Structuring a Fertile Metabolism: Sheng & Ke Cycle Treatment Strategies

Course overview

In this course we will look in detail at the structure of the Sheng & Ke Cycles, the 5 Phases, a foundation theory of Chinese medicine. The energetic interplay of the 12 channel systems in the context of Sheng & Ke cycle structure are a dynamic diagnostic tool. We will look at the way that pulse diagnosis can teach us to understand the connections between the 12 channel systems and help us to effectively recognise where there is a breakdown in the cycles, and we will discuss at length way that acupuncture can be used to reinstate full and appropriate communication between the 12 channels. The Sheng & Ke relationships are the foundation to our energetic communication. Repairing full connection and flow within the context of this intrinsic structure can give us a solid foundation to generate much more effective use of pattern and syndrome diagnosis and treatment. We will consider the historical aspect of this theory and how the changes in Chinese medicine during the PRC era affected the teaching and use of this theory. We will consider the translation of acupuncture to the West in the 1960’s and 70’s, and how JR Worsley developed a modern theory based on this intrinsic structure and effectively co-opted the use of the phrase ‘5 Element’. Understanding the use of Sheng & Ke cycles is about much more than just the theory of ‘CF’ and the use of colour, sound odour and emotion as a diagnostic tool. In this course we will consider the use of the Sheng & Ke cycle theory separately from the Worsley theory of CF.