Korean Four-Needle Technique is based on Five-Phase (Five-Element) theory, specically Classic of Difculties ch 69.

Four points are chosen; two are tonied, two are drained. A slightly different protocol is followed depending on whether the affected meridian is excess or decient. If the affected meridian is Yin, Yin meridians are chosen for treatment, if it is Yang, Yang meridians are chosen. To use this technique, you must be very familiar with the Five Phase theory as well as the Five Phase points on each meridian. For Deciency, Tonify the Mother

Example: Lung Deciency: Lung is Metal, Mother of Metal is Earth, Metal is Controlled by Fire 1) Tonify the Mother Point on the Affected Meridian Example: Lung Deciency: Tonify LU9 (Earth point on Metal Meridian) 2) Tonify the Same-Phase (Horary) Point on the Mother Meridian Example: Lung Deciency: Tonify SP3 (Earth point on Earth Meridian) 3) Drain the Same-Phase (Horary) Point on the Controller Meridian Example: Lung Deciency: Drain HT8 (Fire point on Fire Meridian) 4) Drain the Controller Point on the Affected Meridian Example: Lung Deciency: Drain LU10 (Fire point on Metal Meridian) Another Example: Stomach Deciency: Tonify ST41 & SI5, Drain GB41 & ST43

For Excess, Drain the Child Example: GB Excess: GB is Wood, Child of Wood is Fire, Wood is Controlled by Metal 1) Drain the Child Point on the Affected Meridian Example: GB Excess: Drain GB38 (Fire point on Wood Meridian) 2) Drain the Same-Phase (Horary) Point on the Child Meridian Example: GB Excess: Drain SI5 (Fire point on Fire Meridian) 3) Tonify the Same-Phase (Horary) Point on the Controller Meridian Example: GB Excess: Tonify LI1 (Metal point on Metal Meridian) 4) Tonify the Controller Point on the Affected Meridian Example: GB Excess: Tonify GB44 (Metal point on Wood Meridian) Another Example: Heart Excess: Drain HT7 & SP3, Tonify K10 & HT3 Exercise: choose points for Liver Deciency, Sanjiao Deciency, UB Excess, Lung Excess.