Underlying Theories of Acupuncture Treatment (33) Lower Extremity Treatments – IRIN technique ①
IRIN Technique Provides Strong Treatment Effect to Various Lower Extremity Symptoms
By Brandon SJ Oh, L.Ac.
The most important part of the overall body movement mostly relies on the function of the lower body. Therefore, limited range of motion due to paralysis and weakness of the legs affects the quality of life.
And lower body symptoms are considered mostly chronic symptoms that require more effort for habilitation.
Earlier, I explained that one acupuncture needle insertion on a meridian provides enough stimulation for the meridian. But more meridians are distributed, and each meridian’s leg strength is much stronger than the meridians located on the arms. For example, the urinary bladder meridian is an exception of one stimulation on one meridian. Because the urinary bladder meridian has the largest number of acupuncture points on the meridian, the meridian takes care of many functions of the backside of the body. So, the urinary bladder meridian is strong enough to have multiple stimulations for the meridian.
There are two different techniques for taking care of the lower body. For this month, I will explain IRIN technique first.
▲ Indications and Application
General indications of IRIN technique are for a patient who has extremely weak energy or infantile paralysis, or A weakness and rapid fatigue of the leg muscles. If chronic symptoms or the patient is strong enough to handle strong stimulation, you can use a technique that gives strong stimulation on a target meridian. The patient’s physical strength is mostly a clue for deciding which acupuncture technique to apply for paralysis or weakness of the lower extremities. If a patient has paralysis on his leg, but his physical strength seems weak, you should use IRIN technique. If a patient’s physical strength seems strong enough but wants to treat paralysis gently, apply the IRIN technique. In this case, treatment sessions will be increased.
If a patient is not in condition for a frequent visit for paralysis treatment, first apply the technique that uses harmonizing acupuncture points or prescribe herbal medicine to enhance physical strength to increase strong enough to handle strong stimulations.
▲ Needling Technique for Applying IRIN Technique
Inset and needles on one target meridian fast. As soon as you feel a patient gain enough stimulation through acupuncture needle insertion and manipulation then, manipulate the needle to increase overall energy on the meridian. The next step is removing the needle from the acupuncture point immediately. (→ To be continued)
