Singing Dragon UK, 2020
Co-authors Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, LAc, MS, MM, and MichelAngelo, MFA
Introduction
“Together, (these) two modalities balance Yin and Yang, both calm and stimulate, and simultaneously ground and lift up the Qi. This permits the integration of Water/Fire polarities within the body, allowing for a flow of Shen spirit in physical form and contributing to the manifestation one’s particular destiny.”[1]
While there are many books on vibrational healing available to healthcare practitioners, Vibrational Acupuncture is comparatively unique in its synergies, not only of the modalities themselves, but also its content, a creative melding of history, philosophy, music theory, social commentary, personal anecdote, plus a soupçon of astrology. There is a wealth of eminently practical applications for both acupuncturists and non-acupuncturists alike, and potentially interested laypersons who may wish to use the tuning fork protocols for self-care.
The innovative, non-invasive treatment protocols included in our book features the use of precision calibrated Acutonics®Ohm tuning forks, by themselves, or in synergy with acupuncture needling, on the points and meridians of the face and body. Demonstrating by example, that the vibrational effect of sound resonance engendered by the tuning forks is enhanced by the body’s skeletal structure and its watery consistency. Consequently, the vibrational Qi of tuning forks is readily transmitted to the entire body through engagement with the Water element, and its key meridian, that of the Kidney. This encourages the healing frequencies to penetrate the most profound level of essence – the Jing. This dynamic synergy of sound and acupuncture, employed in a treatment, results in a relaxing, clinically effective healing regimen that boosts the immune system, relaxes fear, and prevents disease. Tuning forks are also useful in the treatment of sensitive, needle-phobic patients, as well as those suffering from PTSD.
Vibrational Healing
The use of healing sound, whether embodied in tuning forks, the human voice, chanting, keening, Tibetan or crystal bowls, tingshas, bells, etc., can help to ground, open and calm negative emotional states, connecting us to a wave of good will and peace. Healing vibration also connect us with the rhythms and pulses of the natural world, and fosters the development of a vibratory “relationship” between practitioner and patient that can be profoundly transformative:
“In a healing context, exposure of a patient to the appropriate resonance precipitates a process of energetic alignment or entrainment, during which the practitioner enters into a profound rapport with the patient. This energetic vibrational framework invokes a powerful state of compassionate engagement.”[2]
The Content of our Book
The nine chapters of Vibrational Acupuncture progressively outline our philosophy and present unique treatment protocols for health care professionals, acupuncturists, and interested lay persons. We have also included suggestions for self-treatment:
The Introduction to our book explores the vibration and nature of sound, linkages between healing sound and sacred geometry as well as theories and practice of music in ancient China.
Chapter 1: A History and Overview of Quantum Music Theory™provides useful and necessary information concerning the musical component of healing sound treatments, including Pythagorean number theory, the world of number and musical tones, the archetypal significance and healing applications of musical intervals and overtones, and the conversion of planetary movement into sound. Relevant anecdotes are included to illustrate this material. The planetary myth, archetype, and symbolism of the Acutonics® Ohm/Earth tuning forks, used in Vibrational Acupuncture™ treatments, is introduced.
Chapter 2: Practical Discernment: Tuning Forks and/or Needles? examines the practical discernment between Tuning Forks and/or Needles, with specific Vibrational Acupuncture™ treatments. We explore the benefits and contraindications for acupuncture and tuning fork usage; Discernment, knowledge, and awareness of when to integrate these two modalities; Supplies, treatment length and timeline, etc.
Chapter 3: The Eight Extraordinary Meridians and Our Genetic Imprint offers an exploration of prenatal Qi and the Jing level of treatment. This chapter presents protocols that take into account the integration of tuning forks with acupuncture needles on these meridians.
Chapter 4: The Anti-Exhaustion Treatments: Anchoring the Ying explores anti-exhaustion treatments, suggestions to anchor the Ying as well as discussion of postnatal Qi, and lifestyle choices — a person’s diet, exercise regimen, thoughts and emotions, etc. Treatments for this level target the root cause of physical and psychospiritual fatigue, i.e., noise and air pollution. Source Luo points for treating anxiety, anger, sadness, depression, and other imbalances are introduced.
Chapter 5: Harmonizing the Wei examines motor and trigger points and how and when they are used to harmonize the Wei Qi. Treatments using trigger/motor point protocols for specific syndromes, i.e., temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) are included along with Palpation techniques and discernment of which modality is appropriate.
Chapter 6: Facial Acu-Sound Protocols includes specific treatment protocols including. 1. A basic facial balancing treatment using two Acutonics® Ohm tuning forks in tandem on the face. 2. Troubleshooting: “Turkey Wattles”. The platysma muscle, an imbalance of which is associated with the appearance of a saggy, drooping neck, is treated using motor points, either with needles, tuning forks, or a synergy of both modalities. Photos and diagrams will illustrate each step of the process.
Chapter 7: Vibrational Hara, Vibrational Hara Palpation and Treatment explores the Five Element Japanese hara, or abdominal treatment that has been used for centuries to maintain health and well-being. Palpation techniques and discernment concerning which treatment to employ, are discussed in depth. Additionally, the reader is provided with an overview of the Five Elements, as they pertain to sound, receptivity, and listening.
Chapter 8: Solo Sound Therapy Treatments is written with an “ear” to the treatment of super-sensitive, needle-phobic patients, and also for non-acupuncturists who may wish to take advantage of these non-needle protocols. All the acu-sound treatments in this book are very effective when performed with tuning forks alone. Three specialized treatments are explored including a Grounding Protocol, the Sacred Mudra Meditation: Lacing the Three Jiaos, and a Corpus Callosum Vibrational Treatment, for balancing the twin hemispheres of the brain.
Chapter 9: Vibrational Topical and Internal Treatments offers a complete topical protocol using natural and organic products to enhance the efficacy of the treatments exploring elixirs, gems and oils and other products.
Chapter 10: Provides a personal perspective from the authors with guidelines and recommendations that are drawn from our years of personal and professional experience.
“The information and treatment protocols in this book are the product of many years of teaching and experimentation with a wide range of approaches; we want to encourage you in your exploration of this exciting new aspect of your practice, Vibrational Acupuncture.”[3]
The following provides an overview of what we’ve included by chapter in this new work.
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, LAc, MS, MM
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, the internationally recognized author of the acclaimed book, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture (Elsevier UK, 2014), is an acclaimed teacher, an acupuncturist, an herbalist, Acutonics® and Zen Shiatsu practitioner, cranio-sacral therapist and a professional opera singer. Acknowledged to be a leading international authority on facial acupuncture, with 30+ years of clinical professional experience as a healing practitioner, she has personally trained close to 6,000 healthcare practitioners from five continents in her treatment protocols.
She and her life and teaching partner, MichelAngelo, recently published a new book, Vibrational Acupuncture: Integrating Tuning Forks with Needles (Singing Dragon UK, 2020), rated 5 stars on Amazon. Mary Elizabeth maintains a private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in New York City. www.facialacupuncture-wakefieldtechnique.com; chi.akra@gmail.com
MichelAngelo, MFA, CTM
An opera singer, classical composer, pianist, medical astrologer, healer, diviner and writer, MichelAngelo served as Advisor, Astrological Medicine & Musical Studies to Acutonics® Institute of Integral Medicine, LLC, and is a co-author of the textbook, From Galaxies to Cells: Planetary Science, Harmony and Medicine (Devachan, 2010). He has written several articles on medical astrology for Oriental Medicine Journal.
Other articles have appeared in Dell Horoscope and Infinity Astrological Magazine. In 2019, MichelAngelo self-published two books of original essays, Random Ramblings of an Astrological Autodidact, and Miscellaneous Maunderings about the Starry Sky, both rated 5-star, and available on Amazon; the former has received a very favorable review from The Mountain Astrologer. www.michelangelo-medicalastrology.us; planetaryvibrationalmedicine@gmail.com
[1] Wakefield, Mary Elizabeth, and MichelAngelo, Vibrational Acupuncture: Integrating Tuning Forks with Needles, Singing Dragon, London, UK, 2020, p. 74.
[2] Wakefield, M E, and MichelAngelo, op. cit., p. 74.
[3] Wakefield, M. E. and MichelAngelo, op. cit., p. 254.