acupuncture point

7/28/2019 Acupuncture Point

1/4

JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 32 JANUARY 1990

ACUPUNCTURE POINT

COMBINATIONSDR. GU YUE HUA

The combination of points we choose signifi-cantly affects the therapeutic results we mightexpect from a treatment. Some points counteracteach other, whilst others promote each othersfunction. For this reason, the appropriate combi-

nation of points is of prime importance in ourselection of treatment.

These notes, transcribed by Jasmine Uddin, were givenby Dr. Gu during the course of clinical practice at TheRailway Hospital, Nanjing, in the Autumn of 1989. Anumber of principal points and their various combina-tions are discussed. They are: Baihui DU-20, Neiguan P6, Waiguan SJ-5, Hegu L.I.-4, Zusanli ST-36, SanyinjiaoSP-6 and Yinlingquan SP-9.

BAIHUI DU-20

1. Baihui DU-20, Taiyang (Extra), Xingjian LIV-2

Function: to calm Liver-Yang and to clear Liver-Fire.Indications: headache, vertigo and hypertension char-acterised by Liver-Yang Shi type syndromes (wheresigns of deficiency of Liver-Yin and Kidney-Yin are notobvious). In addition to the above prescription, the fol-lowing points can be added:i. Quchi L.I.-11 and Zusanli ST-36 for hypertension.ii. Xiaxi GB-43 for Flaring up of LIV and Gall BladderFire.Method: reducing.

2. Baihui DU-20, Fengchi GB-20, Taichong LIV-3,Fengfu DU-16

Function: to calm the Liver and extinguish Liver-Wind.Indications: headache, Shi-type Liver-Wind (from hy-peractivity of Liver-Yang), vertigo (as a sequela of mid-dle and late stage hypertension), signs of apoplexy andepilepsy.Method: reducing.

If the Liver-Wind derives from deficiency of Liver andKidney Yin (i.e. deficiency in the lower part and excess inthe upper part) one must strengthen the foundation andreduce the symptoms in the upper part. In this case onecan use the above prescription to treat the Biao (the acutesymptoms) and add Ququan LIV-8 and Fuliu KID-7(both reinforced) for the deficiency of Liver and KidneyYin. This combination of points will extinguish wind bynourishing water and tonifying wood.

3. Baihui DU-20, Shixuan (Extra), Renzhong DU26

Function: to awaken and tranquillise the mind.

Indications: for the heat/fever stage of various diseasesand for disorders of the brain (such as epilepsy or men-ingitis) or intoxication from chemicals or drugs (i.e.poisons). Vertigo, apoplexy (closed syndrome) and spellsof epilepsy.Method: reduce.

4a. Baihui DU-20, Neiguan P-6, Zusanli ST-36,Suliao DU-25

4b. Baihui DU-20, Guanyuan REN-4, ShenqueREN-8

Function: These two prescriptions can be used to returnthe Yang in the case of coma (flaccid type, hypotension),shock or exhaustion of Yang (sweating, cold extremitiesand hypotension), coma from acute pain or allergicreaction to penicillin, or shock from drug poisons orexhaustion of yang at a severe stage of dysentery (pallor,profuse sweating, hypotension, weak breathing, veryweak pulse).

Method:4a. These points are tonified, and moxa is applied atBaihui DU-20. Manipulate the needles continuously untilthe blood pressure is raised and breathing and pulseimprove. Electro-acupuncture may be necessary as stimu-lation may need to be applied for a long time. Frequencyshould be less than 30 per minute on dense/dispersewave.4b: Moxa on salt is applied at Shenque REN-8. Otherwiseapply direct moxa with cones slightly larger than nor-mal. The number of cones is determined by how quickulythe colour returns to the face.

5. Baihui DU-20, Neiguan P-6, Qihai REN-6,

Changqiang DU-1Function: This prescription is used to raise prolapse ofthe Middle Qi (prolapse of rectum, bleeding haemor-rhoids), and for vertigo, fainting, or hypotension (shock).Method: The first three points are reinforced, and evenmethod is applied at Changqiang DU-1. Moxa stick isapplied to Baihui DU-20 and Qihai REN-6.

NEIGUAN P-6

Neiguan P-6 is the Luo point of the Pericardium channel,and connects with the Yin Wei channel. The Yin Weichannel itself links with the 6 Yin channels of foot and

hand which distribute in the chest. Disorders of the YinWei channel therefore manifest in the Heart and epigas-trium, chest and hypochondrium. Modern studies showthat needling Neiguan P-6 can affect the rhythm of theheart.

22


2/4


1. Neiguan P-6, Qimen LIV-14, Xinshu BL-15

Function: This prescription tranquillises the mind byregulating cardiac rhythm and frequency.Indications: sinus tachycardia and arrhythmia due tocoronary heart disease and rheumatic cardiopathy. Thisprescription is most effective for sinus tachycardia and

arrhythmia, secondarily effective for coronary heartdisease and only thirdly effective for rheumaticcardiopathy.Method: even or reducing method according to to theconstitution of the patient. After obtaining deqi, ma-nipulate the needles for 3 minutes (not too strongly) andretain for thirty minutes (manipulate twice during reten-tion of needles).

2. Neiguan P-6, Shanzhong REN-17, Zusanli ST36

Function: to relax a tight chest, regulate Qi in the chestand ease pain.

Indications: costal neuralgia, angina pectoris, chest pain,hiccups, gastralgia, post-operative chest pain. It is goodfor all angina arising from cardiac causes where there isstagnation of Qi and blood, and for chest pain which mayinclude stagnation of Liver Qi (costal neuralgia, hiccupsand stomach-ache) when Taichong LIV-3 and QimenLIV-14 may be added.Method: Neiguan P-6 and Zusanli ST-36 even method;Shanzhong REN-17 reduce.

3. Neiguan P-6, Zhongwan REN-12, Zusanli ST36

Function: To regulate Stomach-Qi, descend rebelliousStomach-Qi and stop vomiting.Indications: gastralgia of various aetiologies, vomiting,acid regurgitation. Omit Zusanli ST-36 for vomiting inpregnancy (it is not advisable to needle the lower limb inpregnant women). This prescription has a rapid painreducing function for gastralgia. It is less effective forgastralgia due to excess alcohol consumption (which candamage the Stomach-Yin and stomach mucus mem-brane).

Method: reducing.

4. Neiguan P-6, Zhongwan REN-12, Taichong LIV3, Yanglingquan GB-34, Liangmen ST-21

Function: to regulate the stomach and stop acid regurgi-

tation. For both heat syndrome due to stagnation ofLiver-Qi generating endogenous heat which affects thestomach, and cold syndrome due to depression of Liver-Qi and uprising of dampness in the stomach.Indications: duodenal and stomach ulcer.Method: Heat syndrome: reducing method. Cold syn-drome: reinforcing method with moxa stick or moxabox.

5. Neiguan P-6, Hegu L.I.-4, Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6

Function: To invigorate the Spleen and regulate theStomach.

Indications: Chronic gastritis (marked by reduced stom-ach acid), atrophic gastritis, dyspepsia, constipation (dueto Spleen and Stomach Qi-Xu giving rise to slow intesti-nal movement). This prescription is used to activate thesecretion of stomach acid. Many acupuncture studies

show that these points can activate the secretion ofenzymes to help digest fats and proteins. Mild casesrespond readily.Method: Hegu L.I.-4, Zusanli ST-36 and Sanyinjiao SP-6reinforce, Neiguan P-6 even method. Use even methodon all points in constipation.

WAIGUAN SJ-5

Waiguan SJ-5 is the Connecting point of the San Jiaochannel and the Yangwei channel. It is usually used toexpel Yang evils from the body surface (i.e. wind andheat).

1. Waiguan SJ-5, Hegu L.I.-4, Fengchi GB-20

Function: To expel wind evil, to treat superficial symp-tom complex.Indications: Common cold of wind-heat type, earlystage of epidemic febrile diseases (heat type). Can also beused, but with less effect, for common cold of wind-coldtype. In this case, also apply moxibustion to Fengchi GB20 and Dazhui DU-14.Method: Reducing method until the patient begins tosweat slightly.

2. Waiguan SJ-5, Hegu L.I.-4, Quchi L.I.-11, DazhuiDU-14

Function: To clear heat and restore body fluid.Indications: For the middle (Qi) stage of exogenousdiseases; for the accumulation and stagnation of heatevil in the body; the Yangming stage of febrile disease(hence points from the Yangming channel). Waiguan SJ5 helps to regulate and smooth the circulation of Qi in theSan Jiao. Dazhui DU-14 is where all the Yang channels

meet and so helps the circulation of Qi and blood in allthe Yang channels.Method: reduce.

3. Waiguan SJ-5, Zulinqi GB-41

Function: to remove obstruction and stagnation fromthe channels and to promote circulation of Qi and blood.Indications: general numbness and pain, disorders ofthe outer canthus of the eye, behind the ear, shoulder,neck and face. For disorders usually marked by pain andaccompanied by swelling and numbness, including swol-len painful disorders of the waist. Good to promotecirculation in the legs and to maintain lactation.Method: reducing.

HEGU L.I.-4

1. Hegu L.I.-4, Zusanli ST-36, Weishu BL-21

Function: To regulate the stomach, calm rebellious Qiand stop spasm.Indications: spasm of the stomach, stomach ulcer andgastritis; both for endogenous or exogenous (attack bywind and dampness) types.Method: reduce for stomach spasm.

Note: Radiographic research has shown that acute stom-ach spasm will be relieved during manipulation of theneedles. Conversely, it has been shown that if a patient

has a relaxed stomach, leading to retention of food, thiscombination of points will also bring relief. Reinforcingor even method is applied clinically for relaxation ofstomach and reducing method for stomach spasm.

23


3/4


2. Hegu L.I.-4, Taichong LIV-3

Function: to open the Four Gates, regulate Qi andblood, ease pain and stop spasm. The Four Gates refersto the joints of the hands and feet where the Qi and bloodof the 12 channels flows. Together these points regulateQi and blood, with Taichong LIV-3 having a greater

emphasis on promoting the blood, nourishing the Liverand helping subdue Liver wind, spasm and pain. HeguL.I.-4 has a greater action on promoting the Qi and easingpain.Indications: for different kinds of Bi syndrome such asrheumatoid arthritis and polyneuritis; for tremor due toCNS disorders and rheumatic chorea. Both endogenousand exogenous pathogenic evils will cause poor circula-tion in the Four Gates, hence this prescription is used forsore joints, muscles and tendons, spasms, extreme coldsensation in the skin and muscles, and numbness.Method: reducing.

3. Hegu L.I.-4, Fuliu KID-7

Function: to regulate sweating.Indications: for profuse sweating, absence of sweatingand spontaneous sweating. i. For a patient with feverwhere the pores are closed, reducing Hegu L.I.-4 willopen the pores and induce sweating and help clear heat,whilst reinforcing Fuliu KID-7 will produce fluid andmoisten dryness. ii. Where there is profuse sweatingbecause the body surface is weak (i.e. disharmony ofYing and Wei Qi), tonifying Hegu L.I.-4 will consolidatethe Wei Qi, and reducing Fuliu KID-7 will regulate Yingand Yin.Method: In absence of sweating reduce Hegu L.I.-4 andreinforce Fuliu KID-7. In case of profuse or spontaneous

sweating, reduce Fuliu KID-7 and reinforce Hegu L.I.-4.4. Hegu L.I.-4, Quchi L.I.-11, Xuehai SP-10, Sany-injiao SP-6

Function: to expel wind evil and relieve superficialsymptom complex; to clear heat from the Ying. For: i.invasion of exogenous wind and heat; ii. heat from windand cold which has accumulated in the muscles andentered the blood; iii. accumulation of heat evil in thestomach and intestines leading to unsmooth and un-regulated evacuation of stools which therefore leads toaccumulation of heat evil in the skin and muscles andhence psoriasis.Indications: urticaria (from food or drugs), psoriasis,

tinea and herpes zoster before the blisters form. Thisprescription is also good for urticaria which appears justbefore menstruation and disappears after the period(from heat due to Liver-Qi stagnation - often accompa-nied by dysmenorrhoea).Method: reducing.

5. Hegu L.I.-4, Neiting ST-44

Function: to clear heat and reduce fire.Indications: toothache due to Stomach-fire, swellingand pain in the throat, diabetes. For upper and middlejiao diabetes - clears heat from Yang Ming channels.Method: reducing.

ZUSANLI ST-36

Zusanli ST-36 regulates the Stomach and Spleen, regu-lates Qi and blood and tonifies Xu syndromes. Research

has shown that Zusanli ST-36 in combination with otherpoints, can both promote the secretion of stomach acid,and also control it. Zusanli ST-36 can also strengthenbody resistance.

1. Zusanli ST-36, Tiantu REN-22, Shanzhong REN17, Juque REN-14

Function: to calm rebellious Stomach-Qi, relieve spasmand ease pain. Puncturing these three points can pro-mote peristalsis of the Stomach and widen the diameterof a spasmodic upper alimentary tract.Indications: hiccups, spasm of the upper alimentarytract , early and middle stage of carcinoma of the upperalimentary tract and carcinoma of the cardiac orifice ofthe stomach (reduce with strong stimulation).Method: reducing.

2. Zusanli ST-36, Guanyuan REN-4, Qihai REN-6

Function: To tonify Yuan Qi and Yang. To strengthen theimmune system.

Indications: senility, carcinoma, chronic nephritis.Method: reinforcing; apply moxa stick to GuanyuanREN-4 and Qihai REN-6. If Yang-Qi is severely deficient,apply 5-7 moxa cones at each point.

3. Zusanli ST-36, Hegu L.I.-4, Dazhui DU-14,Mingmen DU-4

Function: to reinforce Yang and activate body resis-tance.Indications: for hypofunction of the adrenal cortex andpituitary due to severe Spleen and Kidney Yang defi-ciency. Research has shown that this syndrome corre-sponds to decreased secretion of certain hormones andthat acupuncture and moxibustion at these points in-

creases the hormonal level. Also for asthma, especiallyif accompanied by extreme deficiency of Yang and lowbody resistance.Method: reinforce, moxa cones (7) may be used insteadof needling.

4. Zusanli ST-36, Shangjuxu ST-37, Tianshu ST25

Function: to clear and expel dampness and heat evils, todredge the intestines in order to stop pain. This prescrip-tion has a strong function to counter intestinal infectionand can strengthen the phagocytic function of whiteblood cells.

Indications: acute appendicitis and acute dysentery andenteritis.Method: reducing.

SANYINJIAO SP-6

Sanyinjiao SP-6 in different combinations with otherpoints can treat the digestive, urogenital and reproduc-tive systems. Digestive system relates to the the lowerportion of the digestive system - the area below thestomach. The function of the Spleen is reflected in intes-tinal function and Sanyinjiao SP-6 is rarely used to treatthe Stomach.

1. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Tianshu ST-25, Zusanli ST-36Function: to regulate Qi in order to ease pain.Indications: for acute and chronic enteritis, constipation,

24


4/4


1. Yinlingquan SP-9, Shuifen REN-9, Shuidao ST-28, Weiyang BL-39Function: to resolve oedema and reduce swelling byexpelling water.Indications: retention of urine, abdominal oedema andgeneral oedema caused by nephritis. For Bi syndrome

accompanied by swollen joints due to accumulation ofdampness in the peripheral tissues of the joints. This is abasic prescription for Damp Bi although it is not neces-sary to use all the points. Often Yinlingquan SP-9 andWeiyang BL-39 in combination with local points will besufficient.

According toTCM theory, the Spleen is in charge oftransportation and the Kidney is in charge of watermetabolism and the three jiaos, so both abdominal andother oedema is caused by deficiency of both Spleen andKidney and obstruction of the three jiaos. For abdominaloedema, use Yinlingquan SP-9, Shuifen REN-9, andShuidao ST-28. Shuifen REN-9 affects the Small Intestinefunction of dividing the clear and turbid fluid - the cleargoing to the Bladder and the turbid to the Large Intes-tine. Shuidao ST-28 is where the Bladder and ureter join.These points can play an important role in water metabo-lism. Since water is Yin, the therapeutic effect is betterwith moxibustion.Method: reducing; moxa may be applied if there are nofeverish signs.

2. Yinlingquan SP-9, Qihai REN-6, Shuidao ST-28, Daju ST-27 or Tianshu ST-25

Function: to regulate Qi in order to ease pain, to aidurination and treat urinary disorders.Indications: urinary calculi, renal colic or colicky pain of

the ureter.Method: Reduce and apply electro-acupuncture, retain-ing needles for 30-45 minutes. Clinical experience andtests conducted at the radiography department showthat these points can activate peristalsis of the ureter toalleviate pain and expel stones, especially stones in thelower and middle portion of the ureter. The effect ofactivating peristalsis and expelling stones will be weakerif only manual manipulation is used.

3. Yinlingquan SP-9, Pishu BL-20, Zusanli ST-36,Sanyinjiao SP-6

Function: to invigorate the Spleen, eliminate damp andclear the lower jiao.Indications: for enteritis, eczema (in the genital area),urinary tract infection, leucorrhoea, seminal emission.

For enteritis add Tianshu ST-25 and Xiajuxu ST-39.

For dysentery add Tianshu ST-25 and Shangjuxu ST-37.

For accumulation of damp and heat evils in the lowerjiao, the prescription can be changed according to thepatient:

For urinary tract infection - exclude Pishu BL-20 and addZhongji REN-3.

For leucorrhoea add Guilai ST-29 and Qugu REN-2.

For seminal emission add Dahe KID-12 and Qugu REN2, making the sensation at Qugu REN-2 go downwards,or alternatively use Ciliao BL-32, also making the sensa-tion descend.

abdominal pain (from spasmodic enteritis) and intestinalparalysis.Method: Reinforce for Xu syndromes and reduce for Shisyndromes. This combination can regulate the functionof the intestines in two ways. Reducing will ease intesti-nal spasm and reinforcing will strengthen peristalsis.

2. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Shenmen HE-7Function: to tranquillise the mind and promote sleep.Since Sanyinjiao SP-6 regulates the Spleen, Liver andKidney, it can be used for various types of insomnia.Indications: insomnia, neurasthenia, forgetfulness,dream-disturbed sleep, psychosis, hysteria.Method: If both Heart and Spleen are Xu, reinforce bothpoints. If there is disharmony of Heart and Kidney,reinforce Sanyinjiao SP-6 and reduce Shenmen HE-7.

3. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Hegu L.I.-4

Function: to regulate Qi and accelerate labourIndications: this combination can induce abortion atvarious stages of pregnancy, induce abortion of a deadfoetus, and help in difficult labour.Method: apply strong stimulation and electro-acupunc-ture (intermittent wave). Electro-acupuncture can pro-mote contraction of the womb.

4. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Pangguangshu BL28, ZhongjiREN-3,

Function: to regulate the function of the Bladder.Indications: enuresis, retention of urine, incontinence.In incontinence caused by tension of the Bladder thesepoints can decrease pressure, and for retention of urinecaused by relaxation of the Bladder these points canincrease internal pressure.

Method: reinforce for Xu syndromes and reduce for Shisyndromes.

5. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Fuliu KID-7, Zhaohai KID-6

Function: to tonify Kidney-Water.Indications: hypertension, diabetes, serious insomnia,the final stage of exogenous febrile disease. For diabetesand hypertension due to deficiency of Kidney-Water.Serious insomnia refers to the impairment of the mu-tual assisting and controlling relationship of Heart andKidney. If the deficiency of Kidney-Water is accompa-nied by deficiency of Kidney-Essence we can add Shen-shu BL-23 and Zhishi BL-52.Method: reinforcing.

6. Sanyinjiao SP-6, Shuidao ST-28, Shenshu BL23

Function: to treat Lin and ease pain. These three pointscan activate peristalsis of the ureter in order to expelstones.Indications: stones in the ureter, acute urethral infec-tion, cloudy urination, renal colic.Method: strong stimulation and electro-acupuncture(dense-disperse wave) is needed for up to 30 minutes.

YINLINGQUAN SP-9

inlingquan SP-9 is the Water point of the Spleen channel.It is used to smooth and regulate water metabolism andhelp urination. Yinlingquan SP-9 expels water and damp-ness.

25

acupuncture point

Documents