MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Volume 29, Number 2, 2017

# Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1089/acu.2017.1219

Straightforwardness, Universality, and Effectiveness

of the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture

Arkady Kotlyar, PhD, DiplAc

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Acupuncture has been a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine for almost 5000 years. Since
being established, acupuncture has had a long course of development and changes. Following a recommen-
dation from the World Health Organization Consultation on Acupuncture, in 1996, ‘‘Acupuncture: Review and
Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials’’ was published in 2002. The Balance Method of I Ching
Acupuncture is fully based on the I Ching (Yi Jing, or Book of Changes) and is subordinate to meridian theory.
This ancient method relies on interrelations among the acupuncture meridians and enables effective acu-
puncture treatment.
Discussion: The effect of the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture on a limited number of disorders is
reviewed. The same effectiveness of this method is expected for a vast majority of disorders. To ascertain the
effectiveness of acupuncture in general, and of the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture in particular, large
studies should be performed.
Conclusions: According to a large volume of clinical data obtained by practitioners of the Balance Method of
I Ching Acupuncture, it appears to be a very straightforward, universal, and effective method. Additional
meticulous research is required to investigate and reaffirm the consistency and therapeutic value of this method.

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture

INTRODUCTION Today, acupuncture is an interdisciplinary clinical field

A cupuncture is one of the branches of Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back almost 5000
years.1 Since being established, acupuncture treatment has
undergone a long course of development and changes. During
thousands of years of development, much experience has
been accumulated in the practice of acupuncture.2 This ex-
perience attests to a wide range of diseases and conditions that
can be treated effectively with this approach.2 In 1996, a draft
report on the clinical practice of acupuncture was reviewed at
the World Health Organization Consultation on Acupuncture,
which was held in Cervia, Italy. As an outcome of this
meeting, ‘‘Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on
Controlled Clinical Trials’’ was published in 2002.2
that deals with the treatment, diagnostics, and prevention of
various disorders.3
The most used acupuncture method worldwide is part of
TCM.4 TCM acupuncture is well-known to play an im-
portant role in the treatment process.4 The basic concepts
of TCM are derived from the ancient Chinese natural
philosophy.5
The Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture is fully
based on the I Ching (Yi Jing, or Book of Changes).6 Actu-
ally, this method is subordinated to meridian theory, which
has been historically used as a diagnostic tool for effective
acupuncture treatment. This ancient method relies on the
interrelations among the acupuncture meridians, an idea first
introduced by Chao Chen, DOM, LAc in the 1970s.6

Outpatient Pain Clinic, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.

94
BALANCE METHOD OF I CHING ACUPUNCTURE
From the viewpoint of the Balance Method of I Ching
Acupuncture, health is a state of harmony emergent from the
mutual interactions of oscillatory systems, and disorder is a
state of discord.7 Hence, human diseases are considered to be
disturbed functions rather than changed structures.7 In sum-
mary, various disorders agitate the balanced functioning of
the body systems. The Balance Method of I Ching Acu-
puncture balances the distressed function and, thus, literally
and to the highest degree, constitutes a healing process.
Diagnostics and Treatment
At the beginning of the treatment, the affected, ‘‘sick’’
meridians are determined.8 Chinese pulse diagnostics is
used to confirm the involvement of these meridians.8 Then,
the disorder is classified as Local or Global.8 After the
‘‘sick’’ meridians are diagnosed, balancing meridians are
chosen from the five most popular and effective systems of
meridian interrelations of the Balance Method of I Ching
Acupuncture.8 Finally, the treatment points along the bal-
ancing meridians are selected. In the case presentations re-
ported in this article, the acupuncture points are punctured
using 0.25 · 30mm, U.S. Food and Drug administration–
approved, sterile acupuncture needles (Best Needles, Ha-
Millenium Chinese Medicine, Israel). Acupuncture sessions
are given twice per week and last at least 45 minutes.
Proposed Outcome Measures
The outcome measures for assessing effectiveness could
include the intensity of the disorder, its duration, and quality
of life. Intensity can be rated using a numeric scale from 0 to
10, in which 0 is defined as ‘‘no disorder at all,’’ 1–3 is a
‘‘mild disorder,’’ 4–6 is a ‘‘moderate disorder,’’ 7–9 is a
‘‘severe disorder,’’ and 10 is ‘‘the worst imaginable disor-
der.’’9 At baseline, patients are advised to rate disorder in-
tensity as 10.
Outcome measures were documented throughout the
treatment period. Prior to each session, all the details related
to the effect of the previous session were carefully recorded
in the patients’ files. After their disorders were completely
dissipated or intensity significantly decreased, the patients
were followed-up.
THE BALANCE METHOD OF I-CHING
ACUPUNCTURE
This section reviews some of the basic principles of the
Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture.
Preferable Duration and Frequency of Sessions
Using the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture
There is not much difference in the duration of a session
with the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture from
95
sessions using any other Chinese acupuncture method. The
optimal duration of a session is *45–60 minutes. However,
the minimum frequency of sessions using the Balance
Method of I Ching Acupuncture is twice per week, with
even spacing between sessions. An optimal frequency is
three evenly spaced sessions per week.
The Concept of Balance in the Balance Method
of I Ching Acupuncture
It is very convenient to visualize and present the notion of
balance using geometrical shapes. For instance, at least four
shapes can be considered the most balanced truss structures
(Fig. 1).
The Chinese hexagrams (Gwa), which encode the Chinese
meridians, can be used effectively for ‘‘rebuilding’’ disturbed
balance. There are several ways to achieve balance. One way
is to puncture the meridians interrelated with the ‘‘sick’’ ones
by their Gwa, using the distal projections of the affected body
fractions. Another way is by converting the Gwa of the in-
terrelated meridians in Excess (Shu) or Deficiency (Xie) into
each other. To understand how meridian conversion is per-
formed, the five Gwa of the six Yin and the five Gwa of the
six Yang meridians have to be analyzed.
As Table 1 shows, different Gwa are composed of con-
tinuous and discontinuous bars (Yao). Each Yao refers to a
certain acupuncture meridian point. Inserting needles in the
above points convert continuous Yao into discontinuous
Yao, or vice versa. Balance is achieved by converting the
interrelated meridians in Shu or Xie into each other, in ac-
cordance with the five most effective Acupuncture Systems
of Balance presented in the next section. The Shu or Xie
state of meridians is confirmed using Chinese pulse diag-
nostics. After confirming the Shu or Xie state of the affected
FIG. 1. Truss structures.
96 KOTLYAR

Table 1. Hexagrams (Gwa) A. Yin & B. Yang

A.
Gwa
Yao

6th (Top) LR 8 HT 3 SP 9 LU 5 KI 10 PC 3
5th LR 5 HT 4 SP 5 LU 7 KI 7 PC 5
4th LR 4 HT 5 SP 4 LU 8 KI 4 PC 6
3rd LR 3 HT 7 SP 3 LU 9 KI 3 PC 7
2nd LR 2 HT 8 SP 2 LU 10 KI 2 PC 8
1st LR 1 HT 9 SP 1 LU 11 KI 1 PC 9
HT, heart; KI, kidney; LR, liver; LU, lung; PC, pericardium; SP, spleen.

B.
Gwa
Yao

6th (Top) GB 34 SI 8 ST 36 LI 11 UB 40 TE 10
5th GB 38 SI 5 ST 41 LI 5 UB 60 TE 6
4th GB 40 SI 4 ST 42 LI 4 UB 64 TE 4
3rd GB 41 SI 3 ST 43 LI 3 UB 65 TE 3
2nd GB 43 SI 2 ST 44 LI 2 UB 66 TE 2
1st GB 44 SI 1 ST 45 LI 1 UB 67 TE 1
GB, gallbladder; LI, large intestine; SI, small intestine; ST, stomach; TE, triple energizer; UB, urinary bladder.

meridians, the Five Systems of the Balance Method of I 4. Opposites on the Chinese Clock (Fig. 2)—In the fourth
Ching Acupuncture are used. system, the meridians that are opposite on the Chinese
clock balance each other. In other words, the foot Tai Yin
Five Systems of Balance in the Balance Method of I (SP) balances the hand Shao Yang (TE), and vice versa.
Ching Acupuncture 5. Neighbors on the Chinese Clock (Fig. 2)—In the fifth
system, the hand meridians that are adjacent on the
The inter-balancing relationships of the acupuncture Chinese clock balance the foot meridians, and vice
meridians are briefly summarized in the following five most versa. In other words, the hand Tai Yin (LU) and the foot
effective Systems of Balance.8 Jue Yin (LR) balance each other. Several meridian pairs
1. Chinese Meridian Name Sharing—The first system is of the fifth system overlap with those of the first system.
based on the pairings of the acupuncture layers. In
other words, the hand Tai Yang (SI) and the foot Tai
Yang (UB) balance each other. Accordingly, the hand
and foot Yang meridians balance each other, and the
hand and foot Yin meridians balance each other.
2. Bie-Jing/ Branching Meridians—In the second sys-
tem, the meridians are paired by their Chinese names.
In other words, the hand Tai Yin (LU) and the foot Tai
Yang (UB) balance each other. Accordingly, the hand
Yin and the foot Yang meridians balance each other.
Also, the hand Yang and the foot Yin meridians bal-
ance each other.
3. Biao Lie/Interior–Exterior Pairs—In the third system,
the meridians are paired according to their Zang Fu
relationships. In other words, the foot Jue Yin (LR)
and Shao Yang (GB) balance each other. This is the
only system in which the hand Yin and Yang merid-
ians balance each other, and the foot Yin and Yang
meridians balance each other. FIG. 2. The Chinese Clock.
BALANCE METHOD OF I CHING ACUPUNCTURE
The Concept of Local Balance in the Balance
Method of I Ching Acupuncture
It is essential to determine accurately when to use Local
Balance versus Global Balance. The decision regarding the
type of balance to be used for treatment and the affected
meridians has to be made after a thorough observation of the
patient and a meticulous interview.
Local Balance is used to treat complaints caused by
malfunctioning local body parts, but not systems. In other
words, Local Balance is used if the disorders can be treated
effectively by puncturing the points of up to two distal
meridians. For instance, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syn-
drome, tennis elbow (epicondylitis), and disorders of similar
essence are treated much more effectively by using Local
Balance. The treatment involves an analysis of anatomical
structure similarities and distal projections of the mal-
functioning body parts as well as detection of the acu-
puncture meridians located in the affected body parts. This
analysis helps to focus on the area in which the Ashi points
to be punctured are located.
In addition, the polarity of acupuncture, which is de-
scribed in the next section, has to be taken into account.
The Polarity Rule in the Balance Method
of I-Ching Acupuncture
The balancing acupuncture points are punctured ipsi- or
contralaterally to the location of the disbalance in compli-
ance with the multiplicity of the chosen balancing system.9
In other words, in systems 1, 3, and 5, the contralaterally
balancing acupuncture points are punctured, while in sys-
tems 2 and 4, the balancing points can be punctured either
ipsi- or contralaterally. However, it is important to note that
the polarity rule of the Balance Method of I Ching Acu-
puncture mostly refers to local disorders rather than to
global ones. For instance, when the problem is located
unilaterally, in a restricted area of the body, and does not
involve a global response of the whole organism (or if the
response is minimal), the polarity rule has to be taken into
consideration. However, the greater the organic response
is, the less the polarity rule improves the outcome of the
Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture treatment. In
contrast, the more anatomically focused a disorder is, the
more important it is for the effectiveness of the treatment
to select the balancing points thoroughly, use distal local
treatment, and follow the polarity rule. The following
subsections describe representative uses of the Local
Balance approach.
Local Balance treatment of shoulder–neck pain
Kotlyar et al. provides an example of using Local Balance
for treating chronic shoulder–neck pain.8 Shoulder–neck
pain was determined as a local disorder, involving a dis-
balance of the foot Shao Yang (GB), hand Shao Yang (TE),
and hand Yang Ming (LI) meridians. Chinese pulse diag-
97
nostics was used to confirm the involvement of the diagnosed
meridians. After the ‘‘sick’’ meridians were diagnosed, two
of the five most effective Systems of Balance in the Balance
Method of I Ching Acupuncture were used for the Local
Balance treatment. Namely, the contralateral foot Jue Yin
(LR) meridian balanced the hand Yang Ming (LI) meridian in
the second system and the foot Shao Yang (GB) meridian in
the third system.8 The ipsilateral foot Tai Yin (SP) meridian
balanced the hand Shao Yang (TE) meridian in the second
system.8
Local Balance treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
(Fig. 3). In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand
Tai Yin (LU) and Jue Yin (PC) meridians can be involved in
the affected wrist–arm. According to the five most effective
Systems of Balance in the Balance Method of I Ching
Acupuncture, the foot Jue Yin (LR) meridian balances the
hand Tai Yin (LU) meridian in the fifth system and the hand
Jue Yin (PC) meridian in the first system. The wrist–arm and
ankle–foot areas are similar in their anatomical structures.
Following the polarity rule, the Ashi points are located along
the foot Jue Yin meridian in the contralateral ankle–foot
area. To search for the Ashi points, one should perform a
distal projection of the suffering wrist–arm onto the con-
tralateral ankle–foot area. For Local Balance treatment, the
Ashi points to be punctured are those that immediately ease
the intensity of the complaint upon palpation.
Local Balance treatment of tennis elbow. In the
case of tennis elbow, the hand Yang Ming (LI) and the hand
Shao Yang (TE) meridians on the suffering upper extremity are
involved. According to the five most effective Systems of
Balance in the Balance Method of I Ching Acupuncture, the
foot Shao Yin (KI) meridian balances the Hand Yang Ming (LI)
meridian in the fourth system and the hand Shao Yang (TE)
meridian in the second system. The elbow–knee anatomical
structure similarity should be taken into account as well. The
FIG. 3. A representative picture of Local Balance treatment of
left carpal tunnel syndrome using acupuncture along the right foot
Jue Yin meridian of the right ankle–foot.
98
FIG. 4. Respiratory system and front torsal meridians.
suffering elbow area is distally projected onto the knee area.
According to the polarity rule, palpation along the Shao Yin
portion around ether ipsi- or contralateral knee will reveal the
Ashi points. The sore points that upon palpation immediately
ease the patient’s complaint have to be punctured.
FIG. 5. Body trunk with internal organs.
KOTLYAR
The Concept of Global Balance in the Balance
Method of I-Ching Acupuncture
Global Balance is used for treating complaints caused by
malfunctioning body systems rather than by a restricted local
disorder. Such complaints include chronic fatigue, allergy,
respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, gyneco-
logic disorders, and similar conditions. It can be generalized
that internal diseases comprise a suitable example of imbal-
ances treated using Global Balance. Global Balance acu-
puncture treatment requires meridian conversion. Meridian
conversion is achieved in accordance with the inter-balancing
relationships of the five most effective Systems of Balance.
The unbalanced meridians are mapped on the body area
where the complaint is expressed. For instance, in the case of
respiratory diseases, the respiratory system is malfunctioning.
Thus, the foot Shao Yin (KI), foot Yang Ming (ST), foot Jue Yin
(LR), and hand Tai Yin (SP) meridians are affected (Fig. 4).
Representative use of the Global Balance ap-
proach. This section and the following sections discuss
and analyze the Global Balance acupuncture treatment of
internal diseases caused by disbalances of the internal or-
gans. The internal organs of the human body include the
heart, lungs, stomach, kidney, spleen, liver, pancreas, large
and small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, reproductive or-
gans, and more. Anatomically, the majority of the internal
organs is contained in the body trunk (Fig. 5). The trunk, or
BALANCE METHOD OF I CHING ACUPUNCTURE 99

FIG. 6. Front torsal meridians.

human torso, is the human body without the limbs, neck,
and head, below the neck and above the pelvis. There are
four pairs of acupuncture meridians located on the frontal
plane of the human torso, between the anterior left and right
auxiliary lines, not including the Conception Meridian (CV)
in its anterior midline (Fig. 6). Namely, they are the foot
Yang Ming (ST), foot Shao Yin (KI), foot Tai Yin (SP), and
foot Jue Yin (LR). These meridians cover all the internal
organs and, consequently, are involved in their disbalances.
the Chong Mai Extraordinary Meridian (the Penetrating Ves-
sel), which starts from the Uterus.10
Thus, all four frontal torsal meridians can be affected by
gynecologic disorders. Taking this into account and leaning
on the five most effective Systems of Balance, the balancing
meridians can be determined.

Meridian conversion in Global Balance treatment

of gynecologic disorders. In the case of gynecologic
disorders, the ovaries should be taken into consideration as
the source of secretion and release of the female sex hor-
mones. When mapping the frontal torsal meridians, the foot
Shao Yin (KI), foot Yang Ming (ST), and foot Jue Yin (LR)
cross the ovaries (Fig. 7).
The Uterus regulates menstruation, conception, and
pregnancy, and thus is naturally expected to be involved in
gynecologic disorders.10 The frontal torsal meridians, the
foot Shao Yin (KI), foot Yang Ming (ST), and foot Jue Yin
(LR), cross the ovaries and Uterus at the same time (Fig. 7).
The fourth frontal torsal meridian, foot Tai Yin (SP), should
also be considered when analyzing the meridians affected by
gynecologic disorders. First, the foot Tai Yin controls the
Blood, which is essential for menstruation.11 The foot Tai Yin
is physiologically related to the Uterus, along with the hand
Shao Yin (HT), which governs the Blood, and the foot Jue Yin,
which stores the Blood.12 Yet, the foot Tai Yin participates in FIG. 7. Female reproductive system and front torsal meridians.
100 KOTLYAR

Table 2. Meridian Matrix

Balance System
Affected Meridian 1 2 3 4 5

Foot Yang Ming (ST) Hand Yang Hand Jue Foot Tai Hand Jue Hand Yang
Ming (LI) Yin (PC) Yin (SP) Yin (PC) Ming (LI)
Foot Shao Yin (KI) Hand Shao Hand Shao Foot Tai Hand Yang Hand Jue
Yin (HT) Yang (TE) Yang (UB) Ming (LI) Yin (PC)
Foot Jue Yin (LR) Hand Jue Hand Yang Foot Shao Hand Tai Hand Tai
Yin (PC) Ming (LI) Yang (GB) Yang (SI) Yin (LU)
Foot Tai Yin (SP) Hand Tai Hand Tai Foot Yan Hand Shao Hand Shao
Yin (LU) Yang (SI) Ming (ST) Yang (TE) Yin (HT)
GB, gallbladder; HT, heart; KI, kidney; LI, large intestine; LR, liver; LU, lung; PC, pericardium; SI, small intestine; SP, spleen; ST, stomach; TE, triple
energizer; UB, urinary bladder.

In Table 2, the meridians that are repeated in several rows
appear in bold and are italicized. These meridians have the
highest potential of being optimal for treatment. However, one
should bear in mind the extent of the relevance of the poten-
tially balancing meridians to a specific disorder. For example,
the hand Tai Yin and the hand Tai Yang meridians are less
associated with gynecologic disorders and, therefore, can be
ignored. The hand Yang Ming, hand Shao Yang, hand Shao Yin,
and hand Jue Yin are more associated with gynecologic dis-
orders and, therefore, they should be used for meridian con-
version in Global Balance.
Meridian conversion is performed using the appropriate
Gwa (Table 1), in accordance with the five most effective
Systems of Balance. Consequently, the points presented in
Figure 8 for meridian conversion are used in Global Balance
acupuncture treatment of gynecologic disorders. The truss
structure created by meridian conversion in Global Balance
acupuncture treatment of gynecologic disorders is presented
in Fig. 9.
Meridian conversion in Global Balance acupunc-
ture treatment of respiratory disorders. As in the
acupuncture treatment of gynecologic disorders, the meridi-
ans involved in the area affected by respiratory disorders must
be mapped. The respiratory system is located in the upper part
of the torso, which is eventually manifested in the involve-
ment of the four frontal torsal meridians that were discussed
previously (Fig. 6). Thus, all four frontal torsal meridians can
be considered as being affected by respiratory disorders. In
the meridian matrix, the meridians that are repeated in several
rows appear in bold and are italicized (Fig. 10). These me-
ridians, together with the extent of the relevance of the po-
tentially balancing meridians to the respiratory disorders,
yield several potentially effective meridian conversion op-
tions. The Chinese Clock can be used to justify the selection
maximally of the potentially balancing meridians (Fig. 2).
The Chinese Clock assists in tracing meridian activity peaks
at which exacerbations of the respiratory system occur. The
data obtained suggest whether the respiratory disorder is acute
or chronic.
The data can be also used for deciding on the best me-
ridian conversion option according to its estimated thera-
peutic effectiveness. The following are a few options for
meridian conversion in Global Balance acupuncture treat-
ment of respiratory disorders:
 Option 1. Interconversion of the hand Yang Ming to the
foot Tai Yin meridian, and of the hand Tai Yin to the
foot Yang Ming meridian (Fig. 10A); the truss structure
of balance achieved using this option is presented in
Fig. 11A.
 Option 2. Interconversion of the hand Yang Ming to the
foot Shao Yin meridian, and of the hand Jue Yin to the

FIG. 9. Truss structure of meridian conversion for gynecologic

FIG. 8. Meridian conversion for gynecologic diseases. disorders.
BALANCE METHOD OF I CHING ACUPUNCTURE
FIG. 10. Meridian conversion for respiratory disorders. (A)
Option 1. (B) Option 2. (C) Option 3.
foot Yang Ming meridian (Fig. 10B); the truss structure
of balance achieved using this option is presented in
Fig. 11B.
 Option 3. A combined interconversion of the hand
Yang Ming to the foot Shao Yin meridian, of the hand
Shao Yang to the foot Tai Yin meridian, and the hand
Tai Yin to the foot Tai Yang meridian, and of the hand
Jue Yin to the foot Yang Ming meridian (Fig. 10C); The
truss structure of balance achieved using this option is
presented in Figure 11C.
To be more specific, consider the meridian conversion for
an effective Global Balance acupuncture treatment of acute
and chronic bronchitis. The meridian mapping for acute
bronchitis shows that the foot Yang Ming and foot Shao Yin
match the disease location (Fig. 12A). The meridian matrix
for acute bronchitis, revealing the balancing meridians that
are repeated in several rows and appear in bold and italics, is
FIG. 11. Truss structure of meridian conversion for respiratory disorders. (A) Option 1. (B) Option 2. (C) Option 3.
101
presented in Table 3. It shows that the most effective acu-
puncture treatment of acute bronchitis is Option 2
(Fig. 10B).
Chronic bronchitis affects the bronchial tree to a larger ex-
tent. The meridian mapping for chronic bronchitis shows that
foot Yang Ming, foot Shao Yin, and foot Tai Yin meridians are
involved (Fig. 12B). The meridian matrix for chronic bronchi-
tis, revealing the balancing meridians that are repeated in sev-
eral rows and appear in bold and italics, is presented in Table 4.
Therefore, the most effective acupuncture treatment of chronic
bronchitis is Option 1 as well as Option 3 (Fig. 10A&C).
Meridian conversion in Global Balance acupunc-
ture treatment of GI disorders. The meridians involved
in GI disorders are the front torsal foot Shao Yin, foot Yang
Ming, foot Jue Yin, and foot Tai Yin, which were discussed
previously (Fig. 13). It is not accidental that the treatment
options for GI disorders greatly resemble those used for
respiratory disorders. In fact, the Tai Yin meridian contains
the hand Tai Yin (LU) and foot Tai Yin (SP). Consequently,
the respiratory (hand Tai Yin) and GI (foot Tai Yin) systems
are related.
As in respiratory disorders, the precise location of a
specific GI disorder points at the area of imbalance, as-
sists in drawing the meridian map, and guides meridian
conversion.
DISCUSSION
The present review discussed the effect of the Balance
Method of I Ching Acupuncture on only a limited number of
disorders. Furthermore, the treatment options described in
this review are representative but not exhaustive. However,
the same effectiveness of this method of acupuncture is
expected when treating a vast majority of disorders. The
effect of the method is best described by a Chinese saying
that translates as: ‘‘Put a pole under the sun, and you should
immediately see its shadow.’’8 It means that, if the diagnosis
of the disorder is made correctly and the appropriate acu-
puncture treatment is administered in full accordance with
the diagnosis, the effect is expected immediately. Certainly,
the ‘‘length of the shadow’’ varies and depends on many
102 KOTLYAR

FIG. 12. Front torsal meridians and bronchitis (A) Acute. (B) Chronic.

additional factors. However, a very important conclusion
can be drawn from this Chinese saying. It is less important
which disease is being treated; it is more important how it is
treated. To diagnose and treat diseases of such a complex
hierarchical system as the human organism, the conven-
tional reductionist viewpoint has to be replaced with a ho-
listic or integrative perspective that emphasizes the
collective behavior of rhythmic interactions and their
emergent properties.5
In TCM, pain is usually an integral part of a particular
disorder or physiologic malfunction.12 Thus, it is not the
pain that should be treated, but the imbalance that is ex-
pressed through pain. Thus, the pain disappears as soon as
its cause is identified and removed.12
One plausible mechanism based on the meridian system,
the chaotic-wave theory of the fractal continuum in terms of
the neurovascular network, was proposed.7 The theory
suggests that acupuncture points trigger electromagnetic

Table 3. Meridian Matrix for Acute Bronchitis

Balance System
Affected Meridian 1 2 3 4 5

Foot Yang Ming (ST) Hand Yang Hand Jue Foot Tai Hand Jue Hand Yang
Ming (LI) Yin (PC) Yin (SP) Yin (PC) Ming (LI)
Foot Shao Yin (KI) Hand Shao Hand Shao Foot Tai Hand Yang Hand Jue
Yin (HT) Yang (TE) Yang (UB) Ming (LI) Yin (PC)
HT, heart; KI, kidney; LI, large intestine; PC, pericardium; SP, spleen; ST, stomach; TE, triple energizer; UB, urinary bladder.

Table 4. Meridian Matrix for Chronic Bronchitis

Balance System
Affected Meridian 1 2 3 4 5

Foot Yang Ming (ST) Hand Yang Hand Jue Foot Tai Hand Jue Hand Yang
Ming (LI) Yin (PC) Yin (SP) Yin (PC) Ming (LI)
Foot Shao Yin (KI) Hand Shao Hand Shao Foot Tai Hand Yang Hand Jue
Yin (HT) Yang (TE) Yang (UB) Ming (LI) Yin (PC)
Foot Tai Yin (SP) Hand Tai Hand Tai Foot Yan Hand Shao Hand Shao
Yin (LU) Yang (SI) Ming (ST) Yang (TE) Yin (HT)
HT, heart; KI, kidney; LI, large intestine; LU, lung; PC, pericardium; SI, small intestine; SP, spleen; ST, stomach; TE, triple energizer; UB, urinary
bladder.
BALANCE METHOD OF I CHING ACUPUNCTURE
FIG. 13. Gastrointestinal system and front torsal meridians.
inductive effects. This way, the impedances of correlated
neurovascular bundles are drastically changed, thereby
making acupuncture effective.7
Two consequential scenarios are possible.13 When, af-
ter acupuncture treatment, the impedance of the meridians
is considerably different than that of the brain, the trav-
eling wave of the disorder signal mainly reflects back and
is only partially transmitted to the brain. This is the way
relief of the disorder is achieved. If, after acupuncture
treatment, the impedance of the meridians completely
matches that of the disorder source, the disorder source
appears to be nonexistent to the brain.13 Hence, the effect
FIG. 14. Ho Tu Huan He (left) and DNA base pair (right).
103
of the acupuncture treatment is achieved. It is believed
that the proposed mechanism of a match or mismatch of
the impedances can explain how the acupuncture works
not only for the treatment of pain but also for various
other indications.13
A chaotic-wave theory of the fractal continuum was
proposed to characterize the essence of the ancient meridian
system as a complex network of neurovascular bundles and
their smaller branches.13 Anatomically, the system is a
continuum with a self-similar fractal structure.13 Physiolo-
gically, it interacts with the internal viscera, peripheral
limbs, and sensory organs via the chaotic waves of Blood
flow and innervations.13
Moreover, there are similarities between the DNA base
pairs and Ho Tu Huan He (Yellow River Map), which, as it
is believed, was invented by the legendary Chinese emperor
Fu Xi14 (Fig. 14). This map is very important—not just for
acupuncture. It includes 11 dots of Wood, 12 dots of Water,
13 dots of Metal, and 14 dots of Fire—50 dots altogether. In
the middle of the diagram, there are 5 dots of Earth, making
the total number of dots 55. In the DNA base pairs, there are
11 atoms of cytosine, 13 atoms of adenine, 13 atoms of
thymine, and 13 atoms of guanine—50 atoms altogether. In
addition, there are 5 atoms of hydrogen bonds, making the
total number of atoms 55. This similarity is hardly acci-
dental; it is rather a hint that points at the deep level of
acupuncture effects.
To ascertain the efficacy of acupuncture microsystems,
including auricular acupuncture established by Paul Nogier,
MD, and the New Scalp Acupuncture established by
Toshikatsu Yamamoto, MD, PhD, and acupuncture mac-
rosystems, including the Balance Method of I Ching Acu-
puncture, large-scale studies should be performed.15,16
Also, additional studies are warranted to investigate the
mechanisms through which the effects of acupuncture
treatment are achieved.
104 KOTLYAR

CONCLUSIONS 7. Chang S. The meridian system and mechanism of acupunc-

ture—a comparative review: Part 1. The meridian system.
According to a large volume of clinical data obtained by Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;51(4):506–514.
the practitioners of the Balance Method of I Ching Acu- 8. Tan RT-F. Acupuncture 1, 2, 3. San Diego: Richard Tan
puncture, it appears to be a very straightforward, universal, Publishing; 2007.
9. McCaffery M. Using the 0-to-10 pain rating scale. Am J Nurs.
and effective method. Additional meticulous research is
2001;101(10):81–82.
required to investigate and reaffirm the consistency and
10. Kotlyar A, Brener R, Lis M. Use of Dr. Tan’s Chinese Bal-
therapeutic value of the review method. ance Acupuncture. Med Acupunct. 2016;28(2):1–9.
11. Maciocia G. The Practice of Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh,
London, Madrid, Melbourne, New York & Tokyo: Churchill
AUTHOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Livingstone; 1994.
12. Maciocia G. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Com-
The author has no conflicts of interest to declare. prehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. London:
Longman Group UK Ltd.; 1989.
13. Chang S. The meridian system and mechanism of acupunc-
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