In this three-part series, Deborah offers an integrative, Classical exploration of the acupuncture points associated with each of the three jiāo (焦). Drawing on medical and alchemical texts, we delve into the rich symbolism and clinical power of these regions — not just as anatomical divisions, but as dynamic spaces of transformation.
The Lower jiāo
The lower jiāo is the source of power from below — a place of drainage, elimination, and fertility. It contains the Gate of Life (mìngmén 命門), the ancestral muscle (zōngjīn 宗筋), and the deep reserves of jīng (精 essence). Through points below the umbilicus on the Ren Mai, and those along the foot Yangming, foot Shaoyin, and foot Jueyin channels, we access grounding, reproduction, and the essential connection to our root. These are not minor or merely “local” points — they are profound sites of transformation and support.
The Middle jiāo
Here resides the digestive fire — the transformative centre of qi production. The middle jiao is home to the stomach and spleen, responsible for the movement and transformation of water and grain into qi, blood, and fluids. Points surrounding Ren 12, the “central cavity,” form gates and doorways through which substances pass, churn, and refine. Deborah traces how different channels and types of qi intertwine in this region, revealing how to use specific points to support assimilation, nourishment, and metabolic harmony.
The Upper jiāo
The upper jiāo holds the light, subtle qi — the fine mist that rises from below. Here we find the heart and lungs, masters of blood and qi, and the domain of the spirit. This region contains the middle or upper dantian (depending on tradition), and offers us access to communication with the ancestors, the breath, and our connection with the cosmos. In this airy realm, where the shén (神 spirits) reside, we work with psycho-spiritual issues, inspiration, grief, and voice. Points here influence not only respiration and circulation, but our ability to speak, connect, and be truly present in the world.
Throughout each seminar, Deborah draws out the deeper meanings of point names, functions, and characters. She explores clinical choices — why select this point, rather than that one? — and how the channels and jiaos support each other across the body. This is a journey through language, physiology, and spirit, rooted in Classical texts and brought to life in your hands.
Description: In this three-part series, Deborah offers an integrative, Classical exploration of the acupuncture points associated with each of the three jiāo (焦). Drawing on medical and alchemical texts, we delve into the rich symbolism and clinical power of these regions — not just as anatomical divisions, but as dynamic spaces of transformation.
The Lower jiāo
The lower jiāo is the source of power from below — a place of drainage, elimination, and fertility. It contains the Gate of Life (mìngmén 命門), the ancestral muscle (zōngjīn 宗筋), and the deep reserves of jīng (精 essence). Through points below the umbilicus on the Ren Mai, and those along the foot Yangming, foot Shaoyin, and foot Jueyin channels, we access grounding, reproduction, and the essential connection to our root. These are not minor or merely “local” points — they are profound sites of transformation and support.
The Middle jiāo
Here resides the digestive fire — the transformative centre of qi production. The middle jiao is home to the stomach and spleen, responsible for the movement and transformation of water and grain into qi, blood, and fluids. Points surrounding Ren 12, the “central cavity,” form gates and doorways through which substances pass, churn, and refine. Deborah traces how different channels and types of qi intertwine in this region, revealing how to use specific points to support assimilation, nourishment, and metabolic harmony.
The Upper jiāo
The upper jiāo holds the light, subtle qi — the fine mist that rises from below. Here we find the heart and lungs, masters of blood and qi, and the domain of the spirit. This region contains the middle or upper dantian (depending on tradition), and offers us access to communication with the ancestors, the breath, and our connection with the cosmos. In this airy realm, where the shén (神 spirits) reside, we work with psycho-spiritual issues, inspiration, grief, and voice. Points here influence not only respiration and circulation, but our ability to speak, connect, and be truly present in the world.
Throughout each seminar, Deborah draws out the deeper meanings of point names, functions, and characters. She explores clinical choices — why select this point, rather than that one? — and how the channels and jiaos support each other across the body. This is a journey through language, physiology, and spirit, rooted in Classical texts and brought to life in your hands.
