Allen M. Schoen
Center for Integrative Animal Health, Canada
Title: The liquid crystalline collagen continuum theory of acupuncture and the clinical applications in veterinary acupuncture practice
Biography
Biography: Allen M. Schoen
Abstract
The understanding of Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) and Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM) theories offers veterinarians a wealth of appreciation and knowledge of how acupuncture works based on a long history of evidence-based medicine in Asia through nature and naturally occurring phenomena. Western, conventional human medicine and veterinary medicine both emphasize, however, the need for a western medical understanding and “scientific” proof of how acupuncture works as well as the anatomy of acupuncture points and pathways. We need to, therefore, continue to pursue research and understanding based on western neurophysiologic and anatomic studies as well.
Dr. Mae-Won Ho's Liquid Crystalline Collagen Continuum Theory (LCCC) of acupuncture and realized that it connected all the other theories on the classic TCM into a cohesive, practical explanation of the scientific basis of acupuncture. As we entered into the 21st century, there has been increased research documenting the LCCC Theory and fascia-based acupuncture theory.
The LCCC Theory offers a greater appreciation of the value of TCM theories: Five Element Theory and Eight Principle Theory. Scientific research has documented many of these effects and the LCCC theory weaves together the TCM principles with western medical theories. The western medical theories, such as the gate theory and multiple gate theory, vascular and neuroanatomical theory, autonomic theories, humeral mechanisms theory, and the bioelectric theories, can all be interconnected and understood more clearly based on the LCCC Theory. The bioelectric theory of acupuncture can be explained now based on the LCCC Theory.
This paper offers a roadmap to incorporating all previous scientific theories of acupuncture into the LCCC. Then, based on new findings on fascia’s electro-conductivity, HeartMath and research in quantum physics we can gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all human and animal interactions and their implications in veterinary acupuncture practice.
We began this journey realizing that acupoints, acupuncture meridians and pathways are based on a bioelectrical field that connects the entire body through the liquid crystalline collagen continuum (LCCC). Research in interdisciplinary fields of the new physics, biomedical research, new biology, HeartMath and quantum theories then begin to document that our LCCC may electromagnetically impact on other living beings and their LCCC. This can then extend to a perspective that we are all living in an interactive, biodynamic field that impacts all of us and that we can have an impact on. That begs the question of what impact we wish to have on others and how we can develop ourselves to have a more positive impact on others. If we are all intimately connected, then is there anyone other than ourselves? Is there other? Are we truly all one as ancient teachings share? This is a question worthwhile to consider for our veterinary practice and personal lives. It may be one way to address the stress-related challenges we face in veterinary medicine that the AVMA acknowledges and is beginning to address. It is empowering to realize that the solution lies within ourselves, via HeartMath and the LCCC. It all comes from within ourselves and expands out from there to all others.
This paper presents the evolution of veterinary acupuncture theory from TCM and TAM through what was known in the late 20th century regarding the scientific basis of acupuncture based on the gate theory, neurovascular theories, and neurohormonal theories as well as the bioelectric theories. As research continues in the 21st century, the LCCC Theory has been able to incorporate all the previous theories into a more cohesive and comprehensive explanation of the scientific basis of acupuncture. The implications and clinical applications of the LCCC Theory in veterinary medicine have been explored based on the integration of QT, the new physics, new biology, HeartMath studies and other interdisciplinary studies.