Abstract

Rooted in the Su Wen and Ling Shu, Dr. Twicken's book integrates Chinese and Taoist medical philosophy, theories, and principles to clearly demonstrate that the Divergent Channels are an essential aspect of the clinical practice of acupuncture. He takes a step-by-step approach to assist practitioners in 'working out' the channels, and shows how this versatile channel system can be used in any acupuncture treatment. Twicken also includes instruction on Five Shen Nei Dan inner meditation to help practitioners gain a more profound emotional and spiritual understanding. With case studies and reference to the classic texts throughout, this book provides a complete resource that will help clinicians understand and use the Divergent Channels in clinical practice.

An accessible and comprehensive account of the Divergent Channel system, this book will be a valuable addition to the shelves of students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine; taiji and qigong practitioners; and anyone with an interest in Taoist practice.

Taoist healing is based on the cosmic and microcosmic flow of qi in the universe and within the body. David Twicken presents a detailed description of the energy flows of the divergent channels and how to apply them in clinical practice. Twicken also presents a comprehensive ancient Taoist Nei Dan meditation to transform emotions into vitality and rejuvenating qi. The clinical applications and the Nei Dan practice are essential parts of Taoist healing. I highly recommend The Divergent Channels - Jing Bie: A Handbook for Clinical Practice and Five Shen Nei Dan Inner Meditation to healers of all traditions.
Taoist Grandmaster Mantak Chia, Founder of the Universal Healing Tao and Tao Garden, and author of Healing Light of the Tao, Taoist Cosmic Healing, Awaken Healing Energy Through the Tao and Chi Nei Tsang: Chi Massage for the Vital Organs
Dr. David Twicken is one of the preeminent voices and teachers within American acupuncture. Part of his gifts lie in providing a clear context and explanation of Classical Chinese Medicine while providing practical clinical application. The results are treatments that are dynamic and flexible that aid patients in the transformation of their health conditions. I've had the great honor of learning directly under Dr. Twicken and the results of his treatment approaches, including divergent channel treatments, have been phenomenal. Patients have not only reported having significant improvement in chronic symptoms but also profound spiritual experiences that I haven't found with other treatment approaches.
Stephen Chee, MD, Board certified Family Physician, Faculty at 2 Chinese medicine programs
This is my new favorite of Dr. Twicken's many books displaying his masterful grasp of Taoist cycles, I Ching, and Chinese bio-psycho-spiritual medicine. It's a brilliant summary of how divergent channels integrate the 14 major treatment strategies and 9 needling methods. He deciphers the complicated Su Wen and Lingshu classics for us, with practical and elegant divergent strategies linking 8 Extra Vessels/bone marrow, 12 organ meridians, muscle/tendon and skin levels. Especially valuable are four chapters on Neidan Five Shen, Cauldron and Orbit meditations that allow anyone to directly penetrate the psycho-energetic depths of their body's Qi channels. Dr. Twicken has outdone himself. This fascinating book is a must-have for both healing professionals and Tao meditators seeking a lucid map of what's possible.
Michael Winn, co-wrote 7 books with Mantak Chia, author of 10 neidan homestudy courses, founder of Healing Tao University in North Carolina
David Twicken, DOM, L.Ac., is a licensed practitioner and professor of Chinese medicine. He teaches Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, Nei Dan, feng shui and Chinese astrology. He has studied Chinese healing arts for 30 years and is the author of 'I Ching Acupuncture – The Balance Method' and 'Eight Extraordinary Channels – Qi Jing Ba Mai', also published by Singing Dragon. He resides in Los Angeles, California.
The Divergent Channels have fascinated acupuncturists for generations, but the medical classics offer little information beyond simple pathway descriptions and the admonition that they are important to know. In this text David Twicken, an experienced practitioner of both Chinese medicine and Taoist (Daoist) inner alchemy, offers readers both a working clinical model of Divergent Channels and a window into his own deep exploration of these topics. Twicken also uses the clinical information as a jumping off point to describe the actual process of alchemy. This book challenges us to consider that there is much more to acupuncture practice than just the regular channels.
Dr. Henry McCann, DAOM, Lac, author of Pricking the Vessels: Bloodletting Therapy in Chinese Medicine