1. Ancient Tools Supporting Modern Detoxification
Blending the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with detoxification
and cellular regeneration
Rosanne Calabrese AP, DOM
2. Unit 1:
Introduction
• Vegan 30 years
• Acupuncture Physician
• Partners in Healing
• Detox Specialist 10+ years
• Author of C.U.R.E. Cultivating Unlimited
Rejuvenating Energy
3. From disbelief to belief…
• When placebo doesn’t exist
• Understanding the power of energy and
ancient medicine
4. Miracles of TCM vs
limitations:
When 3000-year-old medicine
is not enough in a modern
toxic world.
The blending of both worlds.
5. Miracles of TCM vs limitations:
When 3000-year-old medicine is not enough in a modern toxic world.
Career Successes
• 40 years of back pain
• Acute injury
• 40 +babies
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Frozen shoulder
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Reflux
• Acute RA
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Insomnia
• Allergy symptoms (immediately opening the sinus)
6. Miracles of TCM vs limitations:
When 3000-year-old medicine is not enough in a modern toxic world.
• Career Challenges
• “Autoimmune” condition (MS, RA, Crohn’s, Colitis, Hashimoto’s, Lupus etc.)
• CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
• Chronic asthma
• Cancer
• Organ failure (heart, kidneys, liver)
• My story and my hero, Dr Morse
7. 3000 years ago, there were no petrochemicals, herbicides, pseudo estrogens,
pharmaceutical drugs, electronics, chemical body-care products, household cleaning
products, processes “food” or high-pressure careers.
8. The foundation of TCM is rooted in…
i. Food therapy was truly the first medicine of the ancient healers not only in China, but in all
native cultures. Food was used to deal with ailments of the body which were mostly rooted in
digestive disturbance and transmittable pathogens. Though other health issues certainly
occurred, many of the traditional writings addressed digestive issues from diarrhea to the
passing of parasites.
a. “Tonify” organ energy: Soups, congees, made with rice, royal jelly, sweet potato, squash,
dates and oats foods to strengthen various organs
b. Cool “heat” conditions such as fever, heart burn, overly emotional states, constipation,
excessive thirst (watermelon rind, lettuce, celery, radish, cucumber),
c. Warm “cold” conditions cold hands and feet, cold body, diarrhea, sore joints, fluid retention,
lack of energy (ginger, cabbage, kale mustard greens)
9. The foundation of TCM is rooted in…
d. Nourish yin conditions such as night sweats, hot flashes, diabetes
(lima, mung, tofu, Nuts/Seeds: sesame seed, black sesame seed,)
e. Move qi : liver qi stagnation such as irritability, anger, tension headaches,
migraines, trouble sleeping, PMS, irregular menstrual cycles. (dandelion, radicchio,
escarole, arugula, lemons)
10. The foundation of TCM is rooted in…
ii. Herbs discovered to have incredible healing properties. Though there were also aspects of
toxifying the body with the wrong herbs or too much of an herb.
1.Dr Morse tells the story about taking too much of the herb Peruvian Bark which is high in
quinine (a neuro toxin!)
iii. Energy medicine (Qi gong, Tai chi) and the movement of the body was found to have healing
and restorative properties as well. Practitioners were teachers more than “doctors” and lead their
patients and communities in the art of healing movement.
iv. Physical touch on energetic systems such as acupressure, tui na (the root of modern massage
therapy) and Gua Sha (the use of animal bones and horns or stones to apply a scraping pressure
to muscle and connective tissue) tapped into the body’s innate healing abilities. Acupressure and
acupuncture were born from this foundation.
11. • TCM’s limitations began to arise in our “modern”
world, beginning with
• The discovery of mining and metallurgy (with all its
toxic affects).
• The industrial revolution (from 1780-1830’) brought
toxins into the environment that the world had never
seen, polluting our air, water and land.
• The end of the 18th century brought with it the start
of chemical-based agriculture which would further
the poisoning of the human body (not to mention
animals and the environment).
12. • As humans migrated into cities and out of their natural, environment they transitioned
from a more nomadic way of being to an agricultural lifestyle.
• This further created movement to climates which encouraged the consumption of more and
more animal protein as a source of food, especially during colder parts of the year.
• Moving us away from our tropical environment and the abundance of fruit and vegetables
that we naturally thrive on.
13. These environmental changes
and the movement away from a
species-specific diet toward an
acid-forming diet, would render
TCM nearly impotent to deal
with many budding life-style
based health conditions
including:
• Diabetes
(Yin deficiency)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
(Damp heat)
• Heart disease
(Blood stasis)
• Hepatitis
(Liver qi stagnation)
• Hyperthyroidism
(Liver yang rising)
14. Naturopaths and
natural hygienists had
to deal with emerging
health issues…
• Chronic degenerative disease
• Deficiency diseases from poor food
sources AND the “crowding out” of
natural fruits and vegetables
• Communicable diseases from crowded
living conditions of cities
17. The blending of detoxification with the ancient Chinese
practices creates a synergistic response.
Healing occurs with fewer hurdles
and less discomfort.
18. Common terminology of TCM
Qi: Vital energy; the
circulating life force of each
organ, tissue and gland of the
human body
Blood: the liquid life force of
the body; its key purpose is
nourishment of the cells
Stagnation: Lack of
movement or qi and or blood,
leading to blockages which
manifest in pain or
malfunction
Excess: Condition that results
in hyper-function or pain,
worsened by pressure
Deficiency: Condition that
results in hypo-function or
pain, improved by pressure
Meridians or channels: A set
of pathways in the body along
which vital energy is thought
to flow. There are twelve such
pathways associated with
specific organs.
19. TCM focuses
not only on
the movement
of qi and blood,
but on the
movement of:
Jin (thin fluid that lubricates skin,
muscle, and organs) and
Ye (thick fluid that lubricates the brain,
spinal cord and joints)
These fluids equate to lymphatic fluid
as taught in anatomy and physiology
and of course, the foundation of
detoxification.
20. Unit 2:
A brief understanding of
Traditional Chinese
Medicine tools
and the
correlation
with
Detoxification
23. Micro-systems
Just as the iris is a “micro-system” of
the entire body in naturopathic
traditions, the outer ear also serves as a
micro-system.
Auricular therapy :
• Detects potential problem areas of
the body
• Brings relief to those areas by
applying light pressure or seeds
24. Acupressure:
One of the earliest
forms of hands- on
treatment in TCM,
often incorporated
with tui na and
guasha.
• Acupressure, via the application of light to medium pressure
asserted upon particular “points” on the meridian system, is a
conduit of movement, encouraging and promoting stagnant
qi, blood, jin and ye to find their natural flow.
• As stated earlier, Jin and Ye are equivalent to lymphatic fluid,
therefore the movement of qi, blood, jin and ye (just as in
detoxification) are crucial to healing the body.
• Acupressure is performed on various pressure points found
on each of the 14“meridians” or “channels.”
• 8 organs
• Water system (lymphatic system)
• Protective connective tissue of the heart
• Du (strengthens yang energy ESPECIALLY the yang
energy of the KIDNEYS
• Ren (Conception vessel) Strengthens the yin fluid and
body’s nourishment, especially the yin of the KIDNEYS
• Meridians were discovered by the ancient masters, through
spiritual practices like Qigong and meditation. By allowing
themselves to become immersed deeply in another state of
consciousness, ancient masters could literally “see” inside the
body.
25. The tools I am about to teach you will become an essential part of your
detoxification practice, aiding in the movement of stagnant lymph and
supporting organ and tissue function.
These tools will help to:
Relieve pain
1
Energize the
body
2
Improve
elimination
3
Reduce stress
on the organs
4
Balance
emotional
turmoil
5
Ease the
intensity of
healing crisis
6
26. Moxibustion: the use of the
Chinese herb mugwort, in the
form of a rolled-up cigar, used
to warm specific points on
the body which can…
27. Reduce swelling
and inflammation
These may develop simultaneously or
individually
Swelling is typically a visual AND
tactile symptom:
• Physical trauma
• Edema (Stagnant lymph)
• Allergic reaction
Inflammation may or may not be visible.
Symptoms will be felt by the patient AND
in certain circumstances, may be visible :
• Colitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
31. Strengthen qi
(vital energy)
Lethargy and fatigue (Qi deficiency of the kidney
or spleen)
Loose stools or constipation (Spleen and
stomach qi deficiency)
Reflux (Spleen and stomach qi deficiency)
Asthma (lung qi deficiency)
Infertility (kidney essence deficiency)
Incontinence (kidney and bladder qi deficiency)
Edema (Spleen, kidney, bladder deficiency)
32. Physical assessment:
The art of drawing keen correlations between body
symptoms and organ weakness
Based on the TCM
circadian clock or rhythm,
we gain key insights into
which organs require
additional support
The TCM circadian clock
aids in addressing issues
of healing crisis as well as
underlying genetic
weaknesses.
Assessment of organ
weakness will aid in
choosing which tools to
use; acupressure,
auricular therapy or
moxibustion.
33. • When this class is completed, you will be able to teach basic acupressure points, auricular
stimulation and moxibustion techniques to your clients for self-care. If you are an AP, LMT,
PT, RN or MD, you may perform these ancient techniques on your clients.
34. A bit should be
said about ancient
Chinese herbal
formulas
and the
brilliance of
Robert Morse!
35. • The study of indigenous plants and their
infinite use in the healing of the human body
would take many years to fully comprehend
and is not the subject of this class.
36.
37. Balance and the art of formulations:
• Yin and yang
• Heat and cold
• Dry and damp
• Organ specific herbs
• Herbs were also added to formulations based on their ability to affect and direct
other herbs.
• For example: the herb ____has the ability to direct other herbs to a particular area
of the body. They are known as “Directing herbs”
38. • Dr Morse’s brilliance in herbal formulations not only equals ancient masters of TCM but
surpasses them in this modern world.
• As he blends these formulations, he is not only cognizant of their effect on the organs, glands,
blood and lymph but on the process of alkalization.
39. UNIT 3:
TOOLS OF THE TRADE:
Auricular stimulation
Acupressure
Moxibustion
Physical assessment
40. Auricular Stimulation
The wisdom of micro-
systems
• Left ear reflects the left side of the body
• Right ear reflects the right side of the body
41. I: Auricular evaluation and the
iridology connection
Just as the iris is based on embryonic development, so too
is the outer ear. In the case of the iris, the embryo is
“wrapped” around the pupil, while the ear is
representative of an upside-down fetus.
In iridology there are different schools of thought
regarding organ placement, so too in auricular therapy.
Both Chinese and French have interpretations of organ
placement on the ear. However, there is a consensus that
both ears, represent all organs and tissues of the body
46. "Active" point indicators
• Electronic tools used to indicate "active"
points
• Active points are those that have a
weakness or blockage and are in need
of support.
• When the pitch of the tool increases, a
seed or bead can be applied.
47. Blood vessels
Tiny capillaries become visible in the outer ear, only when there is an
issue in that region, much like a lacuna.
The larger and more pronounced the capillary, the more chronic
the issue.
While we do not diagnose, we can discover areas of weakness or
damage and address them with seeds.
In addition, the outer ear is used in the same way as the iris, to
confirm client’s health complaints and reinforce the use of a detox
diet as well as aid in choosing the appropriate herbal formulas.
48. Creases:
Have been long believed can be related to
health issues in the body.
The most well know crease in the outer ear is
the diagonal crease of the ear lobe, signifying
vascular issues primarily of the heart
• May also be an indication of a potential stroke
• This will absolutely direct you to use Dr Morse’ heart
and circulation formulas.
Creases in other regions of the ear will
indicate weakness of organs, tissues or
muscles
49. Palpation
The process of examination of the
outer ear, by light touch or
pressure with a tool.
This is used to elicit a tender
sensation which will prompt you to
apply an herbal seed to the area
The point will be stimulated by
pressing the seed for direct relief
or to prevent a symptom
50. Other abnormalities
• Unusual shapes
• Injuries
• Raised bumps
• Moles
• All of these will serve as lacunas do, indicating a potential weakness or blockage in that area.
53. Key points and prescriptions
• Key points are defined as:
• Organs: based on chief complaints or diagnosis
• Endocrine Glands
• Structural tissues such as muscles, joints and bones, based on chief
complaint
• Master points
• Stress points
62. Master points
Allergy: Promotes the reduction of inflammation associated
with allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.
Sympathetic Balances the two branches of the autonomic nervous
system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. It promotes
dilation of blood vessels, which aids in the relief of pain.
Shen men Often used with many other ear points for a variety of
reasons. Alleviates anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia,
restlessness, excessive sensitivity, pain, coughs, fever, inflammatory
disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure, addiction and
detoxification.
Point Zero Geometrical and physiological center of the whole auricle. It
brings the whole body towards homeostasis, producing a balance of
energy, hormones and brain activity. It supports the actions of other
auricular points and returns the body to the idealized state which was
present in the womb.
Master oscillation It is used to reduce any unpleasant or excessive
sensation, such as tactile paresthesia (pins & needles), ringing in the
ears and blurred vision. It addresses such issues as dyslexia,
learning disabilities and ADD. It also aids in hypersensitive reactions
to medications
• Typically active in most patients
• Used in nearly all treatment plans
• Choose the master point that is most
closely related to the disorder.
63. Master points Tranquilizer Produces a general sedation effect, facilitating overall
relaxation and relieving generalized anxiety. It also reduces high
blood pressure and chronic stress.
Endocrine Brings endocrine hormones to their appropriate
homeostatic levels, either raising or lowering glandular secretions.
• It functions by activating the pituitary gland below the brain.
• The pituitary is the master gland controlling all other endocrine glands.
• It relieves hypersensitivity, rheumatism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, irregular
menstruation, sexual dysfunction and urogenital disorders.
• It has anti allergic, anti rheumatic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Master cerebral Represents the prefrontal lobe of the brain, the part
of the cerebral cortex which makes decisions and initiates conscious
action.
Stimulation of this auricular point diminishes nervous anxiety, fear,
worry, lassitude, dream-disturbed sleep, poor memory, obsessive-
compulsive disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and the negative
pessimistic thinking which often accompanies chronic pain problems.
• Typically active in most patients
• Used in nearly all treatment plans
• Choose the master point that is most
closely related to the disorder.
64. Master points Thalamus Used for most pain disorders, acute and chronic,
and is frequently used for auricular acupuncture analgesia.
It also reduces neurasthenia (lassitude, fatigue, headache,
and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional
disturbance), anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, over-
excitement, hyper-sweating, swelling, shock,
hypertension, coronary disorders, cardiac arrhythmias,
Reynaud’s disease, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, liver disorders and gall bladder
dysfunctions.
Master sensorial Used to reduce any unpleasant or
excessive sensation, such as tactile paresthesia (burning or
prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms,
legs, or feet), ringing in the ears and blurred vision.
• Typically active in most patients
• Used in nearly all treatment plans
• Choose the master point that is most
closely related to the disorder.
65. Master point
location
• Allergy The apex of the ear, found in two spots
and can be used at either the outer side or the
underside of the helix.
• Shen Men in the triangular fossa. Follow the anti-
helix upwards to where it splits into an upper and
lower branch. At the center of where it splits Shen
Men is slightly inward and upward.
• Sympathetic (autonomic) at the junction of the
internal helix and inferior crus
• Point Zero at the center of the ear. This point lies
directly on the helix root. Near the base of the helix
root where it begins to rise you may feel a notch
where Point Zero is located.
• Master Oscillation In the superior third, slightly
closer to the outside edge of the tragus (slightly
more medial when the tragus is in its normal
position)
66. Master point
location continued
• Tranquilizer On the tragus midway between
the tip of the tragus and the U-shaped area also
called the intertragic notch.
• Thalamus on the inner wall of the antitragus.
Slide down from the tip of the antitragus and
right before you reach the “floor” is the thalamus
point.
• Endocrine on the inner wall of the intertragic
notch.
• Master Sensorial Approximately in the
middle of the lobe
• Master Cerebral where the ear lobe meets
the face
67. Stress points
Shen men
Adrenal gland
Tranquilizer
Point zero
Psychosomatic reaction 1 and 2 Alleviates psychological
disorders, repressed emotional experiances.
68. Adrenal gland (also known as
the stress point) located on the
inferior tragus protrusion
69. • Psychosomatic 1 found on the superior
helix root as it joins the face
• Psychosomatic 2 prefrontal lobe of the
ear
70. Key points
and
prescriptions
• Points will be chosen on the same side of
the body as pain (i.e., right leg, right ear)
• Choose an appropriate master point by
symptom or use the probe to palpate and
choose two to three of the
following: Shenmen, Zero, Thalamus,
Sympathetic or Endocrine
• Choose the area(s) of pain by palpation or
complaint
Pain
• NADA: Shen Men, Sympathetic, Kidney,
Liver and Lung
Food, caffeine or drug cravings
74. Healing crisis
Based on the body part,
organ and tissue being
affected
NADA: Shen Men,
Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver
and Lung
1-2 Master points
75. Digestive
discomfort
• Stomach
• Omega 1
• Point zero
• Shen men
• Autonomic
Nausea or Vomiting
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Zero point
• Shen men
Diarrhea
• Large intestine
• Rectum
• Omega 1
• Abdomen
Constipation (gridlock)
76. Digestive
discomfort
continued…
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Autonomic
• Pancreas
• Shen men
Indigestion, reflux
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Abdomen
• Ascites
Distention and bloating
79. Ear seeds
Apply with small tweezers or
application tool
Clean the ear with alcohol or
essential oil and water mixture
80. How long can ear seeds
be left in?
v Ear seeds can be left in for 1-5 days. They will
usually wash out after 3-5 days
v They should also be removed if they become
tender or inflamed. This may be due to
sleeping positions or excessive pressure
applied throughout the day
v Once removed, leave seeds off for 8–24 hours
before reapplying
v Unless dealing with a specific area of pain,
seeds can be reapplied to the opposite ear
81. How often to apply pressure?
• You may apply pressure throughout the day as needed
• Apply pressure 2-3 times a day by rubbing the seeds with a circular
motion for one minute up to three minutes. Be careful to lightly rub
and not press too forcefully
• If the area becomes tender, discontinue pressure or remove seed
• Seeds may be reapplied to the opposite ear as long as you are not
working on a specific area of pain (i.e. right shoulder)
82. Removing ear seeds
• Soften glue by applying soapy water
• Use tweezers or fingernail to remove
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
83. Acupressure
v The application of light pressure to known
pressure points or "ashi" (pain) points along the
meridian systems of the body. It is based on the
concept that life force, energy or qi, which
naturally flows through meridians become
blocked, causing symptoms.
v Physical pressure is applied to various points or
point combinations, to clear the blockage and
temporarily or permenantly relieve the symptom.
v Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or
with various devices.
85. How deep to apply pressure?
• Depending on the specific acupuncture point and the amount of fat or muscle
each person has, acupressure is applied to a point of tenderness or mild to
moderate pressure
86. In general, pressure is applied for 5-10 seconds, released, and
then repeated in 3 more cycles.
However, one must note 2 opposing conditions:
How long is pressure applied?
Excess vs. deficiency
87. Excess condition:
In an “excess” condition, the
point may be extremely tender.
In this case, light pressure
should be applied and less
repetitions used, until tolerance
is improved.
Tolerance means that the
condition is improving, or pain
and inflammation are
dissipating. Therefore, more
treatment is manageable.
Chills
Fever
Lack of sweating
Headache made worse with pressure
Body aching
Coarse breathing
Irritability
Fullness in chest
Abdominal distention and pain that become worse when pressed
Constipation
Yellow scanty urine
Sweating in the palms and soles
88. Deficient condition:
In a “deficient” condition,
the pressure may barely be
noticed as the individual’s
vital “qi” is quite low. This
may be seen in genetically
weak individuals,
elderly, sickly or young.
If this occurs, do not press
more deeply, but more
frequently.
Aversion to wind
Sweating
Feeble voice
Shortness of breath
Headache, improved with pressure
Apathy
General weakness
Poor appetite
Palpitation
Dizziness
Abdominal pain that feel alleviated when pressed
Incontinence
89. Tenderness vs. comfort
Do not treat any condition to the point of increased
tenderness.
If an excess condition seems to be worsening with pressure,
discontinue treatment and focus on auricular points.
Try again in a day or so.
You may also apply a more generalized pressure as opposed
to “point” pressure.
Comfort is always your first priority
90. 12 meridians
• While there are far too many points to
teach in this class, it is valuable to know that
you have dozens of choices in thousands of
combinations.
• This knowledge will allow you to have
informed discussions should you choose to
refer to an acupuncture physician OR
have an acupuncture physician refer to you.
• Knowledge is POWER!
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
91. Acupressure Point location
1. Ashi (pain or tenderness)
2. Palpation
3. Measurement
Cun= 1 “inch”
4 fingers = 3 cun
3 methods of locating acupressure points
92.
93. Key pressure points
and location
• Most common
• Versatile points
• Easily accessible
• Greatest success
94. Commonly used
acupressure points
Lung (LU) 5
Cough, asthma, hemoptysis (cough up blood),
afternoon fever, chest congestion
Sore throat
Acute abdominal pain with vomiting and
diarrhea
Infantile convulsions
Spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm
Urine retention
95. Commonly used
acupressure points
Lung (LU) 7
Head and neck problems: migraines (central and one-sided),
headaches caused by exogenic pathogens, neck rigidity, facial
paralysis, toothache, sore throat, cough, asthma, nasal problems.
Urogenital system problems: pain in the penis, hematuria,
spermatorrhea.
Abdominal distention
Weakness of the thumb and index finger.
Master point - pair with KID 6: genitourinary and gynecological
problems
96. Commonly used
acupressure points
Lung (LU) 9
Cough with a large amount of phlegm, asthma with
weakness
Vascular problems: acrotism (absence or imperceptibility
of the pulse); headache; hemiplegia; cold, pain and
weakness of the lower extremities
Wrist pain
Hiccups
Paired with Ht7, PC6 will bring calm and relaxation,
comfort shen
97. Commonly used
acupressure points
Large Intestine (LI) 4
Diseases of the head and face: i.e. external pathogenic headache
and body ache, dizziness, congestion, swelling and pain of the eye,
sinusitis, epistaxis (nosebleed),
Toothache in the lower jaw, trismus (lockjaw), deafness, mumps,
swelling of the face, facial paralysis
Facial tic, swelling of the pharnyx and aphonia (inability to speak).
Aversion to cold, fever, febrile disease, anhidrosis (no sweating),
hidrosis.
Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, dystocia (difficult or abnormal
labor/childbirth).
Gastric pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery.
98. Commonly used
acupressure points
Large Intestine (LI) 4 continued
Malignant sore, urticaria, scabies.
Every type pf pain and psychogenic tense.
Use in conjunction with LIV 3 (the Four Gates) to
strongly move the qi and blood in the body in
order to remove stagnation and alleviate pain
Hemiplegia, finger spasm, pain in the arm,
infantile convulsion, manic psychosis and
irritability
99. Commonly used
acupressure points
Large Intestine (LI)11
All febrile diseases, fever, sore throat, malaria
symptoms
Hemiplegia, pain and motor impairment of the
shoulder, swelling and pain of the knee
Headache, dizziness, redness, swelling and pain of the
eye, blurring vision, toothache
Irregular menstruation, rubella, eczema, urticaria,
erysipelas
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Depressive psychosis and madness
Scrofula (a disease with glandular swellings, probably a
form of tuberculosis.)
100. Commonly used
acupressure points
Large Intestine (LI) 20
Nasal congestion, epistaxis
Wry face (unusual grimace),
itching of the face
Biliary ascariasis- bile duct
worm