What are the functions of the Xi-cleft points?

Answer: Xi-cleft points are good at treating acute/urgent diseases as well as pain
syndromes. Xi means cleft, where the channel qi gathers deeply. When channels
travel and meet with circuitous or crooked parts of body, qi and blood will gather
and irrigate at those cleft sites. Other than the stomach xi-cleft point which is
located slightly superior to the knee, the rest of xi-cleft points are distributed
inferior to the elbow or knee. Xi-cleft points are where channel qi and blood gather
around and hence they are with abundant qi and blood and with strong function of
regulating qi and blood. The major indication of xi-cleft point is to treat acute zang
fu disorders and pains of its respective channel.

Some believe the xi-cleft points of yin channels is more for blood related disorders
while the xi-cleft points of the yang channels more for pain syndromes. However,
according to the experience, to treat acute pains or blood disorders of channels, xicleft points of either yin or yang channels work well. For example, the xi-cleft point
of lung channel, Kuongzhui (LU6) is quite effective for asthma (even more effective
if combined with Chize (LU5) or Yuji (LU10)); hemoptysis; bronchiectasis; lung
tuberculosis (paired with Yinxi (HT6). Ximen (PC4) is effective for fright palpitation,
unpeaceful spirit (paired with Shenmen (HT7)), angina, premature beat (combined
with Xinshu (UB15), Tanzhong (Ren15)). In a word, xi-cleft points are mostly used to
treat acute syndromes and pains caused by sudden stagnation or imbalance of the
channel qi. The disorders are usually excessive syndromes.

Dishi point (33.14) in Tungs extraordinary point is located very close to the xi-cleft
point of lung channel, Kuongzhui (LU6) and is very effective for acute disorders of
lung such as common cold and asthma. Jiexue point (88.28) is located very close to
Liangqiu (ST34), the xi-cleft point of stomach channel which is with abundant qi and
blood, and hence is particularly good at regulating qi and blood to treat disturbance
of qi and blood and fainting caused by acupuncture.

Besides, many researches and experiences conclude that xi-cleft points are
diagnostic. Xi-cleft points distinctly manifest acute disorders and hence are valuable
in diagnosis. They also help diagnose disorders caused by irregularities of qi and
blood of certain zang or fu. For example, in stomach spasm and acute mastitis,
Liangqiu (ST34) will be tender when pressed. Hence, tender on Liangqiu (ST34)
assist in the diagnosis of stomach disorders. Also, tender sensation at Kuongzhui
(LU6) when it is pressed assist in the diagnosis of pneumonia and hemorrhoid.

Tender Waiqiu (GB36), the xi-cleft point of gall bladder channel, assists the
diagnosis of gall bladder duct infection. Wenliu (LI6), xi-cleft point of the large
intestine, if tender when pressed, often reflects digestive tract perforation.