uterus. "When the fetus is artificially aborted, all this energy, especially the Blood energy, loses its center of cohesion. At the same time the body does not receive the natural hormonal feedback of birth. On the one hand, the body acts as if it were still pregnant and on the other, the energy of the entire Lower Burner becomes disordered and loses its tone." (Flaws, 1983, p. 21)

» illustrative combinations:
• LI-4 and Sp-6; also consider: GV-1 and Sp-9 to induce artificial abortion (Shanghai, p. 679)
• LI-4 and Sp-6; also consider: UB-67 to induce artificial abortion (Shanghai, p. 679)


point analysis

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palpate and consider:
• CV-5 (-): regulates menstruation and the Lower Warmer; normally forbidden to needle in women of childbearing age as it may cause sterility by changing the position of the uterus, this point is used in China as a contraceptive method and is "reported to be approximately 80% effective; besides the 20% rate of failure, this practice, when successful, may adversely effect the flow of Qi through the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and thus disrupt many of the links between the Upper and Lower Warmers, Heart and Kidney, etc., so caution is advised (Flaws, 1983, p. 19); Triple Warmer Mu Alarm point


footnotes