ACUPRESSURE/ACUPUNCTURE THEORY
Copyright March
2003 Ted Nissen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction to Chinese Medicine. 2
1.1 Introduction. 2
1.2 HISTORY OF CHINESE MEDICINE. 2
1.3 PHILOSOPHICAL BACKGROUND OF
CHINESE MEDICINE. 2
1.4 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. 5
1.5 FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES. 6
1.6 THE ORGANS. 7
1.7 THE CHANNELS. 10
1.8 THE MECHANISMS OF DISEASE. 11
1.9 The Eight Parameters. 12
1.10 Diagnostics. 13
1.11 Conclusion. 16
2 Channel Theory. 16
2.1 A Summary of Channel Theory. 16
2.2 The Formation and Development of
Channel Theory. 16
2.3 The Twelve Primary Channels. 16
2.4 Root and Branch, Origin and End,
and Path of Qi 16
2.5 The Eight Miscellaneous and
Twelve Divergent Channels. 16
2.6 The connecting Channels, Muscle
Channels, and Cutaneous Regions. 16
2.7 A Summary of Research Concerning
The Channels and Points. 16
3 Discussion of Points. 17
3.1 An Overview of the Points. 17
4 THE 12 REGULAR CHANNELS AND THEIR
POINTS (Essentials 105-256) 20
4.1 Governing Vessel 20
4.2 Conception Vessel 20
4.3 Small Intestine. 20
4.4 Heart 20
4.5 Pericardium. 20
4.6 Stomach. 20
4.7. 33
4.8 THE LUNG CHANNEL, OF HAND-TAIYIN. Error! Bookmark not
defined.
4.9 THE LARGE INTESTINE CHANNEL OF
HAND-YANGMING. Error! Bookmark not
defined.
1.1.1
Traditional Chinese medicine has developed over a period of at least
3,(XX) years. To attempt to practice even but a single aspect of this medicine,
acupuncture, without some understanding of its philosophical and theoretical
underpinnings will lead the practitioner to less than optimal results.
Acupuncture performs certain functions in traditional Chinese medicine. It
regulates the flow of Qi through the channels and Organs, removes blockages,
strengthens the body's Protective Qi and lessens the virulence of Excesses. To
be able to use acupuncture effectively against the full panoply of illnesses it
is capable of treating, one must understand the meaning of Qi, channels, Organs
and Excesses, how blockages manifest themselves, and how traditional Chinese medicine
conceptualizes disease. Using acupuncture without understanding its
philosophical and theoretical basis is like using antibiotics with no knowledge
ofWestem physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology: the results will be
unpredictable at best The following introduction to traditional medical theory,
although by necessity brief, will provide a foundation for understanding the
practices described in the main text The fIrst section briefly describes the
history of traditional medicine in China, followed by a discussion of its
philosophical context The major portion of the introduction explores
traditional physiology, pathology, and diagnosis.
1.2.1.1
Archeological finds of the late ShangDynasty ( c. 1 000 B. C. ) include
both acupuncture needles and divination bones on which were inscribed
discussions of medical problems. In the Ran Dynasty ( 206 B.C.-220 A.D.), the
basics of Chinese medical theory and practice were finnly in place. Prominent
among them were the concepts ofYin and Yang, the Five Phases, channel theory,
various needling meth<xls, a pharmacopeia and a relatively sophisticated
approach to therapy. By the 4th century A.D., the medical classics that laid
the foundations of Chinese medicine had been written. The most important of these
is the YellowEmperor'sInnerClassic. This wolk is written in the fol111
ofa dialog between the legendary ruler, the Yellow Emperor, and his minister,
QiBo, on the subject of medicine. The two parts of this wolk are quite
different in scope. The fll'St, Simple Questz'ons. discourses upon
general theoretical questions, while the second, Spiritual Axis, focuses
more closely upon acupunture. These are the oldest extant books on Chinese
medicine and are frequently cited in this text Many other medical classics were
also produced at this time. Discussion of Cold-lnduced Disorders is the
most important clinical text of this era. Its principal focus is herbal
prescriptions, although it was heavily influenced by channel theory. The Classic
of the Pulse describes this important facet of diagnosis. Two other works
expanded upon the contents of the Inner Classic. The Classic of
Difficulties discusses some of the less penetrable concepts of the Inner
Classic. The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and M oxibustion arranges
in a convenient order the references to acupuncture found in the Inner
Classic, together with those of certain other works, since lost Chinese
medicine continued to develop in later dynasties as the fundamental concepts
set forth in the early classics were refined and expanded This later history ,
described in Section I, chapter 2 of the main text, demonstrates that
traditional medicine is a constantly evolving art
1.3.1
PATTERNS
1.3.1.1
In the West we are accustomed to viewing events in a linear fashion,
that is, A causes B which with C causes D. Classical Chinese thought moves in
an entirely different dimension, one in which various phenomena are
interrelated as part of a pattern. According to the mythology surrounding the
birth of the Chinese language, the legendary sage-ruler Fu Xi ( also credited
with discovering the trigrarns of the Book of Change) discerned the
patterns in heaven and earth, and from them fashioned the characters of the
Chinese language. This sense of phenomena as intertwined patterns has important
ramifications. There is an overwhelming sense of context events or objects by
themselves have no meaning. Meaning is derived from participation in the
patterns. From this grows the feeling that all things are closely interrelated
to each other. In medicine these differences in philosophy appear in many ways.
While the primary mode of thought in Western medicine is analytical, dissecting
things until the causal links shine through, in Chinese medicine exactly the
opposite occurs. Signs and symptorns are pieced together and synthesized, until
a picture of the whole person a~ars. This piecing together is the very heart of
the Chinese diagnostic process, as we will show in our discussion of Organs
further ort Based on this perspective, disease in Chinese medicine can only
meaningfully be presented in terms of a particular patient at a particular
time. Treatment in Chinese medicine is centered on the person rather than the
disease.
1.3.2
CONTINUUM
1.3.2.1
The West has tended to place different qualities in discrete,
non-interchangeable categories. For example, mainstream Westem thought posits a
Mind/Body dichotomy. To this way of thinking, the Mind and Body are separate
entities which sometimes interact with each other. Traditional Chinese thought,
on the other hand, tends to view ail phenomena as existing along a continuum
with two poles. Thus, there are differences of shade but not of kind Returning
to our example, the Chinese would devise a continuum between the two poles,
"Mind" and "Body", placing various aspects of being human
along the line: one aspect may tend more to the " Mind-side" than
another, and yet more to the "Body-side" when compared to still
others. In traditional Chinese medicine mental, emotional, and physical illness
are closely related, not absolutely different in kind Traditional medicine
takes the entire person into account, both in diagnosis and treatment Another
facet of this perspective is that vital substances in the body are regarded as
amalgams of what we would call "matter" and "energy."
Certain concepts such as Qi, Blood, Spirit, Essence, etc., have attributes of
both. If one remembers that some of these tend more to the energy side of a
continuum, and others more to the matter side, their meaning is easier to
assimilate.
1.3.3
HARMONY
1.3.3.1
The lifestyle of the modem West emphasizes competition and
confrontation. This culture-bound view of the universe was very strong during
the fonnative years of modem Westem medicine, and has influenced it greatly.
Disease is primarily due to causes that can be killed, cut-out, or contained.
When this is impossible, treatment is usually unsuccessful. This is still the
predominant paradigm ofWestem medicine. In social and natural relationships the
Chinese traditionally prized harn1ony above all. A positive, harn1onious
feeling of wellness is the Chinese ideal of health. Disease is viewed as
disorder in the b<xiy, and treatment is directed toward properly ordering or
"harmonizing" the b<xiy. ( Again, notice how disease and treatment
are conceptualized in terms of the b<xiy.) This perspective has given
Chinese medicine a handle on many chronic, debilitating conditions. Moreover,
when reading about the functions of the points in the text, there are many
which are said to "harn1onize," "regulate," "adjust,
" "facilitate," "benefit, " "calm, " and so
on. further illustrating the importance ofharn1ony in Chinese medicine.
1.3.4
Function
1.3.4.1
Modem science places a great deal of emphasis on a COITect
understanding of the body's structure, and how it changes during the course of
disease. Physiology and pathology are linked with structure; function is a
result of structure. Whenever possible, a disease is described by what it dOes
to the tissues involved Chinese medicine places the emphasis almost totally on
function. What happens is considered more important than what something has
come to look like. For example, the exact physical substrate of the Organs was
rarely subjected to intensive investigation in traditional China for many
reasons, one of which being that it was not considered important This is a
major obstacle for beginning students, who fmd it difficult to understand how
the Organs perform their functions (Le., what is the mechanism). In Chinese
medicine the Organs are the functions and no mechanism, explicable on a
structural or morphological level, is necessary. There has been much research
in recent years as to the "scientific" or "physiological"
bases for traditional concepts and treatments. These are important as translations
of traditional Chinese natural philosophy into modem science, but they cannot
be substituted for an understanding of the tradition itsel£ For example, while
patients with Deficient Kidney Yin may have increased levels of certain steroid
metabolites in their urine, diagnosis and treatment of Deficient Kidney Yin
does not proceed on that level
1.3.5
Correspondence
1.3.5.1
Traditional Chinese thought made extensive use of long chains of
correspondences so as to rationalize the cosmos. This type of thinking was also
prominent in medieval and Renaissance Europe, but is no longer a part of
mainstream scientific thought The correspondences, which in medicine linked
aspects of the mic~m of man with the macrocosm of the cosmos, were one
manifestation of the Chinese feeling for patterns and interrelationships. In
some cases, however, these correspondences were based on superficial
appearances and hindered the search for truth. In other cases they were
empirical lists whose underlying philosophical unity was contrived by metaphysical
manipulation. Further discussion of the correspondences is presented in
connection with the Five Phases below.
1.3.6
Ambiguity
1.3.6.1
In modem science, precision of measurement and conceptualization is the
ideal. Traditional Chinese thought, however, has an affinity for vagueness.
This is due to an appreciation that in nature things are rarely cut and dried,
but instead are rather blurred. This is also true of traditional medicine. The
defInitions, diagnostic entities, and therapeutic guidelines presented in the
introduction and main text will often seem maddeningly amorphous. This may
hinder the student from feeling comfortable with the ideas. It is also a
frustrating aspect of translation, where vague concepts in Chinese are often
unavoidably translated into concepts which have very definite meanings fu
English It is a paradox that although a traditional medical concept may be
presented in a few seQtences with clarity, a more faithful expression of the
idea would be less precise. All of the above characteristics are embedded in
the very fiber of Chinese medicine. They are the reasons Chinese medicine views
the body in such a different way than Western science. Because of these
differences, translation of terms is a major problem. Words in Chinese that mean
'blocxl', 'liver' , 'wind', etc., have very different connotations than the
English words, yet also share a degree of common meaning. In this text, when
such terms are used in the traditional sense they are capitalized. For example,
Congealed Blocxl is a traditional term and does not imply the presence of a
hematoma, nor does Deficient Kidney Yin mean that the kidneys are diseased What
it is that distinguishes a Chinese term from its English counterpart will be
discussed in the following sections. As each of the terms is described, the
problems inherant to translation will become clearer. Chinese medicine is an
empirical science. Theory can never be divorced from practice. All aspects of
its conceptual framework are closely interrelated This makes it difficult to
study, as one is caught in a circle of terms with no well-defmed point of
entry. So far as possible, this introduction follows a step" by-step
approach. Inevitably, however;. some terms will appear in context before they
are separately explained We begin with an explanation of the fundamental
properties and functions of the body.
1.4.1
Yin and Yang
1.4.1.1
The root of many of the ideas to be discussed in the following pages,
and in fact much of the Chinese world view itself, lies in the concept of Yin
and Yang. These terms have been used in a somewhat technical sense for over
2(X)O years, having expanded beyond their original meanings of the shady and
sunny sides of a mountain, respectively, Yin and Yang are emblems of the
fundamental duality in the universe, a duality which is ultimately unified The
symbol of Tail'i or the Great Polarity (below) demonstrates the Yin/Y ang
concept in a graphic form, Herein, black signifies Yin and white signifies
Yang. The two colors coil around, fade into, and penetrate each other. Both are
necessary for the whole to exist An appreciation of this close relationship is
vital if one wishes to look at the processes of health and disease through
traditional Chinese eyes. The qualities of Yin and Yang are projected to all
levels of the cosmos through a system of correspondences. Some of the more
general correspondences are listed below: YIN Earth Female Night Moon Low
Heaviness F aIling tendency Movement inward Relative stasis It must be
remembered that Yin and Yang are complementary and not contradictory. Nor is
one regarded as "good," and the other "bad. " Rather, a
harmony is sought between them and any imbalance avoided. Because the Yin/Y ang
concept is all pervasive in Chinese thought, it was naturally adopted by the
founders of Chinese medicine. Distinguishing between the Yin and Yang qualities
of a person's constitution, or the character of one's illness is an important
step in the process of synthesis necessary to making a traditional diagnosis.
Many examples of the application of the Yin/Y ang concept in medicine will be
encountered later. Some general medical correspondences are listed below: YANG Heaven Male Day Sun High Lightness Rising tendency Movement
outward Clear action YIN Interior Front
Lower section Bones Inner Organs Blood Inhibition Deficiency All of these applications of Yin and Yang are relative. What is Yin in
relation to one thing may be Yang in relation to another. For example, the
front of the body is Yin compared to the back. Yet on the front of the body
itself, the chest is Yang in relation to the abdomen. In traditional
physiology. pathology, diagnostics, and treatment, Yin and Yang provide the
broad parameters within which all other observations and conceptualizations are
gathered.YANG Exterior Back Upper section Skin Outer Organs Qi Stimulation
Excess
1.4.2
Five Phases
1.4.2.1
Since approximately 400 B.C. the Chinese used another set of concepts
in their attempt to understand the world. These were the Five Phases- Wood,
Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water .The F ive Phases were regardOO as five
properties inherent inall things. It is important that these phases be
understood as processes or tendencies, and not as elemental building blocks.
The Chinese word that we translate as phase (xing) means to walk, to
move, and perhaps most pertinent, a process. We therefore refer to the F ive
Phases, rather than to the F ive Elements. The phases provide a system of
correspondences and patterns within which ntnnerous phenomena are arranged,
especially in ways that relate to the process of change. More specifically,
each phase is a symbol that represents ~;) category of related functions and
qualities. For example, Wood is associatOO with active functions that are in a
phase of growing or increasing. Fire represents functions that have reached a
maximal state, and are about to begin to decline. Metal symbolizes functions
that are declining, and Water represents those functions that have actually
reached a maximal state of decline, and are about to change in the direction of
growth. Finally, Earth designates balance or neutrality. In a sense, Earth is a
"buffer" between the other phases. The application of the Five Phases
to seasonal growth is but one example ofhow the system was used In time, the
five generic categories were used for the classification of virtually aIl
phenomena from colors and sounds to odors, tastes, emotions, animals,
dynasties, planets, and ultimately aIl known things in the cosmos. (Originally,
political and astronomical correlations were the most important)
Correspondences were also found between the phases and the Organs and
anatomical regions; hence, the relationship of the Five Phases to medicine. (
See the table of correspondences below.)
There are thirty-six possible sequences in which to order the phases,
and although many have appeared in China over the ages, the most imJX>rtant
two in Chinese medicine are the production and col)quest sequences. These are
often applied to physiology, pathology , diagnosis, and the classification and
selection of acupuncture points for treatment (See Section II, chapter 1 of the
text) The following diagram illustrates these sequences. Wood produces F ire
which produces Earth which produces Metal which produces Water which produces
Wood. Thus, the cycle repeats itself. In the conquest sequence, Wood conquers
Earth which conquers Water, etc.
1.4.3
Application of the Five Phases to
Medicine
1.4.3.1
There are innumerable correspondences associated with the Five Phases. Those
which have medical significance are set out in the previous table. Where to
draw the line between those which are clinically useful and those which are not
can be quite difficult, and in the end will depend on one's experience and
philosophy. Some practitioners may take a dim view of omitting such corre-
spondences as planets and grains. On the other hand, odors are not included on
many lists, although some practitioners feel that they are clinically important
The correspondences used in medicine are of two kinds: those which in the
Chinese mode of thought make sense metaphysically, or arise from associations
independent of the body ( often forced). and those which are based on the
actual functions of the Organs, or appear as empirical phenomena in nature. The
color correspondences, for example, are of natural origin: green for Wood(
trees ), red for Fire, yellow for Earth (the soil ofNorthem China, where these
correspondences originated, is yellow), white for Metal (silvery luster),
blackfor Water (the inky depths of the ocean). Other correlations. however,
often strained, are posited for the seasons, climatic conditions, directions,
tastes and odors. The nose, for example, as far as we can tell, has no
relationship with Metal and was not thought to have one by the ancient Chinese.
On the other hand, as the opening most often affected by diseases of the Lungs,
it shares a natural correspondence with that Organ, and the nasal tract is
regarded as an extension of the Lungs in Chinese physiology. In a similar way,
the association of anger and the Liver is most probably due to careful
observation of people, rather than to any perception of the 'wood-ness' in the
process of getting angry. (Anger is associated with the Wood phase.) These
distinctions are important not only in enabling one to better understand the
dynamics behind the use of the Five Phase theory in diagnosis, but also in
viewing the whole system in proper perspective. The world view underlying the
Five Phase theory, that of a system of correspondences, is at the foundation of
Chinese medical philosophy. However, in modem Chinese texts on traditional
medicine (such as the present work), the importance of specific constituents
among the correspon- dences is de-emphasized and there are relatively few
references to them. Rather, the Five Phases are generally used only as a
shorthand method to remember the relationships among the Organs ( when
convenient), or as the theoretical context from which certain methods of
selecting points is derived A mechanical application of the theory, however,
such as basing the selection of points solely on the F ive Phases, is never
encountered in this text and is actively discouraged.
1.5.1
Qi
1.5.1.1
Qi (pronounced "chee," as in cheese) is an untranslatable word
in the Chinese medical lexicon. It signifies a tendency, a movement, something
on the order of energy. There are two main aspects of Qi. On the one hand, Qi
is thought of as matter without fonn. When this substance is diseased certain
symptoms appear. Qi is also a term for the functional, active aspect of the
body. When Chinese doctors do the work of diagnosis ( taking a history, feeling
the pulse, etc. ) theyare measuring different types ofQi. When acupuncture is
used, the Qi is said to be 'obtained' and then manipulated. Qi is thus an
example of the absence of the matter/energy dichotomy in Chinese medicine. In
Section I, chapter 1 of the main text the various forms of Qi are discussed at
greater length. Nonetheless, a brief description is warranted here. Source Qi
is the basal energy of the body formed from the Essence of the Kidneys, the
nutrients absorbed from food, and the energy absorbed by the Lungs from the
air. It flows through the entire body and is the basis for all movement and
action. While it is impossible to defme precisely, there exist diagnostic means
to measure its strength, and treatments to reinforce it Source Qi manifests
itself in the following ways: Organ Qi: the physiological activity and
functions of each Organ. Channel Qi: the transportive and moving functions of
the channels. Nourishing Qi: the Qi that moves with the Blood. Its main
physiological functions are transfolming and creating Blood, moving with the
Blood, and helping the Blood to nourish the tissues of the body. Protective Qi:
the Qi that travels outside the channels and Organs. It warms the Organs,
travels between the skin and the flesh to ~gulate the opening and closing of
the pores ( thereby providing for the body's defense against external
diseases), and protects and moistens the skin and hair.
1.5.1.2
Ancestral Qi: the Qi that collects in the chest, with its center at
point Co-I7(Shanzhong}. It travels up to the throat and down into the
abdomen. This Qi underlies breathing and speaking, regulates the beating of the
Heart, and is important in strengthening the body when cultivated through
meditation.
1.5.2
Blood
1.5.2.1
Although the red liquid which circulates throughout the bcx:ly is
called blood in Western medicine, that is only part of the Chinese conception
of Blood. In addition to being a substance, Blood is also regarded as a force,
a level of activity in the-'body which is involved with the sensitivity of the
sense organs, as well as a deep level of the bcx:ly in the progression
offebrile diseases. Traditionally, it is said that Blood is manufactured in the
Middle Burner, using the Qi derived from the air in the Lungs and food digested
by the Spleen. The major function of Blood is to carry nourishment to all parts
of the bcx:ly. It is therefore closely related to Nourishing Qi.
1.5.3
Qi and Blood
1.5.3.1
The relationship between Qi and Blood is a good illustration of
Yin/Yang theory. Qi is Yang and Blood is Yin. Qi is the " comrnander"
ofBlood because Blood depends on Qi for its formation from air and food, and
for power to move through and remain in the channels. Blood is the
"mother" of Q~ because the strength of the Qi depends on the
nutrition and moisture carried in Blood. The two qualities thus complement each
other. As previously mentioned, Qi and Blood are intimately related. In the
section on diagnostics, many of the symptoms of Qi or Blood will be discussed
Although the identification of a Qi or Blood problem is usually only part of
the winnowing process which culminates in a description of the health of the
body centered on the Organs, Qi and Blood are often the focus of treatment
themselves. Disturbances in the function of Qi fall under two general headings:
Deficient Qi and Stagnant Qi. Although the specific symptoms reflecting
Deficient Qi in a particular Organ vary according to the affected Organ,
certain factors such as heredity, age, improper living habits, or chronic
long-term disease may result in Deficient Source Qi, which is manifested in
general lassitude, depression, pallid complexion. pale swollen tongue, and an
empty and/or fine pulse. Stagnant Qi occurs when the Qi does not flow smoothly
through the channels. This stagnation in the channels is regarded as the origin
of pain, and can be dispersed by using acupuncture to stimulate the flow of Qi.
In addition to pain, Stagnant Qi may result in a full or bloated feeling in the
chest or abdomen. A common consequence of Stagnant Qi is that the Qi in the
Lungs or Stomach, which normally flows downward, rebels upward and results in
coughing or vomiting, respectively. This condition is called Rebellious Qi, a
subgroup of Stagnant Qi. In certain respects, the diseases of Blood parallel
those ofQi. Qi is the commander of Blood, and Stagnant Qi can often lead to
Congealed Blood. Blood nourishes Qi and Deficient Blood can predispose one to Deficient
QL This is a consequence of the nutritive (Blood- Yin) and functional ( Qi-
Yang) reciprocal relationship between the two. Deficient Blood has numerous
origins. Among the most common are loss of blood, malnutrition, Deficient
Spleen (the Organ that produces and controls Blood), and Congealed Blood. The
most common symptoms include dizziness, pallid complexion, dry skin, loss
ofhair ( which is considered to be an extension of Blood), pale lips and
tongue, and a fine pulse. Congealed Blood results from two distinct injuries to
the body. One is direct damage to the body's tissues which stops the
flowofBlood. The other is chronic Stagnant Q~ wherein the Blood is not being
pushed through the vessels smoothly enough, and congealing results. The primary
symptoms of Congealed Blood include local, steady, fixed pain ( often
stabbing), congealed spots on the side of the tongue, hard swellings, and a
rough pulse. The major differences between the pain of Stagnant Qi and that of
Congealed Blood include the following: pain from Stagnant Qi is characterized
by dullness, episodic nature, lack of a specific location, and the absence of
anything palpable at the site of pain; p&nfrom Congealed Blood is usually
stabbing, fixed at the site of a swelling, and of long duration. Another
problem associated with Blood is bleeding. This can result from Organ
dysfwlction or Hot BlO<X!. When Hot Blood is the cause, the hemorrhaged
blood is bright red. If other factors are responsible ( e.g., Deficient Spleen
in some cases of uterine hemorrhage), the blood may be pale or dark in hue. Hot
Blood is also the cause of rashes and other skin disorders. Symptoms of Hot
Blood include fever, restlessness or delirium, a dark purplish tongue, and a
quick pulse accompanying the appearance of a rash.
1.5.4
Essence and Spirit
1.5.4.1
Essence (a Yin characteristic) is that aspect of the body which is the
basis for all growth, development and sexuality. Congenital Essence is that
part of the b<xiy's Essence which is inherited from the parents. After birth
this Essen~, which is akin to an inborn constitution, determines each of our
growth patterns. Congenital Essence can never be replaced if lost, but can be
supplemeted by acquired Essence, which is derived from food. Essence also has
the narrow meaning of semen. Spirit (a Yang characteristic) is the force behind
one's mental state and actions. An forms of consciousness and thought are
manifestations of Spirit
1.5.5
Fluids
1.5.5.1
The fluids of the body include sweat, urine, saliva, tears and the
various secretions. Fluids are either thin (Yang) or thick (Yin). The hin
fluids moisten the muscles, skin, flesh. and the membranes of the sensory and
excretory openings. The thick fluids moisten and nourish the inner Organs and
Brain, and facilitate the movement of the bones and joints.
1.6.1
The concept of ilie Organs ( also called Viscera) in Chinese medicine
is radically different from iliat of contemporary Western medicine.
Understanding this difference is very important because ilie physiology and
pathology of ilie organs is fundamental to the understanding and treatment of
disease. If ilie Chinese conception of ilie Organs is not understood, any
attempt to use acupuncture or any oilier mode of traditional Chinese ilierapy
will be muddled, especially if one tries to freely transfer ideas which are
tied togeilier only by ilie most tenuous of connections.* As will soon become
apparent, anyone asswning iliat treatments which are regarded by ilie Chinese
as beneficial to ilie Liver will automatically be useful against Westem-defined
hepatic disorders, will become confused and probably upset at ilie lack of
success. Perhaps ilie salient characteristic ofilie Chinese conception ofilie
Organs ( to a modem Westerner) is ilie lack of emphasis on ilie physical
structure. A1iliough many of ilie terms for ilie Organs are similar to Western
appellations, iliey do not refer to ilie specific tissue, but railier to
semi-abstract concepts which are complexes of closely interrelated functions.
These functions, which are fully described in traditional texts, are not based
on surgical discoveries, but on clinical observation of patients over many
hundreds of years. This lack of concreteness has many explanations, ilie
principal one being ilie relative lack of emphasis placed on ilie physical structure.
A1iliough a Chinese doctor believes most Organs have some kind of physical
presence in the body, one Organ, the Triple Burner, has no anatomical
substrate. Instead, it is rather the outward manifestations of the complexes
that are focused upon. This is reflected in the traditional name for the
physiology of the Organs, zang xiang, the phenomena ( signs) of the
Organs. The Organs are divided into two principal groups: the Yin (Inner) and
Yang(Outer) Organs. The five Yin Organs, which are the core of the entire
system, are the Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys. (In discussions of the
channels a sixth Organ, the Pericardium, is added, but otherwise it is an
adjunct of the Heart. ) The six Yang Organs are the Gall Bladder, Small
Intestine, Large Intestine, Stomach, Bladder, and Triple Burner. Within the
description of these Organs almost all the body's functions are defined and
explained Some students of Chinese medicine, not understanding that the Organs
are functional complexes rather than anatomical structures, wonder about the
absence of a pancreas, thyroid, adrenals, and so on from Chinese " anatomy
." They either put this down to the primitive nature of Chinese medicine,
or try to explain the absence on the basis of one to one correspondences (the
thyroid is part of the Heart, the adrenals belong to the Kidneys, and so on).
Actually, the gestalt of Chinese medicine is. more complex than either of these
simplifications, and although both contain elements of truth, it is best to
come to grips with the Chinese concept of the Organs on its own terms. The
description of problerns in or among the Organs is the basis for understanding
disease. The Yin Organs are described in the literature more fully than the
Yang Organs. The Yin Organs are said to "store and not drain, "
meaning that their functions are directed toward sustaining homeostasis, both
physically and mentally. The Yang Organs are said to "drain and not
store," referring to their role in the transformation and disposal of food
and waste. All the Yang Organs receive food or a product of food and pass it
along. Each Yang Organ is associated with a Yin Organ by a special Yin/Yang
relationship.* Pairs ofYin and Yang Organs so linked belong to the same Phase,
their channels are sequential to each other in the circulation of Q~ their
functions are closely linked, and disease in one usually affects the other. In
acupuncture, the channel corresponding to the Yang Organ is often used to treat
disorders of its related Yin Organ. Section I, chapter 3 of the main text lists
some of the disorders associated with the various Organs in the context of the
channel system With &.is we come to the very heart of traditional Chinese
medicine-the patterns of disease. The classification of disorders and the aim
of treatment in Chinese medicine is based on pathological patterns of the
various Organs. The word that the Chinese use for notating the problems of the
Organs iszheng, which means 'emblem.' This is an example of the abstract
in Chinese medicine, in that the signs and symptorns of disease are grouped
into 'emblerns' which represent the state ofhealth of the patient as a whole.
Hans Agren calls these 'manifestation types', while Ted. J. Kaptchuk translates
this term as 'pattern', a translation which we have adopted in this
introduction and throughout the text The active purpose ofChinese medicine is
to "discern patterns and institute treatment " Therefore, without a
diagnosis of a pattern there can be no treatment of the underlying problem In
order to facilitate understanding of the various prescriptions set forth in
Section IV of the text, common patterns associated with the Organs will be
discussed below, after a brief description of the functions of each Organ. The
mechanisms of disease are dealt with further on. Because the focus of diagnosis
and the conceptualization of the body in Chinese medicine differ so much from
Western medicine, the fact that a Westem-defined disease may have more than one
corresponding Chinese pattern, or one Chinese pattern may appear under
different Westero-defined disease headings should come as no surprise. T o
orthodox practitioners of Western medicine, the patterns described below will
be regarded merely as syndromes or groups of symptoms. In the context of
Western medicine this would be true. There, most cases are diagnosed with
confidence from the inside out, i.e., with a blood test, scan, x-ray, etc., so
that some kind of information from inside the body is necessary to name a
disease with confidence. But Chinese medicine approaches patients from the
outside in. The senses of the doctor and patient are used to gamer information
which the doctor can synthesize into a total picture of how the patient is
operating at that time. To doctors of Chinese medicine, this is the only way to
get at the root of the problem. They view Western doctors as ordinarily
providing only symptomatic treatment. .exactly how Westem doctors view their
Chinese countel1Jarts. It should be noted here that each of the vital Organs is
responsible as well for a variety of disorders that appear along the path of
its associated chalU1el. The paths of the channels are described in Section I
of the text It should also be mentioned that in discussing the patterns of
disease, it is necessary to use terminology that will not be properly explained
until we reach the Mechanisms of Disease and the Eight Parameters later in this
introduction.
1.6.2
Liver and Gall Bladder
1.6.2.1
These Organs correspond to the Wocxl phase, the direction east, the
spring season, the climatic condition of wind , the color of green. the emotion
of anger, the taste of sour, the odor goatish, and the sound of shouting. Their
point of entry is the eyes. They control the sinews ( muscles, joints ), and
their health is reflected in the nails. .. The Liver is the Organ that is
responsible for spreading and regulating the Qi throughout the \xxiy. Its
character is f)owing and free. Thus, depression or frustration can distwb its
function. It is also responsible for storing Blocxl when the \xxiy is at rest
This characteristic, combined with its control over the lower abdomen, makes it
the most important Organ with regard to women's menstrual cycle and sexuality.
The Gall Bladder stores and excretes gall, which is produced by the Liver.
Together with the Heart, the Gall Bladder is responsible for decision-making.
Depression or long-term frustration can upset the Liver's spreading function
and result in continuing depression, a bad temper and a painful,
swollerifeeling in the chest and sides.lfit worsens, it may lead to disharmony
between the Liver and the Stomach and/ or Spleen. This disorder is marked by
the "rebellion" of Qi in the latter two Organs, whereby the Qi moves
in the opposite direction than is normally proper. In the case of the Stomach,
whose Qi normally descends, rebellious Qi means hiccoughing, vomiting, etc. The
Qi of the Spleen, on the other hand, is ordinarily directed upward; rebellious
Qi in this Organ means diarrhea. Depression of the Liver Qi is often the root
cause of many women's disorders, including menstJ1.lal irregularities, swollen
and painful breasts, etc. One of the Liver's most important functions is
storage of Blood, with the attendant emphasis upon nourishing and moistening.
When the Liver Blocxl is deficient ( more severe cases are called Deficient
Liver Yin ), the Liver is incapable of moistening. This is manifested in dry,
painful eyes with blurred or weak vision. lack of suppleness or pain in moVing
the joints, dry skin, dizziness (lack of Blocxl in the head), and infrequent or
spotty menstruation. When the Deficient Liver Yin reaches a certain degree of
severity, the conditions Rising Liver Fire or Hyper Liver Yang Ascending occur.
These conditions are evidenced in ill-temper, restlessness, headache, vertigo,
red face and eyes, and a parched mouth. They result when the Liver Yin is so
deficient as to be incapable of securing the Liver Yang, which rises
uncontrollably to the head While many of the symptoms appear as disorders of
the head, a weakness in the lower joints may also be observed The various
meanings conveyed by the word Wind are described more fully under the topic of
the Six Excesses which is set out in Mechanisms of Disease, below. However, it
is necessary here to discuss Liver Wind, or the pattern, Interior Movement of
the Liver Wind This pattern often appears as a progression in the development
of the condition Liver Fire, or Liver Yang Rising in Excess. Movement of the
Interior Wind is evidenced by sudden onset of the following symptoms: dizziness
while moVing about, spasms, paralysis, difficulty in movement, severe vertigo,
etc. These symptoms represent the transitory, disorienting, and ultimately
disassociative function of Wind. The principal disease associated with the Gall
Bladder is a disorder affecting the flow of gall, caused by Dampness and Heat
This is manifested by pain in the region of the Liver, an oppressive sensation
of fullness in the abdomen, and yellowish eyes, skin, urine and tongue.
1.6.2.2
*AJso called the Inner/Outer
relationship. The channels ID which the Organs ~~,share the same Yin/Yang
relationship. " *As stated earlier, because the meanings of the temlS
Organ, liver, Heart, etc., in Chinese medicine are so different from their
Westem COWlterparts, we have capitalized them throughout the text The same
holds true for the basic qualities ( e. g. Essence), aIxi Excesses ( e.g.
Wind).
1.6.3
Heart and Small Intestine
1.6.3.1
These Organs coITespond to the Fire phase, the southert;y direction,
the summer season, the climatic
condition of heat, tile color red, tile emotion of happiness, tile sound of
laughter, tile taste of bitterness, tile odor ofbwning. Their point of entry is
tile tongue. They control tile blood vessels and are reflected in tile face.
The Heart controls tile blood vessels and is responsible for moving tile Blood through
tilem. It also stores tile Spirit, and is tilerefore tile Organ most frequently
associated witil mental processes. The Small Intestine separates tile waste
material from tile nutritious elements in food The nutritious elements are
distributed throughout tile body, while tile waste is sent onto tile Large
Intestine. Almost all tile disorders of tile Heart are tilose of weakness. The
four categories ofHeart weakness are Deficient Heart Qi, Deficient Heart Yang,
Deficient Heart Blood, and Deficient Heart Yin. The principal functions of tile
Heart are associated witil tile Spirit and Blood vessels. Thus, certain
symptorns, among tilero some forms of emotional distress, dizziness,
palpitations, shortness of breath, and lack ofvitaIity in tile face, are commonto
all tile Heart's disease patterns. Deficient Qi in this Organ is marked by
general lassitude, panting and shallow breathing, and frequent sweating. When
tile face is swollen and ashen gray or bluish-green, and tile limbs cold, tile
condition is called Deficient Heart Yang. Restlessness, inirability, dizziness,
absentmindedness, and insomnia are typical symptoms of Deficient Heart Blood In
more advanced cases, Deficient Heart Yin develops witil a flushed feeling in
tl1e palms and face, low grade fever, and night sweating. The pattern Heart
Excess arises from an excess ofHeartFire. This is marked by fever, sometimes
accompanied by delirium, a racking pulse, intense restlessness, insomnia or
frequent nightmares, a bright red face, a red or blistered and painful tongue,
and often a burning sensation during urination. The latter symptom is
considered to be tile result ofHeat being transferred from tile Heart to tile
Small Intestine, intelfering witil tile Small Intestine's role in metabolism
and tile body's management of water.
1.6.4
Spleen and Stomach
1.6.4.1
These Organs coITespond to the Earth phase, the central direction, the
season of long sillntner ( the end of sillntner), the climatic condition of
dampness, the color yellow, the emotion of pensiveness, the taste of sweetness,
fragrant odor and the sound of singing. Their opening is the mouth. They
control the flesh and the limbs. The Spleen is the principal Organ of
digestion. It transports nutrients and produces and regulates the Blood (
regulates in the sense of keeping it within the channels). It is responsible
for the transformation of food into nourishment The relationship between the
Spleen and the Stomach is a particularly strong example of the Yin/Y ang
relationship between Organs. The Stomach receives food; the Spleen transports
nutrients. The Stomach moves things downward; the Spleen upward. The Stomach
likes dampness; the Spleen dryness ( i.e., the Stomach, being Yang, easily
copes with Dampness (Yin) but has trouble with Dryness (Y ang) ). When the Spleen
is weak, the body is unable to use the nourishment in food This leads to
general lassitude and fatigue, and a pasty complexion. The upper abdomen is the
province of the Spleen, and Deficient Spleen Qi is marked by a sense of malaise
or fullness in that area. Because the transportive function requires that the
Spleen distribute its Qi upward, weakness in the Spleen is usually accompanied
by dianilea. The Spleen Qi is also refeITed to as the Middle QL responsible for
holding the Viscem in place. Insufficiency of the Middle Qi presages prolapsed
stomach, kidneys, etc. In more severe cases, the Spleen Yang Qi is Deficient
This pattern is manifested in dianilea, cold limbs, and abdominal pain that can
be soothed by the warmth of frequent hot drinks, application of the hands, or
moxibustion. When many of the above symptoms are accompanied by bleeding,
especially from the digestive tract or uterus, the condition is called Spleen
Not Controlling the Blood Cold and Dampness Hamssing the Spleen is a
manifestation type characterized by a pent-up feeling in the chest and a
bloated sensation in the abdomen, lassitude, lack of appetite and taste, a
feeling of cold in the limbs, a dark yellowish hue to the skin, some edema and
dianilea or watery stool. The Cold and Dampness prevent the Spleen from
perforn1ing its transforn1ing and transporting functions. This leads to a great
disturbance in water metabolism and is one of the origins of Phlegm. While
there are some patterns describing Deficiency of the Stomacth ( many of these
originate in the Spleen), most Stomach disorders stem from Excess. Stomach Fire
is a painful, bW"ning sensation in the Stomach, unusual hunger, bleeding
from the gums, constipation, and halitosis. Rebellious Stomach Qi was described
earlier.
1.6.5
Lungs and Large Intestine
1.6.5.1
These Organs correspond to the Metal phase, the westerly direction, the
season of autumn, the dry climatic condition, the color white, the emotion of
melancholy, the pungent taste, the rank odor, and the sound of crying. Their
opening is the nose. They govern the skin. The Lungs are responsible for taking
Qi from the air, and for the energy state of the Qi in the body. They also
control that part of the liquid metabolism which distributes the liquids to the
skin. The Lungs are called the delicate Organ because they are the first to be
attacked by exogenous disease. Such disease also causes what is called the
Non-Spreading of the Lung Qi. The primary symptom associated with the Lungs
is"coughing. This is a form of Rebellious Qi, since the Lung Qi normally
flows OOwnward When coughing is accompanied by lassitude, shortness of breath,
light foamy phlegm, and weakness in the voice, it is called Deficient Lung Qi.
When the cough is a dry one, with little phlegm, parched throat and mouth, and
Deficient Yin symptoms such as night sweating, low grade fever, red cheeks,
etc., the condition is referred to as Deficient Lung Yin. The Large Intestine
is considered important in the metabolism of water and the passing of
water" The Large Intestine extracts water from the waste material it
receives from the Small Intestine and sends it on to the Bladder, excreting the
solid material as stool. However, many disorders affecting this Organ are
categorized as Spleen and Stomach patterns. Certain kinds of abdominal pain are
regarded as manifestations of a blockage of Qi or Blood in the Large Intestine.
1.6.6 Kidneys and Bladder
1.6.6.1
These Organs correspond to the Water phase, the winter season, the cold
climatic condition. the southerly direction, the color black, the emotion of
fear, the taste of salt, a rotten smell, and the sound of groaning. Their
sensory organ is the ear. Their openings are the urethra and anus. They control
the bones, mam}w, and brain and their health is reflected in the hair of the
head The Kidneys store Essence and are thus responsible for growth,
development, and the reproductive funcUons. They assume the primary role in
water metabolism and control the body's liquids. They also hold the body's moot
fundamental Yin and Yang. The Bladder transforms fluids into urine and excretes
it from the body. The Kidneys are the repositories of the basal Yin and Yang of
the body. Therefore, any disorder, if sufficiently chronic, will involve the
Kidneys. Furthermore, a disease of the Kidneys will usually lead to problems in
another Organ. Methods of strengthening the Kidneys are therefore used by the
Chinese to increase or maintain vitality and health. The symptoms of Deficient
Kidney Yang or Yin are the classic symptoms of that type and will appear, to a
certain extent, in Deficient Yang or Yin patterns of any Organ. The symptoms of
Deficient KidneyYin are easy to understand and memorize if one learns the
correspondences of the Kidneys, and remembers that Yin represents the
structive, nourishing, and fluid aspects of the body. The lower back is weak
and sore, there is ringing in the ears and loss of hearing acuity, the face is
ashen or dark, especially under the eyes. Dizziness, thirst, night sweats and
low grade fevers are common. Men have little semen and tend toward premature
ejaculation, while women have little or no menstruation. Deficient Kidney Yang
symptoms are by and large associated with loss of energy or warmth. As with
Deficient Kidney Yin, there is ringing in the ears, dizziness, and soreness in
the lower back. However, the soreness is characterized by a sensitivity to cold
There is lassitude, fatigue and a feeling of coldness. There is a notable
weakness in the legs. In men, there is a tendency towards impotence. and in
both sexes, clear and volwninous urine or incontinence. Most commonly,
Deficient Kidney Yin produces similar disorders in the Heart and Liver,
while Deficient Kidney Yang disturbs
the functions of the Sple~n and Lungs. ( Of course, the disease progression
could be in the opposite direction. ) All of these conditions, except for that
affecting the Lungs, have been previously described. The pattern associated
with the Lungs is called Kidney Not Receiving Qi, which is a type of wheezing
characterized by difficult breathing, primarily during inhalation. In addition
to the Deficient Kidney Yang symptoms, this condition is also evidenced in a
faint voice, coughing, puffiness in the face, and spontaneous sweating. The
Kidneys perform important functions in the metabolism of water. When these
functions are disrupted, the condition Deficient Kidneys (leading to) Spreading
Water occurs.
1.6.7 Pericardium and Triple Burner
1.6.7.1
These two Organs are said to coITespond to the "Ministerial
Fire," as distinguished from the "Sovereign Fire" of the Heart
and Small Intestine. As mentioned previously, the Pericardiwn has no separate
physiological functions, although itjs mentioned with regard to the deliriwn
induced by high fevers. At least as far back as the 3rd century" Classic
of Difficulties, the Triple Burner was described as "having a name
butnofonIl " In the Inner Classic, the Triple Burner was regarded
as an Organ that coordinated all the functions of water metabolism In other
traditions, the Burners were but three regions of the body that were used to
group the Organs. The Upper Burner includes the chest, neck, head and the
functions of the Heart and Lungs. The Middle Burner spans the region between
the chest and the navel, and includes the functions of the Stomach and Spleen.
The Lower Bummer contains the lower abdomen and the functions of the Kidneys
and Bladder ( and usually the Liver which, however, is sometimes placed in the
Middle Burner). As such, the Upper Burner has been compared to a mist which
spreads the BIO<Xl and Qi, the Middle Burner is like a foam which chums up
fO<Xl in the process of digestion, and the Lower Bummer is likened to a
swamp where all the impure substances are excreted This description is commonly
used in diagnosis. Later in the text, the reader will discover that as a
channel, the meaning and use of the Triple Burner is different again. This is a
puzzle even to the Chinese, and journals of traditional medicine are full of
articles addressing the problem of this Organ.
1.6.8
Functional Inter-relationships Among
the Organs
1.6.8.1
By way of summary, some examples of the functional
inter-relationships among the Organs are provided below. The Spleen, liver and
Heart are the three Organs that have the most direct relationship with the
Blood. The Spleen creates it, the liver stores it, and the Heart moves it Any
problem associated with the Blood will involve at least one of these Organs.
The Liver and the Kidneys are closely related. Their channels cross in many
places. The Liver stores Blood; the Kidneys store Essence. These substances,
both of which are Yin, have a considerable influence on the reproductive
functions. The Heart (Upper Burner, Fire) and the Kidneys (Lower Burner, Water)
keep each other in check and are dependent upon one another. The Spirit of the
Heart and the Essence of the Kidneys cooperate in establishing and maintaining
consciousness. The Spleen's digestive function is associated with the
distributive function of the Liver. Disharmony between these two entities
results in various digestive troubles. The transportive and digestive functions
of the Spleen ( also called the Middle Qi) depend upon the strength of the
Kidney Yang. Although the Lungs govern the Qi, the Qi from the Lungs must mix
with the Essence from the Kidneys before Source Qi is produced The Lungs govern
the Qi, the Liver spreads it, and the Kidneys provide its basis. The channels are one of the most important and unique concepts in
Chinese medicine. Although they are described in great detail in the main body
of the text ( aJ1 of S~tion I), it is necessary to touch
1.7.1 The channels are one
of the more important and unique concepts in Chinese medicine. Although they
are described in great detail in the main body of the text , it is necessary to
touch on some of the more important aspects here. The channels are regarded as
three-dimensionaJ passageways through which the Qi and Blood flow at different
levels of the body. Therefore, it is inappropriate to refer to the channels by
using the two-dimensional term "meridian," as is common in English
translations. The channels are important to every facet of Chinese medicine,
particularly acupuncture. Their graphic ordering illustrates many of the
linkages among the Organs and their respective openings and sense organs. In
some ways, the channels also delineate the Organs' spheres of influence in the
body. This is particularly important in the selection of points to treat
certain localized problems, discussed more fully in the main text. Most
prominent among the channels are the Fourteen channels, twelve of which are
bilaterally oriented in the body and are extensions of the twelve Yin and Yang
Organs. The name of each is derived from the extremity which it traverses, the
particular aspect of the limb through which it passes, and the Organ with which
it is associated. By way of overview and as a preface to the text, we list them
here in order of the sequentiaJ circulation of Qi. Abbreviations for each of
the Fourteen channels is placed in parenthesis after the full name. I. Arn1
Greater Yin Lung channel (L) 2. Arn1 Yang Brightness Large Intestine channel
(U) 3. Leg Yang Brightness Stomach channel (S) 4. Leg Greater Yin Spleen
channel (Sp) 5. Arn1 Lesser Yin Heart channel (H) 6. Arn1 Greater Yang Small
Intestine channel (SI) 7. Leg Greater Yang Bladder channel (B) 8. Leg Lesser
Yin Kidney channel (K) 9. Arn1 Absolute Yin Pericardium channel (P) 10. Arn1
Lesser Yang Triple Burner channel (TB) 11. Leg Lesser Yang Gall Bladder channel
(GB) 12. Leg Absolute Yin Liver channel (U) The remaining two channels
are situated on the midline of the b<xjy, one principally on the back -the
Governing channel (Gv), and the other on the front-the Conception channel (Co).
Only these fourteen channels have their own acupuncture points. With Pulse
(also translated as Blood Vessels), we again encounter that degree of vagueness
and overlapping that exists in Chinese medicine. Pulse is defmed as the Vessels
through which Blood and Qi flow. As such it seems to mean the same as the
channels. The term Pulse Qi, in fact, is taken to be synonymous with Channel
Qi. However, as the Pulse is associated with the Heart, the emphasis is placed
on the movement of Blood.
1.8.1
As we noted earlier, when the various entities and forces in the body
are in hannonious balance, there is health. When this balance is disturbed.
there is illness. The development of disease depends on two factors: the
strength of the body itself, and the strength of the disease-causing quality.
If the body is truly strong there is no way for disease to gain a foothold.
Also, many disorders arise from internal dishannonies with little or no effect
from exogenous influences. In Chinese medicine much emphasis is placed on the
prevention of disease by the promotion of general health and the early
treatment of dishannonies. In the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, written
approximately 200 B.C., it is said that treating disease after it has
manifested itself is like waiting to dig a well until after one is thirsty. In
Chinese medical terminology , the physioiogical activities of the Organs, the
Qi, the Blood, etc. , all of which have the power to resist disease, are called
the Normal Qi. The courSe of disease is seen as a struggle between the Normal
Qi and the disease-causing quality. Treatment of the disease at any particular
time depends on the relationship between these two forces. Disorders which are
primarily caused by internal dishannony require careful treatment so as to
properly regulate the Organs. The causes of disease are divided into three
categories: those coming from outside the body, those arising inside the body,
and those whose origins are neither outside nor inside. In addition, there is
another concept, that of Phlegm, which is pertinent here but will be discussed
last
1.8.2
The Six Excesses
1.8.2.1
The Six Excesses are Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness, Dryness and Summer
Heat They confonn to the Five Phase correspondences (both Heat and Summer Heat
correspond to Fire). The tenn Excess might also be translated as Abnormality,
Evil, or Pernicious Influence. When nonnal environmental forces become
excessive (e.g., a particularly cold spell in winter), or occur unseasonably
(e.g., a warm spell in the middle ofwinter), they may cause disease. However,
because of individual physical make-- up and a latency period in some diseases,
people may have a different disease at the same time and the same disease at
different times. Clinical differentiation of the Excesses is made on the basis
of symptoms, not tests aimed at discovering a precisely defmed disease--causing
agent That is to say, the disease is described in tenns of the body's response,
rather than in terms of an autonomous disease. The"refore two people may
catch the same "disease" (in the Western sense) at the same time yet
because of differences in their environment and constitution they may exhibit
different patterns. Thus, the Excess "responsible" for the disease
may be different Sometimes an imbalance among the Organs internally will lead
to symptoms similar to those of an externally caused illness. Using tools of diagnosis
( discussed below), it is possible to differentiate between symptoms caused by
external Excess and those caused by an imbalance within the body itself. The
Excesses ( with the exception of Heat) are each related to a particular season
and associated with either Yin ( which injures Yang forces), or Yang ( which
injures Yin substances). The symptomatic manifestations of each Excess resemble
the characteristics of their seasonal counterparts in nature. The original
relationships between the Excesses and the seasons were based on the weather
patterns in ancient northern China, and do not necessarily hold true for other
parts of the world
1.8.2.2
Wind (Spring/Yang)
1.8.2.2.1
Diseases
caused by Wind arise suddenly and change quickly. They may be accompanied by symptoms
such as spasms, vertigo, itching, or a pain which often changes location. Wind
diseases of an exogenous origin usually affect the skin, head, throat, and
Lungs first Wind is the Excess which carries other Excesses into the body.
Internally, when the Liver (Wood-Wind) Yang is hyperactive, dizziness,
convulsions, etc., ensue. Similar symptoms accompany high fevers. Both are
called Interior Wind.
1.8.2.3
Cold (Winter/Yin)
1.8.2.3.1
The
principal symptom of this Excess is that the body, or a part of the body, feels
cold Cold causes things to congeal; in the body this causes pain. (Pain is
caused by obstruction in the flow of Qi or Blood) Cold causes things to
contract; in the channels this causes cramps and spasms. When Cold diseases are
present, the body excretions (mucus, phlegm, urine, stool, etc.) are white or
clear and watery. When the Yang Qi is weak, symptoms similar to those caused by
Cold appear.
1.8.2.4
Heat (Yang)
1.8.2.4.1
The main
characteristic of Heat is that the body or a part thereof feels hot Heat easily
injures the body fluids. Thus, the tongue and stool become dry, and the patient
is thirsty. Heat can cause the BIO<x.i to travel outside the channels,
leading to hemorrhage or rashes. In the presence ofHeat-caused diseases, body
excretions are dark or yellow, sticky and/or foul smelling. Sometimes, the act
of expulsion causes Heat in the part of the body involved Often, disease caused
by one of the other Excesses transfonns into Heat within the body. Heat is
sometimes called Fire.
1.8.2.5
Dampness (Long Sunmer/Yin)
1.8.2.5.1
This
Excess often appears during damp weather or when a person conies into contact
with moisture
1.8.2.6
The Seven Emotions
1.8.2.6.1
1.8.2.7
Causes which are neither outside or
inside
1.8.2.7.1
1.8.2.8
Phlegm
1.8.2.8.1
1.9.1
1.9.2
Exterior/Interior
1.9.2.1
1.9.2.2
Exterior Cold
1.9.2.2.1
1.9.2.3
Exterior Hot
1.9.2.3.1
1.9.2.4
Exterior Excess
1.9.2.4.1
1.9.2.5
Exterior Deficiency
1.9.2.5.1
1.9.2.6
Interior Cold
1.9.2.6.1
1.9.2.7
Interior Hot
1.9.2.7.1
1.9.3
Hot/Cold
1.9.3.1
1.9.3.2
Hot
1.9.3.2.1
1.9.3.3
Cold
1.9.3.3.1
1.9.4
Excessive/Deficient
1.9.4.1
1.9.4.2
Excessive
1.9.4.2.1
1.9.4.3
Deficient
1.9.4.3.1
1.9.5
Yang/Yang
1.9.5.1
1.10.1
1.10.2
Looking
1.10.3
1.10.4
Listening and Smelling
1.10.5
1.10.6
Asking
1.10.7
1.10.7.1
Chills and Fever
1.10.7.1.1
1.10.7.2
Perspiration
1.10.7.2.1
1.10.7.3
Head and Body
1.10.7.3.1
1.10.7.4
Urine and Stool
1.10.7.4.1
1.10.7.5
Diet and Appetite
1.10.7.5.1
1.10.7.6
Chest and Abdomen
1.10.7.6.1
1.10.7.7
Eyes and Ears
1.10.7.7.1
1.10.7.8
Sleep
1.10.7.8.1
1.10.7.9
Medical History
1.10.7.9.1
1.10.7.10
Bearing and Living Habits
1.10.7.10.1
1.10.8
Palpation
1.10.8.1
1.10.8.2
Pulses
1.10.8.2.1
Depth
1.10.8.2.1.1
1.10.8.2.1.2
Floating
1.10.8.2.1.2.1
1.10.8.2.1.3
Submerged
1.10.8.2.1.3.1
1.10.8.2.2
Pace
1.10.8.2.2.1
1.10.8.2.2.2
Slow
1.10.8.2.2.2.1
1.10.8.2.2.3
Quick
1.10.8.2.2.3.1
1.10.8.2.3
Length
1.10.8.2.3.1
1.10.8.2.3.2
Long
1.10.8.2.3.2.1
1.10.8.2.3.3
Shour
1.10.8.2.3.3.1
1.10.8.2.4
Strength
1.10.8.2.4.1
1.10.8.2.4.2
Weak
1.10.8.2.4.2.1
1.10.8.2.4.3
Strong
1.10.8.2.4.3.1
1.10.8.2.5
Quality
1.10.8.2.5.1
1.10.8.2.5.2
Slippery
1.10.8.2.5.2.1
1.10.8.2.5.3
Rough
1.10.8.2.5.3.1
1.10.8.2.5.4
Wiry
1.10.8.2.5.4.1
1.10.8.2.5.5
Tight
1.10.8.2.5.5.1
1.10.8.2.5.6
Huge
1.10.8.2.5.6.1
1.10.8.2.5.7
Fine
1.10.8.2.5.7.1
1.10.8.2.5.8
Irregular
1.10.8.2.5.8.1
1.11.1
3.1.1
The channels and points are the
foundation of acupuncture and moxibustion. In this Section the location,
pathological indications and other characteristics of each of the acupuncture
points will be discussed. In the historical development of acupuncture, the
actual utilization of points in the treatment of disease has contributed to the
formation of channel theory. This theory has, in turn, provided a framework for
the selection of points in the clinic.
3.1.2
THE DEVELOPMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF
THE POINTS
3.1.2.1
The words ' acupuncture point' are
derived from the Chinese characters meaning hole or orifice, and position-the
'position of the hole'. Traditionally, the word hole was combined with other
terms such as hollow, passageway, transport, and Qi. This suggests that the
holes on the surface of the b<xiy were regarded as routes of access to the
b<xiy' 5 internal cavitie5. It i5 conjectured that from very early
time5, man, 5uffering from one ailment or another, was fortuitoU51y cured by a
5harp blow, burn or other accident; or that, feeling pain in some part ofhi5
b<xiy, he mas5aged the tender area with his hands and felt better. Over a
period of time, thi5 experience was recognized a-S more tliancoincidental, and
such heretofore random ob5ervation5 were recorded in a more .5y5tematic
fa-Shion. Gradually, there emerged a methodical5y5tem of needling and
moxibU5tion to treat di5ease. In the be~g, the unnamed acupuncture points were
generally referred to a-S "5tone and burning places," a 5ha1l) 5tone
being the original needle, and "burning" a reference to the earliest
form of moxibustion. Three phase5 have been di5cemed in the hi5torical
development of the concept of the acupuncture point The fIrst wa-S that of
unspecified location. In this earlie5t phase, people would needle or cauterize
whatever area on their b<xiywa-S uncomfortable, i.e., "whatever hurts
i5 the point " Such points of pain included tho5e which were
spontaneoU51ytender, a-S well as those which were painful only when pressed
with the hand. Because there were no specific location5 for the points, they
had no names. In the 5econd phase, after a long period of practice and
experience, certain points became identified with specific disea-Ses. The
capacity of distinct points to affect and be affected by local or distant pain
and disease, was perceived a-S a predictable, physiological feature of the
b<xiy. As the correlation between point and disea-Se became established,
names were assigned to certain points to distinguish them from other, random
points of pain. In the fmal phase, what were previoU5ly isolated, localized
points, each with a singular function, became integrated in a larger system
which related and grouped diverse points systematically according to similar
function5. The vehicle of integration was the channel sy5tem. It is difficult to gra-Sp the concept of the channels without refening
to the points. On the other hand, to look at the points independently of the
channel system would be to return acupuncture to the fIrst stage of its
development, when each of the points was regarded as a random, isolated
phenomenon. The two concepts must be considered together, the points being an
important basis upon which channel theory was formulated We move now to the
classification of the points, of which there are four types.
3.1.2.2
The channel points
3.1.2.2.1
The earliest exposition of the channels, points and methodology
of acupuncture is found in the Yel/ow
Emperors Inner Classic (2nd century,B.C.). In this book, many points were
assigned to one or another of the channels according to similar curative
properties. The names of the twelve Primary channels, six of which traverse the
arms, and an equal number the legs, are derived in part from the twelve
traditional Organs with which they are joined. Thus, the name of each channel
reflects those parts of the lx>dy with which the channel, and its
constituent points, is therapeutically linked. In the Inner Classic. usually only the name of the channel is mentioned in
connection with treating a certain disease, since it was known that the points
along the channel shared the same therapeutic properties. This illustrates how
systematized acupuncture had become by this time. The channel points include
all those on the twelve Primary channels, bilaterally, as well as the points on
the Conception ~d Gov~ming channels which follow the median line of the body in
front and back. As Table 2-1 indicates, although an occasional point was added
during later dynasties, more than 95% of the channel points had been identified
by the 3rd centurY. Among these points there are differences between those
which are important or less important, and between those which are commonly or
rarely used. In order to emphasize the importance of certain channel points,
ancient physicians further differentiated among them. Some of the more
important categories of channel points are discussed later in this chapter.
3.1.2.3
Miscellaneous or 'off-channel' points
3.1.2.3.1
The channel points are so named because they are located along
the paths of the twelve Primary channels plus the Conception and Governing channels
(the so-called Fourteen channels).As time passed, new points were discovered or
confusion ~ when one name was used to designate two or more distinct points,
only one of which was situated along a channel. In this manner, a new category
of points emerged called miscellaneous or off-channel points. The evolution of
these points was similar to that of the channel points. In the beginning, a
site on the body was needled or cauterized according to the traditional
principle of "whatever hurts is the point " Then, as the
effectiveness of a particular point became estaolished, it was given a name.
Later generations of practitioners, familiar with the location and curative
properties of a miscellaneous point, might then add it to the list of channel points.
For example, B-38 {Gaohuangshu) was
originally a miscellaneous point on the back used for moxibustion. Its
properties were fully described in the T'ang Dynasty work, Thousand Ducat Prescriptzons. By the Song Dynasty, it was listed as
one of the channel points in the Illustroted
Classic of Acupuncture Points as found on the Bronze Model. and has
remained so ever since. Some miscellaneous points like M-HN-9 (Taiyang). because of their proximity to
convenient physical landmarks, are more easily located than neighboring channel
points. For this reason, they are preferred in the clinic. Other miscellaneous
points, however, are more difficult to locate. Some even require special
measuring techniques, such as the use of string. As for these, channel points
with similar characteristics are preferred. Finally, there aTe some
miscellaneous points which are not individual points at all, but are groupings
or clusters of channel and off-channel points.
3.1.2.4
Points of pain
3.1.2.4.1
This general name is given to those sites on the body that
become spontaneously tender when
3.1.3
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POINTS AND
SPECIAL POINT GROUPINGS
3.1.3.1
Generally speaking, the fX)ints along
the Primary channels on the limbs reflect the symptoms characteristic of their
respective channels (see Section I, chapters 3-6). The fX)ints along the
Primary channels on the t111nk and head, however, reflect the symptoms of
neighboring Organs. The Conception channel bisects the head and t111nk
anteriorly, the Governing channel posteriorly. These channels may be divided into
upper, middle, and lower sections on the trunk. The fX)ints in each section
control diseases in that region of the body along its horizontal plane. The
same is true for fX)ints along the other channels traversing the trunk. For
example, fX)ints on the chest and back in the plane between the 1 st and the
4th thoracic vertebra affect diseases of the Lungs, Heart and Pericardium;
fX)ints on the upper abdomen and back in the plane between the 8th and the 12th
thoracic vertebra affect diseases of the Liver, Gall Bladder, Spleen and
Stomach; and points on the lower abdomen and back in the plane of the lumbar
and saet:al vertebrae affect diseases of the Kidneys, Intestines and Bladder.*
Of particular irnfX)rtance to the functioning of the body as a whole are the
regions of the upper back. where many of the Yang channels join with the
Governing channel, and the lower abdomen, where many Yin channels join with the
Conception channel The head, which is the meeting place for all the Primary
Yang channels, is also of considerable systemic irnfX)rtance. Below are several
groups of points which have traditionally been regarded as special because of
their locations or functional characteristics.
3.1.3.2
The Five Transport points
3.1.3.2.1
Five points on each of the twelve Primary channels below the
knee or elbow are designated as the Well, Gushing, Transporting, Traversing and
Uniting points. The points are named sequentially such that the Well points are
the most distal, and the Uniting points the most proximal. Together, they
represent the 'growth' of Qi in the channels from its small, shallow and
distant beginnings on the extremities (the Well points) to its large, deep and
swelling presence further up the limbs (the Uniting points) using the image of
flowing water. 'Well' refers to the source or spring and suggests that in its
beginnings, the Qi in the channels is rather small and shallow. Most of the
Well points are located next to a finger or toenail. 'Gushing' suggests that
the Qi has begun to flow and is slightly larger than at its source. These
points are found on the foot or hand 'Transporting' indicates that the flow of
Qi is rapid enough to carry other things with it MostTransporting points are
near the wrist or ankle. 'Traversing' suggests that the Qi has flowed over a
long distance. Most of these points are located on the lower leg or forearm.
'Uniting' means to collect or come together, as a stream finally unites with a
lake or ocean. The Qi here is vast and deep. Most of the Uniting points are
near the elbow or knee. (See Table 2-2.) The functions of these points were
fIrst discussed in Spiritual AxiS" and
elaborated upon in the Classic
ofDifficulties. The Well points are used to treat diseases of the Viscera
generally, and fullness in the region below the Heart specifically. If a
disease causes changes in the patient's complexion. or if the body is feverish,
the Gushing points are needled If the disease is prolonged, or if there is
heaviness in the body and pain in the joints, the Transporting points are
stimulated. When a disease affects the sound of the voice, or if there is
wheezing or panting with chills and fever, the Traversing points are selected
Bleeding, diseases of the Stomach, or disorders accompanied by irregular
appetite or diarrhea may be treated via the Uniting points. The particular
properties of these points provide a useful reference for application in the
clinic.
3.1.3.3
The Lower Uniting points
3.1.3.3.1
Related to the u
niting points ( above ), and of special significance in treating diseases of
the six Yang *This
scheme follows that of the placement of Organs in the Triple Burner.
SeelntrOOuction. -Edito~ Organs
(Stomach, Bladder, Gall Bladder, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Triple
Burner), are the six Lower Uniting JX>ints. Among these, the Lower Uniting
JX>ints of the three Leg Yang chaIU1els are considered most imJX>rtant
Because all the Organs associated with the Yang channels are located in the
abdoniinal cavity , and since the three Leg Yang chaIU1els are connected with
the three Ann Yang channels (in the head), stimulation of the Lower Uniting
JX>ints on the Leg Yang chaIU1els will therefore affect all the Yang Organs
in the abdomen. This category was first mentioned in the Spiritual Axis. In addition to the Lower Uniting JX>ints of the
three Leg Yang channels, each of the Organs associated with the three Ann Yang
channels is assigned a Lower Uniting JX>int on one of the Yang channels of
the Leg. This makes a total of six Lower Uniting JX>ints for treating the
six Yang Organs in the alxiomen. The Lower Uniting JX>ints for the Large
Intestine, Small Intestine and Stomach are all located on the Stomach chaIU1el,
while those of the Triple Burner and Bladder are on the Bladder channel. This
is because the functions of these Organs are most closely related (See Table
2-3.)
3.1.3.3.2
Table 2.3 Lower Uniting Points of the Six Yang Organs
3.1.3.3.2.1
Stomach $-36 (Zusanli)
3.1.3.3.2.2 Large
Intestine $-37 (Shangjuxu)
3.1.3.3.2.3
Small Intestine S-39 (Xiajuxu)
3.1.3.3.2.4
Bladder B-54
(Weizhong)
3.1.3.3.2.5 Triple
Burner B-53 (Weiyang)
3.1.3.3.2.6 Gall
Bladder GB-34 (Yanglingquan)
3.1.3.4
The twelve Source points
3.1.3.4.1
The Source Points are said to be those Points where the Source
Qi of the various Organs flows and is detained. The Source Point of each of the
Yin channels is identical with the Transporting Point of that channel, whereas
on the Yang channels the Source point is immediately proximal to the
Transporting point In the Spiritual Axis,
it is said that the Source points generally reflect an Excess or Deficiency
of Qi in their respective channels and are useful in diagnosing, by means of
palpation, the presence of disease in Organs associated with the channels
3.1.3.4.2 Table 2-4 The Twelve Source Points
3.1.3.4.2.1 Lung channel L-9 (Taiyuan)
3.1.3.4.2.2
Pericardium channel P.7
(Daling)
3.1.3.4.2.3
Heart channel H- 7 (Shenmen)
3.1.3.4.2.4
Spleen
channel Sp-3 (Tt!ibai)
3.1.3.4.2.5 Liver channel Li-3 (Taichong)
3.1.3.4.2.6 Kidney channel K-3 (Taixij
3.1.3.4.2.7 Large Intestine channel LI-4 (Hegu)
3.1.3.4.2.8 Triple Burner channel TB-4 (Y a ngchi)
3.1.3.4.2.9 Small Intestine
channel SI-4 (Wangu)
3.1.3.4.2.10 Stomach channel S-42 (Chongyang)
3.1.3.4.2.11 Gall Bladder channel GB-40 (Qiuxu)
3.1.3.4.2.12 Bladder channel B--64 (Jinggu)
3.1.3.5
The fifteen Connecting points
3.1.3.5.1
These are fifteen points, one of which belongs to each of the
twelve Primary channels on the limbs, and one eac~ on the front, back and side
of the trunk for the Conception, Governing, and Great Spleen Connecting
channels, respectively. Since a principal fWlction of the Connecting channels
is to join a Yang Primary channel with its paired Yin Primary channel ( see
Section I, chapter 6), the Connecting points are used to regulate diseases
affecting both of the coupled channels. For example, if there are symptoms
affecting both the Gall Bladder (Yang) and Liver (Yin) channels, stimulation of
the Connecting point on either of these channels will help control the symptoms
in both. Generally, if Liver symptoms predominate and Gall Bladder symptoms are
secondary, the Liver channel Connecting point is selected; conversely, if
symptoms associated with the Gall Bladder channel are more evident than those
of the Liver, the Gall Bladder channel Connecting point is preferred
3.1.3.5.2 Table 2-5 The Fifteen Connecting Points
3.1.3.5.2.1 Lung channel L- 7 (Lieque)
3.1.3.5.2.2 Pericardium channel P-6 (Neiguan)
3.1.3.5.2.3 Heart channel H-5 (Tongli)
3.1.3.5.2.4 Spleen channel Sp-4 (Gong sun)
3.1.3.5.2.5 Liver channel Li-5 (Ligou)
3.1.3.5.2.6 Kidney channel K-4 (Dazhong)
3.1.3.5.2.7
Conception
channel Co-15 (Jiuwei)
3.1.3.5.2.8 Great Connecting channel of
the Spleen SJ>-21 (Dabao)
3.1.3.5.2.9 Large Intestine LI-6 (Pian/i)
3.1.3.5.2.10 Triple Burner channel TB-S"(Waiguan)
4.5 Pericardium
4.6
Triple Warmer
4.7 Stomach
Back
Table of Contents References
Illustrations
4.7.1
Summary of Channel Points
4.7.1.1
The Stomach Channel of Foot- Y angming
starts from the lateral side of ala nasi (Yingxiang, L.I. 20) (1). It ascends
to the bridge of the nose, where it meets the Urinary Bladder Channel of
Foot-Taiyang (Jingming, U.B. 1) (2). Turning,downward along the lateral side of
the nose (Chengqi, S 1) (3), it enters the upper gums (4). Re-emerging, it
curves around the lips (5) and descends to meet the Ren Channel at the
mentolabial groove (Cheng- jiang, Ren 24) (6). Then it runs posterolaterally:
across the lower portion of the cheek at Daying (S 5) (7). Winding along the
angle of the mandible (Jiache, S 6) (8), it ascend.s in front of the ear and
traverses Shangguan (G.B. 3) of the Gall Bladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang (9).
Then it follows the anterior hairlipe (10) and reaches the forehead (11). The
lacial branch emerging in front of Daying (S 5) runs downward to Renying (S 9)
(12). From there it goes along the throat and enters the supraclavicular fossa
(13). Descending, it passes through the diaphragm (14), enters the stomach, its
pertaining organ,. and connects with the spleen (15). The straight portion of
the channel arising from the supraclavicular fossa runs downward (16), passing
through the nipple. It descends by the um- bilicus and enters Qichong (S 30) on
the lateral side of the lower abdomen (17). The branch from the lower orifice
of the stomach (18) descends inside the abdomen and joins the previous portion
of the channel at Qichong (S 30). Running downward, traversing Biguan (S 31)
(19), and further through Femur-Futu (S 32) (20), it reaches the knee (21).
From there. it continues downward along the anterior border of the lateral
aspect of the tibia (22), passes through the dorsum of the foot (23), and
reaches the lateral side of the tip of the 2nd toe (Lidui, S 45) (24). The
tibial branch emerges from Zusanli ' (S 36), 3 cun below the knee (25),
and enters the lateral side of the middle toe (26). The branch from the dorsum
of foot arises from Chongyang (S 42) (27) and terminates at the medial
side" of the tip of the great toe (Yinbai, Sp. 1), where it links with the
Spleen Channel of Foot-Taiyin. (See Fig. 28.) The altogether 45 points in this
channel are described as follows:
4.7.2
Points
4.7.2.1
S I
(Chengqi=Contain Tears) YH + CO
4.7.2.1.1 Location:
4.7.2.1.1.1
Between the eyeball and the midpoint of the infraorbital
ridge. (See Fig. 29.)
4.7.2.1.2 Indications:
4.7.2.1.2.1
Redness with swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation when
attacked by wind, night blindness, facial paralysis, twitching of eyelids.
4.7.2.1.3 Method:
4.7.2.1.3.1
Puncture perpen- dicularly 0.3-0.7 inch along the infraorbital
ridge. It is not advisable to manipulate the needle with large amplitude.
4.7.2.1.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.1.4.1
The branches of the infraorbital and ophthal- mic arteries and
veins.
4.7.2.1.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.1.5.1
The branch of infraorbital nerve, the inferior branch of oculomotor
nerve and the muscular branch of facial nerve.
4.7.2.2
S 2 (Sibai) .
4.7.2.2.1 Location:
4.7.2.2.1.1
Below Chengqi (S 1), in the depression at the infraorbital
foramen. (See Fig. 26.)
4.7.2.2.2 Indications:
4.7.2.2.2.1
Redness and pain of the eye, facial paralysis and pain,
twitching o-f eyelids.
4.7.2.2.3 . Method:
4.7.2.2.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch. Deep puncture is con-
traindicated.
4.7.2.2.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.2.4.1
The branches of facial artery and vein, the infraorbital
arteryandvein.
4.7.2.2.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.2.5.1
The branches of facial nerve. The point is precisely on the course
of the infraorbital nerve.
4.7.2.3
S 3 (Nose-Juliao) .
4.7.2.3.1 Location:
4.7.2.3.1.1
Directly below Sibai (S 2), at the level of the lower border
of ala nasi, on the lateral side of the ~asolabial groove. (See Fig. 29.)
4.7.2.3.2 Indications~
4.7.2.3.2.1
Facial paralysis, twitching of eyelids, epistaxis, toothache,
swelling of lips and cheek.
4.7.2.3.3 Method:
4.7.2.3.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.4 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.3.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.3.4.1
The branches of the facial and infraorbital arteries and
veins.
4.7.2.3.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.3.5.1
The branches of the facial and infraorbital nerves.
4.7.2.4
S 4 (Dicang) Branch
4.7.2.4.1 Location:
4.7.2.4.1.1
Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below Nose-
Juliao (S 3). (See Fig. 29.)
4.7.2.4.2 Indications:
4.7.2.4.2.1 Deviation of the mouth, salivation, twitching
of eyelids. Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-1.0 inch with the tip of the needle
di- rected towards Jiache (S 6). Moxibustion is applicable. Regional anatomy
4.7.2.4.3 Vasculature:
4.7.2.4.3.1
The facial artery and vein.
4.7.2.4.4 Innervation:
4.7.2.4.4.1
Superficially, the branches of the facial and infraorbital
nerves; deeper, the terminal branch of buccal nerve.
4.7.2.5
S 5
(Paying)
4.7.2.5.1 Location:
4.7.2.5.1.1
Anterior to the angle of mandible, on the anterior border of
m. masseter, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
(See Fig. 30.) ,
4.7.2.5.2 Indications:
4.7.2.5.2.1
Trismus, deviation of the mouth, swelling of the cheek,
toothache.
4.7.2.5.3 Method:
4.7.2.5.3.1
Puncture obliquely 0.3
inch towards Jiache (S 6). Avoid the artery. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.7.2.5.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.5.4.1
Anteriorly, the facial artery and vein. Innervation: The
facial and the buccal nerves.
4.7.2.5.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.5.5.1
The facial and the buccal nerves.
4.7.2.6
S 6
(Jiache)
4.7.2.6.1 Location:
4.7.2.6.1.1
One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of
the mandible where m. masseter attaches at the prominence of the muscle when
the teeth are clenched. (See Fig. 30.)
4.7.2.6.2 Indications:
4.7.2.6.2.1
Facial paralysis, swelling of the cheek, toothache, trismus,
pain and stiffness of the neck, mumps.
4.7.2.6.3 Method:
4.7.2.6.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch or obliquely towards Di-
cang (S 4). Moxibustion is applicable.
4.7.2.6.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.6.4.1
The masseteric artery.
4.7.2.6.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.6.5.1
The great auricular nerve, facial nerve and masseteric nerve.
4.7.2.7
S 7
(Xiaguan)
4.7.2.7.1 Location:
4.7.2.7.1.1
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior
to the condyloid process of the mandible. This point is located with the mouth
closed. (See Fig. 30.) ",
4.7.2.7.2 Indications:
4.7.2.7.2.1
Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, facial paralysis, toothache,
motor impairment of the jaw.
4.7.2.7.3 Method:
4.7.2.7.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.7.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.7.4.1
Superficially, the transverse facial artery and vein; in the
deepest layer, the maxillary artery and vein.
4.7.2.7.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.7.5.1
The zygomatic branch of the facial nerve and the branches of
the auriculotemporal nerve.
4.7.2.8
S 8
(Touwei)
4.7.2.8.1 Location:
4.7.2.8.1.1
0.5 cun within the anterior hairline at the corner of
the fore- head, 4.5 cun lateral to the Du Channel. (See Fig. 30.) Note:
The distance between Touwei (S 8) of both sides is "9 cun, equal to
the distance between the two mastoid processes.
4.7.2.8.2 Indications:
4.7.2.8.2.1
Headache, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, lacrimation when
attacked by wind.
4.7.2.8.3 Method:
4.7.2.8.3.1
Puncture 0.5-1.0 inch along the scalp with the tip of the
needle directed horizontally upward or downward.
4.7.2.8.4 Vasqulature:
4.7.2.8.4.1
The frontal branches of the superficial temporal artery and
vein.
4.7.2.8.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.8.5.1
The branch of the auriculotemporal nerve and the tem- poral
branch of the facial nerve.
4.7.2.9
S 9
(Renying) Branch
4.7.2.9.1 Location:
4.7.2.9.1.1
Level with the tip of Adam's apple, just on the course of the
common carotid artery, on the anterior border of m. sternocleidomas- toideus.
(See Fig. 31. )
4.7.2.9.2 Indications:
4.7.2.9.2.1
Sore throat, asthma, dizziness, flushing of face.
4.7.2.9.3 Method:
4.7.2.9.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Avoid the artery.
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.9.4 Vasculature:
4.7.2.9.4.1
The superior thyroid artery, the anterior jugular vein;
laterally, the internal jugular vein; on the bifurcation of the internal and
the external carotid artery.
4.7.2.9.5 Innervation:
4.7.2.9.5.1
Superficially? the cutaneous cervical nerve, the cervical
branch of the facial nerve; deeper, the sympathetic trunk; laterally, the de-
scending branch of the hypoglossal nerve and the vagus nerve.
4.7.2.10
S 10
(Shuitu)
4.7.2.10.1
Location:
4.7.2.10.1.1
At the anterior border 0£ m. sternocleidomastoideus, midway
between Renying (S 9) and Qishe (S 11).
4.7.2.10.2
Indic(;ltions:
4.7.2.10.2.1
Sore throat, asthma.
4.7.2.10.3
Method:
4.7.2.10.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.7.2.10.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.10.4.1
The common. carotid artery.
4.7.2.10.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.10.5.1
Superficially, the cutaneous cervical nerve; deeper, the su-
perior cardiac nerve issued from the sympathetic nerve and the sympa- thetic
trunk.
4.7.2.11
S 11
(Qishe)
4.7.2.11.1
Location:
4.7.2.11.1.1
At the superior border of the sternal extremity of the
clavicle, between the sternal head and clavicular head of m.
sternocleidomastoideus.
4.7.2.11.2
Indications:
4.7.2.11.2.1
Sore throat, asthma. Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.4
inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.7.2.11.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.11.3.1
Superficially, the anterior jugular vein; deeper, the common
carotid artery.
4.7.2.11.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.11.4.1
The medial supraclavicular nerve and the muscular branch of
ansa hypoglossi.
4.7.2.12
S 12 (Quepen)
4.7.2.12.1
Location:
4.7.2.12.1.1
In the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun lateral
to the Ren Channel.
4.7.2.12.2
Indications:
4.7.2.12.2.1
Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa.
4.7.2.12.3
Method:
4.7.2.12.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. A void the artery. Deep
puncture is not advisable. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.7.2.12.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.12.4.1
Superiorly, the transverse cervical artery.
4.7.2.12.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.12.5.1
Superficially, the intermediate supraclavicular nerve; deeper,
the supraclavicular portion of brachial .plexus. 13. Qihu (S 13)
4.7.2.12.6
Location:
4.7.2.12.6.1
At the lower border of the middle of the clavicle, on the
mammillary line.
4.7.2.12.7
Indications:
4.7.2.12.7.1
Asthma, cough, fullness of the cheS
4.7.2.12.8
1Vlethod:
4.7.2.12.8.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.12.9
Vasculature:
4.7.2.12.9.1
The branches of the thoracoacromial artery and vein; su-
periorly, the subclavicular vein.
4.7.2.12.10
Innervation:
4.7.2.12.10.1
The branches of the supraclavicular nerve and the anterior
thoracic nerve.
4.7.2.13
S 14
(Kufang)
4.7.2.13.1
Location:
4.7.2.13.1.1
In the 1st intercostal space, on the mammillary line.
Indications: Sensation of fullnes~ and pain in the chest and hypochondriac
region, cough. .
4.7.2.13.2
Method:
4.7.2.13.2.1
Puncture obliquely 0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy – Note: It is not advisable not to puncture deeply on points
of the chest and abdomen in order to protect the vital viscera within.
4.7.2.13.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.13.3.1
The thoracoacromial artery and vein and the branches of the lateral thoracic artery and vein.
4.7.2.13.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.13.4.1
The branch of the anterior thoracic nerve.
4.7.2.14
S 15
(Wuyi)
4.7.2.14.1
Location:
4.7.2.14.1.1
In the 2nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line.
4.7.2.14.2
~pdications:
4.7.2.14.2.1
Cough, asthma, fullness and pain in the chest, ma3titis.-
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable. Regional
anatomy
4.7.2.14.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.14.3.1
See Kufang (S 14).
4.7.2.14.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.14.4.1
On the course of the branch of m. pectoralis major deriv- ed
fromcthe anterior thoracic nerve.
4.7.2.15
S 16
(Yingchuang)
4.7.2.15.1
Location:
4.7.2.15.1.1
In the 3rd intercostal space, on the mammillary line.
Indications: Cough, asthma, fullness and pain in the chest, mastitis.
4.7.2.15.2
Method:
4.7.2.15.2.1
Puncture obliquely 0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.15.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.15.3.1
The lateral thoracic artery and vein.
4.7.2.15.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.15.4.1
The branch of the anterior thoracic nerve.
4.7.2.16
S 17
(Ruzhong)
4.7.2.16.1
Location:
4.7.2.16.1.1
In the centre of the hippIe. Regional anatomy
4.7.2.16.2
Innervation:
4.7.2.16.2.1
The anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the 4th in-
tercostal nerve.
4.7.2.16.3
Note:
4.7.2.16.3.1
Acupuncture and moxibustion on this point are
contraindicated. This point serves only as a landmark for locating points on
the chest and abdomen. .The distance between the two nipples is measured as 8 cun.
4.7.2.17
S 18
(Rugen)
4.7.2.17.1
Location:
4.7.2.17.1.1
In the intercostal space, one rib below the nipple. (See Fig.
32.)
4.7.2.17.2
Indications:
4.7.2.17.2.1
Cough, asthma, mastitis, lactation deficiency, pain in the
cheS
4.7.2.17.3
Method:
4.7.2.17.3.1
Puncture obliquely 0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.17.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.17.4.1
The branches of th~ intercostal artery and vein.
4.7.2.17.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.17.5.1
The branch of the 5th intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.18
S 19
(Burong)
4.7.2.18.1
Location:
4.7.2.18.1.1
6 cun above the umbilicUs, 2 cun lateral to
Juque (Ren 14). Indications: Abdominal distension, vomiting, gastric pain,
anorexia. Note: The distance from the sternocostal angle to the centre of the
um- bilicus is measured as 8 cun. This serves as a standard for locating
the points on both sides of the upper abdomen. The distance from Burong (S J9)
to Tianshu (S 25) is measured as 6 cun.
4.7.2.18.2
Method:
4.7.2.18.2.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.7.2.18.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.18.3.1
The branches of the 7th intercostal artery and vein, the
branches of the superior epigastric artery and vein. Innervation: The branch of
the 7th intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.19
S 20
(Chengman)
4.7.2.19.1
Location:
4.7.2.19.1.1
5 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Shangwan (Ren 13), or 1 cun below Burong (S 19).
4.7.2.19.2
Indications:
4.7.2.19.2.1
Gastric pain, abd.ominal distension, vomiting, anorexia.
Method: Puncture perpendicularl~ 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.7.2.19.3
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.19.3.1
See Burong (S 19).
4.7.2.20
Liangmen (S 21)
4.7.2.20.1
Location:
4.7.2.20.1.1
4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Zhongwan (Ren 12). (See Fig. 33.)
4.7.2.20.2
Indications:
4.7.2.20.2.1
Gastric pain, vomiting, anorexia, loose stools.
4.7.2.20.3
Method:
4.7.2.20.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
\
4.7.2.20.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.20.4.1
The branches of the 8th intercostal and superior epigastric
arteries and veins.
4.7.2.20.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.20.5.1
The branch of the 8th intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.21
S 22
(Guanmen)
4.7.2.21.1
Location:
4.7.2.21.1.1
3 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Jianli (Ren 11), or 1 cun below Liangmen (S 21).
4.7.2.21.2
Indications:
4.7.2.21.2.1
Abdominal distension and pain, borborygmus, diarrhea,
anorexia, edema.
4.7.2.21.3
Method:
4.7.2.21.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.21.4
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.21.4.1
See Liangmen (S 21).
4.7.2.22
S 23
(Taiyi)
4.7.2.22.1
Location:
4.7.2.22.1.1
2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Xiawan (Ren 10).
4.7.2.22.2
Indications:
4.7.2.22.2.1
Mental disorders, irritability, restlessness, gastric pain,
indigestion. .
4.7.2.22.3
Method:
4.7.2.22.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.22.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.22.4.1
The branches of the Bth and 9th intercostal and inferior
epigastric arteries and veins.
4.7.2.22.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.22.5.1
'The branches of the Bth and 9th intercostal nerves.
4.7.2.23
S 24
(Huaroumen)
4.7.2.23.1
Location:
4.7.2.23.1.1
1 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Shuifen (Ren 9). Indications: Mental disorders, vomiting, g~stric pain.
4.7.2.23.2
Method:
4.7.2.23.2.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.23.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.23.3.1
The branches of the 9th intercostal and inferior epigastric
arteries and veins.
4.7.2.23.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.23.4.1
The branch of the 9th intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.24
S 25
(Tianshu) BO=LI
4.7.2.24.1
Location:
4.7.2.24.1.1
2 cun lateral to the centre of the umbilicus. (See
Fig. 33.) Note: The distance from the centre of the umbilicus to the upper
border of symphysis pubis is measured as 5 cun, which serves as a criterion
for measuring the points in the lower abdomen. The distance from Tianshu (S 25)
to Qichong (S 30) is measured as 5 cun.
4.7.2.24.2
Indications:
4.7.2.24.2.1
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation,
borborygmus, abdominal distension, edema, irregular menstruation.
4.7.2.24.3
Method:
4.7.2.24.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.24.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.24.4.1
The branches of the loth intercostal and inferior epigas- tric
arteries and veins.
4.7.2.24.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.24.5.1
The branch of the lOth intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.25
S 26
(Wailing)
4.7.2.25.1
Location:
4.7.2.25.1.1
1 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Abdomen- Yinjiao (Ren 7), or 1 cun below Tianshu (S 25). (See Fig. 33.)
4.7.2.25.2
Indications:
4.7.2.25.2.1
Abdominal pain, hernia.
4.7.2.25.3
Method:
4.7.2.25.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.25.4
Regional anatomy
4.7.2.25.4.1
See Tianshu (S 25).
4.7.2.26
St: 27 (Daju)
4.7.2.26.1
Location:
4.7.2.26.1.1
2 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Shimen (Ren 5). Indications: Lower abdominal distension, dysuria, hernia,
seminal emission, ejaculatio praecox.
4.7.2.26.2
Method:
4.7.2.26.2.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.7.2.26.3
Vasculature:
4.7.2.26.3.1
The branches of the Ilth intercostal artery and vein; later-
ally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
4.7.2.26.4
Innervation:
4.7.2.26.4.1
The Ilth intercostal nerve.
4.7.2.27
S 28
(Shuidao)
4.7.2.27.1
Location:
4.7.2.27.1.1 3
cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Guanyuan (Hen4).
4.7.2.27.2
Indications:
4.7.2.27.2.1
Lower abdominal distension, hernia, retention of urine.
4.7.2.27.3
Method:
4.7.2.27.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.27.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.27.4.1
The branches of the subcostal artery and vein; laterally, the
inferior epigastric artery and vein.
4.7.2.27.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.27.5.1
The branch of the subcostal nerve.
4.7.2.28
S 29
(Guilai)
4.7.2.28.1
Location:
4.7.2.28.1.1
4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to
Zhongji (Ren 3). (See Fig. 33.)
4.7.2.28.2
Indications:
4.7.2.28.2.1
Abdominal pain, hernia, amenorrhea, prolapse of uterus.
4.7.2.28.3
Me;thod:
4.7.2.28.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.7.2.28.4
Vasculature :
4.7.2.28.4.1
Laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The iliohypogastric nerve.
4.7.2.29
S 30
(Qichong)
4.7.2.29.1
Location:
4.7.2.29.1.1
5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Qugu
(Ren 2), su- perior to the inguinal groove, on the medial side of the femoral
artery.
4.7.2.29.2
Indications:
4.7.2.29.2.1
Pain and swelling of the external genitalia, hernia, irreg-
ular menstruation.
4.7.2.29.3
Method:
4.7.2.29.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.29.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.29.4.1
The branches of the superficial epigastric artery and vein.
Laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
4.7.2.29.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.29.5.1
The pathway of the ilioinguinal nerve.
4.7.2.30
S 31 (Biguan)
4.7.2.30.1
Location:
4.7.2.30.1.1
Directly below the anterior superior iliac spine, in the
depres- sion on the lateral side of m. sartorius when the thigh is flexed. (See
Fig. 34.)
4.7.2.30.2
Indications:
4.7.2.30.2.1
Pain in the thigh, muscular atrophy, motor impairment,
numbness and pain of the lower extremities.
4.7.2.30.3
Method:
4.7.2.30.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.30.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.30.4.1
Deeper, the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral ar-
tery and vein.
4.7.2.30.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.30.5.1
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
4.7.2.31
S 32
(Femur-Futu)
4.7.2.31.1
Location:
4.7.2.31.1.1
6 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella,
on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine arid lateral border of
the patella.
4.7.2.31.2
Indications:
4.7.2.31.2.1
Pain in the lumbar and iliac region, coldness of the knee,
paralysis Or motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities, beriberi.
4.7.2.31.3
Method:
4.7.2.31.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.7.2.31.4
Vasculature:
4.7.2.31.4.1
The branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and
vein.
4.7.2.31.5
Innervation:
4.7.2.31.5.1
The anterior and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
4.7.2.32
S 33
(Yinshi)
4.7.2.32.1
Location:
4.7.2.32.1.1
3 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella.
4.7.2.32.2
Indications:
4.7.2.32.2.1
Numbness, soreness and motor impairment of the lower ex-
tremities.
4.7.2.32.3
Method:
4.7.2.32.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
caple.
4.7.2.33
S-34 (Liangqiu) ~1L "Ridge
Mound"
4.7.2.33.1
Location
4.7.2.33.1.1
On the thigh, 2 units aOOve the laternl, superior maI1!;in of
the kneecap. (Dia. 2-44)
4.7.2.33.2
Anatomy
4.7.2.33.2.1
Between the rectus femoris and vastus laternlis muscles of the
thigh. Supplied by a descending braoch of the laternl cin:wnIlex femornl
artery, the anterior femornl cutaneous nerve and situated directly on the
laternl femornl cutaneous nerve.
4.7.2.33.3
Traditional functions
4.7.2.33.3.1
Pacifies the Stomach, clears the channels.
4.7.2.33.4
Indications
4.7.2.33.4.1
Gastritis, stomach-ache, diarrhea, mastitis, diseases of the
knee and swrounding soft tissues.
4.7.2.33.5
Traditional indications
4.7.2.33.5.1
Pain of low back and leg, p~ssive swelling and pain of the
knee, swelling and pain of the breast
4.7.2.33.6
Illustrative combinations
4.7.2.33.6.1
With Co-I2 (Zhong~n), P-6 (Neiguan) for
gastritis.
4.7.2.33.7
Classical combinations
4.7.2.33.7.1
With GB42 (Diwuhui) for swelling of the breast (Soun:e:
CN1AM)
4.7.2.33.8
Needling method
4.7.2.33.8.1
Straight insertion, 1-1.5 units, causing local distension and
soreness possibly extending to the knee.
4.7.2.33.9
Remarks
4.7.2.33.9.1
Aocumulating point of the Stomach channel.
4.7.2.34
S-35 (xiyan) Eyes of Knee
4.7.2.34.1
Locations
4.7.2.34.1.1
With the knee flexed, this point can be round below the
kneecap in the hollow on either side of the patellar te~ the 'eyes' of the
knee. (Dia. 2-45)
4.7.2.34.2
Anatomy
4.7.2.34.2.1
One finger width on either side or the patellar te~ Supplied
by the arterio-venous network of the knee, by infrapatellar branches of the
saphenous nerve and medial and lateral infrapatellar branches or the conunon
l:eroneal nerve.
4.7.2.34.3
Indications
4.7.2.34.3.1
Diseases of the knee and sumJllnding sofi tissue.
4.7.2.34.4
Traditional indications
4.7.2.34.4.1
Pain of the knee, leg Qi, paralysis of lower limb.
4.7.2.34.5
Illustrative combinations
4.7.2.34.5.1
With $-34 {Liangqiu), GB-34(Yanglingquan) ror arthritis
of the knee.
4.7.2.34.6
Needling method
4.7.2.34.6.1
( I) Straight insertion, pointed medially or laterally, 1.5-
21n1its. Sensation: local distension, possibly extending downwald. (2) Slanted
insertion, through the patellar tendonjoining the fin;t 'eye' with the secorKI,
2-2.5 In1its. Sensation: local distension and soreness.
4.7.2.34.7
Remarks ..
4.7.2.34.7.1
The lateral JX}int is also listed as M-LE-16 (Dub!), 'calfs
nose.'
4.7.2.35
E ~ S-36 (Zusanli) :!...t.
'.Three Meas~ o~the Leg" ~
4.7.2.35.1
Locti.7~ I+.S-S'
I-:
4.7.2.35.2
~'l a on ~~ ~ = 'r
4.7.2.35.2.1
On the k>wer leg, 3 units below the lateral 'eye of the
ee, approximately fil)ger .th lateral to the tibia.jDia. 2-45) :L"rlCAt,~E.$ ~~/~I:r:L1. '-III Al
t~.)::. rs/~/() ~.It).t'lkt.
~/N~c"ftIiAS fif/JCtfSS~ na omy
Between the tibialis anterior muscle and the
tendon of the extensordigitorum kmgus pedis. Supplied by the anterior tibial
artery and vein, the lateral eutancous nerve of the calf, a eulanoous branch of
the saphenous nerve and in its deep position by the deep peroneal nerve.
4.7.2.35.3
Traditional functions
4.7.2.35.3.1
On.lers the Spleen and Stomach, regulates the Qi and BI()(xJ,
and strengthens we;1k and Deficient ClJndilions. ---~
Acute mw chl\)flic gastritis, ulce""
acute !U1d chl\mic enteritis, acute p,"",reatitis, in.jigesti,m anl!
,Ither diS()fde", of the digestive systcm, hemiplegia, slllX:k, gener,11
weakl1t-'Ss, mICmia, hyperten.,,")n, alle~es, jaunl!ice, seizurt.'S,
asthm,1. enuresis, disc:lses (". the repr,!l1uctive system,
neur,I."thenia.
4.7.2.35.4
Traditional inl!ications
4.7.2.35.4.1
A!IlkJminal pain !U1d distcl1."i,,", vomiting,
(;()I1."tip:lti(m or diarrhea, p",alysis, seizures, aOCes",,'d
breast, swelling (edema) of the limb.", difficult urination, pain !U1d
distensi()(ll". the lower abtbnICn, 1= of urine.
4.7.2.35.5
Illustrative combinations
4.7.2.35.5.1
With S-39(XiajlLl:U), G8-34(Yanglingquan), P-6(Neiguan) for
pancreatitis; with U-4(Hegll). P-6 (Neiguan), Co-I2 (Zhong""n), S-25
{Tianshu), 8-25 (Dachangshu). 8-32 (Ciliao) for acute intestinal obstruction;
with U-4 (Hegu), S-25 (TiallShu), C04 (Guanyuan) for indigestion.
4.7.2.35.6
Classical combinations
4.7.2.35.6.1
With l.j-4 (Zhongfeng) and U-3 (Taichong) for
difficulty !U1d pain on walking (Sourt:e: Sill); with S-19 (Burong) for
accumulated Qi. (Sourt:e: CNLAM)
4.7.2.35.7
Needling method
4.7.2.35.7.1
(I) Straight insertion, pointed slightly towaro the tibia, 1-2
units. Sensation; an electric, numb sensation extelXling towaro the foot. (2)
Slanted insertion downwaro, 2-3 units. SelL5ation: distelL5ion and soreness
possibly extending to the foot below or knee above.
4.7.2.35.8
Remarlcs
Uniting point ofthe Stomach channel.
4.7.2.36
S 37 (Upper Void)
4.7.2.36.1
l.{)Cation ---
4.7.2.36.1.1
On the lower leg, 3 units below S-36 (Zusanli). (Dia.
2-45)
4.7.2.36.2
Anatomy
4.7.2.36.2.1
In the tibialis anterior muscle. SuWlied by the anterior
tibial artery and vein, the lateral cutaneou: nerve ofthe calf and a cutaneous
branch of the saphenous nerve; in its deep ~ition, situated direcUJ on the deep
perooeal nerve.
4.7.2.36.3
Traditional functions
4.7.2.36.3.1
ReguJates the Intestines and Stomach, clearn and cools
Dampness and Heat, eliminate! accumuJations and stagnation.
4.7.2.36.4
Indications
4.7.2.36.4.1
Abdomina! pain or distension. diarrhea, appendicitis.
enteritis. dysentery. gastritis, hcmiplegia beriberi.
4.7.2.36.5
Traditional indications
4.7.2.36.5.1
Deficient, weak conditions of the Spleen and S((>mach.
indigcstion. leg Qi. sharp pain in th( intestines. diarrhea, hemiplegia.
4.7.2.36.6
Illustrative combinations
4.7.2.36.6.1
With S-25 (Tianshu) f,)f enteritis or dysentery
4.7.2.36.7
Classical combimltk)n!i
4.7.2.36.7.1
With S-39 (.Yit!ilL'U) Il)r diarrhca d,", to
indigcsti,Jl). (Soun.-e: GCAM)
4.7.2.36.8
Needling mcthOO
4.7.2.36.8.1
Same as S-36 (Zusanli) ,"")ye.
4.7.2.36.9
Remarks
4.7.2.36.9.1
wwer Uniting !Jf.)int of the L:Ill\e Intcstine.
4.7.2.37
S-37 (Shangjuxu) J:..E.i. ..U~r Void" -"
4.8 Spleen/Pancreas
4.9.1
Summary of Channel Points
4.9.1.1
The Large Intestine Channel of
Hand-Yangming starts from the tip of the index finger (Shangyang, LI. 1) (1).
Running upward along the radial side of the index finger and passing through
the interspace of the Ist and 2nd metacarpal bones (Hegu, LI. 4); it dips into
the depression between the tendons of m. extensor pollicis longus and brevis
(2). Then, following the lateral anterior aspect of the forearm (3), it reaches
the lateral side of the elbow (4). From there, it ascends along the lateral
anterior aspect of the upper arm (5) to the highest point of the shoulder
(Jianyu, LI. 15) (6). Then, along the anterior border of the acromion (7), it
goes up to the 7th cervical vertebra (Dazhui, Du 14) {8), and descends to the
supraclavicular fossa (9) to connect with the Lng (10).lt passes through the
diaphragm (11) and enters the large intestine, its pertaining organ (12), The
branch from the supraclavicular fossa runs upward to the neck (13), passes through
the cheek (14) and enters the gums of the lower teeth (15). Then it curves
around the upper lip and crosses the opposite channel at the philtrum. From
there, the left channel goes to the right and the right channel to the left, to
both sides of the nose (Yingxiang, LI, 20), where the Large Intestine Channel
links with the Stomach Channel of Foot- Yangming (16). (See Fig. 20.) Note: The
large intestine has an I~ferior He-Sea Point -Shangjuxu (S 37). (See Fig, 21.)
" The 'altogether 20 points in this channel are described as follows:
4.9.2
Points
4.9.2.1
LI 1
Metal Horary=5-7am Origin
4.9.2.1.1 Location:
4.9.2.1.1.1
On the radial side of the index finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner
of the naiL (See Fig. 22.)
4.9.2.1.2 Indications:
4.9.2.1.2.1
Toothache, sore throat, swelling of the submandibular re-
gion, numbness of fingers, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness.
4.9.2.1.3 Method:
4.9.2.1.3.1
Puncture obliquely 0.1 inch, or prick with three-edged needle
to cause bleeding.
4.9.2.1.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.1.4.1 The
arterial and venous network formed by the dorsal digital arteries and veins.
4.9.2.1.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.1.5.1
The palmar digital proprial nerve derived from the me- dian
nerve.
4.9.2.2
LI 2 Water Sedation
4.9.2.2.1 Location:
4.9.2.2.1.1
On the radial side of the index finger ,m distal to the
metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the white and red skin. The point
is located with the finger slightly flexed. (See Fig. 22.)
4.9.2.2.2 Indications:
4.9.2.2.2.1
BLrring of vision, epistaxis, toothache, sore throat, febrile
diseases.
4.9.2.2.3 Method:
4.9.2.2.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.2.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.2.4.1
The dorsal digital and palmar digital proprial arteries and
veins derived from the radial artery and vein..
4.9.2.2.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.2.5.1
The dorsal digital nerve of the radial nerve and the palmar
digital proprial nerveof the median nerve.
4.9.2.3
LI. 3 Wood
4.9.2.3.1 Location:
4.9.2.3.1.1
When loose fist is made, the point is on the radial side of
the index finger in the depression proximal to the head of the 2nd
metacarpal bone. (See Fig. 22.)
4.9.2.3.2 Indications:
4.9.2.3.2.1 Ophthalmalgia,
toothache, sore throat, redness and swelling of fingers and the dorsum of the
hand.
4.9.2.3.3 Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch towards
the ulnar side. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.9.2.3.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.3.4.1
The dorsal venous network of the hand and the branch of the
1st dorsal metacarpal artery. .."
4.9.2.3.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.3.5.1 The
superficial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.9.2.4
LI 4 YUAN SOURCE
SPECIAL=HEAD AND NECK DENTAL ANESTHESIA
4.9.2.4.1 Location:
4.9.2.4.1.1
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal
bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the
radial side. (See Fig. 22.) Or, place in coincident position the transverse
crease of the interphalan- geal joint of the thumb with the margin of the web
between the thumb and the index finger of the other hand. The point is where
the tip of the thumb touches. (See Fig. 23.) Note: Acupuncture and moxibustion
on this point are contraindicated during pregnancy.
4.9.2.4.2 Indications:
4.9.2.4.2.1
Headache, redness with swelling and pain of the eye, epis-
taxis, toothache, facial swelling, sore throat, contracture of fingers, pain of
the arm, trismus, facial paralysis, febrile diseases with anhidrosis, hidrosis,
amenorrhea, delayed labour, abdominal pain, constipation, dysentery.
4.9.2.4.3 Method:
4.9.2.4.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is ap-
plicable.
4.9.2.4.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.4.4.1
The venous network of the dorsum of hand; proximally, right on
the radial artery piercing from the dorsum to the palm of hand.
4.9.2.4.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.4.5.1
The superficial ramus of the radial nerve; de~per, the pal-
mar digital proprial nerve derived from the median nerve.
4.9.2.5
LI 5 FIRE
4.9.2.5.1 Location:
4.9.2.5.1.1
On the radial side of the wriS When the thumb is tilted
upward, it is in the depression between the tendons of m. extensor pollicis
longus and brevis. (See Fig. 24.) ,
4.9.2.5.2 Indications:
4.9.2.5.2.1
Headache, redness with swelling and pain of the eye, tooth-
ache, sore throa-t, pain of the wriS
4.9.2.5.3 Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch.
Moxibustion is appli- cable.
4.9.2.5.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.5.4.1
The cephalic vein, the radial artery and its dorsal carpal
branch.
4.9.2.5.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.5.5.1
The superficial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.9.2.6
LI 6 LO
4.9.2.6.1 Location:
4.9.2.6.1.1
3cun above Yangxi (LI. 5), on the line joining Yangxi (LI.
5) and Quchi (LI. 11). Note
: The distance from Yangxi . (LI. 5) to Quchi {LI. 11) is measured as 12 cun.
4.9.2.6.2 Indications:
4.9.2.6.2.1
Epistaxis, deafness, aching of the hand and arm, edema.
4.9.2.6.3 Method:
4.9.2.6.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.6.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.6.4.1
The cephalic vein.
4.9.2.6.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.6.5.1
On the radial side, the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve
and the superficial ramus of the radial nerve; on the ulnar side, the posterior
antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the posterior antebrachial interosseous
"nerve.
4.9.2.7
LI 7 X (CLEFT) (16 ACCUMULATING)CROSSING
4.9.2.7.1 Location:
4.9.2.7.1.1
When a fist is made with the ulnar side downward and elbow -
4.9.2.7.1.1.1
flexed the point 5 cun above
Yangxi (LI. 5). (See Fig. 24.)
4.9.2.7.2 Indications:
4.9.2.7.2.1
Headache, facial swelling, sore throat, borborygmus, ab-
dominal pain, aching of the shoulder and arm.
4.9.2.7.3 Method:
4.9.2.7.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.7.4 Vasculature:
4.9.2.7.4.1
The muscular branch of the radial artery, the cephalic veIn.
4.9.2.7.5 Innervation:
4.9.2.7.5.1
The posterior antehrachial cutaneous nerve and the deep ramus
of the radial nerve.
4.9.2.8
LI 8
4.9.2.8.1 Location:
4.9.2.8.1.1
4 cun below Quchi (LI. 11)
4.9.2.8.2 Indications:
4.9.2.8.2.1
Pain in the elbow and arm, abdominal pain.
4.9.2.8.3 Method:
4.9.2.8.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.8.4 Regional
anatomy
4.9.2.8.4.1
See Wenliu (LI. 7).
4.9.2.9
LI 9
4.9.2.9.1 .Location
:
4.9.2.9.1.1
3 cun below Quchi (LI. 11)
4.9.2.9.2 Indications:
4.9.2.9.2.1
Aching of the shoulder region, motor impairment of the upper
extremities, numbness of the hand and arm, borborygmus, abdominal pam.
4.9.2.9.3 Method:
4.9.2.9.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.9.4 Regional
anatomy
4.9.2.9.4.1
See Wenliu (LI. 7).
4.9.2.10
LI 10
4.9.2.10.1
Location:
4.9.2.10.1.1
2 cun below Quchi (LI. 11) (See Fig. 24.)
4.9.2.10.2
Indications:
4.9.2.10.2.1
Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, pain in the shoul- der
region, motor impairment of the upper extremities.
4.9.2.10.3
Method:
4.9.2.10.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.10.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.10.4.1
The branches of the radial recurrent artery and vein.
Innervation: See Wenliu (LI. 7).
4.9.2.11
LI 11 He-Sea Point EARTH TONIFICATION POINT ROOT
4.9.2.11.1
Location:
4.9.2.11.1.1
When the elbow is flexed, the point is in the
depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease, midway between
Chize (L5) and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
4.9.2.11.2
Indications:
4.9.2.11.2.1
Pain of the elbow and arm, motor impairment of the upper
extremities, scrofula, urticaria, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dysen-
tery , febrile diseases, sore throat.
4.9.2.11.3
Method:
4.9.2.11.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.9.2.11.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.11.4.1
The branches of the radial recurrent artery and vein.
4.9.2.11.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.11.5.1
The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve; deeper, on the
medial side, the radial nerve.
4.9.2.11.6
Note:
4.9.2.11.6.1
The Inferior He-Sea Point of the large intestine is Shangjuxu
(S 37), which is indicated in disorders of the large intestine.
4.9.2.12
L.I. 12 (Zhouliao)
4.9.2.12.1
Location:
4.9.2.12.1.1
When the elbow is flexed, the point is superior to the
lateral epicondyle of the humerus, about 1 cun superolateral to Quchi
(L.I. 11), on the medial border of the humerus. Note: The distance from Quchi
(L.I. 11) to the level of the end of
the axillary fold is measured as 9 cun.
4.9.2.12.2
Indications:
4.9.2.12.2.1
Pain, contracture and numbness of the elbow and arm. Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
4.9.2.12.3
Vasculature:
4.9.2.12.3.1
The radial collateral artery and vein.
4.9.2.12.4
Innervation:
4.9.2.12.4.1
The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve; deeper, on the
medial side, the radial nerve.
4.9.2.13
L.I. 13 (Hand- Wuli)
4.9.2.13.1
Location:
4.9.2.13.1.1
Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above
Quchi (L.I. 11), on the line connecting Quchi {L.I. 11) and Jianyu (L.I. 15).
4.9.2.13.2
Indications:
4.9.2.13.2.1
Contracture and pain of the elbow and arm, scrofula. Metbod:
Apply moxibustion with moxa stick for 5-10 minutes. Regional anatomy
4.9.2.13.3
Vasculature:
4.9.2.13.3.1
The radial collateral artery and vein.
4.9.2.13.4
Innervation:
4.9.2.13.4.1
The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve; deeper, the ra-
dial nerve.
4.9.2.14
L.I. 14 (Binao) Root
4.9.2.14.1
Location:
4.9.2.14.1.1
On the radial side of the humerus, snperior to the lower end
of m. deltoideus, on the line connecting Quchi (L.I. 11) ,and Jianyu (L.I. 15).
4.9.2.14.2
Indications:
4.9.2.14.2.1
Pain in the shoulder and arm, scrofula.
4.9.2.14.3
Method:
4.9.2.14.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely upward 0.5-0.7 inch.
Moxibustion is applicable.
4.9.2.14.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.14.4.1
The branches of posterior circumflex humeral artery and vein,
the deep brachial artery and vein.
4.9.2.14.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.14.5.1
The posterior brachial cutaneous nerve; deeper, the radial
nerve.
4.9.2.15
L.I. 15 (Jianyu)
4.9.2.15.1
Location:
4.9.2.15.1.1
Anteroinferior to the acromion, in the middle of the upper
portion of m. deltoideus, When the ~rm is in full abduction, the point is in
the anterior depression of the two depressions appearing at the anterior border
of the acromioclavicular joint. (See Fig. 25.)
4.9.2.15.2
Indications:
4.9.2.15.2.1
Pain of the shoulder and arm, motor impairment of the up- per
extremities, rubella, scrofula.
4.9.2.15.3
Method:
4.9.2.15.3.1
Puncture obliquely downward 0.6-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is
applicable.
4.9.2.15.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.15.4.1
The posterior circumflex artery and vein.
4.9.2.15.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.15.5.1
The lateral supraclavicular nerve and axillary nerve.
4.9.2.16
L.I. 16 (Jugu)
4.9.2.16.1
Location:
4.9.2.16.1.1
In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between
the acromial extremity of the clavicle and the scapular spine.
4.9.2.16.2
Indications:
4.9.2.16.2.1
Pain in the shoulder, pain and motor impairment of the up- per
extremities.
4.9.2.16.3
Method:
4.9.2.16.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.16.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.16.4.1
Deeper, the supra- scapular artery and vein.
4.9.2.16.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.16.5.1
Superficially, the lat- eral supraclavicular nerve, the branch
of the accessory nerve; deeper, the suprascapular nerve.
4.9.2.17
L.I. 17 (Tianding)
4.9.2.17.1
Location:
4.9.2.17.1.1
On the lateral side of the neck, superior to the midpoint of
the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen; S 12), about 1 cun below Neck-Futu
(L.I. 18), on the posterior border of m. sternocleidomastoideus.
4.9.2.17.2
Indications:
4.9.2.17.2.1
Sore throat, hoarseness of voice, scrofula, goiter.
4.9.2.17.3
Method:
4.9.2.17.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
Regional anatomy
4.9.2.17.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.17.4.1
The external jugular vein.
4.9.2.17.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.17.5.1
Superficially, the supraclavicular nerve. It is on the pos-
terior border of m. sternocleidomastoideus just where the cutaneous cervical
nerve emerges. Deeper, the phrenic nerve.
4.9.2.18
L.I. 18 (Futu)
4.9.2.18.1
Locatiop:
4.9.2.18.1.1
On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's
apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of m. sternocleido-
mastoideus.
4.9.2.18.2
Indications:
4.9.2.18.2.1
Cough, asthma, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, scrofula,
goiter .
4.9.2.18.3
Method:
4.9.2.18.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli-
cable.
4.9.2.18.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.18.4.1
Deeper, on the medial side, the ascending cervical artery and
vein.
4.9.2.18.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.18.5.1
The great auricular nerve, cutaneous cervical nerve, lesser
occipital nerve and accessory nerve.
4.9.2.19
L.I. 19 (Nose-Heliao)
4.9.2.19.1
Location:
4.9.2.19.1.1
Directly below the lateral margin of the nostril, level with
Renzhong (Du 26.)
4.9.2.19.2
Indications:
4.9.2.19.2.1
Epistaxis, nasal obstruction, deviation of the mouth.
4.9.2.19.3
Method:
4.9.2.19.3.1
Puncture obliquely 0.2-0.3 inch. Regional anatomy
4.9.2.19.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.19.4.1
The superior labial branches of the facial artery and vein.
4.9.2.19.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.19.5.1
The anastomotic branch of the facial nerve and the
infraorbital nerve.
4.9.2.20
L.I. 20 (Yingxiang) Branch
4.9.2.20.1
Location:
4.9.2.20.1.1
In the nasolabial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the
lateral border of ala nasi. (See Fig. 26.)
4.9.2.20.2
Indications:
4.9.2.20.2.1
Nasal obstruction, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, deviation of the
mouth, itching and swelling of the face.
4.9.2.20.3
Method:
4.9.2.20.3.1
Puncture obliquely downward 0.3 inch. Regional anatomy
4.9.2.20.4
Vasculature:
4.9.2.20.4.1
The facial artery and vein, the branches of the infraorbital
4.9.2.20.5
Innervation:
4.9.2.20.5.1
The anastomotic branch of the facial and infraorbital
4.10.1
Summary of Channel Points
4.10.1.1
The Lng Channel of Hand-Taiyiri'
originates from middleCjiao;running downward to connect with the large
intestine (1). Winding back, it goes along the upper opfice of the stomach (2);
passes through the diaphragm (3), and enters the Lng; its pertaining organ (4).
From the portion of the Lng communicating with the throat, it comes out
transversely (Zhongfu, L 1) (5). Descending along the medial aspect of the
upper arm, it passes in front of the Heart Channel of ~and-Shaoyin and the
Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin (6) and reaches the cubi~al fossa (7). Then
it goes continuously downward along the medial aspect of the forearm (8) and
ar- rives at the medial side of the styloid proce&s of the ra,dius above
the wrist, where it enters ~unkou (the radial artery at the wrist for
pulse palpation)' (9). Passing the thenar eminence (10)J it goes along its
radial border (11), ending at the medial side of the tip of the thumb (Shaoshang,
L 11) (12). The branch proximal to the wrist emerges from Lieque (L 7)
(13) and runs directly to the radial side of the tip of the index finger
(Shangyang, LI. 1) where it links with the Large Intestine Channel of
Hand-Yang- ming. (See Fig. 14.) There are altogether 11 points in this channeL
They are described as follows:
4.10.2
Points
4.10.2.1
L 1 Lung Bo Branch
4.10.2.1.1
Location:
4.10.2.1.1.1
Below the acromial extremity of t4e clavicle, one cun directly
below Yunmen (L 2), 6 cun lateral to Ren ChanneL (See Fig. 15.)
4.10.2.1.2
Indications:
4.10.2.1.2.1
Cough, asthma; pain in .the chest, shoulder and back, full-
ness in the cheS
4.10.2.1.3
Method:
4.10.2.1.3.1
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch towards the lateral
aspect of the cheS Moxibustion is applicable.
4.10.2.1.4
Vasculature:
4.10.2.1.4.1
Superolaterally, the axillary artery and vein, the tho- racoacromial
artery and vein.
4.10.2.1.5
Innervation:
4.10.2.1.5.1
The intermediate supraclavicular nerve, the branches of the
anterior thoracic nerve, and the lateral cutaneous branch of the 1st in-
tercostal nerve.
4.10.2.2
L 2
4.10.2.2.1
Location:
In the depression below the acromial extremity
of the clavicle, 6 cun lateral to Ren ChanneL (See Fig:'15.)
4.10.2.2.2
Indications:
Cough, asthma, pain in the chest, shoulder and
arm, fullness in the cheS
4.10.2.2.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch.
Moxibustion is appli- cable.
4.10.2.2.4
Vasculature:
The cephalic vein, tb.e thoracoacromial artery
and vein; inferiorly, the axillary artery.
4.10.2.2.5
Innervation:
The intermediate and lateral supraclavicular
nerve, the branches of the anterior thoracic nerve, and the later~ cord of the
brachial plexus.
4.10.2.3
L 3
4.10.2.3.1
Location:
On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun
below the end of the axillarY fold, on the radial side of m. biceps
brachii, 6 cun above Chize (L 5). : Note: The distance from the end of
the axillary fold to Chize (L 5) is measured as 9 cun.
4.10.2.3.2
Indications:
Asthma, epistaxis, pain in the medial aspect of
the arm. Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Regional anatomy
4.10.2.3.3
Vasculature:
The cephalic vein and muscular branches of the
brachial artery and vein.
4.10.2.3.4
Innervation:
The lateral brachial cutaneous nerve at the
place where the musculocutaneous nerve passes through.
4.10.2.4
L 4
4.10.2.4.1
Location
On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 1 cun
below Tianfu (L3) on the radial side of m. biceps brachii
4.10.2.4.2
Indications
Couigh, fullness in the chest, pain in the
medial aspect of the arm.
4.10.2.4.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly .3-.5 inch.
Moxibustion is applicable.
4.10.2.4.4
Regional anatomy
See L 3
4.10.2.5
L 5 Water Sedation
4.10.2.5.1
Location:
On the cubital crease, On the radial side of
the tendon of m. biceps brachii. This point is located with the elbow slightly
flexed. Note: The distance from Chize (L 5) to Taiyuan (L 9) is measured as 12 cun.
4.10.2.5.2
Indications:
Cough, hemoptysis afternoo fever, asthma,
fullness in the chest, sore throat, spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm.
4.10.2.5.3
Medthod:
Puncture perpwndicularly .03-.05 inch.
4.10.2.5.4
Vasculature:
The branches of the radial recurrent artery and
vein, the cephalic vein.
4.10.2.5.5
Innervation:
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and
the radial nerve.
4.10.2.6
L 6 X (CLEFT) (16
ACCUMULATING)CROSSING
4.10.2.6.1
Location:
On the palmer aspect of the forearm, on the
line joining Taiyuan (L 9) and Chize (L 5) 7 cun above Taiyuan (L 9)
4.10.2.6.2
Indications:
Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, pain
and motor impairment of the elbow and arm.
4.10.2.6.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch.
Moxibustion is appli- cable.
4.10.2.6.4
Vasculatur~:
The cephalic vein, the radial artery and vein.
4.10.2.6.5
Innervation:
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and
the superfi- cial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.10.2.7
L 7
LO 8CONFLUENT= CV SPECIAL=MIGRANE
4.10.2.7.1
Location:
Superior to the styloid process of the radius,
1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wriS When the index fingers and
thumbs of both hands are crossed wi th the index finger of one hand placed on
the styloid process of the radius of the other, the point is in the depression
right under the tip of the index finger. (See Fig. 17 and 18.) Note: This point
is one of the Eight ConfLent Points communicating with the Ren ChanneL
4.10.2.7.2
Indicati9ns:
Headache, neck rigidity, cough, asthma, sore throat, facial
paralysis, trismus, weakness of the wriS
4.10.2.7.3
Method:
Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is
applicable~ Regional anatomy Vasculature : The cephalic vein, branches of the
radial artery and vein.
4.10.2.7.4
Innervation:
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and
the superficial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.10.2.8
L 8
METAL HORARY=3-5PM
4.10.2.8.1
Location:
1 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist,
in the depres- sion on the radial side of the radial artery. (See Fig. 17.)
4.10.2.8.2
Indications:
Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the chest
and the wriS
4.10.2.8.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.1-0.2 inch. Regional
anatomy
4.10.2.8.4
Vasculature:
Laterally, the radial artery and vein.
4.10.2.8.5
Innervation:
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and
the superficial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.10.2.9
L 9 Earth Yuan Source
TONIFICATION Root
4.10.2.9.1
Location:
At the transverse crease of the wrist, in the
depression on the radial side of the radial artery. Note: This point is one of
the Eight InfLential Points which dominates the vessels.
4.10.2.9.2
Indications:
Asthma, cough, hemoptysis, sore throat,
palpitation, pain in the chest and the medial aspect of the forearm.
4.10.2.9.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch.
Moxibustion is ap- plicable.
4.10.2.9.4
Vasculature:
The radial artery and vein.
4.10.2.9.5
Innervation:
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and
the superfi- cial ramus of the radial nerve.
4.10.2.10 L 10 FIRE
4.10.2.10.1
Location:
On the radial aspect of the midpoint of the 1st
metacarpal bone, on the junction of the red and white skin (i.e., the junction
of the dorsum and palm of the hand). (See Fig. 17.)
4.10.2.10.2
Indications:
Cough, hemoptysis, sore throat, fever .
4.10.2.10.3
Method:
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch.
Moxibustion is ap- plicable,
4.10.2.10.4
Vasculature:
Venules of the thumb draining to the cephalic
vein. Innervation: The superficial ramus 0.! the radial nerve.
4.10.2.11 L 11 WOOD ORGIN
4.10.2.11.1
Location:
On the radial side of the thumb, about 0.1 cun
posterior to the corner of the naiL Note: In treating mental illness or
epistaxis, apply moxibustion with 3-5 small moxa cones.
4.10.2.11.2
Indications:
Cough, asthma, sore throat, epistaxis,
contracture and pain of fingers, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness,
mental disorders.
4.10.2.11.3
Method:
Puncture obliquely upward 0.1 inch, or prick
with three-edged needle to cause bleeding.
4.10.2.11.4
Vasculature:
The arterial and venous network formed by the
palmar digital proprial artery and veins.
4.10.2.11.5
Innervation:
The terminal nerve network formed by the mixed
branches of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial ramus
of the radial nerve as well as the palmar digital proprial nerve of the median
nerve.
4.11 Bladder