The pelvic region embraces a large number of different structures and manifests a wide range of symptoms and disorders when problems occur. To utilise acupuncture for problems in this region it is important to grasp the basics of its anatomical structural components and complexity as well as the systems of acupuncture models that are thought to traverse and influence the region. Successful treatment often requires a combination of treatment approaches that take advantage of the systems of acupuncture and the structural systems of the region. Problems of this region are often complex in nature due to the number of systems that can be simultaneously affected, the bio-psycho-social effects of them becoming chronic and the often sensitive nature of the affected systems. Optimal treatment requires adjusting treatment dose and treatment technique selection to accommodate the presence of sensitization or other complicating factors.
The lecturer has practiced Japanese acupuncture exclusively for 39 years, has studied with many very experienced practitioners in Japan, many of whom were blind, teaching advanced delicate techniques. He has been teaching for more than thirty years and has authored a number of books. Additionally he has been involved in scientific studies for over thirty years. This lecture will bring together knowledge from science and research relating to acupuncture and pelvic related problems, perspectives on the pelvic region from the lens of traditional acupuncture theories and methods and insights from teachers and almost four decades of clinical experience.
After a brief overview of the structures included in the ‘pelvic region’ and the multiplicity of disorders (especially pain) that can arise here, the lecture will discuss the potential role of acupuncture and support for the use of acupuncture based on scientific studies. The lecture will then change gears to examine how Japanese acupuncture approaches, diagnose and treat patients, highlighting unique aspects such as: the emphasis on touch and palpation diagnosis; repeated double checking by touch or pressure to assess what treatment is doing after each step is applied; the basic approach of treating the patient first (the root treatment) and the range of treatment options to affect the symptoms (branch treatment); delicate core treatment approaches (very shallowly inserted thin sensationless needling or non-inserted needling), retention of thin needles ranging between 0.3-0.9mm long that are taped to affect symptoms, and so on.
Next the lecture will present a brief review of meridians and structures that traverse the pelvic region and which can be treated distally or proximally to affect the region.
Since increased sensitization often occurs, it is necessary to be able to assess this and adjust treatment dose and selection of treatment techniques to match it. The wrong dose applied to an overly sensitive patient can trigger temporary symptoms, which are better avoided. Thus the lecture will outline the issue of increased sensitivity and frequent signs of likely increased sensitivity and give examples of how the dose is regulated to match the patient’s needs and reactions.
Stephen Birch Ph.D
Has been practicing Japanese acupuncture since 1982. Writer, senior teacher of Toyohari and conducts workshops and courses around the world. Holds a Ph.D in Acupuncture Research (1997), and collaborates with an international team of researchers, authoring dozens of scientific papers on the subject of acupuncture. His lectures are based on decades of practical experience combining the knowledge from his Japanese teachers, the classics and scientific research.
Hebrew