In his Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP) thesis assignment, acupuncurist Colin Harris examines how manual osteopathy can unblock and release energetic malfunctions in the body.

1. 1
The Influence of Manual Osteopathy on Energy in the Acupuncture Channels
Colin Harris
London College of Osteopathy and Health Sciences
Dr. Konstantin Firsov
August 15, 2022

2. 2
Abstract
In the human body, energy, structure, and function are closely related. Influencing any one of
these aspects will affect the others, ultimately changing the relationship between them. Energy or
“Qi” as it is referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be understood as a
bioelectricity than exists in the body. What is described as energy in TCM is typically known to
be manipulated via acupuncture. However, the use of manual osteopathic techniques to remove
fascial tension or free the movement of joints can release energetic obstructions and influence the
flow of energy. This results in the balancing of that energy flowing in the body’s twelve
acupuncture channels. As part of this proof-of-principle study, the overall status of the balance of
energy in the body was measured before and after manual osteopathic treatment and
demonstrated using AcuGraph Digital Channel Imaging software. The software objectively
showed the use of osteopathic modalities can affect and improve the flow and status of energy in
the acupuncture channels without directly treating any of the corresponding acupuncture points
that would be used in an acupuncture treatment.

3. 3
The Influence of Manual Osteopathy on Energy in the Acupuncture Channels
Our state of health is influenced by the mind, body, and spirit. Both osteopathy and
acupuncture view the body as a functional, dynamic unit that encompasses the body as a whole
(Bordoni, B., & Escher, A, 2021), (Birch, S, 2019). This requires balance between the body, and
all its systems. As the body continually shifts and adjusts to achieve this balance, there is an
interrelationship between energy, structure, and function. Both osteopathy and acupuncture
attempt to influence the body’s innate healing forces to bring balance to all these aspects
(Bordoni, B., & Escher, A, 2021), (Birch, S, 2019). From a western medical perspective this
involves anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and the balance within and between the various
systems of the body such as musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial, and visceral.
Both modalities recognize prevention of disease, and the early recognition of imbalances
as a much-preferred pathway rather than treating disease after it has taken hold in the body. Both
acupuncture and osteopathy recognize that disease anywhere in the body is a sign of imbalance
in the whole body and the body must be addressed as a whole.
In both osteopathy and acupuncture, the practitioner is the facilitator for our body’s own
ability to heal itself. Manual osteopathic manipulations can help to alleviate joint restriction,
balance muscle tension, relieve fascial strain, reduce restrictions to blood flow and improve
lymphatic drainage. All of these will help to optimize the body’s functions and thereby improve
a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Acupuncture can be utilized to balance a patient’s
energy status over-all. It may be used to balance a local energy disturbance or alter the structures
along its channel pathway which often manifest as tension or pain (Birch, S, 2019). Treatment of
the cause of pain in traditional acupuncture is viewed in terms of addressing disturbances in
homeostasis. This philosophy is fundamentally different than the western medical approach of
blocking either the transmission or reception of pain (Leung, L, 2012). Acupuncture may also be

4. 4
used to improve a specific organ’s function that is associated with that channel. Different
emotions are also associated with the organs and those energetic pathways according to
acupuncture principles based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Therefore, imbalances in those
systems can not only affect structure and function but often emotional well-being and as a result
the mind and spirit. In addition, modern techniques such as sports medicine inspired acupuncture
can be used to address inhibited muscle groups and specific myofascial strains affecting posture
and muscular function by the use of muscle motor points and electrical stimulation.
Determining the Individual’s Energetic Status
The AcuGraph Digital Channel Imaging system has merged modern technology with
ancient Chinese Medicine with its ability to objectively quantify the energetic status in the
channels of an individual patient at a specific point in time. This software system is a
computerized tool used to objectively analyze and document the energetic status in the
acupuncture channels versus relying on subjective symptomology. The energy in the body is just
biomechanical electricity and can be measured at source points on the channels.
This system clearly identifies energy imbalances which may indicate functional changes
in the body. The software displays these imbalances via a graph so that the patient can visually
see the energetic status of the channels and the related organs. It does this by measuring
electrical skin resistance at representative acupuncture points, which are the source points on the
twelve main channels (See Figure 1). The six channels that run to and from the arms to the core
of the body are the lung, pericardium, heart, small intestine, triple energizer, and large intestine
associated organs. The six channels that run to and from the legs to the core of the body are the
spleen, liver, kidney, bladder, gall bladder and stomach associated organs.

5. 5
Figure 1: Twelve Acupuncture Channels
The measurements from the AcuGraph Software are captured, digitized, and interpreted
by advanced, patented software algorithms to provide objective insight into the status of energy
in the body’s channels in this graph of an example patient. (See Table 1). These findings allow
for a more accurate selection of acupuncture points for treatment. Treatment may consist of
reducing excess energy, tonifying deficient energy, or addressing imbalances between the
channels of the left and right side of the body or between the upper and lower body.
Table 1.
Conclusion
Abbreviations:
Lung – LU
Pericardium – PC
Heart – HT
Small Intestine – SI
Triple Energizer – TE
Large Intestine – LI
Spleen – SP
Liver – LR
Kidney – KI
Bladder – BL
Gallbladder – GB
Stomach - ST

6. 6
The example graph in Table 1 shows the baseline layout of the findings with the
hand/arm channels on the left side of the graph and the foot/leg channels on the right side of the
graph. The green bars in the graph indicate an average level of energy in the individual channels
compared across all twelve channels. If all the bars were at the same level and green all the way
across the bar graph, this would indicate a balanced level of energy between each channel, from
the left to right side of the body, between the upper and lower body channels and overall balance
between all the channels providing optimal function in the body. In the example graph in Table
1, the spleen and bladder channels show a lower level of energy in comparison to the average in
green, indicating a deficiency in those channels or underactive organ function. There is an excess
of energy in the stomach channel showing red in the graph example. This typically indicates
stuck energy in that channel or an overactive organ function. The purple bars in the example
graph demonstrate an imbalance between the same organ channel of the left and right side of the
body, of the heart and large intestine, respectively. This could be due to an obstruction in the
flow of energy in one side of the body due to tension in the corresponding structures along that
pathway.
The exploration of energy, structure and function and their interrelationships
A proof-of-concept study was conducted with a small sample size to demonstrate that a
relationship between manual osteopathic treatments and their effect on energy in the twelve
acupuncture channels in the body. Each participant completed an intake and consent form which
outlined the parameters of assessment and treatment as part of the study (see Appendix A). Each
person in the study had the status of their energy in each channel determined using the AcuGraph
Software. Immediately after this analysis the person received treatment using one or more
manual osteopathic techniques determined as a result of a hands-on assessment or specific
complaint. The different types of treatment modalities that might have been used are listed in

7. 7
Appendix B. No acupuncture principles were applied in any of the treatments and no stimulation
of acupuncture points with either acupuncture needles or acupressure was performed.
Immediately after treatment a second analysis of the status of the energy in the channels of the
person was conducted with the AcuGraph Software. This analysis was used to determine if the
use of manual osteopathy had any influence on the level or balance of energy in the twelve
channels in the body. Each treatment was an average of 45 minutes in duration.
A control participant was used in order to determine if the AcuGraph findings
significantly changed or improved over a 45-minute period without any type of intervention. A
participant, named Control LCO was graphed with the AcuGraph Software and the findings were
recorded with the imbalances clearly presented in the graph. (See Table 2). This view of the
findings in the graph is the baseline layout that shows the channels than traverse the hands/arms
on the left side of the bar graph and the channels of the feet/legs on the right side of the bar
graph. No manual osteopathic treatment was applied.
Table 2. (Control – Initial graph analysis)
After 43 minutes the participant (Control LCO) had the same source points on the
channels measured with the AcuGraph Software and a graph corresponding to those new

8. 8
measurements was generated. The same pattern presented itself after 43 minutes and the findings
were virtually identical (see Table 3). The lung and liver channels actually showed a slight
decline in energy in the second graph but otherwise remained unchanged. During this interval,
the participant was seated reading a book. There was no treatment of any kind provided.
Table 3. (Control – Analysis after 43 minutes without any manual osteopathic treatment)
The use of the control clearly showed that the findings from the AcuGraph assessment on
the control participant did not significantly change or improve within the 43-minute window of
time when they did not receive any type of treatment.
In the study that was conducted, the documented participants received an initial
measurement of the source points on the channels to determine their energetic status, then
received a manual osteopathic treatment. After treatment, remeasurement of their source points
took place and then a new graph was generated. The AcuGraph results of the participants before
and after manual osteopathic treatment can be contrasted with the control participant’s findings
of no change noted in Table 2 and 3.

9. 9
Participant JC
JC is a 31 yr. old female. This was considered a wellness visit and JC only reported some
slight tension in the right shoulder.
Table 4. (Pre-Treatment Graph - Baseline)
The significant initial findings in Table 4 indicate some deficiencies in the kidney,
gallbladder and stomach channels in the legs and a left/right imbalance in the bladder channel.
There was also excess noted in the small intestine and large intestine channels. Techniques from
craniosacral therapy, myofascial release and ligament balance were utilized.
Table 5. (Post Treatment Graph – Baseline)

10. 10
The post treatment graph in Table 5 shows a more balanced graph post treatment with
energy more balanced in several of the leg channels of the kidney, bladder, gall bladder and
stomach channels and a reduction in the excess energy in the small intestine channel although there
is some slight excess present in the triple energizer and large intestine channels. Figure 2 shows
the pathway of the small intestine channel and also the corresponding musculotendino pathway
that is associated to that channel. Any pathology in that channel can manifest anywhere along that
musculotendino area illustrated. This is often an affected channel in shoulder tension a complaint
of the participant.
Figure 2 (Small Intestine channel pathway and corresponding musculotendino area)
A different layout of the channels is depicted in Table 6 below. This is a view of the
actual cycle of energy flow in the body from one channel to the next with the same findings as in
Table 4 pre-treatment. It is important to note in this case that the energy flows from the small
intestine channel to the bladder channel as part of its normal cycle of energy flow through the
body. The small intestine channel is in relative excess and the bladder channel which is the next
channel in the flow of energy is deficient and imbalanced from the left to right channels in the
initial assessment. An explanation for this pattern often is that the energy can be stuck in the

11. 11
small intestine channel and not flowing freely into the bladder channel and in this case,
particularly the right-side channel.
Table 6 (Pretreatment analysis in Energy Cycle view)
Table 7 (Post treatment analysis in Energy Cycle view)
Table 6 and 7 shows the same findings as Table 5 but viewed in the energy cycle view.
Table 6 shows the blockage of flow from the small intestine channel to the bladder channel. The
post treatment analysis in Table 7 shows the small intestine channel is no longer in excess and
the bladder channel is no longer deficient or imbalanced from right to left channels. The
plausible explanation is manual osteopathic therapy in the upper thoracic and shoulder area has

12. 12
freed the tissues around the musculotendino area associated to the small intestine channel as seen
in Figure 2, allowing the energy in that channel to freely flow to the bladder channel, the next
channel in the cycle, balancing the energy flow.
Participant LB
Participant LB is a 46-year-old male. This was a wellness visit with a patient complaint
of some tightness down the medial forearms bilaterally. No other complaints were noted.
Table 8 (Pretreatment graph – baseline view)
The initial graph showed some imbalance between the left and right lung channels and
deficiency in the heart channel which all traverse the medial arm. Osteopathic treatment
consisted of craniosacral therapy, positional joint release, and median nerve flossing.
Table 9 (Post treatment graph – baseline view)

13. 13
Although the energy level is lower across all the channels, they are more relatively
balanced. There is no longer a left/right imbalance in the lung channel or a deficiency in the heart
channel. Both channels traverse the medial side of the arms where the median nerve passes.
Participant LB reported a calm and meditated type state post treatment.
Participant SB
Participant SB is a 49-year-old female. SB reported general overall body muscular
tension, particularly in the lower body.
Table 10 (Pretreatment graph – Baseline view)
Participants SB’s analysis in Table 10 showed significant left to right side imbalances in
most of the channels and an excess of energy in the upper channels of the hand/arms versus the
lower body channels of the feet/legs. This is commonly referred to as a belt block where energy
is stuck at the waist level and does not freely flow between the upper and lower body. This is
further illustrated by switching to the ratio view in the AcuGraph layouts (see Figure 3).

14. 14
Figure 3 (Pretreatment analysis – Ratio view)
The software algorithm calculated the upper body excess as 47% more energy in the
upper body channels than the lower body and 12% more energy in the channels of the left side of
the body versus the right side. Manual osteopathic treatment for SB consisted of craniosacral
therapy, myofascial release, positional joint release, and ligament balancing. During treatment, a
particular focus was paid to the pelvic area and sacroiliac joints and balance of the ileums with
oscillations in the upper chest to move lymphatic fluid.
Table 11 (Post treatment graph – Baseline view)

15. 15
Post treatment analysis in Table 11 shows release of the belt block with greater balance
between the energy in the channels of the upper and lower body. This treatment showed a
significant change in the balance of energy. There is a marked improvement in the balance of
energy between the left and right channels of both the upper and lower body. There was much
less discrepancy between the level of energy in each of the channels.
Participant TB
Participant TB is a 58-year-old female with a complaint of minor stiffness around the
lumbar and left hip area.
Table 12 (Pretreatment graph – Baseline view)
Participant TB’s initial analysis in Table 12 showed some slight excess and left/right
imbalance in the spleen and liver channels which travel from the feet up the medial side of the
leg and through the pelvis. Also, a slight excess was observed in the stomach channel which
travels along the superolateral side of the leg. Manual osteopathic treatment included
craniosacral therapy, muscle energy technique and oscillations in the legs.

16. 16
Table 13 (Post treatment graph – Baseline view)
Table 13 shows the post treatment analysis for TB. Although the overall level of energy
displayed has decreased, the findings are much more balanced, and the left/right imbalances
observed in the spleen and liver channels have been eliminated as well as the excess in the
stomach channel. Participant TB reported feeling very calm and relaxed post treatment and less
tension in the lumbar hip area.
Participant LJ
Participant LJ is a 73-year-old female. She reported some mild tension in the right
shoulder and some occasional constipation.
Table 14 (Pretreatment graph – Baseline view)

17. 17
Participant LJ’s initial findings in Table 14 indicate some imbalance in the Triple
Energizer channel. In TCM, the triple energizer channel regulates water metabolism. It is not an
organ but has to do with the energy and fluids which move through the spaces that surround the
internal organs known as the interstitial spaces. There is a similar imbalance in the kidney
channel. Findings also indicate a slight excess in the large intestine channel and deficiencies in
the spleen and liver channels. In TCM, the spleen controls digestion. These channel/organ
imbalances would be consistent with reported constipation. The triple energizer and large
intestine channels travel along the lateral side of the arm through the shoulder and up the neck.
Manual osteopathic treatment included myofascial release, visceral balancing, lymphatic
oscillations.
Table 15 (Post treatment graph – Baseline view)
Post treatment findings in Table 15 show a more relative balance between the channels
and between left and right channels of the triple energizer and kidney channels. The spleen
channel although showing within the normal range of the software algorithm, it is still slightly
deficient in comparison to the other channels. The projected outcome would be an improvement

18. 18
in the condition of constipation because of this treatment and the resulting change in the balance
of energy in these findings.
Participant NB
Participant NB is an 81-year-old female for a wellness visit with no reported issues.
Table 16 (Pretreatment graph – Baseline view)
Initial findings for Participant NB in Table 16 show excess in the small intestine channel,
imbalances in the triple energizer and large intestine channels and deficiency in the liver channel.
Manual osteopathic treatment consisted of myofascial release and craniosacral therapy.
Table 17 (Post treatment graph – Baseline view)

19. 19
Post treatment analysis in Table 17 shows a substantial change in the energetic balance.
All the channels are in relative balance. The previous excess in the small intestine channel, and
the triple energizer and large intestine channel right/left imbalances and liver deficiency have
been resolved.
Participant KH
Participant KH was a 58-year-old female for a wellness visit with some upper back neck tension.
Table 18 (Pretreatment graph – Baseline view)
Initial findings for participant KH in Table 18 were multiple imbalances in the channels
which included excesses, deficiencies, and left/right imbalances. The small intestine, triple
energizer and large intestine channels all travel through the shoulder, scapular area and up the
side of the neck. These are the most significant imbalances and possibly related to upper back
and neck tension. KH received craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, ligament balancing,
muscle energy and lymphatic oscillations with a focus on the upper torso.

20. 20
Table 19 (Post treatment graph – Baseline view)
Although there are some imbalances still present in the post treatment assessment shown
in Table 19, there was significant improvement in the overall balance of energy between the
channels. This was particularly evident in the offending channels of the small intestine, triple
energizer, and large intestine pathways. Participant KH reported feeling relaxed and with less
tension in the upper back and neck area post treatment.
Limitations of the Study
This was a small sample size of eight participants, including one control participant.
According to TCM principles the energy takes approximately two hours to travel through each of
the twelve channels and back to its starting point. This completes the 24-hour cycle of energy
flow in the body (See Figure 4)
Figure 4

21. 21
To understand the full effect of any energetic change as a result of manual osteopathy, it
would require re-assessment after a 24-hr period once the energy has shifted through all the
channels and the body has integrated this change. It is a similar effect to tapping a line of
standing dominos and then a chain reaction takes place along the line. It is unknown as a result
of this study whether the energy shifts demonstrated post treatment by the AcuGraph software
are long lasting or not. If acupuncture were applied as a treatment, the full effect would also not
be determined until after a minimum 24-hours. A patient would not typically be graphed before
and then immediately after an acupuncture treatment. The effect of any treatment is always
determined at the next session using the AcuGraph software and then a new corresponding
acupoint prescription would be created for treatment.
Conclusion
The purpose of the study was not to make definitive claims about the interrelationship
between manual osteopathic modalities and acupuncture principles or to demonstrate that one
particular technique on one particular region of the body caused a specific energetic shift. Rather,
the purpose was to show that after receiving treatment using manual osteopathic modalities a
resulting change in the balance of energy in the body can be demonstrated. This was supported
by the fact that the control participant had no change or improvement in the energetic balance in
the channels after remeasuring the level of energy after a similar time interval to those who did
receive treatment. As a result, this should generate interest in further study about the effect of
manual osteopathy on energetic balance in the body.
This proof-of-principle study showed an objectively measured shift of energy in the body
in response to the application of manual osteopathy. Not only did the manual osteopathic
techniques affect the energetic status but the changes produced positive outcomes by reducing
excess energy stuck in channels or by improving the imbalances. The techniques corrected or

22. 22
dramatically improved imbalances between corresponding channels in the left and right side of
the body and also imbalances between the energy flow in the upper versus lower body. Those
participants that had areas of tension corresponding to the channel pathways imbalances in their
initial assessment reported less tension post treatment which also corresponded to the change in
patterns of energy. This was demonstrated in each of the participants in this study. Therefore,
proof-of-the principle of manual osteopathy influencing energy in the acupuncture channels has
been demonstrated and warrants further study.

23. 23
References
Birch, S. (2019). Treating the patient not the symptoms: Acupuncture to improve overall health -
Evidence, acceptance, and strategies. Integrative medicine research, 8(1), 33–41.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2018.07.005
Bordoni, B., & Escher, A. R., Jr. (2021). Osteopathic Principles: The Inspiration of Every
Science Is Its Change. Cureus, 13(1), e12478. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.12478
Leung, L. (2012). Neurophysiological basis of acupuncture-induced analgesia--an updated
review. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (6):261-70. doi:
10.1016/j.jams.2012.07.017.

24. 24

25. 25

26. 26