The Luo-connecting channels (reticulares, luomai) are responsible for the supply of energy to the body’s various connective tissues. Connective tissues are closely associated with the autonomous nervous system and, consequently, with all forms of emotional stress. They have a major role to play in the psychosomatic processing and retention of traumata but also in general of emotionally triggered (physical) behaviours which are of major significance to our mental condition, to our self-esteem and to the development of fears and depressions.
Acupuncture treatment of the Luo-connecting channels (reticulares, luomai) has a clear influence on the patient’s mental condition, alleviates complaints, supports psychotherapeutic developments and helps to change persistent (psycho)somatic attitudes and the patient’s understanding of him/herself.
In the first part of this article (in Chinesische Medizin 4/2018, pp. 197–204), the author looked at the understanding of the Luo-connecting channels (reticulares, luomai) which is conveyed in the classic literature of Chinese medicine and the way in which this could be reconciled with current concepts: on the basis of the concepts of energy, the author explained why all body tissues, not least fascia and connective tissue, assumed an important role in the development and treatment of mental and psychosomatic disorders. Here connections were seen with the neuroscientific understanding of feelings and of the self with reference to examples provided by Antonio Damasio.
In the second part of this article the author extends this idea and gives a psychosomatic-emotional perspective on the Luo-connecting channels (reticulares, luomai), and presents a detailed explanation of the practical possibilities available for using the Luo-connecting channels (reticulares, luomai) in the acupuncture treatment of mental disorders.