The Divergent Meridians: How We Survive Adversity in a Modern World In Chapter 11 of the Ling Shu it notes, “A beginner in acupuncture therapy should study the twelve master meridians [Divergents] first, and a good physician should master them in the end….Only an unskillful physician will make the mistake of thinking that the twelve master meridians are fairly easy to learn. A good physician will fully appreciate the difficulty of mastering them.” [translation by Lu, Henry C. 2004]
The Divergent system negotiates the relationship between Wei Qi and Yuan Qi, between inside and outside, between Self and Other. Using this system means we recognize the inherent challenges in creating a balance between how we respond externally to the world around us and who we know ourselves to be. We develop a reflexive coping mechanism and character style which is pre-thought or driven by the unconscious mind and often when we engage our conscious mind, we wonder why we did what we did. The disparate needs between Wei qi (protection of the body) and Yuan qi (fulfilling our curriculum) are evidenced in this system in profound ways. Sometimes staying alive is at odds with who we know we are and the attempt to be true to our Self. But we are built to stay alive.
This course we will investigate the way that the Divergent meridians negotiate the relationship between Yuan qi and Wei qi. From the perspective of the psyche, we will explore the relationship between Self and Other and the part the Divergent meridians play in creating latency to preserve organ function and keep us alive. We will explore how and where that latency is created and for what purpose. We will discuss how many modern, chronic, degenerative diseases and response to trauma fall into the diagnostic patterns of Divergent pathology. DAY ONE • Overview of the Divergent system • The 6 confluences, upper & lower meeting points, flow in the Divergents • Zonal theory, 6 cutaneous zones, 5 element associations, posture and consciousness, evaluating the sinews • Mediumship for creating latency, the vital substances associated with each of the 6 confluences. • The Confluences: pathways, points, functions and indications for use. • The first three confluences: Urinary Bladder/Kidney, Gall Bladder, Stomach/Spleen DAY TWO: • Review first 3 confluences and basic theory • The last three confluences: Small Intestine/Heart, San Jiao/Pericardium, Large intestine/Lungs • Treatment protocols, needle technique, needle direction, point selection, pulse • Case studies and sample treatments • Demonstrations of wei qi assessment, blocked zones, armoring of the sinews & posture • Discussion of techniques that may be used to access and free up the sinews.