Applied Channel Theory

Shownotes

Jonathan Chang is a TCM doctor with a practice in Beijing and a former student of Wang Ju-Yi. Dr. Wang researched and explored the classics while applying that wisdom to the modern practice of acupuncture. His book, Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine is one of the most popular texts on acupuncture studies worldwide. In this podcast with Lucia Deyi at the TCM Kongress Rothenburg 2024, Jonathan Chang shares experiences from his journey with Dr. Wang.

Chang explains why channel palpation was neglected for a long time in the practice of Chinese Medicine and how Dr. Wang rediscovered its importance when he was a young doctor working in the hospital, examining channel anatomy. Wang concluded that channels and acupoints are the empty spaces, holes or crevices between structures like muscles, tissues, and blood vessels. Upon integrating these findings into practice, Dr. Wang was able to not only improve, but in addition further develop ancient meridian theory for modern clinical contexts.

Jonathan Chang also talks about his teacher’s understanding of Shen disorders. Unfortunately, his remarks on this subject where partly lost due to a technical problem. The interview concludes with comments on De Qi as well as the concept of Yu (郁), which provides an essential context for understanding depression and anxiety from a TCM perspective. Chang is currently in the final stages of translating another full volume of case studies by Dr. Wang with former apprentice Mei Li into the English language. More information on the work of Dr. Wang’s apprentices can be found via the website of the Institute of Applied Channel Theory here: https://www.channelpalpation.org/

More about Applied Channel Theory:

Podcast: “Dialogues on Applied Channel Theory” by Jonathan Chang and Jason Robertson. https://open.spotify.com/show/3FC3XzLAhI5BK9s7FntP5E

Book: Wang Ju-yi, Jason Robertson: Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine: Wang Ju-yi's Lectures on Channel Therapeutics. Eastland Press 2008. ISBN: 9780939616626.