The Divergent Channels
A two-day workshop exploring the system the classics describe as the “Major Channels” — the mechanism through which the body stores pathology safely, and through which we can begin to reverse chronic degenerative disease.
entry via Waller St
What you’ll learn
The Divergent Channels offer a lens for understanding pathology that primary channels alone cannot provide. When a pathogen cannot be expelled — or when an emotional–thought–belief continues to generate a Wei Qi response — the body faces a choice. Having that pathogen locked in with Wei Qi in the primary channels will, over time, threaten the organs themselves. The Divergents offer another strategy.
By communicating from the Wei Qi level down into the Yuan Qi realm, the Divergents allow the body to manage the situation differently — parking heat within the body’s fluids across the six confluences. Joints, spine, brain, blood, sense organs, hormones — each confluence has its own medium for holding pathology in latency, sometimes never to surface again within a person’s natural lifespan.
Until the Divergent channel fails. And that is when we begin to see symptoms: arthritis, lumbar pain, dizziness, sinusitis, fibrocystic breasts, nodules, chest pain, chronic inflammatory conditions. Much of the complex pathology we encounter in clinic today can be understood — and treated — through this lens.
- The six Divergent confluences and their clinical reasoning
- How pathogenic heat is stored within the body’s fluids
- Recognising which confluence is involved in a patient’s presentation
- Trajectory signs and latency patterns
- Divergent pulse taking
- Dietary recommendations that support this work
- Live patient demonstrations with the instructor
- Supervised hands-on practice — using the Divergents in your own hands and body
By the end of the weekend you will not only understand the framework — you will have experienced it, and be ready to begin using this work with your patients.
Weekend structure
- Detailed exploration of the six Divergent confluences
- Clinical reasoning and application
- Fluids and latency areas for each confluence
- Wei Qi and trajectory signs
- Divergent pulse taking
- Dietary recommendations
- Afternoon: live patient demonstrations
- Further live clinical observation
- Supervised peer practice — experience building mediumship and complement in your own hands and body
Reading for this workshop
Required
Illustrations of the Complete Acupuncture Channel System — Essential for class. Hardcopy or PDF. Contains all channel trajectory maps. Get it from Ann Cecil-Sterman’s website →
Recommended (optional)
Advanced Acupuncture: A Clinic Manual — The full clinic manual. Not required, but invaluable for deeper reference. View or purchase here →
About Ada Sobieszczuk
Ada holds a BSc (Hons) in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Middlesex University, London, and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Early in her training she was drawn to the Classical texts, and a formative encounter with Master Jeffrey Yuen showed her how complex Western medical thinking could be expressed through the elegant simplicity of that Classical lens.
The publication of Ann Cecil-Sterman’s Advanced Acupuncture: A Clinical Manual gave Ada the language and clinical framework to fully understand and apply these teachings. Integrating the Divergent channels into her practice meant being able to build resources, mediumship, and complement with her patients — buffering down inflammatory conditions with clarity. She looks forward to sharing that with you.
About the series
This weekend is the third in a four-part training series exploring the Complement Channels. Together they form a complete system — a coherent, comprehensive map for clinical work that means you’ll be equipped to treat every patient who walks through your door.
While individual weekends can be attended, it is strongly advised to take the series in full. Mixing these methods with other channel approaches can dilute the treatment and lead to confusion — you really do want all four.
Terms & Conditions
Payment
Workshop fee: $600 per workshop (incl. GST). Full payment is required at time of booking. Booking does not constitute enrolment in the full series; there are no package deals or payment plans.
Attendance & transfers
If you are unable to attend, you may request to attend the same workshop in a future round, subject to availability and at the instructor’s discretion. This is a courtesy, not a guarantee.
Cancellations & refunds
- More than 7 days before the workshop: refund (less any processing fees) or credit toward a future round.
- Within 7 days of the workshop, or non-attendance: no refund available.
Refunds, where approved, are processed via the original payment method.
Workshop changes
The instructor reserves the right to make reasonable changes to dates, content, or location. Participants will be notified as early as possible. If a workshop is cancelled by the instructor, a full refund or credit will be offered.
Practice during workshops
Registered acupuncturists (CMCNZ) may practise on each other. Non-licensed participants may participate as Channel Practitioners — receiving treatment and performing massage, Gua Sha, and remote channel treatments. All participants practise within the scope of their professional training.
Liability
Workshops are for educational and professional development purposes. The instructor and The Acupuncture Sanctuary are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from participation or practice exercises.
Acceptance
By enrolling, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
Paid parking and free street parking available nearby.