Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian

idian Wave Approach 5

Practical Applications of Meridian

Theory in Pain Management -
The Meridian Wave Approach
Abstract
Meridian theory serves as a fundamental concept in classical Chinese medicine. Yin yang and five phase theory, By: Amos Ziv &
zang fu internal organ theory and channel theory comprise a theoretical foundation often described as the Idan Levi
‘Three Pillars’ of Chinese Medicine. Meridian Wave Acupuncture is an effective, evidence-based system for pain
management based on classical channel theory. This article outlines the basic theory and main techniques of this Keywords: Pain,
system for clinical application in pain management. A key element discussed involves the arrangement of the obstruction,
channel system into six pairs of functional physiological units. These six channels act as connecting pathways channels,
between the external environment and the internal environment of the internal organs. Each channel resonates meridians,
with a distinct wave quality. By tapping into the correct channel with acupuncture treatment, a strong wave-like acupuncture,
movement of qi can be induced in order to vigorously resolve obstruction. Three main actions are performed bleeding, qi,
during the acupuncture session and include a ripple ‘Wave Initiation’ through bleeding jing-well points, a channel wave, injury,
qi-leveraging ‘Wave Propagation’ through needling distal ends of the same channel, and immediate assessment musculoskeletal,
of the result that is described as ‘Wave Effect’. Although many additional elements support this system, the key meridian wave.
aspects presented here serve as an immediately applicable and effective tool for pain management. Much of
the work and theory described in this article is based on the teachings of the late Professor Dr. Wang Ju Yi, a
contemporary master of channel theory-based acupuncture. This article is dedicated to his memory.

Authors’ note significantly improved outcomes in practice. This

The use of the term ‘channel’ rather than ‘meridian’ has
been debated by modern scholars of Chinese medicine.1
‘Channel’ is often preferred as a term that better describes
their concept and function. Nevertheless, the authors use
the term ‘meridian’ in this article as it includes the notions
of spatial direction and accuracy, which help to convey the
practical essence of this acupuncture system.
Preface
Meridian theory forms a fundamental aspect of
classical Chinese medicine. Together with yin yang
and five phase theory, and zang fu theory, it comprises
the foundational theory known as the ‘Three Pillars’
of Chinese medicine as described in the Nei Jing (Inner
Classic). For historical reasons beyond the scope of this
article, meridian theory has been less emphasised in
the teachings of modern traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM). Practising acupuncture without a thorough
understanding of meridian theory undermines the
theoretical framework of classical Chinese medicine,
and may lead to a significant reduction in therapeutic
effectiveness.
Understanding meridian theory provides insight
into the classical Chinese medicine perspective of
how the body works internally, and how it interacts
with the outer world and universe. Because of this,
meridian theory-based acupuncture often produces
article outlines an effective and practical application
of meridian theory-based acupuncture. Specifically
focused on the treatment of pain and movement
limitation, the Meridian Wave Acupuncture system
is rooted in classical Chinese medicine meridian
theory. It has been used on thousands of patients
in China, Europe, the United States and Israel. This
pain-management acupuncture system has been
validated successfully in a randomised controlled
trial of acupuncture for acute back or neck pain in the
emergency (A&E) room of a major hospital in Israel.2
Compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment
control, results showed a decrease in total pain of
more than 40 per cent and an increase in spinal
flexion-extension of more than 26 per cent.
Introduction
As described in the Nei Jing, Chinese Medicine is
based on three theories that form a fundamental
organisational framework, collectively referred to as
the ‘Three Pillars’ of Chinese medicine.3
Yin yang and five phase theory
These two theories form a basic language or code that
can be used to describe all phenomena in the universe,
including the human body. With this language all
existence and events, including disease and healing,
 6 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach
can be categorised and described. With analogy to Western
science, these theories can be likened to the mathematical
formulas that describe the workings of the universe.
The meridian system is the basis of all physiological
and pathological processes in the living body.
Zang fu theory
Zang fu (internal organ) theory is a major subject of
discussion in the classic texts of Chinese medicine. It
refers to the physiology and pathology in the body as
governed by functional organ systems, whose major role
is the production, preservation and storage of the vital
substances: qi, blood, jing-essence and body fluids. With
analogy to Western science, zang fu theory has parallels
with the subjects of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
Meridian theory
While the rules of the outer universe and climates are
conveyed by the language of yin yang and the five phases,
and physiology and pathology are mainly categorised
according to zang fu functions, meridian theory is
the connecting pathway between these theories. The
meridians represent the connection between the inner
physiology of the body and the climates of the outer
universe. With analogy to Western science, meridian
theory has parallels with physics and chemistry, through
which we see the mathematical laws of the universe
manifesting in physiology and pathology. That is,
physical and chemical laws such as thermodynamics
and biochemistry are at the basis of all physiological and
pathological processes in the living body. Likewise, from a
Chinese medicine perspective the meridian system is the
basis of all physiological and pathological processes in the
living body.
The emergence of meridian theory
Scholars of the Nei Jing formed their holistic view of the
universe and the human body by observing nature. These
theorists of classical Chinese sciences strove to understand
the relationship between the human body and its
environment, between the microcosm and the macrocosm.
The meridians are a key concept in actualising this holistic
nature. According to this view, the meridians have distinct
pathways which connect the organs internally, and are
involved in processes through which the body interacts
with the environment. Understanding the unifying role of
the meridians is what gives life to the concept of holism in
Chinese medicine.
‘Without channel theory the principle of ‘holism’ in Chinese
medicine makes little sense.’ - Wang Ju Yi
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017
It is important to emphasise that in the classics the
meridians are not described as ‘hollow pipes’ but as
physiologically active units that act as networks (wang
lou), pathways (tong dao) and communication systems (tu
jing).4 Thus the meridians are a living network that bind
yin and yang, external to internal, and conduct necessary
external influences into the internal environment and
vice versa. They thus facilitate healthy physiological
activity and, in case of dysfunction, actively participate
in rebalancing pathology. Information about the state of
the organs and their surroundings (the inner ‘climate’)
is continuously communicated by the meridians in
order facilitate physiological balance. For example, a
state of excess dampness in the Tai Yin Spleen may be
communicated to the Yang Ming system in order to
promote a response of increasing dryness. Dryness is the
inner climate of the Yang Ming, which is regulated by the
Large Intestine absorbing excess fluids from the intestines.
This explains the rationale behind needling Zusanli ST-36
for Spleen damp-related diarrhoea. Thus the meridians
are referred to in the early classics as an integral part of
the organs themselves, yet contain functions that surpass
the general function of the organs due to their role in
interacting with the outer environment and climate.5
Meridian theory and external climates - the six qi
The meridians connect the qi of the body to the qi of the
external environment. The external climatic influences are
also referred to as the six qi. These are cold, summer-heat/
fire, dampness, dryness, fire and wind. It is important to
note that the six qi are functional climatic forces which
are necessary for the function of the internal organs and
are therefore not necessarily ‘evil’ factors. The six qi may
become the six ‘evil’ qi if the meridian system is impaired
and unable to maintain balance with the climates, or if the
climatic influences are excessively strong and invade the
body. The climate-meridian relationships are specific, and
the meridians bond each of the six qi to a specific organ
system:
• Tai Yang (Small Intestine, Bladder) - cold
• Shao Yang (San Jiao, Gall Bladder) - summer-heat
• Yang Ming (Large Intestine, Stomach) - dryness
• Tai Yin (Lung, Spleen) - dampness
• Shao Yin (Heart, Kidney) - fire
• Jue Yin (Pericardium, Liver) - wind
The meridian system has both external and internal
functions. The external role is to balance and regulate
the movement of the six qi into and out of the body. The
meridians may allow the climates to enter, or else push
them away, thus regulating the internal climate. As
extensions of the organs, the internal role of the meridians
is to balance and regulate the functions of the zang fu
through an intricate web of inner connections, thus
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017
Figure 1: Each meridian has a specific qi wave quality that resonates throughout its whole pathway.
maintaining the appropriate inner climatic environment
for each organ. Thus the meridians regulate organ activity
and serve as pathways for information and substance to
flow to and from the organs.
As an example of the external role of the meridian
system, consider the response of the Tai Yang meridian
to external cold. Tai Yang, the outermost yang channel,
has the role of dispersing yang qi and heat to the surface
(i.e. wei-defensive qi) in order to prevent invasion of
excess cold into the body. It also controls the skin pores,
which are opened or closed to prevent or induce sweating
according to needs of warming or cooling the surface.
Using the warming yuan-source points (Wangu SI-4
and Jinggu BL-64) on this meridian can rapidly resolve
symptoms of external cold such as runny nose, aversion to
cold and wind, itchy throat, low grade fever and stiffness
in the upper back and neck caused by cold stagnation in
the upper part of the Tai Yang.
As an example of the inner role of the meridian system,
consider the functions of the Tai Yin meridian. Among
many other functions, Tai Yin is the receiver and balancer
of dampness. Moisture that is needed for the proper
functioning of the Lung is absorbed from the air during
breathing. This process is governed by the hand Tai Yin
Lung meridian. Internally, the balance of fluids and
nutrients manifested physiologically by the nourishing
dampness produced by the Spleen (i.e. ying-nutritive qi) is
governed by the transporting and transforming functions
of the foot Tai Yin Spleen meridian. Thus, the hand and
foot Tai Yin meridian system is constantly balancing
the external and internal environments with regard to
Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach 7
moisture and nourishment.
This pairing of the channels into six functional units that
operate in relationship to specific climatic factors lays the
foundational basis of physiology and pathology according
to meridian theory.
A meridian that responds to cold would operate with a
distinctively different qi wave quality than a meridian
that responds to heat.
The Meridian Wave Acupuncture System
Each meridian relates to a distinct wave quality of qi and
correlates to a specific climate, tissue, organ and meridian
qi movement/transformation (qi hua). One can easily
understand that a meridian that responds to cold would
operate with a distinctively different qi wave quality than
a meridian that responds to heat. Thus each meridian
operates and resonates with a distinct wave-quality of qi
(Fig. 1). A complete discussion of the actuality of this notion
is beyond the scope of this article, suffice to say that each
meridian operates with a different energetic resonance. By
identifying the correct meridian wave quality and selecting
appropriate point combinations, the whole meridian
can be activated through a strong therapeutic wave-like
movement of qi. This method enhances acupuncture
stimulation and yields an immediate response with
instant and measurable clinical outcomes. Key principles
that will allow practical utilisation are introduced below.
8 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach
Method overview
The following section introduces the guiding principles
and concepts of Meridian Wave Acupuncture, which
are later explained in detail in a pragmatic step-by-step
fashion.
1. Treating the meridian as a whole
In order to fully grasp the principles of Meridian Wave
Acupuncture, it is important to re-emphasise the
fundamental concept of paired meridians acting as one
system (see above). Thus, when considering pain or
discomfort in a specific location, the meridian passing
through that area is identified and acupuncture points from
both the hand and foot manifestation of that meridian are
selected. For example, with pain on the lateral side of the
shoulder, points from the hand Shao Yang Triple warmer
and foot Shao Yang Gall Bladder meridian are used. Pain
on the dorsal aspect of the shoulder or shoulder blade area
will be treated with points from the hand Tai Yang Small
Intestine and foot Tai Yang Bladder.
2. Bleeding jing-well points – Wave Initiation
The importance of jing-well points for the treatment of
pain and discomfort cannot be overemphasised. This point
category is one of the strongest for vigorously moving qi
and blood. Their location at the tips of the fingers and toes
is a place of yin and yang exchange, where the initial flow
of the channel builds, eventually entering the interior of
the body at the he-sea points of the elbows and knees. In
addition, these points are known for their ability to activate
the tendo-muscular channels (jing jin) which are important
in cases of pain and limitation. The jing-well points
function through their ability to ‘drain excess and dispel
stagnation’ and ‘disband obstruction and open clumps’6
and thus clear both excess and deficient manifestations
of blockage throughout the whole meridian pathway.
Moreover, since both acute and chronic pain always
involve a certain degree of blood stasis, the ability of these
points to strongly move blood, dispel stagnation and affect
the whole meridian makes them highly attractive for use
in pain management. As blood stasis involves stagnation
of matter, bleeding technique - which physically draws
blood out of the meridian - works much faster than just
regulating qi through needling. Thus, when blood is
stagnant, always bleed first to draw physical stasis out.
This in turn signals to the body the direction of the qi
wave movement we wish to induce through the needling
that follows the bleeding (see below).
3. Distal needling - engaging the whole meridian
Keeping in mind that meridian qi flows throughout
the whole pathway of each of the six channels, we can
understand the importance of engaging the whole
meridian. Local needling often engages only a small
portion of meridian qi. By using points distal to the
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017
blockage (pain area) we can create leverage in the wave
of qi. For example, by inserting one needle near the hand
and another needle on the foot on the opposite side of
the same meridian, we are engaging the qi of the whole
meridian. The ripple at one end of the meridian creates a
vigorous wave-like movement of qi when it reaches the
other end, similar to a whip where a small motion at the
handle lashes hard at the other end.
4. Moving qi through the blockage (rather than to
the blockage)
When stagnation collects in a meridian, local needling will
draw attention to the blocked area rather than promote
the flow of qi through the blockage. Increasing the flow
of meridian qi through the affected area rejuvenates
the compromised surrounding tissue. Consider a small
classroom crowded with students. After a while the room
becomes stuffy and a sense of stagnancy fills the space.
A common solution is turning on a fan. However, this
approach will merely circulate the foul air in the room.
Another approach would be to open a window on one
side of the room and a door on the other. Instantly, fresh
air would flow through the room and rejuvenate the space.
Meridian Wave Acupuncture utilises a similar concept.
By bleeding the jing-well point on the affected meridian
we are effectively ‘opening a window’ and directing the
flow. By needling acupoints at the opposite distal end of
the meridian we are promoting a fresh flow of meridian qi
through the compromised area similarly to the window-
to-door air flow in a room (Figure 2).
5. Addressing the underlying condition
Differential diagnosis is one of the jewels of Chinese
medicine. A thorough understanding of the underlying
imbalance involved in a problem is a key to clinical
success. Apart from bleeding and needling to activate
meridian qi flow, we must always address any underlying
imbalances. When using Meridian Wave Acupuncture,
we commonly experience that after the immediate
improvement in pain and/or movement limitation after
bleeding and needling to activate the meridian wave, we
achieve additional instant improvement if we add one
or two needles to address the underlying condition. It
is almost as if the body ‘releases’ qi ow to the meridian
wave as it feels secure that its underlying conditions are
also being attended to by the treatment.
6. Repeatedly assessing the results of the
treatment – Wave Effect
As discussed below, repeated assessment of the treatment
effect is an integral part of this system, since results are
expected immediately, during the treatment session.
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017
Figure 2: The flow of qi through the compromised area produced by Meridian Wave Acupuncture is like wind moving through a room from a window
and leaving out of the door.
Practical step-by-step Meridian Wave
Acupuncture
In the majority of the cases treated with this system,
results are expected within minutes. In fact, if results
are not achieved instantly, the steps conducted should
be re-examined. This is not to say that we should expect
immediate results in one hundred per cent of patients.
However, in most cases this is what we have seen. For
over 15 years, this system has been used in our clinics
and taught to hundreds of practitioners. The feedback
received supports this notion. In addition, this system has
been adopted as treatment of choice in a major hospital’s
orthopaedic emergency room (A&E) for acute pain after
being validated in a randomised controlled study.2
Step one: Establishing a pain/limitation scale
Establishing an objective assessment of the degree of pain
and/or limitation is a crucial step. Since results of the
treatment are assessed during the acupuncture session,
and since an immediate improvement of 20 to 100 per cent
is expected, an accurate initial assessment is necessary to
provide feedback on treatment efficacy. The assessment
must actively engage the patient, and it is best to scale the
limitation from 1 to 10. Whether the complaint is pain,
discomfort, numbness, tingling or decreased range of
motion, a quantified measurement should be pursued.
Initially simply ask the patient to gently show what
movement or posture generates the most discomfort
and to quantify this on a scale of 1 to 10. The assessment
should be used repeatedly throughout the treatment to
Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach 9
identify which intervention (point combination, meridian
selection, etc.) yields the best therapeutic effect. Three
approaches should be considered:
1) Palpation: the patient feels the pain as a reaction to
palpation at a specific location.
2) Range of motion (ROM): the pain arises during
specific movements (flexion, extension, rotation,
etc.). This includes both passive ROM testing, where
the pain arises when the practitioner initiates the
movement, and active ROM testing, where pain
arises when the patient initiates the movement.
3) Resistance: the pain arises as a reaction to resistance
to certain movements.
In the majority of the cases treated with this system,
results are expected within minutes.
In addition, the nature of the patient’s problem is likely to
provide important information about the type of stagnation
that is blocking the meridian. This may be heat or cold
sensations, aggravation due to specific factors, heaviness,
weakness, moving pain, fixed pain, and so on. This
information is crucial for selecting the correct points on
the meridian to activate the wave. For example, with pain
associated with redness and a sensation of heat, ying-spring
points are often selected due to their ability to clear heat.
10 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach
Step two: Identifying the correct meridian
After completing the assessment, identifying the correct
meridian should be easy: simply ask the patient to point
at the area of discomfort. Remember that the channel
has two outputs, one on the hand and one on the foot.
More than one meridian may be involved, in which case
identify all the meridians involved. However, insist on
isolating which meridian is compromised the most (i.e.
most painful or limited in motion).
Step three: Wave Initiation - bleeding the
jing-well point
After identifying the correct meridian and quantifying the
pain or limitation of ROM, the initiation of the meridian qi
wave is achieved by bleeding the jing-well point. Since each
meridian has two jing-well points, one on the hand and one
on the foot, the selected point should be on the limb closest
to the obstruction. For example, for right-sided anterior
shoulder pain involving the Yang Ming meridian, bleeding
is done at right Shangyang LI-1, for left-sided medial knee
pain involving the Jue Yin meridian, bleeding is done at left
Dadun LIV-1, or for lower back pain radiating to the back
of the left thigh, bleeding is done at left Zhiyin BL-67. More
complex examples require an understanding of the meridian
system: for left-sided upper neck pain along the Shao
Yang Gall Bladder meridian, bleeding is done at left-sided
Guanchong SJ-1, since this the end of the meridian closer to
the obstruction. For right-sided upper back pain along the
Tai Yang Bladder meridian, bleeding is done at right-sided
Shaoze SI-1, again as this is the end of the meridian closer
to the obstruction. As a general rule, pain below the navel is
addressed by bleeding jing-well points on the feet, and pain
above the navel, by bleeding those on the hands.
Before bleeding, massage the meridian downwards
towards the jing-well point several times. It is best to
wet the point area with an ethanol swab, as apart from
sanitising reasons, this expands the blood vessels and
aids the bleeding process. Bleeding should be conducted
swiftly, piercing with a lancet at a location two to three
millimetres away from the corner of the nail. Eight to
twelve drops of blood should be drawn (in cases of blood
deficiency or post-menstruation this should be reduced to
three to four drops). Normally, bleeding is only performed
in the first three or four treatments and substituted with
needling with a small needle in later treatments.
Step four: Reassessment of pain/limitation scale –
Wave Effect
Since bleeding is the first intervention to be conducted,
its effect should be immediately assessed. A major
improvement (30 to 60 per cent) indicates that the degree
of blood stasis in the meridian is high. This may help to
decide how many bleeding sessions will be conducted
during later treatments.
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017
Step five: Wave Propagation - oppositional
distal needling
After bleeding to initiate the meridian qi wave, the
‘whip’ action of promoting and propagating the wave is
pursued. Points are selected to create the greatest leverage
of meridian qi. The more distal the points are, the greater
‘wave leverage’ can be achieved. Therefore, needling
is conducted in a contralateral manner across the body.
Points are selected to include the obstruction area in the
wave. This is to say that the obstruction (pain) should
be on the meridian between the two points selected. For
example, when treating left-sided ankle sprain along the
foot Shao Yang Gall Bladder meridian (at Qiuxu GB-40),
bleeding is done first at left Zuqiaoyin GB-44, and then
needles can be inserted at right Zhongzhu SJ-3 and left
Diwuhui GB-42. This will initiate a meridian qi wave that
includes the obstruction area near Qiuxu GB-40. In this
example, needling left Yanglingquan GB-34 instead of
Diwuhui GB-42 would create a shorter wave that would
not cover the compromised area. After needle insertion,
the best technique is to simultaneously manipulate both
needles (using the right and left hands simultaneously). If
this cannot be achieved, then the needle most distal to the
painful area is manipulated first, followed immediately by
the paired needle.
Step six: Point selection according to meridian
obstruction
Apart from the principle of point selection described
above, points may also be selected according to degree
of sensitivity on palpation. Optimal point selection
would involve point categories and functions according
to the five shu-transporting or five phase theories. Other
points such as xi-cleft points or any other point categories
that add clinical value in relation to the nature of the
obstruction in the meridian (damp, cold, heat, stasis, etc.)
may be selected. For example, a swollen right-sided tennis
elbow along the Yang Ming Large Intestine meridian
could be treated by bleeding right Shang yang LI-1,
followed by needling right Sanjian LI-3 and left Xiangu
ST-43 to propagate the wave. These shu-stream points
would further enhance the wave effect by addressing the
dampness (swelling) obstructing the meridian.
Step seven: Reassessment of pain/limitation scale
– Wave Effect
As in step four, another assessment is conducted. The
importance of this principle cannot be over-emphasised.
Good results indicate correct meridian and point selection.
Poor results, on the other hand, require reanalysis of the
meridian and point selection. In addition, any positive
change is normally reassuring for both the patient and
practitioner.
Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach 11

Step eight: Enhancing wave qi flow through
physical movement
To further enhance the wave qi flow through the obstructed
area, physical movement is added. This is preferably
done during needle manipulation. If simultaneous
manipulation and movement are not feasible, movement
should follow immediately after needle manipulation
for wave propagation. If possible, the initial movement
that was selected for assessing pain level (step one) is
gently repeated during this phase. Movement of the
compromised area enhances wave qi flow and further
rejuvenates the surrounding tissues with fresh flow of qi
and blood.
left-sided Xingjian LIV-2 (a ying-spring point to clear
heat). Simultaneous needle stimulation would then be
performed. Step seven would involve reassessment. Step
eight would involve asking the patient to gently bend the
knee several times (without reaching the pain threshold),
preferably whilst the points are simultaneously stimulated.
Step nine would involve adding one or two points to
address the underlying condition. There are many options
here, one possibility would be Yanglingquan GB-34 on the
opposite side. This point not only treats stagnation in the
Liver but also addresses the tissue damage (torn ligament)
as it is the command point of the sinews and tendons. An
illustration of this process is outlined in Figure 3.

Step nine: Addressing the underlying condition

The final acupuncture points needled during a treatment
session are aimed at balancing the underlying condition.
A thorough intake, including pulse, tongue and meridian
assessment are the essential tools for accurate differential
diagnosis. As mentioned earlier, adding just one or two
points to address the underlying condition according to
differential diagnosis can profoundly increase results
during treatment, and cumulative success during the
treatment series. In fact, in cases of severe deficiency,
progress is difficult to achieve without applying this
principle.

Summary example
To summarise with an example, consider the case of a 42
year-old male with left sided medial knee pain due to a
medial meniscus tear. The pain is fixed, localised and often
accompanied by a burning sensation. There is no local
swelling. The pain is worse in the morning and slightly
better after moving around. Other symptoms from the
intake as well as pulse and tongue diagnosis indicate
Liver qi stagnation. Following the steps described above,
the practitioner would first assess and quantify the degree
of pain and limitation - in this case by asking the patient to
bend the knee (knee flexion) to the point where pain arises.
The degree of motion (knee angle) and pain score should
be recorded. The second step would involve asking the
patient to point to the exact area of discomfort during the
movement - in this case revealing that the obstruction is
on the foot Jue Yin Liver meridian. Step three would be to
initiate a meridian qi wave by bleeding left-sided Dadun
1. P
 ain/limitation scale 6. P
 oint stimulation - RHS
LIV-1. Step four would involve reassessing pain and range
assessment Neiguan P-6 and LHS
of motion. Step five would involve wave propagation 2. Meridian selection Xingjian LIV-2
through opposite hand and foot meridian selection. For 3. Wave Initiation - bleed 7. Reassessment
this patient this would mean selecting the right hand LHS Dadun LIV-1 8. Knee movement
4. Reassessment 9. A
 ddressing the
Jue Yin Pericardium meridian and the left foot Jue Yin
5. W
 ave initiation - point underlying condition -
Liver meridian. Step six would involve point selection selection RHS Yanglingquan GB-34
following the principles of distal needling to propagate
a wave that includes the obstruction, using points that
Figure 3: Key steps of Meridian Wave Acupuncture treatment in a left
address the nature of the obstruction. A good combination medial meniscus tear along the foot Jue Yin Liver meridian.
in this case would thus be right-sided Neiguan P-6 with
12 Practical Applications of Meridian Theory in Pain Management - The Meridian Wave Approach Journal of Chinese Medicine • Number 115 • October 2017

Amos Ziv M.Sc L.Ac, is a researcher and an entrepreneur. He is

the founder and former director of the clinical research unit of the
Shiram Integrated Medicine Services in Asaf Harofeh Medical Center,
Israel, where he headed the Acupuncture for Back and Neck Pain in
the Emergency Room Clinical Trial (ABNP study). He is a graduate
of the American College of TCM, San Francisco, California and an
expert in TCM channel theory applications in pain management
and cardiovascular conditions. Amos studied as a personal student
of Prof. Wang Ju Yi in California and China since 1999. He has
published numerous articles in both TCM and scientific journals and
is an invited speaker to international conferences. He has taught the
Meridian Wave Acupuncture system to hundreds of practitioners
in Europe and Israel. Amos was a co-founder and chairman of SIRF,
the Sino-Israeli Research Foundation and is the founder and CEO
of ReguRate Advanced Integrative Technologies in Cardiovascular
Health. He is the owner and manager of Heaven and Earth TCM
specialty clinic in Rehovot, Israel.

Idan Levi is a Chinese medicine practitioner who

specialised extensively in meridian theory acupuncture, corrective
exercise and lifestyle management. He has studied Meridian Wave
Acupuncture system with Amos Ziv and worked with him since
2009, and has served as an assistant teacher. He has presented his
work and techniques in leading TCM conferences. Idan has gained
vast clinical experience in leading physical therapy clinics in Israel
and is currently the head of the chronic pain and orthopaedic injury
department at Heaven and Earth TCM specialty clinic in Rehovot,
Israel, and the head of the Chinese Acupuncture unit at MedLeader
Physiotherapy clinic in Raanana.

Endnotes
1 Ellis, A., Wiseman, N. &
Boss, K. (1989). Grasping
the Wind. An Exploration
into the Meaning of Chinese
Acupuncture Point Names.
Paradigm Publications:
Brookline, p.375
2 Ziv, A., Yoav, M. Almog,
G.,A (2012). “A randomised
c o n t ro l l e d t r i a l o f a n
integrative approach
utilising acupuncture for
back and neck pain in an
emergency department
setting.” European Journal
of Integrative Medicine, 4(1):
23-24. A summary of this
research was presented by
Amos Ziv at the European
Conference of Integrative
Medicine in Florence (Italy)
and at various orthopaedic
conferences in Israel. In
addition the study was
presented by Dr. Samuel
Bar-Chaim, head of the Asaf
Harofeh Medical Centre
Emergency Services, at the
MEMC Emergency Medicine
conference in Marseille
(France).
3 Wang, J.Y. & Robertson, J.D.
(2008). Applied Channel Theory
in Chinese Medicine. Eastland
press: Seattle
4 Notes from Dr. Wang’s
Teachings, San Francisco
1999.
5 N o t e s f ro m D r. Wa n g
internship, Bejing, 2000
6 Wang, J.Y. & Robertson, J.D.
(2008). Applied Channel Theory
in Chinese Medicine. Eastland
press: Seattle
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