I Can Hear the Heart's Voice of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Chapter 241 - 109: Such Profound Knowledge of Acupuncture at Such a Young Age

"I’ve learned a little bit of it."

Lu Xuan spoke honestly. He actually hadn’t been exposed to much acupuncture. During his time in school, although he learned about it, the content was minimal, and he hadn’t touched many needles. It was only during the last time on the bus, when he saved a person, that he started getting involved with acupuncture. If you counted meticulously, it hadn’t been ten days altogether, so saying he’s learned a little isn’t an exaggeration.

As for the "Heart’s Voice," what does that have to do with him?

What hasn’t been fully grasped is not one’s own.

On this point, Lu Xuan sees it clearly.

"Having learned it is always better than not having learned it."

Zhou Jiande sighed deeply, "Nowadays, many young people admire Western culture, completely forgetting the things our country has passed down for thousands of years. They don’t realize that those things they look down upon are treasures in the eyes of the Western countries they admire. This, I must say, is the fault of our generation."

Lu Xuan nodded, not commenting much.

He had just thought of this issue, and naturally, he could understand the helplessness in Zhou Jiande’s words.

"Since you like it, young man, let me explain it to you."

"Actually, acupuncture is considered one of the easiest skills within Chinese medicine. However, easy as it is, mastering it is difficult. This is true for all of Chinese medicine."

Lu Xuan slightly nodded. He had actually mentioned this reasoning before.

Acupuncture indeed is easy to learn but hard to master.

Why?

It’s easy because you don’t need a patient to practice acupuncture; you can practice on yourself.

It’s hard to master because acupuncture still needs to follow the Yin and Yang theory in Chinese medicine, the unity of Nature and man. To fully understand these principles is not so simple.

Seeing Lu Xuan listening carefully, Zhou Jiande talked more than usual, "Have you heard of facial spasms?"

Pointing to the patient being treated with needles, Zhou Jiande continued, "Facial spasm, also known as hemifacial spasm, is an intermittent, irregular, painless spasm of the muscles on one side of the face.

It usually stops after falling asleep. This condition is most commonly seen in middle-aged women. Residuals of facial nerve paralysis, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis can also cause facial spasms. In Chinese medicine, this condition falls under the categories of ’eye twitching,’ ’orbital movement,’ and ’tight mouth,’ corresponding to ’wind action’ and ’insect movement.’

Modern medicine considers the cause of this condition to be unknown, thus it’s also referred to as idiopathic hemifacial spasm. Some speculate that the abnormal neural impulses of facial spasms result from pathological stimulation at some points along the facial nerve pathway, but the exact cause is currently hard to determine.

But that’s the interpretation of Western medicine. What is our Traditional Chinese Medicine’s understanding of the cause and mechanism of facial spasms?"

Seemingly aiming to test Lu Xuan, Zhou Jiande looked over and said, "Go ahead, give it a try. Don’t worry about making a mistake. It’s okay to make mistakes; what’s troublesome is not daring to say anything."

"Since you like acupuncture, why not give it a shot? It’s okay to be wrong; Dr. Zhou is very kind."

At this time, two young people giving electro-acupuncture to other patients both opened their mouths to persuade him.

"While acupuncture is easy to learn, it’s hard to master without a certain talent, not to mention the Chinese medicine concepts. Just the technique of needle manipulation is enough for us to study for many years."

"Dr. Zhou’s acupuncture technique is unparalleled in Yong City."

"When we usually practice, we’d love for Dr. Zhou to guide us more. Don’t miss such a good opportunity."

Saying this, both of them showed envy.

It was not pretentious but indeed envious.

There are many traditional Chinese medicine doctors in Yong City who can perform acupuncture, but only Zhou Jiande received an invitation from the United South Chinese Medicine Association, demonstrating his capability.

Both of them are also learning acupuncture. Although they are assistants to Zhou Jiande, they are also considered his students. Even though they often receive guidance, who would mind having more?

Taking advantage of not having to exert energy, Zhou Jiande smiled and said, "Don’t worry if what you say is incorrect. If it’s wrong, I’ll correct it for you. However...

If you really don’t understand, don’t speak rashly. Just say what you know."

"Shall I give it a try?"

"Go ahead, it’s alright."

"If you make a mistake, do you think I’ll scold you?"

As Zhou Jiande spoke, he glanced at his two students, "I never say a word to my two students unless they are performing acupuncture on patients. Besides, you’re a patient; even if you make a mistake, I won’t say anything."

"Alright, then I’ll give it a try."

After pondering for a moment, Lu Xuan said, "Facial spasm often occurs after middle age, predominantly in women. The condition usually begins with intermittent spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscle and gradually spreads to one side of the face. The spasms of the corner of the mouth muscles are especially noticeable, and severe cases can even involve the platysma muscle on the same side. The degree of spasm can be aggravated by fatigue, mental stress, and voluntary movement.

Spasms cease after falling asleep, and some patients experience headaches and tinnitus on the affected side. When not in spasm, they are just like ordinary people.

These patients are generally characterized by deficiency of Yin and excess of Yang, with a pulse that can be thin and weak.

Chinese medicine believes that facial spasms are related to the liver and kidneys. The liver stores blood, governs the muscles, and opens into the eyes, nourishing the head and face. If there is insufficient Yin leading to malnourishment of the muscles and internal stirring of deficient wind, depletion of kidney essence, and water not nourishing wood, then the liver and kidney, sharing the same origin, are excessively depleted of Yin, and the Yang Qi loses its control, thus rises and produces wind.

This explanation also has its source. In the ’Clinical Guide,’ it is stated, ’Internal wind is the fluctuation of central Yang Qi.’"

With eyes brightening, Zhou Jiande asked, "You’ve read the ’Clinical Guide’ compiled by Daihua Xiuyun, Shao Xinpu, and others, young man?"