Abstract

First referenced in the Ling Shu and the Su Wen, the Luo Collaterals or Luo Mai, are an integral part of the acupuncture channel system. In this book, Dr. David Twicken provides a comprehensive account of the Luo Mai, including detailed analyses of the classical and contemporary theories and clinical applications.

Modern practitioners often use the Luo Collaterals to treat the emotions and the organs, with treatments influencing the blood network, especially the veins and capillaries, along the Luo pathways. Dr. Twicken presents a thorough historical analysis of the new theories on which our modern understanding of the Luo Collaterals and Luo points is based, and explains the applications. He explores the classical Chinese medical and Taoist interpretation of the Shen, the five Shen and the emotions and provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the Window of the Sky points. Dr. Twicken also includes instruction on Healing Sounds Qigong, one of the oldest and most effective forms used to treat the emotions, the internal organs and the five Shen.

An accessible and authoritative guide to the Luo Collaterals, this book will be of immense value to students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Taiji and Qigong practitioners; and anyone with an interest in Taoist practice.

TCM is the longest living, most complex, continuous body of medical knowledge known to Man. To grasp and duplicate its complexities, especially in the west, requires an equally analytical and intuitive mind. Dr. David Twicken is the ideal expert to help us unlock TCM's potential because he has such a mind. His clinical and teaching expertise in the field as well as his esoteric studies in ancient Taoist philosophies make him, in my opinion, one of the most valuable masters in TCM today. Studying and applying the information contained in his books has been indispensable to my practice.
Tarek Adra D.C., L.Ac., Pharm-D
I admire Dr. David Twicken's dedication to scholarship. He strives to understand the concepts found in the classical texts of Oriental Medicine. As a gifted writer, professor, and clinician he is able share these ideas with us all in a modern context. In this book, like his others, he provides clear explanations that are true to their historical context and applications that students, practitioners, and patients can use today to better their lives.
Adam Chidekel, Ph.D., M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Clinical & Health Psychologist, Licensed Acupuncturist
Dr. David Twicken's presentation of the luo mai is immediate, present and practical. This book weaves the idea of spirit in Chinese medicine into the collaterals and window of the sky points. The tables consolidate the narrative, highlighting a depth of knowledge not often found in Chinese medical books. Dr. Twicken proves his longstanding, lineage-based roots and this work is a truly refreshing exploration of the topic.
William R. Morris, PhD, DAOM, President/CEO AOMA, Graduate School of Integrative Medicine
The Luo Collaterals provides a masterful presentation for the clinical application of the connecting vessels. Acupuncture of the Luo Collaterals is also shown as a vehicle for Self (Shen) realization; promoting the conditions for the manifestation of the Tao. The Luo Collaterals does a superlative job in providing a complete resource for healing the body, harmonizing the emotions and realizing out true self; demonstrating the depth, power and profound beauty that is Chinese medicine.
Gregory E. LeBlanc, Ph.D., L.Ac., founder of Turning Point Acupuncture and Feldenkrais - Berkeley CA., Abbot and guiding teacher at Mountain Gate Zen Center - Berkeley CA., Chief Instructor at LeBlanc Wing Chun - Oakland CA.
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, Eight Extraordinary Channels - Qi Jing Ba Mai, and The Divergent Channels - Jing Bie, also published by Singing Dragon. He resides in Los Angeles, California.
Taoist healing includes a deep understanding of emotions and their influence on health. In this book Dr. David Twicken presents a Taoist and a classical Chinese medical understanding of emotions and how to treat them with Chinese medicine and qi gong. Especially valuable are the insights he shares about the Shen and the five shen. I highly recommend Dr. Twicken's book, The Luo Collaterals. A Handbook for Clinical Practice and Treating Emotions and the Shen and the Six Healing Sounds to anybody interested in learning about ancient natural ways to obtain emotional health and well-being.
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 Emotional Wisdom.