Ann Cecil-Sterman
This publication is a response to countless requests for a separate collection of the drawings that appear in the book Advanced Acupuncture, A Clinic Manual. In that book Ann Cecil-Sterman suggests unique protcols for the Complement Channels: the Sinew, Luo, Divergent and Eight Extra Channels derived from her many years of study with the great Dr Jeffrey Yuen. Advanced Acupuncture is the first and only book of protocols for these channels. The book's illustrations—derived from her intense and long instruction by Dr Yuen—map the entire channel system. Here in this volume, the drawings appear in an easy reference form, complete with all points and branches. An abbreviated point location reminder section is included. Concepts and principles being understood, there are times when a quick reference secures confidence and precision in the clinic. These drawings present some information about the channels that had not been shown before Advanced Acupuncture was published. The Sinew Channels, for example, are shown with their actual width, that is, covering the entire surface of the body and overlapping with one another. Luo, Divergent and Eight Extra Channels are all shown with all their points, branches and trajectories for the first time ever in print. The third branch of the Kidney Primary Channel also appears for the first time in print. From the Author:Four years before the Clinic Manual (2013) was published, I sent out a group email asking whether there was an acupuncturist out there who also happened to be an artist. That same day, I received a reply from my colleague (and now good friend) Pat Didner. She shared excitement about the project, understood its importance and was soon at work. The illustrations took three years to complete. Pat has an amazing and quick eye and a ready and deep intuitive sense. I’m certain the Manual would not have been possible without her. The Primary and Complement Channels are extremely complex and there were many aspects to consider during the countless hours of discussions between us. Pat developed a unique way of conveying vital information and the result is deeply meaningful and beautiful. The most wonderful thing to me is that the drawings truly are art. We decided to put nearly every channel on a separate page as a way of showing that the tiniest and simplest channel is just as important as the longest one with the most branches. May your use of the Complement Channels expand more readily with this additional tool. Thank you for being a part of the expanding, world-wide cultivation and use of these remarkable channels as our profession returns to the rich and precious roots of our medicine as described in the Han Dynasty texts, the foundation of Chinese Medicine.
