Professor Li Xue-wu, a famous acupuncture expert

The academic theories and clinical experience of Professor Li Xue-wu, a famous acupuncture expert

By Han cui Li Xue-wu

(Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. Beijing, China, 100029)


Abstract: In this paper we conclude the academic theories and clinical experience of professor Li Xue-wu, a famous acupuncture expert. We sum up prof. Li’s research on acupuncture techniques. The skills of puncture the points of Jingming, Xiaguan, Fengfu, Yamen, Tianshu, Zhongwan, Taiyang, Jiaji and so on were described in detail in this paper. We also talk about the study of moxibustion of Prof.Li. Especially about moxibustion with burning rush to detoxicate and reduce heat, Tianjiu which is a form of moxibustion that can replenish the kidney and prevent aging, and moxibustion for preventive care. At last we introduced two special acupuncture applications. One is incised wound at Danzhong point for asthma. The other is treating obesity with auricular seeding.



Background
Professor Li Xue-wu, was born in Pingshan county, Hebei province in 1940. His family has a long established heritage in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) . He graduated from The Beijing College of TCM in 1965 and began working for the college as a teacher upon graduation. Now he is a professor, chief physician, and doctoral candidate mentor of Beijing University of TCM and the director of the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique staff room. He is also a member of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique Association Council, assistant secretary-general of Acupuncture and Moxibustion equipment committee. He is a highly regarded acupuncturist and was awarded a special allowance by State Department. Professor Li has worked as an acupuncture teacher, physician, researcher for more than 30 years and has acquired remarkable achievements. He has trained many graduate students, undergraduate students, foreign students and refresher students. He demands students not only study scientific methodology but also master clinical skills . His graduates have already become the leaders of acupuncture and moxibustion field. For this decades. Prof. Li has gone to American, Italy, England, Japan, Korea and other countries to give didactic lectures and clinical training . He was praised by patients and local media. Prof. Li has made great efforts to promote the development of TCM in the world.

Prof. Li is a master of the “Deep insertion”, “Penetrating acupuncture”, “Tianjiu”, “Ear acupuncture” techniques. He is good at treating cerebral vascular disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, eye diseases and pain. He is also experienced in treating many difficult diseases by acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Prof. Li is in charge the projects: “Experimental study on the inhibitory effects of Tianjiu on aging” supported by Ministry of Education; “Clinical and experimental study on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with Tainjiu”; “Clinical study and curative effect of penetrating acupuncture on arthritis” supported by State administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

He has attend international conferences many times. He attended the fourth international Convention of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion and presented the paper, “A few questions about acupuncture anaesthesia” in 1988 in Brazil. He attended International Acupuncture Unit Meeting in 1999 in Vietnam and delivered the paper “The Clinical application of moxibustion in health care.” In 2000, he went to America to attend The Hygiene Meeting of East and West of 21 century.

He has compiled many books, including<Complete book of acupuncture and massage>, <Acupuncture and massage on health care>, <Clinical practice of acupuncture>, <Practical glossary of acupuncture and moxibustion>, <Acupuncture and Moxibustion>, <Technique of acupuncture and moxibustion>. And he has published more than thirty papers including <Clinical application of perpendicular penetrating method>,<What I have learned from acupuncture method of points zhongwan and tianshu>, <Discussion of acupuncture method of jiaji points>,<Practice of acupuncture jingming point>,<Analysis of acupuncture of bone, muscle, tendon, pulse, skin >, <Clinical health care application of moxibustion>, et al.

Introduction of experience

Research on acupuncture techniques

1. Multiple methods treating diseases
Pro. L’s skill has come from clinical practice for a three decades. He can apply multiple acupuncture methods freely and continues to improve his skills on needle angle and insertion for many important points.

1.1 The “Bone,” “Muscle,” “Tendon,” “Pulse” and “Skin” puncturing techniques:
We should choose thick needles for bone puncture, which requires the inserted needle reach periosteum, stimulating the points in the manner of a sparrow pecking. Dr. Li use this therapy to treat heel pain. He often chooses zhaohai, shenmai, shuiquan and “Ashi” points. To treat cervical spondylosis, , Dr. Li usually finds “Ashi” points before acupuncture, inserts needles from skin of ashi points to transverse processes. The key aspect of this therapy is applying a strong but tolerable stimulation to the periosteum to effectively treat “Gubi”.

Tendon puncturing technique is puncturing muscle tendon near joints in many directions. Normal acupuncture has little effect for spastic paralysis after cerebral vascular accident, but Li uses puncturing tendon technique and has good results. Another example is flaccid paralysis as a sequela of pediatric paralysis. Li often selects related muscle tendons to insert needle. If using electrical acupuncture , the curative effect is better.

Puncture muscle includes fuci, fenci and heguci recorded in <Miraculous Pivot>. The key of this technique is the depth of insertion. Puncturing superficial muscles technique is called “Fuci”. Puncturing deep muscle technique is named “Fenci”. Inserting the needle in many directions is called ”Heguci.” It is important not damage blood vessels and tendons when inserting.

Prof. Li has concluded that “Bloodletting by slow puncturing” is the meaning of pulse unctureing. For bloodletting of superficial veins e.g. in the cubital fossa, first apply pressure to the vein to create a localized hyperemia, second insert the three-edged needle 1-2fen slowly. This method is used for heat stroke or acute gastroenteritis has an immediate t curative effect.

The skin puncturingtechnique requires superficial penetration of only the skin, without effecting the muscle. Dr. Li often use this method to treat neurasthenia choosing the points xinshu, shenshu, ganshu, pishu and so on. Dr. Li also uses this method to treat acute sprain. Superficial puncture at ashi points, inserting and lifting the needle quickly and with little extent(200-300times/minute), asking the patient move at the same time. With this technique, pain is often mitigated immediately.





1.2. Clinical application of the method “Vertical insertion and penetrating points”.
This method means inserting the needle vertically and penetrating into deep layers of the limbs reaching another point. This method is very difficult to use, but Prof. Li does it very well. For example , when the foot is inverted , he can insert the needle from Qiuxu point to Zhaohai point. If the needle meets resistance or contact with bone, he can change the direction of the needle. When he feels the needlepoint has reached Zhaohai , he stops insertion. The depth of the insertion is about 2-2.5cun. The patient may feel strong aching or distention, and perhaps the feeling diffuses upwords. Other Vertical insertion and penetrating points commonly used by Prof. Li include: Jianneilian to Jianzhen for scapulohumeral periarthritis and hemiparalysis; from Quchi to Shaohai for hemiparalysis, hypertension and Bizheng; from Sidu to Bizhong for hemiparalysis and acute lumbar sprain; from Sanyangluo to Ximen or from Neiguan to Waiguan for chest pain or acupuncture anesthesia during pneumonectomy surgery; from Daling to Waiguan for insomnia or neurosis; from Hegu to Houxi or Laogong for hemiparalysis or acute lumbar sprain; and from Xiyangguan to Ququan or from Xuanzhong to Sanyin jiao.Use this technique patients can get strong feeling and curative effect can be significantly improved. The acupuncturist must be familiar with the dissection of points, be proficient in acupuncture technique, so he can do it safely and achieve the anticipate aim.

1.3. Acupuncture method of Jiaji points
Based on Prof. Li’ s experience, Jiaji points are located 0.8cun lateral to the Du channel. In this way, it is safe and easy to get feeling. If too close to the middle line of back, it is very easy to touch bone and one can not insert the needle to the appropriate depth. If too far away from the middle line, it is easy to injure internal organs, especially causing pneumothorax when choosing points along side the thoracic vertebrae . When inserting needles, the direction should be vertical or angled slightly medially to avoid damaging internal organs.

The most common used technique of Jiaji points is “superficial inserting”. Inserting the needle 0.3-0.5cun vertically causes mild soreness and distention locally. Dr. Li often use this method to cure insomnia and treat patients not appropriate for strong stimulation. ”Puncturing along the skin” is inserting needles fromupper points to lower points transversely or subcutaneouslydepthis about 2-3cunand the angle between skin and needle is 15-25°. After insertion we can fix the needle with adhesive plaster. For example, Dr. Li chooses Jing6, Xiong5, Yao4 Jiaji points. After inserting the needles, he may also use electrical acupuncture to improve the effect. Prof. Li often uses “deep puncture” to cure lumber spur, radiculitis, sciatica and so on. Ask the patient to recline on his side with his lower limb flexedi and the lumbar region flexed like a bow. Inserting the needle 1.5-3cun at lumber3,4,5 Jiji points. This position facilitates the obtaining of , a feeling as if an electric current is flowing down the back and legs.

1.4. Special puncture technique of Xiaguan point.
In Prof. Li’s experience, point Xiaguan is effective for most diseases by conventional puncture method, but for some difficult diseases, we may take advantage of modern anatomical knowledge to improve curative effect. For example, oblique, posterior, upward insertion : First, insert the needle 4-5cm vertically, when touch the bone, lift the needle a little and then continue the insertion as deep as 4-6cm. When arrives at the mandible nerve the patient will feel numbness expanding to mandible, and on one side teeth or tongue. This method can be used for prosopalgia, toothache and facial paralysis. Oblique, anterior, upward insertion : After inserting needle below skin, puncture 5-6cm forward and upward. The angle between the skin and needle body should be between 15-30 degrees. The needle point may arrive at foramen rotundum where the second branch of trigeminal nerve comes out of skull. The patient may feel soreness and distention. If the needle touches the nerve, the feeling of numbness, pain, electrical inductance will spread over teeth and face. This method can be also used for prosopalgia and toothache. For rhinopathy, we insert the needle 1-1.5cm before the hollow below the mid-point of the zygomatic arch, and traverse about 6cm between zygoma and mandible. Some times the needle point can reach Sphenopalatine ganglionupon ,at that time the patient will feel like water glides in nasal cavity, and nasal obstruction will disappear immediately. Prof. Li is good at curing allergosis type rhinitis by this method.



2. Integration of proximal and distal acupuncture and feeling of the arrival of qi at the disease site improves curative effect.

<Huangdi’sInternal Classic>said “In acupuncture, it is the arrival of qi reaching the site of disease that results in its salubrious effects.” Thus, the arrival of Qi is the key to obtaining efficacious results. Doctors of all dynasties use many methods to strengthen the feeling of acupuncture and cause the feeling to reache the site of disease from distal points. Prof. Li often combines distal points with points located at disease site, with the needle pointed towards the ill organs and inserts the needle as deep as possible. In this way, he is able to create the strongest feeling. In a word, Dr. Li integrates both distal and proximal points using deep puncturing techniques to achieve the arrival of qi at the site of disease.



2.1Deep puncture of “Jingming” point for diseases of eyeground
Prof. Li inserts a needle 1.2-1.8cun at point “Jingming” for optic neuritis, optic atrophy, retinitis, retinodialysis, amblyopia and some myopia, hypermetropia or strabismus which are conditions that do not improve by superficial puncture. When inserting the needle, the doctor should ask the patient close his eye, and fix the patient’s eyeball laterally by applying slight pressure to the eye with left hand The needle is inserted at 0.1cun lateral and superior to the inner canthus along eye socket, slowly. If the doctor feels resistance under the needle point or the patient feels pain, the doctor must withdraw needle and change direction. When the needle point arrives at a depth between 1.2 to 1.8 cun, there will be sore and distending feeling diffusing to one side of the eyeball or entire eyeball.



2.2 Deep puncture of “Taiyang” point for obstinate diseases
Prof. Li often inserts the needle obliquely downwards and deep at “Taiyang” point for some obstinate diseases. Li inserts needle obliquely downwards passing the deep side of zygomatic arch at about 2-2.5cun deep inside for toothache. When the patient feels a strong aching and distending feeling or numbness and inductance the toothache will disappear or lighten markedly . Some doctors use this method for tooth extraction. When the needle reaches a depth of about 2.5cun, numbness distends to the cheek, so teeth can be extracted. However, the needle must continue to be manipulated until the operation is finished. Li have used this method for 200 cases in the clinic, all of them have a satisfactory effect.

Other conditions needing deep puncturing of “Taiyang” point are diseases of trigeminal nerve, facial paralysis and temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome. Dr. Li inserts the needle from “Taiyang” point to “Xiaguan” point. The key is inserting the needle slightly superior to the original point, and at an angle so that the needle body is about 45-50 degree to the skin, otherwise, we will not reach the depth needed. Doctors should master the skill and be very attentive.


2.3 Deep puncturing of “Zhongwan” and “Tianshu” points for acute diseases
Normal puncturing of “Zhongwan” and “Tianshu” may used for chronic diseases, while for acute disease, for example acute stomachache and acute diarrhea, deep puncture has good curative effect. For patients of stomach convulsion whose pain can not be reduced by normal acupuncture, we can puncture “Zhongwan” vertically and insert the needle through the abdominal wall reaching the abdominal cavity. When the needle has penetrated the abdominal cavity, the feeling of resistance suddenly disappears. If one continues inserting the needle, once again there will be a feeling of rigidity andelasticity, this is the stomach and the patient feels a strong aching and distending sensation. We often twist the needle for about 1 min, raising and lowering the needle 2 or 3 times. If there is no effect, we can raise needle out of abdominal cavity(about 1-1.5cun), after a few minutes penetrate into the cavity again. This procedure can be repeated2-3 times, and the pain should be alleviated.

Prof. Li treated 120 cases of acute diarrhea in infants about 1 year old using the points “Zhongwan,” “Tianshu” and “Zusanli.” Inserting the needle about 3.5cm, twist the needle for 30 seconds raising and thrusting the needle 2-3 times. Results: Three if the patients dropped out of the study after the first treatment despite seeing some improvement in their condition. The rest were cured within three treatments. Conclusion: points “Tianshu” and “Zhongwan” are near the stomach and the intestines, so we must insert needle very slowly. The stomach and intestine will naturally evade the needle when stimulated, so it is difficult to injure them. When using this method, twisting should be used more than raising and lowering.



2.4 Deep Insertion of Fengfu and Yamen
The deep insertion of of Fengfu and Yamen is good for treating the residual effects of a stroke, such as slurred speech and paralysis. This treatment is also very effective for other neurological disorders, such as manic-depressive psychosis and epileptic seizure.
The medullary bulb and medulla spinalis are located deep to points Fengfu and Yamen. Acupuncture here presents significant risk. Ancient books suggest inserting up to 3-4 fen deep into these two points. Based on his thorough knowledge of human anatomy, research on needling insertion depths, he believes that when the needle is inserted into Fengfu , it penetrates the skin to the hypodermis and then through the nuchal ligament and then the the tranpezuis muscle to the annular membrane and then to the annular membrane of the trapezius muscle. With Yamen the needle penetrates the skin to hypodermis, through the nuchal ligament into inter-spinal ligaments to the ligamentus flavum (with its abundant venous plexus) and then to dura mater spinalis. For this acupuncture procedure, instruct the patient to sit t upright with arms resting on a table. The head should be titlted forward slightly so the neck muscles can relax. Slowly inserting the needle toward the chin or the mouth. Upon insertion, the needle may encounter two kinds of resistance: the first is a strong resistance followed by a release. . The resistance is the needle has passing the nuchal ligament, interarcuate ligaments and the annular membrane. The releasing is the needle reaching the intracanal epidural cavitas. The second kind of resistance is encountered after the intracanal epidural cavitas has been reached and further penetration is performed. This is the dura mater spinalis, and means the needle has been penetrated too deep. The needle must not penetrate the dura mater spinal. Generally when the needle is inserted 1.5 cun into Yamen, it may reach cerebellomedullary cistern. When the patient feels an electric shock or tingling sensation toward head and the upper and lower extremities, do not repeat any lifting and thrusting and twirling manipulations and remove the needle immediately.



3. Customization of the principle of point selection
The foundation of good acupuncture is selection of acupuncture points. One must be very familiar with the standardized location and depth of insertion for each point. However, based on Dr. Li’s clinical experience, one must be able to customize point selection for each individual patient. For example, there is a difference in the length of sacral hiatus between individuals. Some patients’ sacral hiatus may be 1-2cm long, while others may be to 3-4cm long. This difference is important when selecting Yaoshu. When selecting Zhangmen and Jingmen, one may notice significant difference in the length of 11 and 12 floating rib. These individual difference should not be look upon as abnormal. As we know, there are anatomical differences between people due to developmental variances , and the same holds for the position of acupuncture points.

From his clinical experience, Prof. Li discovered that for some points it is more effective to insert the needle near, but not at the standardized location of the acupuncture point. For example, in treating patients with gallbladderproblems, the selection of point “gallbladder”， whose standardized location is 2 cun below Yanglingquan, Dr. Li often chooses the point between 1-2 cun below Yanglingquan. The same appllies to point vermiform appendix. Most textbooks set the point 2 cun below Zusanli, while.Dr. Li chooses it 1.5~2 cun below Zusanli. This further proves that anatomical differences affect the selection of the acupuncture point. Dr Li emphasizes that each acupuncture point covers a general area and one must exercise flexibility in selecting acupuncture points mindful of anatomical differences.

Dr Li often uses deep insertion to stimulate the nerves to improve the therapeutic effect. Of course this requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy to ensure patient safety. For example, when inserting needles into the abdominal area, one should be aware of the position of the internal organs. Unlike the intestines, the liver, the spleen and the kidney don't have much elasticity. Therefore in treating patients of with hepatomegaly, splenomegly and hydronephrosis, one should not use deep penetration otherwise it will pose risk to the patient.
Additionally, it is important to understand the needling response. For example, when encountering fatty tissue, the needling response is relaxed and muscles are taut. When fully inserting into the abdominal area, the resistance disappears. When the needle encounters the stomach wall, the needling response is hard and elastic. Only an expert with thorough knowledge of anatomy will know the proper depth of the penetration.



Study on moxibustion
1. Moxibustion with burning rush to detoxicate and reduce heat
Method: Sterilize either the tip of the ear or the area around point TaiyangInsert the rush pitch into sesame oil about 1 cm, ignite the dipped end of rush pitch, making sure your fingers are positional high enough (at about the top 1/3 of rush pitch). Apply promptly to the acupuncture point, removing immediately after touching the skin. Often a loud crack will be heard as the flame extinguishes (sometimes the flame may remains). Sometimes there may be a small burn mark on the skin after moxibustion, which will disappear in a few days. It's important to prevent infection. Case Study:20 cases of patients with acute conjunctivitis, most are cured after 1 session of moxibustion. Typically, conjunctival congestion and pain are alleviated within an hour after moxibustion. Lessons Learned: Moxibustion with rush pitch is a widely used practice. It's easy to use, economical and effective, It is also successful in clearing away heat and toxic substances. Therefore, moxibustion with burning rush pitch can also treat parotitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis, pediatric diarrea and eczema.



2. Tianjiu is a form of moxibustion that can replenish the Kidney and prevent aging. Tianjiu therapy is a special noninvasive procedure of TCM combining moxibustion with a moxa cone and Chinese herbal medicine. Like stimulation of the channels and points through acupuncture, applying Tianjiu therapy is also applied to an acupuncture point or area of complaint, to regulate bodily functions and reach the therapeutic goal. This therapy is effective also due to Chinese herbs intervention and avoid the side effects of taking many oral medicine for a prolong time. It's good for treating many chronic and obstinate cases. Dr Li is the pioneer of Tianjiu for the retardation of aging and do a series of experimental research about Tianjiu.

2.1 Experimental study on using Tianjiu to treat simulated osteoporosis in rats
Tianjiu makes use of Chinese medicine that promotes Kidney-Yang, activating blood and removing stasis of blood. The acupuncture point used is Shenshu. The experiment demonstrated that Tianjiu helps to increase AKP in blood, and increases the absorption of calcium-D in the enlargement of the femoral cavity, prevents the loss of mineral salts in the upper third of the femur increases the amount of calcium in the blood, and decreases serum anti-tartrate acid phosphatase ,promoting of the bone density of lumber vertebrae. This experiment proved Tianjiu can stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, promoting the development of bone, simultaneously decreasing the loss of bone content and improving bones ability to of resisting external impacting forces. Tianjiu is particularly useful because it can affect the inner organs of the body without being invasive and causing negative side effects as some medicines do. Its medicinal low cost and general availability are two reasons worth exploring this therapeutic method.



2.2Experimental study on the prevention of aging by Tianjiu

In the established rapid aging encephalatrophy mice model, tianjiu moxibustion is applied on Shenshu, Mingmen, and Dazhui points. The aging process of SAM-P10 mice can be retarded significantly. For example decreasing the number of errors , promoting learning and memory abilities, decreasing neuron atrophy in the hippacampus, decreasing cellular lipofuscin, and increasing NE-DA in hypothalamus. Thus the experiment concludes that Tianjiu is effective for retarding the aging process of the neuroendocrine system.

3. Moxibustion for preventive care
There are many account in ancient books that moxibustion could be used to keeping good health, preventing disease, health care and prolong life. Dr Li believes that one should select different points and moxibustion methods according to the different ages and constitution. For example, moxibustion can be used for treating very young children’s dyspepsia, spitting milk, diarrea, poor appetite, fatigue, insomnia and bronchitis at Shenzhu point. For weak children , Fengwen is also widly used to prevent common cold. Moxibustion is appropriate for middle aged and old people to promote well being. Zusanli, Guanyuan, Shenque are used to promote good health and longevity. For healthy people, one may apply mild moxibustion at .Zusanli, Guanyuan once a week. One can also increase moxibustion use during the changes in seasons, such as the summer into autumn and autumn into winter .
During summer time the amount of moxibustion should be reduced. In general, the moxibustion treatment should last 10~20 minutes, or until the part of the skin appears reddish or a sensation of heat is felt. When using moxaibustion cone, apply mild moxibustion for 10 ~20 minutes each time until the skin is red and warm. When use small moxa cone , use 5~7 zhuang each time until the skin is markedly red. For the Shenque one can use either mild moxibustion or indirect moxibustion, such as moxibustion with salt or herb Fuzi. We also may use a spread salt into the naval, and place the small moxa cone on the top of it. Change the cone when the patient feels warm or slight pain; one should use 5~7 stakes a time. Treatment should be daily for a ten day period. Alternatively moxibustion may be used once or twice weekly. The Fuzi-moxibusition preparation is made by grinding the Fuzi adding some flour and water kneading it into a thin cake about 1~2 cun thick. When the cake is practically dry use a needle to poke holes into the cake and place over the treatment area. Use moxibustion with moxa corn, until the cake is completely dry, remove the cake and continue moxibustion with a new cake. Moxibustion with Zusanli can be used to prevent stroke, moxibustion with Mingmen Zusanli can prevent colds. Moxibustion with Zusanli and Dazhui may be used to prevent infectious disease. The reason that moxibusition can be used for prevention of care is because it nourishes the Yang and regulates Qi and Blood.



Special acupuncture applications
1. Incised wound at Danzhong point for asthma
Method: treat asthma by surgical excision of Danzhong. Use 2.5% iodine and 75% alcohol to clean the area of Danzhong. Inject 0.2~0.3 ml 2% procaine until the patients feels partially numb, make a surgical incision along the middle breast line through the skin and into subaceous tissue until it reaches periosteum. Typically, the incision should be about 1 cm long. Insert mosquito forceps into the incision and to stimulate periosteum for about 1 minute or until the patient feels spreading tightness. After that, cover the area with sterilized cotton, then bandages. Remove the bandage after the wound is healed which should be about 3~5 days. Repeat the treatment in a week's time. The incision may be made near around the previous site.
Result: In this case study, there were 24 patients with bronchitis and 28 patients with bronchial asthma. Of these 8 patients with asthma and 6 with bronchitis were completely cured. 28 patients show significantly improvement, of which 15 patients with asthma and 13 with bronchitis . 5 asthma patients and 5 bronchitis patients don't show improvement.
Lessons Learned: Tanzhong is the meeting point of Qi, It is particularly effective for treating irregular Qi and cough with sputum due to nondescending Lung Qi. When selecting the Tanzhong, look for the Ashi point. Clinical experience shows that the Ashi point is usually situated around the mid point between the two nipples.


2.Treating obesity with seed
According to Dr Li, edema results from disfunction of the spleen or deficient Qi of the Kidney. Edema transform into phlegm and fatty tissue causing one to become obese. The principle of therapy is based on invigorating the Spleen, eliminating dampness, and regulating the Lung and Kidney. For this condition, acupuncture points of ear Neifenmi, Jidian, Pizhixia, Stomach, Lung, Spleen, Kidney and Shenmen are often used. Apply vaccaria seeds at the above acupuncture point and stimulate them by squeezing moderately until the patient feels some pain. After manipulation, the patient usually feels the auricle of ear is hot, showing that blood has rushed to the area. Instruct the patient to manipulate the area 1~2 times a day, either at a meal or when experiencing hunger pangs. Of course the patient should decrease food intake. According to modern medical theory, obesity is cause by disorders of nervous system and endocrinal dysfunction. One should use Neifenmi, Pizhixia and Shenmen etc. in this type of disorder. Dr Li discovered that by combining hungry point and Stomach, dampness can be eliminated , food cravings mitigated , and alleviate hunger pangs. because these points regulate function of Lung and Kidney. As a result, proper metabolism is restored and obesity disappears. During treatment one's diet should consist of mainly vegetables, raw foods and lean meat, as well as exercise moderately to burn off calories. This treatment method is easy, not painful to the patients and no side-effect. It's particularly effective for obese at middle age people and/or those who over eat. It's less effective for primary obesity or secondary obesity.

Conclusion
Prof. Li Xuewu, comes from a long and distinguish line of TCM practitioners. He graduated from Beijing university of TCM and. has over 40 years of experience in clinical acupuncture teaching and research. To this day, his thirst for knowledge has not diminished whether he is treating patients, teaching or writing. Dr Li always gives it his all. Dr Li has been flooded with generous offers by foreign medical institutions, friends and former students to work overseas. Out of his love for China and his dedication to Beijing university of TCM, he declines all such offers. Dr Li's successful combination of outstanding character and career, clinical experience is a shining example to us all.