Sybill Huessen is no more, a shock to all who knew her. A radiant soul, a golden heart, a wonderful person with whom I've spent many memorable hours. We laughed a lot, discussed the world, teased each other with sports scores between the Netherlands and Germany, and enjoyed delicious food with wine she always wanted to taste herself before approving it.

With the same 100% dedication, she cared for her assistants, students, and patients during the pulse trainings she provided, making her knowledge unforgettable. Shen-Hammer was made easy to learn as ABC, step by step, teaching how to feel the words patients spoke through their pulse. She understood it, embodied it, and passed it on to countless colleagues.

She will be missed by everyone who knew her, especially by those she had forever in her heart. Dear dear darling, thank you for all the beauty. It was extraordinary.

Roger

Astrological Prediction 2024, the Year of the Yang Wood Dragon

This year, with the permission of CT Holman, we can once again offer his Astrological Prediction 2024, the Year of the Yang Wood Dragon, on our website. We are extremely grateful to him for this. ►link to The Yang Wood Dragon

Continuing education

Unified Acupuncture Theory
Conferentiehotel Kontakt der Kontinenten, Soesterberg

— Meridian Interactions for treating pain and other local problems —

Unified Acupuncture Theory (UAT) is a method for understanding the mechanisms of how acupuncture works. The UAT model is a tool that explains the underlying principles of meridian systems and interactions and it is used as the framework for all treatment possibilities. Coming from an integrative mindset, UAT facilitates an inter-disciplinary approach to acupuncture.

In this 2-day Foundations course, you get a clear understanding of how meridians interact using 6 different systems and how the principles of Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, I-Ching, Distal Needling with Imaging and Mirroring, 5 Element Theory, Saam Acupuncture, Master Tong’s Acupuncture, Japanese Meridian Theory, Manaka Acupuncture, and Applied Channel Theory are unified into a simple system that underlies all these principles.

Choosing points by understanding the meridian interactions

To learn how meridians interact, start by remembering this simple rule: do not put needles where there is already pain, but instead choose a distal location to relieve the pain and treat the underlying problem. This is the root of meridian interactions and all other distal needling approaches. The key is choosing the right placement for the needles. To make the right choice, understanding the hows and whys of meridian interactions is therefore of the greatest importance!

This means you can say goodbye to memorizing acupuncture points and applying rigid treatment plans. Jonathan Shubs will break down various distal needling approaches to their very basic building blocks which allows you to understand and apply the various systems easily and effectively.

If you are already a practitioner of distal needling or balance method acupuncture systems, you will gain a deeper understanding of what you are already practicing which will, in turn, increase efficiency and efficacy. You will walk away with a better grasp of your treatment and clinical approach as well as simple, effective clinical tools.

TCM has taught us that each point has indications as to its function. These indications are often given without an explanation as to why or how the point works. This course demystifies this seemingly empirical information and gives the acupuncturist confidence in their treatment plan and allows them to know that their patients will get better.

A note from Jonathan on the course

There are many approaches that teach the same basic idea. Dr. Tan’s Balance method, Master Tong’s acupuncture, Distal Needling, to name a few, give you a basic simple system that if applied exactly as taught, will give clinical results.

What makes UAT meridian interactions different is that it breaks down the systems and the logic into bite-size bits and reassembles them so not only do you have a system that you can use, but you have a system that you can understand. This means that in this course you will get all the information you would get from any other distal needling approach AND you will leave with understanding why it works.

Many people say, “why do I need to know why it works? If it works that is good enough for me.” As much as I can understand that view, I have to disagree. Because IF you have a system that you do not understand but can use then you can not adjust, incorporate your previous or new knowledge, or evolve as a therapist. Without understanding, you are limiting yourself. And I would argue that it is a disservice to yourself and especially to your patients.

My opinion is that with UAT Meridian Interactions you learn how to do it, why it works and most importantly you learn to incorporate all the other styles of acupuncture you have learned or will learn. With other courses, you are limited to only using their method. With UAT you are invited to understand the mechanisms of the system and then create your own style.

Theory objectives

• Understand yin and yang in meridian theory • Understand the UAT model of meridian theory • Be able to identify the reasons why and how meridians interact • Move away empirical understanding of point functions towards a solid foundation of point functions

Clinical objectives

• Assess pain, orthopaedic conditions and physical complaints using meridian theory and devise an appropriate treatment plan • Understand classical empirical point indications in a logical non-empirical way • Gain a different understanding of point descriptions by placing the focus on channel theory and understanding meridians • Enhance their practice by solidifying their prognostic skills based on meridian assessment • Be more confident in their treatments and get better clinical results

Course structure

Day 1: theory of meridians and seeing all 6 systems

• Introduction and theory of meridian interactions • I Ching and Ling Shu references • Basic image and mirror of the body • Reversed basic image and mirror of the body • Breakdown of the six systems presented using the 24 hour clock model • Presentation of the Unified Acupuncture Theory and how it is used • Step by step logical construction of the UAT model • Visual representation of the model in action and Reasoning behind the model

Day 2: application of all six systems going meridian by meridian and complex case studies.

Material and hand-outs

The course has 4 handouts as well as a PowerPoint presentation.