The book, "Yin-Yang and the Inner Phases: Understanding the Five Phases of Acupuncture in Theory and Clinical Practice," is finally ready for publication and is now available for purchase.

"The Inner Phases" builds on the systematization developed in "The Five Phases of Acupuncture in the Classical Texts" and extends these principles further into treatment approaches.  In "The Classical Texts," from 35-50 different psycho-emotional categories for each of the Five Phases were documented from the classics, described in etymological detail, and explained in modern day language.  In "The Inner Phases," Dennis shows how these attributes work together to define psycho-spiritual harmony and how this disharmony develops.  Each of the Five Phases has the Five Phases within it to reveal an even much greater subtlety of expression.  For example, Wood within Fire, Fire within Fire, Soil within Fire, Metal within Fire, and Water within Fire.  Each of these subcategories show how the basic paradigm of the Five Phases develops into more subtle and more personal expressions that reveal any given person's temperament.

More importantly, these "Inner Phases" have direct application to acupuncture for treatment through the Command Points on the arms and legs.  Not only do these points give direct access from diagnosis to treatment, this level of treatment also creates an immediate improvement on the radial pulse patterns used in acupuncture.  This method also creates the all-important link between the body and the mind, which through this protocol can be done with precision.

Comprehensive acupuncture treatment consists of two different levels: the Root and the Branch.  Root treatment is based upon the Five Phases and uses the Inner Phases to make adjustments to the person's fundamental imbalance.  Often, these simple one to four needle treatments are enough to balance the pulse and create the desired change on the symptomatic, preventive, and fulfillment levels.  Treating people with the Inner Phases is really a joy because it totally affirms the beauty and truth of the original acupuncture principles.  Branch treatment involves an additional theoretical construct and a different choice of points and is used to supplement Root treatment.  The topic of Branch Treatment will be discussed in another volume.

In this book, Dennis explores how these ideas were first presented in the Classics and then how they have been used and developed in Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and European traditions.  The idea is to grasp the principles used by all these great traditions and systematize them into an inclusive approach that honors and transcends these traditions and then frees the practitioner to relate more directly to the patient.  

Part I of this book provides the translations of all material on the Five Phases from the Chinese Medical Classics (primarily the Suwen and Lingshu) in a systematic order beginning with the Direction as the fundamental starting point and continuing with a Yin-Yang division into Heaven, Earth, and Man that represents the cosmological, physiological, and psycho-emotional correspondence for each Phase.  The translations are not presented in the random order in which they appear in the classics but in the strict Yin-Yang order described above.  This order is more suitable for developing the material along the practical lines necessary for clinical practice.  They also provide the basis for interpreting the Inner Phases (Phases within Phases) that is the foundation for healing on the Root Level.  Commentaries are also provided for each of these sections so the translations can be thoroughly and more easily understood.  This material is based upon the author’s initial work on the Five Phases, The Five Phases of Acupuncture in the Classical Texts, which presents this same material in a more comprehensive but less systematic way.  

In addition, psycho-emotional material relating to the Emotions, Spirits, VIRTUE/EMPOWERMENTS, and the Officials of each Phase are presented in the same simple but complete and systematic fashion.  Finally, all of the psycho-emotional material is organized according to the Yin and Yang imbalances of each Phase along with the overall challenges and solutions to lie each Phase presents.  This material then becomes the foundation for Part II.

Part II takes the Yin, Yang, and Balance aspects of these translations and combines them so it is easy to see how these configurations might appear in both Excess and Deficient situations.  In addition, the interplay of each configuration is further interpreted according to its interaction with the Official functions of the Solid and Hollow Organs of the primary Phase in question.  To show how these interpretations fit classical understanding, the symbols of the pointnames for each configuration is also explained.  These interpretations show that the different parts of acupuncture theory fit together easily whether or not the old masters were thinking in terms of the Inner Phases.  Such a close fit demonstrates the applicability of Yin-Yang acupuncture principles in a way that transcends any particular tradition or whether it is classical or modern.  In a final demonstration of how well these principles really do complement one another, the pointname symbols are compared and contrasted with modern TCM function to show how their commonality finds expression in different focuses that bring out the value of different types of diversity within the unified whole.

Part III analyzes each Inner Phase configuration in terms of the different kinds of One Needle, Two Needle, and Four Needle Techniques it can be used with in treatment.  These techniques form the basis of Root Level Treatment.  Psycho-emotional interpretations of each configuration are given followed by a detailed interpretation of various physiological treatments that use the particular Inner Phase point being discussed.  These treatments come from rare and out of print Korean and pre-TCM sources and are remarkable for their sophistication and power.  These interpretations go into considerable detail to explain the Five Phase connection, the energetics of all seventy-one meridians, the functions, and the relevant pointnames of each point used in the formula to reach an intelligent understanding of how these formulas are put together.  
Furthermore, each formula is interpreted according to four hierarchies of point action: The Emperor Point, which targets the Root Level of treatment; the Minister Point, which reinforces the actions of the Emperor Point as well as takes all co-existing patterns or disease into consideration; the Assistant Point, which treats minor aspects of the disorder or enhances areas not fully covered by the Emperor or Minister; and the Messenger Point, which takes the formula into the area of the Body/Mind/Spirit that is most needed.  These four hierarchies of points form the basis upon which Root and Branch treatment can be successfully built.  This section is a tour de force of acupuncture energetics and elevates the current standard for building point formulas to a world class level.  

Part IV goes over the different types of Four Needle Techniques for the Tonification, Dispersion, Heating, and Cooling of each Phase.  Both psycho-emotional and physiological interpretations of how each of these treatments work are given.  The physiological interpretation Korean Disease Categories and TCM Organ Patterns for both the Yin and Yang Organs associated with each Phase.

565 pages.

Here is what some significant authorities on the subject had to say about this book:

“Yin-Yang and the Inner Phases is the best book I have ever read on clinical application of the Yin-Yang and the Five Phase Principles in acupuncture.  Especially, Chapter III: “Inner-Phase Relationship” is the most extensive extrapolation and application of the Five Phase Principles ever published in English.  It makes the whole system come to life in a dynamic manner.  Dennis’ comprehensive discussion on the Four Needle Technique and Advanced Four Needle Technique is priceless.  I highly recommend the book to all acupuncturists who sincerely desire to study the very effective and fundamental techniques in Chinese, Korean and Japanese acupuncture.”
—Miki Shima, OMD, L.Ac., linguist, board member of the California Acupuncture Examining Committee for seven years, President of the California Acupuncture Association, recipient of “Life-Time Achievement Award” from the AAAOM in 2004, author of Medical I Ching; Channel Divergences―Deeper Pathways of the Web; and An Exposition on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.

“Dennis Willmont’s scholarly enterprise has truly gifted the world with new and important resources for learning Chinese Medicine.  Students who had been limited to English language texts with tiny little quotes from original source text material can now walk along a fully illuminated trail that Dennis continues to blaze.  The volume and depth of information is truly stunning.  He parses out and deciphers each detail of his explanations with such precision that it actually unfolds with remarkable ease!  In addition, most acupuncturists will enjoy using it as an organized reference for the specific treatment strategies described at the end of the book.”
—Cindy Banker, MA, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM); AOBTA®-Certified Instructor in Five Element Shiatsu

“As someone who has studied and taught Five Phase Acupuncture for more than twenty years, I can say that Dennis Willmont’s new book on the Inner Phases has presented a substantial amount of material that I was not previously aware of before.  This material will be useful in explaining where the emotions mentioned for specific Phases come from, as the students always want to know, especially in the greater detail that Dennis provides.  More than just a straightforward read, this book has provided the framework for much deeper and more complete study of Five Phase Acupuncture than has been available to date.  It deserves to reach as wide an audience as possible.”
—Joseph A. Kay, L.Ac, Co Chair of Japanese Acupuncture Studies Department at the New England School of Acupuncture

“Dennis’ manuscript is quite an achievement.  His theoretical interpretations of the Five Phases are particularly insightful and reach a new level of understanding while avoiding all of the common misinterpretations.  The explanations of Chinese translations and their clinical meaning are clear and practical.”
—Dan Kenner, Ph.D., L.Ac., author, member of the Board of Governors of the National Health Federation, integrative medical clinic consultant in Germany and the Netherlands, world-wide lecturer

“My original studies in the 1970s were with JR Worsley, the originator of the Five Element School of acupuncture in the West.  Coming from that tradition, I can especially appreciate the extraordinary depth, clarity, and unity that this book brings to the core foundation of Oriental healing.  The combination of theory, philosophy, etymology, diagnosis and treatment protocols sets this book apart from all others.  As academic dean of a TCM school from 2000-2003, I can say that this book could easily provide beginning students with a solid grounding in the Five Phases, serve as a valuable textbook for doctorate students, and inspire any acupuncturist’s ongoing study and practice.  Every page is abundant in ideas and information that have added to my personal understanding as a teacher and as a practitioner.  I am confident that this book will contribute profoundly to the literature of Oriental medicine.”
—Michael Rossoff, L.Ac.; Past Academic Dean of Atlantic University of Chinese Medicine, Asheville, North Carolina

"The Inner Phases" builds on the systematization developed in "The Five Phases of Acupuncture in the Classical Texts" and extends these principles further into treatment approaches. In "The Classical Texts," from 35-55 different psycho-emotional categories for each of the Five Phases were documented from the classics, described in etymological detail, and explained in modern day language. In "The Inner Phases," Dennis shows how these attributes work together to define psycho-spiritual harmony and how this disharmony develops. Each of the Five Phases embodies the Five Phases within it to reveal an even much greater subtlety of expression. For example, Wood within Fire, Fire within Fire, Soil within Fire, Metal within Fire, and Water within Fire. Each of these subcategories shows how the basic paradigm of the Five Phases develops into more subtle and more personal expressions that reveal any given person's temperament.

More importantly, these "Inner Phases" have direct application to acupuncture for treatment through the Command Points on the arms and legs. Not only do these points give direct access from diagnosis to treatment, this level of treatment also creates an immediate improvement on the radial pulse patterns used in acupuncture. This method also creates the all-important link between the body and the mind, which through this protocol can be done with precision.

Comprehensive acupuncture treatment consists of two different levels: the Root and the Branch. Root treatment is based upon the Five Phases and uses the Inner Phases to make adjustments to the person's fundamental imbalance. Often, these simple one to four needle treatments are enough to balance the pulse and create the desired change on the symptomatic, preventive, and fulfillment levels. Treating people with the Inner Phases is really a joy because it totally affirms the beauty and truth of the original acupuncture principles. Branch treatment involves an additional theoretical construct and a different choice of points and is used to supplement Root treatment. The topic of Branch Treatment will be discussed in another volume.

In this book, Dennis explores how these ideas were first presented in the Classics and then how they have been used and developed in Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and European traditions. The idea is to grasp the principles used by all these great traditions and systematize them into an inclusive approach that honors and transcends these traditions to free the practitioner’s ability to relate more directly to the patient.

Part I of this book provides the translations of all material on the Five Phases from the Chinese Medical Classics (primarily the Suwen and Lingshu) in a systematic order beginning with the Direction as the fundamental starting point and continuing with a Yin-Yang division into Heaven, Earth, and Man that represents the cosmological, physiological, and psycho-emotional correspondence for each Phase. The translations are not presented in the random order in which they appear in the classics but in the strict Yin-Yang order described above. This order is more suitable for developing the material along the practical lines necessary for clinical practice. They also provide the basis for interpreting the Inner Phases (Phases within Phases) that is the foundation for healing on the Root Level. Commentaries are also provided for each of these sections so the translations can be thoroughly and more easily understood. This material is based upon the author’s initial work on the Five Phases, “The Five Phases of Acupuncture in the Classical Texts,” which presents this same material in a more comprehensive but less systematic way.

In addition, psycho-emotional material relating to the EMOTIONS, SPIRITS, VIRTUE/EMPOWERMENTS, and the Officials of each Phase are presented in the same simple but complete and systematic fashion. Finally, all of the psycho-emotional material is organized according to the Yin and Yang imbalances of each Phase along with the overall challenges and solutions that each Phase presents. This material then becomes the foundation for Part II.

Part II takes the Yin, Yang, and Balance aspects of these translations and combines them so it is easy to see how these configurations might appear in both Excess and Deficient situations. In addition, the interplay of each configuration is further interpreted according to its interaction with the Official functions of the Solid and Hollow Organs of the Primary Phase in question. To show how these interpretations fit classical understanding, the symbols of the pointnames for each configuration is also explained. These interpretations show that the different parts of acupuncture theory fit together easily whether or not the old masters were thinking in terms of the Inner Phases. Such a close fit demonstrates the applicability of Yin-Yang acupuncture principles in a way that transcends any particular tradition or whether it is classical or modern. In a final demonstration of how well these principles really do complement one another, the pointname symbols are compared and contrasted with modern TCM function to show how their commonality finds expression in different focuses that bring out the value of different types of diversity within the unified whole.

Part III analyzes each Inner Phase configuration in terms of the different kinds of One Needle, Two Needle, and Four Needle Techniques it can be used with in treatment. These techniques form the basis of Root Level Treatment. Psycho-emotional interpretations of each configuration are given followed by a detailed interpretation of various physiological treatments that use the particular Inner Phase point being discussed. These treatments come from rare and out of print Korean and pre-TCM sources and are remarkable for their sophistication and power. These interpretations go into considerable detail to explain the Five Phase connection, the energetics of all seventy-one meridians, the functions, and the relevant pointnames of each point used in the formula to reach an intelligent understanding of how these formulas are put together.

Furthermore, each formula is interpreted according to four hierarchies of point action: The Emperor Point, which targets the Root Level of treatment; the Minister Point, which reinforces the actions of the Emperor Point as well as takes all co-existing patterns or disease into consideration; the Assistant Point, which treats minor aspects of the disorder or enhances areas not fully covered by the Emperor or Minister; and the Messenger Point, which takes the formula into the area of the Body/Mind/Spirit that is most needed. These four hierarchies of points form the basis upon which Root and Branch treatment can be successfully built. This section is a tour de force of acupuncture energetics and elevates the current standard for building point formulas to a world class level.

Part IV goes over the different types of Four Needle Techniques for the Tonification, Dispersion, Heating, and Cooling of each Phase. Both psycho-emotional and physiological interpretations are given for how each of these treatments work. The physiological interpretation includes Disease Categories for both the Yin and Yang Organs associated with each Phase as well as their relation to the TCM Organ Patterns.

Part V covers Advanced Four Needle Technique based upon some of the ancient formulas of the Korean Buddhist Sa-am. These include how to Abbreviate, Substitute, Invert, Multiply, and Combine the Standard formulas to create an even deeper subtlety for more complex clinical needs.

538 pages to date.