TCM Acupoint Theory

T.C.
M ACU-POINTS
THEORY AND APPLICATIONS
FOR MORE DETAILS: WWW.YINGYANGHOUSE.COM

TCM ACU-POINTS
Theory and Applications
FOR MORE DETAILS

www.yingyanghouse.com
1-Five Shu Points Theory and Applications
 Some styles of acupuncture, such as Worsley (or Classical) Five Element, Japanese Five
Phase, and even some branches of TCM utilize the five element theory and acupuncture
points more extensively than others.
 The Yin Shu Stream Points are also the Yuan Source points, so they carry a role in tonifying
the Yin organs which may or may not be related to their role as Shu Stream points in treating
heaviness of the body.
o Jing-well Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel emerges and begins moving towards the trunk of the body
o Located on the tips of the fingers and toes
o Actions & Effects
o Restores consciousness
o Clears Heat & Stagnation from the opposite end of the channel
o Calms the Spirit (Shen)
o Treats fullness below the Heart
o Ying-spring Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel trickles
o Located just proximal to the Jing-well points
o Actions & Effects
o Clears heat from the meridian/organ
o Effect on the opposite end of the channel (less than Jing-well)
o Clears Heat over the entire course of the channel (Jing-well works on the distal end)
o Shu-stream Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel begins to pour
o Located at or near the joints of the extremities (i.e. ankles & wrists)
o On the Yin Channels Shu-stream points are identical to the Yuan-source points (important for
tonifying and regulating their pertaining organs)
o Actions & Effects
o Heaviness a/or pain of the joints
o Combine with the Ying-spring Points to treat the Yin organs
o Yang Shu-stream Points useful for channel stagnation
o Ling Shu ch. 44 states that they are useful for diseases which come and go
o Jing-river Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel begins to flow more heavily
o Located on the forearm and lower leg
o
o Actions & Effects
o Cough, Fever & Chills - External pathogenic factors
o Disorders of the local tissues (muscles, tendons, bones, joints)
o Diseases manifesting in the voice
o He-sea Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel enters a deeper level to communicate with its pertaining organ
o Located at or near the elbows and knees
o Actions & Effects
o Counter flow Qi, diarrhoea, skin diseases (mainly hot)
o Issues with the Yang Organs and Channels
o Treats the Fu (hollow organs)
Five Shu Points Chart
Yin Meridians Jing-well Ying- Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

(Wood) spring (Earth) (Metal) (Water)
(Fire)
LU LU 11 LU 10 LU 9 LU 8 LU 5
PC PC 9 PC 8 PC 7 PC 5 PC 3
HT HT 9 HT 8 HT 7 HT 4 HT 3
SP SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 5 SP 9
LV LV 1 LV 2 LV 3 LV 4 LV 8
KD KD 1 KD 2 KD 3 KD 7 KD 10
Yang Meridians Jing-well Ying- Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

(Metal) spring (Wood) (Fire) (Earth)
(Water)
LI LI 1 LI 2 LI 3 LI 5 LI 11
TH TH 1 TH 2 TH 3 TH 6 TH 10
SI SI 1 SI 2 SI 3 SI 5 SI 8
ST ST 45 ST 44 ST 43 ST 41 ST 36
GB GB 44 GB 43 GB 41 GB 38 GB 34
UB UB 67 UB 66 UB 65 UB 60 UB 40
2-Mother Child Points Theory and Applications
 Within five element theory the "creation" cycle is the circular flow of relationships from one
element to the next. Fire --> Earth --> Metal --> Water --> Wood --> Fire. Within the
creation cycle the "mother" is the preceding element and the "child" is the following element.
For example, Fire is the mother of earth and the child of wood.
 The Mother - Child law states that in cases of a deficiency you tonify the mother and in cases
of excess you sedate the child. For example, frequent urination can be a sign of Kidney
(water) deficiency, so you would tonify the metal point on the Kidney meridian (KD 7).
 While the theory many times correlates to the common clinical usage of acupuncture points,
some of the points that the theory would select do not work the way that the theory would
predict. Some examples are:
o HT 9 & PC 9 - are most often used to clear heat.
o SI 3 & SI 8 - reduce heat, pain and stagnation but provide no tonifying effect.
o LI 11 - is typically dispersed to clear heat.
o TH 3 - has no tonification effects.
o ST 41 - is typically used to disperse fever a/or reduce abdominal destination, although it can
be as a local point in a tonifying manner to increase energy flow to the foot.
o SP 2 - is not the most tonifying point on the SP meridian - SP 3 is a better choice.
o UB 67 - dispersive point for acute conditions.
o GB 43 & GB 38 - are both used to clear heat.
 Mother Child Points Chart
Mother Child
Lung (Metal) LU 9 LU 5
Large Intestine (Metal) LI 11 LI 2
Stomach (Earth) ST 41 ST 45
Spleen (Earth) SP 2 SP 5
Heart (Fire) HT 9 HT 7
Small Intestine (Fire) SI 3 SI 8
Urinary Bladder (Water) UB 67 UB 65
Kidney (Water) KD 7 KD 1
Pericardium (Fire) PC 9 PC 7
Triple Heater (Fire) TH 3 TH 10
Gall Bladder (Wood) GB 43 GB 38
Liver (Wood) LV 8 LV 2
3-Lower He Sea
Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes a number of theories which

group acupuncture points together based on
their functions and/or other relationships. Many of these theories
are important in a clinical setting and are used, along with other
theory and diagnostic information, to decide which acupuncture
points will be used for a given condition.
Lower He Sea Points Chart
Large Intestine ST 37 -Yang Ming- Stomach ST 36
Triple Heater UB 39 -Shao Yang- Gall Bladder GB 34
Small Intestine ST 39 -Tai Yang- Urinary Bladder UB 40
There Are (6) Lower He Sea Acupuncture Points
UB 39 Bend Yang
o Damp heat conditions effecting the lower warmer: disperse for difficult urination.
o Tonify for urinary incontinenc.
 UB 40 Bend Middle
o As the Lumbar Command Point, useful for all lumbar related issues: acute low back pain,
sprain, muscle spasms, etc.
o Main point for heat conditions such as summer heat, heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
o Main point for all skin related issues: itching, oozing, inflammation, etc.
o Good local point for leg a/or knee pain.

 ST 36 Leg Three Li
o Tonify deficient Qi a/or Blood.
o Tonify Wei Qi and Qi overall - low immunity, chronic illness, poor digestion, general
weakness, particularly with moxibustion, very important acupuncture point for building and
maintaining overall health.
o All issues involving the Stomach a/or the Spleen – abdominal epigastria pain, borborygmus,
bloating, nausea, vomiting, GERD, hiccups, diarrhoea, constipation, etc.
o Clear disorders along the course of the channel - breast problems, lower leg pain.
o Earth as the mother of Metal - will support Lung function in cases of asthma, wheezing,
dyspnoea.
o Psychological/Emotional disorders - PMS, depression, nervousness, insomnia.
 ST 37 Upper Great Hollow

o Generally for excess and more acute disorders of the intestines and digestive system
involving dampness and/or heat - diarrhoea, dysentery, boborygmus, abdominal pain,
bloating, dissention, constipation.
o Sea of Blood Point - if excess the patient may have feelings of largeness, whereas, if deficient
the patient may feel small.
 ST 39 Lower Great Hollow

o Disorders of the Small Intestine organ - abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dysentery.
o SI channel problems - breast issues, mastitis, pain/swelling/numbness along channel.
o Local point for lower leg issues - pain, numbness, motor control, atrophy.
 GB 34 Yang Mound Spring

o Hui Meeting of the Sinews - useful for treating soft tissue anywhere in the body, contracture,
cramping, pain, spasm, weakness, numbness, paralysis.
o Sciatica and issues with the low back, hip, a/or lower limbs, knees.
o All disorders of the lateral regions of the body.
o Lower He Sea of the GB - effects GB organ, usually with GB Damp-Heat conditions,
cholecystitis, hepatitis, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, bitter taste in mouth, gallstones.
o Shao Yang level diseases presenting with alternating chills/fevers, costal pain, bitter taste in
mouth.
o LV attacking SP - counter flow Qi, nausea, vomiting, indigestion.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Sciatic nerve issues, leg muscle issues (cramps, fatigue),
gallstones.
4-Xi Cleft Points Theory and Applications
 The Xi Cleft points, also called the accumulation points, are where the Qi and Blood of a
meridian pool. They are primarily at or near the joints of the body.
 In treatment they are used primarily for acute conditions, especially pain, that involve their
related organs/channels.
 LU 6 - acute asthma, wind heat
 LI 7 - sore throat, face pain/swelling
 SP 8 - blood stagnation in the uterus a/or lower abdomen
 ST 34 - breast issues, epigastric pain
 HT 6 - heart pain, reckless bleeding due to heat
 SI 6 - severe pain along the SI channel
 KD 5 - menstrual problems due to deficiency a/or blood stagnation
 UB 63 - acute cystitis
 PC 4 - severe chest pain, reckless bleeding due to heat
 TH 7 - not used often clinically
 LV 6 - acute cystitis, blood stagnation in the uterus a/or lower abdomen
 GB 36 - painful obstruction a/or atrophy of the lower limbs
 UB 59 - yang qiao mai, not used often clinically
 KD 8 - yin qiao mai, menstrual irregularities
 KD 9 - yin wei mai, severe and acute mental disorders
 GB 35 - yang wei mai, not used often clinically
Xi Cleft Points Chart
Lung LU 6 Urinary Bladder UB 63 Yin Qiao Vessel KD 8
Large Intestine LI 7 Kidney KD 5 Yang Qiao Vessel UB 59
Stomach ST 34 Pericardium PC 4 Yin Wei Vessel KD 9
Spleen SP 8 Triple Heater TH 7 Yang Wei Vessel GB 35
Heart HT 6 Gall Bladder GB 36
Small Intestine SI 6 Liver LV 6

 LU 6 Collection Hole
o Xi Cleft Point - for Acute attacks of OPI's, usually wind-heat or wind-dry - cough, wheezing,
asthma, sore throat.
o Dry hacking cough, especially at night.
o Local point for pain along the meridian, especially at the joints.
 PC 4 Xi Cleft Gate
o Acute palpitations, angina.
o Acute heat in the Blood, coughing or vomiting of Blood, bleeding haemorrhoids.
o Spirit disorders typically due to Blood stasis, yin spirit problems, depression, fear of people, grief.
 HT 6 Yin Cleft
o Night sweats, Steaming Bone Disorders, tonify Yin and Blood. Often used with SI 3 for night
sweats.
o Acute chest and/or heart pain from Blood stasis. Palpitations, although HT 5 may be better.
o Acute emotional disturbances - mania, anxiety, shock, sudden loss of voice.
o Counter flow qi - panic attacks, vomiting blood, nosebleeds.
 SI 6 Nursing the Aged

o Acute and Severe Pain, in the neck, shoulder a/or arms.
o Useful point for treating elderly patients, deafness, tinnitus, failing vision, upper body/limb
stiffness.
o Overwork a/or overstrain, fatigue in the extremities.
 TH 7 Convergence and Gathering

o Local Point.
 LI 7 Warm Dwelling
o Xi Cleft Point useful for pain due to stagnation along the meridian in the shoulders, elbows and
wrist.
o Classically noted with LI 5 for "seeing ghosts," may be useful in manic conditions.
 SP 8 Earth's Crux
o Xi Cleft Point - acute and painful menstrual issues due to Blood stagnation - clotting, fibroids,
dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation.
o Male infertility - seminal emission, depleted essence.


 LV 6 Central Metropolis
o Acute hepatitis.
o Pain along the channel, genital region or medial knee.
 KD 5 Water Spring
o Generally nourishes Yin and Blood and moves the uterus.
o KD related menstrual issues, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea (pain/cramps), delayed menstruation,
sensations of oppression below the heart (possibly at onset of menstruation).
o Uterine prolapsed.
 KD 8 Intersection Reach
o Issues of movement and mobility of the medial aspect of the lower limbs, ankle, heel - sprains,
pain
 KD 9 Guest House
o Strong spirit disorders - anger, cursing, mania.
o Deficient yang, cold, in the abdomen - Shan disorder, hernia, pain a/or retraction of the scrotum.
o Useful in a detox prescription to assist the cleansing, especially with respect to emotional
outbreaks
 UB 59 Instep Yang
o Acute pain a/or spasm of the Bladder a/or Yang Qiao meridians.
o Lateral ankle sprai.
 UB 63 Metal Gate
o Local Point.
 ST 34 Beam Hill
o Lateral knee issues, swelling, pain, difficult movement.
o Pain, motor control, circulation issues of the knee and/or lower leg.
o Excess & Acute issues of the Stomach and chest - acute Stomach pain, GERD, vomiting, acute
breast pain.
 GB 35 Yang Intersection
o Local Point.
 GB 36 Outer Hill
o Mentioned in the Bronze Man for treating rabies w/rage, fever, convulsions - moxa 3 cones after
bite.
o Acute cholecystitis.
o Acute painful skin conditions
5-Yuan Source Points Theory and Applications
 The Yuan Source points are where the Yuan Qi, the body's primordial Qi, pools.
 Each of the 12 meridians has a Yuan Source point including the TH which is also the
meridian responsible for circulating the Yuan Qi.
 With their relationship to the primordial Qi, the Yuan Source points indicate the nature of Yin
in the body and the Yin Yuan Points can be used to tonify the 5 Yin Organs (HT, LU, SP,
KD, LV) a/or as diagnostic tools for the 5 Yin Organs.
 The Yang Yuan Points are not used to tonify yang organs but can be used to expel
pathogenic factors a/or release excess patterns.
o LI 4 - expel wind heat
o TH 4 - clears heat from the GB
o SI 4 - treat pain along the SI meridian
o ST 42 - acute facial paralysis from wind-cold
o GB 40 - resolve LV Qi stagnation
o UB 64 - resolve damp cold in the lower warmer
Yuan Source Points Chart - (Point Details)
Lung LU 9 Urinary Bladder UB 64
Large Intestine LI 4 Kidney KD 3
Stomach ST 42 Pericardium PC 7
Spleen SP 3 Triple Heater TH 4
Luo Connecting Points Theory and Applications
 Luo Connecting Points are where a separate channel splits off from the main flow and
connects with the Yin/Yang paired meridian.
 Can be used to diagnose and treat channel problems based on fullness (pain, heat) or
emptiness (stiffness, weakness).
 May be used to treat the Yin/Yang paired organ.
o LI 6 - oedema (LU's water regulating function)
o SI 7 - calm and regulate emotions (HT relationship)
o ST 40 - eliminates phlegm (supports SP)
o GB 37 - eye problems (supports LV)
o UB 58 - cold in the lower back (KD deficiency)
o PC 6 - nausea via connection with the TH and travelling through the 3 warmers
 May be used to treat emotional disharmonies.
o LU 7 - sadness
o PC 6 - insomnia, anxiety
o SI 7 - anxiety
o HT 5 - agitation, depression, stress
o ST 40 - bi polar disorder, manic episodes
o SP 4 - manic depression, restlessness
o LV 5 - plum pit qi, depression
 There are 4 group luo points which are used in cases where 3 related meridians are
imbalanced.
o TH 8 - treat the 3 Yang meridians in the arm (LI, TH, SI)
o PC 5 - treat the 3 Yin meridians in the arm (LU, PC, HT)
o GB 39 - treat the 3 Yang meridians in the leg (ST, GB, UB)
o SP 6 - treat the 3 Yin meridians in the leg (SP, LV, KD)
 There are 16 connecting channels: 1 for each of the 12 meridians, a great luo point for the ST
as well as the SP in addition to their regular luo points, 1 for the CV and 1 for the GV.
o LU separates at LU 7, follows the LU channel into the palm, spread through the thenar
eminence and connects with the LI
o LI separates at LI 6, joins the LU meridian, ascends the arm going through LI 15 to the jaw
where it divides, one branch going to the teeth and the other enters the ear
o SP separates at SP 4, connects with the ST meridian, ascends up the medial aspect of the leg
and connects with the Stomach and intestines
o SP Great Luo separates at SP 21, spreads through the chest and the lateral costal region
o ST separates at ST 40, joins the SP, ascends the leg and continues to the base of the neck
where it joins the Qi of the other yang channels and terminates in the throat
o ST Great Luo is sometimes seen as a throbbing below the left breast and connects with the
LU
o HT separates at HT 5, joins the SI, follows the HT meridian to the HT and continues to the
root of the tongue and into the eyes
o SI separates at SI 7, joins the HT, ascends the arm at connects with LI 15
o KD separates at KD 4, encircles the heel and enters internally connecting with the UB,
follows up to a point below the heart and travels posteriorly spreading into the lumbar region
o UB separates at UB 58, connects with the KD meridian
o PC separates at PC 6, connects with the TH, ascends along the TH and connects with the PC
and the HT
o TH separates at TH 5, travels up the posterior aspect of the arm and joins the PC in the chest
o LV separates at LV 5, connects with the GB and travels up the legs to the genitals
o GB separates at GB 37, connects with the LV, descends and disperses over the dorsum of the
foot
o CV separates at CV 15, descends and disperses over the abdomen
o GV separates at GV 1, ascends bilaterally along the sides of the spine to the base of the neck,
spreads out over the occipital
Luo Connecting Points Chart - (Point Details)
Lung LU 7 Urinary Bladder UB 58
Large Intestine LI 6 Kidney KD 4
Stomach ST 40 Pericardium PC 6
Spleen SP 4 Triple Heater TH 5
Yuan Luo - Guest/Host - Point Combinations in Clinical Practice
 If a meridian is deficient you tonify the Yuan Source point and disperse the Luo Connecting
point on its Yin/Yang paired meridian
 If a meridian is excess you disperse the Yuan Source point and tonify the Luo Connecting
point on its Yin/Yang paired meridian
 Some Examples:
 LI 4 (source) w/ LU 7 (luo) - sore throat, nasal congestion, colds and respiratory flu
 LU 9 (source) w/ LI 6 (luo) - acute upper body edema
 SP 3 (source) w/ ST 40 (luo) - phlegm
 HT 7 (source) w/ SI 7 - psycho-emotional issues
 KD 3 (source) w/ UB 58 (luo) - lower back problems, weakness in the lower limbs
 LV 3 (source) w/ GB 37 (luo) - eye problems caused by LV disharmonies
Front Mu Points Theory and Applications
 Used primarily to treat their related organ a/or for problems in the local area.
 Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.
 Considered more for acute a/or local problems of the organs.
 Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yang organs,
while the Back Shu points will treat imbalances within the yin organs.
Front Mu Points Chart -
Lung LU 1 Urinary Bladder CV 3
Large Intestine ST 25 Kidney GB 25
Stomach CV 12 Pericardium CV 17
Spleen LV 13 Triple Heater CV 5
Heart CV 14 Gall Bladder GB 24
Small Intestine CV 4 Liver LV 14
There Are (12) Front Mu Acupuncture Points
 LU 1 Central Treasury
o Lung Front MU Point - useful for all LU Issues, especially of Excess Type cough,
wheezing, asthma.
o LU disharmonies involving Phlegm/Heat excess arising from the middle warmer - vomiting,
difficult ingestion.
 LV 13 Camphorwood Gate
o Assist with SP Deficient signs esp. from the LV invading the SP - pain and distention of the
abdomen, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea (or alternating), bloating, undigested food in the
bowels.
o Hui Meeting Point of the Zang - tonify all Zang organs.
o Running Piglet Disorder.
 LV 14 Cycle Gate
o Strong effect on the middle and upper warmers - subcostal tension, chest/rib pain, LV
overacting on the LU (cough, SOB).
o Effects LV organ, Qi/Blood stagnation - hepatitis, gallstones.
o Emotional imbalances - anger, irritability.
 ST 25 Celestial Pivot
o All intestinal issues - constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, distention, pain,
masses/accumulations of any type.
o Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, fibroids/cysts, fertility issues and leucorrhea.
o Connects the Upper and Lower Warmers (pre & post natal Qi).
 GB 24 Sun and Moon

o LV & GB issues, especially involving heat and stagnation - gallstones, hepatitis, jaundice.
o LV/GB attacking the SP - nausea, vomiting, sour belching, bitter taste, acid reflux.
o GB related emotional imbalances - fearfulness, shyness, indecisiveness, timidity, sighing.
o The Ling Shu indicates GB 24 (GB Front Mu) & UB 19 (GB Back Shu) for frequent
indecisiveness.
 GB 25 Capital Gate
o Local point for pain in the lumbar a/or lateral costal region especially when presenting with a
KD deficiency.
o KD/SP Issues involving dampness - diarrhea (esp. watery/cold), bloating, abdominal
distention.
o Diuretic point - urinary retention, difficult urination, edema.
o Uterine stones - assists passage
CV 3
 CV 3 Central Pole
o Generally useful for Excess-Type Genitor-urinary disorders.
o Urinary disorders from excess heat, stagnation a/or dampness - cystitis,
dark/burning/urgent/frequent urination, retention of urine.
o Main point for damp-heat in the genital area - genital itching w/sensation of heat, rashes,
genital herpes, impotence, seminal emission.
o Yin excess accumulations - masses below the umbilicus, cold lower abdomen.
o Moving and cooling point for Gynecological disorders - dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea,
fibroids, leucorrhea, uterine bleeding, uterine prolapsed.


 CV 4 Origin Pass
o Generally, useful for deficiencies of Yin, Yang, Qi & Blood.
o Main point for tonifying Prenatal Qi - exhaustion, weakness, chronic fatigue/diseases.
o Main point for Kidney deficiencies of Qi, Jing a/or Yang - low back pain, bone disorders,
early morning (5 a.m., "cock-crow") diarrhea. rectal prolapsed.
o Genitor-urinary issues with Deficient a/or Cold Patterns - incontinence, clear copious urine,
nocturnal.
o Main point for all menstrual disorders with Deficient, Cold a/or Stagnation Patterns - scanty
menstruation, pale blood.
o Sexual / Fertility Issues - infertility, impotence, seminal emission, amenorrhea, bleeding
during pregnancy.
o Yang collapse - chills, profuse sweating, SOB, unconsciousness.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: An important point for the storage and development of Qi
(energy), useful for deficiency conditions - weakness, shortness of breath, sexual issues. May
also be used in Tong Ren (no needling) to ease delivery.
 CV 5 Stone Gate
o Generally, useful for patterns of excess involving the lower abdomen a/or urinary tracts. Not
used as often as other CV points.
o Mentioned classically to both cause and treat infertility, although the cause may merely be
incorrect needling which is specifically mentioned. Modern texts have largely ignored these
cautions.
o Useful for lower abdominal pain of an excess nature, genital pain/itching, shan disorders,
hernia.
o Diarrhea, undigested food in stools, poor appetite, abdominal pain, edema.
 CV 12 Central Venter
o CV 12 is useful for middle warmer issues, whereas CV 10 is useful for lower warmer issues
and CV 13 is useful for upper warmer issues.
o ST patterns arising from an excess or a deficiency, tonify deficient SP patterns (moxa useful)
- nearly all digestive issues - pain, bloating, reflux, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice.
o Hui Meeting Point - broad effect on the Fu (hollow) organs in the body.
o Stress related digestive disorders (nervous Stomach, heartburn, diarrhea) along with various
symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, etc. particularly from worry and/or over thinking..
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used for all digestive issues and esophagus issues, also
useful for weight loss.
CV 14 Great Tower Gate
o Any Shen or Heart issue arising from an Excess or a Deficiency.

o Front Mu Point of the HT - angina, pain/tightness in the Heart area.
o Nausea, reflux, acid regurgitation, vomiting, abdominal a/or epigastric pain.
o Shen disturbances arising from Phlegm "misting the mind" - manic depression, muddled
thinking, anger outbursts, poor memory, anxiety, palpitations, panic attacks, epilepsy.
o Descends lung qi - cough, asthma.
 CV 17 Chest Center
o Main point for tonification of the upper warmer.
o Hui Meeting Point of the Qi - tonify and move the Qi of the body.
o Chronic lung issues - cough, asthma, SOB, diaphragmatic pain.
o Breast issues - insufficient lactation, mastitis.
o Chest/Throat issues (rattling in throat w/asthma, difficulty swallowing, palpitations), counter
flow Qi problems - guides the Qi downwards.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point for overall Qi (energy) in the body, useful
for asthma.
Back Shu Points Theory and Applications
 Used primarily to treat their related organ, especially with chronic conditions.
 May be used for problems in the local area.
 Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.
 Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yin organs,
while the Front Mu points will treat imbalances within the yang organs.
Lung UB 13 Urinary Bladder UB 28
Large Intestine UB 25 Kidney UB 23
Stomach UB 21 Pericardium UB 14
Spleen UB 20 Triple Heater UB 22
Heart UB 15 Gall Bladder UB 19
Small Intestine UB 27 Liver UB 18
Governing Vessel UB 16 Diaphragm UB 17
Qihai (Sea of Qi) UB 24 Guanyuan (Gate of Source) UB 26
Zhonglu (Center Back Muscles) UB 29 Baihuan (White Ring) UB 30
Gaohuang (Vital Region) UB 43
There Are (19) Back Shu Acupuncture Points
 UB 13 Lung Shu
o Main point for all Lung problems: cough, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, nasal congestion,
shortness of breath, weakness of the voice, etc.
o Useful for skin disorders, itching, acne, hives, etc.
o Lung related emotional imbalances such as grief and sadness.
 UB 14 Jue Yin Shu (Pericardium Shu)

o For all heart conditions: palpitations, anxiety, stress, etc. Combine with PC 6 to open the
chest.
o As the "Jueyin Shu" you may also treat LV related conditions such as stagnation of LV Qi.

 UB 15 Heart Shu
o Main point for all heart, blood and circulatory related issues of an excess or deficient nature.
o Main point for all heart related emotional issues: palpitations, anxiety, stress, poor memory.
Useful with PC 6, HT 7, CV 14 a/or UB 14.
o Main point for insomnia.
o Night sweats in Heart Qi a/or Yin deficiency.
 UB 16 Governing Shu
o Hot a/or toxic skin conditions (esp. on the back): acne, boils, etc.
 UB 17 Diaphragm Shu
o Hui-meeting Point of the Blood, useful for all Blood related conditions. Classically
combined with UB 19 to create the "Four Flowers" which is used to nourish the Blood,
although in clinical practice UB 18 & UB 19 may used equally as often.
o For menstrual problems, from deficiency (scanty, light periods, amenorrhea) or stasis (dark
clots, dysmenorrheal).
o Important point for red, itchy skin disorders, from heat in the Blood: eczema, carbuncles.
o As the "Diaphragm shu" it is useful for problems with diaphragmatic breathing or shortness
of breath and other diaphragm related conditions such as belching or hiatus hernia.
 UB 18 Liver Shu
o Main point for all Liver related conditions: hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, Blood stagnation, Qi
stagnation, etc.
o Main point for eye problems, pain, itching, dryness, redness, blurred vision, visual dizziness,
twitching.
o Main point for LV related emotional issues such as anger, depression, irritability, frustration,
stress a/or PMS.
o Useful for hypochondriac a/or sub costal pain/distention.
 UB 19 Gallbladder Shu
o Shao Yang level diseases, alternating fever and chills.
o Main point for damp heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder: hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice,
vomiting, flank pain and distension, bitter taste in the mouth. Often combined with the LV
Shu (UB 18).
o UB 17 & UB 19 are classically known as the "Four Flowers, “useful for tonifying the Blood.
o Pain along the GB meridian (sides of the body) from any etiology, intercostals neuralgia, rib
pain, trauma, herpes zoster.
o Gall Bladder related emotional issues: indecision, timidity.
 UB 20 Spleen Shu
o Main point for all Spleen problems: low energy, fatigue, prolepses, damp related conditions
a/or bleeding disorders.
o Commonly used for SP Qi Deficiency: fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal bloating a/or
distention, undigested food in the stools, chronic diarrhea a/or belching.
 UB 21 Stomach Shu
o Main point for all Stomach related issues: food stagnation, abdominal distention,
borborygmus, mouth ulcers, vomiting, belching, nausea, etc.
o Dissolve accumulations/lumps in the abdomen, combine with Pigeon (point for lumps,
tumors), 3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L1.
o Functions:
o Harmonizes the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen
 UB 22 Triple Burner Shu

o As Triple Heater Shu this point effects conditions related to imbalances between the upper
and lower parts of the body especially those related to water: edema, bloating, ascites,
borborygmus, difficult or painful urination, urinary retention.
 UB 23 Kidney Shu
o For all Kidney related issues which effect the brain, bone, hair, teeth a/or hearing.
o Male deficiency related sexual problems: impotence, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea,
sterility, exhaustion following ejaculation.
o Female sexual and reproductive disorders: dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, cold uterus, frigidity,
infertility, leucorrhea.
o Tonification point in deficiency conditions: exhaustion, weakness, chronic fatigues, good
point for the elderly as Kidney Jing is naturally depleted.
o Main point for acute or chronic low back pain, sprains a/or strains.
o Useful for KD related ear issues: tinnitus, deafness, chronic ear infections.
 UB 24 Sea of Qi Shu
o Back pain.
 UB 25 Large Intestine Shu

o Main point for low back pain especially when related to constipation a/or menstruation.
Combine with local points such , UB 26, Shiqizhui (between L5 and S1), UB 31, UB 32, GB
30 & distal points such as GB 34, GB 39,GB 41, UB 40, UB 57, UB 58, UB 60& UB 62.
o Main point for all intestine related issues: constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, colitis, IBS, et.
 UB 26 Origin Pass Shu
o Low back pain.
 UB 27 Small Intestine Shu

o Main point for all Small Intestine related issues: damp heat effecting the bladder (difficult or
painful urination, hematuria, dark urine), damp heat effecting the intestines (diarrhea,
dysentery).
 UB 28 Bladder Shu
o Main point for all Bladder issues: from damp heat (painful a/or dark urination), from cold
(frequent urination, incontinence).
o For dampness anywhere in the body, combine with SP 9 to expel dampness through
urination.
 UB 29 Central Backbone Shu

o Local Point.
 UB 30 White Ring Shu

o Secondary point for KD related gynecological disorders: menstrual problems, leucorrhea,
pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis.
 UB 43 Gao Huang Shu

o Main point for all disorders of the Lung and Upper Warmer: asthma, dyspn , cough,
tuberculosis, etc.
o Tonification point for cases of weakness and deficiency especially from chronic illness.
Hui Meeting Points Theory and Applications
 The Hui Meeting Points, also called the "Eight Influential Points" or the "Gathering Points,"
are a special set of points which have a broad effect on their related area (i.e. qi, blood,
vessels, bones, etc.).
 LV 13 - meeting of the yin organs, SP Mu
 CV 12 - meeting of the yang organs, ST Mu
 CV 17 - meeting of the Qi, PC Mu, moves Qi in the chest
 UB 17 - meeting of the Blood, builds blood, resolves stagnation a/or disperses heat in the
Blood
 GB 34 - meeting of the sinews, resolves stiffness a/or contracture
 LU 9 - meeting of the Blood vessels, stimulates circulation, tonifies LU Qi, harmonizes the
Qi and Blood in the chest, stops bleeding
 UB 11 - meeting of the bones, any bone disorder, osteoporosis
 GB 39 - meeting of the marrow, bone disorders, mental functioning, useful post-stroke
Hui Meeting Points Chart
Zang LV 13 Sinews GB 34
Fu CV 12 Vessels LU 9
Qi CV 17 Bones UB 11
Blood UB 17 Marrow GB 39
There Are (8) Hui Meeting Acupuncture Points
 LU 9 Great Abyss
o Tonify LU Qi and Yin - cough, asthma, wheezing, SOB, chronic runny nose w/watery discharge.
o Palpitations.
o Wrist pain, arm pain along meridian.
o Hui Meeting Point of the Vessels - circulation issues, clarifying an indiscernible pulse (for
diagnosis).
o Assist with SP Deficient signs esp. from the LV invading the SP - pain and dissention of the
abdomen, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea (or alternating), bloating, undigested food in the
bowels.
 UB 11 Great Shuttle
o Wind disorders.
o Hui-meeting point of the bones, useful with any bone or problem such as osteoporosis, arthritis,
inflammation, sensation of heat in the bones, etc.
o Useful adjunctive point to effect the lungs in cases of infections, colds a/or flues or asthma related
conditions.
o Sea of Blood Point with ST 37 & ST 39. According to the Ling Shu Treatise on the Seas, "when
the Sea of blood is full, the patient has the sensation that his body is bigger than it is. One feels
uneasy, and does not know the disease; when the Sea of blood is insufficient, one often feels the
body is small, one feels uneasy and does not know the disease." May be useful for leukaemia,
anaemia, said to tonify the bone marrow.
 UB 17 Diaphragm Shu
o Hui-meeting Point of the Blood, useful for all Blood related conditions. Classically combined
with UB 19 to create the "Four Flowers" which is used to nourish the Blood, although in clinical
practice UB 18 & UB 19 may used equally as often.
o For menstrual problems, from deficiency (scanty, light periods, amenorrhea) or stasis (dark clots,
dysmenorrhoea).
o Important point for red, itchy skin disorders, from heat in the Blood: eczema, carbuncles.
o As the "Diaphragm shu" it is useful for problems with diaphragmatic breathing or shortness of
breath and other diaphragm related conditions such as belching or hiatal hernia.
 GB 34 Yang Mound Spring

o Hui Meeting of the Sinews - useful for treating soft tissue anywhere in the body, contracture,
cramping, pain, spasm, weakness, numbness, paralysis.
o Sciatica and issues with the low back, hip, a/or lower limbs, knees.
o All disorders of the lateral regions of the body.
o Lower He Sea of the GB - effects GB organ, usually with GB Damp-Heat conditions, cholecystitis,
hepatitis, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, bitter taste in mouth, gallstones.
o Shao Yang level diseases presenting with alternating chills/fevers, costal pain, bitter taste in mouth.
o LV attacking SP – counter flow Qi, nausea, vomiting, indigestion.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Sciatic nerve issues, leg muscle issues (cramps, fatigue),
gallstones.
 GB 39 Suspended Bell (alt. Severed Bone)

o Hui Meeting of the Marrow - excess or deficiency conditions effecting the bone marrow,
ligaments, tendons, muscles a/or bones - pain, spasms, numbness, weakness.
o Chronic Bi or Wei syndromes especially with KD Deficiency - thought to strengthen immunity.
o Neck issues, stiffness, arthritis, strain, sprain, whiplash, headache.
o Descends rising LV/GB heat - dizziness, tinnitus.
 CV 12 Central Venter
o CV 12 is useful for middle warmer issues, whereas CV 10 is useful for lower warmer issues
and CV 13 is useful for upper warmer issues.
o ST patterns arising from an excess or a deficiency, tonify deficient SP patterns (moxa useful) -
nearly all digestive issues - pain, bloating, reflux, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice.
o Hui Meeting Point - broad effect on the Fu (hollow) organs in the body.
o Stress related digestive disorders (nervous Stomach, heartburn, diarrhoea) along with various
symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, etc. particularly from worry and/or over thinking..
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used for all digestive issues and oesophagus issues, also useful
for weight loss.
o
 CV 17 Chest Canter
o Chest/Throat issues (rattling in throat w/asthma, difficulty swallowing,
palpitations), counter flow Qi problems - guides the Qi downwards.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point for overall Qi (energy) in the
body, useful for asthma.
Extraordinary Vessel Points Theory and Applications
The extraordinary vessels run "behind" the 12 main meridians. They interconnect with the 12
meridians and correspondingly allow for broad and deep effects within the body. 6 of the 8
extraordinary vessels has a master and coupled point on a pair of the main meridians. The
Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel, however, have their own points. The
extraordinary vessels are used extensively within Japanese acupuncture, in particular with Dr.
Manaka's ion pumping cord treatments.
 Extraordinary Vessel Pairings:

o Yin Qiao Mai [paired with] Ren Mai (Conception Vessel, CV)
o Yang Qiao Mai [paired with] Du Mai (Governing Vessel, GV)
o Yin Wei Mai [paired with] Chong Mai
o Yang Wei Mai [paired with] Dai Mai
 Using the Points in Practice - Master & Couple Combinations:
 In general you needle the master point of the main meridian you are treating (due to symptom
logy) and then you needle its coupled point.
 For males it is common to needle the master point on the Left side and the coupled point on
the Right.
 For women it is common to needle the master point on the Right side and the coupled point
on the Left.
 Yin Qiao Mai Details

o Alternative names: yin heel vessel, yin motility vessel
o Master Point: KD 6
o Coupled Point: LU 7
o Xi Cleft Point: KD 8
o Intersection Points: KD 6, KD 8, UB 1
o Paired Meridian: Ren Mai
o Areas of effect: medial aspect of lower extremities, genitals, abdomen, eyes, throat, chest,
lungs
nervous, muscular skeletal, digestive and respiratory systems
o Functions:
 Controls the ascent of fluids and the descent of Qi
 Movement of the body, walking, cold a/or weakness in the lower limbs
 Digestive issues, abdominal issues
 Urogenital problems, retention of urine
 Respiratory issues
 Excessive sleepiness
 Eye issues
 Hot Flashes
o Pathway: Originates at KD 2, travels upward to KD 6 and then to KD 8. It then continues up
the medial aspect of the leg to the inguinal region where it enters the genitals. From the
genitals it travels up the anterior abdomen and the chest to ST 12. From ST 12 it travels to ST
9 and along the cheek to UB 1 where it connects with the UB, GV and Yang Qiao Mai
vessels. From there it rises upwards and enters the brain.
 Ren Mai Details - graphic

o Alternative names: conception vessel, directing vessel
o Master Point: LU 7
o Coupled Point: KD 6
o Luo Points: CV 15
o Intersection Points: ST 1, GV 28
o Paired Meridian: Yin Qiao Mai
o Areas of effect: face, thorax, abdomen, genitals, throat, chest, lungs
endocrine, urinary and digestive systems
o Functions:
 "Sea of Yin:" influences the yin, essence and fluids
 Regulates female cycles, menstruation (irregular, leucorrhoea), reproduction
 Effects male genitalia, hernia, sexual desire, impotence
 Gastrointestinal issues, digestion
o Pathway: Originates at ming men and passes through the uterus and connects with CV 1.
Then it follows the ren meridian up to CV 24. Along the path it connects internally with the
SP, LV and KD meridians. At CV 24 a second branch rises upwards and encircles the mouth
and then rises to the eyes at ST 1. A separate branch originates in the pelvic cavity and rises
up along the back.
 Yang Qiao Mai Details

o Alternative names: yang heel vessel, yang motility vessel
o Master Point: UB 62
o Coupled Point: SI 3
o Xi Cleft Point: UB 59
o Intersection Points: UB 1, UB 59, UB 61, UB 62, GB 20, GB 29, SI 10, LI 15, LI 16, ST
1, ST 3, ST 4
o Paired Meridian: Du Mai
o Areas of effect: back, neck, eyes
nervous and muscular skeletal systems
o Functions:
 Issues of the eyes a/or face, eye pain (esp. inner cantus), redness a/or swelling, headache
 Effects the lateral aspect of the lower limbs, numbness, weakness, spasms
 Excess Yang, insomnia
o Pathway: Originates at UB 62 and travels behind the heel to UB 61. It continues up the calf
to UB 59, up the lateral aspect of the leg to GB 29 and then up to the scapular region at SI 10.
It continues to LI 15 and LI 16 and then travels to the face and connects with ST 4, ST 3, ST
1 and UB 1 where it meets with the UB, GV and Yin Qiao meridians. From here it travels
over the head and terminates at GB 20.
 Du Mai Details - graphic

o Alternative names: governing vessel
o Master Point: SI 3
o Coupled Point: UB 62
o Luo Point: GV 1
o Intersection Points: CV 1, UB 12
o Paired Meridian: Yang Qiao Mai
o Areas of effect: Posterior midline especially spinal cord and brain
nervous and muscular systems
o Functions:
 "Sea of Yang:" effects all of the yang meridians
 Brain, marrow a/or spinal cord issues - pain, heaviness, stroke, psychological issues, etc.
 Other facial issues - headache, migaraine, pain/swelling in the face/head
o Pathway: Originates at ming men and descends to the perineum, emerging at CV 1/GV 1.
Then it continues to GV 4 where it enters the kidneys. From the kidneys it travels up the
interior of the spinal column to GV 12 where it goes laterally to UB 12and then back to GV
13. From here it continues along the midline of the head to GV 16 where it enters the brain
and ends at the fraenulum of the upper lib (GV 28).
 Yin Wei Mai Details

o Alternative names: yin linking vessel
o Master Point: PC 6
o Coupled Point: SP 4
o Xi Cleft Point: KD 9
o Intersection Points: KD 9, LV 14, SP 13, SP 15, SP 16, CV 22, CV 23
o Paired Meridian: Chong Mai
o Areas of effect: Medial aspect of the lower limbs
nervous, cardiovascular, muscular skeletal and digestive systems
o Functions:
 Effects the balance of Yin and Yang
 Effects the Blood, Yin and Shen - blood circulation, heart pain, depression, blood deficiency
headaches
 Pain in the chest, back, middle and/or lower jiaos - abdominal dissention, ST ache, nausea,
rectal prolapsed
o Pathway: Originates at KD 9 and goes up along the medial aspect of the thigh into the
abdomen where it enters the spleen meridian at SP 13, SP 15, SP 16. It continues up to LV
14, enters the abdomen and continues upwards through the chest and throat. It then meets the
ren mai at CV 22 and CV 23.
 Chong Mai Details

o Alternative names: penetrating vessel
o Master Point: SP 4
o Coupled Point: PC 6
o Intersection Points: KD 11 thru KD 21, CV 1
o Paired Meridian: Yin Wei Mai
o Areas of effect: Abdomen, thorax, genitals, Heart, inner thigh
reproductive, digestive and respiratory systems
o Functions:
 "Sea of Blood:" menstrual a/or reproductive issues, irregular menstruation, infertility
 Physical and spiritual heart issues - Heart pain, depression
 Balances rebellious Qi - hiccups
 Abdominal stagnation
 Respiratory issues - SOB, asthma
o Pathway: Originates in the ming men and passes through the uterus and down to CV 1. From
here it emerges at ST 30 and continues upwards along the kidney meridian to KD 21. It then
flows up the throat, encircles the mouth and continues up to the forehead.
A second branch flows from CV 1 inside the spine to the UB 23 area.
A third branch flows downwards towards the foot where it splits into 2 branches and follows
the KD and SP meridians.
 Yang Wei Mai Details

o Alternative names: yang linking vessel
o Master Point: TH 5
o Coupled Point: GB 41
o Xi Cleft Point: GB 35
o Intersection Points: UB 63, SI 10, GV 15, GV 16, GB 13 thru GB 21, GB 35, TH 15
o Paired Meridian: Dai Mai
o Areas of effect: Sides of the body, hips, joints, eyes, ears
muscular skeletal and immune systems
o Functions:
 Shao Yang level illnesses - alternating fever and chills
 Pain a/or dissention in the lumbar region
o Pathway: Originates at UB 63 and ascends along the GB meridian up the leg and sides of the
body passing thru GB 35. It continues to UB 59 and up to the hip (GB 29). Then it continues
along the lateral aspect of the body to LI 14 at the shoulder, to TH 13, TH 15 and to GB 21. It
then travels down to SI 10, over to GV 15, GV 16and then to GB 20. It continues downward
along the GB meridian from GB 19 thru to GB 13 where it ends.
 Dai Mai Details

o Alternative names: belt vessel, girdle vessel
o Master Point: GB 41
o Coupled Point: TH 5
o Intersection Points: GB 26, GB 27, GB 28, LV 13
o Paired Meridian: Yang Wei Mai
o Areas of effect: lateral sides of the lumbar area
gastrointestinal, female reproductive and muscular skeletal systems
o Functions:
 Issues in the middle aspect of the body - abdominal dissention, lumbar weakness, muscular
weakness in the lumbar a/or lower extremities
 Links the upper and lower halves of the body and helps to move Qi and Blood in the legs -
weakness in the legs, walking problems
o Pathway: Originates at LV 13, continues to and encircles GB 26 and LV 13 and then
connects with GB 27 and GB 28.
Extraordinary Vessel Points Chart
Extraordinary Vessel Master Point Coupled Point
Conception Vessel LU 7 KD 6
Governing Vessel SI 3 UB 62
Chong Vessel SP 4 PC 6
Dai Vessel GB 41 TH 5
Yin Qiao Vessel KD 6 LU 7
Yang Qiao Vessel UB 62 SI 3
Yin Wei Vessel PC 6 SP 4
Yang Wei Vessel TH 5 GB 41

Command Points Theory and Applications
 Their are currently 6 commonly accepted command points used within TCM. Some texts
only contain four command points as PC 6 and GV 26 were added after the original four.
 The Command Points are individual points that have strong and broad effects on their related
part of the body. They are used to treat any imbalance in their designated areas from any
etiology (hot, cold, excess, deficiency) at any stage (i.e. chronic or acute).
Command Points Chart
Abdomen ST 36
Lumbar Region UB 40
Head & Posterior Neck LU 7
Face & Mouth LI 4
Heart, Chest & Epigastria PC 6
Fainting & Collapse GV 26
There Are (6) Command Point Acupuncture Points
 LU 7 Broken Sequence
o Exterior Wind - body aches, chills/fever, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing.
o Internal Wind - bell's palsy, twitching, spasms, lockjaw.
o As Master Point of the CV, paired with KD 6 of the Yin Qiao Mai - treats genitourinary and
gynaecological issues also Yin deficient sore throat.
o Command Point of the Head and Posterior Neck - useful for any conditions involving these areas.
o Pain of the thumb - Luo Connecting Point spreads over the thinner eminence.
 PC 6 Inner Pass
o Similar to PC 3 but more for Chronic Heart symptoms from Qi stagnation.
o Opens and relaxes the chest, chest tightness, asthma, angina, palpitations.
o Insomnia a/or other spirit disorders of an excess or deficient nature, mania, nervousness, stress,
poor memory.
o Nausea, seasickness, motion sickness, vomiting, epigastria pain.
o Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
 LI 4 Union Valley
o Releases the exterior for wind-cold or wind-heat syndromes
o Strengthens the wei qi, improves immunity
o Regulates the sweat glands, for excessive sweating tonify LI 4 then disperse KD 7 and vice versa.
o Any problem on the face - sense organs, mouth, teeth, jaw, toothache, allergies, rhinitis, hay
fever, acne, eye problems, etc.
o Toothache use both LI 4 & ST 44 - LI for the lower jaw & ST for the upper jaw.
o Headache, especially frontal a/or sinus (yangming area).
o Chronic Pain
o Influence the circulation of Qi and Blood - Use the four gates, LI 4 &LV 3 to strongly move the
Qi and Blood in the body clearing stagnation and alleviating pain.
o Promote labour or for retained placenta
 UB 40 Bend Middle
o As the Lumbar Command Point, useful for all lumbar related issues: acute low back pain, sprain,
muscle spasms, etc.
o Main point for heat conditions such as summer heat, heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
o Main point for all skin related issues: itching, oozing, inflammation, etc.
o Good local point for leg a/or knee pain.

o Tonify Wei Qi and Qi overall - low immunity, chronic illness, poor digestion, general weakness,
particularly with moxibustion, very important acupuncture point for building and maintaining
overall health.
o All issues involving the Stomach a/or the Spleen - abdominal/epigastria pain, borborygmus,
o Earth as the mother of Metal - will support Lung function in cases of asthma, wheezing, dyspnoea.
 GV 26 Water Trough
o One of two Command Points (with PC 6) added to the original four, for fainting, collapse. Main
point for restoring consciousness, for shock, revival from fainting, weakness, helps patient to
awaken, use fingernail in an emergency.
o Main point for acute low back sprain, helps relieve pain and restore motion, moves stagnation at
the opposite end of the channel. After obtaining the Qi, have patient bend then rotate the waist.
o Nosebleed, nasal discharge issues, problems with olfactory sensations (smell).
o Manic-depression and other strong shen disturbances, epilepsy (seizures).
Four Seas Points Theory and Applications
 The Four Seas are point groupings which have a strong effect on their related system within
the body (i.e. qi, blood, marrow, digestion).
 The Sea of Qi Points (ST 9, CV 17, GV 15, GV 14) effect the amount and flow of Qi
(energy) within the body. A person with excess Qi may experience problems of an excess
nature in the upper body (headache, red face, fullness in the chest, etc.). A person with Qi
deficiency may experience problems with fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, etc.
 The Sea of Blood Points (UB 11, ST 37, ST 39) effect the amount and flow of Blood (which
constitutes more than the western idea of blood) within the body. Excesses in the Blood,
according to the classics, may make someone feel larger than they are and make them aware
of a subtle illness or imbalance within their body. Blood excess is not a primary diagnosis in
TCM, whereas Blood stagnation is. Blood deficiency may lead to a variety of issues within a
person such as dizziness, dryness, thinking problems, etc. Again, according to the classics,
Blood deficiency may make someone feel smaller than they are, however, this doesn't seem
to be a common complaint in modern clinical practice. For Blood issues, points such as UB
17, UB 18, UB 19, SP 10 and LV 8 are much more widely used.
 The Sea of Water and Grain Points (ST 30, ST 36) effect digestion and appetite.
 The Sea of Marrow Points (GV 20, GV 16) effect mental functioning and energy levels.
When deficient a person may experience fatigue, tinnitus, weakness in the lower limbs, etc.
Four Seas Points Chart
Sea of Qi ST 9, CV 17, GV 15, GV 14
Sea of Blood UB 11, ST 37, ST 39
Sea of Water & Grain ST 30 (upper point), ST 36 (lower point)
Sea of Marrow GV 20, GV 16
 UB 11 Great Shuttle
o Wind disorders.
o Hui-meeting point of the bones, useful with any bone or problem such as osteoporosis, arthritis,
inflammation, sensation of heat in the bones, etc.
o Useful adjunctive point to effect the lungs in cases of infections, colds a/or flues or asthma related
conditions.
o Sea of Blood Point with ST 37 & ST 39. According to the Ling Shu Treatise on the Seas, "when
the Sea of blood is full, the patient has the sensation that his body is bigger than it is. One feels
uneasy, and does not know the disease; when the Sea of blood is insufficient, one often feels the
body is small, one feels uneasy and does not know the disease." May be useful for leukaemia,
anaemia, said to tonify the bone marrow.
 ST 9 Man's Prognosis
o In ancient times the ST Qi was assessed by palpating the pulse here and at ST 42.
o Regulation of Blood Pressure - lowering high blood pressure.
o Headache, dizziness.
o Sore throat, counter flow qi (vomiting), coughing, hiccups.
o Acute lumbar sprain, lower back pain.
o Window of the Sky Point - restores Qi flow between the body and the head - useful with headache,
chest tightness, asthma.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the common carotid artery. With acupuncture and
tuina we often use LI 18 instead as it is safer, for Tong Ren and light tuina, however, it is fine to
use.
o Falls into the category of Window of the Sky points within the Tam Healing system.
 ST 30 Surging Qi
o Upper Sea of Water & Grain Point - excess or deficient conditions of the Stomach - hypo gastric
pain, bloating, abdominal pain.
o Regulates the Intestines - borborygmus, hernia - rectal, inguinal.
o Regulates genitalia - swelling and pain, impotence.
o Regulates menstruation - irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhea, uterine bleeding.
o Tonify Wei Qi and Qi overall - low immunity, chronic illness, poor digestion, general weakness,
particularly with moxibustion, very important acupuncture point for building and maintaining
overall health.
o All issues involving the Stomach a/or the Spleen - abdominal/epigastria pain, borborygmus,
o Earth as the mother of Metal - will support Lung function in cases of asthma, wheezing, dyspnoea.
 ST 37 Upper Great Hollow
o Generally for excess and more acute disorders of the intestines and digestive system involving
dampness and/or heat - diarrhoea, dysentery, boborygmus, abdominal pain, bloating, dissention,
constipation.
o Sea of Blood Point - if excess the patient may have feelings of largeness, whereas, if deficient the
patient may feel small.
 ST 39 Lower Great Hollow

o Disorders of the Small Intestine organ - abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dysentery.
o SI channel problems - breast issues, mastitis, pain/swelling/numbness along channel.
o Local point for lower leg issues - pain, numbness, motor control, atrophy.
 CV 17 Chest Centre
o Chest/Throat issues (rattling in throat w/asthma, difficulty swallowing, palpitations), counter flow
Qi problems - guides the Qi downwards.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point for overall Qi (energy) in the body, useful for
asthma.
 GV 14 Great Hammer
o Meeting point of all yang meridians, GV 14 is indicated for exterior conditions as it expels
pathogens and firms the yang; clearing heat and fevers whether mild or severe; and for tonifying
the yang and strengthening the neck and spine.
o Main point for acute wind cold or wind heat, colds and flu, especially with fever and chills, opens
the pores to cause sweating. If a patient with underlying deficiency presents with chills and no
fever use moxa.
o Main point for reducing high fevers, combine with LU 11, UB 40(can bleed these points). Main
point for summer heat.
o Cough, asthma.
o Main point for spontaneous sweating from qi deficiency or night sweats from yin deficiency.
o Main point for neck and upper back pain and stiffness, combine with GB 20, UB 10, UB 11, UB
12,Bailao, SI 12, SI 13, etc. As the tissue is often thick here, insert slowly and use mild
manipulation, then redirect needle towards each shoulder using oblique insertion.
o Strengthens the wei qi, wind cold can enter the body through the triangle formed by GV 14 and UB
12. Keep this area warm, supple and flexible with needle, moxa, massage to promote longevity.
o Epilepsy, hypertension, insomnia, nosebleed.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used for bone issues (arthritis, spurs, scoliosis), calcium issues,
hand issues.
 GV 15 Mute's Gate
o Opens the orifices refers to the mouth, throat and tongue, for throat swelling, hoarseness, post-
stroke speech disorders, important point for muteness due to tongue stiffness or vocal cord
disorders.
o Epilepsy, stroke, manic depression, loss of consciousness.
o Occipital headaches, especially with neck stiffness, upper cervical pain and restricted neck
rotation, heaviness of head - GV 15 lies over the space between C1 and C2, and can help release
the sub occipital musculature which compresses the atlanto-occipital joint.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to stimulate the medulla and limbic system, useful for
emotional issues.
 GV 16 Wind Mansion
o Main point for wind, whether exterior or interior, particularly affecting the head and neck. For
wind cold headache, stiff neck, aversion to wind; as well as dizziness, visual dizziness, numbness,
twitching, tremors.
o Window of the Sky point, promotes communication between the head and body, many indications
are consistent with other points of this group, such as headache, dizziness, throat swelling, earache,
eye pain, nosebleeds, aphasia.
o Psychological issues such as mania, palpitations from fear a/or fright, suicidal thoughts.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the medulla function (breathing issues, asthma,
tight chest, etc.), but GV 17 is used more frequently, useful in spinal cord issues.
 GV 20 Hundred Convergences
o Main point for headache, dizziness, eye pain and redness, irritability, hypertension from excess
yang in the upper body, often occurring with patterns of excess Liver yang or Liver fire. Combine
with lower body points such as LV 2, LV 3, KD 1, GB 34,GB 41.
o Main point for internal wind which has some overlapping indications with the above entry, for
headaches, dizziness, visual dizziness, tinnitus, vertex pain, wind stroke, seizures.
o Main point for prolapsed, anal, uterine, vaginal; main point for haemorrhoids.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the association area (related to emotions, memory,
behaviour), useful for low energy, yang energy imbalances, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor
control issues.
Sky Window Points Theory and Applications
 The Sky Window points are a set of acupuncture points drawn from the Ling Shu.
 Generally they are not popularly used points, although some systems of acupuncture utilize
them to a greater degree than others. The basic functions of the points are to improve the flow
of energy between the head and the rest of the body.
 The points can be used for local issues such as neck pain, but also more complex issues such
as multiple sclerosis and dizziness for example.
 The points are used extensively within the Tom Tam Healing System for a range of
conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, Brain Tumours, etc. - in essence to facilitate the smooth
flow of Blood and Qi to and from the Brain.
 The points and their clinical indications are as follows:
o ST 9 - regulation of blood pressure, headaches, chest tightness
o LI 18 - regulation of blood pressure
o TH 16 - sudden deafness, vision disturbances
o UB 10 - neck pain, occipital headache, wind-cold invasion
o LU 3 - neck pain, goitres, depression, asthma, grief, coughing of blood
o CV 22 - throat/vocal cord issues, aphasia, asthma, chest tightness
o SI 16/SI 17 - throat issues, goitres’
o GV 16 - wind-cold invasion, dizziness, tremors, headache, eye issues, aphasia
o PC 1 - reflux, hiccups, chest tightness, breast issues, insufficient lactation
Sky Window Points Chart
From Ling Shu Ch. 21 From Ling Shu Ch. 2
Renying ST 9 Tiantu CV 22
Futu LI 18 Tianchuang SI 16
Tianyou TH 16 Tianrong SI 17
Tianzhu UB 10 Fengfu GV 16
Tianfu LU 3 Tianchi PC 1
 LU 3 Celestial Storehouse
o Window of the Sky Point, regulates head/body Qi flow - goitres’, swellings in the neck.
o Lung related spirit disharmonies - stress induced asthma, poor memory, fuzzy/muddled thinking,
depression, "floating corpse ghost talk", "melancholy crying ghost talk" (classical descriptions
possibly for seeing ghost, talking about ghosts a/or people who have died, being in constant long-
term grief about someone who has passed, etc.).
o LV invading the LU pathologies.
o Generally for heat related issues whether from excess or deficiency - nosebleed, coughing blood.
 PC 1 Celestial Pool
o Window of the Sky Point, fullness of the chest, counter flow qi, headache, axillary sweating,
blurred vision.
o Breast disorders, insufficient lactation.
 SI 16 Celestial Windows
o Both SI 16 & SI 17 are Window of the Sky Points and are useful for throat dissention, swelling,
goitres’, lumps in neck a/or throat, voice issues.
o Ear issues - tinnitus, deafness, pain.
o Local point for neck and/or shoulder problems.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation within the vertebral artery and the
occipital artery. Useful for occipital headache, Alzheimer’s, brain tumours, dyslexia, MS, and
many brain issues related to circulation. Often used with Tian Dong as a starting point.
 SI 17 Celestial Countenance
o Both SI 16 & SI 17 are Window of the Sky Points and are useful for throat dissention, swelling,
goitres’, lumps in neck a/or throat.
o Chest oppression, wheezing, cough, asthma.
o Ear issues - tinnitus, deafness.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation to the brain, and the facial nerves.
Useful for facial issues such as TMJ, gum problems, etc. Also used with headaches, hearing issues,
dizziness and/or high blood pressure.




 TH 16 Celestial Window
o Local Point.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation within the occipital artery and the
vertebral artery. Useful for occipital issues, glaucoma, etc.
 LI 18 Protuberance Assistant
o Window of the Sky Point for sudden loss of voice with qi obstruction in the throat.
o High blood pressure, for which Window of the Sky Points are sometimes indicated, may also be
useful for low blood pressure.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation of the common carotid artery as well
as effect the vagus nerve. Due to the connection with the vague it is useful for lung, oesophagus,
heart, stomach, intestine and gall bladder issues - reflux, palpitations, digestive issues, etc.
 UB 10 Celestial Pillar
o Neck issues, stiffness, ROM, occipital headache. For stiffness on one-side of the neck combine
with SI 3 on the same side & GB 39 on the opposite side.
o Secondary point to release the exterior in wind-cold conditions, primary is GB 20.
 ST 9 Man's Prognosis
o In ancient times the ST Qi was assessed by palpating the pulse here and at ST 42.
o Regulation of Blood Pressure - lowering high blood pressure.
o Headache, dizziness.
o Sore throat, counter flow qi (vomiting), coughing, hiccups.
o Acute lumbar sprain, lower back pain.
o Window of the Sky Point - restores Qi flow between the body and the head - useful with headache,
chest tightness, asthma.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the common carotid artery. With acupuncture and
tuina we often use LI 18 instead as it is safer, for Tong Ren and light tuina, however, it is fine to
use.
 CV 22 Celestial Chimney
o All throat/vocal cord disorders - sore/dry throat, hoarseness, swallowing issues, speech issues such
as loss of voice, cracked voice.
o Window of the Sky Point - useful for aphasia.
o Upper chest Qi/Stagnation issues - asthma, wheezing, pain in the upper chest, tightness,
oppression.
twitching, tremors.
are consistient with other points of this group, such as headache, dizziness, throat swelling,
earache, eye pain, nosebleeds, aphasia.
Thirteen Ghost Points (from Sun Si Miao)
Point Number Point Name
GV 26 Ghost Palace
GV 23 Ghost Hall
GV 16 Ghost Pillow
CV 24 Ghost Market
LU 11 Ghost Faith
LI 11 Ghost Leg
PC 7 Ghost Heart
PC 8 Ghost Cave
ST 6 Ghost Bed
SP 1 Ghost Fortress
UB 62 Ghost Path
Guifeng (Extra Point) on the underside of Ghost Seal

the tongue, one cun from
the tip of the midline
Essentially CV 1 originally described as Ghost Store

Yumentou (Extra Point - Women)
/Yinxiafeng (Extra Point - Men)
There Are (12) Ghost Point Acupuncture Points
 LU 11 Lesser Shang
o Extreme sore throat (may bleed point to reduce heat).
o Revival point especially from wind-stroke.
 PC 7 Great Mound
o Cooling heat that is effecting the Heart of a deficient or excess nature.
o Clears Ying and Blood heat, fever deep in the body that is drying up fluids.
o Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, combine with PC 5, PC 6 & SP 9.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Emotional issues, w/HT 7 for sweat issues (too much or too little),
hot flashes.
 PC 8 Palace of Toil
o Excess heat conditions, more cooling than PC 7 which can be used for heat from an excess or
deficient issue.
o Heat in the mouth, mouth or tongue ulcers, cold sores from Heart or Stomach Fire.
o Cools Ying and Blood stage heat, fevers with damage to the yin.
o Cools the Blood, blood in the stool or urine, nosebleeds.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point for qi gong healing, can increase internal energy
by placing PC 8 on GV 20.
 LI 11 Pool at the Bend

o Reduction of high fevers, patients with the 4 bigs, combine with LI 1,LI 2 or LI 4.
o Damp Heat skin diseases, red, itchy, oozing & inflamed (hives, herpes zoster, acne), may be used
with UB 40 for any skin disease.
o ST Excess Issues, burning diarrhea.
o Elbow and upper limb disorders, pain and inflammation, atrophy, tremors - expels wind
dampness from the channel.
o Hot flashes a/or menstrual issues with heat in the Blood.
o Expels summer heat with UB 40 &SP 10, for heat stroke add SI 3.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Useful for any blood circulation issue (Reynaud’s, anaemia, etc.),
skin problems (hives, itchiness), tennis elbow.
 SP 1 Hidden White
o Any Bleeding Issues, esp. from SP Deficiency - reckless bleeding, haemorrhage, blood in the
urine/stools.
o Emotional issues esp. with aspects of worry - worried dreams, depression.
o Possibly useful for eating disorders originating from stress/worry.
 UB 62 Extending Vessel
o With SI 3 for low back pain, difficulty walking, spinal problems as well as wind-cold effecting the
taiyang channels: stiff neck a/or shoulders, occipital headache, etc.
o Insomnia, nervousness (especially late at night), combine with KD 6.
 ST 6 Jawbone
o Eliminate wind from the face - TMJ, toothache, Bell's palsy, twitching, facial pain/paralysis.
o Loss of voice, deviation of mouth/face, lockjaw.
 CV 1 Meeting of Yin
o Regulates lower yin orifices (genitalia, urethra, anus) - good for all genitor-urinary issues, genital
pain/itching, retention of urine, uterine prolapsed.
o Amenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
o Haemorrhoids, anal prolapsed.
o Main point for drowning, coma, manic depression.
 CV 24 Sauce Receptacle
o Facial pain/paralysis - Bell's palsy, stroke affecting the face, mouth and/or tongue.
o Dental pain - teeth and/or gums.
o Speech issues - loss of voice, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing.
o Dry mouth as seen in wasting and thirsting disorders (i.e. diabetes).
twitching, tremors.
are consistent with other points of this group, such as headache, dizziness, throat swelling, earache,
eye pain, nosebleeds, aphasia.
 GV 23 Upper Star
o Main point for nose problems, nasal congestion, rhinitis, nasal polyps, sinus headache.
o Eye/Vision issues – short-sightedness, visual dizziness, painful/red eyes.
o Facial swelling.
o Psychological issues, primarily with wind derived mania symptoms from a TCM perspective.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used for face and cervical issues, useful for sinus congestion, eye
issues, and neck pain/cervical disc issues.
 GV 26 Water Trough
o One of two Command Points (with PC 6) added to the original four, for fainting, collapse. Main
point for restoring consciousness, for shock, revival from fainting, weakness, helps patient to
awaken, use fingernail in an emergency.
o Main point for acute low back sprain, helps relieve pain and restore motion, moves stagnation at
the opposite end of the channel. After obtaining the Qi, have patient bend then rotate the waist.
o Nosebleed, nasal discharge issues, problems with olfactory sensations (smell).
o Manic-depression and other strong shen disturbances, epilepsy (seizures).
Entry Exit Points Theory and Applications
 Not all of the entry exit points are the first and the last points on a meridian. The exceptions
are LU 7, LI 4, ST 42, KD 22, PC 8, TH 22 and GB 41.
 The entry exit points do not have a strong theoretical usage in modern clinical practice,
however, they may be considered if you want to allow a relative excess or deficiency in one
meridian to be offset by it's yin yang paired meridian. For example, if you want to drain
excess from the LU and have it flow into a deficient LI you could needle LU 7 and LI 4.
 The Entry Exit points are used extensively in Five Element (Worsley) Style Acupuncture.
Our article on Classical Five Element Acupuncture discusses the clinical usage of the
entry/exit points.
Entry Exit Points Chart
The entry/exit points that are not the first or the last points on the meridian are marked with
an "*" and with the first or last point within parentheses. The entry/exit points are also in red
on the meridian flow diagram following the chart.
Entry Exit
LU LU 1 LU 7 *(LU 11)
LI LI 4 *(LI 1) LI 20
PC PC 1 PC 8 *(PC 9)
TH TH 1 TH 22 *(TH 23)
HT HT 1 HT 9
SI SI 1 SI 19
SP SP 1 SP 21
ST ST 1 ST 42 *(ST 45)
LV LV 1 LV 14
GB GB 1 GB 41 *(GB 44)
KD KD 1 KD 22 *(KD 27)
UB UB 1 UB 67
The following chart shows the meridian flow, activity times and entry/exit points.
 LU 1 Central Treasury
o Lung Front MU Point - useful for all LU Issues, especially of Excess Type - cough, wheezing,
asthma.
o LU disharmonies involving Phlegm/Heat excess arising from the middle warmer - vomiting,
difficult ingestion.
 LU 7 Broken Sequence
o Exterior Wind - body aches, chills/fever, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing.
o Internal Wind - bell's palsy, twitching, spasms, lockjaw.
o As Master Point of the CV, paired with KD 6 of the Yin Qiao Mai - treats genitourinary and
gynaecological issues also Yin deficient sore throat.
o Command Point of the Head and Posterior Neck - useful for any conditions involving these areas.
o Pain of the thumb - Luo Connecting Point spreads over the thinner eminence.
 PC 1 Celestial Pool
o Window of the Sky Point, fullness of the chest, counter flow qi, headache, axillary sweating,
blurred vision.
o Breast disorders, insufficient lactation.
 PC 8 Palace of Toil
o Excess heat conditions, more cooling than PC 7 which can be used for heat from an excess or
deficient issue.
o Heat in the mouth, mouth or tongue ulcers, cold sores from Heart or Stomach Fire.
o Cools Ying and Blood stage heat, fevers with damage to the yin.
o Cools the Blood, blood in the stool or urine, nosebleeds.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point for qi gong healing, can increase internal energy
by placing PC 8 on GV 20.
 HT 1 Highest Spring
o Regulate Qi flow from the torso to the arm and vice versa - cold, numbness, pain in shoulder a/or
arm.
o Pain in the cardiac region - heart pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, palpitations.
o Frozen shoulder.
o Pain a/or dissention of the upper thoracic area.
 HT 9 Lesser Surge
o Jing Well Point - clear heat a/or obstruction from the opposite end of the channel, eye pain a/or
redness, mouth ulcerations, sores.
o Can be bled or needled for emotional disturbances - strong restlessness, anxiety, panic attacks,
manic depression, epilepsy, etc.
o Restore consciousness - heart attack, stroke.
o Emergency heart attack point - strong stimulation.
o Fullness below the heart - stagnation, pain a/or dissention in the HT area.
 SI 1 Lesser Marsh
o Breast disorders of any etiology, insufficient lactation, mastitis, breast abscess, cysts.
o Jing Well Point, clear heat from the opposite end of the channel, for eye redness, earache, tinnitus,
sore throat, stiff tongue.
o Headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
o Local point for problems of the little finger and the course of the channel - pain and/or weakness of
the arm and/or shoulder.
 SI 19 Auditory Palace
o Ear problems of any etiology, inflammation, deafness, tinnitus, hearing loss.
o TMJ, toothache.
o Calms the spirit - manic behaviour, epilepsy, sensation of pressure below the heart.
 TH 1 Passage Hub
o Similar to TH 3 which is used more clinically.
 TH 22 Harmony Bone Hole

o Local Point.
o Chronic Pain
 LI 20 Welcome Fragrance
o Loss of smell or taste, nasal discharge, any nose a/or sinus issues, nasal polyps, rhinitis, sinusitis,
allergies. Often combined with LI 19 and other local points.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Sinus issues, often combined with LI 17 and the hiatus of C3.
 SP 1 Hidden White
o Any Bleeding Issues, esp. from SP Deficiency - reckless bleeding, haemorrhage, blood in the
urine/stools.
o Emotional issues esp. with aspects of worry - worried dreams, depression.
o Possibly useful for eating disorders originating from stress/worry.
 SP 21 Great Embracement
o Mentioned classically that when this point is deficient, all the joints are flaccid, and when excess,
pain all over the body.
o Pain of the thoracic region.
o Descends lung qi - cough, chest oppression, shortness of breath.
 LV 1 Large Pile
o Jing Well Point - loss of consciousness, moves Qi in the genital area.
o Shan Disorder - swollen genitals.
o Lin Disorders.
o Uterine/Menstrual bleeding from excess or deficiency.
o Emotional manifestations of LV Qi Stagnation - inappropriate emotions, depression, lethargy.
o Strong effect on the middle and upper warmers – sub costal tension, chest/rib pain, LV overacting
on the LU (cough, SOB).
 KD 1 Gushing Spring
o Descends excess from above, useful for LV Yang Rising or LV Fire - headaches, tinnitus,
hypertension, epilepsy.
o Cooling KD empty heat – chronic sore throat, dry mouth, low back pain.
o Tonify KD/HT Yin - insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, poor memory, mania, rage w/desire to kill,
hot flashes, night sweats.
o Loss of consciousness, yang collapse.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to descend the energy in the body particularly after qi gong
exercises, energy healing sessions, etc. Useful for headache, nausea, insomnia, etc.
 KD 22 Corridor Walk
o Local Point, generally useful for cough, chest tension, constricted breathing
 UB 1 Bright Eyes
o Main point for all eye disorders especially from wind (internal or external), excess, a/or heat.
o Eye pain, strain, redness, swelling, itching, twitching, blurry vision, etc.
o Myopia, colour blindness, night blindness.
o Glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, cataracts.
 UB 67 Reaching Yin
o Clears pain a/or stagnation from the opposite end of the channel: headache, eye pain, sinus pain,
etc.
o Use with moxabustion to adjust breech fetal position (generally indirect moxa for 10-20 minutes
1x/day).
 ST 1 Tear Container
o Any eye issue, although ST 2 is a good alternative and arguably safer to needle.
o Excessive lacrimation, redness, dryness, painful a/or itchy eyes/eyelids, twitching of the eyelids.
o Visual disturbances, night blindness.
 ST 42 Surging Yang
o Issues on the upper end of the channel (i.e. mouth/face/head) - upper mouth/teeth issues, toothache,
deviation of the face as in bell's palsy or stroke.
o Local point for foot pain - pain, swelling, redness - also motor control issues of the foot.
 GB 1 Pupil Bone Hole

o LV Yang/Heat Rising effecting the head - headache, eye problems, similar to Taiyang which is
used more.
o Local point for manifestations of heat - pain, inflammation, etc
 GB 41 Foot Overlooking Tears

o Moves LV Qi - menstrual/breast disorders, distal point for headaches (lateral or migraines -
classical mentioned for occipital or vertex).
o As the name indicates - "foot overlooking tears," useful for eye problems, redness, swelling and
lacrimation issues, tearing, excessive lacrimation.
o Local point for lateral foot issues - pain, cramping
Shokanten Points & the Nine Continent Pulses Theory and Applications
 The Nine Continent Pulses may be used when the when the pulse via the radial artery offers
inconclusive information.
 The pulses are also used to aid in the comparative analysis of meridians in the upper and
lower portions of the body.
 The Shokanten points are often used to treat conditions arising from a psycho-emotional
background. For example, the use of KD 12 when fear is an associated aspect of a child's
bedwetting issues.
Shokanten Points & the Nine Continent Pulses Chart
Pulse Location Division Shokanten Effected Area
Upper Tai Yang Tai Yang KD 12 Sides of the Head
Middle TH 21 Shao Yang ST 25/KD 21 Eyes & Ears
Lower ST 2 Yang Ming ST 27 Mouth & Teeth
Upper LU 9 Tai Yin LV 13 Lungs
Middle HT 7 Shao Yin KD 16 Heart
Lower LI 4 Jue Yin LV 14/KD 19 Chest
Upper LV 3 Tai Yin LV 13 Liver
Middle ST 42 Shao Yin KD 16 Spleen
There Are (16) Shokanten - Nine Continent Acupuncture Points
 LU 9 Great Abyss
o Tonify LU Qi and Yin - cough, asthma, wheezing, SOB, chronic runny nose w/watery discharge.
o Palpitations.
o Wrist pain, arm pain along meridian.
o Hui Meeting Point of the Vessels - circulation issues, clarifying an indiscernible pulse (for
diagnosis).
 HT 7 Spirit Gate
o Tonify deficiencies of the HT Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang.
o Emotional issues, especially those with related sleep or thinking manifestations - insomnia,
muddled thinking.
o Heart and Phlegm fire leading to insomnia, anxiety, mania.
o Physical responses to emotional stimuli - anxiety w/palpitations, nausea w/panic a/or fear.
o Heart palpitations from any etiology as well as irregular heart beat, pounding heart, angina.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Emotional/Psychological issues, with/PC 7 for sweat problems
(too much or too little).
 TH 21 Ear Gate
o Ear problems of an excess or deficient nature, tinnitus, deafness, earache.
o TMJ problems, upper jaw toothache, combine with ST 6 & ST 7
o Chronic Pain
 LV 3 Great Surge
o Generally, resolves stagnation and tonifies Yin - balancing for all LV pathologies.
o LV Qi Stagnation / LV Yang Rising - headaches, dizziness, canker sores.
o Eye issues - blurred vision, red, swollen, painful eyes.
o Menstrual issues from Deficient Blood, Yin, Qi a/or LV Qi Stagnation - dysmenorrhoea,
amenorrhea, PMS, breast tenderness.
o Genital issues - pain/swelling, hernia, impotence, seminal emission.
o Stagnation in the middle warmer - sub costal tension, chest/flank pain, swellings in the axillary
region.
o Digestive issues from LV attacking ST/SP - nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea w/ undigested
food.
o Calming point - anger, irritability, insomnia, anxiety.
o With LI 4, four gates treatment - powerfully effects the flow of Qi and Blood in the body.
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Important point to descend energy in the body, generally used
after qi gong exercises, energy healing sessions, etc. Helps to avoid qi gong sickness (or running
fire) where energy is stuck in the upper part of the head/body and causes issues such as shortness
of breath, psychological issues, headache, etc.
o Assist with SP Deficient signs esp. from the LV invading the SP - pain and dissention of the
abdomen, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea (or alternating), bloating, undigested food in the
bowels.
o Strong effect on the middle and upper warmers – sub costal tension, chest/rib pain, LV overacting
on the LU (cough, SOB).
 KD 12 Great Manifestation
o KD 11, KD 12, KD 13, KD 14 & KD 15 all intersect the Chong Mai and are useful as local points
for abdominal a/or gynaecological issues
 KD 16 Huang Shu
o Cold a/or Dry effecting the lower abdomen a/or intestines - constipation, abdominal pain, five
types of Lin, shan disorder
 KD 19 Yin Metropolis
o Local point for abdominal and intestinal pain.
o Vomiting, reflux, nausea, bloating - harmonizes stomach.
o Fertility issues, primarily by moving blood stagnation in the lower warmer.
 KD 21 Dark Gate
o Local point for abdominal and intestinal pain and functional issues.
o Reflux, vomiting, food stagnation, dispensary - harmonizes stomach.
o Liver stagnation affecting the breasts - insufficient lactation, breast dissention.

 ST 2 Four Whites
o Any eye problem - red, painful and/or itchy eyes, excessive lacrimation, twitching of the eyelids.
o Facial paralysis.
o Good alternative to ST 1 and safer to needle for those not properly trained.
 ST 25 Celestial Pivot
o All intestinal issues - constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery, dissention, pain, masses/accumulations of
any type.
o Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, fibroids/cysts, fertility issues and leucorrhoea.
o Connects the Upper and Lower Warmers (pre & post natal Qi).
 ST 27 Great Gigantic
o Beneficial for multiple genito-urinary issues in men - impotence (erectile dysfunction), seminal
emission, premature ejaculation, difficult urination, etc.
o Irregular menstruation.
o Abdominal pain, bloating, hernia.
o Fear/fright with palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, etc..
 ST 42 Surging Yang
o Issues on the upper end of the channel (i.e. mouth/face/head) - upper mouth/teeth issues, toothache,
deviation of the face as in bell's palsy or stroke.
o Local point for foot pain - pain, swelling, redness - also motor control issues of the foot.
 (EX) Taiyang Great Sun

o Temporal, one-sided a/or migraine headaches.
o Eye issues - pain, swelling, redness, photophobia, visual acuity.
o Local point for toothache, facial paralysis, pain, etc.
o Classically mentioned in the Ode of the Jade Dragon for swelling of the breast (bleed bilaterally).
o Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Headaches, dizziness, eye and/or sinus issues. For migraines use
with GB 20 and LI 4.

TCM Acupoint Theory

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

TCM Acupoint Theory

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

T.C.

FOR MORE DETAILS: WWW.YINGYANGHOUSE.COM

FOR MORE DETAILS

Five Shu Points Chart

Yin Meridians Jing-well Ying- Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

Yang Meridians Jing-well Ying- Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

Large Intestine (Metal) LI 11 LI 2

Small Intestine (Fire) SI 3 SI 8

Urinary Bladder (Water) UB 67 UB 65

Triple Heater (Fire) TH 3 TH 10

Gall Bladder (Wood) GB 43 GB 38

Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes a number of theories which

Lower He Sea Points Chart

Large Intestine ST 37 -Yang Ming- Stomach ST 36

Triple Heater UB 39 -Shao Yang- Gall Bladder GB 34

Small Intestine ST 39 -Tai Yang- Urinary Bladder UB 40

There Are (6) Lower He Sea Acupuncture Points

 ST 37 Upper Great Hollow

 ST 39 Lower Great Hollow

 GB 34 Yang Mound Spring

Xi Cleft Points Chart

Lung LU 6 Urinary Bladder UB 63 Yin Qiao Vessel KD 8

Large Intestine LI 7 Kidney KD 5 Yang Qiao Vessel UB 59

Stomach ST 34 Pericardium PC 4 Yin Wei Vessel KD 9

Spleen SP 8 Triple Heater TH 7 Yang Wei Vessel GB 35

Heart HT 6 Gall Bladder GB 36

Small Intestine SI 6 Liver LV 6

 SI 6 Nursing the Aged

 TH 7 Convergence and Gathering

Yuan Source Points Chart - (Point Details)

Lung LU 9 Urinary Bladder UB 64

Large Intestine LI 4 Kidney KD 3

Spleen SP 3 Triple Heater TH 4

Heart HT 7 Gall Bladder GB 40

Small Intestine SI 4 Liver LV 3

Luo Connecting Points Theory and Applications

Luo Connecting Points Chart - (Point Details)

Lung LU 7 Urinary Bladder UB 58

Large Intestine LI 6 Kidney KD 4

Spleen SP 4 Triple Heater TH 5

Heart HT 5 Gall Bladder GB 37

Small Intestine SI 7 Liver LV 5

Yuan Luo - Guest/Host - Point Combinations in Clinical Practice

Front Mu Points Chart -

Lung LU 1 Urinary Bladder CV 3

Large Intestine ST 25 Kidney GB 25

Spleen LV 13 Triple Heater CV 5

Heart CV 14 Gall Bladder GB 24

Small Intestine CV 4 Liver LV 14

There Are (12) Front Mu Acupuncture Points

 GB 24 Sun and Moon

o Any Shen or Heart issue arising from an Excess or a Deficiency.

Lung UB 13 Urinary Bladder UB 28

Large Intestine UB 25 Kidney UB 23

Spleen UB 20 Triple Heater UB 22

Heart UB 15 Gall Bladder UB 19

Small Intestine UB 27 Liver UB 18

Governing Vessel UB 16 Diaphragm UB 17

Qihai (Sea of Qi) UB 24 Guanyuan (Gate of Source) UB 26

Zhonglu (Center Back Muscles) UB 29 Baihuan (White Ring) UB 30

Gaohuang (Vital Region) UB 43

There Are (19) Back Shu Acupuncture Points

 UB 14 Jue Yin Shu (Pericardium Shu)