Introduction to Shigo: Midnight-Midday Acupuncture Therapy
Shigo Acupuncture: Harmonising Qi through Time and Meridian Balance
Introduction to Shigo: Midnight-Midday Acupuncture Therapy
Exploring the Rhythms of Qi and Time in Clinical Practice
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CEU/CPD/PDA
Taking this course you will learn to
- Explain the principles of the Chinese Organ Clock and identify the two-hour qi peak times of each organ.
- Apply the concept of opposite meridians to design treatments following the Shigo (Midnight–Midday) system.
- Use direct and inverted imaging correspondences to balance regions of the body.
- Integrate Back-Shu and Front-Mu points, jing–luo palpation, and moxibustion in the Shigo framework.
- Recognise emotional patterns associated with organ systems and address them through time-based acupuncture.
Course Overview
Shigo (子午) acupuncture—also known as Midnight–Midday therapy—is a time-based approach originating from Chinese cosmology and refined through Japanese Meridian Therapy. This system recognises that qi (vital energy) circulates through the twelve primary channels in a precise 24-hour rhythm, as mapped in the Chinese Organ Clock (Zangfu shízhōng). Each organ reaches its energetic peak during a two-hour interval, offering a unique therapeutic window to regulate both physical and emotional functions.
Balancing the Channel Pairs and Emotional Patterns
At its core, Shigo treatment pairs opposite meridians—those active twelve hours apart—to harmonise excess and deficiency across the circadian flow. By selecting points on the opposing meridian, often on the opposite limb, practitioners can redirect qi from areas of strength to weakness. This method not only eases musculoskeletal pain but also influences the shen (spirit) through the organ–emotion correspondences: worry in the spleen, grief in the lung, fear in the kidney, and so forth.
Techniques and Clinical Integration
The Shigo approach is pragmatic and efficient. Diagnosis begins with detailed observation and palpation to locate the most reactive subo (active point). Treatment may include light needling, non-insertive contact needling (teishin), bloodletting (sanshin), or moxibustion methods such as okyū (thread), chinetsukyū (cone), or ibuki kyū (stick-on). Practitioners assess texture, temperature, and vascular signs to determine the suitable technique. Integration with Dr. Tan’s Balance Method and imaging correspondences (direct and inverted) further refines clinical precision.
Bridging Classical Wisdom and Modern Application
Shigo offers a unifying framework that connects classical theory—the dynamics of yin–yang, qi–xue, and the Twelve Channels—with modern clinical insight into circadian regulation, autonomic balance, and psycho-emotional health. This course introduces practitioners to the practical tools and diagnostic clarity needed to incorporate Shigo principles confidently in contemporary practice.
This course is approved for CEUs by:
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NCCAOM PDA Course Participant Attestation
By registering for this course, I agree to abide by the NCCAOM PDA Course Participant Attestation.
I understand that the information in this course presented by the Provider and/or Instructor(s) is for educational purposes only and should only be applied with appropriate clinical judgment and used by a trained and licensed
practitioner. Governmental laws and regulations vary from region to region and the contents of this course vary in permissible usage. The participant is required to check their local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the practice requirements and scope of practice issues and the use of the information of this course including, but not limited to, theory, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. I acknowledge that NCCAOM does not endorse any specific treatment regimens of any kind. Furthermore, if I use any modalities or treatments taught in this course, I agree to waive, release, indemnify, discharge, and covenant not to sue NCCAOM from and against any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of any injury, loss, or damage that a person may sustain related to the use of the information in this course. I understand that this Release is governed by the laws of District of Columbia, U.S.A. and shall survive the termination or expiration of this course.
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Course Content
About the Teacher
Course Includes
- 1:15 Hours Course Duration
- Course Certificate
- Course Credits
AACMA1.25 CPD's 
AGTCMCertificate 
ACUPUNCTURE NZCertificate 
NZASACertificate
