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As Above, So Below Acupuncture: Great Loops and Reverse Body Image Points By Darren Starwynn,O.M.D.,Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCA) PrinciplesOne of the greatest contributions from acupuncture is the understanding of the inter-relatedness of all parts of our bodies, and the ability to effectively treat using this understanding. It is the use of distal acupoints, energetically related to the afflicted body area, that often bring the most immediate balance and relief.Many of us use these methods without fully knowing the basis for its effectiveness. A valuable model for understanding and selecting highly effective distal treatment points can be found in ancient writings often referred to as Hermetic Law. The Hermetic Laws originated in ancient Egypt or earlier, and are attributed to the god-man Thoth (pronounced “Toth”). Thoth was called Hermes in ancient Greece, and Mercury in Rome. In the Middle Ages, he was referred to as Hermes Trismegistus and was considered the originator of 42 books of esoteric knowledge collectively known as the Hermetica. The Hermetic Laws are a major basis for the Kaballa Tree of Life and most other metaphysical teachings throughout the ages. A brief survey of the Hermetic Laws will quickly reveal that they also explain the basis for all forms of vibrational healing, including many aspects of Chinese Medicine and modern quantum physics. Of the 7 best known Hermetic Laws, the best known principle is “As Above, So Below”, also known as the Law of Correspondence. The principle of As Above, So Below has been key to such diverse pursuits as astrology, magical practices, quantum physics, and traditional acupuncture. Five-Element acupuncture is a system especially organized around extensive lists of correspondences between Organs, colors, smells, directions, emotions, animals, and much more. A simple way to grasp the principle of As Above, So Below is to look at the similarity between our solar system and the structure of atoms. Both have a central nucleus with bodies orbiting around it in regular patterns. Or compare the spiral shape of the Milky Way galaxy to spiral snail shells and the DNA double helix within all our cells. Such clear correspondences exist on all levels throughout nature and consciousness. The Universe is holographic in nature — the whole exists in each part, no matter how minute. Musical instruments such as pianos or sitars demonstrate resonance between octaves. If a note is played in one octave such as middle C, sympathetic tones are created in other higher or lower octaves of that same note through the principle of As Above, So Below. It is similar with consciousness and our energy bodies. We exist on many levels simultaneously, from the most dense and gross (physical) to the most subtle (Spirit). Injuries to the physical body can create ongoing interference in the subtle energy bodies, thereby creating stored, self-perpetuating memories of trauma. Held negative impressions on the subtle energy level can also precipitate in the physical as disease and pain. In fact, such interferences can actually attract accidents and other traumatic events to people through the Law of Attraction. This holographic nature of the body is recognized in the acupuncture classics, paraphrased as follows (assume a vice-versa after each statement): As Above, So Below Acupuncture Treatment MethodsThese time-tested principles can be used for highly effective pain relief and energy balancing treatments in the acupuncture practice. They are clearly manifested through two acupuncture methods - micro-systems and Great Loops distal acupoints.Micro-systems are holographic representations of the entire body projected in a single body part. Most acupuncturists are familiar with, and clinically utilize micro–systems, which are commonly treated in areas as diverse as the ear, hand, foot, face, abdomen, and gastocnemius muscle. Stimulating an appropriate micro–system point can cause a healing or pain relieving reaction in the corresponding part of the body. Pain is often relieved more effectively through stimulating a distal holographic micro-point than treating the affected area directly. Two of the most powerful and effective clinical applications of As Above, So Below I have experienced are treatment of Great Loops and Reverse Body Image (RBI) points. These are based on the principles mentioned above in the Nei Jing passage. Microcurrent stimulation through polarized probes is an ideal way to perform these treatments. The phrase Great Loops literally refers to the six great meridians of taiyang, yangming, shaoyang, taiyin, jueyin, and shaoyin, each of which includes one upper and one lower extremity channel. Treating tender points on the lower extremity channel for pain of the upper extremity channel can be an effective pain controlling method. I am expanding the term Great Loops here to include all energetically related meridians on the upper and lower body. As Above, So Below can also be applied to reverse body image (RBI) points on the trunk of the body. For example, the spine is holographically represented on the front of the body, upside down: The major joints are also projected on the body in a similar way: More information about these “reverse body image” points on the trunk can be found in the work of Peter Mandel, ND, originator of the German Colorpuncture system. Treating As Above, So Below PointsGreat Loops treatment is utilized for pain and injury of the extremities, while RBI points are primarily used for disorders on the trunk of the body.The principle of Great Loops treatment is simply that, for pain on or around a joint, go to the joint on the opposite quadrant of the body, as shown in the joint correspondence pictures above, and palpate for very tender points. When treated, these distal points will likely be highly effective for relieving pain in the symptomatic area. Treatment of RBI points is similar. Using the charts above, find the region corresponding to the painful or diseased area. Palpate to find the sorest point upon pressure, and use that for distal treatment. There are several methods that can be used to treat As Above, So Below points:
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