What is Xing Nao Kai Qiao?

Xing Nao Kai Qiao (醒脑开窍), which translates as “Awaken the Brain and Open the Orifices,” is a specialized acupuncture method developed by Academician Dr. Shi Xuemin, one of China’s most distinguished acupuncturists. This approach was designed to treat stroke and related neurological conditions and has since become one of the most widely recognized acupuncture protocols in modern clinical practice.

Origins and Region
Xing Nao Kai Qiao was developed in Tianjin, China, where Dr. Shi led the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The city became a hub of innovation for stroke rehabilitation and neuro-acupuncture research. During a time when treatment options for stroke were limited, Dr. Shi’s method brought new hope by focusing on restoring consciousness, improving circulation, and promoting recovery through targeted acupuncture.

Core Methods
The method combines principles from classical acupuncture with new clinical strategies. It emphasizes:

-Key acupoints on the head and limbs that directly stimulate the brain and nervous system.
– Precise needling techniques designed not only to regulate qi and blood, but also to influence neurovascular and neurochemical functions.

Unlike many traditional protocols, Xing Nao Kai Qiao was built on both classical theory and systematic clinical observation of thousands of patients, making it a bridge between ancient TCM principles and modern medical science.

Modern Applications
While originally designed for stroke, modern practitioners have found that Xing Nao Kai Qiao is effective for a wide range of neurological and brain-related conditions. These include:

– Post-stroke recovery
– Movement and speech disorders
– ADHD and learning difficulties
– Depression and anxiety
– Sleep disorders
– Stress-related conditions
– Infertility linked to neuro-endocrine imbalance

In recent years, the method has also been integrated with scalp acupuncture through-needling techniques, providing what modern researchers describe as “bidirectional regulation.” This means the treatment can calm the Shen (mind) while simultaneously awakening and activating brain function, an effect particularly valuable for complex, overlapping conditions.

Eastern Medicine Center: Carrying the Legacy Forward
At the Eastern Medicine Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, we are proud to carry forward this extraordinary tradition. From 2009 to 2019, we hosted annual seminars where practitioners from across the United States came to learn Xing Nao Kai Qiao directly from its source. Each year, Dr. Shi Xuemin himself traveled to the U.S., and together we organized teaching sessions, live demonstrations, and nationwide tours.

After a pause, we resumed our seminars in 2023, ensuring that more acupuncture practitioners have the opportunity to understand and master this method. Today, we continue to teach Xing Nao Kai Qiao not only as a technique for stroke treatment but as a comprehensive approach to neurological health and integrative medicine.

Personally Taught by Dr. Jing Liu
As the founder of Eastern Medicine Center, I, Dr. Jing Liu, have been honored to learn directly under Academician Shi Xuemin and to bring his legacy to the West. Our seminars are not simply lectures; they are hands-on trainings where I personally teach practitioners the precise techniques of Xing Nao Kai Qiao acupuncture.

This direct transmission ensures that every participant not only understands the theory but also develops the confidence and skill to bring these methods into their own clinical practice. By learning in this way, practitioners gain a strong foundation they can continue to build upon, benefitting countless patients in recovery and long-term health.

Looking Ahead
The future of Xing Nao Kai Qiao lies in integration:
– Integration of classical TCM theory with modern neurophysiology
– Integration of acupuncture with herbal medicine validated by pharmacological research
– Integration of traditional knowledge with global clinical practice

At Eastern Medicine Center, we remain committed to advancing this vision. Our mission is not only to treat but also to teach, share, and pass on this knowledge so that the healing potential of Xing Nao Kai Qiao can reach more communities around the world.