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Yin and Yang

In essence, the theory of Yin and Yang is based on the existence of two polar opposites that are
neither mystical forces nor material objects. Rather they are terms used to describe the interaction of
entities to each other and to the universe. They express natural laws of change and the Chinese
concept of everything being a part of the whole.

The Yin and Yang symbol provides the best visual representation of the basic mechanics of Taoist
philosophy. The outer circle is a representation of Tao and symbolizes the universe as a whole, self-
sufficient unit, which contains both Yin and Yang. The circle is differentiated into two equal
divisions, Yin represented by the black division and Yang by the white. The curved line down the
middle shows the constant state of change between Yin and Yang as they create control and transform
into each other. Within each division is a smaller circle illustrating that within Yin there is Yang and
vice versa.

The dynamic curve which separates these two fundamental elements, symbolizes both the continual
cyclic interplay between the forces and the energy Chi, which is both a product and catalyst of that
interplay. Chi, which fuels the creation and causes all to come into existence, is generated in the
external interplay of these two natural forces.

Neither Yin nor Yang can ever truly dominate the opposite force, for at the very moment that one
reaches the highest point of its own power, it transforms into the other. This is one reason why the
symbol shows the two forces curled around each other, with a small circle of the other in the centre of
each. The small contrasting circle enclosed within the larger divisions also illustrates the belief that an
element of Yang resides within Yin and vice versa. Nothing is absolutely Yin or Yang. Equally,
neither is superior to the other. One cannot say that something is good because it is Yang, nor bad
because it is Yin. They are two co-dependent concepts.

Yin Yang Yin Yang

Female Male Interior Exterior
Passive Active Downward Upward
Night Day Empty Full
Soft Hard Contract Expand
Cold Hot Dark White

The character for Yin originally meant the shady sides of a slope. It is associated with qualities such
as cold, darkness, passivity, decrease, downward, interior and inward. The original meaning of Yang
was the sunny side of a slope and refers to heat, light, activity, increase, upward, exterior and outward.

The words Yin and Yang are meaning les unless used with each other. In other words, Yin cannot
exist without Yang and vice versa. Without both male (Yang) and female (Yin), human race would
quickly die out. If planet Earth is in constant darkness (Yin), all life would soon cease to exist; and if
a person is in constant motion (Yang) and never rests (Yin), his or her body would become weak
resulting in illness or death.

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Yin is often referred to as a negative energy whereas Yang a positive energy. It is usual for people to
see Yin and Yang as negative and positive aspects, in the sense that one is right and the other is
wrong. This is incorrect. Yin and Yang are natural forces and Taoist philosophy maintains that
everything natural serves a positive purpose, even if it has a negative aspect to it. Nature is rarely
classified as negative. Yin and Yang are complementary opposites. As we have seen, these two
opposite forces combine to make life possible.

All actions and applications of force and power result in a Yin or Yang consequence. Even in Western
education, Sir Isaac Newton’s third law teaches for every action there is a equal and opposite reaction.
This consequence is a manifestation of Chi. The following three dimensional example will explain the
involvement of Chi in Yin and Yang.
Using the nut and bolt as an example of Yin and Yang working in unison, the bolt (the male
component) is Yang, while the nut (the female component) is Yin. The thread of which are contained
in both the Yin and Yang components, represent Chi. For now, it is enough to realise that it is the
thread which allows the nut and the bolt to work in unison. It provides them with strength. Each
component is reliant upon the other two to achieve its purpose.
Like Einstein’s theory of relativity, Taoist philosophy maintains that nothing can exist in isolation,
that everything is relative and that contrast is essential. This explains why Yin and Yang are
considered to be responsible for each other’s existence. They control each other and transform into
each other. Consequently, any imbalance in either Yin or Yang results in a corresponding imbalance
in the other that also interrupts the flow of Chi.

The human body, the state of harmony is a balance between Yin and Yang energies where neither Yin
or Yang remains at one extreme for an extended period of time. The result of interplay of these two
energies is a fluctuation in the balance of Yin and Yang that occurs every second of the day. Only a
healthy body can cope with these fluctuations. Chinese martial arts allows the body to regain this
much required balance in order that good health prevails.

Yin and Yang is an important concept in the study of Dim Mak, martial arts and medicine. In TCM,
the human body as a whole is a carefully balanced system of Yin and Yang. The front of the body is
considered Yin while the back of the body is Yang. The lower body is Yin and the upper body is
Yang. Fluids in the bosy are classed as Yin while Chi is classed as Yang. Certain organs such as
Heart, Liver and Kidney are Yin organs whereas others such as Small Intestine, Bladder and Gall
Bladder are Yang organs.

To the practitioner of martial arts or TCM, imbalances in the flow, density and composition of Yin
and Yang are causes of disease and sickness. One may be treated with acupuncture or Chinese herbs
to correct this imbalance. The martial artist also uses this theory in combat. A fighter may strike one
or more points on an opponent to disburse Yang (strength) in the body, leaving the opponent weak
and drained of energy leading to eventual collapse of Yang – death. In Dim Mak pressure point
defence, Yin and Yang are damaged by direct force being applied to points which influence and
control Chi and Blood. Yin equates to Blood and Yang equates to Chi.

It is important to know that Yin and Yang mutually create each other, they mutually control each
other and they mutually transform into each other. Yin and Yang are also a way of thinking, a way of
being and a way of doing.

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How Dim Mak uses the Yin and Yang concept?

Apart from the universal Yin and Yang energetic manifestations, you have seen that the human body
as a whole is also a carefully balance representation of Yin and Yang.

Balance, harmony and the smooth flow of Yin and Yang energies are required to maintain good
health. Otherwise, illness or death occurs. Disruption to the natural state of Yin and Yang causes
adverse effects on the body, especially when various master points which control Yin and Yang, Chi
and Blood are intentionally struck. These master points can also be damaged by accident, for
example, at training, while working around the house or on the sport field.

As Chi is symbolic of Yang energy and Blood as a symbol of Yin energy, Dim Mak targets Chi and
Blood so as to directly affect Yin and Yang. Dim Mak uses 14 special points which directly destroy
Chi, Blood Yin and Yang. For instance, a person may strike one or more points which control Chi to
disburse yanf scattering it leaving the opponent weak and drained of energy (yanf is strength or
energy). That leads to eventual collapse of Yang. This causes death.
There are, of course, more then 14 points used in Dim Mak.

How to apply Yin and Yang in Dim Mak?

In choosing points which destroy Yin and Yang, one may choose to strike one, two or three points in
succession. The points are chosen from the list of 14 points which destroy Chi, Blood, Yin and Yang.
Once these points are struck, collapse of Yin and/or Yang occurs. This is due to the close relationship
and interdependent nature of Yin and Yang, so collapse of Yin leads to collapse of Yang and vice
versa. This collapse leads to death.
Brief example of Dim Mak strategies used are
Hit one point which destroys Yin, followed by one point which destroys Yang
Hit three Yin points in succession, such as Heart, Spleen and Liver points
Whilst one point may destroy only one of these four energies, other points such as Zhang Men Liver
13 destroys a multiple number of these energies. Considering, Liver13 is an excellent point to use as
an example.

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Chi
The study of pressure points can’t take place without discussing the theory of Chi. Chi is fundamental
to the practice of martial arts and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Over the centuries the word
Chi has been translated into many different terms such as “life force”, “vital essence” or 2spark of
life” but existing English words cannot fully define the true meaning of this important term.

In martial arts pressure point fighting is accepted as “The Biological energy of life”, or “the vitality
that makes life possible”. So, when a pressure point that influences or affects Chi is struck, life is
affected, sometimes even terminated.

In the Japanese culture, Chi is known as “Ki” and in Indian culture refers to Chi as “Prana”.
Essentially, the nature and function of Chi is identical across cultures. The only difference is the
name.

So what is Chi that all martial arts traditions rely so heavily on? The Yellow Emperor’s (Huang-di, or
the Yellow Emperor, 27th century B.C, has been credited with the invention of the principles of
Traditional Chinese medicine )Classic Internal Medicine states “There is no place that does not have
it, and no place does it not penetrate”.
Chi is a special biological life giving force; an energy that dictates the course and future of human life
and everything that surrounds it. Without Chi, life itself would be impossible because the whole
process of life is based on Chi. It is a fundamental part of, yet encompasses, every living being.

Apart from traditional Western anatomical systems such as the nervous or respiratory system, the
ancient Chinese sages discovered another circulation system within the human body – a network of
pathways or energy fields that carry Chi to every cell of the body. They thought that Chi was tangible,
that it could be felt, but not seen. Another fundamental principle is that Chi itself can be divided in a
unique combination of Yin and Yang.

These pathways of Chi are represented by a line drawn between acupuncture points to form clear
pathways or channels throughout the body. These pathways are also known as meridians.
It was previously believed that Chi is psychic in nature. Studies and research by scientists using
modern equipment have demonstrated that Chi is very real. They explain Chi as an actual, empirical
energy of extremely high electrical conductivity that can be felt and experienced.
All organic and inorganic matter in the universe is composed of, and defined by, its Chi. The Chinese
traditionally do not separate matter and energy; instead they think of Chi as a matter on the verge of
becoming energy, or conversely, energy at the point of transforming into matter.

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Five Elements Wu Xing

Five Elements is comprised of Wood, Fire, earth, Metal and Water. Wu means five, unfortunately,
Xing does not simply translate as “element”. Instead, Xing variably describes a movement, phase,
process or behaviour. Therefore, each of the Five elements symbolizes a specific pattern of energy,
movement, process, behaviour or phase.

Ancient Chinese culture originally called the Five elements the five substances (Wu Cai). They
recognised the Five Elements were the basic substances of the building blocks that are essential for
life. The basic substances are natural products or energies that cannot be dispensed with. They are the
basic materials or essences that constitute every object or thing in existence.

The Chinese believe that everything on earth belongs to at least one of the categories of the Five
Elements. Together they are the five primary basic qualities of nature, natural phenomena or
movements. They are classified as combinations of five qualities – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and
Water. They are qualities of nature, each separate; yet still retain the capacity to either transform from
one form into another or alternatively nourish or generate each other.
The Five Elements theory explains how everything in our world comes into being through the motion
and change of these five substances. The relationships of these five patterns of motion describe how
each is able to promote the growth of, or control the formation of others. It also describes the way the
Five Elements interact in the course of its development.

Health and healing with TCM is intensely influenced by the Five Elements. Together with the theory
of Yin and Yang, they have become an integral part of the unique theoretical system of TCM. Its
application to life is in the classification of the Elements to correspond with every aspect that can
influence or affect human physiology and pathology, such as tissues, organs, emotions, colours,
odours, sounds, taste, sensations, animals, dynasties, planets and food. Everything in the universe can
be categorised and described in terms of the Five Elements.
In review, the Five Elements are:
• Qualities of energy that have unique energetic tendencies which change in the due course of
time
• Periods of time, transitory sequences of defined qualities that succeed each other in a cyclical
matter.

The theory of the Five Elements represent five different qualities of natural phenomena, five energetic
movements or five phases of nature such as the cycle of seasons. These are reflected in our bodies and
in turn influence our health and development.

The applications of the Five Elements are numerous and very important. The elements are symbols
and it is important that you consider what the symbol represent – a function, nature, behaviour or
character – rather then becoming fixed on the symbols themselves. The working of the human body is
dependent upon nature so before we look at the human body, it is important to see how the Five
Elements system operates to influence the seasons, the 24 hour cycle and even the compass directions,
which is used in Feng Shui.

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The Five Elements and the Seasons

Spring (Wood): regarded as the beginning of the new cycle of life. Spring energy describes
movement, expansion and birth. Plants bring forth new shoots, animals emerge from hibernation and
life begins anew.

Summer (Fire): this is the time when growth is at its peak, at maturity and nature is in full bloom.

Late or Long Summer (Earth); the time when summer appears to linger until Autumn arrives. It is the
period of ripening and the yellow colour of element Earth is like the golden colour of ripe fruit.

Autumn (Metal). Autumn is when energies of nature are in decline or decay. It is related to harvesting
times, trees and plants wither and animals prepare for coming cold moths ahead.

Winter (Water). Winter energy is storage, hibernation, rest and contraction. It is the time for restoring
energies to prepare for the coming of the next cycle.

Fire
Summer

Yang
In
Yang
Wood
Spring
Yang Yang
In Earth
In
Yin Long Summer
Yang

Yin Yin
In In
Water Yin Yang Metal
Winter Autumn

Five Elements and the daily cycle

Morning – Spring – Wood
Towards Noon – Summer – Fire
Afternoon – Long Summer – Earth
Dusk, Twilight – Autumn – Metal
Night – Winter – Water
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The relationship of the Five Elements with the human body developed during the observation of
natural events such as daily and yearly cycles, the seasons and the movements of planets, and their
effects on human life. Once the interdependence of nature and mankind was fully realised and
understood, the Five Elements evolved as a powerful technique. The following diagram examines
further how the Five Elements correspond to both human and nature.

Five Seasons Environmental Growth and Colours Tastes Orientations

Elements factors Development
Wood Spring Wind Germination Green Sour East
Fire Summer Heat Growth Red Bitter South
Earth Late Dampness Transformation Yellow Sweet Middle
summer
Metal Autumn Dryness Reaping White Pungent West
Water Winter Cold Storage Black Salty North

Nature of Elements
Wood (Liver and Gall Bladder)
The nature of Wood energy is characterised as “straight growing”, as having a developing process and
spreading out freely, unobstructed. Anything that grows freely and flourishes then has the character of
Wood. Wood is associated with active functions that are in a growing phase. Wood energy reflects the
energy of spring, which begins when Yang energy start to increase. Daylight hours increase and the
day begins to warm up. This energy is of expansion and growth. Everything displays the colour green
which is representative of new growth. All is movement, activity and change.

Fire (Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Three Heater)

The nature of fire energy is to burn and rise; it is hot and flares upwards. Therefore Fire symbolizes
anything that is hot and has an up-flaming pattern. Fire designates functions that have reached a
maximal state of activity, therefore about to rest or begin to decline.

Fire is the period when Yang energy dominates. It is the energy of summer. Yang (day) dominates
over night (Yin) as the length of the day increases (Yang), therefore summer is a time of Yang in
Yang. Yang energy continues to grow and reach its peak. The colour Red predominates,
representative of heat and maturity.

Earth (Spleen and Stomach)

The nature of Earth energy serves for sowing, growth and reaping of crops. It represents the
promotion of growth and the nourishing process. In as much as the “earth is the mother of all things”.
Earth designates balance and neutrality.
Earth is a period of neutrality, when the heat of summer appears to linger on and until the true decline
of autumn is felt. It is the energy of long summer, which occurs between summer and autumn. Long
summeris also called Indian Summer or Late Summer, when the days continue to become increasingly
humid.

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The colour yellow is predominant, like the fading red of summer and the colour of ripened fruit. The
energy of summer creates a thickness and slowness as does humidity.Hence, humidity is the climate
of earth.

Metal (Lung and Large Intestine)

The nature of Metal energy is characterised by its capacity to be remoulded, modified to yield, to
descend and clarify, or to act as an astringent. Metal represents functions in a declining stage.
Metal relates to autumn when nights begin to lengthen and days begin to decline. We can see Yin
energy increasing and Yang energy decreasing. Therefore, it is Yin rising within the Yang, or Yin in
Yang. Nature begins to wither, everything withdraw its energies and things begin to contract. It is the
time for harvest and nature gathers itself to prepare for winter. Dryness is the predominant quality of
autumn, much like the withering of trees and shrivelling up of nature.

Water (Kidney and Bladder)

The nature of Water energy is to moisten and descend, flow downwards. Anything that moistens,
cools or flow downwards corresponds to water. Water represents functions that have reached a
maximal state of rest, hence are about to change the direction of their activity. Water energy is like
winter, which begins when days are again of equal length. Yin (night) rules over Yang (day) as the
nights continue to increase in length. Therefore, Yin is in Yin.

Winter is when nature appears to be asleep, animals in hibernation, trees are bare and all is quiet. The
colour black predominates, like the blackness of the night. Winter relates to the quality of coldness as
it is mostly felt during this season.

Five Elements and the human body

The Five Elements directly relate to each part of the human body and they also relate to human affairs
and actions.
The pattern of correspondences reveal a model of relationships among the internal organs and
between them and the various seasons, directions, colours, tastes, climates, sense organs, tissues,
emotions and sounds.
Each element is associated with a specific meridian and various organs of the body, each having their
own Yin and Yang component. There is a Yin internal organ, considered to be solid and more
protective. The other is a Yang hollow organ, which is a superficial organ and more exposed.

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Element Yin Organ Yang Organ

Wood Liver Gall Bladder
Fire Heart Small Intestine
Pericardium Three heater
Earth Spleen Stomach
Metal Lung Colon (Large Intestine)
Water Kidney Bladder

There is an exception however. Fire has two pairs. A Fire Prince, which is Heart and Small Intestine,
and a Fire Minister – Pericardium and Three Heater.
The organ system of TCM is a functional unit. Prime consideration is given to their functions rather
than their solid physical state. Also, the Chinese names for organs have been translated into English.
Sometimes a direct equivalent can’t be found. This is misleading and the problem is with the
translation, not the organ per se. For example, the Speen in Chinese medicine has a number of
functions such as digestion, assimilation of food and sending clear, pure Chi upwards. This contrasts
greatly to Western medicine where the Spleen functions to store and filter the blood and its role in
immunity. It is Important to think the Chinese way.
When a pressure point is hit, it not only affects Yin and Yang organs, but also affects other area’s of
the body and one’s emotional harmony.
The following diagram illustrates this.

Five Zang Yin Fu Yang Five Sense Five Tissues Emotions

Elements Organs Organs Organs
Wood Liver Gall Bladder Eyes Tendons Anger
Fire Heart Small Tongue Vessels Joy
Intestine
Earth Spleen Stomach Mouth Muscle Meditation
Metal Lung Colon Nose Skin and Hair Grief and
Melancholy
Water Kidney Bladder Ear Bone Fright and fear

Some examples:
Liver Wood: if a person has a weakness in liver energy, he/she will be more sensitive than others to
an East (Wood) wind (Wood). Their nails (Wood) may be thin and brittle or blemished; they may
have foggy vision with black spots.

An overactive Heart energy gives a person a red or flushed colour (Fire) and talk continually.

A diabetic (earth) who eats too much sugar (Earth) ends up in diabetic coma.

Weakness in Kidney area as detected by pulse reading would render a person feeling cold (Water) in
his bones (Water).

A frightened (Water) child who may not want to sleep in the dark and wets (Water) his bed has weak
kidney energy.

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Normal flow of Chi Energy

The Elements do not belong to the material, such as physical wood or earth, but rather involve stages
of energy where the energies of one element move and transform into another. The Five Elements is a
description of a normal cycle movement of energies in which there is no beginning or end, until a
pressure point is struck.

The normal flow of Chi keeps us in good health and well being. When the balance in the normal flow
of Chi is interrupted, for example due to stress, overwork, injury or improper diet, disease occurs.
When a pressure point is hit, the normal flow of Chi is disrupted and becomes abnormal, causing
serious illness or death.

So the dance of Elements creates both a normal flow of Chi and a abnormal flow of Chi. Disharmony
in the balance and equilibrium of the Five Elements leads to illness, disease and even death.

Let’s have a look at the normal flow of Chi.

Two cycles are generated in the normal flow of Chi, the generating Sheng and the Control Ke cycle.
The generating cycle allows one element to be nourished and grow whereas the control cycle keeps
another element in check. Both generating Sheng and control Ke cycles are normal flow of Chi.

Generating Sheng cycle

The generating Sheng energy cycle is predominant during the day and moves one step forward in
time to become the “Child”. In facilitates and encourages promotion and growth. It is the generating,
nourishing or feeding cycle (Mother-Child relationship). This “mother nourishing child” cycle ensures
continual growth and generation. It means that each element generates another and is also generated
by one. The Wood promotes Fire, Fire promotes Earth, Earth promotes Metal, Metal promotes Water
and Water promotes Wood, starting the cycle again.
This can be seen literally:
Wood burns to create Fire. When Fire has finished burning, ashes are left behind to form earth. Earth
allows the mining of Metals (and the metals found in the ground)

Fire

Wood Earth

Water Metal

Sheng Cycle
When Metal are heated they become liquid, hence Water. Water provides growth for plants, Wood.

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Like the mother who feeds the child, when each element, if fed and strengthened and provided there is
no obstruction or stagnation in the flow of Chi, it will automatically feed the next element in the
cycle, hence it is called the generating Sheng cycle. Each can be a child, yet mother of another.
For example, Wood is generated by Water and is the generator of Fire. So Wood is the Child of Water
and the mother of Fire.

Hitting a pressure point can disrupt this Sheng cycle normal flow of Chi. If a point that influences
Kidney Yin is hit, Kidney Water will fail to provide Liver Wood with proper nourishment. This
means that the Kidney energy will fail to nourish the Liver. As a result, symptoms reflecting
disharmony of Liver energy such as internal wind leading to convulsions may occur. This is called
‘getting a diseased mother (Kidney0 to involve the child.

Control Ke cycle
Control Ke cycle is predominant during the night and moves two steps forward in time, in other words
it is two steps forward in sequence, to form the Grandmother-Grandchild cycle.

Fire

Wood Earth

Water Metal

Ke Cycle

Control Ke cycle is the restrictive, inhibitive or controlling cycle which maintains balance and
equilibrium in the body. This is necessary to ensure a peaceful and unobstructed flow of Chi
throughout the body. Therefore, Wood controls Earth, Earth controls Water, Water controls Fire, Fire
controls Metal, and Metal controls Wood.
In this sequence each of the elements is responsible for controlling another element, but in turn being
controlled by another.

Creative or Generating Sheng can over-nourish and cause things to grow too quickly. Therefore the
Ke cycle controls growth within healthy limits so that is does not continue unchecked.

In simple terms, the Ke cycle can be seen literally:

Wood controls or destroys Earth by covering it or with plants cracking rocks and breaking up the soil.
Earth controls or destroys Water, by damming it or with a pot made of earth ware that prevents water
to seep out.
Water controls or destroys Fire, by extinguishing it.
Fire controls Metal by melting metal.
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Metal controls or destroys Wood by cutting wood.

Interrelationship between Generating and Control cycle

The intimate interrelationship between the Generating and Control cycle ensures that the self-
regulating growth and development lead to harmonious balance and ensures equilibrium is maintained
at all times. They are inseparable.
Control is necessary to ensure that harmony, balance and equilibrium in development, growth and
change is experienced.

• Wood controls Earth, but generates Metal, which controls Wood

• Wood controls Earth, but on the other hand Wood generates Fire which in turn generates
Earth.

These self-regulating and balancing processes can be seen in Nature and in the human body.

When a pressure point is hit in martial arts, a condition of excessive Chi is caused. This leads to an
abnormal flow of energy called the Reverse Sheng, Reverse Ke and Overacting cycles. Therefore, if
you hit an Element, it will affect either one or more of the following:

• The Element itself

• The mother
• The child and/or
• The grandchild
The following table illustrates the organs involved:

Element Organ Mother Child Grandchild

Wood Liver Kidney Heart Spleen
Fire Heart Liver Spleen Lung
Earth Spleen Heart Lung Kidney
Metal Lung Spleen Kidney Liver
Water Kidney Lung Liver Heart

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The Five Elements Theory

The Five Elements theory posits wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the
material world. These elements are in constant movement and change. Moreover, the complex
connections between material objects are explained through the relationship of interdependence and
mutual restraint that governs the five elements. In traditional Chinese medicine Five Elements theory
is used to interpret the relationship between the physiology and pathology of the human body and the
natural environment.

The Basic Content of the Five Elements Theory

The Categorization of Things

The ancient physicians used the Five Elements theory to study extensively the connections between
the physiology and pathology of the zang-fu organs and tissues and the natural environment. By
adopting the methodology of "comparing similarity to expose phenomenon," the ancient Chinese
attributed different phenomena to the categories of the five elements. On the basis of the
phenomena's different characteristics, functions, and forms, the complex links between physiology
and pathology as well as the correlation between the human body and the natural environment were
explained.

Categorization of Zang, Fu, Flavours and Senses according to the Five Elements

Elements
Wood Fire Earth Metal Water
Flavors sour bitter sweet pungent salty

Zang liver heart spleen lung kidney

Fu gall bladder s. intestine stomach l. intestine urinary

Senses eye tongue mouth nose ear
Tissue tendon vessel muscle hair/skin bone

Five Elements theory assigns each of the five elements a series of abstract generalizations and then
applies them to the classification of all phenomena. Wood, for example, involved the aspects of
germination, extension, softness, and harmony. It is then inferred that anything with those
characteristics should be included in the category of the wood element. As for the rest of the five
elements: fire involves the aspects of heat and flaring; earth involves the aspects of growing,
nourishing, and changing; metal is associated with cleaning up, killing, strength, and firmness; and
water is associated with cold, moisture, and downward flowing. As in the case of wood, the aspects of
the other five elements are used to categorize all material objects in terms of one of the particular five
elements. The following table shows the five categories of objects and phenomena according to five
elements classification.

Categorization of Objects, Nature and Phenomena according to the Five Elements

Elements
Wood Fire Earth Metal Water
Directions east south center west north
Changes germinate grow transform reap store
Color green red yellow white black

The Mutual Generation, Mutual Subjugation, Extreme Subjugation, and Counter Subjugation
Relationships of the Five Elements

The Five Elements theory asserts that between each of the elements there exists the close
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relationships of mutual generation, mutual subjugation, extreme subjugation, and counter subjugation.
The theory explains the interrelatedness of all things through the use of those close relationships.

Mutual generation means multiplication and promotion, while mutual subjugation means mutual
restriction and restraint. The order of mutual generation among the five elements is that wood
generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water
generates wood. In this way generation is circular and endless. In the mutual generating relation of
the five elements, each of the elements has the property of "being generate" and "generating." The
one which generates is the "mother," the one which is generated is the "son." This is known as the
"mother-son relationship." Each of the five elements has this type of mutual generating relationship
with the other.

According to the order of mutual subjugation, however, wood subjugates earth, metal subjugates
wood, etc. Each of the five elements also shares this subjugation relationship with the other. This
relationship has the properties of "being subjugated" and of "subjugating." The former means that my
ability is inferior to the object, while the later denotes my superiority to the object. Therefore, the
mutual subjugating relationship among the five elements is also known as the relationship of "being
superior to" and "being inferior to" another element.

Mutual generation and mutual subjugation are two aspects which cannot be separated. If there is no
generation, then there is no birth and growth. If there is no subjugation, then there is no change and
development for maintaining normal harmonious relations. As the Leijing tuyi says, "If there is no
generation, then there is no growth and development. If there is no restriction, then endless growth
and development will become harmful." Thus the movement and change of all things exists through
their mutual generating and subjugating relationships. These relationships are the basis of the never
ending circulation of natural elements.

Extreme subjugation and counter subjugation are the pathological conditions of the normal mutual
generation and subjugation relationships. Extreme subjugation denotes that the subjugation of one of
the five elements to another surpasses the normal level. For example, if there is hyperactivity of the
wood element, it will subjugate the earth element. The latter elements is made weak and insufficient.

Counter subjugation means that one of the five elements subjugates the other opposite to the normal
mutual subjugation order. For example, when metal is weak and insufficient, it leads to the
hyperactivity of wood. The latter will then counter subjugate the former. In the Suwen it says:

When the qi of one of the five elements is excessive, it will subjugate its subjugated element (such as
wood subjugating earth) and counter subjugate the subjugating element (such as wood counter
subjugating metal).

Moreover, the Five Elements theory recognizes a correlation between those things which are related
to a particular element. As the Suwen points out, "The East generates wind, wind generates wood,
wood generates sour, sour generates liver, liver generates tendons....". According to Five Elements
theory, each element has its own repertory of relationships among the objects that compose the
physical world. The theory of Five Elements is therefore the theoretical basis of the unique bond
between man and nature.

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Five element theory is one of the major systems of thought within Chinese medicine. From a
historical perspective it is an important underpinning of medical theory and serves as one of the major
diagnostic and treatment protocols. In modern clinical practice the five element theory is used in
varying degrees depending on the practitioner and style of acupuncture that they practice.
For practitioners or Traditional Chinese Medicine, the theory may be used to help form a diagnosis
when there is conflicting signs and symptoms. Additionally, elements of the theory are useful for
assisting patients with nutritional balancing and/or working through emotional issues. The theory is
used extensively by Japanese acupuncturists within the five phase treatment protocols and by
Classical five element practitioners, such as those who follow the teachings of the late J.R. Worsley.
The information below discusses the Five Element theory and clinical applications in detail.

o Primary Correspondences Within Five Element Theory

o Five Element Cycles, Relationships and Interactions
o Five Element Pathology and Clinical Applications
o Sources
o Classical Five Element (worsley) style
o Five Element Theory Resources
o Discuss Acupuncture Theory

Primary Correspondences Within Five Element Theory

The Five Element theory is based on the observation of the natural cycles and interrelationships in both our
environment and within ourselves. The foundation of the theory rests in the correspondences of each
element to a variety of phenomena. The most common correspondences are listed in the chart below:
FIRE EARTH METAL WATER WOOD
Heart &
Yin Organs Spleen Lungs Kidneys Liver
Pericardium
Small Intestine
&
Yang Organs Stomach Large Intestine Urinary Bladder Gall Bladder
Triple Heater

Sense Organs Tongue Mouth Nose Ears Eyes

Tissues Vessels Muscles Skin Bone Tendons
Tastes Bitter Sweet Pungent Salty Sour
Colors red yellow white blue/black green
Sounds Laughing Singing Crying Groaning Shouting
Odor scorched fragrant rotten putrid rancid
Emotions Joy Worry/Pensiveness Grief/Sadness Fear Anger
Seasons Summer Late Summer Autumn Winter Spring
Environment Heat Dampness Dryness Cold Wind
Developmental
Growth Transformation Harvest Storage Birth
Stages
Direction south center west north east
pointed large features triangular features round features tall slender
Body Types features strong legs strong voice strong digestion strong bones and
small hands calm generous meticulous, strong loyal, enjoy joints

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quick energetic willed movement hard workers

Five Element Cyles, Relationships and Interactions

Within five element theory there are four main relationships or ways in which the elements interact.
The first of these is the generating (sheng, mother-child) cycle. This cycle describes the ways in
which each element, serving as a mother, promotes the growth and development of the following
child element.
Examples of this cycle are the Wood element providing the generative force for Fire, Fire providing
the generative force for Earth, etc. This relationship provides the foundation for understanding five
element theory and, consequently, where imbalances may arise within the cycle. If Earth, for example,
is weakened from a poor diet and overwork you will see that more nourishment is requested from the
Fire element to nourish Earth. Additionally, if Earth is weakened the Metal element may also be
effected.
From a clinical perspective you may see people develop digestive issues from irregular eating,
excessive worry and overwork which leads to a proliferation of dampness which then effects the
Metal element. Within this case you may see a combination of bloating, gas and poor energy with the
development of Metal (Lung) symptoms such as sinusitis or phlegm-type asthma.

The controlling (ke, grandparent-grandchild) cycle provides for a check and balance system among all
of the elements. Within this cycle Earth, for example, provides a control for Water and is controlled
by Wood. An example of this relationship within the body is in cases of anxiety (Fire) which are
related to LV Qi Stagnation (Wood) where, over time, you begin to see more Kidney (Water) related
signs as the Water element attempts to control the overactive Fire.

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The overacting cycle (cheng) is an imbalance within the controlling cycle where the grandmother
element provides too much control over the grandchild and weakens the element. Within nature you
may see Water putting out Fire, Earth soaking up Water and so on.
A clinical example of this relationship would be Liver (Wood) overacting on the Spleen (Earth). In
this case you have an overactive Wood element overcontrolling Earth leading to distruptions in the
digestive system.

The insulting cycle (wu) is also an imbalance within the controlling cycle where the grandchild insults
or returns the controlling force generated by the grandmother. Using examples from nature you can
see Fire burning up Water and Water washing away Earth and so on.
Clinically you may see this in cases where people have long-term psychological problems (Fire)
which eventually effect the Kidneys (Water) as seen in the development of more Yin (Water)
deficiency signs.

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Five Element Pathology and Clinical Applications

As described in the introduction there are a variety of ways in which the theory is used clinically. Our
Japanese section describes the five phase treatments in detail and our classical five element (worsley
style) page describes the ways in which a pure five element practitioner would utilize the theory.
This section describes the basic ways in which a practitioner of traditional chinese medicine applies
the theory in a clinical setting. The Five Shu (transporting) Points, listed below, represent the
relationship of the theory to individual acupuncture points. Our understanding of these points is based
largely on the information within the Nan-Ching: The Classic of Difficult Issues.
Five Shu Points
Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea
Yin Meridians
(Wood) (Fire) (Earth) (Metal) (Water)
LU LU 11 LU 10 LU 9 LU 8 LU 5
PC PC 9 PC 8 PC 7 PC 5 PC 3
HT HT 9 HT 8 HT 7 HT 4 HT 3
SP SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 5 SP 9
LV LV 1 LV 2 LV 3 LV 4 LV 8
KD KD 1 KD 2 KD 3 KD 7 KD 10
Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea
Yang Meridians
(Metal) (Water) (Wood) (Fire) (Earth)
LI LI 1 LI 2 LI 3 LI 5 LI 11
TH TH 1 TH 2 TH 3 TH 6 TH 10
SI SI 1 SI 2 SI 3 SI 5 SI 8
ST ST 45 ST 44 ST 43 ST 41 ST 36
GB GB 44 GB 43 GB 41 GB 38 GB 34
UB UB 67 UB 66 UB 65 UB 60 UB 40
The major point categories (i.e. jing well, etc.) described above are discussed in more detail here. For
the purposes of this discussion an extract from the chart above showing only the Mother and Child
points provides a good starting point to understand the application of the theory to acupuncture.
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The Mother and Child points for each meridian are derived from the chart above using the following
logic. According to the generating cycle the mother of Earth is Fire and the child of Earth is Metal.
Using this information for the Yin Earth Meridian (Spleen) the mother point is the Fire point on the
Spleen meridian SP 2 and the child point is the Metal point on the Spleen meridian SP 5.
Mother & Child Five Element Points
Mother Child
Lung (Metal) LU 9 LU 5
Large Intestine (Metal) LI 11 LI 2
Stomach (Earth) ST 41 ST 45
Spleen (Earth) SP 2 SP 5
Heart (Fire) HT 9 HT 7
Small Intestine (Fire) SI 3 SI 8
Urinary Bladder (Water) UB 67 UB 65
Kidney (Water) KD 7 KD 1
Pericardium (Fire) PC 9 PC 7
Triple Heater (Fire) TH 3 TH 10
Gall Bladder (Wood) GB 43 GB 38
Liver (Wood) LV 8 LV 2
A clinical example of this theory would be dispersing the child point of the Wood meridian
(Liver) - LV 2 - in the case of LV Fire Rising where a patient is experiencing LV signs such as
anger and irritability along with HT related signs such as disturbed sleep and agitation.
Another example would be tonifying the mother point of the Earth meridian (Spleen) - SP 2 -
in the case of SP Qi Deficiency where a patient is experiencing poor appetite and low energy.
The example above brings up an interesting point from the perspective of a TCM practitioner.
While the five element theory is a useful tool in many cases, there are times where the
theory indicates a point which clinical experience has proven to be less effective than another
point. In the case above, SP 2 is indicated by the theory whereas SP 3 is more commonly
used for this condition. Some of the points which have varying degrees of correspondence
with the theory are:
o HT 9 & PC 9 - are most often used to clear heat.
o SI 3 & SI 8 - reduce heat, pain and stagnation but provide no tonifying effect.
o LI 11 - is typically dispersed to clear heat.
o TH 3 - has no tonification effects.
o ST 41 - is typically used to disperse fever a/or reduce abdominal distention, although it can
be as a local point in a tonifying manner to increase energy flow to the foot.
o SP 2 - is not the most tonifying point on the SP meridian - SP 3 is a better choice.
o UB 67 - dispersive point for acute conditions.
o GB 43 & GB 38 - are both used to clear heat.

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Organization of the Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into the

• peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the

• central nervous system (CNS)

The PNS consists of

• sensory neurons running from stimulus receptors that inform the CNS of the stimuli
• motor neurons running from the CNS to the muscles and glands - called effectors -
that take action.

The CNS consists of the

• spinal cord and the

• brain

The peripheral
nervous system is
subdivided into the

• sensory-
somatic
nervous
system and the
• autonomic nervous system

The Sensory-Somatic Nervous System

The sensory-somatic system consists of

• 12 pairs of cranial nerves and

• 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

The Cranial Nerves

Nerves Type Function

I
sensory olfaction (smell)
Olfactory
II vision
sensory
Optic (Contain 38% of all the axons connecting to the brain.)
III
motor* eyelid and eyeball muscles
Oculomotor
IV motor* eyeball muscles

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Trochlear
V Sensory: facial and mouth sensation
mixed
Trigeminal Motor: chewing
VI
motor* eyeball movement
Abducens
Sensory: taste
VII
mixed Motor: facial muscles and
Facial
salivary glands
VIII
sensory hearing and balance
Auditory
IX Sensory: taste
mixed
Glossopharyngeal Motor: swallowing
X main nerve of the
mixed
Vagus parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)
XI
motor swallowing; moving head and shoulder
Accessory
XII
motor* tongue muscles
Hypoglossal
*Note: These do contain a few sensory neurons that bring back signals from the muscle
spindles in the muscles they control.

The Spinal Nerves

All of the spinal nerves are "mixed"; that is, they contain both sensory and motor neurons.

All our conscious awareness of the external environment and all our motor activity to cope
with it operate through the sensory-somatic division of the PNS.

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The Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system consists of sensory neurons and motor neurons that run
between the central nervous system (especially the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata)
and various internal organs such as the:

• heart
• lungs
• viscera
• glands
(both
exocri
ne and
endocr
ine)

It is
responsible
for
monitoring
conditions in
the internal
environment
and bringing
about
appropriate
changes in
them. The contraction of both smooth muscle and cardiac muscle is controlled by motor
neurons of the autonomic system.

The actions of the autonomic nervous system are largely involuntary (in contrast to those of
the sensory-somatic system). It also differs from the sensory-somatic system is using two
groups of motor neurons to stimulate the effectors instead of one.

• The first, the preganglionic neurons, arise in the CNS and run to a ganglion in the
body. Here they synapse with
• postganglionic neurons, which run to the effector organ (cardiac muscle, smooth
muscle, or a gland).

The autonomic nervous system has two subdivisions, the

• sympathetic nervous system and the

• parasympathetic nervous system.

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The Sympathetic Nervous System

The preganglionic motor neurons of the sympathetic system arise in the spinal cord. They
pass into sympathetic ganglia which are organized into two chains that run parallel to and on
either side of the spinal cord.

The preganglionic neuron may do one of three things in the sympathetic ganglion:

• synapse with postganglionic neurons which then reenter the spinal nerve and
ultimately pass out to the sweat glands and the walls of blood vessels near the surface
of the body.
• pass up or down the sympathetic chain and finally synapse with postganglionic
neurons in a higher or lower ganglion
• leave the ganglion by way of a cord leading to special ganglia (e.g. the solar plexus)
in the viscera. Here it may synapse with postganglionic sympathetic neurons running
to the smooth muscular walls of the viscera. However, some of these preganglionic
neurons pass right on through this second ganglion and into the adrenal medulla.
Here they synapse with the highly-modified postganglionic cells that make up the
secretory portion of the adrenal medulla.

The neurotransmitter of the preganglionic sympathetic neurons is acetylcholine (ACh). It

stimulates action potentials in the postganglionic neurons.

The neurotransmitter released by the postganglionic neurons is noradrenaline (also called

norepinephrine).

The action of noradrenaline on a particular gland or muscle is excitatory is some cases,

inhibitory in others. (At excitatory terminals, ATP may be released along with
noradrenaline.)

The release of noradrenaline

• stimulates heartbeat
• raises blood pressure
• dilates the pupils
• dilates the trachea and bronchi
• stimulates the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose
• shunts blood away from the skin and viscera to the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart
• inhibits peristalsis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• inhibits contraction of the bladder and rectum
• and, at least in rats and mice, increases the number of AMPA receptors in the
hippocampus and thus increases long-term potentiation (LTP).

In short, stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system prepares the
body for emergencies: for "fight or flight" (and, perhaps, enhances the memory of the event
that triggered the response).

Activation of the sympathetic system is quite general because

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• a single preganglionic neuron usually synapses with many postganglionic neurons;

• the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla into the blood ensures that all the
cells of the body will be exposed to sympathetic stimulation even if no postganglionic
neurons reach them directly.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

The main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial nerves, the vagus
nerves. They originate in the medulla oblongata. Other preganglionic parasympathetic
neurons also extend from the brain as well as from the lower tip of the spinal cord.

Each preganglionic parasympathetic neuron synapses with just a few postganglionic neurons,
which are located near - or in - the effector organ, a muscle or gland. Acetylcholine (ACh) is
the neurotransmitter at all the pre- and many of the postganglionic neurons of the
parasympathetic system. However, some of the postganglionic neurons release nitric oxide
(NO) as their neurotransmitter.

Parasympathetic stimulation causes

• slowing down of the heartbeat

• lowering of blood pressure
• constriction of the pupils
• increased blood flow to the skin and viscera
• peristalsis of the GI tract

In short, the parasympathetic system returns the body functions to normal after they have
been altered by sympathetic stimulation. In times of danger, the sympathetic system prepares
the body for violent activity. The parasympathetic system reverses these changes when the
danger is over.

The vagus nerves also help keep inflammation under control. Inflammation stimulates nearby
sensory neurons of the vagus. When these nerve impulses reach the medulla oblongata, they
are relayed back along motor fibers to the inflamed area. The acetylcholine from the motor
neurons suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF),
from macrophages in the inflamed tissue.

Although the autonomic nervous system is considered to be involuntary, this is not entirely
true. A certain amount of conscious control can be exerted over it as has long been
demonstrated by practitioners of Yoga and Zen Buddhism. During their periods of
meditation, these people are clearly able to alter a number of autonomic functions including
heart rate and the rate of oxygen consumption. These changes are not simply a reflection of
decreased physical activity because they exceed the amount of change occurring during sleep
or hypnosis.

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Peripheral Nervous System

There are two types of cells in the peripheral nervous system. These cells carry information to
(sensory nervous cells) and from (motor nervous cells) the central nervous system (CNS). Cells of the
sensory nervous system send information to the CNS from internal organs or from external stimuli.

Motor nervous system cells carry information from the CNS to organs, muscles, and glands. The
motor nervous system is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscle as well as external sensory organs such as the
skin. This system is said to be voluntary because the responses can be controlled consciously. Reflex
reactions of skeletal muscle however are an exception. These are involuntary reactions to external
stimuli.

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary muscles, such as smooth and cardiac muscle.
This system is also called the involuntary nervous system. The autonomic nervous system can further
be divided into the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.

The parasympathetic division controls various functions which include inhibiting heart rate,
constricting pupils, and contracting the bladder. The nerves of the sympathetic division often have an
opposite effect when they are located within the same organs as parasympathetic nerves. Nerves of
the sympathetic division speed up heart rate, dilate pupils, and relax the bladder. The sympathetic
system is also involved in the flight or fight response. This is a response to potential danger that
results in accelerated heart rate and an increase in metabolic rate.

Definition of Peripheral nervous system

Peripheral nervous system (PNS): That portion of the nervous system that is outside the brain and
spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one of the two major divisions of the nervous system. The
other is the central nervous system (CNS) which is made up of the brain and spinal cord.
The nerves in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) connect the central nervous system (CNS) to
sensory organs (such as the eye and ear), other organs of the body, muscles, blood vessels and glands.
The peripheral nerves include the 12 cranial nerves, the spinal nerves and roots, and what are called
the autonomic nerves. The autonomic nerves are concerned with automatic functions of the body.
Specifically, autonomic nerves are involved with the regulation of the heart muscle, the tiny muscles
lining the walls of blood vessels, and glands.
"Peripheral" in anatomy and medicine (as elsewhere) is the opposite of "central." It means situated
away from the center. The word "peripheral" comes from the Greek "peripheria" ("peri-", around or
about + "pherein", to bear, carry). An IV (intravenous) catheter is a peripheral line.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one of the two main parts of the body’s nervous system. The central nervous
system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system branches outside of the
central nervous system and is comprised of nerves and neurons that transmit information to and from the brain. The
peripheral nervous system is further divided into two parts called the somatic nervous system and the autonomic
nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system acts as a connector to the central nervous system. The part of the peripheral nervous
system known as the somatic nervous system is comprised of cranial nerves and spinal nerves. The nerves of the
somatic nervous system supply the muscular system and external receptors. It is this part of the body that remains in
control to enable movement.

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A person’s sense of touch, taste, sight, sound and smell are controlled by the somatic nervous system.
Also, the somatic nervous system is what causes the body to feel heat, cold, and pain. It also controls
involuntary actions such as blinking.
The second part of the peripheral nervous system is the autonomic nervous system, or visceral
nervous system. The autonomic system controls and regulates the body internally. The autonomic
nervous system is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Cranial nerves
make up the parasympathetic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system conveys impulses to from the sensory organs to the brain. This part of
the peripheral nervous system is in control when the body is at rest. It is also the part of the nervous
system that regulates internal processes such as increased and decreased heart rates as a response to
stimuli, secretion of digestive fluids, and the body’s reaction to stress.
Trauma or injury to the spinal cord or brain can affect both the peripheral nervous system and the
central nervous system. Disease can also affect the nervous system, and some often present with
symptoms affecting the peripheral nervous system. Damage or disease to the central nervous system is
often more serious than damage to the peripheral nervous system

HYPOTHALAMUS AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS

SYSTEM
A. Hypothalamus = Homeostasis

The main function of the hypothalamus is homeostasis, or maintaining the body's status quo. Factors
such as blood pressure, body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and body weight are held to a
precise value called the set-point. Although this set-point can migrate over time, from day to day it is
remarkably fixed.

To achieve this task, the hypothalamus must receive inputs about the state of the body, and must be
able to initiate compensatory changes if anything drifts out of whack. The inputs include:

- nucleus of the solitary tract - this nucleus collects all of the visceral sensory information from the
vagus and relays it to the hypothalamus and other targets. Information includes blood pressure and gut
distension.

- reticular formation - this catchall nucleus in the brainstem receives a variety of inputs from the
spinal cord. Among them is information about skin temperature, which is relayed to the
hypothalamus.

- retina - some fibers from the optic nerve go directly to a small nucleus within the hypothalamus
called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This nucleus regulates circadian rhythms, and couples the
rhythms to the light/dark cycles.

- circumventricular organs - these nuclei are located along the ventricles, and are unique in the brain
in that they lack a blood-brain barrier. This allows them to monitor substances in the blood that would
normally be shielded from neural tissue. Examples are the OVLT, which is sensitive to changes in
osmolarity, and the area postrema, which is sensitive to toxins in the blood and can induce vomiting.
Both of these project to the hypothalamus.

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- limbic and olfactory systems - structures such as the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the olfactory
cortex project to the hypothalamus, and probably help to regulate behaviors such as eating and
reproduction.

The hypothalamus also has some intrinsic receptors, including thermoreceptors and osmoreceptors
to monitor temperature and ionic balance, respectively.

Once the hypothalamus is aware of a problem, how does it fix it? Essentially, there are two main
outputs:

- neural signals to the autonomic system - the (lateral) hypothalamus projects to the (lateral)
medulla, where the cells that drive the autonomic systems are located. These include the
parasympathetic vagal nuclei and a group of cells that descend to the sympathetic system in the spinal
cord. With access to these systems, the hypothalamus can control heart rate, vasoconstriction,
digestion, sweating, etc.

- endocrine signals to/through the pituitary - recall that an endocrine signal is a chemical signal
sent via the bloodstream. Large hypothalamic cells around the third ventricle send their axons directly
to the posterior pituitary, where the axon terminals release oxytocin and vasopressin into the
bloodstream. Smaller cells in the same area send their axons only as far as the base of the pituitary,
where they empty releasing factors into the capillary system of the anterior pituitary. These
releasing factors induce the anterior pituitary to secrete any one of at least six hormones, including
ACTH and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Ultimately the hypothalamus can control every endocrine gland in the body, and alter blood pressure
(through vasopressin and vasoconstriction), body temperature, metabolism (through TSH), and
adrenaline levels (through ACTH).

In the news lately: The hypothalamus controls body weight and appetite, but it is not entirely clear
how. Sensory inputs, including taste, smell, and gut distension, all tell the hypothalamus if we are
hungry, full, or smelling a steak. Yet it is mysterious how we are able to vary our eating habits day to
day and yet maintain about the same weight (sometimes despite all efforts to the contrary!) . The "set-
point" theory is an old one in diet science, but until recently the mechanics of maintaining that set
point were unknown. It appears that there is an endocrine component to the appetite system. Recent
studies in mice have shown that the fat cells of normal overfed mice will release a protein called

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leptin (or OB, after the gene name), which reduces appetite and perks up metabolism. Leptin is
presumably acting on the hypothalamus. Underfed mice, on the other hand, produce little or no leptin,
and they experience an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism. In both of these mice, the
result is a return to normal weight. But what would happen if a mouse (or human) had a defective OB
gene? Weight gain would never trigger fat cells to release leptin, the hypothalamus would never slow
the appetite or increase metabolism, and the mouse would slowly but surely become obese (how the
gene got its name). Sure enough, shortly after these experiments hit the news, the human OB gene
was discovered and a few obese patients were found to have the mutation. Many more obese patients
had normal OB genes, however, indicating that there is much more to the story yet to be discovered.

B. The anatomy of the hypothalamus:

The hypothalamus, as you would expect from the name, is located below the thalamus on either side
of the third ventricle. These sections have been cut coronally, and show only one side of the
hypothalamus.

In this anterior section

through hypothalamus, you
can see the large neurons of
the paraven-tricular nucleus,
which send axons to the
posterior pituitary. The cells
in the periventricular zone
send axons to the median
eminence, from which
releasing factors are carried to
the anterior pituitary.

The nucleus basalis is a

cholinergic nucleus involved
in sleep and wakefulness.
This section is posterior to the
first. The hypothalamic nuclei
are hard to distinguish, but
the arrows point out
approximate locations. The
pituitary stalk would
normally be continuous with
the median eminence, but it is
a fragile structure usually lost
in dissection.

Note the fornix descending

through the hypothalamus.
The fornix originates in the
hippo-campus and ends in the
mammillary bodies.

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In this posterior section you

can see the fornix joining the
mammillary body. This is
also a nice section to
demonstrate the way that the
internal capsule fibers flow
into the cerebral peduncle.

C. The autonomic nervous system:

The autonomic nervous system is an entire little brain unto itself; its name comes from "autonomous",
and it runs bodily functions without our awareness or control. It is divided into two systems which,
where they act together, often oppose each other: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
The sympathetic system evokes responses characteristic of the "fight-or-flight" response: pupils
dilate, muscle vasculature dilates, the heart rate increases, and the digestive system is put on hold. The
parasympathetic system has many specific functions, including slowing the heart, constricting the
pupils, stimulating the gut and salivary glands, and other responses that are not a priority when being
"chased by a tiger". The state of the body at any given time represents a balance between these two
systems.

The best way to learn the functions and structures of each system is by comparison. The following
table lists some attributes of each:

The Parasympathetic System The Sympathetic System

Origins:
Parasympathetic cells are located in The cells of the intermediolateral
different nuclei throughout the column in the thoracic spinal cord are
brainstem, as well as a few in the sacral the source of all the sympathetics. They
spinal cord. Their axons travel to the also travel to ganglia before reaching the
target organ, synapse in ganglia in or near target organ, but the sympathetic ganglia
the organ wall, and finally innervate the are often far from the target. Some
organ as "post-ganglionics". Examples of notable ganglia:
these ganglia include the ciliary, otic, and
pterygopalatine ganglia in the head, and Superior cervical ganglion - supplies
diffuse networks of cells in the walls of sympathetics to the head, including those
the heart, gut, and bladder. that:
- dilate the pupils
Nuclei of origin: - stimulate sweat glands
- lift the eyelids
Edinger- Westphal nucleus - Axons
from this nucleus travel with cranial nerve Celiac and mesenteric ganglia - These
III and have 2 functions: ganglia distribute sympathetics to the gut.
- pupil constriction Functions include:

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- lens accommodation - vasoconstriction

- inhibition of secretions
Salivatory nuclei - These nuclei in the
medulla send axons to the salivary glands
via the VIIth and IXth nerves. Chain ganglia running along the spinal
cord distribute sympathetics to the thorax
Dorsal nucleus of the vagus - This and periphery to:
nucleus gives rise to the secretomotor - increase heart rate
fibers of the vagus nerve (X). Its functions - dilate bronchi
include: - selectively vasoconstrict
- stimulate gastric secretion - vasodilate in active muscles
- stimulate gut motility
- stimulate respiratory secretions

Nucleus ambiguus (and surrounding

cells) - Axons from these cells project via
the vagus to the heart, lungs, and pharynx.
Functions include:
- decrease heart rate
- bronchial constriction

The autonomic system also receives afferents that carry information about the
internal organs. They return to separate locations:

Sympathetic afferents
Parasympathetic afferents
Afferents reenter the dorsal horn of the
Nearly all of the afferents return via the
spinal cord along side of the sensory
vagus to a single nucleus, the nucleus of
afferents from the skin. The sympathetic
the solitary tract. Like all sensory
afferents mainly carry information about
afferents, the actual cell bodies of the
visceral pain. Since this information
neurons sit just outside the CNS in a
converges with pain from the body
ganglion (the nodose ganglion). The
surface, the pain is often perceived as
central processes of the neurons enter the
originating at the body surface instead of
medulla in the solitary tract and travel a
deep in the viscera. This phenomenon is
bit before synapsing in the surrounding
called referred pain, and follows
nucleus of the solitary tract. The solitary
predictable patterns. For example,
tract is somewhat analogous to Lissauer's
afferents from the heart enter the spinal
tract in the spinal cord.
cord at the same level as those from the
The nucleus receives information about
shoulder region. This is why pain in the
blood pressure, carbon dioxide levels, gut
heart (a heart attack) is often referred to
distention, etc.
the shoulder.

D. The baroreceptor reflex: A reflex is a pathway with an afferent signal (sensory) that evokes an
efferent response (motor). The most common example is the stretch reflex, or knee-jerk reflex. A
quick stretch of the tendon causes a brief contraction of the muscle. The autonomic system has several
similar reflexes. One of these is the baroreceptor reflex, which maintains a constant blood pressure
despite standing up or lying down.

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The afferent signal comes from baroreceptors in the carotid sinus, a swelling of the carotid artery in
the neck. If blood pressure suddenly jumps up, the baroreceptors respond and send the signal back to
the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Neurons in the NTS project to an adjacent vagal nucleus, the
nucleus ambiguus, and excite the neurons that project to the heart. These acetylcholinergic neurons
slow the heart, bringing down the blood pressure a little.

However, there is more to the story. In the knee-jerk reflex, for the quadriceps muscle to contract
briefly, the hamstring muscle must also relax briefly. As a flexor-extensor pair, they must always
receive opposite signals. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are like a flexor-extensor pair,
so when activating the parasympathetic you must inhibit the sympathetic. Just like in the spinal cord,
this is accomplished by an inhibitory interneuron.

When the high blood pressure signal arrives at the NTS, an inhibitory interneuron projects to the
group of cells that control the sympathetic neurons in thoracic cord. These cells are called the
descending sympathetics. An important feature of the descending sympathetics is that they are
constantly firing at a steady level. This enables them to be turned down - if a neuron was already

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silent, an inhibitory signal would make no difference. Therefore, in response to the surge in blood
pressure, the descending sympathetics are inhibited, and the sympathetics in the spinal cord fire at a
much lower rate. As a result, the heart and the blood vessels are allowed to relax, the heart slows,
vasodilation occurs, and blood pressure drops. The inhibition of the sympathetic system is actually a
more powerful way to lower blood pressure than activating the parasympathetic system.

Essential Anatomy
The nervous system is one of the body’s crucial control and integrating centres. The nervous system
helps control and integrate all of the body’s activities, internally and externally, by sensing changes ,
then interpreting and reacting to them. Its most important components are the brain and the spinal
cord.
Cranial nerves emerging from the brain and spinal nerves emerging from the spinal cord, distribute
themselves throughout the body in a vast complex network integrating all of the body’s functions
(muscular, neurological, glandular, etc). Nerve impulses, defined as tiny electrochemical currents,
travel along nerves to communicate between the brain, muscles, skin, organs, glands, blood vessels
and other parts of the body.
The preceding description is a vast simplification of a very complex subject.

We, as martial artist, primarily study the nervous system to better understand how to control, damage
or heal the human body. Nerve attacks are used to generate pain, cause involuntary muscle responses,
or impair motor functions. When we generate pain in another person, we encourage that person to do
something they would not otherwise do (retreat, submit, enter a hold, release a hold, fall down, etc).

The location of specific nerves ( as identified by Western medicine) often corresponds to the position
of specific acupoints (as identified by Eastern medicine).
It is important to know the pressure point locations, what they affect and how to achieve consistent
results.
The picture below shows the major nerve plexuses (networks) and branches, as viewed from the front
and back. Points sensitive to pressure may involve many other minor nerves or combination of nerves

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Points sensitive to pressure may involve many other minor nerves or combinations of nerves

Cranial Nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves (identified by Roman numerals and names) leave the brain, pass through the
skull and supply the head, neck and part of the trunk.

Cervical Plexus (C1-C5)

Supplies the skin and muscles of head, neck and upper shoulders, connects with cranial nerves XI
(accessory nerve) and XII (hypoglossal nerve). Further it supplies the diaphragm (breathing
functions).

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Brachial Plexus (C5-C8, T1)

This plexus supplies the upper extremities and numerous neck and shoulder muscles.

Thoracic Nerves (T1-T12)

This plexus supplies the trunk primarily; and connects with some nerves in the Brachial Plexus.
Lumbar Plexus (L1-L4)
This plexus supplies the abdominal wall (front and side), external genitals, and part of the lower
extremities.

Sacral Plexus (L4-L5, S1-S4)

This plexus supplies the buttocks, perineum (space between anus and genitalia and lower extremities.
The sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body) supplies the entire musculature of the leg and foot.

Spinal Nerves and branches

The spine consist of numerous individual bony structures (vertebrae) connected to each other by
fibrous shock absorbers (intervertebral discs). At the base of the spine is the tailbone (coccyx), which
serves no function, but is very painful when struck. The spinal nerve (31 pairs) emerge from the
spinal cord at each intervertebral disc and are identified with alphanumeric names.
Each nerve supplies a specific part of the body. All spinal nerves (except T1-T11) form nerve
networks, called plexuses, from which nerves emerge serving specific regions.
The T2-t11 nerves (called Thoracic nerves) do not form plexuses but channel directly to the area’s
they supply.

Attacks to the spinal nerves (at the neck or along the back) will damage the nerve supply to specific
areas. For example, a blow to the head or neck, causing compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots in
the spine, may produce pain or numbness, or impair muscle functions along the back of shoulder,
elbow or all the way out to the hand (depending on location and severity of the blow).

Nerve damage
Damage to nerves from blows or pressure can result in pain, numbness or paralysis; problems using
muscles or moving certain appendages (a body part or organ that projects from the main part of the
body), problems with organs; or inability to sense certain stimuli (taste, touch, vision, smell, sound).
Symptoms can be permanent or transcend, taking months or years to disappear.

Attack multiple points in same area

Strike (using spear hand) Sp12 and LV12 in the groin region, using one or more blows. This is often
used to bring the head forward, or execute a throw against a kick

Attack both bilateral points

Strike LV18 points at both sides of the neck, using the tip of both thumbs. Hit straight inward from
both sides toward opposing points.

Strike diagonally upward to both LV13 points at the ribs, using the points of your knuckles.

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Neurological shut down points

Bladder 10 - KO point

SI17 - KO point. Sharp upward strike in neck and chin will cause KO

TH23 – Downward strike over the bone at the corner of the eye, usually using Teisho

SI16 – Straight into the side of the neck. Very dangerous point

Sp17 – Struck from out to in, laterally across the body, usually using an elbow

Lu5 – One of the best set-up points. Cause considerable damage to arm and CNS, as well as to the Chi
system of the body

Pc6 – The best utility set-up points

Outside block Co10, followed by St16 and St17. Same effect instead of St16/17 on SI11 on back

Block Pc6 or H4/5/6/7, step behind and downward twisting motion on GB21

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