James
Navel Acupuncture
​謙牧臍針

1. Is Navel Acupuncture Different from Other Acupuncture?

​

Many people wonder how navel acupuncture differs from other acupuncture techniques.

​

Navel acupuncture is a relatively new acupuncture therapy that was systematically developed and promoted in the early 21st century by Mr. Qi Yong in China. It involves inserting needles around the patient’s navel (Shenque, CV8) to regulate yin and yang and eliminate disease.

​

Many people assume that navel acupuncture is simply one of many acupuncture techniques within the existing acupuncture system. In fact, this is a common misunderstanding. Navel acupuncture is fundamentally different from traditional body acupuncture, as well as modern techniques such as ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, abdominal acupuncture, eye acupuncture, and nasal acupuncture. It is not merely a new needling technique, but a completely new medical system based on a different way of medical thinking.

​

Because of this, navel acupuncture differs from conventional acupuncture methods at a foundational level. These differences are mainly reflected in the following four aspects:

​

1) Different Theoretical Foundation

All traditional acupuncture methods are rooted in classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory.
Navel acupuncture, however, is based on Yi Medicine (Yi–Medical Theory). Without an understanding of Yi Medicine, effective navel acupuncture treatment is not possible.

​

2) Different Needling Location and Treatment Method

Traditional acupuncture follows a “fixed-point treatment” approach, selecting specific meridian points throughout the body based on the meridian and acupoint system. This often involves multiple points and complex techniques.

​

Navel acupuncture, by contrast, uses a “location-based treatment” approach. It breaks the traditional belief that the Shenque (navel) must not be needled. All treatment is focused around the navel itself, with horizontal needling around this single central point. Multiple needles may be used around one location. Treatment is determined by directional and positional combinations, rather than selecting points all over the body.

​

3) A Different Holistic (Holographic) Approach

Traditional acupuncture mainly employs structural holography, in which the whole body is mapped onto a specific body part, such as the ear, hand, foot, or scalp.

​

Navel acupuncture integrates structural holography with informational holography, emphasizing the unity of Heaven, Earth, and Human. This integrated approach aligns more closely with the fundamental laws of life.

​

4) Different Types of Qi Being Activated

Traditional acupuncture primarily mobilizes postnatal qi, regulating yin and yang through the fourteen meridian systems. Postnatal qi gradually diminishes with aging.

​

Navel acupuncture, however, rapidly activates prenatal qi, using this deeper, more fundamental energy to directly impact disease and restore yin–yang balance.

​

Prenatal qi has remained dormant in the navel region since birth and accompanies a person throughout their entire life until its end. In most people, this layer of energy is never truly activated, which represents a significant untapped potential.

The greatest refinement of navel acupuncture lies precisely in its ability to activate this prenatal qi. As a result, in clinical practice it often demonstrates faster onset of effect, more stable outcomes, and a higher level of safety.

​

2. What Conditions Can It Treat? How Effective Is It?

​

Most people associate acupuncture primarily with musculoskeletal pain and a limited range of common indications. However, based on more than twenty years of clinical application, navel acupuncture has demonstrated a treatment scope that includes nearly all pain conditions, emotional and psychological disorders, and the majority of internal medicine conditions.

​

Notably, in certain conditions considered difficult by both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine—such as cancer, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and some complex eye disorders—navel acupuncture has shown particularly strong results in clinical regulation and supportive care.

​

During my years of study and clinical practice, I have systematically learned and applied nearly all major acupuncture schools currently in use. After long-term comparison and repeated validation, I decided at the end of 2022 to focus my clinical practice entirely on navel acupuncture.

​

Over the past three years, except for a very small number of special cases where navel acupuncture could not be applied due to specific conditions, all of my treatments have been based primarily on navel acupuncture, and this will remain my long-term focus.

​

During these three years of continuous practice and reflection, my clinical work has covered nearly all common pain conditions, emotional and psychological disorders, and internal medicine problems. I have also gradually accumulated my own successful clinical experience in cancer treatment and supportive care, as well as in various difficult and complex conditions (specific conditions are listed in the Conditions section).

In actual treatment, I have consistently observed that regardless of the patient’s primary complaint, improvements usually occur on three levels:

​

1. Reduction or elimination of symptoms

2. Relief and release of mental and emotional stress

3. Improvement in physical strength and overall energy levels

For this reason, in every treatment I fully utilize the strengths of navel acupuncture to support life force on multiple levels, activating the body’s innate self-healing capacity. This has gradually formed my personal clinical characteristic:
a treatment approach centered on navel acupuncture and guided by holistic life medicine.

​

3. Is Navel Acupuncture Safe? Are There Any Side Effects?

​

In classical Chinese medicine, the Shenque point (navel) was traditionally considered suitable only for moxibustion, not needling. Since the establishment of the navel acupuncture system by Mr. Qi Yong, this restriction has been re-examined, and strict safety standards for needle selection and operational protocols have been established.

​

Based on over twenty years of global clinical practice, there have been no reported medical accidents caused by navel acupuncture.

​

In theory, any needling technique may carry a risk of fainting or needle retention. However, to date, no such cases have been reported in navel acupuncture practice.

​

In rare cases involving acute or severe conditions that require stronger stimulation, patients may experience temporary dizziness, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. These reactions usually resolve spontaneously within a short period.

​

In my own clinical practice, I strictly follow all safety regulations set by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA), and adhere closely to standardized navel acupuncture protocols. I have not encountered any medical accidents or disputes.

​

During treatment, I avoid unnecessary stimulation and use gentle, controlled techniques. As a result, I have not observed adverse effects related to navel acupuncture. On the contrary, because navel acupuncture simultaneously activates both prenatal and postnatal qi through the Shenque point, many patients experience additional benefits such as improved digestion, deep relaxation, and increased vitality.

​

4. Does It Hurt? How Many Needles Are Used?

​

Fear of pain is one of the main reasons many people hesitate to try acupuncture, and it is also a major barrier to wider acceptance of needle-based therapies.

​

One of the key reasons I chose to focus on navel acupuncture—beyond its clinical effectiveness—is that it involves fewer needles and significantly less pain.

​

In most treatments, the number of needles used around the navel does not exceed five. For many pain-related conditions, one to three needles are sufficient to produce noticeable improvement.

​

Compared with traditional body acupuncture, navel acupuncture produces much milder sensations. The abdominal area consists mainly of muscle and adipose tissue, offering high safety and gentle stimulation. Most patients tolerate it very well, and many report barely noticing when the needle is inserted.

​

In rare cases, when a needle contacts a highly reactive point closely related to the condition, a brief sharp sensation may occur. This usually indicates rapid release of pathological factors and is often associated with more pronounced clinical effects.

​

There are a very small number of individuals who are extremely sensitive to needle pain or experience high levels of anxiety. Such patients may not be suitable for needle-based treatment. In my three years of navel acupuncture practice, fewer than five patients have discontinued treatment due to fear of pain—a very low proportion.

​

I am also exploring non-needle stimulation methods for the navel area to support patients who cannot tolerate needling, with the intention of introducing these approaches when conditions are appropriate.

​

5. What Is the Treatment Process Like?

​​

Below is my general treatment process. Each patient’s plan is individualized based on their specific condition:

​

Assessment

Based on the patient’s main concerns, combined with Yi Medicine and TCM pattern differentiation, diagnosis is formed through inquiry, tongue examination, pulse diagnosis, navel examination, and palpation.

​

Treatment

The patient lies comfortably in a supine position, with only the navel and part of the abdomen exposed. Strict disinfection protocols are followed, and single-use sterile needles are used. Treatment is supported by warming measures, a TDP heat lamp, and calming music, allowing the patient to remain relaxed and at ease.

Needle Retention

Needles are retained for approximately 15–40 minutes, depending on the condition. More complex cases may require longer retention.

 

Documentation and Aftercare

Each session is carefully documented, and post-treatment recommendations and precautions are provided to consolidate therapeutic effects.

​

Treatment Course Reference

• Acute conditions: noticeable improvement usually within 1–3 sessions

• Chronic conditions: treated in structured courses (typically 5 sessions per course)

• Cancer and complex chronic conditions: require higher treatment frequency and long-term supportive care

 

In general, regardless of the condition, if a patient shows no improvement after three treatments, I will recommend seeking a more suitable therapy rather than continuing to expend the patient’s time, energy, and financial resources.

​

6. Who Is Not Suitable? Any Precautions?

​

Navel acupuncture is generally not suitable for the following individuals:

• Pregnant women

• Children under 14 years old (except in special circumstances)

• Individuals uncomfortable with exposure or touch of the navel area

• Those extremely sensitive to needle pain

• Patients in critical or terminal condition

​

Navel acupuncture is usually not appropriate under the following conditions:

• After alcohol consumption

• When extremely full or fasting

• During pregnancy

• During menstruation (except for gynecological conditions)

• Severe bleeding, shock, or organ failure

• Acute stroke or acute cerebral edema

• Acute diarrhea or acute infectious diseases

• Fractures, burns, scalds, or bleeding disorders

​

If you have further questions or concerns, please consult James .