SPLEEN CHAIN AND THE 6 PHASES OF THE DISEASE

Understanding the relationship between the SPLEEN CHAIN AND THE 6 PHASES OF THE DISEASE was an important step in the development of the reading grid (see chapter XI, paragraph B).

Brief reminders

a) the 6 phases of the disease are related to the 6 paired channels, the 6 layers of defence, from surface to depth (Jacques Pialoux, « Guide to Acupuncture and Moxibustion, p 45)

Yang phases

Yin Phases

b) the decoding of the Spleen chain, from SP 12 to SP 21, follows the order of the function Back-Shu points

Overall control:

It is done through a surface crosswise interrogation in the middle of the anterior side of the thigh (see picture 1). This area is the centre of the Spleen chain.

Specific controls which determine the phase and energetic functions that are disturbed, are detailed in chapter XI, B.

Crosswise interrogation in the middle of the anterior side of the thigh

Correction

The general principle for correction is as follows:

  • In the Yang phases, the therapist corrects the centre in relation to the corresponding point of the phase, whatever the organ, viscera or anatomical region concerned (example: SP 15 or SP 16 for the inflammatory phase – see picture 2).
  • In the Yin phases, the therapist corrects the centre in relation to the corresponding point of the organ or viscera disturbed (example: SP 16 for Stomach, SP 17 for Spleen).

As for the Minister Fire:

The related points are not on the SP channel and were determined by palpatory research:

  • TW -> TW 15 – GB 21
  • PC -> ST 10

As for the TW, blockages are often on thyroid and parathyroid glands.

As for the PC, blockages are either in the heart region (cardiovascular pathologies) or in a body region in relation to neoplasm phase (phase VI).

Disturbances in the Spleen chain are frequent and important to treat.

The therapist corrects the centre in relation to the corresponding point of the phase, whatever the organ, viscera or anatomical region concerned