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How we treat the trigrams that balance the opposite branches? (Shi Fa)
Of course, we can treat the meridian directly if it fits, but if we treat the trigrams according to the lines, do we needle from bottom to top or vice versa?
Or is the order in which we remove them more important?And how are the differences between treating the trigrams according to Fu Xi and King Wen?
There are different ways to apply trigrams in treatment, depending on how we wish to influence the patient’s energetic movement through the lines.
When working with opposite Branches, it is useful to consider which trigram quality we are invoking.
For example, when treating Chen, our intention is to stimulate movement and awakening. In this case, we begin with the yang line at the bottom and move upward, following the direction of rising energy.Conversely, when using Ken, our aim is to bring stillness, grounding, and inner calm — both in body and mind. Therefore, we start with yang at the top and move downward, guiding energy toward rest and giving more rooting .
When working with trigrams that contain a single yang line, the treatment we begin with that yang line. Likewise, when the trigram contains a single yin line, the treatment begins with yin.
In addition, when working with trigrams, one can decide whether to use the Creative (Fu Xi) or the Created (King Wen) sequence.
– In the King Wen order, the progression follows: 1. central line → 2. top line → 3. bottom line.– In the Fu Xi order, it follows: 1. top line → 2. central line → 3. bottom line, representing the natural evolution and unfolding of life.
At least this is how I remembered it.
When removing the needles, finish with the needle where you particularly want the qi to be. Usually human and earth.
It may also be worth mentioning that if you use three needles, there is a good chance that you will treat a trigram. This is especially true if the needles are distributed across the lower, middle and upper body.
There are actually 3 possibilities in King Wen regarding the order of the needling: 1. you start in the middle /man, than go to the lower part /earth, than upper part / heaven. 2. man, heaven, earth. 3. earth, man heaven.
In Fu Xi you have 2 possibilities: heaven, earth, man and heaven, man, earth. For example using Co4, St36, Liv3 in Fu Xi in this order is the trigramm Sun. You start with the upper part of the body and read the trigramm from the bottom, it opens the skys. In King Wen it is Liv3, Co4, St36, also Sun, but related to the east and grows.
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