Cookbook Acupuncture August 2015

Cookbook Acupuncture
A Clinical Acupuncture Training Handbook

Designed for Practitioners of
Acupuncture
Anatomical Acupuncture
Chiropractic Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture
&
Acupuncture-Informed Trigger Point Dry Needling
Jim Ventresca,
Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Principal, AcuPractice Seminars
Edited by Claudia Welch

Note: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. This
book is intended as an informative guide for those wishing to know more about health
issues and acupuncture theories. This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be
used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It is in no way intended to replace,
countermand or conflict with the advice given to you by your physician or healthcare
provider. The ultimate decision concerning care should be made between you and your
doctor, or between any patient and her doctor. Information in this book is general and is
offered with no guarantees on the part of the author or publisher. The author and
publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.
ISBN:
AcuPractice Press
Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015
Authors Note: ...............................................................10

Preface ...........................................................................10
Acknowledgments ..........................................................12
Introduction ....................................................................13
2nd Edition Notes ...........................................................15
Terminology & Literary Conventions ..............................15
Reference Material .........................................................17
1. The Basics: Chinese Medical theory 101
20
Yin & Yang ......................................................................21
The Eight Principles .......................................................23
The Vital Substances .....................................................25
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis ............................................30
Meridians & Organs .......................................................32
The Five Elements .........................................................36
Causes of Disease .........................................................40
The Organs
41
The Lungs ......................................................................42
The Spleen .....................................................................43
The Stomach ..................................................................44
The Heart .......................................................................45
The Kidneys ...................................................................46
The Urinary Bladder ......................................................47
The Pericardium .............................................................47

The San Jiao ..................................................................47
The Liver ........................................................................48
The Gall Bladder ...........................................................50
2. Acupuncture Techniques Demystified
51
Clean Needle Technique .....................................52
Risks to Acupuncture Providers 54
Acupuncture Patient Side Effects 54
Contraindications and Cautions ..........................55

Office Setup/Patient Flow ....................................56
Acupuncture Distal Techniques ...........................57
Getting The Qi ....................................................57
Acupuncture ........................................................58
A. Electro-Acupuncture (EA) ....................................60
B. Laser Acupuncture .............................................64
C. Moxa ....................................................................65
D. TDP Lamp ...........................................................67
E. Gua Sha & Cupping ............................................68
3. Points & Meridians: The Raw Ingredients
72
Meridian Overview .........................................................72
The 8 Extraordinary Meridians ......................................74
Dr. Jims Tai Ji Treatment 76
Points Overview .............................................................77

Body Measurements and General Point Location
3
77
Classic Point Categories Table.......................................78

Controlling Points 80
Hua Tuo Jia Ji Points
80
Yuan Source Points
80
Five Element Points
82
Tonification and Sedation Points 83
Horary Points
83
Xi Cleft Points
83
Five Shu (Transport) Points
84
Luo Points 85
Meeting or Influential Points
85
The Back Shu (Associated) Points
The Front Mu (Alarm) Points
87
Trigger Points aka Ah Shi Points 88
The Main Meridians & Their Major Points
86
88
Du Meridian Governing Vessel ...................................89

Ren Meridian Conception Vessel .................................91
Lung Meridian ................................................................93
Large Intestine Meridian .................................................95
Stomach Meridian ..........................................................99
Spleen Meridian ...........................................................103
Heart Meridian .............................................................106
Small Intestine Meridian ...............................................107
Urinary Bladder Meridian ..............................................111
Kidney Meridian ............................................................117
Pericardium Meridian ...................................................120
San Jiao Meridian ........................................................122
Gall Bladder Meridian ...................................................125
Liver Meridian ...............................................................129

Extraordinary Points .....................................................132
4. Auricular Acupuncture: Microsystems & Extraordinary
Meridians
135
Hand Acupuncture .......................................................136
Selected Upper Body Hand Points
Other Hand Points
136
136
Auricular Acupuncture .................................................138

Ear Anatomy
138
Major Auricular Points
139
Specific Auricular Treatments
141
Acupuncture Treatment of Chemical Dependency
141
Scalp Acupuncture .......................................................143

F. Scalp Contraindications and Cautions
G. ScalpTechnique 144
Scalp Points
146
I. Head & Neck Points 147
II. Neck & Shoulder Points
147
III. Shoulder Arm & Hand Points147
IV. Thorax Points148
V. Low Back Points
148
144
Chinese Scalp Lines ....................................................149

Based on Cortical Homunculus 149
Finding the Lines: Lines of Measurement
149
Continence Line (AKA: Leg & Foot Motor & Sensory)
Motor Function Line
153
Sensory Perception Line 153
Tremor Control Line
154
Vision Line154
Vertigo and Balance Line 154
151
The 8 Extraordinary Meridians In More Detail ..............156

Treatment Protocol for the Extraordinary Vessels
160
General Uses for the Extraordinary Meridians .............160
Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) ....................................................160

Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) ..................................161
Ren Mai (Conception Vessel CV) ...............................161
Du Mai (Governing Vessel GV) ...................................161
Secondary Extraordinary Vessels ................................162
Yin Qiao & Yang Qiao (Heel Vessels)
162
Yin Wei & Yang Wei (Linking Vessels) 162
Psychological Issues & Extraordinary Meridians 163
5. The Main Course: Treatment of Pain
167
Diagnosing The Pain ....................................................167

Immobilization ..............................................................167
Ice & Heat ....................................................................168
Treatment Results .......................................................168
Palpation ......................................................................169
Local Treatment ...........................................................169
Moving Stagnation .......................................................170
Treating Pain: Local, Adjacent, & Distal Points ...........171
Sinew (Tendino-Muscular) Meridians ...........................173
Zonal Treatment for Treating Pain by Area ..................173
Microsystems ..............................................................175
The Main Local Points for Treating Pain .....................177
The Recipes: Treating Specific Painful Conditions ......178
Headaches
Facial Pain
179
179
Neck Pain & Stiffness

180
Wrist & Hand Pain180
Arm & Shoulder Pain
181
Upper and Mid Back Pain 181
Low Back & Hip Pain and Sciatica
Knee Pain 183
Foot & Ankle Pain 183
Abdominal Pain 184
182
6. Review: National Board Exam & Program
184
A. Introduction ........................................................184
B. General Theory ..................................................185
1.
2.
3.
4.
Yin Yang
185
Eight Principles
185
Five Elements 186
Chronotherapy (The Horary Cycle)
186
C. The Essential Substances : ..............................187

1.
2.
3.
4.
Qi .........187
Jing ......188
Blood ...188
Fluids: Jin Ye 189
D. The Causes of Disease or Pathogenic Factors .190

E. Organs ...............................................................190
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Lungs .190
Spleen .191
Heart AKA: The Emperor
191
Liver ..192
Kidney .193
Pericardium 193
San Jiao
193
Extraordinary (Curious) Organs
194
F. Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis .............................194

G. Clean Needle Technique ....................................195
H. Acupuncture Techniques....................................196
7
I. Acupuncture Points and Meridians ....................197

J. Auricular Acupuncture and Other Microsystems203
7.
K. Name That Disharmony / Diagnosis Review .....204

Internal Medicine
205
A.
Introduction ....................................................205
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Theoretical Principles Review 205

Meridian Review
206
Organs Review
206
Extraordinary Meridians
206
Extraordinary / Curious Organs
207
B. Respiratory System and Conditions...................207

1. Upper Respiratory Conditions 207
2. Lower Respiratory Conditions 208
3. Allergies
209
4. COPD: Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema,
etc..209
5. Immune System Weakness 209
6. Smoking Cessation 210
C. Gastro-Intestinal System & Conditions ..............210

1.
2.
3.
4.
Oral Cavity (mouth, tongue, teeth, lips)

Pharynx and Esophageal
210
Stomach
211
Intestinal / Colorectal 212
210
D. Genito-Urinary System & Conditions .................213

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Kidney Disease / Failure

213
Low Sex Drive, Impotence, Frigidity 213
Urinary Tract Infections
213
Urinary Retention
214
Male GU Conditions 214
Female GU Conditions
214
8. WOMENS HEALTH .................................................216

A. Introduction
216
B. Review Major Relevant Points: 216
C. Organs, Meridians, and Substances
216
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Essential Etiology 219

Essential Diagnosis
221
Treatment of the Most Common Disharmonies
Treatment of Internal Organs
223
Specific Disorders 226
1. Disorders after childbirth:
231
2. Infertility
232
3. Breast lumps 233
4. Abdominal Masses
233
5. Polycystic ovary disease
233
6. Menopause 233
223
Womens Health: Name That Disharmony ...................234
Authors Note:
This printing of this book is part of a process. I don't know when it
will be what I hope it will become, but its getting there. It started out
as a set of lecture notes that have been continuously updated since
I began teaching Chinese Medical Theory at Southwest
Acupuncture College in 1994. This time I thought Id give it a full
rewrite, and make it into a regular book. So, you can think of it as a
book/course outline, that is that is being transformed into an
educational narrative. Id say Im about 50% there, give or take. So,
even though some of the recipes and instructions are still in outline
form, I think youll find it a clinically useful, and maybe even fairly
readable book.
Jim Ventresca,
Prince Edward Island
July, 2015
Preface
A cookbook is a good thing. Its a quick reference guide to help you
create good results in the kitchen. This acupuncture cookbook can
help you get good results in the clinic. Cookbook Acupuncture is a
term Ive heard since I began to study acupuncture in 1982. It is
has been given a bad rap as an inferior approach to treatment. I
disagree. In my experience, almost every practitioner I know and
teacher Ive studied with,uses recipes, although they usually call
them point prescriptions. Of course, most of them justify their
recipes with theories, but the recipes persist, and they get handed
down and around from one person to another. Heres how it goes:
How do you treat stubborn low back pain?
Well, I always like to try such and such or if that doesnt
work, Ill try this and that,etc.
So why not just call it what it is, and get the information out to as
many practitioners as possible?
10
Of course, differential diagnosis is important. Holistic treatment

dictates that one address both the root causes and the branches of
disorders. I assume that, as a healthcare provider, you already
have at your disposal one or more means of treating the root
causes of your patients disorders. We could fill a small library with
books on how to treat the roots. This book is designed to help you
manage the branches. That said, we will look into the basic
theories underlying TCM diagnosis and treatment, with sufficient
depth that the avid student will find sufficient detail to benefit her
patients.
Comprehensive cookbooks go into great detail on all the theories
and techniques associated with the recipes in the book. This isnt
one of those types of cookbooks. Its more like a card file of recipes
from your grandmother. Your grandmother would have assumed
you already know the basics, yet she might still have written in a
few a reminders such as, how to mix the pancake batter: Mix only
until the dry ingredients are moistened. Because I assume you
either have prior training, or are currently getting some, and have
access to acupuncture charts, books, apps, and notes to fill in any
gaps, this acupuncture cookbook only touches on the theories and
techniques, as gentler reminders.
Ive been cooking since I was a boy. Yet still, I find it helpful to keep
a cookbook or two in my kitchen, and open them from time to time,
for a quick reminder of how to make something I havent cooked for
a while, to learn how to make a dish I havent tried before, or
inspiration for something new. I hope you find that Cookbook
Acupuncture serves a similar purpose in your clinic.
11
Acknowledgments
Since I began practicing and studying acupuncture and Oriental
medicine many years ago, Ive had many wonderful teachers and
colleagues from many different acupuncture traditions.
The
techniques in this book are drawn from all of them. It would be
difficultif not impossible, to trace the origin of each of these
techniques, but I am ever grateful for and to all the folks who
helped me along the way. Most especially I would like to thank Dr.
James Tin Yao So who inspired the first few generations of
acupuncturists in the US, and started the New England School of
Acupuncture; Don Halfkenny who taught me how to be practical,
fair and reasonable in dispensing acupuncture healthcare; Kiko
Matsumoto for teaching me how to reason within the boundaries of
acupuncture; Jeffery Yuen for teaching me how to understand the
underpinnings of this medicine; My classmate and old friend Jean
Loius (Lalou) Begue for showing me the value of paying attention to
the details; Skya Abbate and Anthony Abbate for giving me the
opportunity to discover how best to teach this medicine; my brother
Dr. Chuck Ventresca for his example of complete integrity as a
physician and his mastery of the science and art of healing; and
Dr. Claudia Welch, a skilled healer, deep thinker, talented author,
wonderful editor, my inspiration, best friend, partner, and wife.
12
Introduction
State rules and regulations, or individual practitioners, may make
clear distinctions between the terms, acupuncture, dry needling,
meridian therapy, or trigger-point needling, but its all the same
to me, and probably to your patients too. Each of these methods of
healing involve placing acupuncture needles into patients to relieve
pain, be it neuromuscular or organ related, physical, or emotional.
They all require some knowledge and experience to get good
results.
Whether you are a licensed acupuncturist, a doctor of: chiropractic,
medicine, naturopathy, osteopathy, physical therapy, or Oriental
medicine, this book assumes that you are a licensed healthcare
practitioner, with acupuncture or dry needling in your scope of
practice, and that you have taken or are currently taking at least
basic acupuncture training. In other words, I assume that you
already know how to insert a needle, which points are
contraindicated in what conditions, how to find most of the
important acupuncture points, and that you are qualified to practice.
Hopefully you also know how to arrive at a basic TCM diagnosis
like: Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi and Blood Stagnation, or Spleen Qi
Deficiency.
That said, like all of us, you may still need an acupuncture chart to
find the point youre looking for, and you may need a little reference
material to hone your diagnosis on a particular patient. Thats all
part of the experience that comes with time. Every time you use a
point or make a diagnosis, and see good results, youll remember
that point or diagnosis.
The issue of who gets to practice acupuncture and how much
training is necessary can be a hotly debated one. Individual state ,
and national laws and regulations allow various healthcare
providers to practice acupuncture, or dry needling, or whatever you
13
might call it, with certain minimum amounts of training. Because

their laws allow them to employ these techniques, some health care
providers naturally want to provide these therapies, They search
out training programs that meet their minimum requirements.
I believe everyone who practices acupuncture should have the best
training that can fit into the number of hours required by law. I have
put in a great deal of time debating acupuncture laws rules and
regulations over the last 30 years, and Im glad I had the
opportunity to do so.
Now however, I view my role exclusively as an educator, and as
such Ill leave the politics to others and concentrate on providing
the best training possible to all acupuncture providers.
The information in this book is not complete in and of itself. Its

meant to serve as an adjunct to classroom study, and as a clinical
handbook, once youve completed some studies. If you are hoping
to practice acupuncture with only the information contained in this
book, you will find yourself severely under-informed. However if you
are using it as intended, it should serve you well.
This information is based on over 30 years of my personal
experience treating patients and teaching acupuncture. Its short,
direct, and to the point. I really think its my best stuff. I hope you
find it helpful.
14
2nd Edition Notes

This is the second edition of this book and is greatly expanded from
my first attempt. The first edition of this book The Acupuncture
Cookbook was aimed at assisting doctors who were already
trained in acupuncture in honing their skills in treating pain.
This edition: Cookbook Acupuncture is meant to double as
companion set of notes to AcuPractice Seminars programs and
courses in Acupuncture, and in Acupuncture-Informed Trigger Point
Dry Needling, as well as a clinical handbook for licensed
practitioners.
Terminology & Literary Conventions

Oriental Medicine includes all aspects of traditional medicine as is
has been practiced throughout Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,
Vietnam, Tibet, and perhaps even India, etc.) for many centuries,
and as it continues to be practiced around the world today.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the version of Oriental
medicine that is taught and practiced in mainland China today. This
brand of Oriental medicine was created in the late 1940s and early
1950s as a way to consolidate 20 centuries of traditional medical
information into a coherent system of that could be taught in a
reasonable amount of time, to a vast number of practitioners.
While it doesnt include every aspect of Oriental medicine, it is quite
effective and is likely the most commonly practiced from of Oriental
medicine in the world today.
Medical, Chiropractic, and Anatomical Acupuncture: These
terms are generally applied to the type of acupuncture taught to
physicians in focus programs of between 100 and 300 hours.
These programs vary widely with regards to the depth of
15
information on Oriental medical diagnosis and the treatment of

internal medical disorders. As a result the term has come to refer to
acupuncture treatment that is primarily focused on neurological and
musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) is a procedure that employs a
single powerful needling technique, to treat neuromuscular and
musculoskeletal pain syndromes. This needling technique is one
acupuncture practitioners have been employing for centuries. The
distinguishing factor is TPDN practitioners complete avoidance of
any reference to acupuncture, coupled with a strict reliance on
biomedicine & biomechanics for diagnostics and explaining
mechanisms of action. Its my belief that this strict avoidance of
any acupuncture reference is more political than anything based on
clinical effectiveness.
Acupuncture-Informed Trigger Point Dry Needling is the
practice of coupling the needling technique one would recognize as
Trigger Point Dry Needling, together with some of the more
powerful systemic and energetic acupoints and approaches to
treatment to argument clinical results. It seems a shame that
healthcare professionals who practice trigger point dry needling can
not offer their patients the simple addition of major acupuncture
point combinations and needling techniques that carry the very real
likelihood of improved clinical results, for what may be purely
political reasons. As the name implies, Acupuncture-Informed
Trigger Point Dry Needling is my answer to this sad state of
affairs. I have trained many healthcare providers in acupuncture
over many years, and having kept in touch with a good number of
them, I find that some of them end up practicing just this style of
treatment. This is likely due to the fact that their practices are
mostly geared toward treatment of painful neuromuscular and
musculoskeletal disorders, and theyve found this a most useful
approach.
Capitalization: Given that many technical Oriental medical terms
are the same word as those used in western biomedicine, the
accepted literary convention is to capitalize Oriental medical terms.
16
For instance: Blood refers to the Oriental Medical term for the
nutritive aspect of Qi, while blood refers to the red fluid found
circulating in your blood vessels.
Organ and Meridian Abbreviations:
LU: Lung
LI: Large Intestine
SP: Spleen
ST: Stomach
HT: Heart
SI: Small Intestine
KD: Kidney
UB: Urinary Bladder
PC: Pericardium
SJ: San Jiao *
LR:Liver
GB: Gall Bladder
DU: (GV) Du Mai aka Governing Vessel
REN: (CV) Ren Mai aka Conception Vessel
* San Jiao (SJ) is also known as:
TE Triple Energizer
TW Triple Warmer
TH Triple Heater
TB Triple Burner
Reference Material
Clearly, the clinical application of acupuncture is difficult to convey
in a book, so please forgive my self promotion. AcuPractice
Seminars is the program I, my brother Dr. Charles Ventresca, and
the rest of our Faculty have developed and offer, for training
healthcare professionals in acupuncture. Most of our students are
chiropractors, medical doctors, osteopaths, naturopaths, physical
therapists and a few nurses here and there. If you need a training
course, would like some additional training, or if you have a
colleague who would like to study, please consider AcuPractice
Seminars. We offer quality acupuncture education programs, that
prepare healthcare providers to practice acupuncture safely and
effectively.
17
We offer National Board Review classes, Classes on AcuPoints &

Meridians, Needle Techniques, MicroSystems, Internal Medicine,
Womens Health, and the Treatment of Pain.
For dates, locations fees, hours, and the rest of the usual
information, please visit us online: AcuPracticeSeminars.com
If you havent read The Web That Has No Weaver by Dr. Ted
Kaptchuck, I highly recommend you get a copy and read it. It will
provide you with most of the information you need to understand
the basic theories of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Even if
youre not going to use all the information in the book, you should at
least make sure you are familiar with it, if only to be able to speak
knowledgeably on the subject.
You might want have a good set of Acupuncture Charts. I
recommend the kind that hang on your wall, so you have quick
reference, and so your patients will become more interested in
acupuncture. However you choose to reference them, you should
have some way to easily locate points when you want them.
The industry standard reference book for acupuncture points is A
Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafji with
Kevin Baker. Its a great textbook and contains most all you could
want to know about acupuncture points.
A Manual of
Acupuncture App, is a wonderful resource for learning and
reviewing points and meridians. This app even has a video of how
to locate and needle every acupoint. This app gets my highest
recommendation. At the time of this printing, there is no app for
Android devices, however, even if you need to purchase an Apple
device to use it, its worth the trouble and expense.
In addition to a resource for acupuncture points, a good set of
Trigger Point Charts or one of the many good Trigger Point Apps, is
really worth having. When you are treating pain, you will want to be
able to quickly locate and treat the related trigger points. Of course
you can simply palpate for the trigger points, but why reinvent the
wheel every day? Most common trigger points have already been
18
discovered. The charts are worth having, and will get you in the
ballpark for the most common trigger points. This is especially true
for acupuncturists and others who havent had direct training in
trigger points. If a Chinese doctor from the 17th century had taken
the time to catalog all the Ah Shi (locally reactive) points, that were
useful for treating pain, along with their referral pathways, those
points would be taught in every acupuncture school. As it turns out,
they were named and the cataloguing began in the mid to late 20th
century, by Dr. Janet Travell, and she called them Trigger Points. I
believe any acupuncture practitioner would be well-served by
spending a little time learning how to find and work with them.
In order to get a clear perspective on how Oriental medicine views
and balances health through lifestyle and diet I highly recommend
Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal
Health and Wellness through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and
Western Science by Dr. Claudia Welch. This book is geared
toward womens health, but is clinically applicable to all patients,
men and women. I highly recommend it to all healthcare
practitioners, and to patients as well. Especially women.
I also want to mention Close to The Bone, by David Legg, a very
good book to find many of the nuts and bolts of treating painful
musculoskeletal conditions.
19
1. The Basics: Chinese Medical theory 101

This section briefly introduces many clinically useful theories that
form the basis of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. These
theories can be successfully employed to enhance the practice of
acupuncture with only a little effort spent in understanding them.
These concepts are extremely important when treating internal
disorders.
They are less critical for neurological and
musculoskeletal disorders, but can still be quite useful for crafting
more effective acupuncture treatments for these maladies.
The Five Branches of Oriental Medicine
Acupuncture & Moxibustion includes all application of Physical
Stimulus to AcuPoints: Needles, Heat, Pressure, Cold Laser Light,
Milliamp Electrical Stimulation, etc.
Herbal Medicine includes the ingestion or topical application of
natural, minimally-processed, medicinal substances.
Exercise: Tai Chi & Qi Gong cultivate and manipulate ones vital
energies (Qi).
Diet & Lifestyle: Michael Pollens advice on food is probably the
best and most direct Ive come across, and it blends well with the
Oriental medical approach: Eat Real Food (i.e. foods your great
grandmother would recognize as food), Not Too Much, Mostly
Plants. Couple that with sufficient physical exercise, rest, and
repose, and youre well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.
Massage & Manipulation: There is long history of both of these
modalities in the Orient.
20
Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang are among the most basic ideas underlying traditional
Chinese philosophy and medicine. Volumes have been written on
this subject, and it is a rich and interesting topic to discuss, with
many implications that can be interpreted in all aspects of our
existence.
Yin and Yang encompass any opposite and
complementary pairings that exist. Night and day, hot and cold, up
and down, male and female, left and right, are but a few of the
myriad of possible pairs we find in our universe. Here we will only
concern ourselves with the aspects of Yin and Yang that directly
apply to the practice of Oriental medicine.
There are three sets of opposites that describe Yin and Yang in
most clinical applications. Respectively, they are Substance and
Function, Internal and External, and Cooling and
Warming.
Yin represents the substance and substances of the body, the
internal areas of the body, and the energies that cool and moisten
the body, and provide for rest. Yang represents all functional
aspects of the body, the bodys external aspects, and the energies
that warm and activate the body.
The information contained in the following tables is helpful in
understanding some of the the clinical significance of Yin & Yang.
21
FUNCTIONS OF YANG
FUNCTIONS OF YIN
Provides Function
Provides Substance
Warming
Cooling
Moves, Activates, Circulates
Provides Rest the Ability to Rest
Protects / Provides Defense

Transforms
Provides the Ability to Recover from

Disease
Maintains Structure
Holds Up and In Place:

Blood, Fluids, & Organs
Nourishes & Moistens:

Blood, Fluids, & Organs
DISORDERS WHICH ARE YANG IN

NATURE ASSOCIATED WITH
Excess Yang or Deficient Yin
DISORDERS WHICH ARE

YIN IN NATURE ASSOCIATED WITH
Excess Yin or Deficient Yang
Acute / Rapid Onset
Chronic / Slow Onset
Excess Activity / Insomnia
Rest / Fatigue / Sleepiness
Stretch Out To Sleep

Heat Signs: Red Efflorescences
Rapid Pulse
Thirst: Likes Cold Drinks
Curls Up In Sleep
Cold Signs: Pale Efflorescences
Slow, / Not-Rapid Pulse
No Thirst: Sips Warm Drinks
Loud Voice - Extrovert
Soft / Weak Voice - Introvert
YANG BODY AREAS

CONTRASTED WITH
YIN AREAS
YIN BODY AREAS

CONTRASTED WITH
YANG AREAS
Superior
Inferior
Posterior
Anterior
Lateral
Medial
External
Internal
22
The Eight Principles

These are four sets of Yin/Yang pairs that help us begin to
understand the nature of disorders, and form an Oriental medical
diagnosis. This diagnostic framework is usually combined with
diagnostic information about the Organs, Meridians and
Substances to arrive at a complete diagnosis. These four pairs of
opposites are: Yin & Yang, Internal & External, Hot & Cold, Excess
& Deficient.
Yin & Yang: Determination of whether a symptom or diagnosis is
more Yin or More Yang can be based on the material presented in
the preceding section on Yin & Yang.
Internal & External refer to either the location of the disorder or its
etiology. For instance: A skin disorder is usually considered
external. An emotional disorder or one pertaining to an Organ is
generally considered internal. In addition, these designations can
combine. For instance, a skin disorder which results from an
emotional trigger such as stress, has an external location and and
internal etiology, so would be considered both internal and external.
Excess and Deficiency manifest in many ways. Some examples
are found in the tables on Hot & Cold, below. A few notable
guidelines:
Pain, Tension & Tightness are generally associated with
Excess
Weakness, Numbness and Tingling are generally associated
with Deficiency.
Somatic Accumulations, such as excess weight, tumors,
cysts, and Stagnant Blood are excesses.
Organ disharmonies such as Spleen Qi weakness, are often
related to deficiencies.
Again, these designations can also combine, as in the case
of excess accumulation of adipose tissue arising out of a
deficiency of the Spleens ability to fully digest the food and
fluids one consumes.
23
Hot & Cold: Many disorders present with symptoms that indicate
heat or cold. The tables below illustrate many of the most common
clinical presentations.
DESCRIPTION OF
CONDITION
Yin Excess
TREATMENT PRINCIPLE
True Cold
Sedate Yin
Invasion of Cold
Warm Cold
True Heat
Sedate Yang
YANG EXCESS
Excess Heat / Full Heat
Cool Heat
False Heat
Tonify Yin
Heat From Deficiency
Nourish Yin
Yin Deficiency
Yang Deficiency
AKA
False Cold
Tonify Yang
Cold From Deficiency
Rekindle Yang
Excess, Full, or True Heat
Deficient Yin
Usually Seen in URI:

aka OPI Heat
aka False Heat
Thirst
Red Face / Red eyes
Full Sweat / Fever
Painful SoreThroat
Strong Cough Yellow
Expectorant
Dark, Scanty, Urine
(Burning if severe)
Constipation w/ discomfort
or Hot Diarrhea
Pulse: Rapid & Full
Tongue: Red Body / Yellow
Coat
Dry Mouth, Skin, Hair, etc.

Malor Flush
Night Sweats / Hot Flashes
Chronic Dry & Itchy Throat
Chronic Dry Weak Cough
Dark Scanty Urine
Dry Stool
Pulse: Rapid, Weak & Thin
Tongue: Red / No Coat
(Peeled)
24
Excess, Full, or True Cold

Often Seen in URI: aka OPI Cold
Deficient Yang
aka False Cold
Clear Copious Urine
SAME
Preference for Warm Liquids
SAME
Pale Face
SAME
Chills
Cold Body, Hands, & Feet
Cramping Pain Better with

Heat
Cold Diarrhea
No Pain Associated
Tongue: Thick White Coat
Loose Stools / Undigested

Food
Tongue: Pale Puffy / Wet Coat
Pulse: Excessive / Full
Pulse: Weak & Slow
The Vital Substances

Qi (pronounced chi) is energy. One could write an entire book
about the details and intricacies of Qi, in fact many people have,
but not me, at least not today. The idea of Qi reaches well beyond
its implications for Oriental medical theories, but we will limit our
discussion to this application. Let us suffice it to say that Qi is the
energy that flows throughout an individual, and activates all lifes
processes, the Vital Force that keeps us alive and thriving. Qi is a
Yang phenomena, and as such has Yang attributes.
The main functions of Qi are the following:
To Move, Transport and Activate: Any movement, be it
muscular, circulatory, respiratory, cellular, or otherwise
depends on Qi. If the Qi becomes deficient or stagnant,
movement is impaired and disharmonies result.
To Warm: This function includes ones ability to feel warm
and comfortable as well as mediating the bodys fires. For
instance, the digestive fire of the Spleen powers all our
digestive processes.
25
To Protect: The Wei Qi is expressed in our ability to fight off

pathogenic influences like colds and flus. It is the shield that
is our immune system.
To Hold in Place: Organs, Fluids and Blood all need to be
held in place. When they are not held in place edema,
prolapsed organs, easy bruising, varicosities, hemorrhoids,
dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and other disorders result.
Disharmonies of Qi:
There are Two Main categories of Qi
Disharmonies. Since Qi is mainly responsible for making things
happen (i.e. activation) and for moving things, QI can either be
Deficient or Stagnant.
QI Deficiency (Qi Xu) results from malnutrition, overwork,
insufficient rest & repose, chronic and acute illnesses, and
often as a result of old age. Qi Xu can manifest in the entire
body, the spirit, or a particular Organ. As we will see, many
other disharmonies are built upon the following Qi Deficient
symptoms:
Fatigue
Weakness
Malaise
Pale Face
Pale & Swollen Tongue
Weak Pulse
Organ Disfunction
Mainly: Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys & Heart
Qi Stagnation (Qi Yu) results from trauma, Outside
Pernicious Influences (OPI), emotional upset, and
inappropriate diet. The main symptoms include pain and
emotions:
Pain:
Dull, Achy, and Unfixed
Intermittent or traveling
Feels better with massage
Intercostal neuralgia
Emotions:
Feeling stuck emotionally
Emotional outbursts
26
Uneven expression of emotions

Other Signs:
Slightly Purple tongue
Wiry Pulse
Plum Pit Throat aka Feeling all choked up
Two other disharmonies of Qi are Qi Collapse, and Rebellious Qi.

When Qi becomes especially deficient it may collapse. There
are two presentations of Collapsed Qi:
Spleen Qi Collapse = Prolapse. i.e. anus, uterus, bladder,
stomach
Heart Qi Collapse = heart attack (MI)
Rebellious Qi is Qi moving in the opposite direction from its
normal orientation. while all organs can suffer from rebelious
Qi two are most common
Rebellious Stomach Qi = Heartburn, nausea, vomiting,
acid reflux
Rebellious Lung Qi = cough, sneezing, COPD, hiccough
Blood (Xue). Blood is the nutritive aspect of the bodys Qi. Blood is
a Yin phenomena, and as such has Yin attributes.
The main functions of Blood are:
To Nourish: When Blood is deficient, the lack of
nourishment can be observed as fatigue, lack of muscle
tone, and a pale and lusterless complexion.
To Moisten:
The lack of moistening can be seen in
symptoms such as dry skin, dry hair and eyes and vaginal
dryness. In addition, the Tendons need to be moistened.
When the Tendons dry out, tics, twitches and tremors are
commonly seen.
To Provide the Ability to Rest: Blood Deficiency often
results in difficulty falling asleep.
To Recover & Restore our strength after illness.
The Main Relationships of Blood:
Heart: Moves It Through Body
Liver: Stores and Releases (includes Menstrual Blood)
27
Spleen: Produces Blood & Holds It In the Vessels

Disharmonies Of Blood: Blood, like Qi can become Deficient, or
Stagnant, but can also become overheated, know as Hot Blood.
Deficient Blood (Xue Xu) similar to Qi Xu arises from malnutrition,
chronic Illness, congenital disease, old age, exhaustion from
overwork, and also from a physical loss of blood. Also like Qi Xu,
Xue Xu can manifest in the entire body, the spirit or a particular
Organ. The signs & symptoms of Blood Xu are very Similar to Qi
Xu, but with the addition of Lack of Both Nourishment and Moisture.
Fatigue, Malaise
Pale Lusterless Face
Weak Thin Pulse
Pale & Thin Tongue
Organ Dysfunction
Dry Skin
Dry Brittle Hair
Twitches And Spasms (Due To Drying Out Of Tendons)
Scanty/Light/Shortened/Infrequent Menses
Dizziness
Difficulty Falling Asleep (Yin Substance)
Dry Eyes (Liver)
Palpitations (Heart)
Stuck Blood (Xue Yu) Arises from trauma, or as a result of Qi
stagnation. Like Qi Yu, one of the main symptoms of Xue Yu is
pain. The Pain associated with Blood Stagnation is:
Sharp and Stabbing
Fixed in Time & Space
Feels worse with massage
Associated with
Tumors Or Cysts (Non-Moving)
Swollen Organs
Hematoma
Clots
Hot Blood is a condition associated with heat entering the Blood
either from the outside or from internal causes. Heat in the Blood
often causes bleeding or redness of the skin, as seen in red dry
28
skin, pimples, rashes, or hemorrhage of fresh red blood such as

hemorrhoids, uterine bleeding, or blood in the urine.
Jin-Ye: All physiological fluids of the body, with the exception of
Blood.
The Jin are the clear, watery, more Yang fluids such as tears
and sweat.
The Ye are the more Yin and thick fluids such as the internal
moisture and synovial fluids.
San Jiao, Kidneys, Spleen and Lungs: Produce and
manage the fluids.
Jing is the Constitutional Energy that we inherit from our
parents.
Each of us is conceived and born with a potential, that
manifests in our own unique physical, mental, and emotional
makeup. How we take advantage of this potential varies
from individual to individual.
As we age we use up this constitutional energy. As our
Jing is depleted over a normal lifetime the process of
aging progresses.
We conserve our Jing by living a healthy and balanced
lifestyle.
When the Jing is Deficient or depleted too quickly, signs of
early aging occur. These include:
Poor Development In Children
Poor Concentration / Memory
Reproductive Disorders
Loose Teeth
Brittle Bones
Gray-Thinning Hair
Senility
Shen is an individuals consciousness, and as such, it dictates
ones subjective experience of all aspects of life, joy and sorrow,
pleasure and pain. When ones Shen is disturbed, mental and
emotional imbalances can be experienced. These imbalances can
range from mild anxiety or depression, to a complete psychotic
29
break. Treating the Shen is often part of the treatment plan when
treating patients for painful conditions, as well as those who are
suffering from psycho-spiritual disharmonies. Calming the Shen
relaxes the patient and allows for a more free flow of Qi and Blood.
If the Shen is not at peace, it can result in further imbalances that
lead to increased tension, which leads to further stagnation, which
increases pain, which furthers the loss of peace-of-mind, and
snowballs into more physical and psychological suffering.
Disharmonies of Shen show up as:
Emotional Problems, Psychological And Emotional Shock,
Disturbances Of Psychological/Mental Nature
Eyes That Lack Luster
Muddled Personality Forgetful And Slow
General Spiritual Disorder (Psychosis)
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis

Palpation of the radial pulse and observation of the tongue have
been in use as diagnostic indicators for many centuries in
traditional Asian medicine. Mastering these techniques and
acquiring the ability to diagnose a condition simply by feeling a
pulse and looking at a tongue require many years of study and
practice.
However, learning the basics of these diagnostic techniques is
simple, and can be learned in a single session. In addition by using
only the most basic parameters of tongue and pulse diagnostics, a
doctor can glean much useful diagnostic information with only a
little practice. The following table illustrates the most common and
easy to detect pulse and tongue combinations that are often found
in practice and can offer significant diagnostic direction.
30
Condition
Tongue
Pulse
Normal
Normal Red
Thin White Coat
Moderate Strength
Slightly Slippery
60-80 BPM
Qi Deficiency
Pale & Puffy

Thin White Coat
Weak
Yang Deficiency
Pale & Puffy

Wet Coat
Weak & Slow
Blood
Deficiency
Pale Thin & Dry

Thin White Coat
Weak & Thin
Yin Deficiency
Red & Thin & Dry

No / Peeled Coat
Weak & Thin & Rapid
True Excess
Heat
Red & Dry

Thick Yellow Coat
Full & Rapid
Dampness
Greasy Coat
Slippery
Qi Stagnation
Slightly Purple
Slightly Wiry
Blood
Stagnation
Dark Purple
(Maybe Spots)
Definitely Wiry
OPI Heat
Red Tip
Red Edges
Rapid & Floating
OPI Cold
Normal
Floating
Long-Standing
SP Xu
Scalloped Edges
Weak in Middle
Position
LR Qi
Stagnation
Slightly Purple
Full & Wiry
31
Meridians & Organs

The Meridians and Organs of acupuncture have considerable
areas of overlap.
Each of the Zang and Fu Organs has a corresponding set of
meridians.
The 6 Zang or Solid Organs and Meridians are classified as Yin.
The 6 Fu or Hollow Organs are classified as Yang. Each Zang
Organ is Paired with a Fu Organ, making up 12 Yin - Yang pairs.
Yin Meridians and Organs, for the most part, address
metabolic dysfunction and Internal Disharmonies, often
referred to as Yin Disorders. In addition, many of the functions
associated with the Yang Organs are orchestrated by, and treated
through, the Yin Organs. For instance, the digestive functions
western medicine associates with the large intestine, small
intestine, gall bladder, liver, and pancreas, are all subsumed under
the functioning of the Spleen. The points on these meridians
become important for their effects in treating specific aspects of
internal Organ function.
Yang Meridians are generally used to address the Yang
disorders, those that manifest more on the surface or exterior of
the body, such as musculoskeletal pain, tension, and tightness.
Since the Yang meridians tend to treat pain along their respective
pathways these pathways become, in some ways, more important
than the functions of their individual points.
There are a few exceptions to the above rules and we will explore
them as they arise.
The Organs and Meridians pair up in a two main ways.
The primary pairing of Yin and Yang, is known as the HusbandWife relationship.
A second grouping of Yin-Yin and Yang-Yang relationships is the
Six-Division Pairing.
32
The Husband-Wife / Yang-Yin Pairs are grouped according to the

Five Elements, which are further explained in the next chapter.
Yin
Yang
Wife
Husband
Element
Lung
Lg. Intestine
Metal
Spleen
Stomach
Earth
Heart
Sm. Intestine
Fire
Kidney
Urinary Bladder
Water
Pericardium
San Jiao
Fire
Liver
Gall Bladder
Wood
The Six-Division / Yang-Yang and Yin-Yin Pairs.

Note: The Yang/Yang pairs play a significant role in the treatment of
musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and painful conditions.
Divisions
Yang-Yang Pairs
Grater Yang / Tai Yang
Small Intestine & Urinary Bladder
Lesser Yang / Xiao Yang
San Jiao & Gall Bladder
Effulgent Yang / Yang Ming
Large & Intestine Stomach
Divisions
33
Yin- Yin Pairs
Grater Yin / Tai Yin
Lung & Spleen
Lesser Yin / Xiao Yin
Heart & Kidney
Yielding Yin / Jue Yin
Pericardium & Liver
The Great Loop Chart below, illustrates the flow of Qi among the
Organs and Meridians within the context of both the Husband-Wife
and Six- Division pairs.
34
The Horary Cycle in the table below, illustrates how the flow of Qi
throughout an individuals meridians and Organs coincide with ones
diurnal 24 hour cycle.
35
The Five Elements

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - Like Yin and Yang, Five
Element Theory is another way of classifying phenomena. The
Five Elements permeate traditional Chinese thought, and can be
applied to almost everything.
The Five Elements comprise a diagnostic framework that blends
nicely with Yin & Yang, the Organs and the Substances. However,
in practice most TCM diagnosis discuss the Organs, Substances
and Disharmonies or Pathogens without referring to the Five
Elements. Still, they are useful for constitutional typing, diagnosis
and prognosis. Five Element Acupuncture is a rich and effective
sub-genre of acupuncture, which for he most part, will remain
outside the scope of this book.
Each of these elements; The Elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal &
Water is related to a particular pair of Organs and Meridians, color,
sound, odor, emotion, taste, body tissue, body type, climate, and
other characteristics. There exist many relationships between
these elements as illustrated below.
36
Fire
Heart
Sm Intestine
Wood
Earth
Liver
Spleen
Gall Bladder
Stomach
Water
Metal
Kidneys
Lungs
U. Bladder
Lg Intestine
The Interrelationships of the Five Elements

Notes:
1. The Solid Line Arrows which make up the Circle, represent the
Creative (Sheng)Cycle also known as the Parent-Child Cycle
2. The Dotted Line Arrows which make up the Star represent the
Control (Ko)Cycle, aka the Grandparent-Grandchild Cycle
3. The Fire Element also includes the Pericardium (Yin) and San Jiao
aka Triple Warmer (Yang) Organs.
Within each element are Yin and Yang aspects, sometimes referred to
as the husband-wife relationship:
Yin organs representing wives and Yang representing husbands.
Aberrations of the Sheng, Creative, Parent/Child, or Generating Cycle
overproduction: hyper function generating Excess (Excess)
underproduction: hypo function creating Deficiency(Deficiency)
over-taxed, in which case the child drains the parent (Deficiency
producing exhaustion) (analog to underproduction)
Aberrations
of the Ko, Control, Grandparent, or Over-Acting Cycle
37
insufficient restraint, too weak to be effective (Deficiency generating

Excess)
Reversed Ko cycle in which the child (normally restrained) rebels
and insults the grandparent (Excess creates Deficiency)
The interrelationships of these Elements and their related attributes

can create, and affect disharmonies between one another in many
in varied ways.
The table below lists many of the attributes of each of these
Elements and can assist in predicting the results of some of these
interactions.
Because this is a complex system, and is not one we will be
utilizing in this book to any significant degree, I leave it to be
discussed and further explained in the classroom.
That said, the table below is helpful in understanding the breadth of
the Five Elements, and deserves consideration.
38
Table of Five Element Attributes

CATEGORY
WOOD
FIRE
EARTH
METAL
WATER
ZANG: Solid
Yin Organ
FU: Hollow
Yang Organ
SEASON
Liver
Heart
PC
Spleen
Lungs
Kidney
Gall Bladder
SI
SJ
Stomach
Lg. Intestine
Bladder
Spring
Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Winter
CYCLE
Birth
Growth
Maturity
Harvest
Rest / Storage
CLIMATE
Wind
Heat
Damp
Dry
Cold
ORIFICE
Eyes
Tongue
Mouth
Nose
Ears
SENSE
Vision
Speech
Taste
Smell
Hearing
BODY
TISSUE
RESIDUES
Tendons
Sinews
Nails
Blood
Blood Vessels
Complexion
Flesh
Muscles
Lips
Skin
Body Hair
Teeth Bone
Marrow
Head Hair
TONGUE
Sides
Tip
Center
Behind Tip
Root
COLOR
Green
Red
Yellow
White
Blue/Black
SOUND
Shouting
Laughing
Singing
Sighing
OFFICE
Benevolent
Righteous
Faithful
General
Sovereign
Farmer
DUTY
Plan
Rule
Nourish
Hun - Soul Shen - Spirit Yi -Thoughts
SPIRITS
Persona
Consciousness
Memory
EMOTION Decisiveness
Joy
Harmonizing
Control
Balanced
Deep Thought
Anger
Psychosis
Obsessive
BODY FLUID
Tears
Sweat
Saliva
TASTE
ODOR
39
Sour &
Sharp
Bitter &
Burnt
Sweet &
Fragrant
Raspy
Resonant
Weeping
Groaning
Decorous
Wise
Architect
Treasurer
Create Order Store Essence
Po - Physical
Zhi -Will
Vitality
Commitment
Strength
Survival
Sustainability Determination
Grief/Sadness
Fear
Nasal
Internal
Mucus
Moisture
Spicy &
Salty &
Pungent
Musty
Causes of Disease
External causes of disease are mainly what we call colds and
flus, and are designated as Wind, Cold, Heat, Dryness, and
Dampness, depending on their associated signs and symptoms.
These pathogens are commonly used to represent the
different manifestations of upper respiratory infections (URIs).
They are often referred to as Outside Pernicious Influences (OPIs)
Wind is usually the earliest stage of a URI. Cold is recognized by
the presence of chills and body ache. Heat is characterized by red
face, and tongue, and sore throat. Dampness produces excess
mucous, and Dryness produces a dry cough. These pathogens
also often combine in various ways.
In addition to upper respiratory infections, these external pathogens
manifest in other disorders as well. A few examples follow: Cold
can manifest as pain in the joints as in arthritis, bursitis, or other
aches and pains which are worse in cold weather. Cold can also
enter the lower part of the body (Lower Warmer) and cause
cramping menstrual pain. Heat can enter the skin causing
burning sores like boils, and carbuncles. Wind has similar
effects to the wind we experience in nature, causing tremors
and sudden unpredicted movements, or in extreme cases even
paralysis. Dampness too is similar to what we find in nature. Like
dampness in a basement, its hard to resolve. Pain and feelings of
heaviness which linger and may be accompanied by swelling,
tend to indicate Dampness. Dampness can collect as excessive
mucous seen in the Lungs, or stools or as joint swelling.
Overweight and other somatic accumulations are also signs of
Dampness accumulating.
The Internal Causes of Disease are the Emotions. When any
emotion is experienced inappropriately, it will effect the functioning
of the Organs it is associated with. Whether one experiences or
expresses an emotion too strongly, or insufficiently (repressing it) it
will have consequences. Anger affects the Liver, Grief affects the
Lungs, Joy affects the Heart, Worry and Over Thinking affect the
Spleen, and Fear affects the Kidneys.
40
Miscellaneous causes of disease are the many and various

influences we encounter in our lives. Examples include, getting hit
by a bus, bitten by a snake and contacting environmental toxins. In
most western countries today the most common of the
Miscellaneous causes of disease are likely: Inappropriate Diet,
Inappropriate Exercise, Overwork, and Insufficient Rest and
Repose.
The Organs
When we use the term Organ or the names of the Organs, in
TCM, we do not infer the identical meaning as we understand them
in current biological medicine in the West. We use these terms to
address a complex system of interrelationships that, while they
include the organs as we understand them, they also include
emotions, thoughts, and other physical systems in the body, or
body/mind/spirit.
In this way the ancients in China could
understand and work with all the aspects of an individual within the
context of just a handful of systems. While modern biology cannot
fully explain this approach, there are countless generations of
experience to attest to its efficacy.
Each Organ has a specific job to perform. I will discuss the main
jobs of each Organ, and the typical symptoms associated with their
primary dysfunctions.
There are, of course, many other
associations for each Organ, but Ill only address those
associations that have clear clinical application, and are regularly
encountered in daily practice. I am focusing on the functions of the
Yin Organs, since they are the ones that perform most of the jobs
that I address in this book. For the most part the Yang organs
support the Yin Organs in their operation. The only Yang Organ Ill
address here is the Stomach.
41
I have focused this edition of this book on the treatment of painful

conditions. However, I did want to include at least a little direction
on internal medicine. Perhaps in the next edition, I will give more
detailed recipes for internal disorders. For now, I hope you and
your patients find this, admittedly limited, set of directions helpful.
The Lungs
The Lungs are responsible for respiration, energy (QI)
production, and protection from outside influences, similar to
our concept of the immune system.
When the Lungs are functioning well, the individual is vital and
strong. When they are in disharmony, we see respiratory problems
like COPD, shortness of breath, and a tendency towards upper
respiratory infections.
When the Lungs are in disharmony, the following are some
common possible symptoms:
All types of respiratory disorders
All sinus disorders
Many Skin Disorders
Common Colds and Flus
Fatigue
Treating The Lungs
Tonify the Lungs: Lu 9, Lu 1, UB 13
Colds and Flus: LI 4, LU 7, LI 20,
Cough LU 5
Sore Throat or other Heat in the Lungs: LU 10
The Large Intestine is the Yang/Fu organ associated with the

Lungs. Occasionally the Large Intestine is involved in treatment of
digestive disturbances, however the Spleen is generally treated in
most of these situations. However as a Fu Organ, the Large
42
Intestine Meridian is important in diagnosing and treating surface

conditions such as musculoskeletal and neurological pain.
The Spleen
The Spleen is responsible for managing all aspects of
D i g e s t i o n a n d A s s i m i l a t i o n , Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d
Transportation.
This is mainly seen as managing the transformation of food and
fluids into energy, blood, body fluids and tissues. When the Spleen
is not functioning well, food and fluids are not fully processed, ones
energy level drops, and digestive problems become apparent.
These unprocessed products then accumulate in the individual as
excess weight and phlegm and mucous.
The Spleen is in charge of Transportation and Transformation
(T&T). It is associated with:
T&T of Qi, Blood & Jin Ye
Holding Blood Fluids & Organs in Place
Manifests In The Lips
Dislikes Dampness & Cold
Rules The Flesh & Muscles
When the Spleen is in disharmony, the following are some common

possible symptoms:
Fatigue
All problems with the Lower Digestive Processes
Bloating, Gas, Loose Stools, Tired After Eating
Overweight
Underweight
Muscle weakness/atrophy
Weakness of the flesh / flaccidity
Prolapses
43
Excessive or Insufficient Menstrual bleeding

Excessive Bruising
Blood in Stools
Mucous in Stools
Hemorrhoids
Treating The Spleen
Since the Spleen mainly suffers from deficiencies of Qi, Yang, and
Blood, it tends to respond best to Diet and Herbal Treatment.
However, acupuncture can often be very helpful and is certainly
worth a good try, especially if you can add some moxa for
tonification.
Also Tonifying the Kidneys is often helpful when
treating the Spleen. Keep in mind that tonifying the Spleen can
take some months.
When treating the Spleen, you will generally want to tonify all the
points:
ST 36, SP 6, Ren 6, Ren 8 (moxa only), UB 20
Adjust Diet: Cut out or reduce highly processed, cold and
damp foods
The Stomach
The Stomach is responsible for the early digestive processes.
While the Spleen is responsible for all digestive processes, once
the food has left the Stomach, problems with the Stomach itself are
usually addressed directly. Heartburn, hiatial hernias, and stomach
ulcers are all symptoms of Stomach disharmonies. Also as a Fu
Organ, the Stomach Meridian is important in diagnosing and
treating surface conditions such as musculoskeletal and
neurological pain.
When the Stomach is in disharmony, the following are some

Stomach Pain / Distention
Nausea
44
Vomiting
Belching
Acid Regurgitation , Heartburn, Ulcers
Bad Breath
Increased/decreased appetite
Treating The Stomach
The Main points for treating the Stomach are the same for most
conditions:
ST 36, SP 6, Ren 12, UB 21
If theres Heat: add ST 44 and perhaps ST 45
The Heart
The Heart is the Organ that stores our Shen. The Shen is
our spirit, or that aspect of awareness which is reflected in our
eyes; our sense of self our perception of the world around
us, and how we fit in. In a word, consciousness.
Disharmonies of the Heart can manifest as any disturbance of the
consciousness, from mild anxiety or depression to severe
psychological disorders. All these disorders fall under the term of
Shen Disturbance.
When the Heart is in disharmony, the following are some common
possible symptoms:
All disorders effecting the Mind: Spirit, Consciousness, Memory, &
Thinking
Most Sleep disorders
Most Heart disorders can be effectively treated by treating the
Pericardium.
The Small Intestine is the Yang/Fu organ associated with the
Heart. It is seldom a cause of disease in and of itself. However as
a Fu Organ, its Meridian is important in diagnosing and treating
surface conditions such as musculoskeletal and neurological pain.
45
The Kidneys
The Kidneys are responsible for the balance of Yin and Yang in
the body.
They regulate our constitutional energies, and
manage reproductive, urogenital, and sexual functions.
Urinary, prostate, premature aging, and lowered libido are a few of
the disharmonies we associate with the Kidneys.
The Kidneys are housed in the lower back, and so are
responsible for the strength of our low back. This is useful in
treating chronic low back and sciatic disorders.
When the Kidneys are in disharmony, the following are some
Low back pain & weakness
Pain & weakness of the Legs, Knees, & Ankles
Impotence and Infertility
Incontinence
Polyuria
Loss of hearing / Tinnitus
Lower body Edema
Problems of growth and development
Signs of premature aging
Sciatica
Low sex drive
Fearfulness & Lack of Will
Fatigue
Treating The Kidneys
Like the Spleen, Treating the Kidneys most always involves
tonification. Like the Stomach most Kidney treatments involve the
same points:
KD 3, KD 16, UB 23, DU 4
If theres Heat (from Yin Deficiency) add KD 2 and KD 7
46
The Urinary Bladder

is the Yang/Fu organ associated with the Kidneys. As such it
supports the Kidneys and can often be treated as an adjunct to
treating the Kidneys. Only ins cases of Bladder infections do we
usually address the Bladder itself. Otherwise we address Urinary
Bladder problems via the Kidneys. However as a Fu Organ, the
Bladder Meridian is important in diagnosing and treating surface
The Pericardium
The Pericardium is responsible for Setting the Order of the
Heart. In other words, we treat the pericardium for all the
organic functioning of the heart:
Treat the pericardium for tachycardia, bradycardia,
irregular
heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, etc.
The Pericardium also treats the psychological aspects (Shen) of the
Heart.
Treating The Heart and Pericardium
Most all aspects of the Spirit can be treated with the Tai Ji
Treatment discussed earlier in the book (PC6, SJ 5, LR 3,
GB 41)
Fast, Slow or Irregular Heartbeat PC 5, Ht 7
HT 8 will reset the order of the heart
PC 8 for dream disturbed sleep
The San Jiao

(aka Triple Warmer, Triple Heater, Triple Energizer, Triple Burner)
plays an important role in explaining many concepts that are central
to the theories of Chinese medicine.
47
San Jiao translates as Three Burning Spaces. Also, as a Fu

Organ, its Meridian is important in diagnosing and treating surface
The Three Jiaos or Burning Spaces are:
Upper Jiao (Upper Burner): LU & HT, Responsible for
Respiration & Circulation
Middle Jiao (Middle Burner): SP & ST, Responsible for
Digestion & Assimilation
Lower Jiao (Lower Burner): KD, UB & Reproductive
Organs, Responsible for Elimination & Reproduction
The Three Jiaos are collectively responsible for Water Metabolism,
Classically Described As A System Of Sluices Or Waterways
Lungs Descends & Disseminate Fluids
Spleen Transforms Fluids and Transports them to Upper
Warmer
Kidneys Power Fluid Metabolism
The Liver
The Liver is responsible for the smooth and easy flow of
energy and emotions in an individual. This includes assisting all
processes, physical, mental and emotional in flowing smoothly and
regularly. Muscle contraction, menstrual cycles, and managing the
smooth flow of the emotions--especially anger, are just a few
examples of this function. The Liver is like known as The Free &
Easy Wanderer, the General, the City Planner, and the Traffic Cop.
It doesn't perform all the tasks in the body, but it facilitates the free
flow of Qi in order for all the other organs to accomplish their jobs.
The Liver is associated with:
Smooth and Easy Flow of Qi & Emotions
Tendons & Muscles (Tension)
Sea of Blood (Stores)
Controls the Eyes
48
Houses the Hun (Self)

Planning
Dislikes Wind, Heat, & Stagnation
When the Liver is in disharmony, the following are some common
possible symptoms:
Stress Related Disorders, Anger / Irritability
Excessive muscular tension, esp. Neck and Shoulders
Contractures, spasms / uncoordinated movements
Tics, Twitches & Tremors
Throat clearing/ feeling of plum pit in the throat
Gynecological problems
PMS w/ breast pain & distention
Painful Menses w/ clots & sharp stabbing pain
Meridian related Sx.
Inguinal pain and Hernias
Acute inflammatory problems, Herpes, Conjunctivitis
Erratic mood swings / Moodiness / Irritability
Quick to Anger /Volatile-violent outbursts
Frustration
Compulsive energy
Eye problems:
Tearing, blurry vision, night blindness,
Floaters, photophobia & light sensitivity
Treating The Liver
The Liver is most prone to stagnation. Since its main job is to move
Qi, any disharmony of the Liver will result in some degree of Liver
Qi Stagnation. The Liver can also be affected by Xue Xu and Yin
Xu.
Acupuncture is quite good for moving Liver Qi Stagnation, but the
patient will have to make some lifestyle changes to keep the
condition from returning. Some type of stress reduction technique
needs to be employed by the patient. Usually people need to
understand that rest, relaxation, and repose are as important as, or
more important than, achieving their external goals. I know it's a tall
order, but how else can you get folks to let go of vain strivings that
are affecting their health?
49
Patients should consider doing some gentle form of yoga, or tai chi
or Qi gong. The gentle stretching of the tendons is a wonderful way
to relax the Liver, and it usually helps with the stress too. (GENTLE
stretching, not strenuous, hot, & sweaty types of yoga).
One other thing is removing coffee from the diet. Coffee (not
caffeine) has a particular affinity for the Liver, and I believe it
contributes greatly to Liver Qi stagnation.
To sum up:
Acupuncture once a week to move LR Qi.
LR 3, GB 41, PC 6, SJ 5
Gentle Yoga
Quit Coffee
1-3 months produces excellent results in most cases
The Gall Bladder

is the Yang/Fu organ associated with the Liver. As such it supports
the Liver and can often be treated as an adjunct to treating the
Liver. It is seldom a cause of disease in and of itself. However as a
Fu Organ, the Gall Bladder Meridian is important in diagnosing and
treating surface conditions such as musculoskeletal and
neurological pain.
50
2. Acupuncture Techniques Demystified

In China the term used for Acupuncture is ZhenJiu which means
Acupuncture/Moxibustion. Its as if those two words were not meant
to be separated. I believe this is for the reason that there are
strengths and weaknesses to all the modalities of Chinese
medicine and they complement one another. Let me briefly name
and describe the main interventions usually considered in Chinese
medicine, and point out their strong points.
Acupuncture is the physical stimulation of acupoints, on the surface
of the body, with some external stimulator. The most common
stimulator is an acupuncture needle. However point can be
stimulated by many various means such as finger pressure, heat,
electricity, laser light, magnets, as well as cupping, and guasha,
which we will address below. It is my opinion that while there are
arguments for each method of stimulating acupuncture points,
needles work best in most cases. No one really likes getting
needled, and so we can surmise that if needles werent superior for
stimulating points, wed probably use something a bit more
comfortable. The strong point of acupuncture treatment is its ability
to move stagnation. Since all painful conditions are a result of
stagnation of one sort or another, acupuncture is particularly
effective at treating painful conditions and an assortment of other
conditions that are associated with stagnation or excess.
Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupoints, specifically by
heating or burning an herb called moxa Moxa is a bastardization
of the words mo kusha, Japanese for burning herb. The actual
herb is artemisia vulgaris. This herb has significant properties that
make it particularly effective for this purpose. Like acupuncture,
moxa is effective in moving stagnation. Moxa is also effective for
building deficiencies, especially deficiencies of Qi and Yang. In
addition moxa is quite warming, and so treats Cold conditions.
Herbal Medicine is where Chinese medicine shines with most
deficient internal conditions, and conditions where stagnations are
internal and chronic. While acupuncture and moxibustion can be
51
helpful, many metabolic conditions can be treated more effectively

when herbal medicine is added into the mix.
Physical Manipulation has a long history in the Chinese medical
tradition. Tuina, a type of massage which is surprisingly similar in
many ways to chiropractic, has been practiced for centuries, with
good effect on structural correction.
Energetic Manipulation consists mainly of exercises such as Tai-Ji
and Qi-Gong, which are used to both cultivate and manipulate Qi,
for improved health. These exercises have proved to be particularly
helpful in promoting balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Before moving on to the techniques lets consider hygiene and
safety.
Clean Needle Technique

1. ALWAYS:
a) Wash Hands Between Patients
(1) # 1 for Infection Control
(2) Soap & Running Water 10 Seconds Minimum
b) Establish a Clean Field
c) Sanitize Hands Prior to Inserting Needles if Hands
Have Been Slightly Contaminated
(1) Alcohol Based Hand Disinfectants are Acceptable
for Hand Washing
d) Isolate Used Needles Immediately
e) Use Universal Precautions: Prevention of Exposure
and Prevention of Disease if Exposure Occurs.
(1) Gloves, Gowns, Masks, Goggles etc. when
needed
f) Use Sterile and/or Clean Equipment and Work Areas
as directed
(1) Needles & other Instruments that Penetrate the
Skin or Touch the Mucous Membrane, must be
sterile
(2) Always use Sterile Needles
(a) Use Single-Use Disposable Needles
52
(b) Avoid Contamination when removing needles

from packaging
(c) Never reuse or reinsert a needle
(d) Never use a needle thats been
contaminated. i.e dropped, miss-inserted
g) Disinfection / Antisepsis/ 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
(1) Use on Clean Skin to reduce pathogens and
inanimate objects on the skin
2. Clean Technique
a) Using Sterilization, Disinfection, Antisepsis, Washing,
etc.
b) Clean Field
(1) The area prepared to contain acupuncture
equipment & supplies
(2) Clean Tray or Paper Towel Work Surface
(3) Sealed/Open Needles
(4) Alcohol Swabs
(5) Dry Cotton Balls
(6) Gloves
(7) Clean Instruments
(8) Gua Sha Tool
(9) Cups
(10) Forceps
(11) Ear Probe
c) Off the clean field
(1) Waste container
(a) Plastic Lined Paper Bag
(2) Biohazard Container
(3) Other Non-Clean Items:
(a) Pens
(b) Discarded Insertion tubes and wrappers
3. Cups and Guasha Tools
a) If no bleeding occurs: Cups May be Cleaned with
Soap and Water
b) If Bleeding occurs: Cups Must be Cleaned and
Sterilized
(1) Bleach Solution Sterilization for Non-Porous
Items
53
(a) 1:10 solution Bleach: Water

(b) Soak for 1 hour
4. Biohazard Containers
a) ONLY Needles go in in Biohazard Containers
(1) NO tubes, packaging, cotton balls, prep pads,
etc.
(2) Cotton balls tinged with blood are disposed in
double bagged waste
(3) Cotton balls are placed in BioHazard container
ONLY IF ACTUALLY SOAKED WITH BLOOD
b) Check State regulations for Disposal, Storage and
Transportation of biohazard containers.
Risks to Acupuncture Providers

1. Needle Stick
a) Use Caution to Avoid
b) CDC Recommends
(1) Consult a Physician Immediately
(2) Test Source for HBV, HCV, HIV within 2 hours if
possible
(3) Begin Treatment ASAP, if required
2. Blood Exposure
a) Glove Carefully
3. Train Staff Carefully in
a) Recognition of Contaminated Needles
b) Office Procedures Regarding Needles
c) Handling Contaminated Needles
d) Needle Sticks
Acupuncture Patient Side Effects
1. High Risk Patients
2. Use Universal Precautions
3. Needle Sickness / Fainting
a) Vasovagal Response
b) Remove Needles, Have Patient Lie Down
c) Perhaps a few sips of water
4. Pain / Bruising / Swelling at Needle Site
5. Stuck Needle
6. Forgotten Needle
54
7. Neuritis
8. Moxa Burns
a) Use Caution
b) Assess Patient's Heat Tolerance
(1) Neural injury, diabetes, paralysis, etc.
c) Treat w/ Western Medical Techniques
(1) Sterile dressing
(2) Appropriate referral
9. Abscess
10. Allergic Dermatitis
11. Broken Needle
a) Leave some shaft visible
12. Auricular Chondritis
13. 30 sec - 5 minutes direct pressure
14. Organ Puncture
a) Veins/Arteries
b) Pneumothorax
c) Eyes
d) Enlarged
(1) Heart
(2) Liver
(3) Spleen
(4) Kidney
e) Spinal Cord
(1) Exercise Caution With DU 15 & DU16
15. Seizures
Contraindications and Cautions

16. Always use Caution when treating Patients who are or
may be
a) Pregnant
b) Elderly
c) Diabetic
d) Very Tired
e) Very Hungry
f) Under the influence of any Mind Altering/Pain
Relieving Medications
g) Numb in an area to be treated
55
17. Points Contraindicated in Pregnancy

a) LI 4
b) SP 6
c) GB 21
d) UB 60
e) Points on the Abdomen
f) Points on the Lower Back
18. GB 21 Contraindicated for patients with Heart Conditions
19. Electro-Acupuncture Contraindicated for patients with
a) Pacemakers and other electrical implants
b) History of Seizure Disorders
c) Strongly Recommended not to apply electroacupuncture across the heart (i.e. Chest to Back/ Left
to Right/ Arm to Arm)
Before jumping into treatment techniques lets consider some
information on setting up your office to accommodate
acupuncture treatment.
Office Setup/Patient Flow

20. Patient Scheduling
a) Order of Treatment Modality
21. Assistant(s)
22. Gowns / Gym Shorts
23. Treatment Tables
a) Bolsters
b) Table Extenders
c) Boards & Blocks
24. Stool/Chair
25. Treatment Cart
a) Clean Field
b) Treatment Supplies
26. Biohazard container
27. TDP/Heat Lamp
28. (Space) Blankets
29. Timers
30. Call Buttons
31. Forms
56
a) Find Forms Online: www.AcuPracticeSeminars.com

(Resources Page)
b) Intake
c) Informed Consent
d) Moxibustion Instruction/Consent
e) Cupping / Guasha Information Letter
32. Patient Education Handouts
Lets look now at Acupuncture, Moxa, and other Basic
Treatment Techniques.
Effective acupuncture treatment consists of point selection,
location and needle technique.
This chapter offers an
explanation of how to apply some of the different
acupuncture techniques to effectively treat many common
disorders.
Acupuncture Distal Techniques

You can often affect local pain with just distal techniques, but
local treatment is usually necessary as well. In the section
on treating specific conditions I will cover many useful distal
treatment points and techniques.
Getting The Qi
When youre is performing acupuncture it is important to
Get the Qi. But what does that mean? According to the
prevalent teachings in China today, it means that the patient
must feel a deep, aching, distending, electrical or traveling
sensation. This doesnt mean pain. The Qi sensation should
be clear and strong to the patient, but not painful. When the
patient reports the feelings associated with getting the qi,
the practitioner can stop stimulation of the point and rest
assured that she has contacted the Qi. A painful acupuncture
treatment is seldom necessary.
57
There are, however plenty of other traditions of acupuncture

where the practitioner does not depend on the patients
report of feeling the Qi to ascertain that the Qi has been
contacted. In fact, it could be easily argued that it is more
important that the practitioner feel the Qi than the patient,
since the practitioner is presumably more familiar with the
feeling of Qi than the patient, and the practitioner knows
better what to look for. But, how does the practitioner know
what to feel, to be sure that she has contacted the Qi?
After 30 year of practice, I am pretty sure that I can feel the
contact with the Qi, most of the time. Unfortunately, I cant
describe it in sufficient detail, in this book, to make it clear. I
can however, sometimes demonstrate it to students, when
we can be together. It is a skill that can be learned but
cannot be easily taught. Im sure you will find that this skill
develops, as you gain more experience. Therefore, I suggest
that, until and unless you know for sure, that you have
developed this skill, you should ask the patient for feedback
as to when youve contacted the Qi.
Acupuncture
33. There are three basic types of needles:
a) Standard Acupuncture Needles
(1) Designed to be inserted for between a few
seconds up to perhaps an hour. Usually for 20
minutes.
(2) Needle Selection Considerations
(a) Ease of application and Insertion
(b) Degree of Painlessness
(c) Degree of Stimulation
i) Rotate / thrust etc.
(d) Personal Preference
(e) Electrical Conductivity
(f) Ability to feel and transmit Qi
(3) Variables
(a) Thickness
(b) Length
58
(c) Handle
i) Metal / Plastic
(4) AcuPractice Recommendation
(a) Seirin Brand Needles
i) Lhasa OMS 1-800-722-8775
www.lhasamedical.com
(b) 30mm # 3 = 36 gauge Chinese / 0.20mm
i) General Utility Needle (10 to 1)
ii) Blue Handle
(c) 40mm # 5 = 32 gauge Chinese / 0.25mm
i) Stronger Stimulation
ii) Deeper Points
(d) 60mm # 8 = 28 gauge Chinese / 0.30mm
i) Strongest Stimulation
ii) Deepest points
iii) Chinese Scalp Acupuncture
b) Bleeding Needles are used to extract a few drops of
blood from specific acupoints. Traditionally there were
a few different types of triangular needles. Today we
use lancets, usually with an auto-lancet device.
c) Retained Needles are small needles that are inserted
and left in place for times ranging between a few
hours and a few days
(1) APS semi-permanent needles
(a) Stainless Steel, Gold, and Titanium
(2) Interdermal needles: 6mm #1
B. There are three basic Needling Techniques which are used

to achieve the effects of Tonification, Sedation, and
Harmonization. While there :are many techniques employed
by practitioners to achieve these results, we will look at the
basic approach to each of them, which entails the amount
and degree of stimulation applied.
1. Harmonizing or Even Technique is used when balance is
desired, such as in the case of needling PC 6 to calm the
Shen.
a) Moderate Stimulus
59
b) Moderate Thrusting
c) Moderate Rotation
2. Tonification, used when deficiencies are treated, such as
needling ST 36 for digestive weakness.
a) Mild Stimulus
b) Mild Thrusting
c) Minimal Rotation
3. Sedation is mainly used for treating stagnation. As such
its usually employed for painful and excess conditions,
such as releasing trigger points.
a) Strong Stimulus
b) Strong Thrusting
c) Great rotation
C. Needling Depths & Angles
1. Angle of Insertion
a) Usually Perpendicular to the Skin
b) Exceptions will be noted
2. Needling Depths
a) Avoid Organs and Blood Vessels
b) Consider the Underlying Structure
c) Usually into the middle of the muscle under the point
d) Usually between and inch deep
D. Electro-Acupuncture (EA)
1. Introduction
a) First used in the 1950s
2. How does it Work?
a) Electrical signals travel to the Brain or Spinal Cord
and encourage the production of Hormones and
Neurotransmitters.
3. Often Used For
a) Acute & Chronic Pain (55%-85% success rate)
b) Traumatic Injury
c) Paralysis
d) Surgical Anesthesia
4. Two Types of Electro -Acupuncture
a) Microamps aka Microcurrent
(1) Much Less stimulation
(2) Function on a cellular level
60
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
61
(3) Microcurrent is not covered in this book.

Milliamps
(1) Standard Electro Acupuncture
(2) The following material covers Millamp ElectroAcupuncture
Machines
(1) Quality Considerations
(2) Expense
(3) Precise Frequency and Intensity Adjustments
(4) Number of Channels
AcupuncturePoint Detection / Elect. Stim.
Quality of Biphasic Wave
Recommended Machines
(1) Pointer Excel II
(a) Non-Invasive Millamp Stimulation
(b) Acupuncture Point Detection
(c) Relatively Inexpensive
(d) Works well
(2) E-Stim II
(a) Milliamp & Microamp
(b) 2 Channels
(c) Inexpensive
(d) Works Well
(3) ITO IC 1107
(a) Milliamp Only
(b) 3 Channels
(c) Moderately Priced
(d) Works Very Well
(4) Pantheon
(a) Milliamp and Microamp
(b) 4 Channels
(c) Higher Price
(d) Works Very Well
User Interface
(1) On/Off Switch
(2) Intensity Controls
(a) Click Off Before Turning Unit On
(b) Reliability May be Dependent on Battery
(c) Some Machines are Very Sensitive

(d) Always turn up SLOWLY
(e) Turn Intensity to Zero Before Switching any
other controls
(3) Usually 3- 4 Channels (Output Jacks)
(4) (+) (-) Switches
(5) Intensity Multiplier
(6) Frequency Multiplier
(7) Frequency Modulation Controls
(8) Visual freq. Indicator Light
(a) Continuous
(b) Constant Hz
(c) each pulse follows the preceding one
i) //////////////////////
(d) Discontinuous
i) Irregularly Irregular
ii) Constant Hz / Random Time Slots
iii) //////-------//////////--------//////----------------///
(e) Dense - Disperse
i) Varying Set c/s / Random Time Slots
ii) / / / / ////////// / / / / / / //////////// / / / //////
(9) Acupuncture Point Detection
(a) Pros & Cons
5. EA Principles
a) Neural messages are sent to Brain or Spinal Cord
and Neurochemicals or Hormones are released
b) Spinal Cord Stimulation
(1) Local AA effect, only
(2) Stimulates Spinal Chord Reflex Arc Only
(3) Enkephalin & dynorphin
(4) NO Circulating Beta Endorphin production
c) Midbrain / Hypothalamus / Pituitary Stimulation
(1) Systemic effect
(2) Similar to Da Qi Needle Stimulation
(3) Including Acupuncture Anesthesia (AA) at a
distance
(4) enkephalin, serotonin, & norepinephrine
(5) Increased Hormonal Stimulation
62
(6) Circulating Beta-Endorphin released into Blood &

CSF
d) Pulse
(1) Pulse Width
(a) 0.1-1.0 ms - microseconds
(2) Pulse Strength
(a) 2.5-5.0 mA - milliamps
(3) Biphasic Pulse
(a) Imperfectly Matched Biphasic Pulses lead to
the area where the Black (-) clip is placed,
experiencing more stimulation(pain)
e) Intensity
(1) Low Intensity
(a) At threshold of M. contraction
(b) Observable M.(or needle) movement
(c) May be useful for tonification
(2) High Intensity
(a) 5-10 times the threshold for M. contraction
(b) Intense M. Contractions
(3) Gradually increase every 5 min. for 30 min. until
intense M. contractions are observed if necessary
f) Frequency
(1) Low Frequency
(a) Individual M. Contractions
(b) 1-4 Hz
(c) Midbrain / Hypothalamus / Pituitary
Stimulation
(2) High Frequency
(a) Tetanic M. Contraction
(b) 50 Hz or Greater
(c) Spinal Cord Stimulation Only
6. EA Treatments
a) Needles
b) choose a heavy gauge (# 5-8)
(1) Finer needle = greater resistance
c) Pair in areas of EQUAL sensitivity
(1) face to face
(2) Skin Nerves
63
(3) hand to arm

(4) Deep M. Nerves
d) High Frequency / Low Intensity
(1) No Cumulative Effect
(2) Spinal Cord Only
(3) Intensive Local Anesthesia
(4) Short onset
e) Low Frequency / High Intensity
(1) Longer lasting Cumulative Effect
(2) Midbrain & Hypothalamus-Pituitary
(3) Systemic Effect
7. EA Contraindications
a) Note: Amer. Assoc. for Medical Instrumentation
recommends levels below 250 mA @ 1.0 ms across
the heart (arm to arm). This is 50 - 100 times higher
than EA. devices generally deliver (2.5 -5.0 mA @ 1.0
ms)
b) No EA. W/ Pacemakers (Nat. Exam)
c) FDA bans EA on Head
d) No EA stim over Neck
e) STRONG EA stim in spastic Muscles
f) No EA Crossing the Heart
g) In Pregnancy
(1) No EA Around Fetus
(2) No EA on Strong Moving Points
(3) No EA Below Bl23
h) Do not shine laser through pupils when treating
around eyes
i) No laser to fontanels of infants
(1)
8. Patients may experience the same side-effects as with
needles, such as needle sickness, dizziness, fainting,
nausea, tiredness, headache, change in the site or
degree of pain
E. Laser Acupuncture
1. Low Level Laser Therapy / LLLT
2. Recommended Laser for Acupuncture Treatment
a) Class III Lasers
64
b) Wavelength
(1) Prime determinant of tissue penetration.
c) Areas of thick skin ormuscle may require higher
doses for penetration thanfiner skin areas e.g. ear.
d) Lasers which penetrate less deeply / suitable for
acupuncture point stimulation and biostimulation.
e) 630 - 680nm (nanometers) visible, coherent, bright
red
f) 1.5mW - 5 mW
(1) up to 10 mW are available
g) A minimum of 1mw and 10-12seconds are required to
produce any sort of reaction
h) HeNe (Helium Neon) gas or Diode
i) Should shine @ 65 feet in a well lit room, 300 feet in a
dark room
3. Use the same rules of point selection as needle
acupuncture
a) Energetics
(1) Moving
(2) Perhaps Warming
b) Trigger points/snap signs release
c) To promote healing
d) Wounds: ulcers, burns, pressure sores
e) Skin infections such as herpes zoster
f) Enhancing effect on healing wherever inflammation is
present
F. Moxa
1. Actions
a) Warms
(1) Body
(2) Meridians
(3) Limbs
(4) Uterus
b) Expels Cold & Damp
c) Revives Dying Yang
d) Invigorates/Moves Qi & Blood
e) Regulates Qi & Blood
f) Opens The 12 Primary Channels
65
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
g) Repairs Traumatized Tissue

Indications
a) Pain
b) Cold
c) Deficient Yang
d) Stagnation
(1) Qi
(2) Blood
(3) Phlegm
Procedure
a) Treat Upper Body before Lower Body
b) Head & Body before Extremities
Cautions & Contraindications
a) Not on Upper Body W/ Heat
b) Pregnancy
(1) Not Direct
(2) Not Near Fetus
(3) Not on Moving Points
c) No Direct
(1) Cv14, 15
(2) Ht
(3) Face - Hands
(4) Scar
(5) Bl1
(6) St1
(7) St9
Methods of Use
a) Always Explain Procedure To Pt.
b) Make sure the Patient Is In Control of the amount of
heat she can tolerate.
c) Hot is the Operative Term
Indirect Moxa
a) Tonifys Spleen & Kidney Qi & Yang
b) Warm Uterus
c) Strengthen Digestion
d) Most Painful Conditions especially those associated
with Cold.
e) Seirin MoxSafe Smokeless Moxa System
66
(1) AcuPractice Seminars Recommended system for

using indirect moxa
f) Pole / Roll
(1) Straight vs. With Other Herbs
(2) Bird Pecking / Warming Technique
(3) Touch Pt. With Finger
(4) Do Not Move the pole around
(5) Hold 0.5 To 4 Inches Away
(6) To Disperse hold pole close: 0.5 - 1.0 away form
the skin
(7) To Tonify hold pole at least 2.2 inches away
(a) The Object of the technique is to increase
blood circulation to the area, NOT to scorch
the skin.
(b) This Takes Time
(c) 8-10 minutes minimum per point
g) Tiger Warmer
(1) Milder odor than regular moxa Pole
(2) Two Sizes Small and Large (Lion Warmer)
h) Belly Bowl
(1) Well suited for Digestive and GYN disorders
i) Loose Moxa
(1) Moxa Instrument
(2) Moxa on Ginger
(3) Moxa on Salt
(a) Special For CV8
7. Direct Moxa
a) AcuPractice Recommendation: Purchase Pre-rolled
Direct Moxa (small size)
8. Treat Moxa Burn
a) Blister
b) Use Standard Western Medical Treatment for Burns
c) Cover W/ Sterile Dressing
d) If the burn is severe or becomes infected, seek
specialized Western medical attention.
e) Antibiotic ointment, if any
G. TDP Lamp
1. Interesting Read on Wikipedia
67
2. Western Theory
a) USFDA Class II:Class of devices approved by the
FDA for temporary relief from pain and arthritis
b) Far Infrared (below visible light) Heating Device
c) Increase Microcirculation
d) Loosens Fascia
e) Accelerate Natural Healing Processes
3. Oriental Theory
a) Therapeutic substitute for moxibustion
b) Reported to be the only mechanical device that can
add Qi to the body
4. Application
a) Bare skin exposure with the lamp positioned
12-18inches from the body
b) 15 - 30 minutes
c) Replaceable Mineral Plate
(1) Proprietary formula of 33 trace elements
(2) Estimated life of 1000 - 1500 hours.
(3) When the mineral plate looks ash grey, it is time
to replace it.
5. Dr. Jims Experience
a) Everyone should have and use TDP Lamps, but they
are not exactly moxa
b) Replaces Moxibustion for:
(1) Warming
(2) Moving QI & Blood
(3) Repairing Traumatized Tissue
(4) Can Tonify Somewhat, when used together with
Spray Moxa
H. Gua Sha & Cupping

1. Definitions:
a) Gua Sha: Scraping of the skin with a Blunt Instrument
to release congestion in the exterior
b) Cupping: Stationary or Moving Suction Cups applied
to the skin to help bring stagnation to the surface, and
release it.
2. Gua Sha
a) Scraping of the skin with a blunt instrument
68
b) Similar to Graston Technique

c) Often Causes Some Bruising
d) Actions
(1) Stubborn Pain or Congestion with Sha
(2) Especially for upper and mid-back pain
e) Sha or Evidence of significant bruising from Guasha
(1) evidence of stagnation plus
(2) blanching upon palpation
f) Traditional Indications
(1) Reduce fever
(2) Cough and dyspnea
(3) Muscle and tendon injuries
(4) Benefits circulation
(5) Headache
(6) Sunstrokes
(7) Stiffness
(8) Pain
(9) Immobility
(10) Digestive disorders
(11) Urinary disorders
(12) Gynecological disorders
(13) To assist with reactions to food poisoning
g) Procedure
(1) Lubricate
(2) Instrument
(3) Gua Sha Instrument
(4) Porcelain Spoon
(5) Smooth Coin
(6) Apply Gua Sha till Sha Appears
(7) Follow with Indirect Moxa
(8) to inhibit cold entering
h) Recommendations for Post- Gua Sha Patient
Behavior
(1) Immediately Post Tx.: Indirect Moxa/ TDP Lamp
over entire area treated
(2) Keep area Warm and Covered for 12 -24 hr.
(3) 48 - 72 hr. Avoid Excessive consumption of
(a) Flour Products/Baked Goods
69
(b) Greasy/Fried Foods

(c) Excessive Dairy (esp. cold)
(d) A little alcohol may be helpful in some cases
3. Cupping
a) Stationary or Moving Suction Cups Applied to the
Surface of the Skin
b) AcuPractice Seminars Recommendation: Silicone
Cups
c) Often Causes Some Bruising
d) Indications
(1) Lungs
(2) Upper & Mid-back Pain, Tension & Tightness
(3) Low Back - Sciatica
e) Procedure
(1) Lubricate Skin
(2) Apply Cups
f) Stationary Cups
g) Leave in place for @ 20 minutes
h) Moving Cups
(1) Pressure on Trailing Edge
(2) Follow Natural Qi Flow
(3) Think of it as a Cup Massage or Cupping Gua
Sha
i) Recommendations for Post- Cupping Patient
Behavior
(1) Same as for Gua Sha
II.
Needle Technique Demo / Practice Session

A. Ideally all participants in hands-on classes should practice
needling at least each of the following points.
B. Hands & Feet
1. LI 4, LR 3
2. SJ 5, GB 41
3. PC 6, SP 4
4. LU 7, KD 6
5. SI 3, UB 62
C. Back:
1. Du 4
70
D.
E.
F.
G.
2. UB 23
3. Hua Tou Jia Ji Points
Leg & Arm
1. St 36
2. Sp 6
3. KD 3
4. LI 14
5. LI 15
Hip & Waist
1. GB 26
2. GB 30
Head
1. Du 20
2. Tai Yang
3. Yin Tang
4. St 6
5. GB 14
Abdomen / Lower Warmer
1. St 30
2. Ren 2
3. KD 16
4. Ren 12
3.
71
4. Points & Meridians: The Raw Ingredients

Many of the most popular acupuncture points have multiple uses.
Many of these points can be added to almost any treatment, for
varied conditions. You will see these ubiquitous points show up in
many different point prescriptions. Again, like in a cookbook, if you
are in the baking section, you will see flour, sugar, salt, butter, etc.
show up time and time again, but in different proportions and used
in different ways to get various results. Similarly, you will see many
of the same points again and again when treating similar problems
like pain, or disorders of the head & neck, or digestive disorders.
There are many good and exhaustive resources on the
acupuncture points, and it is not my aim to repeat that information
here. (i.e. the Manual of Acupuncture App.) To keep emphasis on
the most clinically useful material, I focus on the pathways of the
Yang acupuncture meridians, and describe the locations and use
for the points I find most useful, and which I commonly use. I also
discuss these points and point combinations in the treatment many
disorders.
Therefore, the lists of points by meridian are not complete nor is
this an oversight or misprint. I have included only the points from
each category that I have found to be particularly useful. I expect
you will supplement this material with information from other
sources, and from your own experience.
Meridian Overview
12 Primary Meridians: (AKA 14 Main Meridians) There are 12
Main Meridians which compose the Central Supporting Structure of
the Meridian System. Most all the other meridians are in someway
associated with these channels, and usually follow these pathways.
Each of these meridians is associated with an Organ, and each
meridian is found bilaterally. For instance: The Large Intestine
Meridian is found on both arms, beginning at the tip of the index
72
finger and ending in the nasolabial groove. There is also a circadian

flow of Qi through these meridians that follows the 6 Divisions, and
the Horary Cycle.
Each of the 12 Main Meridians has its own Acupuncture Points
located along its pathway. In addition, 2 of the 8 Extraordinary
Meridians also have their own acupuncture points. There are
therefore, 14 Meridians with discreet acupuncture points.
All the other meridians share points from these 14.
It might be good to again be reminded here that Yin meridians and
their points are used mainly in relation to the Organs, and so treat
more internal disorders. The Yang meridians, on the other
hand, are used for more surface disorders, and will be employed
principally in the treatment of pain syndromes, or other
symptoms that appear along the path of the meridian itself.
12 Sinew Meridians (AKA Tendino-Muscular Meridians)
circulate on the periphery of the body, and do not penetrate to the
Zang/Fu or Organs. Therefore they are primarily used to treat acute
and chronic musculoskeletal and neurological syndromes that
include pain, tension, tightness, and various forms of paralysis and
paresthesias. These meridians are associated with, and take their
names from the twelve primary channels.
They originate at the extremities (Jing-Well Points) and broadly
follow the course of their associated primary channels. However,
they are wider, and tend to follow the lines of major muscles and
muscle groups, tendons & ligaments, expanding the influence of
the primary meridians when treating muscles, tendons, and joints.
12 Divergent Meridians connect with and follow the course of their

associated primary channels paired channels. Divergent meridians
run deeper than Primary Meridians, and govern the inside of the
body. they are distributed on the Chest, Abdomen and Head, and
extend the areas of influence of main meridians to these areas.Fo
73
instance: The Divergent Channel of the Liver Meridian, extends the

liver Meridians influence to the Head, despite the fact that the
primary meridian only reaches from the foot to the chest.
12 Skin Regions / Channels Follow the pathways of and are
related to the Main Meridians, and they help to explain Dx & Tx via
the skin.
15 Luo Connecting Channels are made up of one small

branching channel for each of the 12 primary channels, one each
for the Ren & Du, and one for the Great Luo of the Spleen, They
spread Qi from the Luo-connecting point of their own channel to
connect with their paired channel. For instance Large Intestine 6
(luo pt) connects to Lung 7 (luo pt.) After joining with their paired
channel they usually continue to follow their own pathways.
The 8 Extraordinary Meridians

I believe that these are the most powerful points on the human
body. These points are the ones that affect some of the deepest
and most primal energies of the body. If one looks at the actions
and effects of these points and then couples them with the
energetics of the Extraordinary Meridians they are truly
Extraordinary Points. I choose from them first in almost all of my
treatments, whether I am treating pain or internal disorders. Also, I
often simply choose from these Extraordinary Points for their
actions, energetic and/or effects. I will address the uses of the
Extraordinary Meridians more extensively in a later chapters.
74
Master Point
Coupled
Extraordinary Meridian
SI3
Point
BL62
Du Mai
Lu7
Ki6
Ren Mai
GB41
TW5
Dai Mai
Sp4
P6
Chong Mai
BL62
SI3
Yang Chiao Mai
Ki6
Lu7
Yin Chiao Mai
TW5
GB41
Yang Wei Mai
P6
Sp4
Yin Wei Mai
Master
Action / Energetic / Effect
Point
SI3
Any Back Pain, Posterior Shoulder Pain
Lu7
GB41
Circulates Fluids and Qi in the Head and Neck

Soothe the Liver and Gall Bladder
Sp4
Discomfort in the Waist, Hips, Intestines &

Pelvic Region
Digestive Disorders
BL62
Lower Abdominal Discomfort

Most Back Pain
Ki6
Strengthens the Kidneys
SJ5
Calms the Spirit (Shen)
P6
Expels Pathogens
Abdominal Discomfort
Calms the Spirit
75
Dr. Jims Tai Ji Treatment

This isnt really a point category, but these four points are so
powerful when used together, that I consider them a category in
and of themselves. A Tai Ji or Great Ultimate Treatment is one
that accomplishes many objectives, in many different patients, and
is used often to balance a patient, before or in lieu of, focusing on
individual complaints. This particular Tai Ji Treatment is my
favorite method for Harmonizing the Liver and Heart, which can
be a very powerful method for calming the Shen/Mind/Spirit and
freeing up many physical energies in the body. It uses three
Extraordinary Meridian Master Points together with Liver 3. I use it
regularly on patients to harmonize the Qi prior to beginning a more
individualized treatment. I discovered this treatment quite by
accident. I originally learned it (I thought) from my teacher, Kiko
Matsumoto, and found myself using it more and more frequently on
many different patients. The results were so profound that some 5
or 6 years later I ran into Kiko and mentioned how useful this
treatment was. I was surprised when Kiko informed me that I had
gotten it wrong. I had heard LR 3, when she said SP 4. After
getting over my embarrassment, I realized how glad I was that I
had mis-heard. I know that over the years, a lot of my patients, and
patients of my students have benefited from my mistake.
Needle-on-the-LEFT
Needle-on-the-RIGHT
P6
LR3
GB41
SJ5
To enhance the calming effect of this treatment, I often add Yin

Tang, and the Auricular points: Liver, Heart and Shen Men.
76
Points Overview
Acupuncture Points are often located in hollows or natural
depressions on the surface of the body. With some practice one
can easily palpate for most of the common acupuncture points.
Needling Depths: For most points needles are inserted between
0.25-1.0 inch (cun), in many cases needling into the middle of the
muscle that is located below the point. Exceptions will be noted. Of
course, one must always keep the anatomy in the area of the point
in mind, to avoid needling into blood vessels, organs, and other
sensitive structures.
Needle Directions: Needles are usually inserted perpendicular to
the skin, Exceptions will be noted
Points are usually described as having both indications (individual
symptoms treated: i.e. headaches)
and actions (energetic uses: i.e. clears heat)
Body Measurements and General Point Location

The Cun is known as the personal inch. Based on the width
of the patients thumb, it is the standard measurement for locating
points. For instance: PC 6 is located two cun proximal to the wrist
crease between the the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi
radialis. Two cun equals 2 times the width of the patients thumb.
General Comments On AcuPoints
Every practitioner of acupuncture has his or her own favorite points,
and knows that there are some points that he/she has found that
work best. Of course my point choice is based on my experience.
When I look at the categories of points, I find that the actions that
are associated with them are more applicable to some points,
within the category, than other points. So the following lists of
points have been edited by my personal experience.
77
This is by no means meant to discount the experience of other

practitioners and teachers.
There are many acupuncture
practitioners who I know, love, and respect, who use different points
and techniques from those I generally choose and teach. I can only
teach what I know, works. Youll have to get information on other
effective points and techniques from other teachers. Eventually
youll discover what points and techniques work best for you and
your patients.
Let me say just a few words about Points Below the Knees and
Elbows. I like them. The most powerful points on the body are
usually found from the knees and the elbows down. I dont mean to
indicate that the other body points are not powerful, they are, but I
always seem to get better results with the arm and leg points. Now,
please remember that I often use other points, like Front Mu and
Back Shu points as well as Scalp and Ear points, but I often use
them secondarily to the Points Below the Knees and Elbows.
Before we examine the meridians and their main points, lets look at
some of the categories of points and how they may be used.
Classic Point Categories Table

This table contains most of the classic point categories, and is what
one might use to study for a national exam in acupuncture. Each of
these categories have specific uses.
78
YIN
Jing
Xi Luo Back Front

Ying
Shu
Jing
He
Yuan
Shu Mu
Spring Stream River Sea Source Cleft
UB
Wood Fire
Earth Metal Water
Meridian Well
LU
SP
11
1
10
2
9
3
8
5
5
9
9
3
6
8
7
4
13
20
LU 1
LR
13
HT
15
Ren
14
KD
10
23
GB
25
PC
14
Ren
17
LR
18
LR
14
YANG
Jing
Meridian Well
Xi Luo Back Front

Ying
Shu
Jing
He
Yuan
Shu Mu
Spring Stream River Sea Source Cleft
UB
Metal Water Wood Fire Earth
LI
11
25 ST 25
ST
45
44
43
41
36
42
34
40
21
SI
27 Ren 4
UB (BL)
67
66
65
60
40
64
63
58
28 Ren 3
SJ (TW)
10
22 Ren 5
GB
44
43
41
38
34
40
36
37
19
Ren
12
GB
24
One might reasonably assume that all the points in each of the
above listed categories are effective as categorized. However, in
my experience, thats not always the case. The rest of this chapter
contains commentaries on what Ive found to be the more effective
acupuncture points, drawn from the above categories together with
other clinically important categories, including the Extraordinary
Meridian Points, the Controlling Points and a few others.
79
Controlling Points
Again, while this not a classic category, these are points and
combinations that are useful additions to any point prescription
associated with the area in question. You may not find all of these
listed in other books, but they all work well.
LI 4 & LR 3: Pain Anywhere in the Body
LI 4 & LU 7: Most any condition of the Head, Neck, Face, & Mouth
ST 36: Controls Digestion & Tonifys Qi
P 6: Controls the Chest to Navel Area & Calms Restlessness
UB 40: Low Back Pain
SJ 5: Controls the Hand
SJ 3: Controls the Ear
LR 3: Commands & Moves Liver QI & Blood, Relaxes Tendons
GB 26: Commands the Hips & Lower Warmer
Hua Tuo Jia Ji Points

A series of points 0.5 - .75 cun lateral each interspinous space),
these points can influence any problem associated with the nerves
exiting at the level of the spine where the point is located. Think
about dermatomes as well as internal influences. These points are
extremely effective at releasing the paraspinal muscles.
Yuan Source Points

The Source points of the Yin Meridians can always be added to
a point prescription to affect the Organ being treated. Im not
sure the Yang Meridian Source points work all that well, but the Yin
ones surely do. I believe that these points are probably the best
points for affecting the basic Yin and Yang energies of the Organ,
especially of the Yin Organs. When it comes to tonifying Qi, Xue,
Yin or Yang, Ive found the Yuan Source Points to be more powerful
than the Back Shu Points or Du Points, with the possible
exceptions of UB 23 & Du4
80
Ht 7: A very good point for tonifying Heart Yin, however I

often use PC 6 in its place. I like Ht 7 for difficulty sleeping
from Ht Yin Xu (Deficiency) and Heart Xue Xu.
PC 7: While this is a good point, I generally use PC 6 in its
place, and PC 8 for dream disturbed sleep.
Lu 9: tonifies the Qi of the Lungs. The Lungs are the
Master of Qi.
Without their proper functioning the Qi
cannot be utilized.
Sp 3, Liv 3, and Kid 3: I use these points to tonify their
respective Organs. In fact, I often use them together as an
alternative to SP 6
81
Five Element Points

When considering points from the Five Element classification I find
that the Fire points and the Water points are just about the only
ones I regularly choose from for their Element correlation. There
are of course a number of effective ways to use the Five Element
points to construct effective treatments based on the Sheng
(Creative) and Ko (Controlling) Cycles, but as I said earlier, that
topic is beyond the scope of this book. I use both the Fire and
Water points to cool heat in their respective meridians or organs.
When needling the Fire points I almost always obtain a strong
stimulus to disperse heat.
Fire Points
LR 2: is quite effective for reducing heat in both the Liver
and the Gall Bladder. I use LR 2 as one of the principal
points when treating oral and/or genital herpes, as well as
shingles (herpes zoster) or any other LR/GB meridian heat.
Red burning eyes, and Headaches with associated heat,
also respond well to treatment with LR 2. I locate this point
just proximal to the margin of the web between the big toe
and the second toe. Needle it at a 45o angle in the direction
of LR 3.
KD 2: is effective in treating burning urination and other
manifestations heat in the lower warmer. It is also very
effective in treating heat along the Kidney and Urinary
Bladder meridians. Because of the close communication
between the Kidneys and the Lungs in water metabolism,
KD 2 can also be effective in treating hot skin conditions. I
often combine it with LR 2.
LU 10: This seems to me to be a quintessential Fire point.
For all hot Lung and skin conditions, this is the point of
choice. I often couple it with LU 11. I locate this point in an
unconventional way, and find that it is a very effective
location. This point is located in the center of the belly of the
thenar eminence.
The point is needled toward the
metacarpal bone of the thumb. You will find that needling
82
this point in this way will result in a strong stimulus, and good
heat reduction.
Water Points
LU 5: is good for treating heat in the lungs, especially when
the heat is accompanied by cough.
KD 10: I use this point for treating heat from KD Yin Xu.
Tonification and Sedation Points

These are a subcategory of the Five element Points. While I don't
use them much in practice, some practitioners find them helpful.
They are commonly used for treatments based on electronic
meridian testing , and so I will address the basic idea. Based on the
five Element Production cycle (Wood> Fire> Earth> Metal> Water)
The Tonification Point of an Organ is its Mother Point, or point that
immediately precedes its Horary Point. For Instance: The Heart is
within the Fire Element, Wood comes immediately before Fire, so
the Wood Point (HT 9) is the Tonification Point.
The Sedation Point of an Organ is its Child Point, or point that
immediately follows its Horary Point. For Instance: The Heart is
within the Fire Element, Earth comes immediately after Fire, so the
Earth Point (HT 7) is the Sedation Point.
Horary Points
The Horary Points are also a subcategory of the Five Elements
points. They are the points that are associated with the Associated
Element of each Organ. For instance: The Heart is associated with
the Fire Element. Therefore the Fire Point on the Heart Meridian
(HT 8) is the Horary Point for the Heart.
Xi Cleft Points
Xi Cleft Points are traditionally used to treat pain along the pathway
of their respective meridians. For instance: Large Intestine 7 is the
Xi Cleft Point for the Large Intestine and therefore should treat pain
along the pathway of the Large Intestine Meridian. I havent found
83
them particularly useful in clinic, however many practitioner

seemingly have.
Five Shu (Transport) Points

I love the imagery created by the Five Shu Points:
The Qi lies deep but is assessable, like water in a
well, at the Jing-Well. (@ finger and toe tips)
At the Ying-Spring the Qi bubbles to the surface.
The Qi gathers and begins to flow at the ShuStream.
Force gathers and the Qi flows with vitality through
the Jing-River.
The Qi is flowing and moving as well as integrating
as it forms the He Sea. (@ knees and elbows)
The Jing Well Points are at the tips of the fingers and toes, where
the QI of each meridian is highly individuated. As we move though
the Ying Spring, Shu Stream, and Jing River points, we proceed
proximally up the limb arriving at the knees and elbows and the He
Sea points, where the Qi is more internal and less individuated.
That said, I find that the Jing-Well points are the main ones I
choose for their Shu-point effects. But I use them all the time.
When treating pain, I find that expressing a few drops of blood
from the Jing-Well point of the effected meridian can be one of
the most effective parts of the initial treatment.
84
Luo Points
The distribution of the effects of the Luo Points covers a multitude
of areas over the body. With the exception of SP 21, I really only
use P 6 and LR 5 for these purposes, as explained above. Sp 21 is
the Great Luo, and will help to restore a healthy sense of comfort,
symmetry and balance in the body. For instance it might help to
restore proper proprioception, in an individual with post-stroke
syndrome.
Meeting or Influential Points

The Qi Meets at CV 17: I use this point to move the Qi of the Chest
and Upper Warmer. Always needle this point from superior to
inferior at an oblique angle. Strong stimulation of this point is
forbidden. I always needle it with a gentle stimulation, but I like to
get the Qi to move slightly down toward the belly.
The Hollow Organs Meet at CV 12: This is a very good point to
harmonize digestion and assimilation.
The Pulse Meets at Lu 9: Again, the Lungs are the Master of Qi. If
the pulse is weak, consider the Lungs, and LU 9 is especially good
for generating Qi, which in turn generates the pulse.
The Nerves and/or Tendons Meet at GB 34: It is a good point for
treating tightness and tension in the muscles and tendons. It is
especially useful for tension and tightness along the course of the
Gall Bladder meridian and in the mid-to-upper back and neck. I
locate and needle this point deeper, and in a slightly different
direction, than most sources suggest. Begin at the junction of the
heads of the tibia and the fibula. Palpate below the junction into the
deep depression that is about 1.5 Cun distal to the junction. This is
the insertion point. Using a needle that is long enough, insert at
about a 30o 45o angle so that the needle contacts the point, which
lies under the junction of the heads of the femur and the tibia.
85
The Bones Meet at BL 11: Include it in treatments of broken

bones, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and other bone disorders.
The Back Shu (Associated) Points

While I dont use many of the Back Shu Points, those I use, I use
regularly. They are sometimes the points I use when choosing
points to treat the root of a dermatome. However, just as often as
not, I will choose one of the Hua To Jia Ji Points rather than the
Back Shu Points. The Hua To Jia Ji Points are found on line
with the Back Shu points, but only 0.5cun from the interspinus space. Many practitioners use these in place of the Back
Shu points because they can be needled perpendicular to the skin
and much deeper than Back Shu Points, and they release the
paraspinal muscles very well.
UB 11 the Back Shu Point of the Bones: As mentioned above,
this point is very good for helping with bone-knitting after a break,
or any other bone disorders.
UB 13 the Back Shu Point of the Lung: This point is very good for
pain and congestion in the lungs. I have found cupping at UB 13 to
be helpful in quelling asthma attacks and relieving shortness of
breath.
UB 18 the Back Shu Point of the Liver: A good point for moving
Liver Qi Stagnation. I mainly use it when there is tension, tightness
and pain in the mid and upper back.
UB 23 the Back Shu Point of the Kidney: Very good point for low
back pain due to Kidney Qi, Yin or Yang Xu (deficiency). It is
especially effective when used with Du 4 and combined with Moxa.
UB 29 the Back Shu Point of the Sacrum: Another good point I
commonly use for lower back pain.
86
The Front Mu (Alarm) Points

The Front Mu Points are points that are particularly well suited for
treating the internal Organs. Like Back Shu Points, I dont use
many of them, but the ones I use, I use often.
Ren 12 the Front Mu Point of the Stomach is very useful when
treating Stomach disharmonies and pain.
Ren 17, the front Mu of the Pericardium, & Liver 14, the front
Mu of the Liver, are both good points to treat when there is
constriction, pain or discomfort in the chest or ribcage. I always
combine them with Pericardium 6.
Stomach 25 the front Mu of the Large Intestine is useful when
there is discomfort in the abdomen with constipation, diarrhea, or
any gripping pain in the abdomen.
Combine this point with
Stomach 36, Pericardium 6, and Urinary Bladder 25.
Ren 3 the front Mu of the Bladder can be quite helpful in treating
burning urination, frequent or difficult urination. Combine this point
with Kidney 2 or 3, and Stomach 29 or 30.
87
Trigger Points aka Ah Shi Points

Last but certainly not least are the points that are most commonly
used in the treatment of pain. Im convinced that Ah Shi points
(locally tender) and Trigger Points are the same phenomena. In the
same manner that Im using acupuncture to refer to all needling,
Ill just use the term Trigger Point in this text to refer to all points
found by palpation, including Ah Shi Points. As far back as the
classics, these points were discussed and their use described.
However, I will offer one piece of advice. Whenever possible, find a
point that is a recognized acupuncture point or Trigger Point. This
is not hard; careful palpation moving slowly out from the painful,
tight, and or tender areas, along muscle and/or meridian pathways
will usually reveal Trigger Points that have been previously
recognized. If you spend a bit of time pursuing these points you will
be rewarded with better results then just needling the first tender
point you find.
The Main Meridians & Their Major Points

Im only listing the most common points I use. As mentioned
above, there are a lot more good and useful points.
The first two meridians I will consider are, the Du Meridian, and the
Ren Meridian. Technically they belong to the Eight Extraordinary
Meridians, and are not main meridians. However, while they have
special significance, they also function like main meridians, in that
the Ren and Du have their own points. The other 6 Extraordinary
Meridians share points from other meridians.
Once again you may notice that the points on Yang Meridians tend
to treat pain along the pathway of the meridian, and those on the
Yin Meridians tend to treat more internal disorders.
88
Du Meridian Governing Vessel

The pathway of the Du Meridian runs from the perineum, up
through the middle of the spine, over the head, and ends at the
upper lip. All points are on the posterior midline of the body. It is the
most Yang meridian on the body. Since Yang Meridians are often
used to treat disorders along the pathway of the meridian, the Du is
important, for treating any and all disorders of the back and
specifically the spine.
89
90
Point
Location
Du 1: Midway between the tip of
the coccyx and the anus
Du 2: On the hiatus of the
sacrum
Du 4: With the patient in the
prone position, its in the
deepest hollow in the low
back. Below the spinous
process of the 2nd lumbar
vertebrae
Du 14: Below the spinous process
of the 7th cervical
vertebrae
Main Uses
Hemorrhoids; Rectal or Other
Prolapse; Rectal Bleeding
Sacral and Coccyx Pain
Controlling Point for Lower
Back and KD; All Lower Back
Problems, Especially
Weakness;
Kidney Deficiency
Controlling Point for Neck &

Upper Back; Pain,
Heat & Fevers in the Upper
Body; Releases Exterior;
Tonifies Wei Qi
Du 20: On the midline of the head, Any Excess Disorders of the
approximately on the
Head; Any Prolapse In The
midpoint of the line
Body; Connects with Brain;
connecting the apexes of Clears the Mind; Headache
the two auricles
Du 25: At the tip of the nose
Nasal/Sinus Congestion
Ren Meridian Conception Vessel

The pathway of the Ren Meridian runs from the perineum, up the
midline of the front of the body, ending just under the lower lip. All
its points are on the anterior midline of the body. It is also the most
Yin meridian on the body. Since Yin Meridians are often used to
treat internal disorders, the Ren is important, for treating many
internal disorders and especially those associated with reproductive
function
91
92
Point
Location
Ren 2 On the midpoint of the
upper border of the
symphysis pubis
Ren 4 On the midline of the
abdomen, 3 Cun below the
umbilicus
abdomen, 1.5 Cun below
the umbilicus
Ren 8 In the center of the
umbilicus
Main Uses
Controlling Point for All GYN
and Urogenital Disorders
Tonify the Kidneys; All GYN
& Urinary Disorders; Tonifies
Jing, Yang, Yin, & Qi
Tonify the Spleen; Relieves
Stagnation in Abdomen
Strengthen Digestion;
Diarrhea; Yang Collapse
(No Needle - Moxa Only)
Harmonize the Stomach; All
abdomen, 4 Cun above the Abdominal Problems
umbilicus
Ren 17 On the anterior midline, at Descends the Qi of the
level with the 4th intercostal Chest
space
Ren 22 In the center of the
Throat and Swallowing
suprasternal fossa
Problems
Lung Meridian
The pathway of the Lung Meridian runs from the second intercostal
space, 2/3 the distance from the middle of the sternum to the
acromion process, down the anterior surface of the arm and ending
at the proximal radial corner of the nail of the thumb. Since Yin
Meridians are often used to treat internal disorders, the Lung
Meridian is important, for treating many internal disorders
associated with the Lungs. These include all respiratory disorders
and symptoms associated with colds and flus
93
94
Point
Location
LU 1 Lateral and superior to the

sternum at the lateral side
of the 1st intercostal
space, 6 Cun lateral to the
midline
LU 5 On the cubital crease, on
the radial side of tendon of
m. biceps brachii, with the
elbow slightly flexed.
LU 7 Superior to the styloid
process of the radius, 1.5
Cun above the transverse
crease of the wrist
Main Uses
Mu / Alarm Point of The Lungs:
All Lung Disorders
Strong, Productive Cough;

Any Heat and/or Fullness in
Lungs
Master Point of the Ren Mai;

Controlling Point For Neck &
Throat; Circulates the Qi of
The Lungs. Luo Point; Use with
LI 4 for Headaches and OPIs
LU 9 At the radial end of the
Source Point; Tonifies the
transverse crease of the
Lungs; All Deficient Lung
wrist, in the depression on Problems
the lateral side of the radial
artery.
LU
On the thumb, 0.1 Cun
Jing Well Point: Clears Heat
11
proximal to the radial
From The Lungs (Sore Throat,
corner of the nail.
Tonsillitis, Etc); Moxa Opposite
Side For Nosebleeds
Large Intestine Meridian

The pathway of the Large Intestine Meridian runs from the proximal
radial corner of the index finger along the arm on the lateral border
of the radial bone to the top of the shoulder, crossing the SCM on
the neck to the lower border of the ala nsai, on the opposite side.
Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat disorders along the
pathway of the meridian, the Large Intestine is important, for
treating any and all disorders of arm, neck and head.
95
96
Point
Location
LI 1
On the radial side of the index Jing Well Point: acute

finger, about 0.1 Cun proximal pain on the meridian;
to the corner of the nail
Clears Heat from the
Head and throat; (sore
throat, tonsillitis, red
burning eyes, etc)
On the dorsum of the hand,
Controlling point for
between the 1st and 2nd
Head and Face: Main
metacarpal bones,
point for pain and other
approximately in the middle of excesses in the head
the 2nd metacarpal bone on
neck and arm. OPIs;
the radial side.
CONTRAINDICATED IN
PREGNANCY
On the radial side of the wrist. Good local point for pain
When the thumb is tilted
in the thumb and area
upward, it is in the depression
between the tendons of
muscle extensor pollicis longus
and brevis.
LI 4
LI 5
LI
11-12
Two points, best palpated for.

When the elbow is flexed,
these points are in and around
the area between the
depression at the lateral end of
the transverse cubital crease
and a spot superior to the
lateral epicondyle of the
humerus.
LI 14
Just superior to the lower end

of the deltoid muscle.
LI 15-
Anterior and inferior to the

acromion, on the upper portion
of the deltoid muscle.
97
Main Uses
Fever; elbow pain
Deltoid and shoulder

pain
Point
Location
Main Uses
LI 16
When the arm is in full

Major points for shoulder
abduction, in the upper aspect
joint pain
of the shoulder, in the
depression between the
acromial extremity of the
clavicle and scapular spine.
LI
17-18
Two points best palpated for. Good local points for

On the lateral side of the neck, throat and neck
about level with the tip of the
problems
Adam's Apple, on the SCM.
LI 20
In the nasolabial groove, at the any nose problem,

level of the midpoint of the
including nasal or sinus
lateral border of the ala nasi.
congestion; often used
with LI 4 and LU 7
98
Stomach Meridian
The Stomach meridian runs from the middle of the lower border of
the eye socket down to the outer corner of the mouth, back to the
mandible up to the corner of the hairline. It proceeds inferior along
the mid-clavicular line over the ribcage, moves closer to the
midline, and down to the upper border of the pubic bone. It travels
down the leg along a trajectory just lateral to the crest of the tibia,
ending at the proximal medial corner of the nail of second toe.
Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat disorders along the
pathway of the meridian, the Stomach meridian is important, for
treating any and all disorders of and eye, head, teeth, and leg
99
100
Point
ST 3
Location
Directly below the center of the
eye, at the level of the lower
border of the ala nasi.
Sinus conditions; knee

pain
Lateral to the corner of the

mouth, directly below ST 3.
Facial paralysis;
trigeminal neuralgia;
herpes; mouth ulcers;
gum problems; tooth
pain
ST 4
ST 5
ST 6
ST 7
ST 8
ST 25
ST 28
ST 29
101
Main Uses
Anterior to the angle of the

mandible, on the anterior border
of the masseter muscle.
One finger-breadth anterior and
superior to the lower angle of the
mandible where the masseter
attaches, at the prominence of
the muscle when the teeth are
clenched.
At the lower border of the
zygomatic arch, in the
depression anterior to the
condyloid process of the
mandible - located with mouth
slightly slack.
.5 Cun within the anterior hairline
at the corner of the forehead, 4.5
Cun lateral to GV 24.
lower jaw toothache
lower jaw toothache,

Bruxism
TMJ; upper jaw

toothache
Frontal and band-like

headaches
any intestinal
2 Cun lateral to the center of the
problems; front mu of
umbilicus.
LI;
3 Cun below the umbilicus, 2
All GYN problems;
Cun lateral to CV 4
damp heat in lower
warmeThese ar;
genital herpes;
Cun lateral to CV 3
leucorrhoea.
Cold and/or blood
Point
Location
ST 30

Cun lateral to CV 2.
ST 31
At the crossing point of the line

drawn down from the ASIS and
the line level with the lower
border of the pubic symphysis, in
the depression on the lateral side
of sartorius, when the thigh is
flexed.
When the knee is flexed, point is
2 Cun above the laterosuperior
border of the patella.
When the knee is flexed, the
point is at the lower border of the
patella, in the depression lateral
to the patellar ligament.
3 Cun below ST 35, one finger
breadth lateral to the anterior
crest of the tibia
ST 34
ST 35
ST 36
ST 40
ST 41
ST 44
8 Cun superior to the external

malleolus two fingers breadth
lateral to the anterior crest of the
tibia.
On the dorsum of the foot, at the
midpoint of the transverse
crease of the ankle, in the
depression between the tendons
of muscle extensor digitorum
longus and hallucis longus,
approximately at the level of the
tip of the external malleolus.
Proximal to the web margin
between the 2nd and 3rd toes.
Main Uses
leucorrhoea.
Cold and/or blood
stagnation in lower
warmer
Strengthens and
moves the thigh and
entire leg
xi cleft; acute breast

discomfort; knee pain/
weakness
knee joint problems
Controlling point for
Digestion: All
digestive problems;
builds qi and blood;
regulates digestion
Helps resolve phlegm
anywhere in the body
Pain/ weakness and

stiffness in the foot
and ankle.
Clear heat from head,

face, mouth and gums
102
Point
Location
ST 45
On the lateral side of the 2nd
toe, .1 Cun proximal to the
corner of the nail.
Main Uses
Jing Well Point: acute
pain on the meridian;
Clear heat from head,
face, mouth and gums
Spleen Meridian
The pathway of the Spleen Meridian runs from the
proximal medial corner of the nail of the great toe along
the medial edge of the foot, up the leg following the
posterior border of the tibia. At the waist it runs parallel to
the midline, along the mid-clavicular line until it departs to
end at the mid-axillary line midway, between the axilla
and the free end of the 11th rib. Since Yin Meridians are
often used to treat internal disorders, the Spleen Meridian
is important for treating many internal disorders
associated with the Spleen. These include all digestive
disorders and symptoms associated with fatigue, and
dampness
103
104
Point
SP 1
SP 3
SP 4
Location
On the medial side of the
great toe, 0.1 Cun proximal
to the corner of the nail.
Proximal and inferior to the
head of the first metatarsal
bone, at the junction of the
red and white skin.
In the depression distal and
inferior to the base of the
first metatarsal bone, at the
junction of the red and
white skin.
SP 6
3 Cun above the tip of the
medial malleolus, on the
posterior border of the
medial aspect of the tibia.
SP 9
SP 21
105
On the lower border of the

condyle of the tibia, in the
depression on the medial
border of the tibia.
On the mid-axillary line,
midway between the axilla
and the free end of the 11th
rib.
Main Uses
Jing Well Point: Moxa for
bleeding from deficiencies
Source Point: Tonifies SP
Master point of the Chong

Mai, All menstrual disorders;
All gastric disorders;
masses in the abdomen
strengthens SP, KD, yin, qi
and blood; All GYN; moves
the lower abdomen; calms
the mind; all reproductive
issues
CONTRAINDICATED IN
PREGNANCY
All damp disorders; A mildly
diuretic point
Great Luo of the Spleen
Helps restore a healthy
sense of comfort, symmetry
and balance in the body
Heart Meridian
The pathway of the Heart Meridian runs from the middle of the
axilla, down the medial surface of the arm and ending at the
proximal radial corner of the nail of the pinky finger. Since Yin
Meridians are often used to treat internal disorders, the Heart
Meridian is important for treating disorders associated with the
Heart.
These include all mental / emotional disorders and
symptoms associated with sleep.
106
Point
Location
HT 1 When the arm is abducted,

the point is in the center of
the axilla, on the medial
side of the axillary artery.
HT 7 At the ulnar end of the
wrist, in the depression on
the radial side of the
tendon of muscle flexor
carpi ulnaris.
HT 8 When the palm faces
upward, the point is
between the 4th and 5th
metacarpal bones. When a
fist is made, the point is
where the tip of the little
finger rests.
HT 9 On the radial side of the
little finger, .1 Cun proximal
to the corner of the nail.
Main Uses
Seldom used. Deep needling
can access m. subscapularis
Source Point: Most
commonly used HT point all
heart disorders. Nourishes
the HT, Calms the Shen;
relieves insomnia
tachycardia; heat in the Heart;

dream disturbed sleep, night
terrors
Jing Well Point: extreme heat

in the Heart; loss of
consciousness; tachycardia
Small Intestine Meridian

The pathway of the Small Intestine Meridian runs from the proximal
ulnar corner of the pinky finger, along the arm on the lateral border
of the ulnar bone, to the back of the shoulder, through the scapula,
up to the back of the neck past the ear, and ending lateral to the
eye. Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat disorders along
the pathway of the meridian, the Small Intestine is important for
treating any and all disorders along its pathway, especially around
the scapula and neck.
107
108
Point
SI 1
Location
On the ulnar side of the little

finger, about .1 Cun
proximal to the corner of the
nail.
SI 3 When a loose fist is made,
the point is on the ulnar side
of the hand, proximal to the
5th MP joint, at the end of
the transverse crease at the
junction of the red and white
and skin.
SI 6 When the palm faces the
chest, the point is in the
bony cleft on the radial side
of the styloid process of the
ulna.
SI 8 When the elbow is flexed,
the point is located in the
depression between the
olecranon of the ulna and
the medial epicondyle of the
humerus.
SI 9 Posterior and inferior to the
shoulder joint. 1 Cun above
the posterior end of the
axillary fold.
SI 10 Directly above SI 9, in the
depression inferior to the
scapular spine.
SI 11 In the infrascapular fossa, at
the junction of the upper and
middle third of the distance
between the lower border of
the scapular spine and the
inferior angle of the scapula.
109
Main Uses
Jing Well Point: acute pain on
the meridian; mastitis;
insufficient lactation
Controlling point for Spine:
Master Point of the DU Mai:
stiff neck; all back pain;
stroke, MS, Turettes and
other wind disorders
xi cleft; pain in the meridian;

stiff neck; Shoulder pain
local point for elbow pain/

stiffness
local points for shoulder pain

and Range of Motion
Most important local point for

the upper back, and scapular
area
Point
Location
SI 17 Posterior to the angle of the

mandible, in the depression
on the anterior border of the
SCM.
SI 19 Anterior to the tragus and
posterior to the condyloid
process of the mandible, in
the depression formed when
the mouth is open.
Main Uses
local point for jaw, neck, and
ear
benefits the hearing; jaw

problems
110
Urinary Bladder Meridian

The Urinary Bladder Meridian runs from the medial inner canthus
over the head just lateral to the midline, down the side of the neck
where it separates into two pathways, running parallel to the
midline of the back. One pathway is located at the distance of the
medial border of the scapula, and the other is halfway between the
medial border of the scapula and the midline. At the sacrum the
meridian moves out to the buttocks and down to the center of
popliteal crease, and the back of the calf, to the ankle where it runs
just under the lateral maleoleous ending at the lateral proximal
corner of the little toe. Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat
disorders along the pathway of the meridian, the Urinary Bladder is
important, for treating any and all disorders of back, and legs. This
meridian contains the Back Shu Points.
111
112
Point
Location
UB 1 0.1 Cun superior and
slightly medial to the
inner canthus
UB 2 on the medial end of the
eyebrow, or on the
supraorbital notch
UB 10 1.3 Cun lateral to GV
15, in the depression on
the lateral aspect of the
trapezius muscle
13, at the level of the
lower border of the
spinous process of T1
UB 12 1.5 Cun lateral to the
GV meridian, at the
level of the lower border
of the spinous process
of T2
lower border of the
lower border of the
UB 17
1.5 Cun lateral to GV 9,
at the level of the lower
border of the spinous
process of T7
113
Main Uses
Main Point for All eye problems
Alternate point for all eye
problems
All neck pain, weakness and
stiffness
Back Shu Point of the Bones: All

bone problems; arthritis
OPIs; headache; cough;

stimulates wei qi
Back Shu Point of the LU: all

lung problems; builds wei qi;
chronic or acute
Back Shu Point of the HT: all
heart problems
Back Shu Point of the Blood: All
blood problems; tonifies blood;
skin problems from heat in blood;
Back Shu Point of the
Diaphragm: Hiccough; Hiatial
Hernia
Point
Location
UB 18 1.5 Cun lateral to GV 8,
process of T9
process of T10
UB 20
1.5 Cun lateral to GV 6,
process of T11
GV meridian , at the
of the spinous process
of T12
GV 5, at the level of the
lower border of the
spinous process of L1.
process of the L2.
process of L4.
GV meridian, at the
of the 1st posterior
sacral foramen.
Main Uses
Back Shu Point of the LR:
benefits all aspects of the liver;
smooths, harmonizes, and
tonifies liver
Back Shu Point of the GB: all GB
problems
Back Shu Point of the SP: all SP

problems; benefits all aspects of
spleen
Back Shu Point of the ST:

benefits all aspects of the ST
Back Shu Point of the SJ:

regulates and transforms fluids;
Back Shu Point of the KD: all KD
pathologies; regulates all aspects
of the KD
Back Shu Point of the LI: low
back pain; colon problems;
constipation, diarrhea, etc.
Back Shu Point of the SI: used
with CV 3 for damp heat in urine;
sacroiliac joint problems
114
Point
UB 28
Location
1.5 Cun lateral to the
GV meridian, at the
level of the 2nd
posterior sacral
foramen.
UB 31 In the 1st posterior

sacral foramen.
UB 32 In the 2nd posterior
sacral foramen.
UB 33 In the 3rd posterior
sacral foramen.
UB 34 In the 4th posterior
sacral foramen
UB 35 On either side of the tip
of the coccyx, .5 Cun
lateral to the GV
meridian.
UB 40 Midpoint of the
popliteal fossa, between
the tendons of muscle
biceps femoris and
muscle semitendinosis.
UB 57 Directly below the belly
of muscle
gastrocnemius, on a line
joining BL 40 and tendocalcaneus, about 8 Cun
below BL 40.
UB 60 In the depression
between the external
malleolus and tendo
calcaneus.
115
Main Uses
Back Shu Point of the UB: all UB

Problems
These are the 8 Liao Points:

Used for all genito-urinary, GYN,
low back & leg problems
Coccygeal pain
Controlling point for the low back:

All Low back pain; clears heat
Note: An Outdated Numbering
System lables this point UB 54
Upper back pain/tension; used

with UB 67 for spasms of the
calf;
occipital headache; neck pain;

distal point for sciatica; for labor
pain; "aspirin point"
Point
Location
UB 62 In the depression
directly below the
external malleolus.
UB 67
On the lateral side of the
small toe, .1 Cun
proximal to the corner of
the nail
Main Uses
Master Point of the Yang Qiao
Mai: Lateral musculoskeletal
problems
Jing Well Point: acute pain on the
meridian; turning a breech fetus;
used with UB 57 for spasms of
the calf; back pain; tight
hamstrings
116
Kidney Meridian
The pathway of the Kidney Meridian runs from the center of the ball
of the foot, along the medial edge of the foot, under the medial
maleolus, up the medial aspect of the leg posterior to the tibia. At
the waist it runs parallel--and just lateral to--the midline, ending at
the top of the sternum. The Kidney Meridian is important for
treating many internal disorders.
These include all growth
development and aging, reproductive and urinary disorders, and
symptoms associated with fatigue and general weakness.
117
118
Point
Location
KD 1 On the sole, in the depression
when the foot is in plantar flexion,
approximately at the junction of the
anterior third and posterior 2/3.
KD 2 Anterior and inferior to the medial
malleolus, in the depression of the
lower border of the tuberosity of
the navicular bone.
KD 3 In the depression between the
medial malleolus and tendo
calcaneus, at the level of the tip of
the medial malleolus.
KD 6 In the depression of the lower
border of the medial malleolus, or
1 Cun below the medial malleolus.
KD 7 2 Cun directly above KD 3, on the
anterior border of tendo calcaneus.
KD 0.5 Cun lateral to Ren and level
11-2 with the Ren points. KD 11 lateral
1
to Ren 2 on the superior border of
the symphysis pubis. KD 21 under
the sternum
KD
.5 Cun lateral to the umbilicus,
16
level with CV 8.
119
Main Uses
emergency point; loss
of consciousness;
brings heat down fro
the upper body
Heat/Fire in the throat
and lower warmer;
UTIs
Source Point; All KD
disorders; weakness in
the knees; low back;
lowered libido, E.D.
master point of yin
qiao; Tonifies KD yin
Tonifies KD Yin and
Vaporizes fluids
reinforce the Ren
points
Strengthens the KD
Pericardium Meridian
The pathway of the Pericardium Meridian runs from the chest,
down the medial surface of the arm, and ends at the tip of the
middle finger. Since Yin Meridians are often used to treat internal
disorders, and the Pericardium is closely related to the Heart
Meridian, it is most commonly used to treat disorders associated
with the Heart. These include all mental / emotional disorders and
symptoms associated with sleep, as well as organic heart
disorders.
120
Point
Location
PC 4 5 Cun above the transverse
crease of the wrist, on the
line connecting PC 3 and
PC 7, between the tendons
of palmaris longus and
flexor carpi radialis
crease of the wrist between
the tendons of palmaris
longus and flexor carpi
radialis
crease of the wrist between
the tendons of palmaris
longus and flexor carpi
radialis
PC 7 In the middle of the
wrist, between the tendons
of muscle palmaris longus
and flexor carpi radialis.
PC 8 On the transverse crease of
the palm, between the 2nd
and 3rd metacarpal bones.
When the fist is clenched,
the point is just below the tip
of the middle finger.
PC 9
In the center of the tip of the
middle finger.
121
Main Uses
xi cleft point; chest pain;

pain in the meridian
calms the spirit; regulates

Heart rhythm
Master Point of the Yin Wei

Mai: Controlling point for
the Chest and Abdomen;
calms the spirit
Source Point: calms the
spirit; regulates Heart
rhythm
tachycardia; heat in the

Heart; dream disturbed
sleep
Jing Well Point: extreme
heat in the Heart; loss of
consciousness; tachycardia;
night terrors
San Jiao Meridian

The pathway of the San Jiao is similar to that of the Small Intestine,
but more radial on the forearm. It runs from the proximal ulnar
corner of the ring finger along the arm on the lateral border of the
ulnar bone to the back of the shoulder, along the top posterior
aspect of the trapezius, up to the back of the neck, around the ear,
and ends just anterior to the tragus of the ear.
Since Yang
Meridians are often used to treat disorders along the pathway of the
meridian, the San Jiao is important for treating any and all disorders
along its pathway, especially around the shoulder, and ear.
122
Point
SJ 1
Location
ring finger, about 0.1 Cun
proximal to the corner of
the nail.
Main Uses
Jing Well Point; acute pain on
the meridian
SJ 3
On the dorsum of the hand
between the 4th and 5th
metacarpal bones, in the
Controlling Point for the Ear
depression proximal to the
metacarpophalangeal joint.
SJ 4
SJ 5
SJ 10
On the transverse crease

of the dorsum of the wrist,
in the depression lateral to
Good local point for the wrist
the tendon of muscle
extensor digitorum
communis.
2 Cun above TW 4,
Master Point of the Yang Wei
between the radius and the
Mai: local point
ulna.
When the elbow is flexed,
the point is in the
depression about 1 Cun
superior to the olecranon.
Point Location
Good Local Point for the

elbow
Main Uses
SJ 14 Posterior and inferior to the

acromion, in the
depression about 1 Cun
Shoulder joint pain and ROM
posterior to LI 15 when the
arm is abducted.
123
Point
Location
Main Uses
SJ 15 About 1 Cun posterior to

GB 21. Midway between
Tightness, tension and pain in
GB 21 and SI 13, on the
the neck and shoulders
superior angle of the
scapula.
SJ 17
Posterior and superior to
the angle of the mandible.
Posterior to the lobule of
All Ear disorders
the ear, in the depression
between the mandible and
the mastoid process.
SJ 21
SJ 23
In the depression anterior

to the supratragic notch
and slightly superior to the
All Ear and Jaw disorders
mandible. The point is
located with the mouth
slack.
At the lateral end of the
eyebrow
All disorders involving the side

of the head/face; lateral
headaches, eye pain, ear pain
124
Gall Bladder Meridian

The pathway of the Gall Bladder Meridian runs from the Lateral
outer canthus, back and forth across the sides of the head, down
the side of the neck, where it follows the top of the trapezius, down
to the side of the ribcage, throughout the flanks, to the hip, and
down along the most lateral aspect of the leg, to the ankle, where it
runs under the lateral maleoleous and ends at the lateral proximal
corner of the fourth toe. Since Yang Meridians are often used to
treat disorders along the pathway of the meridian, the Gall Bladder
is important for treating any and all disorders of sides of the head,
trunk, hip, and legs
125
17
16
18
15
20
13
14
4
5
21
5
22
23
6
7
GB 1
9
10
19
2
11
12
20
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
36
35
37
38
39
40
43
GB44
42
41
126
Point
GB 1
GB 2
Location
Main Uses
0.5 Cun lateral to the outer

Secondary point for eye
canthus, in the depression on the
problems
lateral side of the orbit.
Anterior to the intertragic notch,
at the posterior border of the
mandible. The point is located
with the mouth open.
Good local point for ear

and jaw
GB 8 Superior to the apex of the

auricle, 1.5 Cun within the
hairline.
GB On the forehead, 1 Cun directly
14
above the midpoint of the
eyebrow.
GB
20
Lateral Headaches; post

stroke speech disorders;
enters the brain
GB
21
Primary point for neck

and shoulder tension,
pain and tightness.
(CONTRAINDICATED
IF PATIENT IS
PREGNANT, OR HAS A
HEART CONDITION)
All eye problems; frontal

and temporal HA
All Wind: internal LV

wind and external OPI
wind; opens the orifices
In the depression between the
of the head: All disorders
upper portion of the SCM and the
effecting the eyes, ears,
trapezius, just below the occiput.
and nose; All
Headaches, especially
occipital
Midway between GV 14 and the

acromion, at the highest point of
the shoulder.
GB
25
127

Front mu of KD; pain in
abdomen, on the lower border of
lumbar region
the free end of the 12th rib.
Point
Location
Main Uses
GB Directly below the free end of the
26
11th rib, where the LV 13 is
Main Point on the Dai
located, at the level of the
Mai; All GYN Disorders
umbilicus.
GB
28
GB
29
GB
30
GB
31
GB
34
GB
40
Anterior and inferior to the ASIS, Secondary Point on the

0.5 Cun anterior and inferior to
Dai Mai; All GYN
GB 27.
Disorders
In the depression of the midpoint
between the ASIS and the great
trochanter. 0.
At the junction of the lateral 1/3
and medial 2/3 of the distance
between the greater trochanter
and the hiatus of the sacrum.
Main Points for Sciatica,

hip; lumbar to thigh, leg
pain and paralysis
On the midline of the lateral

Main Points for Sciatica,
aspect of the thigh, 7 Cun above lumbar to thigh, leg pain and
the transverse political crease.
paralysis
relaxes the tendons;
good point for knee,
In the depression anterior and in
sciatica and leg pain;
inferior to the head of the fibula.
pain anywhere in the
body; shoulder pain
Anterior and inferior to the lateral
malleolus, in the depression on
Ankle Pain
the lateral side of the tendon of
m. extensor digitorum longus.
128
Point
Location
Main Uses
GB
In the depression distal to the
41
junction of the 4th and 5th
Master Point of the Dai
metatarsal bones, on the lateral Mai: All GYN and LV
side of the tendon of m. extensor disorders
digiti minimi of the foot.
GB
44
On the lateral side of the 4th toe,

Jing Well Point; acute
about .1 Cun proximal to the
pain on the meridian
corner of the nail.
Liver Meridian
The pathway of the Liver Meridian runs from the proximal lateral
corner of the nail of the great toe, along the medial edge of the foot,
up the leg, posterior to the border of the tibia, between the Spleen
and Kidney meridians. At the waist it runs parallel to the midline
until it departs to the free end of the 11th rib, ending at the sixth
intercostal space on the mid-clavicular line. Since Yin Meridians
are often used to treat internal disorders, the Liver Meridian is
important for treating many internal disorders associated with the
Liver. These include many emotional disorders and symptoms
associated with stagnation and wind.
129
LIV 14
13
12
11
10
8
7
6
5
4
4
3
2
LIV 1
130
Point
LR 1
Location
Main Uses
Jing Well Point: restores

consciousness; Inguinal pain;
groin pulls; moves Qi in the lower
warmer; genitourinary issues;
stops bleeding
LR 2 On the dorsum of the
LV fire and heat in the head; Heat
foot, between the 1st
in the Lower Warmer; Burning
and 2nd toes, proximal urination; red burning eyes; LV
to the margin of the
yang rising HA; Herpes I & II;
web.
Shingles; LV wind
LR 3 On the dorsum of the
foot, in the depression Source Point: Primary point to
distal to the junction of benefit all aspects of LV. Move LR
the 1st and 2nd
QI, Quell LR Wind, etc.
metatarsal bones.
LR 13 On the lateral side of
the abdomen, below
Front MU Point of the SP: Liver
the free end of the 11th invading Spleen
floating rib.
LR 14 Directly below the
Pain and tightness/fullness in the
nipple, in the 6th
chest, ribs and breast
intercostal space.
131
On the lateral side of

the great toe, 0.1 Cun
proximal to the corner
of the nail.
Extraordinary Points
Point
Bi Tong
Jian Nie
Ling
Tai Yang
Xi Yan
Yao Tong
Xue
Helpful
Location
Translations
Nose
Opening
At the highest point of

the nasolabial groove.
Midway between the

Shoulder Out
end of the anterior
Front
axillary fold and LI 15
Draw a line following
path of lateral end of
eyebrow down to
Great Yang
intersection of line from
outer canthus of eye, at
intersection, in
depression.
A pair of points in the
two depressions, medial
and lateral to the
patellar ligament,
Calf's Nose
locating the point with
the knee flexed. Lateral
Xiyan overlaps with S
35.
On the dorsum of the
hand, midway between
the transverse wrist
crease and
metacarpophalangeal
Back Pain
joint, between the
Point
second and third
metacarpal bones, and
between the fourth and
fifth metacarpal bones,
4 points in all on both
hands.
Main Uses
StuffyRunny
Nose
Eye Pain /
Discomfort
Headaches
Knee Pain
Acute Back
Pain/Sprain
132
Point
Yin Tang
An Mian
Point
Helpful
Location
Translations
Midway between the
medial ends of the two
eyebrows.
Peaceful
Sleep
Helpful
Translations
Hua Tou
Jia Ji
Luo Zhen
Falling From
Pillow
Shi Qi
Zhuxia
(Josen)
17th
Vertebrae
Ding
Chuan
133
Stop Asthma
Main Uses
Clams the
Mind/Shen
Midpoint between Yifeng Calms the

(SJ 17) and Fengchi
Shen for
(GB 20)
Insomnia
Location
A group of 34 points
along both sides of the
spinal column, 0.5 Cun
lateral to the lower
border of each spinous
process from the first
thoracic vertebra to the
fifth lumbar vertebra.
On dorsum of hand,
between 2nd & 3rd
metacarpal bones, 0.5
Cun posterior to
metacarpophalangeal
joint
Below the spinous
process of the 5th
lumbar vertebrae
0.5 Cun lateral to
Dazhui (Du 14).
Main Uses
Any
disorders
associated
with the
level of the
spine
Neck Pain
Low Back
Pain
Stop /
Reduce
Asthma
Attack
Point
Ba Feng
Ba Xie
Dan Nang
Xue
He Ding
Shi Mian
Point
Si Shen
Cong
Helpful
Location
Translations
foot, in the depressions
on the webs between
8 Winds
toes, proximal to the
margins of the webs,
eight points in all.
hand, at the junction of
the white and red skin of
8 Ghosts
the hand webs, eight in
all, making a loose fist
to locate the points.
The tender spot 1-2 Cun
GB Point
below G 34.
In the depression of the
Crane Top
midpoint of the superior
patellar border.
In the center of the heel
Lost Sleep
on the bottom of the foot
Helpful
Location
Translations
Four Spirits
Cleverness
Yu Yao
Zi Gong
Xue
Uterus Point
A group of 4 points, at
the vertex, 1 Cun
respectively posterior,
anterior and lateral to
Du 20
At the midpoint of the
eyebrow.
3 Cun lateral to Ren 3
Main Uses
Foot/ Toe
Pain
Hand /
Finger Pain
Gall stones
Knee pain/
dysfunction
Heel &
Knee Pain
Main Uses
Clears the
Mind
Headache,
Eye Pain
All GYN
134
5. Auricular Acupuncture: Microsystems &

Extraordinary Meridians
Microsystems in general, are helpful in treating all painful
conditions, as well as many internal disorders.
Auricular or Ear Acupuncture is commonly used by acupuncture
practitioners in a majority of treatments. Ear points are easily
accessible and can be added to most treatments to augment the
primary points. Ear points are effective for both internal and
external disorders.
I find Hand and Scalp Acupuncture to be it especially good for
acute pain in the upper or Yang regions of the body.
Point location and treatment technique are both very important with
microsystems. As there are many points in small areas with
microsystems, one must find points precisely.
Once located, and needled, active or passive movement or
functioning of the injured area should be employed during treatment
if possible.
Look for immediate positive change during and after treatment.
When microsystem points are located and treated appropriately,
they often will yield immediate results.
Microsystems can be used exclusively for treatment, but are usually
combined with primary acupuncture points.
There is contralateral ipsilateral
!
135
Hand Acupuncture
usually use opposite side
move affected joint if possible
Needling and Location TechniqueLocate at the epiphysis of the
bone and needle in at a 45 degree angle to the point in the direction
of the finger tips.
Selected Upper Body Hand Points

Shoulder
Radial side of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index
finger
Shoulder pain
Nape & Neck
Ulnar side of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index
finger
Stiff neck
Migraine
Ulnar side of the first interphalangeal joint of the ring finger
Migraine
Chest pain
Headache
Ulnar side of the metacarpophalangeal interphalangeal joint of
the thumb
H/A
dizziness
Other Hand Points
Low Back (Loin & Leg)

Sciatic Nerve
Ankle
Polyhydrosis point
Not lustrated. About way between PC 7 & PC 8.
Works well for excessive sweating, (especially if it is linked to
the Shen)
136
!
137
Auricular Acupuncture
General Introduction
Techniques
Find point exactly
Active or passive movement
For Yang disorders, palpate the Yang side of the ear for sensitivity
and needle/seed it in addition to the Yin side
Usual Modalities
Needles
Seeds
Press-balls Magnets
Ear Anatomy
138
Major Auricular Points

Shen Men
Heart
Liver
Kidney
Sympathetic N.
Stomach
Mouth
Thirst
Hunger
Nicotine
Shoulder-Arm-Hand
Back
Hip-Leg-Foot-Toe
Sciatica
Uterus
Toothache
Aspirin
Insomnia
139
140
Specific Auricular Treatments
Pain Protocols
When treating pain, ear points corresponding to the
region of pain, can be added to the treatment.
Points should be carefully palpated for.
The Detox Protocol (Shen Men, Liver, Kidney, Heart,
Sympathetic N.) is useful in treating an number of disorders
in addition to substance addictions.
Anxiety/ ADHD / PTSD (use as is)
Quit Smoking (add Nicotine Pt.)
Weight Loss ( Add Hunger & Thirst Pts.)
Acupuncture Treatment of Chemical Dependency

A. Acupuncture is Not Complete in and of Itself for Detox. It
must be part of an integrated whole system, to achieve these
results.
1. Individual counseling
2. Group support
3. Case management
4. Urine screening
5. Other conventional treatment approaches.
B. Get the patient to return
C. Remember the primary diagnosis.
1. Chemical Dependency is Primary
2. It will kill faster than anything else
D. Withdrawal General Sx
1. Severe Flu-Like Sx.
2. fever
3. chills
4. insomnia
5. cramping
6. headaches
7. agitation
8. violent outbursts
9. nausea
10. depression
11. malaise / fatigue
141
E.
F.
G.
H.
12. anxiety
13. paranoia
14. TCM
a) Def. QI
b) Def. Yin
c) Stuck Qi
d) Empty. Fire
Acute Medical Emergency from Withdrawal
1. Alcohol
2. Benzodiazepines
3. Barbiturates
Effects of Acu Detox
1. Decrease in Recidivism Rate
2. High degree of outpatient compliance
3. Reduced
a) Drug Cravings
b) Pain
c) Muscle cramping
d) Stress
e) Anxiety
f) Sleeplessness
Cost effectiveness
1. 1 acupuncture provider, 1 Counselor, 1 Case Worker, & 1
admin. Can handle @ 30 patients in a two hour time
period. Start to finish.
Treatment
1. NADA Protocol
a) National Acupuncture Detox Association
b) Ear Protocol
(1) Shen Men
(2) Liver
(3) Heart
(4) Kidney
(5) Sympathetic N.
c) Patient Prep Station
(1) Cotton
(2) Alcohol
(3) Sharps container
142
d)
e)
f)
g)
(4) Tissue
(5) Mirror
(6) Patients clean own ears
(7) Patients Remove own needles
(8) Patients clean up blood
Frequency of treatment
DETOX Phase
(1) Lasts until pt. has put together 14 days clean &
sober
(2) Weeks 0-2 of recovery
(3) 1-2 Acupuncture. Tx. Daily
(4) Group work
(5) Case Management
Recovery Phase
(1) Four Weeks
(3) Three Acupuncture TX /week
(4) Group Work
(5) Case Management
(6) Individual Counseling
Maintenance Phase
(2) Acupuncture Tx. twice weekly
(3) Group work
(4) Case management
(5) Individual Counseling
(6) Re-Evaluation / Referral
Scalp Acupuncture
A. Chinese Scalp Acupuncture is associated with Lines
1. Based On, Cortical Homunculus
2. Western Function
3. Sensory / Motor areas etc.
4. Chinese Scalp Lines: Generally Treat Contralateral Side
B. YNSA: Yamamotos New Scalp Acupuncture
1. Treatment Based on Discreet Points
2. Based On Dr. Yamamotos Long Experience
143
3. YNSA Points: Generally Treat Ipsilateral Side
C. All Points and Lines are palpated carefully to find the most
reactive point for treatment
D. Scalp Contraindications and Cautions

1. Contraindicated: Acute Stage Cerebral Hemorrhage: Wait
at least 4 weeks
2. Caution During Pregnancy
3. Contraindicated: Children With Fontanel Not Closed
4. Caution: People who are Too Hungry or Nervous
E. Used for:
1. All Painful Conditions
2. Especially effective in the upper body
3. Neurological Conditions
4. All Disorders Involving the Brain/CNS
5. Post Stroke
6. Cerebral Thrombosis / Embolism: Treat early
7. Post Stroke Prognosis
a) 1-3 mos: Excellent
b) 3-6 mos: Very Good
c) 6-1 year: Good
d) Up to 3 years: Hopeful
e) After 3 years: Guarded
8. Phantom Limb Pain
9. Spinal Chord Injury
10. Post Traumatic Paralysis
11. Brain Damage
12. Multiple Sclerosis
13. Muscular Atrophy
14. Urinary Incontinence
F. ScalpTechnique
1. Points
a) Palpate carefully for Discreet Point to Needle
b) Needles: #2 or 3 X 30mm
2. Lines:
144
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
145
a) Palpate carefully for Discreet Point to Needle

b) If No Discreet Point is Reactive: Treat Entire Line
c) Needles: #5 - # 8 X 30 - 60 mm
d) Position Patient Sitting Up
e) Transverse Needle Insertion / 15-250
Depth of insertion
a) Five Layers of scalp
(1) Cutaneous
(a) Thick
(b) Rich in blood circulation
(c) Painful to needle
(2) Subcutaneous
(a) Firm
(b) Dense
(c) Short fibers
(d) Major vessels and nerves
(e) Painful to needle
(3) Galea aponeurofic layer
(a) Tough & tensile fibrous Tissue
(b) Very painful to needle
(4) Aerial tissue layer
(a) Loose connective tissue
(b) The Best Layer To Needle
(5) Periosteum
(a) Outer layer of Skull
(b) Very painful to needle
Minimizing Pain
a) Insert Quickly
b) Needle Correct Layer
c) Check for shallow enough angle
Stimulation
a) No Thrusting: Rotation Only
b) For Best Results: Stimulate for 1-2 min. Every 10-15
min.
Needling Direction
a) Generally From Superior to Inferior
b) Or Anterior to Posterior
Lay needles
a) 20-60 min.
b) Up to Twelve Hours
8. If Possible: have patient Walk or Talk, Utilize or Move the
affected part/faculty during treatment
9. Remove Needles
a) Always use Cotton
b) Often bleeding
10. Interdermals, Electro Acupuncture, Moxa, and Massage
Can All Be Used
G. Finding the Hairline:
1. The Hairline can be found about 1cm superior to the
most superior wrinkle on the forehead.
2. The Corner of the Hairline can be found @ 4-5 cm lateral
to the midline, about the same distance lateral to the
middle of the eye, as the middle of the eye is from the
midline of the face.
Scalp Points
146
I.
Head & Neck Points

A. A Series of Discreet Points, corresponding to the cervical
vertebrae and occiput.
B. The points are found on a 2 cm long Line, centered on the
hairline, 1cm lateral to the midpoint of the hairline.
C. Any Pain/Disorder of the Face, Head, and Neck
D. Any Disorder associated with the Cervical Spine
E. Neurological Disorders
F. Post Surgical Complications
G. Trigeminal Neuralgia
H. Bell's Palsy
I. Headache/Migraine
J. Vertigo
II.
Neck & Shoulder Points

A. A Series of Discreet Points, Found on a 2 cm long Line,
centered on the hairline, 2cm lateral to the midpoint of the
hairline.
B. Any Pain/Disorder of the Neck, Clavicle, Shoulder and
Scapular Regions.
C. Paralysis
D. Post trauma
E. Post operative
F. Fractures
G. Upper Body CRPS / RSD
H. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy Syndrome
III. Shoulder Arm & Hand Points

A. A Series of Discreet Points, which are found on a 2 cm long
Line, beginning at the corner of the hairline, and extending
diagonally toward the nose (Yin Tang).
B. These points correspond to the shoulder, which is found
near the top/lateral end of the line; the arm in the middle;
and the hand, at the inferior/medial end.
C. Any disorders of the Shoulder Joint, Scapular Region, Arm,
Hand, Wrist & Fingers
D. Pain
E. Paralysis
147
F.
G.
H.
I.
Post trauma/operative
Fractures
Dislocations
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
IV. Thorax Points

A. A Series of Discreet Points, corresponding to T1-T12.
B. The points are found on a line, which begins about 1cm
lateral to the midline at the top border of the eyebrow. (This
medial border corresponds to T-1) The line continues to the
midpoint of the eyebrow at a 150 angle upward ending
above the middle of the eyebrow. (The lateral end
corresponds to T-12.)
C. Any Disorder associated with the Thorax or Thoracic Spine
D. Back Pain
E. Rib Pain
F. Angina
G. Herpes Zoster
H. Asthma / Bronchitis
V.
Low Back Points

A. A Series of Discreet Points, corresponding to the Lower
Back, Lumbar, and Belt Region.
B. The Points are found about 1 cm above the Zygomatic Arch.
Beginning at the anterior hairline, and progressing to the
anchor of the helix, then proceeding superiorly for about
centimeter.
C. Primary Treatment points for Low Back Pain, Paralysis, and
other disorders of the Lumbar Spine, Lower Body, and Lower
Extremities
148
Chinese Scalp Lines

Based on Cortical Homunculus
Finding the Lines: Lines of Measurement

I.
149
Draw Two Lines

A. Anterior - Posterior Midline
1. From Glabella to the EOP (External Occipital
Protuberance)
2. Find Mid-point of the line
3. Can be found by describing a plumb line from the top of
the ears to the A-P Midline
4. The Midpoint of the Anterior-Posterior Midline is a useful
landmark for finding treatment lines.
B. Eyebrow - Occipital Line
1. From center of eyebrow to EOP (Via the temple and

across the ear)
2. The point at which this line crosses the anterior hairline is
a useful landmark for finding treatment lines.
150
Continence Line (AKA: Leg & Foot Motor & Sensory)
I.
Beginning at a point 0.5 Cun lateral to the midpoint of the

anterior-posterior midline, Draw bilateral lines, parallel to
midline, in the posterior direction, 2 Cun in length
II. Needle From Anterior to Posterior
III. Paralysis, Pain, Numbness of Lower Limb Opposite Side
A. The Function is similar to the functions of the upper 1/5th of
both motor and sensory area together.
B. Urinary Incontinence
1. Most All Urinary Problems
C. Prolapsed Urinary Bladder/ Uterus / Stomach
D. Bowel Disorders
1. Bowel Incontinence
2. Allergic Colitis
3. Crohn's Disease
4. Hemorrhoids
E. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
151
F. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)

G. Multiple Sclerosis
H. Male Reproduction
1. Impotence
2. Spermatorrhea
I. Female Reproduction
1. Uterine Bleeding
2. Endometriosis
3. Prolapse Uterus
J. Swollen Ankles
152
Motor Function Line

I.
From Midpoint on Anterior - Posterior Midline go 0.25 Cun

Posterior
A. Draw Line from this point to the point where the Eyebrow Occipital Line crosses the anterior hairline @ the sideburn
B. Motor Area is divided into 5 parts
C. Superior 1/5th of motor Area
1. Treats paralysis of Lower Limbs and Trunk on Opposite
Side
D. Middle 2/5ths of motor Area
1. Treats paralysis of Upper on Opposite Side
E. Inferior 2/5ths of Motor Area
1. Facial Paralysis on Opposite Side
2. Nerve Damage
3. Bell's Palsy
4. AKA Speech 1 area
5. Motor Aphasia
Sensory Perception Line

I.
153
A Line Parallel to and 0.75 Cun Posterior to the motor area

A. Sensory Area is divided into 5 parts
B. Superior 1/5th of Sensory Area
1. Parastisia of Lower Limb and trunk on the opposite side
2. Phantom Pain of Lower Limb and trunk on the opposite
side
3. Special Effects
a) Occipital H/A
b) Neck Pain / Stiffness
C. Middle 2/5ths of Sensory Area
1. Parastisia of Upper Limb on Opposite Side
2. Phantom Pain of Upper Limb on the opposite side
D. Inferior 2/5ths of Sensory Area
1. opposite Side
2. Migraine H/A
3. Trigeminal Neuralgia
4. Toothache
5. TMJ
Tremor Control Line

I.
A Line Parallel to and 0.75 Cun Anterior to the motor area

A. From Midline to the inferior border of the hairline
B. Divided into Three Parts
C. Superior Third for Lower Limbs
D. Middle Third for Upper Limbs
E. Inferior Third Head & Neck
F. For Treatment of:
1. Any Involuntary movement or tremor
2. Chorea
3. Parkinson's Disease
Vision Line
From a point 0.75 Cun lateral to, and level with, the EOP (External
Occipital Protuberance) draw a line parallel to the midline, and 2.0
Cun in length, Superior from the EOP
Indications
Cortical Vision Disturbances
Glaucoma
Cataract
Vertigo and Balance Line

From a point 2.0 Cun lateral to, and level with, the EOP (External
Occipital Protuberance) draw a line parallel to the midline, and 2.0
Cun in length, Inferior beginning at the level of the EOP
Indications
Balance
Proprioception
154
155
The 8 Extraordinary Meridians In More Detail

Before we look at the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, lets consider
the levels to which meridians penetrate the body.
Primary Meridians Access & Connect The Wei (External /
Protective) & Ying (Internal / Nourishing) Levels
Divergent Meridians Connect The Wei & Yuan Levels, to
translocate pathogens from the internal level to the external level to
protect the Zang/Fu
Sinew / TM Meridians Access The Wei Level and are used for
pathologies that manifest on the surface and in the joints, as well as
those that cross from meridian to meridian, transversely:
i.e. LI & SJ.
Luo Meridians Access The Ying Level and are the manifestation of
internal pathogens. These meridians are created as needed, and
may manifest as varicosities or phlegm nodules. They are best
treated by releasing Xue through Plumb blossom & Lancet
bleeding.
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels/Meridians Access and Treat at
the Yuan QI or Jing Level. At this level we are working with with
issues that are deeply embedded in our lives.
These are the 1st channels to develop in the embryo. Therefore,
when working with the 8 Extraordinary Meridians we are reminding
the body of what it was like when it was perfect.
The First cell divisioncreates the Du, Ren, & Chong
The Second division creates the Dai
The Third division creates the Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yin Qiao &
Yang Qiao
They are the foundation of Yin & Yang, and the 7 & 8 year cycles
156
157
158
159
Treatment Protocol for the Extraordinary Vessels

Use this protocol for internal medicine, womens health and
psychological & emotional disorders. Other options exist for the
treatment of pain
Keep in mind that treating at the level of the Jing can take some
time. It is not unusual to see results right away, and it is also not
unusual for a course of treatment to take one to three months, at
one treatment per week.
Use the following needling order, and be sure to obtain the Qi
deeply, for each point.
1. Needle Master Point / Opening Point
Right or Left - according to sex
Women / Right
Men / Left
2. Treat Coalescent Points on the Meridian, and other related
points as needed
3. Needle Coupled Point /Closing Point
4. Remove Needles in reverse order: Last in-First out
General Uses for the Extraordinary Meridians

Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
Points
Master/Opening Point: GB 41
Coupled/Closing Point: SJ 5
Major Coalescent Points: GB 26 (27-28)
Opens the Lower Warmer
All lower warmer stagnation
Adjusts the Menses
Guides and Supports the Uterus
Supports the Low Back
Radiatiing Low Back Pain
Influences flow of LR Qi
Harmonizes ascending and descending of Qi
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Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)

Wide Trunk Road
Points
Master/Opening Point: SP 4
Coupled/Closing Point: PC 6
Major Coalescent Points: ST 30, KI 11 to 21
Sea of blood
Controls The Menses
Harmonizes ascending and descending of Blood
Ren Mai (Conception Vessel CV)
Points
Master/Opening Point: LU 7
Coupled/Closing Point: KD 6
Major Coalescent Points: Ren 2 - Ren 15
Sea of Yin
Yin Deficiency with Yin Stagnation
Supports Yin: Jing and Fluids
Supports Yin (sex) Hormonal Balance
Relate to int. and ext/ genitalia
Du Mai (Governing Vessel GV)
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Points
Master/Opening Point: SI 3
Coupled/Closing Point: UB 62
Major Coalescent Points: Du 2 - Du 15
Governs the Yang
Supports the Spine
Enters the Brain
Supports the CNS
Supports Yang (Stress) Hormonal Balance
Secondary Extraordinary Vessels

Yin Qiao & Yang Qiao (Heel Vessels)
Yin Qiao Points

Master/Opening Point: KD 3
Coupled/Closing Point: LU 7
Major Coalescent Point: KI 8
Yang Qiao Points
Master/Opening Point: UB 62
Coupled/Closing Point: SI 3
Major Coalescent Point: GB 20
Secondary for Excess patterns of Lower Jiao
Masses
Fibroids
Adhesions
Difficult delivery
External genitalia
Yin Wei & Yang Wei (Linking Vessels)
Yin Wei Points

Master/Opening Point: PC 6
Coupled/Closing Point: SP 4
Major Coalescent Point: KI 9
Yang Wei Points
Master/Opening Point: SJ 5
Coupled/Closing Point: GB 41
Major Coalescent Point: GB 21
Nourish Blood
Calm mind /Shen
Zonal Approach to the treatment of pain using the

Extraordinary Meridians.
The pathways of the 8 Extraordinary Meridians and their associated
channels, together construct the Anterior, Posterior, Medial, and
Lateral Zones. Treating the opening and coupled points can
influence the flow of Qi throughout these Zones, effectively treating
many painful conditions. This Material is covered in detail in the
Chapter on Treatment of Pain.
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Psychological Issues & Extraordinary Meridians

The language of Chinese Medicine is Psychosomatic. Although
current translations of Chinese medical books often do not mention
psychological disorders, translations can also be made in way that
expresses the psycho-emotional aspects of the words. It is good to
keep this in mind when considering points, and the Extraordinary
Meridians.
Chronic Diarrhea or Purging = Not wanting to keep what you have
Angina = Heart Pain, Broken Heart
Nausea = Cant stomach it, but can't let it go
Red Face = Anger, Frustration
Also it is worth noting that depression is often related to Blood
Deficiency. The body begins to accumulate fluid as a substitute for
Blood, Then Dampness accumulates and transforms into phlegm,
which prevents the free flow of the emotions, and leads to
depression. Phlegm nodules also form which contribute to further
stagnation resulting in disorders like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue,
and Qi Stagnation.
The Extraordinary Meridians are particularly helpful in addressing
some psycho-emotional issues. Below are some indications that
may be helpful in pointing the direction for using them in such
cases.
Dai / Belt Mai
Major Issues which accumulate over time, which we can't stand,
but can't get rid of
Unresolved Postnatal Issues,Trauma, Sentiments,
Emotions, Guilt, Inadequacies
All these accumulations, concentrations, and conglomerations
are deposited into the Dai/Belt Channel where they are stored.
When the Dai Mai gets saturated, it begins to leak out
This is like emptying the garbage, but we fill it up again & again
Physical Sx.
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Infertility, Impotents, Reproductive disorders, Sagging

feeling in the waist, Excessive vaginal discharge,
Diarrhea, Constipation
Psycho-Emotional sx.
Feeling Stuck, Indecisive, Lack of clarity, Lack of
creativity, Inferiority
Chong / Penetrating Mai

Coming to terms with one's own nature, purpose, temperament
& culture
The Chong Mai penetrates the center of the body, joining
together the Kidney which stores Jing / Yuan Qi, the Spleen:
which produces QI & Blood and the Heart which stores our
consciousness
Ren / Conception Mai
Sea of Yin
Yin Stasis, with Yin Deficiency
Yin forms the process by which we bond and form unions
Original Bonding / Mother Child Bonding
Nurturing
Security & Trust, Contentment, Feeling at Home
Completion, Craving completion
Competence, and control over internal and external
environment
Du / Governing Mai
Governs the Yang: Tai Yang, Xiao Yang, & Yang Ming
Yang allows for separation from the mother
Nurturing oneself
Ability to stand erect
Individuality
Moving into the World
Freedom of movement of head
Expression & temperance of desires / Taking risks
Survival Motivation
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Yin Wei / Yin Linking Mai

Treats traumas which may have occurred at a significant turing
point in life, and which blocks full development
Devoting Qi & Blood to memories leaves less for the present
moment
Contingency
Always Asking What if?
Not accepting oneself
Yang Wei Yang Linking Mai
Cast my net into the world
Forever searching for one's Role in Life
The process by which we move into a certain role in the world
Our choices and the process by which we don't choose
Commitment and lack of Commitment
Movement from Family Intimacy to Global commitments
Yin & Yang Qiao Yin & Yang Heel Mais
Focusing on the present moment
Qiao = heel, stance, bridge, and motility
Yang Qiao = one's stance to the world
Yin Qiao = one's stance to oneself
Polar Opposites
Yin Qiao
Receiving of Qi
Introvert
Insomnia
Medial aspect of legs tight
My Bad
Yang Qiao
Giving of Qi
Extrovert
Hypersomnia
Lateral aspect of legs tight
Everyone's and Idiot
The Chart of the 8 Extraordinary Meridian below, while not
exhaustive, is included below for quick reference.
165
Mai
Dai
GB 41,
SJ 5
Coalescent
Zone
Points
GB 26, 27 Lateral
& 28
Belt
Low
Back
Chong
ST 30,
SP 4, PC 6 K 11- 27
Ren
LU 7, KD 6
All Congestion in Lower

Warmer & Belt Area.
Letting Go of Negative
Emotions,
Moves Liver Qi
Medial
internal
disorders
REN 2-15 Anterior
Du
DU 1-15
SI 3, BL 62
Yin Wei
K 9,
PC 6, SP 4
Yang Wei
Indications
GB 21,
SJ 5, GB 41
Sea of Blood : s Health -:

Regulates Menstrual Quantity &
Flow Regulates Digestion
Sea of Yin: Yin Deficiency with
or without Yin Stagnation
Nourishment
Fertility/Conception
Regulates Yin (sex)Hormones
Menstrual Timing
Posterior Governs Yang & Spine
Spine
Connects to the Brain & CNS
Regulates Yang (stress)
Hormones
Medial
Emotional Traumas Associated
internal with 7 & 8 yr. cycles,
disorders Addictions, PTSD,
Lateral
Shouldering Responsibilities,
Choices & Commitments
Yang Qiao GB 20,

BL 62, SI 3
Posterior Global Acceptance / Frustration
Yin Qiao
KI 8,
KD 6, LU 7
Anterior Self Acceptance / Frustration

(Internal
disorders
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6. The Main Course: Treatment of Pain

As mentioned above, there are three important facets to performing
effective acupuncture treatment of pain: choosing the correct
points, precise point location, the technique applied to the points.
Diagnosing The Pain

First, dont get too complicated. A complicated diagnosis can often
distract from a successful treatment.
Most pain for example,
whether it is back pain, neck pain or leg pain; whether it is from a
musculoskeletal injury, arthritis, bursitis, an inflammatory reaction,
or as part of a sequela of stroke; will manifest as obstruction of the
meridians due to either Qi (energy) Stagnation or Xue (blood)
Stagnation. When treating the pain with acupuncture and related
techniques, it is often of little consequence to the treatment,
whether it is from Qi or Xue Stagnation. The main difference
between these two syndromes lies more in the prognosis rather
than treatment approach. The treatment, with acupuncture and
associated techniques, is usually the same. However, in general, a
more aggressive approach is used for Xue stagnation than is used
for Qi stagnation. This differentiation also carries more significance
when choosing topical or internal application of herbs.
The
complications of Cold, Heat, Dampness, and Wind can also often
influence the treatment, but this is secondary to moving the
stagnation.
Immobilization
A commonly overlooked point in the treatment of injuries is
immobilization. When there is a soft tissue injury, such as a strain
or sprain, it is important to immobilize the area as much as possible
until the discomfort has been relieved. When injured, the bodys
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response is to produce pain and swelling. This mechanism serves

to protect the area and allows for natural healing to occur. In our
society, we want to minimize down time and get back to work (or
play) as soon as possible. So we reduce swelling, take pain
relievers, or acupuncture and herbal wraps, and get right back on
our feet. This approach may fit some societal needs, but it may
not the best approach for ones physical needs. Injuries take time
to heal, and they require rest too. Many cases of chronic pain
syndromes originally began with Qi and Xue stagnation, which stem
from improper treatment of soft tissue injuries i.e. using the injured
part too soon. I usually recommend that soft tissue injuries are well
splinted, or wrapped, and that patients avoid using the affected part
as much as possible, until most or all of the pain is gone. This
leads to less trouble with Cold, Dampness, Stagnation, and the like,
getting trapped in the meridians and causing future problems.
Ice & Heat

The problem of cold getting trapped brings up the question of the
application of heat or cold to an injury. In acupuncture theory it is
well established that cold can penetrate an injured joint and
stagnate, causing additional pain and possibly long term problems.
Therefore, I avoid ice or cold unless its absolutely necessary.
Either way, I strongly recommend using heat (moxa or TDP lamp)
on injuries as soon as it is feasible, to move stagnation.
Treatment Results
The question that may surface when considering the treatment
might be, Do I need to see immediate change from the treatment?
Yes. There should be some change in the condition at the time of
the treatment. This is not to say that the treatment is ineffective if
you do not see immediate change, but immediate results are a
very good indication that you have found an appropriate
treatment. I suggest that you continue to try different approaches
to the problem until you get immediate results. This is not always
possible, and the patient will often find improvement after some
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time, but it is preferable to get those right-before-your-eyes

changes. So keep trying different techniques until you hit the one
that clicks for that particular patient, at that particular time. While
we are on the subject, consider that a strong acupuncture treatment
for painful condition, will often leave the treated area sore, from the
stimulation. This soreness should resolve in 12-24 hours. My
brother tells all of his patients to wait 24 hours before judging the
effect of a treatment. I think this is wise advice.
Palpation
It would be difficult to overstate the usefulness of palpation. I have
seen many practitioners, some of whom I admire and respect,
practicing with little or no palpation. While they may get good
results, I dont understand how they know what to treat. To me it is
vitally important to know exactly where the Qi is, where it is not,
where it flows smoothly, and where it is stuck. Simple palpation of
the meridians, acupoints, and trigger points, can easily reveal much
of this information.
In order to locate a trigger point, it is usually best to palpate
muscles with deep cross-fiber palpation. Once a trigger point is
located, be sure you keep track of it with your fingers, so you can
be sure to accurately treat it with the needle.
This is what I mean by precise point location. Be sure youve
located the point of disharmony before you place the needle.
Local Treatment
Should one treat the local area or avoid it? This is often debated
amongst practitioners. I say treat it, in most cases. I hedge my
bets here, because the practitioner must determine what will make
the problem worse and what will make it better. If, for example, the
patient reports that massage makes the problem worse, or if
previous treatment to the area has resulted in an exacerbation of
the problem, these could be indications that direct treatment may
169
be cautioned, or contraindicated. However, I seldom see direct

treatment exacerbate a painful condition, and even in those
occasional situations, a few days of respite from treatment has
allowed the condition to return to its pre-treatment level of
discomfort, or better. The caveat here is that some problems benefit
more from local, adjacent, and distal treatment, while others
respond better to distal treatment only. How to asses the difference
prior to treatment is not always clear. Youll have to trust your
experience and intuition.
Moving Stagnation
In order to alleviate pain, the stagnation needs to be moved. While
this is obvious, it must be consistently focused upon. Whether it is
Qi or Xue stagnation, often the best course of action is simply to
move it.
I believe that moving stagnation takes precedence over building
deficiencies, when treating pain, in almost every case.
This is an important treatment strategy. If one attempts to build
deficiencies in the presence of stagnation, it can lead to increased
stagnation, hence more pain, or pain that is more difficult to treat. I
have often found that. once the stagnation is successfully resolved,
then deficiencies can be tonified.
If the patient is extremely
deficient, there may be cause for concern, but most of the time the
deficiency can be better addressed after the pain has been treated.
Most individuals will easily tolerate a bit of a decrease in Qi if it
results in significant pain relief. Remember that pain itself affects
an individuals Qi. Relieving the pain with a dispersing treatment
can make the patient feel better, and often stronger as well. My wife
asserts that she regularly feels a deficient patients weak pulses
become stronger after strong Qi-moving therapies, like cupping.
She believes this may be because Qi that was previously stagnant
becomes available to the body, increasing the overall Qi of the
body.
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Treating Pain: Local, Adjacent, & Distal Points

This is the standard approach for Treating Pain. The first question I
look to answer is: Where is the primary disharmony? This is may
seem obvious and, keeping in mind what I said earlier about not
getting too complex, there is usually some looking to do. Diagnosis
is like being a detective of sorts. One must find a number of clues
before coming to a conclusion. If the problem is orthopedic in
nature, the primary disharmony is usually at or near the site of the
pain. When the primary disharmony exists someplace other than at
the site of the pain, it is often found proximally. How does one
assess if the primary disharmony is at the pain site or proximally, or
distally for that matter?
Palpation. I recommend that the
practitioner look at the usual trigger points that are associated with
the area of pain. (Get yourself a trigger point chart, if you dont
know them.) Then explore the local and adjacent musculature. If
that isnt sufficient, follow the dermatomes to the area on the back
that corresponds to the more distal or more anterior pain, and then
palpate. These dermatomes do not need to adhered to 100%.
Rather, one should have an understanding of the pathways of the
dermatomes and how they relate to the 12 main meridians and their
corresponding Sinew (tendino-muscular) meridians and integrate
the information gained from palpation to establish the most likely
candidate areas for treatment.
All three of the following point types should be explored when
treating pain.
Distal means you should use points that are distal to the pain and
which affect the area of the pain. For instance:
Bleeding a Jing point on the effected meridian (and/or)
Using LI 4 and Lu 7 for Pain in the head and/or neck (and/
or)
Opening the Posterior Zone with SI 3 & UB 62 for back pain
Local means using points at the pain site: Trigger Points. Its
sometimes half-jokingly put this way: If it hurts, put a needle in it. I
dont mean to say that trigger points are the most important. The
171
practitioner is well served by being conscious of the acupuncture

points, and established trigger points and their proper location. The
proper location is like using a map. A map shows you where the
place is, but it is only approximate. The location indicated is only as
good as the map. And the map is only a symbol. So the best
practice is to know the location of the local acupuncture points and
established trigger points to get you to the area where the Qi can
be most easily accessed, and then palpate for the exact location of
the point to be needled.
Adjacent means to palpate - radiating out from the painful site -for
adjacent points that are reactive. In short, finding the associated
trigger points. Some sources consider related points at adjacent
joints to be adjacent points. For example, using LI 10 for shoulder
pain. I have no problem with this, but its not a substitute for trigger
point palpation.
Its not a bad idea to choose local, adjacent, and distal points from
standard points on the Yang meridians, whenever possible. The
Yang meridians are best for treating Yang disorders, and most
musculoskeletal and neurological pain syndromes are generally
considered Yang disorders.
Major Yang Meridian Points to keep in the forefront of your mind,
for easy and regular application as local, distal and adjacent points:
LI 1, 4, 10, 14, 15, 20
ST 6, 7, 30, 36, 44, 45
SJ 1, 3, 5
GB 2, 8, 14, 20, 21, 26, 34, 41, 44
SI 1, 3, 11, 18
UB 1, 2, 10, 13, 18, 23, 40, 60, 62, 67
DU 4, 14, 20
LR 1, 3, 13 (The Liver is the Exception the the Rule. Liver
points work as well as Yang Meridian points, for treating pain.)
172
Sinew (Tendino-Muscular) Meridians

Keep the Pathways of the Yang Sinew Meridians in mind, and treat
Jing Points to clear pain from them. The Sinew Meridians can make
a tremendous difference when treating pain. Bleeding 3-10 drops
from the jing points on the affected meridians is often my first
treatment for pain, especially in acute injuries.
Zonal Treatment for Treating Pain by Area

The following zones can be opened or activated by treating the
distal points associated with them. Opening these zones is one
of the best ways to begin a treatment for pain.
Posterior Zone: SI 3, UB 62
Lateral Zone / Low Back/Hip/Sciatica: GB 41, SJ 5
Anterior (Internal) Zone: Lu7, KD 6
Anterior (External) Zone: LI4 - ST 36
Medial (Internal) Zone: Sp 4, PC 6
Medial (External) Zone: PC 6 LR 3
173
174
Zonal Treatment Procedure:

1. Determine in which Zone the disorder is manifesting
2. Treat appropriate zonal point that lies closest to the pain
3. Treat the second associated zonal point on the opposite
side
4. Proceed with the rest of the treatment (Local, Distal,
Adjacent, Microsystems, etc.)
Example: Pain in Right Buttock
1. Posterior Zone, (Lower Right Quadrant)
2. Needle: UB 62 on the Right (Posterior Zone, Right Side,
Lower Body)
3. Needle: SI 3 on the Left
4. Palpate, and treat Local and Trigger Points as necessary,
etc.
This is a simple procedure that has a big pay off.
Microsystems
I use points from the Ear, and Scalp in most all treatments for
pain. While I have not covered them in this book, microsystems
are very useful, and one should consider using them for all painful
conditions. Microsystem points are particularly helpful in that, when
treated correctly, they often have instant effects. Hence, you get
clear and direct feedback on the effectiveness of your technique
and diagnosis. You should know a good selection of points and
lines from the following microsystems of acupuncture: Auricular
Acupuncture, Scalp Acupuncture Points & Lines, and Chinese
Hand Acupuncture. There are many good charts for finding these
points.
The indications for most all Microsystem points are apparent from
their names. For example, the foot point on the ear is good for
175
treating any problems associated with the foot.

next edition I will cover them in some detail.
Perhaps in the
Scalp Acupuncture can be especially effective, and when done

correctly, it its no less comfortable than other forms of acupuncture.
If you havent learned APS-USA (AcuPractice Seminars Unified
Scalp Acupuncture), or YNSA
(Yamamoto New Scalp
Acupuncture), then I recommend that you learn one or the other.
Youll be glad you did.
The next page lists a group of points that are the main local points
on various areas of the body, that are particularly useful for treating
pain. All practitioners should be thoroughly familiar with them. They
are points that you will likely be using over and over again in your
practice.
176
The Main Local Points for Treating Pain

Head
St 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
LI 20
GB 8, 14, 20
DU (GV) 20
SI 18
_____________________________________________
Neck
GB 20, 21
UB 10
DU 14
LI 17 area
_____________________________________________
Shoulder
GB 21
LI 14, 15, 16
SJ 14, 15
SI 9,10,11,12
Jian Nei Ling ( way between LI 15 and the superior
anterior end of the axial crease)
_____________________________________________
Elbow
LI 11,12
SI 8
SJ 10
_____________________________________________
Wrist
LI4, 5
SJ 4
SI 3, 4, 5, 6
_____________________________________________
Hip
GB 26,27,29,30
_____________________________________________
Knee
St 35, 36
GB 34
SP 9 (Yin)
_____________________________________________
Ankle
St 41
GB 40
UB 60, 61, 62
177
The Recipes: Treating Specific Painful Conditions

How To Use These Recipes
First, I will often begin a course of treatments by bleeding 8-10
drops from the Jing point(s) on the affected meridian(s). I
usually find that this works well for the first treatment or two, and
can substantially reduce pain and discomfort.
Subsequent
treatment of Jing points generally offers only marginal results.
Secondly, I usually open the appropriate Zone.
The next step Im likely to take is to add in other distal points,
chosen from the recipes below.
Then Ill likely proceed with local and adjacent treatment as
determined by palpation, informed by my knowledge of the
appropriate acupuncture points and trigger points and their
referral patterns.
While this is a good approach in many, if not most cases, it wont
work every time. If it doesnt, its time to look more carefully at the
particular patient and pattern, to determine the best course of
treatment.
178
Headaches
Note: During a headache, use only light/gentle stimulus on
local points
General Headache Points:
Use these points for all
headaches, add specific points (below) for specific
headaches
LI 4, LU 7, SJ 5, GB 41, LR 3, Ear Shen Men
Frontal Headache:
St 36, St 8, GB 14, UB 2, Yu Yao
One-Sided Headache: Tai Yang, GB 8 on the affected side

Eye Headache / Pain: UB 2, GB 2 on affected side
Occipital Headache:
GB 20
Vertex Headache: Du 20, Si Shen Cong

Of course many headaches are chronic, and may require a deeper
look into the pattern of disharmony that is causing the headaches.
Still, these treatments work well in many cases.
Facial Pain
TMJ and/or Tooth Pain: LI 4, LU 7, ST 44,
Add 1 or more of the following based on pain location:
St 3, St 4, St 5, St 6, St 7, SI 18
Scalp:
Lower 2/5th of the Sensory Area
on the opposite side
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Same as above: Use caution on
same side of pain. Often its best to focus on distal points
and use local points on the opposite side from the pain, to
avoid triggering the pain.
179
Neck Pain & Stiffness

Nape & Neck and Shoulder Points on the Hand
(located in both proximal metaphyses of the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger) should always
be tried when treating neck pain & stiffness.
Anterior Neck Pain/ Stiffness
LI 4, LU 7, ST 36 Palpate and treat as necessary, local and
adjacent trigger points, especially along the SCM and
Scalene, following down to the pectoral region.
Lateral Neck Pain / Stiffness
LI 4, LU 7, SJ 5, GB 41, Palpate and treat as necessary,
local and adjacent trigger points especially along the SCM
and Scalene.
Posterior Neck Pain / Stiffness
SI 3, UB 62, Palpate and treat as necessary, local and
adjacent trigger points, especially along the trapezius and
following tight muscles down into the back. The trigger
points often cross the midline in the upper, mid and lower
back, so be sure to palpate both sides of the spine.
Wrist & Hand Pain

This is often associated with trigger points in the
forearm. Palpate and treat as necessary, local and
adjacent trigger points starting at the elbow and working
your way down to the wrist. Of course you can and should
treat local points, especially choosing from the effected
Meridians. Perhaps choosing from the following:
LI 4, 5:
LU 7, 8, 9, 10
SJ 3, 4
SI 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
PC 7, 8
180
Arm & Shoulder Pain

Anterior Arm/Shoulder Pain
LI 4, ST 36, LI 14, LI 15, Jian Nei Ling Palpate and treat as
necessary, local and adjacent trigger points.
LU 7 and KD 6 might be substituted for LI 4 & St 36, if the
pain is closer to the LU meridian, or if the first set of points
are not effective.
Lateral Arm/Shoulder Pain
SJ 5, GB 41, LI 14, LI 15, GB 21, Palpate and treat as
necessary, local and adjacent trigger points.
Posterior Arm/Shoulder Pain
SI 3, UB 62, SI 9 and/or SI 10, SI 11 and/or SI 12, Palpate
and treat as necessary, local and adjacent trigger points.
Upper and Mid Back Pain

SI 3, UB62 to open the Posterior Zone
There are a number of good acupuncture points for treating
the mid and upper back, including the traps, but the
Treatments of choice for this area are Cupping and Gua
Sha. Cupping and Gua Sha can often release stagnation in
this area quite effectively, and should usually be part of the
treatment approach.
Trigger points primarily, especially in the region of:
SI 11, and GB 21.
Also chose points from:
Du 8 -14 and the associated Hua To Jia Ji Points
181
Low Back & Hip Pain and Sciatica

There are many influences on the low back and hips.
Consider that the following Meridians all pass through and
influence the lower back:
Urinary Bladder
Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
Gall Bladder
In addition the strength of the low back is dependent on the
vitality of the Kidneys.
Given all that, I have found that Opening the Dai Mai with
GB 41 & SJ 5 can be a highly effective treatment. Thats
how I often begin a course of treatment. If you try this
approach, you will be surprised at how often it gives very
good results.
Another very good approach is to begin by Opening the
Posterior Zone, with SI 3 & UB 62.
The following points all are useful local points for treating the
low back and hips, and should be considered for treatment.
Along with the usual palpation and treatment of Ashi and
Trigger Points.
GB 26, Du 4, UB 23, UB 52, UB 25, UB 32.
Distal Points include UB 40, UB 60, UB 67
182
Knee Pain
Knees can be a little stubborn for a number of reasons. First, they
take a lot of abuse from bearing excess weight, suffering from
improper foot position when walking, and the relatively Yin location
of the knees. Remember Yin is substantial, and the further down in
the body one goes, the more substantial the problem becomes, and
subsequently the tougher to move.
That said, there are some
good points to treat the knees.
Distally, in addition to the usual Jing points and Zonal points, you
can stimulate Shi Mian (center of the heel). I usually use moxa for
this, but you can also needle it.
Adjacent treatment generally consists of palpation above and below
the knee, especially focusing on the calf to find trigger points.
Local Points: ST 36, 35, 34, GB 34, Sp 9, 10, Xi Yan, UB 40
Foot & Ankle Pain

Once again, the Yin location of the feet sometimes makes them
difficult to treat, so I recommend you use a lot of points on the feet.
I feel patients benefit from even 10 -12 points on each foot, if
needed. I mainly choose from the Yang meridians, but dont limit
myself to them. The Liver meridian can be very useful here too.
Local points to choose from include:
Check the calf carefully for trigger points
SP 6 and GB 39 together to open the meridians in the foot &
Ankle
Any of the Jing Points: UB 67, GB 44, ST 45, LR 1, Sp 1,
ST 44, 42, 41
GB 43, 42, 40
UB 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65
LR 2, 3, 4
SP 2, 3, 4, 5
KD 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
183
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain is clearly an internal medical problem and
there are many reasons for it. With so many diagnosis
resulting in abdominal pain, its difficult to offer comprehensive
treatment advice in this work. However, there are a few
treatments that can often help. As with all disorders, be sure
youve diagnosed the patient carefully before beginning
treatment.
Open the Dai Mai GB 41, SJ 5
And/Or
Open the Chong Mai SP 4, PC 6
Choose from: Ren 2, 4, 6, ST 25, REN 12
7. Review: National Board Exam & Program

A. Introduction
1. This class will cover the information needed to effectively
apply acupuncture in clinical settings, and to pass the
National Boards in Acupuncture
2. Differing levels of understanding of the material apply to
the various national exams.
a) NBCE
b) ACA / ABCA
c) NCCAOM
3. Reference Material
a) CookbookAcupuncture: by Jim Ventresca
b) The Web That Has No Weaver: by Ted Kaptchuck
c) Acupuncture Clean Needle Technique Manual http://
www.ccaom.org/cntprogram.asp
d) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: by Giovani
Maccocia
e) A Manual of Acupuncture: by Peter Deadman and
Mazin Al-Khafaji with Kevin Baker
4. History:
184
a) Nei Jing: Yellow Emperors Internal Classic of

Medicine
(1) Oldest extant book on Acupuncture & Chinese
Medicine
(2) Probably written between 300 and 100 BCE
b) The Nan Jing
(1) Written in the Han Dynasty 206 BCE - 220 CE
c) Chiropractic Acupuncture in US Since 1970s
5. The Five Branches of Oriental Medicine
a) Acupuncture/Moxibustion
b) Herbal Medicine
c) Exercise : Qi Gong Tai Ji(ABCA
d) Diet/Lifestyle
e) Massage & Manipulation
B. General Theory
1. Yin Yang
a) Everything consists of Yin & Yang
(1) Relative terms that exist only in relationship to one
another
(2) Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang
(3) Yang produces Yin and Yin produces yang
(4) If Yin increases, Yang decreases and vice versa
(5) Each is necessary for the others existence
(6) Infinitely Divisible
(7) Inter-transformational Inter-consuming & Intersupporting
(8) At extremes Yin and Yang transform into one
another
b) Functions of Yin & Yang Energies in the Body
c) Yin/Yang Table of Correspondences
d) Anatomy of Yin/Yang Relationship Within Body
2. Eight Principles
a) Four Sets of Parameters
(1) Yin / Yang
(2) Excess / Deficient
(3) Internal / External
(4) Hot / Cold
185
b) Yin / Yang
(1) Based on the other 6 principles
c) Excess / Deficient
(1) There are Many Various Signs of Excesses and
Deficiencies in Organs, Substances, and
Meridians.
d) Internal / External
(1) Location of Disease or Etiology
(2) Internal
(a) Many manifestations within the Organs Bones
& Blood
(3) External
(a) Skin
(b) Muscles
(c) Meridians (Channels & Collaterals)
(d) Lungs:
i) Special Case: Upper Respiratory Infection
(OPI/EPI/EPF)
e) Hot / Cold
3. Five Elements
a) Cycles & Pathology
(1) Within each phase/element are Yin and Yang
aspects, sometimes referred to as the husbandwife relationship
(2) REVIEW Creative or Generating Cycle (Sheng)
(a) AKA: Mother / Son Cycle
(3) REVIEW Control Cycle (Ko)
(a) AKA: Grandmother / Grandson relationship
b) REVIEW: AcuPractices Table of 5 Element
Correspondences
4. Chronotherapy (The Horary Cycle)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
3-5AM / LU
5-7AM / LI
7-9AM / ST
9-11AM / SP
11AM-1PM / HT
1-3PM / SI
3-5PM / UB
186
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
5-7PM / KD
7-9 PM / PC
9-11PM / SJ
11PM - 1AM / GB
1-3AM / LR
C. The Essential Substances :

1. Qi, Xue (Blood), Jing (Essence), Shen (Spirit), Jin Ye
(Fluids)
2. Qi
a)
b)
c)
d)
Energy, Prana, Life-force, Innate

The Body Is Its Physical Manifestation
Circulates Inside and Outside the Meridians
Origin
(1) Constitution
(2) Food / Drink
(3) Air/ Environment
e) Functions Of Qi
(1) Activation Or Movement
(2) Warmth
(3) Transformation
(4) Defense
(5) Containment
f) Imbalances Of Qi
(1) Deficient Qi (Qi Deficiency)
(a) Signs & Symptoms (S&S)
(b) Fatigue
(c) Malaise
(d) Pale Face
(e) Weak Pulse
(f) Pale & Swollen (Puffy) Tongue
(g) Organ Dysfunction
(2) Collapsed Qi
(a) S&S (Two Presentations)
(b) Qi Deficiency S & S + Prolapse
(c) Qi Deficiency S & S + Heart Attack
(3) Stagnant Qi (Qi Yu)
(a) S&S
(b) Dull Achy Pain / Unfixed in Time And Space
187
(c) Intermittent Or Traveling Pain

(d) Feels Better With Massage Strokes
(e) Intercostal Neuralgia (LR Qi Yu)
(4) Rebellious Qi
(a) Moving In The Opposite Direction
(b) S&S
(c) Nausea / Vomiting / Acid Reflux
(d) Cough / Sneezing
3. Jing
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
AKA: Pre-Heaven Qi, Constitutional Qi

Formed At Conception; Inherited From The Parents
Governs Growth and Development
Stored In The Kidneys
Imbalance: Jing Deficiency
(1) Poor Development In Children
(2) Poor Concentration / Memory
(3) Reproductive Disorders
(4) Loose Teeth
(5) Brittle Bones
(6) Gray-Thinning Hair
(7) Senility
4. Blood
a)
b)
c)
d)
Blood Is Yin In Relationship To Qi

Blood Is A Fluid and a Type of Qi
Liquid Form Of Qi (Yin In Nature)
Functions:
(1) Nourishes All Parts Of The Body
(2) Moistens All Parts Of The Body
(3) Esp. Tendons, Eyes, Hair
(4) Maintains Physical Structure
(5) Cools
(6) Calms
(7) Provides Rest & Ability to Rest
e) Relationships Of Blood:
(1) Heart: Moves It Through Body
(2) Liver: Stores and Releases (includes Menstrual
Blood)
(3) Spleen: Produces Blood & Holds It In the Vessels
188
f) Disharmonies Of Blood:
(1) Deficient Blood (Xue Deficiency)
(a) Similar to Qi Deficiency, but with the addition of
Lack of Nourishment, and Moistening
(b) Fatigue
(c) Malaise
(d) Pale Lusterless Face
(e) Weak Thin Pulse
(f) Pale & Thin Tongue
(g) Organ Dysfunction
(h) Dry Skin
(i) Brittle Hair
(j) Twitches And Spasms (Due To Drying Out Of
Tendons)
(k) Scanty/Light/Shortened/Infrequent Menses
(l) Dizziness
(m)Difficulty Falling Asleep (Yin Substance)
(n) Dry Eyes (Liver)
(2) Stuck Blood (Xue Yu)
(a) Sharp, Stabbing Pain Fixed in Time & Space
(b) Tumors Or Cysts (Non-Moving)
(c) Swollen Organs
(d) Hematoma
(3) Hot Blood
(a) Red Dry Skin
(b) Pimples
(c) Rashes
(d) Hemorrhage Of Fresh Red Blood
(Hemorrhoids, Uterine Bleeding, Urine)
5. Fluids: Jin Ye
a) Includes All Normal Bodily Fluids Except Blood
b) Jin: Clear, More Yang, Watery
c) Ye: Thick, Internal, More Yin
6. Shen (Spirit)
a) Spirit That Is Stored In The Heart and Reflected in the
Eyes
b) Emotional Problems, Psychological And Emotional
Shock, Disturbances Of Psychological/Mental Nature
189
D. The Causes of Disease or Pathogenic

Factors
1. External Pathogenic Factors AKA The Evil Winds
a) Wind
b) Cold
c) Damp
d) Dryness
e) Heat
f) Summer Heat
2. Internal Pathogenic Factors AKA The Emotions
a) Anger
b) Joy
c) Melancholy & Grief
d) Meditation (Over thinking)
e) Fear
f) Fright
3. Miscellaneous Pathogenic Factors
a) Inappropriate Diet
b) Inappropriate Exercise
c) Inappropriate Timing
d) Parasites
e) Trauma
f) Insect / Animal Bites
g) Epidemics
h) Wrong Treatment
E. Organs
1. Lungs
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
AKA: Tender Organ, Master Of Qi

Opens To The Nose & Throat
Most Easily Affected By OPI
Dislikes Cold And Dryness
Properties & Functions
(1) Liquefies, Descends, Disseminates & Circulates
Fluids
(2) Governs Qi & Respiration
(3) Rules The Exterior
f) Common Disharmonies:
190
(1) LU Qi Deficiency
(2) LU Yin Deficiency
(3) Rebellious Qi in LU
(4) OPI
(5) Dampness. Phlegm in LU
g) Major S&S: Respiratory
2. Large Intestine
a) The Official In Charge Of The Dregs
b) Dependent Upon Lungs For Descending
3. Spleen
a) AKA: The Official In Charge Of Transportation And
Transformation (T&T)
b) Governs T&T of Qi, Blood & Jin Ye
c) Holds Blood & Organs in Place
d) Opens To The Mouth: Manifests In The Lips
e) Dislikes Dampness & Cold
f) Rules The Flesh & Muscles
g) Common Disharmonies:
(1) SP Qi Deficiency
(2) SP Blood Deficiency
(3) SP Yang Deficiency
(4) Dampness in SP
h) Major S&S
(1) Lower Digestive
(2) Fatigue
4. Stomach
a) The Official In Charge Of Rotting And Ripening
b) Prepares Food and Drink for T&T by the Spleen
c) Common Disharmonies:
(1) Rebellious ST Qi
(2) Heat in the ST
d) Major S&S: Upper Digestive
5. Heart AKA: The Emperor

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
191
Houses The Consciousness / Shen

Rules Blood And Blood Vessels
Dislikes Heat
Opens To The Tongue
Manifests In The Complexion
f) Common Disharmonies:
(1) Heart Blood Deficiency
(2) Heart Yin Deficiency
(3) Blood Stagnation in the Heart or Chest
(4) Heat in the Heart
g) Major S&S
(1) Psychological Disorders
(2) Palpitations
6. Small Intestine
a) Separates The Pure From The Impure
7. Liver
a) AKA The General AKA Free & Easy Wanderer
b) In Charge of Planning
c) Responsible for the Smooth and Easy Flow of Qi &
Emotions
d) Rules the Tendons & Muscles
(1) Tight/Tense Muscles
(2) Tics, Twitches & Tremors Sea of Blood (Stores)
e) The Master Alchemist / transmutes and detoxifies
f) Opens To The Eyes
g) Dislikes WIND (Heat / Stagnation)
h) Houses the Hun (ego)
i) Common Disharmonies:
(1) Liver Qi Stagnation
(2) Liver Invading
(a) Stomach
(b) Spleen
(c) Lung
(3) Liver Blood Stagnation
(a) Painful periods, Clots, Sharp Stabbing Pain
j) Major S&S:
(1) Stress Related Disorders
(2) Anger / Irritability
(3) Gynecological problems
(4) Meridian related Sx.
(a) Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder
8. Gall Bladder
a) The Official in Charge of Decision Making
192
b) Very Closely Related to the LR
9. Kidney
a)
b)
c)
d)
AKA Root of Yin & Yang / Root of Life

Opens To The Ears
Dislikes Cold
Functions
(1) Stores Jing
(2) It houses the Will
(3) Rules the Bones
(4) Housed in the Low Back
(5) Rules the Knees & Ankles
(6) Governs birth, growth and reproduction.
(7) Nourishes and Warms (supplies Yin & Yang to) the
Lower Warmer
e) Common Disharmonies:
(1) Deficiencies ONLY: NO Excess Conditions
(2) KD Qi Deficiency
(3) KD Yang Deficiency
(4) KD Yin Deficiency
(5) KD Jing Deficiency
f) Major S&S:
(1) General Qi & Yang Deficiency S & Sx
(2) General Yin Deficiency S & Sx
(3) Low Back / Knee Pain and Weakness
(4) Impotence and Infertility
(5) Incontinence / Urinary Frequency
(6) S&S of Premature Ageing
10.Urinary Bladder
a) Transforming and excreting fluids via the power of KD
Qi
11.Pericardium
a) The Minister: Insulates, Screens, & Protects The
Heart
b) Maintains The Order Of The Heart Energy
c) Treats All Heart Disorders Organic & Spirit
12.San Jiao
a) AKA: Triple Heater, Triple Warmer, Triple Energizer
Triple Burner
193
b) Literally Three Burning Spaces

c) Upper Jiao
(1) LU & HT
(2) Respiration & Circulation
d) Middle Jiao
(1) SP & ST
(2) Digestion & Assimilation
e) Lower Jiao
(1) KD, UB & Reproductive Organs
(2) Elimination & Reproduction
f) The Three Jiaos are collectively responsible for Water
Metabolism
(1) Classically Described As A System Of Sluices Or
Waterways
(2) Lung Adjusts Water
(a) Descends & Disseminates - Sends it down
(3) Spleen Transforms Water
(a) T & T - Sends it Up
(4) Kidney Rules Water
(a) Powers the Process
13.Extraordinary (Curious) Organs

a) Fu Shape /Store Essences
b) Six Curious Organs
(1) Gall Bladder
(2) Brain
(3) Marrow
(4) Bone
(5) Blood Vessels
(6) Uterus
F. Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis

1. REVIEW Tongue
a) Areas
b) Color
c) Shape
d) Coating
e) Moisture
f) Features
2. REVIEW Pules
194
a) Speed
b) Strength
c) Positions
d) Qualities
3. REVIEW Tongue & Pulse Usual Combinations
G. Clean Needle Technique

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
195
Hand Washing
Sterile Needles
Clean Field
Isolate Used Needles Immediately
Universal Precautions: Prevention of Exposure and
Prevention of Disease if Exposure Occurs.
Clean Technique
a) Using Sterilization, Disinfection, Antisepsis, washing,
etc.
b) Clean Field
c) Biohazard Container
Risks to Acupuncture Providers
Risks to Acupuncture Patients
a) Needle Sickness / Fainting
b) Pain / Bruising / Swelling at Needle Site
c) Stuck Needle
d) Forgotten Needle
e) Neuritis
f) Moxa Burns
g) Abscess
h) Allergic Dermatitis
i) Broken Needle
j) Auricular Chondritis
k) Pneumothorax
l) Organ Puncture
m) Seizures
Contraindications and Cautions
a) Always use Caution when treating Patients who are or
may be
(1) Pregnant
(2) Elderly
(3) Imunocomprimised
(4) Diabetic
(5) Very Tired
(6) Very Hungry
(7) Under the influence of any Mind Altering/Pain
Relieving Medications
(8) Numb in an area to be treated
b) Points Contraindicated in Pregnancy
c) LI 4
(1) SP 6
(2) GB 21 (Caution)
(3) Points on the Abdomen (Caution)
(4) Points on the Lower Back (Caution)
(5) GB 21 Contraindicated for patients with Heart
Conditions
d) Electro-Acupuncture Contraindicated for patients with
(1) Pacemakers and other electrical implants
(2) History of Seizure Disorders
(3) Strongly Recommended not to apply electroacupuncture across the heart (i.e. Chest to Back/
Left to Right/ Arm to Arm)
H. Acupuncture Techniques
1. Acupuncture/Moxibustion
a) Needles
(1) Standard
(2) Retained
(3) Bleeding
b) Moxa
(1) Direct
(2) Indirect
c) Electro-Acupuncture
(1) Milliamp & Microamp
(2) Invasive / Non-Invasive
2. Non-invasive Techniques
a) Cupping
b) Guasha
c) LASER
d) Pressballs / Seeds
e) Magnets
196
3. Moxa
I. Acupuncture Points and Meridians

1. Body Measurements and General Point Location
2. Point Categories
a) Front Mu /Alarm: Treat the Organ (Yin)
b)
c) Back Shu /Associated: Treat the Organ (Yang)
d) Yuan / Source: Treat the Yuan/Jing Level of the Organ
e) Horary: Element Point that matches the Organ
f) Luo /Connecting: Connects Husband/Wife Meridians
g) Xi Cleft /Accumulation: Pain along the Meridian
h) 5 Element/Command
(1) Wood/Mu
(2) Fire/Huo
(3) Earth/Tu
(4) Metal/Jin
(5) Water/Shui
i) Tonification / Mother (previous 5-element Sheng cycle
point)
j) Sedation / Son (subsequent 5-element Sheng cycle
point)
k) Transport (Shu Points)
(1) Jing-Well aka Ting or Tsing
(2) TM Meridian Clearing
(3) Ying-Spring
(4) Shu-Stream
(5) Used with Jing-well for TM tx.
(6) Jing-River
(7) He-Sea
l) Ah Shi Points: Locally Reactive Points (Trigger Points)
3. Du Meridian Governing Vessel
a) The pathway of the Du Meridian runs from the
perineum, up through the middle of the spine over the
head and ending at the upper lip. All its points are on
the posterior midline of the body. It is also the most
Yang meridian on the body. Since Yang Meridians are
often used to treat disorders along the pathway of the
197
4.
5.
6.
7.
meridian, the Du is important, for treating any and all

disorders of the back and specifically the spine.
Ren Meridian Conception Vessel.
a) The pathway of the Ren Meridian runs from the
perineum, up the midline of the front of the body
ending just under the lower lip. All its points are on
the anterior midline of the body. It is also the most Yin
meridian on the body. Since Yin Meridians are often
used to treat internal disorders, the Ren is important,
for treating many internal disorders and especially
those associated with reproductive functions.
Lung/Fei
a) The pathway of the Lung Meridian runs from the
second intercostal space 2/3 the distance from the
middle of the sternum to the acromion process, down
the anterior surface of the arm and ending at the
proximal radial corner of the nail of the thumb. Since
Yin Meridians are often used to treat internal
disorders, the Lung Meridian is important, for treating
many internal disorders associated with the Lungs.
These include all respiratory disorders and symptoms
associated with colds and flus.
Large Intestine/ Da Chang
a) The pathway of the Large Intestine Meridian runs from
the proximal radial corner of the index finger along the
arm on the lateral border of the radial bone to the top
of the shoulder, crossing the SCM on the neck to the
lower border of the ala nsai, on the opposite side.
Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat disorders
along the pathway of the meridian, the Large Intestine
is important, for treating any and all disorders of arm,
neck and head.
Stomach/Wei
a) The pathway of the Stomach meridian runs from the
middle of the lower border of the eye socket down to
the outer corner of the mouth, then back to the
mandible and up to the corner of the hairline. From
there it proceeds down the front of the body along the
198
mid-clavicular line over the ribcage, where it moves

closer to the midline and down to the upper border of
the pubic bone. From here it travels out to the leg and
along a trajectory just lateral to the crest of the tibia,
and on to the foot, ending at the proximal medial
corner of the nail of second toe. Since Yang
Meridians are often used to treat disorders along the
pathway of the meridian, the Stomach meridian is
important, for treating any and all disorders of and
eye, head, teeth, and leg.
8. Spleen/Pi
a) The pathway of the Spleen Meridian runs from the
proximal medial corner of the nail of the great toe
along the medial edge of the foot, up the leg following
the posterior border of the tibia. At he waist it runs
parallel to the midline along the mid-clavicular line
until it departs to end at the mid-axillary line midway
between the axilla and the free end of the 11th rib.
Since Yin Meridians are often used to treat internal
disorders, the Spleen Meridian is important, for
treating many internal disorders associated with the
Spleen. These include all digestive disorders and
symptoms associated with fatigue, and dampness.
9. Heart / Xin
a) The pathway of the Heart Meridian runs from the
middle of the axiclla down the medial surface of the
arm and ending at the proximal radial corner of the
nail of the pinky finger. Since Yin Meridians are often
used to treat internal disorders, the Heart Meridian is
important, for treating disorders associated with the
Heart. These include all mental / emotional disorders
and symptoms associated with sleep.
10.Small Intestine/Xiao Chang
a) The pathway of the Small Intestine Meridian runs from
the proximal ulnar corner of the pinky finger along the
arm on the lateral border of the ulnar bone to the back
of the shoulder, through the scapula, up to the back of
the neck past the ear and ending lateral to the eye.
199

along the pathway of the meridian, the Small Intestine
is important, for treating any and all disorders along its
pathway, especially around the scapula, and neck.
11.Urinary Bladder / Pang Guang
a) The pathway of the Urinary Bladder Meridian runs
from the medial inner canthus up over the head just
lateral to the midline, down the side of the neck where
it separates into tow pathways, both running parallel
to the midline of the back. One pathway is located at
the distance of the medial border of the scapula, and
the other is halfway between the medial border of the
scapula and the midline. At the sacrum the meridian
moves out to the buttocks and down to the center of
popliteal crease, and throughout the back of the calf,
to the ankle where it runs just under the lateral
maleoleous ending at the lateral proximal corner of the
little toe. Since Yang Meridians are often used to treat
disorders along the pathway of the meridian, the
Urinary Bladder is important, for treating any and all
disorders of back, and legs. It should also be noted
that this meridian contains the Back Shu Points.
These are specific points for each of the Organs.
12.Kidney / Shen
a) The pathway of the Kidney Meridian runs from the
center of the ball of the foot along the medial edge of
the foot, under the medial malleolus, up the medial
aspect of the leg posterior to the tibia. At the waist it
runs parallel and just lateral to the midline ending at
the top of the sternum. Since Yin Meridians are often
used to treat internal disorders, the Kidney Meridian is
important, for treating many internal disorders
associated with the Kidney. These include all growth
development and ageing, reproductive and urinary
disorders and symptoms associated with fatigue, and
general weakness.
13.Pericardium/ Xin Bao Luo
200
a) The pathway of the Pericardium Meridian runs from

the chest down the medial surface of the arm and
ending at the tip of the middle finger. Since Yin
Meridians are often used to treat internal disorders,
and the Pericardium is closely related to the Heart
Meridian, it is most commonly used to treat disorders
associated with the Heart. These include all mental /
emotional disorders and symptoms associated with
sleep, as well as organic heart disorders.
14.Triple Heater / Triple Warmer / San Jiao
a) The pathway of the San Jiao is similar to that of the
Small Intestine but more radial.. It runs from the
proximal ulnar corner of the ring finger along the arm
on the lateral border of the ulnar bone to the back of
the shoulder, along the top posterior aspect of the
trapezius, up to the back of the neck around the ear
and ending just anterior to the tragus of the ear. Since
Yang Meridians are often used to treat disorders along
the pathway of the meridian, the San Jiao is important,
for treating any and all disorders along its pathway,
especially around the shoulder, and ear.
15.Gall Bladder / Dan
a) The pathway of the Gall Bladder Meridian runs from
the Lateral outer canthus back and forth coursing the
sides of the head, down the side of the neck where it
follows the top of the trapezius, down to the side of
the ribcage, throughout the flanks, to the hip, and
down along the most lateral aspect of the leg, to the
ankle where it runs under the lateral maleoleous
ending at the lateral proximal corner of the fourth toe.
along the pathway of the meridian, the Gall Bladder is
important, for treating any and all disorders of sides of
the head, trunk, hip, and legs
16.Liver / Gan
a) The pathway of the Liver Meridian runs from the
proximal lateral corner of the nail of the great toe
along the medial edge of the foot, up to the posterior
201
to the border of the tibia between the Spleen and

Kidney meridians. At he waist it runs parallel to the
midline until it departs to the free end of the 11th rib,
ending at the sixth intercostals space on the midclavicular line. The Liver Meridian is important, for
treating many internal disorders associated with the
Liver. These include many emotional disorders and
symptoms associated with stagnation and wind.
17.Extraordinary Points
18.Additional Meridians
a) The Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
(1) Access the deepest energies of the individual
(2) Equalizing Qi Reservoirs
(3) Link Meridians and Organs
(4) Zonal / Planar Tx. Of Pain
(5) Master & Couple Points
(a) SI3 and BL62
(b) TH5 and GB41
(c) LU7 and KI6
(d) SP4 and P6.
(e) Ren Mai
i) Master Point Lu 7
(f) Du Mai
i) Master Point SI 3
(g) Chong Mai
i) Master Point SP 4
(h) Dai Mai
i) Master Point GB 41
(i) Yang Wei Mai
i) Master Point SJ 5
(j) Yin Wei Mai
i) Master Point PC 6
(k) Yang Qiao Mai
i) Master Point UB 62
(l) Yin Qiao Mai
i) Master Point KD 6
b) 12 Tendino-Muscular (Sinew) Meridians
(1) Circulate on the periphery of the body.
202
c)
d)
e)
f)
(2) Do not penetrate to the Zangfu.

(3) Are associated with and take their names from the
twelve primary channels.
(4) Originate at the extremities / Jing-Well Points
(5) Broadly follow the course of their associated
primary channels but are wider.
(6) Pain / Trauma
12 Divergent Meridians
(1) Connect with their paired channel
(2) Deeper than Main Meridians
(3) Govern the inside of the body
12 Skin Regions
(1) Related to the Main Meridians
(2) Explain Dx & Tx via the skin
15 Luo Connecting Channels
(1) One small branching channel for each of the 12
primary channels, one each for the Ren & Du, and
one for the Great Luo of the Spleen
Minute Collaterals
J. Auricular Acupuncture and Other

Microsystems
1. Ear, Scalp, Hand
a) Find point exactly
b) Apply Active or Passive Movement During the
Treatment
c) Look For Immediate Change
2. Auricular Acupuncture
a) Ear Anatomy is Crutial for Locating Points on Any
Exam
b) Major Points
(1) Shen Men
(2) Heart
(3) Liver
(4) Kidney
(5) Sympathetic N
(6) Thirst
(7) Hunger
203
(8) Nicotine
(9) Shoulder-Arm-Hand-Finger
(10)Back
(11)Hip-Leg-Foot-Toe
(12)Sciatica
(13)Uterus
(14)Toothache
(15)Aspirin Pt.
K. Name That Disharmony / Diagnosis Review

L. A Patient Presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Fatigue, loose stools, pale thin tongue with a white coat,
pale and lusterless face, lack of appetite, weak limbs, and a
weak and thin pulse.
M. A patient presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Chronic neck and shoulder tension, pain in rib cage,
plumb pit throat, pain on palpation on lower left side of the
abdomen, angry disposition, slightly purple tongue, wiry
pulse.
N. A patient presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Palpitations, malaise, fatigue,, a weak thin pulse,
forgetfulness, confusion, and pale thin tongue with white
coat, a pale lusterless face, and a thin weak pulse.
O. A patient presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Insomnia, chronic dry, sore throat, malor flush, restlessness,
palpitations, weak legs, low back pain, dark scanty urination,
thin red tongue with a peeled coat, thin rapid pulse.
P. A Patient Presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Sore Low Back which feels weak, and somewhat better with
heat, frequent clear copious urination, low sex drive, fatigue,
pale face, weak and slow pulse, pale and puffy tongue with a
wet coat.
Q. A patient presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Asthma, restlessness, insomnia, thin and rapid pulse, thin
red tongue with no coat.
R. A patient presents with the following signs and symptoms:
Insomnia, thin pale tongue especially at the center and tip,
pale lusterless face, palpitations, chronic diarrhea, fatigue,
thin weak pulse.
204
7.
Internal Medicine
A.
Introduction
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Respiratory
Digestive
Genitourinary
Emotional Disorders
Womens Health
Herbal Medicine
Internal medical diagnosis, and treatment with all Chinese
Medical techniques, including Acupuncture, Herbs, Diet
and Lifestyle.
8. Repetition of Disharmonies
a) You will notice a necessary repetition of disharmonies
in different disorders, which will assist you in learning
and easily recognizing, and treating these problems.
(1) i.e. Spleen Qi Deficiency may manifest as many
different disorders, including
(a) Digestive: Looses Stools, Lack of Appetite
(b) Emotional: Depression
(c) Womens Health: Tendency to Miscarry
9. Theoretical Principles Review

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
Eight Principles
Four Sets of Parameters
Yin / Yang
Internal / External
Excess / Deficient
Hot / Cold
Five Elements
The Essential Substances
Qi
(1) Qi Generation
(2) Functions of Qi
(3) Imbalances of Qi
j) Jing & Yuan Qi
k) Blood
(1) Functions:
(2) Relationships Of Blood:
205
(a) Heart, Liver & Spleen

(3) Disharmonies Of Blood:
l) Jin Ye
m) Shen
n) The Causes of Disease or Pathogenic Factors
(1) External Pathogenic Factors
(2) Internal Pathogenic Factors
(3) Miscellaneous Pathogenic Factors
10. Meridian Review

a) Points from the Yin Meridians are the ones most often
chosen to treat internal disorders
(1) LU, SP, KD, LR, Ht & PC
b) Some Yang Meridians are also commonly used
(1) UB, ST
c) Extraordinary Meridians
(1) Ren, Du, Chong, & Dai
11.Organs Review
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Lung (Fei) - Large Intestine (Da Chang)

Spleen (Pi) - Stomach (Wei)
Heart (Xin) - Small Intestine (Xiao Chang)
Liver (Gan) - Gall Bladder (Dan)
Kidney (Shen) - Urinary Bladder (Pang Guang)
KIDNEY (SHEN)
Pericardium (Xinbaoluo) -San Jiao (Triple Warmer/
Burner/Heater/Energizer)
12.Extraordinary Meridians
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
Origin
General Functions
Zonal Meridian Treatment
Psychological Transformation
Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
Dai Mai (Belt Meridian)
Yang Wei Mai
Yin Wei Mai
Yin Qiao Mai
Yang Qiao Mai
206
13.Extraordinary / Curious Organs

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Gall Bladder
Brain
Marrow
Bone
Blood Vessels
Uterus
B. Respiratory System and Conditions

1. Upper Respiratory Conditions
a) Sinus
(1) Congestion
(a) Pathology / Basic Patterns
i) Wind
ii) Phlegm
iii) Heat
iv) Cold
(b) Meridian Techniques
(c) Dietary / Lifestyle / Herbal Recommendations
b) Headaches
(1) Pathology
(2) Phlegm
(3) Meridian Techniques
(4) Dietary / Lifestyle / Herbal Recommendations
c) Other Headaches
(1) Qi Yu
(2) Yang Ming
(3) Tai Yang
(4) Xiao Yang
(5) Liver
(6) Infections
(7) Pathology / Basic Patterns
(a) Wind / Heat / Phlegm
(b) Wind / Cold / Phlegm
d) Ear Involvement
(1) Pathology /Basic Patterns
207
(a) Heat
(b) Cold
e) Common Cold/ Viruses
(1) Wind Cold
(a) Pathology
i) Sneezing / Runny/Stuffy Nose
ii) White Mucous
iii) Chills
iv) Headache
v) Body Ache
(2) Wind Heat
(a) Tai Yang / Shao Yang / Yang Ming
i) Pathology
ii) Fever
iii) Sore throat
iv) Laryngitis
v) Yellow/Green Mucous
(b) Basic Patterns
(c) Meridian Techniques
(d) Dietary / Lifestyle / Herbal Recommendations
2. Lower Respiratory Conditions

(1) Chest Cold / Heat
(a) Pathology
(b) Basic Patterns
(2) Chest Cold / Cold
(a) Pathology
(b) Basic Patterns
(3) Bronchitis (deeper level
(a) Pathology / Basic Patterns
i) Lung Qi Deficiency
208
ii) Lung Yin Deficiency

3. Allergies
a) EENT (sinus, ears, eyes, post nasal)
(1) Pathology
(a) Wind Damp
(2) Basic Patterns
b) Seasonal
(1) Pathology
(a) Wind Damp
(2) Basic Patterns
c) Environmental
(1) Pathology
(2) Basic Patterns
d) Dietary
(a) Spleen and or Kidney Qi /Yang Deficiency
4. COPD: Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema,

etc.
a) Pathology / Basic Patterns
(1) Lung Qi Deficiency
(2) Lung Yin Deficiency
(3) Spleen Qi/Yang Deficiency
(4) Kidney Qi/Yang Deficiency
b) Meridian Techniques
c) Dietary / Lifestyle / Herbal Recommendations
5. Immune System Weakness

(1) Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency
209
(2) Lung Qi/Yang/Yin Deficiency

(3) Wei Qi Deficiency
6. Smoking Cessation
a) Pathology /Basic Patterns
(1) Kid, LR, LU Yin Deficiency
C. Gastro-Intestinal System & Conditions

1. Oral Cavity (mouth, tongue, teeth, lips)
a) Ulcers / Burning Pain
(a) Stomach Heat / Fire
b) Tooth pain dental anesthesia
(a) Yang Ming Excess
c) Post-surgical Pain
(a) Qi & Blood Yu
2. Pharynx and Esophageal

a) Swallowing Problems
(1) Pathology/Basic Patterns
(2)
b) Reflux Esophagitis
(a) Rebellious Stomach Qi
(b) Stomach Heat / Fire
(c) Stomach Yin Deficiency
210
(d) Liver Invading Stomach

c) Hiatial Hernia
(b) Stomach Yin Deficiency
(c) Liver Invading Stomach
d) Hiccups, Burping, Vomiting
(a) Rebellious Stomach Qi
(b) Chong Mai Disharmony
3. Stomach
(1) Upset Stomach, Poor/ Weak Digestion
(a) Stomach Yin Deficiency
(b) Spleen Qi / Yang Deficiency
b) Food Poisoning
(a) Summer Heat in Stomach and Intestines
(b) True Cold in Stomach and Intestines
c) Gastritis
d) Ulcers
211

e) Motion/Morning Sickness
(a) Chong Mai Disharmony
(b) Stomach Qi Rebellion
4. Intestinal / Colorectal
a) Poor Digestion
(1) Pathology Basic Patterns
(a) SP QI & Yang Deficiency
(b) KD Qi & Yang Deficiency
(c) Liver Invading Spleen
b) Gas and Distention
(a) SP QI & Yang Deficiency
(b) KD Qi & Yang Deficiency
c) IBS, and Chrons Disease
(a) Liver Invading Spleen
(b) SP QI & Yang Deficiency
(c) KD Qi & Yang Deficiency
d) Hemorrhoids, Fissures, Fistulae
(a) Spleen Qi Collapse
212
(c) Heat in Lower Warmer

e) Parasites
(a) Damp Heat in Lower Warmer
(b) Cold Damp in Lower Warmer
(c) Summer Heat in Large Intestine
D. Genito-Urinary System & Conditions

1. Kidney Disease / Failure
(1) Kidney Yang Deficiency
(2) Kidney Jing Deficiency
2. Low Sex Drive, Impotence, Frigidity

(1) Shen Involvement
(2) Kidney Qi / Yang Deficiency
(3) Blood Deficiency
d) Heightened Sex Drive
(a) Kidney Yin Deficiency
(b) Liver Qi Stagnation
(c) Liver Yin Deficiency
(d) Liver Fire
3. Urinary Tract Infections

(1) Heat in Lower Warmer
(2) Damp Heat in Lower Warmer
(3) Cold Damp in Lower Warmer
213
4. Urinary Retention
(1) Dampness in Lower Warmer
5. Male GU Conditions
a) Low sperm counts, Abnormal Motility/ Morphology,
Sterility
(a) Kidney Qi / Yang Deficiency
(b) Kidney Yin Deficiency
(c) Blood Deficiency
(d) Liver Qi Stagnation
(e) Liver Blood Stagnation
b) BPH
(a) Dampness in Lower Warmer
(b) Kidney Qi / Yang Deficiency
(c) Liver Qi / Blood Stagnation
c) Prostatitis
(a) Kidney Yin Deficiency
(b) Liver Qi / Blood Stagnation
(c) Liver Yin Deficiency
(d) Liver Fire
6. Female GU Conditions
a) Endometriosis
(a) Liver Blood & Qi Stagnation in Lower Warmer
b) Ovarian, Uterine Cysts and Tumors
214

(a) Blood Stagnation
(b) Phlegm
c) Prolapsed Urinary Bladder
(a) Spleen Qi Collapse
d) Menstrual Pain
(2) Liver Qi Stagnation
(3) Liver Blood Stagnation
(4) Chong Mai Disharmony
(5) Dai Mai Disharmony
e) Infertility, Egg Production / Quality, Ovarian
Fallopian Uterine Vaginal Issues
(a) Kidney Qi / Yang Deficiency
(b) Spleen Qi / Yang Deficiency
(c) Heart Qi / Yang Deficiency
(d) Liver Qi Stagnation
(e) Liver Blood Stagnation
(f) Chong Mai Disharmony
(g) Dai Mai Disharmony
(h) Ren Mai Disharmony
(i) Du Mai Disharmony
(j) Shen Involvement
215
8. WOMENS HEALTH
A. Introduction
1. Womens health take into account almost all the systems,
organs, and substances in Oriental medicine, as well and
most al of the treatment techniques.
2. Recommended Book Balance Your Hormones Balance
Your Life: Claudia Welch
B. Review Major Relevant Points:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Liver
Spleen
Kidney
Heart
Du
Ren
Chong
Dai
Lower Abdomen
C. Organs, Meridians, and Substances

1. Jing (Essence)
a) Tian Gui
b) Minister Fire/ Motive Force/ Mingmen fire
c) Stored in the Mingmen
(1) Lower Dan Tian
(2) Lower Field of Elixir
(3) In Women it Includes The Uterus
(a) Zi Bao, Bao Gong,
i) Fetal Wrapper, Fetal Palace, Blood
Chamber
d) In men it includes the Room of Sperm
2. Kidneys
a) Store Jing
b) Relevant Kidney pathology
(1) Jing Deficiency
(2) QI / Yang Deficiency
(3) Yin Deficiency
3. Menarche/Menopause
216
4.
5.
6.
7.
217
a) At 14 years if the Blood, Jing, Ren, and Chong are

full, the Tian Gui (Heavenly Dew) descends
b) At 49 years when the Ren, Chong, Fluids, and Blood
become insufficient the Tian Gui withdraws
c) Blood
Womens physiology is rooted in blood. Mens in Qi
Conception Relies on Blood, from Mother
a) Blood (post-natal Qi), essence (pre-natal Qi), Kid, LR,
Ren, Chong, Yin
b) In Pregnancy Blood nourishes fetus so it does not
irrigate Chong.
(1) No menses
(2) Blood becomes milk.
Liver
a) Responsible for smooth flow of Qi & Emotions
b) Stores Blood
(1) Menstrual Blood and. regular Blood
(2) Delivers Blood to uterus
c) Moves the Qi that moves the Blood
d) LR Channel flows through breasts
(1) Breast pain & tenderness
e) Relevant Liver Pathology
(1) LR Qi Stagnation
(2) Yang rising
(3) Liver wind
(4) LR Blood Stagnation
(5) LR Blood Deficiency
(6) Damp Heat in Liver channel
Spleen
a) Produces Qi & Blood
b) Closely associated with Liver
c) Amount of blood
d) Timing of cycle
e) Holds Blood in the vessels
f) Holds Organs & Fetus in place
g) Spleen Pathology
(1) SP Qi and Blood Deficiency
(2) SP Qi and Blood Deficiency w/ Damp
(3) SP Qi Not Holding (collapsed/sinking)

8. Heart
a) Governs Blood
b) Pumps it thought the vessels
c) Turns it red
d) Personality/identity
e) Bao mai
(1) HT-UT connection
(2) Shen/ emotions
9. Stomach
a) Connected to Uterus via Chong Mai
b) Channel flows through breasts
(1) Breast milk
10.Extraordinary Vessels (see pocket reference card at end
of notes)
a) Source of Creation 1st channels in embryo
b) Du and Ren cut thru Dai, linking it w/ Ht, genitals,
umbilicus and Chong
c) Du, Ren, Chong Arise from Mingmen and flow thru
uterus, D
d) Primary Extraordinary Vessels
(1) Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
(a) GB 41 / SJ 5
(b) Opens the Lower Warmer
(c) Influences LR Qi flow
(d) Guides and supports Uterus & LW Qi
(2) Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
(a) SP4 / PC6
(b) Sea of blood
(c) Controls menses
(d) Access thru ST 30
i) KI 11 to 27
(3) Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
(a) LU7 / KD6
(b) Sea of Yin
(c) Connect to Yin, Jing and Fluids
(d) Relate to int. and ext/ genitalia
(e) Hormonal gateway
218
(4) Du Mai (Governing Vessel)

(a) SI 3 / UB 62
(b) Rules the Yang
e) Secondary Extraordinary Vessels
(1) Yin/ Yang Qiao (Heel Vessels)
(a) Used for Excess patterns of LJ
(b) Masses
(c) Fibroids
(d) Adhesions
(e) difficult delivery
(f) external genitalia
(2) Yin/Yang Wei (Linking Vessels)
(a) Calm mind /Shen
(b) Nourish Blood
D. Essential Etiology
1. Exterior Pathogenic factors
a) Cold
(1) Pain (Cramping Nature)
(2) Warm it with moxa / TDP Lamp
(3) Move it with acupuncture
(4) Warm it with Herbs
b) Dampness
(1) Heaviness
(2) Transform it by tonifying the Spleen
(3) Vaporize it by tonifying the Kidneys
(4) Circulate it with the Lungs
c) Heat
(1) Enters the Blood
(2) Cool it with Acupuncture or Herbs
2. Internal: Emotions and Stress
a) Anxiety & Stress
(1) Most Common Cause of Stagnation
(2) Liver Qi & Blood
(3) Chong Mai
(4) Dai Mai
(5) Spleen
(7) Emotional Stress @ Puberty
219
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
(a) Ren & Chong

b) Sadness & Grief
(1) Ht
(2) LR
c) Worry
(1) SP
d) Anger
(2) LR fire
e) Fear
(1) Kid
f) Shock
(1) Ht, SP, Kid
g) Guilt
(1) Dai Mai
Diet
a) Blood & Qi Deficiency
(1) Dampness Collects
b) Overwork/exercise = too long w/o good rest, diet
(1) KD Yin Deficiency
Pregnancy & Childbirth
a) Not enough rest after
b) Pre-existing Blood and/or KD Deficiency
c) Blood Deficiency
Abortion
a) Blood Stagnation
b) Blood & Qi Deficiency
c) KD Deficiency
Excess or Deficiency of Sexual activity
a) Excess: During puberty, During period, During
pregnancy
(1) KD Deficiency
b) Deficiency: Repression
c) LR Qi Stagnation
C-Sections, Other Abdominal Surgeries, &
Hysterectomies
a) Disruption of
b) Ren
220
c) Chong
d) Dai
e) Blood Stagnation
f) Adhesions
g) Spleen and Kidney Deficiencies
8. Contraceptive pills & shots
a) Unpredictable
E. Essential Diagnosis
1. Reproductive Cycle
a) Menstrual phase
(1) Blood moving
(2) Liver Qi
(3) Liver Blood
(4) Scanty: move blood
(5) Heavy: Stop bleeding
b) Post-menstrual phase
(1) Blood/ Yin Deficiency
(2) Depleted Chong and Ren
(3) Western: follicle grows, estrogen levels rise due to
FSH direction
(4) Nourish Liver blood and K yin
c) Mid-cycle phase
(1) Blood and Yin gradually fill up in the Chong and
Ren
(2) Western: ovulation. Ovum released from follicle
and corpus luteum develops due to LH
(3) Promote ovulation by nourishing k Jing
(4) [also TX Du, Ren, Chong, due to their hormonal
connection]
d) Pre-menstrual phase
(1) Yang Qi rises
(2) Liver Qi gears up to move liver blood
(3) Tonify Yang if Deficiency / Move Liver Qi if
stagnant
2. Questioning
a) Menarche
b) Cycle
(1) Amount
221
3.
4.
5.
6.
(2) Color
(3) Consistency
(4) Pain
c) PMS
(1) Pain
d) Vaginal discharge
e) Fertility and pregnancy
(1) Childbirth
(2) Miscarriage and abortion
f) Other
Palpation
a) Pulse
(1) Fast = Hot
(2) Slow = Yang Deficient Cold
b) Abdomen and Muscles
(1) Lack of integrity
(2) Deficiency of Spleen and Kidney
(3) Congestion in the Tissues
(4) Masses / Fibroids
Observation
a) Complexion & Lips
(1) Pale =Deficiency
(2) Red = Heat
Tongue
a) Body color
(1) Pale = Deficiency
(2) Red = Heat
b) Shape
(1) Puffy = Qi or Yang Deficiency
(2) Thin = Blood or Yin Deficiency
c) Coating
(1) Yellow = Heat
(2) White = Not Hot
(3) Sticky/Greasy = Dampness
(4) No Coat / Peeled = Yin Deficiency
Odor
a) Vaginal discharge / Menstrual Blood
(1) Strong or unpleasant odor = Heat
222
(2) NO Strong or unpleasant odor = Not Hot
F. Treatment of the Most Common Disharmonies

1. Castor Oil Packs/Massage
a) Move Stuck Qi, Blood, & Phlegm
2. Warm Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
a) Tonify Yin & Quell Wind
G. Treatment of Internal Organs

1. Kidneys
a) Tonify Yang
(1) Du Mai: SI 3 & UB 62
(2) General Points:
(3) KD3, UB23, DU4, REN4, KD16
(a) All with moxa and needles
b) Basic Herbal Patent Formula:
(1) Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
c) Tonify Yin
(1) Ren Mai: LU7, KD 6
(2) General Points:
(3) KD7, UB23, DU4, REN4, KD16
(a) All with needles
(4) Basic Herbal Patent Formula:
(a) Liu We Di Haung Wan
d) Yin Deficiency/Heat
(1) Wise Womens Well (Kan)
(2) Two Immortals (Health Concerns)
e) Conserve Jing
f) Diet/Lifestyle
2. Liver
a) Nourish Yin and Blood
(1) General Points:
(2) LR3, UB18, DU8, LR14
(a) Yin: Liu We Di Haung Wan
(b) Blood: Ba Zhen Tang
b) Soothe LR Qi
(1) General Points:
(2) LR 3, GB41, GB34, UB18, DU8, LR 14
223

(a) Xiao Yao Wan
c) Move LR Blood
(1) General Points:
(2) LR 3, LR 8, UB18, DU8, LR 14
(a) Tong Jing Wan
i) (Calm in the Sea of Life Pills)
d) Clear LR heat / fire
(1) General Points:
(2) LR 1, LR 2, UB18, DU8, LR 14
(3) All with needles
(a) Long Dan Xie Gan Wan
i) Very Cold / Caution
e) Quell LR Wind
(1) General Points:
(2) LR 3, GB34, GB20, UB18, DU8, LR 14
3. Spleen
a) Tonify SP Qi and Blood
(1) General Points:
(a) SP3, SP6, ST36, UB20, DU6, REN6,
i) All with moxa and needles
(b) REN8
i) Moxa only
(c) Basic Herbal Patent Formula: Ba Zhen Wan or
Gui Pi Wan
b) Raise SP Qi
(1) General Points:
(a) DU20,
i) Moxa Only
(2) SP3, SP6, ST36, REN6, REN8
(a) All with moxa and needles
(a) Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan
224
i) Not for long term use

c) Harmonize SP and LR
(1) General Points:
(a) SP6, LR3, LR13, UB18, UB20
i) All with needles
(2) REN8
(a) Moxa Only
(a) Xiao Yao Wan
d) Tonify the SP and Resolve Damp
(1) Diet Is Most Important
(2) General Points:
(a) SP3, SP6, ST36, UB20, DU6, REN6,
i) All with moxa and needles
(b) REN8
i) Moxa only
(a) Lui Jun Zi Wan
4. Heart
a) Tonify Blood Deficiency
(1) General Points:
(a) Ht7, SP6, St36, UB20, UB15
i) All with needles
(b) REN8
i) Moxa Only
(a) Gui Pi Wan or Suan Zao Ren Wan
b) Tonify Yin Deficiency
(1) General Points:
(a) Ht7, KD3, LR3, UB15, UB23, UB18
i) All with needles
(3) Tian Wan Bu Xin Wan
5. Uterus
a) Warm Cold
(1) General Points:
(a) REN2, KD11, SP12, ST30, REN4, REN6
i) All with needles and Moxa
225
(b) REN8
i) Moxa Only
(a) Moxa Most Important Here
b) Move Blood
(1) General Points:
(a) LR3, SP8, UB31-34, UB23, REN2, KD11,
SP12, ST30, REN4, REN6
i) All with needles
(a) Tong Jing Wan
c) Move QI
(1) General Points:
(a) LR3, SP6, UB31-34, UB23, REN2, KD11,
SP12, ST30, REN4, REN6
i) All with needles
(a) Xiao Yao Wan
H. Specific Disorders
1. Menstrual Irregularities
a) Most Common Tx principles
(1) Harmonize Dai, Chong, & Ren
(2) Harmonize Liver
(3) Tonify Blood
(4) Tonify Spleen
(5) Tonify Kidneys
(6) Move (invigorate) Blood
b) Early periods
(1) Cycle less than 28 days
(2) etiology and pathology
(a) Qi Deficiency
(b) Blood heat
i) Full
ii) empty
(3) Differentiation and tx
(a) SP Qi Deficiency
(b) KD Qi Deficiency
226
c)
d)
e)
f)
227
(c) Full heat from LR Qi Stagnation turning to fire

w/ Blood heat
(d) Empty heat from LR and KD Yin Deficiency
Late periods
(1) >28-30 day cycles
(2) Etiology and pathology
(a) Pregnancy
(b) Blood Deficiency
(c) Cold in the uterus
(d) Full cold
(e) Empty cold
(f) KD Yang Deficiency
(g) Qi stag
Irregular Periods
(1) Sometimes early; sometimes late
(2) Not pathological, immediately pre-menopausal.
(3) Always related to LR., and often to KD
(4) Etiology & Pathology
(a) Emotional stress
(b) LR Qi stag
(c) LR Blood Deficiency
(d) Overwork, too many children too close together
(e) KD Yang Deficiency
(f) KD Yin Deficiency
Heavy periods
(1) Periods that occur regularly but are heavier than
normal
(2) Can be subjective (30-80ml is broad range)
(3) Etiology and pathology:
(a) Qi Deficiency
(b) Blood Heat
(c) Secondarily
(d) Blood stasis
Scanty periods (not late)
(1) Bleeding is very light, or lasts only 2-3 days
(a) Blood Deficiency (of the liver, mostly)
(b) KD Yang Deficiency:
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
(c) KD Yin Deficiency:

(d) Stasis of Blood
(e) Phlegm obstructing the uterus
Long periods
(1) Prolonged bleeding which may last 7-10 days w/
normal amt of bleeding and reg. cycle
(a) Qi stag and Blood stasis
(b) KD Yin Deficiency w/ empty heat
Painful periods
(1) Diagnosis
(a) LR Qi stagnation
(b) Blood Stasis
(c) Cold in Uterus
(d) Pain May be Secondary to:
i) Damp-Heat
ii) Stag LR Qi turns to fire
iii) Qi, Blood, and or Yin Deficiency:
Bleeding Between Periods
(1) SP/KD Yang Deficiency
(2) Blood stasis
(3) Damp Heat
(4) LR and KD Yin Deficiency w/ empty heat
No Periods
(1) Pregnancy
(3) Ht and SP Blood Deficiency
(4) SP and KD Yang Deficiency
(5) LR and/or HT and/or KD Yin Deficiency
(6) Stag of Qi and Blood
(7) Damp-Phlegm in Uterus
Flooding and Trickling
(1) beng lou
(a) beng = flooding, bursting through
(b) lou = trickle metorrhagia
(2) Be sure to take the common western
differentiations into consideration:
(a) carcinoma of the cervix
228
(b) carcinoma of the uterus

(c) myomas
(d) endometriosis
(e) endometrial polyps
(3) There can be mixes of conditions (full and empty
together)
(a) Full Blood Heat
(b) Liver Qi stag Turning into Heat
(c) Stasis of blood
(d) Damp Heat in the Uterus
(e) SP not Holding Blood
(f) KD Yang Deficiency
(g) KD Yin Deficiency
2. Yeast Infections
a) Dampness in the Lower Warmer
b) Dai Mai, Lower Warmer Points
c) Cold
(1) LR 3, KD 3, LR 5
(2) Er Chen Wan
(3) Wen Dai Tang
d) Heat
(1) LR 2, KD 2, LR 5
(2) Yu Dai Wan
(3) Long Dan Xie Gan Wan
3. Genital Herpes
a) Damp Heat in the LR Meridian
b) LR 2, KD 2, LR 5
c) Long Dan Xie Gan Wan
4. Problems at Period time
a) PMS
(1) LR Qi stag
(2) Prognosis and Prevention
b) Secondary
(1) LR blood Deficiency
(2) SP and KD Yang Deficiency
(3) LR and KD Yin Deficiency
(4) Phlegm fire harassing upwards
c) Pre-Menstrual Breast distention
229
(1) LR Qi stag
(2) Liver Blood Stasis
(3) Secondary
(4) Phlegm with Qi Stag
(5) LR and KD Yin Deficiency
d) Headaches
(2) Secondary
(a) Liver Fire Blazing
(b) Liver Yang Rising
(c) Blood Stasis
e) Edema at period time
(1) Face, hands, lower legs, ab. Usually before the
period
f) Diarrhea: Before, during or after period
(1) SP Qi Deficiency
(2) Liver Qi stagnation invading the Spleen
(3) KD Yang Deficiency
g) Dizziness at Period Time
(1) Includes blurry vision and may occur before, during
or after the period
(3) KD and LR Yin Deficiency w/ Liver yang rising
(4) Phlegm w/ SP Qi Deficiency
5. Disorders of Pregnancy
a) Cautions & Contraindications if a Woman Is or May Be
Pregnant
b) Forbidden Points:
(1) LI4 & SP6
(2) GB 21, UB 67, UB 60
c) Any strong downward moving treatment
d) Points Below Umbilicus, Any Time During Pregnancy
e) Points Below Ren 12, Any Time After the First
Trimester
f) Forbidden Treatments
(1) Do Not Cause Sweating
(2) No Diaphoretic Points or Herbs
230
(3) Do Not Promote Downward Motion

(4) No Purgative Points or Herbs
(5) Do Not Promote Urination W/ Herbs That Drain
Damp
(6) No Diuretic Points or Herbs
g) Restless Fetus
(1) Kidney 9 Located 5 cun superior to KD 3
(2) Happy Baby Point Dr. So: needle at end of first
and second trimester baby will not have colic,
and will respect his/her parents
h) Morning Sickness
(1) Chong Mai Disturbance
(2) Secondary: Liver Qi invading the St
i) Abdominal pain
(1) Usually not severe but rule out ectopic pregnancy
or threatened miscarriage.
(2) Qi Stagnation
j) Breech Baby
(1) UB 67
k) Threatened miscarriage / Habitual miscarriage
(1) Etiology:
(a) Qi and Blood Deficiency
(b) Ren, Du, and/or Chong weakness,
(c) KD Deficiency
l) Falls, trauma
(1) injure the Ren and Chong
(2) Calm the Fetus, Chong ,and Ren
m) Constipation During Pregnancy
(1) Common. Cant use purging or downward Qi
promoting herbs or points
(2) Etiology:
(a) Blood Deficiency
(b) Liver- Qi stag
(c) KD Yang Deficiency
(d) KD Yin Deficiency
6. Disorders after childbirth:

a) Postpartum Depression
231
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
(1) Ht Blood Deficiency

(2) Secondary: Ht Yin Deficiency
Abdominal pain after childbirth
(2) Blood Stasis
(3) Retention of Food
Persistent Discharge of lochia
(1) >6 Weeks
(2) Qi Deficiency
(3) Blood Stasis
(4) Blood-Heat
Lochial retention
(1) Qi and Blood stagnation
(2) Stagnation of Cold and stasis of Blood
Prolapse and Hemorrhoids after Childbirth
(2) Spleen Qi Sinking
(3) Kid-Yang Deficiency
Constipation after Childbirth
(2) Spleen Qi Deficiency
(3) Kid-Yang Deficiency
(4) Kid-Yin Deficiency
Breast Milk not Flowing / Acute mastitis
(1) Qi & Blood Deficiency
(2) Liver-Qi stagnation
Acute Mastitis:
(1) Toxic Heat affecting the Liver, St and GB
7. Infertility
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Chong Mai, Dai Mai,

KD Yang Deficiency, KD Yin Deficiency
Qi & Blood Deficiency
Cold in Uterus
Qi Stagnation
Stasis of Blood
Dampness in the Lower Jiao
Blood Heat
232
i) Note: Male infertility can be from any of the above, but

is usually KD Yang Deficiency
8. Breast lumps
a) Liver Qi Stag
b) Disharmony of Ren and Chong
c) Spleen Yang Deficiency w/ Phlegm
9. Abdominal Masses
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Qi masses
Liver Qi stag
Retention of Food and Phlegm
Blood masses
Stagnation of Qi and Blood
10.Polycystic ovary disease

a) KD Yang Deficiency, Phlegm, Dampness and Blood
Stasis
11. Menopause
a) KD Yin Deficiency
(1) KD and Liver Yin Deficiency w/ Liver Yang rising
(2) KD Yin and/or KD Yang Deficiency
(3) KD and Ht Yin Deficiency
12.Osteoporosis
a) Kidney Yin, Yang, or Jing Deficiency
233
Womens Health: Name That Disharmony

1. A 24 year old woman presents with the following signs and
symptoms: Excessive Menstrual Bleeding, the menstrual
flow is pale and dilute, the patient also has loose stools,
fatigue, pale thin tongue with a white coat, pale and
lusterless face, lack of appetite, weak limbs, and a weak and
thin pulse
symptoms: PMS Mood Swings, severe tenderness, and
abdominal pain all increasing until the first day of bleeding;
chronic neck and shoulder tension, pain in rib cage, plumb
pit throat, pain on palpation on abdomen lower left side,
slightly purple tongue, wiry pulse.
symptoms: Postpartum Depression, fatigue, palpitations, a
weak thin pulse, forgetfulness, confusion, pale thin tongue
with white coat. and a pale lusterless face.
symptoms: Insomnia, chronic dry, sore throat, malor flush,
restlessness, palpitations, weak legs, low back pain, dark
scanty urination, thin red tongue with a peeled coat, thin
rapid pulse
symptoms: Lowered Libido, sore low back which feels
better with heat, frequent clear copious urination, , fatigue,
pale face, weak and slow pulse, pale and puffy tongue with a
wet coat.
symptoms: Excessive White Leucorrhea, fatigue , chronic
diarrhea, palpitations, thin pale tongue with a greasy white
coat, pale lusterless face, thin weak and slippery pulse.
234

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Cookbook Acupuncture

A Clinical Acupuncture Training Handbook

Edited by Claudia Welch

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Authors Note: ...............................................................10

The Pericardium .............................................................47

Contraindications and Cautions ..........................55

Points Overview .............................................................77

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Classic Point Categories Table.......................................78

The Main Meridians & Their Major Points

Du Meridian Governing Vessel ...................................89

Liver Meridian ...............................................................129

Auricular Acupuncture .................................................138

Scalp Acupuncture .......................................................143

Chinese Scalp Lines ....................................................149

The 8 Extraordinary Meridians In More Detail ..............156

General Uses for the Extraordinary Meridians .............160

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) ....................................................160

5. The Main Course: Treatment of Pain

Diagnosing The Pain ....................................................167

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Neck Pain & Stiffness

6. Review: National Board Exam & Program

C. The Essential Substances : ..............................187

D. The Causes of Disease or Pathogenic Factors .190

F. Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis .............................194

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

I. Acupuncture Points and Meridians ....................197

K. Name That Disharmony / Diagnosis Review .....204

Theoretical Principles Review 205

B. Respiratory System and Conditions...................207

C. Gastro-Intestinal System & Conditions ..............210

Oral Cavity (mouth, tongue, teeth, lips)

D. Genito-Urinary System & Conditions .................213

Kidney Disease / Failure

8. WOMENS HEALTH .................................................216

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Essential Etiology 219

Womens Health: Name That Disharmony ...................234

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Of course, differential diagnosis is important. Holistic treatment

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

might call it, with certain minimum amounts of training. Because

The information in this book is not complete in and of itself. Its

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

2nd Edition Notes

Terminology & Literary Conventions

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

information on Oriental medical diagnosis and the treatment of

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

We offer National Board Review classes, Classes on AcuPoints &

Copyright Dr. Jim Ventresca / AcuPractice Seminars 1994 - 2015

1. The Basics: Chinese Medical theory 101