347
Jing Jin
≈
Sinew Channels
points, and often an abnormal development of the
muscles on one side only, as well as interfering with
the convergence of Yang at DM-14
Binao
which can
lead to a premature arousal of the survival mechanism
of the Lower Brain, manifesting with eating disorders,
running from fear, over sensitivity, allergies etc.
Although it has never been clearly stated, it seems
reasonable to relate the Sinew channels to the Wood
phase and to the Liver, which not only maintains the
musculature, but as the “general of the army”, is in
charge of the movements of
Wei Qi
and the protection
of the surface.
The
Jingjin
relate to the Lung and Liver, the two organs
dealing with surface protection
·
·
Lung: in charge of diffusing
Wei Qi
to the skin, deal-
ing with external Wind
·
·
Liver: in charge of the movements of
Wei Qi
and
muscles, dealing with internal Wind
Hence the fact that Yang
Jing
≈
Well points are asso-
ciated with the Metal phase and that Yin
Jing
≈
Well
correspond to the Wood phase.
Overall, the function of the Sinew
channels include
tendons, muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and
the peritoneum, as well as the
Gao-Huang
, which up-
holds the internal organs.
·
·
Gao
: connective tissues wrapping around the organ
·
·
Huang
: Yang permeability, movement of Qi in and
out of the organs
Primary role of the Sinew channel
- protection against the outside
- motricity
- formation and maintenance of the musculature
Pathology
Suwen chapter 39 states
“When Cold enters the outer aspect of the channels,
it will constrict to result in a spreading action on the
collaterals. This will result in pain (Jingjin
≈
Sinew)
and irritability (Jing Luo
≈
Network). Applying heat
or arousing the Yang Qi will relax the collaterals to
relieve pain. Yet habitual exposure to Cold will cause
it to linger and become chronic.” (Re
≈
Hot needle
therapy or Moxa)
Cold and Wind are considered the main pathogenic
factors when Heat and Damp are more energetic
responses to Cold and Wind. Chapter 43 further
elaborates
“When Bi
≈
Impediment lingers in the bones
(Jingbie
≈
Divergent) and flesh (Primary channels), it
Mobility is rooted in
Du Mai
and the development of
the curvatures of the spine, which in turn are main-
tained by specific muscles, namely five muscle groups
called the
Wu Shu
≈
Five Axes
·
·
The sternocleidomastoid
·
·
The diaphragm
·
·
The psoas
·
·
The abdominal rectus and
·
·
The paravertebral muscles
The sinew channels have a major impact in the adjust-
ment and the movement of the bony cavities of the
body thus influencing the functions of the
Zang-Fu
.
These five axes
Wu Shu
, control the gait and the balance
associated with the upright posture, they should not
be either too lax or too tense. It is important to palpate
these zones for evaluation, with GB-27
Wushu
as a
general point to relax the five axes. Hence any paralysis
from spine injury, osteoarthritis, articular compres-
sions causing pain can benefit from this muscular and
articular alignment using the sinew channels, as well
as working with
Du Mai
(the spine) and the divergent
channels.
The body postures depend on the orientation of the
three bony cavities: the position of the skull affects the
other spine curvatures (thorax and pelvis), affecting
the Yang convergence at DM-14
Dazhui
(fig. 3).
According to Master Yuen, postures can also reflect
long-term compensations of that which has been de-
nied, or early childhood traumas, leading to mesh-
ing and binding of the
Taiyang
-BL channel along the
spinous erector muscles affecting the
Shu
≈
Transport
Fig. 3
The five muscular axes mediate between the
three bony cavities and the spine to maintain posture
Skull
Thorax
Pelvis
Sterno-cleido-
mastoid
muscles
Diaphragm
Ilio-
psoas
muscles
Abdominal
rectus
muscles
Para-
vertebral
muscles
Spine
