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Point selection

选穴 〔選穴〕xuǎn xué

Points are selected by the following methods:

Pathocondition Point Selection (对症取穴 duì zhèng xuǎn xué

The medical literature of China contains numerous references to acupoints that are effective for specific diseases or regions of the body. The list below is drawn mostly from the verses that were didactic tools of acupuncturists in the Sòng, Yuán, and Míng dynasties. They were later incorporated into standard acupuncture texts.

Affected-Channel Point Selection (循经取穴 xún jīng qǔ xué)

Also selection of same-channel points (本经选穴běn jīng xuǎn xué). Selecting points on the same channel as the disease site. Points are selected at either local or distant locations. Disease sites in the head, face or trunk are often treated by distant points below the elbows and knees on the affected channel. For example, yáng brightness (yáng míng) headache can be treated by needling LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), and stomach pain can be treatedby needling ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ). In some cases, points close to the affected area are chosen, e.g., LR-13 (Camphorwood Gate, 章门zhāng mén) for liver vomiting and pain or LI-20 (Welcome Fragrance, 迎香yíng xiāng) for nasal congestion and loss of sense of smell. See point selection.

Examples

Forehead

Temples

Back of the head

Nose

Teeth

Ear

Tongue

Throat

Chest

Greater Abdomen (upper abdomen)

Umbilical Region

Smaller abdomen (lower abdomen)

Rib-Side

Anterior yīn (genitals)

Posterior yīn (anus)

Local Point Selection (近道取穴 jìn dào qǔ xué)

Local points are acupuncture points located at the site of the sign or bowel or viscus being treated. Any point can be employed as a local point. Local points are most effective for chronic local diseases, but are occasionally used to treat acute local diseases too. Local points also include adjacent points—those situated near the disease site. These can replace local points in the treatment of acute conditions and can strengthen the effects of local (and distant) points. Although any point can function as an adjacent point, those that have a salient location are usually chosen. Several commonly used local points are conventionally used for certain local diseases.

Examples

Vertex

  • GV-20 (Hundred Convergences, 百会 bǎi huì)
  • Alert Spirit Quartet (四神聪 sì shén cōng)
  • BL-7 (Celestial Connection, 通天 tōng tiān)

Forehead

  • GB-14 (Yáng White, 阳白 yáng bái)
  • Greater yáng (tài yáng) (太阳 tài yáng)
  • GB-15((Head) Overlooking Tears, (头)临泣 tóu lín qì)
  • BL-5 (Fifth Place, 五处 wǔ chù)

Eyes

  • BL-1 (Bright Eyes, 睛明 jīng míng)
  • GB-1 (Pupil Bone-Hole, 瞳子髎 tóng zǐ liáo)
  • Back of the Ball (球后 qiú hòu)
  • BL-2 (Bamboo Gathering, 攒竹 zǎn zhú)

Nose

  • LI-20 (Welcome Fragrance, 迎香 yíng xiāng)
  • ST-3 (Great Bone-Hole, 巨髎 jù liáo)
  • GV-23 (Upper Star, 上星 shàng xīng)

Ear diseases

  • TB-21 (Ear Gate, 耳门 ěr mén)
  • TB-17 (Wind Screen, 翳风 yì fēng)
  • GB-20 (Wind Pool, 风池 fēng chí)
  • GB-2 (Auditory Convergence, 听会 tīng huì)
  • SI-19 (Auditory Palace, 听宫 tīng gōng)

Mouth and Teeth

  • ST-5 (Great Reception, 大迎 dà yíng)
  • CV-24 (Sauce Receptacle, 承浆 chéng jiāng)
  • ST-6 (Cheek Carriage, 颊车 jiá chē)
  • ST-7 (Below the Joint, 下关 xià guān)

Throat

  • CV-23 (Ridge Spring, 廉泉 lián quán)
  • CV-22 (Celestial Chimney, 天突 tiān tú)
  • SI-17 (Celestial Countenance, 天容 tiān róng)

Shoulder

  • LI-15 (Shoulder Bone, 肩髃 jiān yú)
  • TB-14 (Shoulder Bone-Hole, 肩髎 jiān liáo)
  • SI-10 (Upper Arm Transport, 臑俞 nào shù)
  • SI-11 (Celestial Gathering, 天宗 tiān zōng)

Elbows

  • LI-11 (Pool at the Bend, 曲池 qū chí)
  • LU-5 (Cubit Marsh, 尺泽 chǐ zé)
  • TB-10 (Celestial Well, 天井 tiān jǐng)

Wrists

  • TB-4 (Yáng Pool, 阳池 yáng chí)
  • LI-5 (Yáng Ravine, 阳溪 yáng xī)
  • SI-4 (Wrist Bone, 腕骨 wàn gǔ)

Stomach

  • CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct, 中脘 zhōng wǎn)
  • ST-21 (Beam Gate, 梁门 liáng mén)
  • LR-13 (Camphorwood Gate, 章门 zhāng mén)

Kidney

  • BL-23 (Kidney Transport, 肾俞 shèn shù)
  • BL-52 (Will Chamber, 志室 zhì shì)

Lumbus

  • BL-23 (Kidney Transport, 肾俞 shèn shù)
  • GV-4 (Life Gate, 命门 mìng mén)
  • GV-25 (White Bone-Hole, 素髎 sù liáo)
  • GV-3 (Lumbar Yáng Pass, 腰阳关 yāo yáng guān)

Knees

  • ST-34 (Beam Hill, 梁丘 liáng qiū)
  • GB-33 (Knee Yáng Joint, 膝阳关 xī yáng guān)
  • GB-34 (Yáng Mound Spring, 阳陵泉 yáng líng quán)
  • Crane Top (鹤顶 hè dǐng)
  • Eye of the Knee (膝眼 xī yǎn)

Ankles

  • GB-40 (Hill Ruins, 丘墟 qiū xū)
  • KI-3 (Great Ravine, 太溪 tài xī)
  • BL-60 (Kunlun Mountains, 昆仑 kūn lún)
  • KI-6 (Shining Sea, 照海 zhào hǎi)

Distant Point Selection (远道取穴 yuǎn dào qǔ xué)

Selecting points far from the disease site. Distant points are usually connected with the disease site directly or indirectly through the channel system. Methods of selecting distant points include: selecting same-channel points; selecting opposite-channel points; selecting same-name channel points; selecting contralateral points; selecting same-channel points of corresponding location.

Affected-Channel Point Selection (循经取穴 xún jīng qǔ xué)

Also called same-channel point selection (本经选穴běn jīng xuǎn xué). After determining the channel on which the disease site is located, points can be selected on that channel for treatment. For instance, if a headache is identified as a yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel headache in the forehead, ST-8 (Head Corner, 头维 tóu wéi), LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), and ST-41 (Ravine Divide, 解溪 jiě xī) may be chosen. For a lesser yáng (shào yáng) headache on the sides of the head, GB-8 (Valley Lead, 率谷 shuài gǔ), GB-32 (Central River, 中渎 zhōng dú), and GB-43 (Pinched Ravine, 侠溪 xiá xī) may be selected.

Opposite-Channel Point Selection (异经选穴 yì jīng xuǎn xué)

Also called exterior-interior channel point selection (表裏经选穴 biǎo lǐ jīng xuǎn xué). In some cases, a disease located on one channel may be treated by needling points located on the channel with which it stands in exterior-interior relationship, often in combination with same-channel points. For example, the nose lies on the hand yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel, so that disorders of the nose can be treated by combining the opposite-channel point LU-7 (Broken Sequence, 列缺 liè quē) with the same-channel point LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ). The throat is considered to belong to the hand greater yīn (tài yīn) lung channel, and hence it can be treated by combining the same-channel point LU-11 (Lesser Shang, 少商 shào shāng) with the opposite-channel point LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ). The stomach belongs to the foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) stomach channel, and stomach disorders are often treated by combining ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ) with SP-4 (Yellow Emperor, 公孙 gōng sūn). Abdominal distension is considered to be a foot greater yīn (tài yīn) disease and is often treated by combining SP-3 (Supreme White, 太白 tài bái) and SP-4 (Yellow Emperor, 公孙 gōng sūn) with ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ).

Same-Name Channel Point Selection (同名经取穴法 tóng míng jīng qǔ xué fǎ )

Disorders can also be treated by needling points on the channel that bears the same yīn-yáng name as the affected channel. For example headache and pain in the nape and back can be treated by combining the foot greater yáng (tài yáng) channel points BL-60 (Kunlun Mountains, 昆仑 kūn lún) and BL-62 (Extending Vessel, 申脉 shēn mài) with the hand greater yáng (tài yáng) channel point SI-3 (Back Ravine, 后溪 hòu xī). Frontal headache and red sore swollen eyes can be treated by combining the foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel points ST-44 (Inner Court, 内庭 nèi tíng) and ST-41 (Ravine Divide, 解溪 jiě xī) with the hand yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel point LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ). Stomach pain or distension and fullness in the stomach duct can be treated by combining ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ) with LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ). Rib-side pain can be treated by combining the foot lesser yáng (shào yáng) point GB-34 (Yáng Mound Spring, 阳陵泉 yáng líng quán) with the hand lesser yáng (shào yáng) point TB-6 (Branch Ditch, 支沟 zhī gōu).

Contralateral Point Selection (交叉取穴 jiāo chā qǔ xué)

Points on one side of the body may be selected to treat disorders of the other. Contralateral points may be selected according to channel or according to corresponding location of the disorders. For example, toothache on the left can be treated by needling the LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ) of the right hand. Paralysis of the left side of the face can be treated by needling the LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ) and TB-5 (Outer Pass, 外关 wài guān) of the right extremity. Left-sided hemilateral headache can be treated by needling the TB-9 (Four Rivers, 四渎 sì dú) of the right arm. The left shoulder can be treated by needling the LU-5 (Cubit Marsh, 尺泽 chǐ zé), LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), TB-5 (Outer Pass, 外关 wài guān), and SI-3 (Back Ravine, 后溪 hòu xī) of right. Finally, left hip pain can be treated by needling GB-34 (Yáng Mound Spring, 阳陵泉 yáng líng quán) of the right side. An example of treating disorders by the contralateral point corresponding to the location of the disorder is to treat pain on the left by needling LI-15 on right.

Contralateral point selection includes the method described in The Inner Classic (内经 nèi jīng), great needling, sometimes referred to by its French name grande piqûre, and cross needling.

Same-Name Channel Corresponding-Location Point Selection (同经相应取穴法 tóng jīng xiāng yìng qǔ xué fǎ)

The twelve regular channels comprise six pairs of channels, each pair of which shares the same yīn-yáng denomination. One channel of each pair is a foot channel, whereas the other is a hand channel. The arms and legs have corresponding locations, e.g., the fingers and toes, wrists and ankles, elbows and knees, etc. Selecting the same-name channel point of corresponding locations means that a disease affecting the channel at a point on the arm can be treated by needling a point on the same-name channel of the foot at the corresponding location on the opposite side of the body. Thus a disorder at LU-11 (Lesser Shang, 少商 shào shāng) on the hand greater yīn (tài yīn) channel can be treated by needling the corresponding point on the foot greater yīn (tài yīn) channel, which is SP-1 (Hidden White, 隐白 yǐn bái). See more examples in the list below.

Examples

Pairs on the Greater yīn (tài yīn)

  • LU-11 (Lesser Shang, 少商 shào shāng) and SP-1 (Hidden White, 隐白 yǐn bái)
  • LU-10 (Fish Border, 鱼际 yú jì) and SP-3 (Supreme White, 太白 tài bái)
  • LU-9 (Great Abyss, 太渊 tài yuān) and SP-5 (Shang Hill, 商丘 shāng qiū)
  • LU-7 (Broken Sequence, 列缺 liè quē) and SP-6 (Three Yīn Intersection, 三阴交 sān yīn jiāo)
  • LU-6 (Collection Hole, 孔最 kǒng zuì) and SP-8 (Earth’s Crux, 地机 dì jī)
  • LU-5 (Cubit Marsh, 尺泽 chǐ zé) and SP-9 (Yīn Mound Spring, 阴陵泉 yīn líng quán)
  • LU-4 (Guarding White, 侠白 xiá bái) and SP-11 (Winnower Gate, 箕门 jī mén)

    • Pairs on the yáng brightness (yáng míng)

    • LI-1 (Shang Yáng, 商阳 shāng yáng) and ST-45 (Severe Mouth, 厉兑 lì duì)
    • LI-2 (Second Space, 二间 èr jiān) and ST-44 (Inner Court, 内庭 nèi tíng)
    • LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ) and ST-43 (Sunken Valley, 陷谷 xiàn gǔ)
    • LI-5 (Yáng Ravine, 阳溪 yáng xī) and ST-41 (Ravine Divide, 解溪 jiě xī)
    • LI-10 (Arm Three Lǐ, 手三里 shǒu sān lǐ) and ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ)
    • LI-11 (Pool at the Bend, 曲池 qū chí) and ST-35 (Calf’s Nose, 犊鼻 dú bí)
    • LI-12 (Elbow Bone-Hole, 肘髎 zhǒu liáo) and ST-34 (Beam Hill, 梁丘 liáng qiū)
    • LI-14 (Upper Arm, 臂臑 bì nào) and ST-32 (Crouching Rabbit, 伏兔 fú tù)

    Group Point Selection (特定穴组选穴 tè dìng xué zǔ xuǎn xué)

    The use of acupoints that belong to special groups is an important aspect of point selection. It is common for every point in a prescription to be a member of a group and often the primary reason for choosing a point is because it belongs to such a group.

    • Back transport points
    • Five transport points
    • Twelve source points
    • Network points
    • Cleft points
    • Lower uniting points
    • Four command points
    • Alarm points
    • Intersection points
    • Confluence points of the eight extraordinary vessels
    • Eight meeting points
    • Thirteen ghost points
    • Huà Tuó’s paravertebral points
    • Nine needles for returning yáng
    • Five pillar points
    • Ten diffusing points
    • Four creases
    • Alert spirit quartet
    • ā-shì points

    Back Transport Points (背俞穴 bèi shù xué)

    The back transport points are located on the foot greater yáng (tài yáng) bladder channel, 1.5 cùn lateral to the spine. They each have a strong therapeutic effect on the bowel or viscus after which they are named. Repletion in the bowels and viscera can be treated by a draining stimulus, while vacuity conditions can be treated by supplementing. For example, cough or panting is often treated with BL-13, the transport point of the lung, while eye problems are often treated with BL-18, the transport point of the liver (the liver opens at the eyes).

    • Lung: BL-13 (肺俞 fèi shù,Lung Transport)
    • Pericardium: BL-14 (厥阴俞 jué yīn shù,Reverting yīn (jué yīn) Transport)
    • Heart: BL-15 (心俞 xīn shù,Heart Transport)
    • Liver: BL-18 (肝俞 gān shù,Liver Transport)
    • Gallbladder: BL-19 (胆俞 dǎn shù,Gallbladder Transport)
    • Spleen: BL-20 (脾俞 pí shù,Spleen Transport)
    • Stomach: BL-21 (胃俞 wèi shù,Stomach Transport)
    • Triple burner: BL-22 (三焦俞 sān jiāo shù,Triple Burner Transport)
    • Kidney: BL-23 (肾俞 shèn shù,Kidney Transport)
    • Large intestine: BL-25 (大肠俞 dà cháng shù,Large Intestine Transport)
    • Small intestine: BL-27 (小肠俞 xiǎo cháng shù,Small Intestine Transport)
    • Bladder: BL-28 (膀胱俞 páng guāng shù,Bladder Transport)

    Five Transport Points (五输穴 wǔ shū xué)

    The five transport points are located below the elbows and knees on each of the twelve regular channels. These are, from the extremities, the well (jǐng) points, spring (yíng) points, stream (shù) points, channel (jīng) points (also called river points in English), and uniting (hé) points (also called sea points). The qì flow becomes deeper successively deeper through these points, being much deeper at the uniting points than at the well points. Note that the source (yuán) points, which are discussed further ahead, have been included in the table, since they largely coincide with the stream points.

    The five transport points are used in the following ways:

    Specific conditions: The five transport points are used for specific conditions, although suggested indications vary from text to text. Modern Chinese texts highlight the important of the 68th Difficult Issue of the Nàn Jīng, which states: The wells govern fullness below the heart; the springs govern generalized heat effusion; the streams govern heavy body and joint pain; the channels (rivers) govern cough, panting, and [alternating aversion to] cold and heat [effusion]; and the uniting (sea) points govern counterflow qì and discharge (diarrhea). These are the indications of the wells, springs, streams, channels, and uniting (sea) points of the bowels and viscera. These statements are interpreted s follows:

    • Well points (井穴 jǐng xué): Fullness below the heart (pit of the stomach) implies liver disease in which depressed liver qì runs cross-counterflow. The well points treat liver disease manifesting not only in fullness below the heart but also distension and fullness in the chest and rib-side; emotional depression; impatience, agitation, and irascibility; child fight wind; baby moth (tonsillitis); mania and withdrawal; headache and distension in the head; hiccup and belching; concretions and gatherings; and stringlike pulse. The well points of the heart channel treat clouded spirit and other spirit conditions.
    • Spring points (滎穴 yíng xué): Generalized heat effusion implies hyperactive heart fire. The spring points can be used to treat heart vexation; heart palpitation; insomnia; clouded spirit and delirious speech; manic agitation; dry mouth and tongue due to the resultant damage to liquid; short voidings of yellow urine attributable to heart fire spreading heat to the small intestine; vomiting of blood and nosebleed due to heat damaging the network vessels; and hot red swollen sores with a red tongue and rapid pulse from intense heat toxin.
    • Stream points (俞穴 shù xué): Heavy body and joint pain as from the impaired splenic movement and transformation giving rise to water-damp that spreads to the limbs. (Remember that the spleen governs the limbs and warms and transforms water-damp.)
    • Channel points (river points) (經穴 jīng xué): Cough, panting, and alternating cold and heat due to lung disease. The channel, or river, points treat dry pharynx and itchy larynx; hoarse voice; nasal congestion; panting and of breath; a floating pulse; inhibited urination due to disturbances of diffusion and downbearing; and stool disorders due to the exterior-interior relationship between the lung and large intestine.
    • Uniting points (sea points) (合穴 hé xué): Counterflow qì with discharge refers to kidney failing to absorb qi giving rise to cough and panting and discharge due to insecurity of kidney qì. Discharge, 泄 xiè, can refer to diarrhea or loss in a wider sense, including enuresis, seminal emission, and premature ejaculation. Treating the kidney, the uniting points also treat the five slownesses in infants, as well as a pulse that is slow and fine or weak at the cubit position.

    Traditionally, Chinese medicine emphasized needling different transport points in different seasons, reflecting the natural rising and sinking of qì at different times of the year. This is discussed further ahead.

    Five Transport Points of Each Channel
    WellSpringStreamSourceRiverUniting
    Yīn Channels (with source points)
    WoodFireEarthSourceMetalWater
    LU-11LU-10LU-9LU-9LU-8LU-5
    PC-9PC-8PC-7PC-7PC-5PC-3
    HT-9HT-8HT-7HT-7HT-4HT-3
    SP-1SP-2SP-3SP-3SP-5SP-9
    LR-1LR-2LR-3LR-3LR-4LR-8
    KI-1KI-2KI-3KI-3KI-7KI-10
    Yáng Channels (with source points)
    MetalWaterWoodSourceFireEarth
    LI-1LI-2LI-3LI-4LI-5LI-11
    TB-1TB-2TB-3TB-4TB-6TB-10
    SI-1SI-2SI-3SI-4SI-5SI-8
    ST-45ST-44ST-42ST-42ST-41ST-36
    GB-44GB-43GB-41GB-40GB-38GB-34
    BL-67BL-66BL-65BL-64BL-60BL-40

    Five-phase correspondences: The five transport points may also be used for treatment based on their five-phase correspondences. These are as follows:

    • Yīn channels: The well points correspond to wood, the spring points to fire, the stream points to earth, the river points to metal, and the uniting points to earth.
    • Yáng channels: The well points correspond to metal, spring to water, stream to wood, river to fire, and uniting to earth.

    Points are selected in accordance with the restraining and engendering cycles of the five phases. The approach applies the dual principle of in vacuity, supplement the mother; in repletion, drain the child. Here, mother is the phase that engenders a given phase and the child is the phase engendered by it. Thus, for repletion of lung-metal, we can apply a draining stimulus at the water point of the lung channel, LU-5 (chǐ zé,Cubit Marsh), since kidney-water is the child of lung-metal.

    Mother and child treatment of the affected channel:Repletion in a given channel may be drained through the point on the affected channel that corresponds to the child phase of that channel. For example, repletion in a metal channel can be treated by applying a draining stimulation to the water point (child) on that channel. Thus, a patient presenting with acute cough and panting as part of a lung repletion pattern could be treated with the water point (LU-5) of the lung (metal) channel.

    Vacuity in a given channel may be supplemented through the point on the affected channel that corresponds to the mother of that channel. Vacuity in a metal channel can be treated by applying a supplementing stimulus to the earth point (mother) on that channel. Therefore, a patient who has shortness of breath and profuse sweating as part of a lung vacuity pattern may be treated with the earth point of the lung channel, LU-9 (tài yuān,Great Abyss).

    Treatment of the affected channel via mother and child channels:Repletion in a given channel can be treated by using a transport point on the channel corresponding to the child phase of the affected channel. This is another way of treating repletion by draining the child. For example, repletion in the liver (wood) channel may be treated by draining the heart (fire) channel. The point on the child channel that corresponds to the phase of that channel is chosen and given a draining stimulus. In this example, HT-7 (shén mén,Spirit Gate), the fire point of the fire (child) channel, would be drained to treat liver channel repletion. Repletion of the lung (metal) channel can be addressed by draining the water point of the kidney (water) channel, KI-10 (yīn gǔ,Yīn Valley), and repletion in the heart (fire) channel can be treated with the earth point of the spleen (earth) channel, SP-3 (tài bái,Supreme White) and so on.

    Vacuity in a given channel can be treated by using the transport point on the channel that corresponds to the mother phase of the affected channel. This is known as treating vacuity by supplementing the mother. For example, vacuity in the lung (metal) channel may be treated by supplementing the spleen (earth) channel. The point on the mother channel that corresponds to the phase of that channel is given a supplementing stimulus. In the example mentioned here, SP-3 (tài bái,Supreme White), the earth point of the earth channel, can be supplemented to treat lung channel vacuity. Vacuity of the heart (fire) channel can be treated by supplementing the wood point of the wood channel, LR-1 (dà dūn,Large Pile), and vacuity of the spleen (earth) channel can be addressed by employing the fire point of the fire channel, HT-8 (shào fǔ,Lesser Mansion), and so on.

    Treatment according to season: According to the Nèi Jīng and Nàn Jīng,The transport points are used in different seasons. However, the points to be needled differ between the two classics.

    Application of Transport Points
    ChannelVacuityTreatment via Affected ChannelTreatment via Mother or Child Channel
    Repletion
    LungVacuityLU-9, earth of metal channelSP-3, earth of earth channel
    RepletionLU-5, water of metal channelKI-10, water of water channel
    HeartVacuityHT-9, wood of fire channelLR-1, wood of wood channel
    RepletionHT-7, earth of fire channelSP-3, earth of earth channel
    PericardiumVacuityPC-9, wood of fire channelLR-1, wood of wood channel
    RepletionPC-7, earth of fire channelSP-3, earth of earth channel
    Large
    Intestine    		VacuityLI-11, earth of metal channelST-36, earth of earth channel
    RepletionLI-2, water of metal channelBL-66, water of water channel
    Small
    Intestine    		VacuitySI-3, wood of fire channelGB-41, wood of wood channel
    RepletionSI-8, earth of fire channelST-36, earth of earth channel
    Triple
    Burner    		VacuityTB-3, wood of fire channelGB-41, wood of wood channel
    RepletionTB-10, earth of fire channelST-36, earth of earth channel
    SpleenVacuitySP-2, fire of earth channelHT-8, fire of fire channel
    RepletionSP-5, metal of earth channelLU-8, metal of metal channel
    KidneyVacuityKI-7, metal of water channelLU-5, metal of metal channel
    RepletionKI-1, wood of water channelLI-I, wood of wood channel
    StomachVacuityST-41, fire of earth channelSI-5, fire of fire channel
    RepletionST-45, metal of earth channelLR-1, metal of metal channel
    BladderVacuityBL-67, metal of water channelLI-1, metal of metal channel
    RepletionBL-65, wood of water channelGB-41, wood of wood channel
    GallbladderVacuityGB-43, water of wood channelBL-66, water of water channel
    RepletionGB-38, fire of wood channelSI-5, fire of fire channel
    NB: Where this table calls for supplementation by use of a well (jǐng) point, many practitioners substitute the uniting (hé) point in its place because of the difficulty of applying a supplementing stimulus to the well (jǐng) points.

    Source Points (原穴 yuan2 xué)

    The source point are points located on each of the twelve regular channels where the source qi4 resides. They coincide with the stream (shu4) points among the five transport points in most cases.

    The source points regulate source qi4 and hence are intimately related to the triple burner. They are used to treat disease of the viscus or bowel of their channel.

    • LU-9 (太渊 tài yuān,Great Abyss) treats most lung problems. It rectifies lung qi4. Being the earth point of the metal channel, it provides a strong supplementing action.
    • LI-4 (合谷 hé gǔ,Union Valley), by its relationship with the triple burner, assists qi4 transformation in the entire body. It is frequently employed in interior patterns. It promotes downbearing in the stomach and intestines.
    • ST-42 (冲阳 chong1 yáng,Surging Yáng) treats abdominal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal fullness and distension, as well as symptoms related to the stomach channel such as toothache (among the upper teeth), and deviated eyes and mouth.
    • SP-3 (太白 tài bái,Supreme White) rectifies spleen and stomach qi4. It treats abdominal distension and pain, especially in combination with LR-3, SP-6, ST-36, CV-12, and PC-6.
    • HT-7 (神门 shén mén,Spirit Gate) treats heart palpitation, forgetfulness, heart vexation, insomnia, visceral agitation (hysteria), and other heart spirit problems.
    • SI-4 (腕骨 wàn gǔ,Wrist Bone): The small intestine governs humor, and helps the spleen to remove dampness. Hence this point is often used to treat a spleen encumbered by dampness.
    • BL-64 (京骨 jīng gǔ,Capital Bone) treat both vacuity and repletion in the bladder channel.
    • KI-3 (太溪 tài xi1,Great Ravine) enriches kidney yin and invigorates original yáng.
    • PC-7 (大陵 dà ling2,Great Mound) treats heart disorders.
    • TB-4 (阳池 yáng chi2,Yáng Pool) as the source point of the triple burner channel has a double connection with source qi4. Its effect is enhanced by combination with moxibustion at CV-12.
    • GB-40 (丘墟 qiu1 xu1,Hill Ruins) treats repletion and vacuity condition in the gallbladder channel, such as mounting qi4 (inguinal hernia) and chest and rib-side pain.
    • LR-3 (tài chong1, Supreme Surge) treats headache due to ascendant hyperactivity of liver yáng, lesser abdominal fullness, pain in the penis, painful swollen red eyes, and other symptoms of the liver and its channel.

    Network Points (络穴 luò xué)

    The network points are points on the twelve regular channels and the governing and controlling vessels at which a network vessel springs from the channel or vessel pathway.

    • LU-7 (列缺 liè quē,Broken Sequence)
    • LI-6 (偏历 piān lì,Veering Passageway)
    • ST-40 (丰隆 fēng lóng,Bountiful Bulge)
    • SP-4 (公孙 gōng sūn,Yellow Emperor)
    • HT-5 (通里 tōng lǐ,Connecting Lǐ)
    • SI-7 (支正 zhī zhèng,Branch to the Correct)
    • BL-58 (飞扬 fēi yáng,Taking Flight)
    • KI-4 (大钟 dà zhōng,Large Goblet
    • PC-6 (内关 nèi guān,Inner Pass)
    • TB-5 (外关 wài guān,Outer Pass)
    • GB-37 (光明 guāng míng,Bright Light)
    • LR-5 (蠡沟 lǐ gōu,Woodworm Canal)
    • GV-1 (长强 cháng qiáng,Long Strong)
    • CV-15 (鸠尾 jiū wěi,Turtledove Tail, also called 尾翳 wěi yì, Tail Screen)
    Five Transport Points According to Season in the Nèi Jīng and Nàn Jīng
    SeasonNèi JīngNàn Jīng
    SpringSpring (yíng)Well (jǐng)
    SummerRiver (jīng)Spring (yíng)
    AutumnUniting (hé)River (jīng)
    WinterWell (jǐng)Uniting (hé)

    The network points are applied in two ways:

    Treatment of bowels and viscera standing in exterior-interior relationship: When a viscus and its related bowel are both affected by disease, it is usual to needle the network point of the channel of the more severely or chronically affected organ. For example, a condition marked by both lung and large intestine signs can be treated by the network point of either the lung or large intestine, depending on which organ is more severely affected. This application includes the treatment of conditions that display symptoms along the course of the channel of the two organs that stand in exterior-interior relationship.

    Treatment of network vessel symptoms: Each network vessel has a set of associated symptoms, which can be treated through the network points. The following indications come from Líng Shū, Chapter 10.

    • Hand greater yīn (tài yīn) lung channel LU-7 (列缺 liè quē,Broken Sequence): Repletion: Heat in the palm in the region of LU-10 (yú jì). Vacuity: yawning, frequent urination, urinary incontinence.
    • yáng brightness (yáng míng) large intestine channel LI-6 (偏历 piān lì,Veering Passageway): Repletion: Tooth decay; deafness. Vacuity: Tooth sensitivity to cold; impediment (bì).
    • Foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) stomach channel ST-40 (丰隆 fēng lóng,Bountiful Bulge): Counterflow ascent of qì: throat impediment (hóu bì) and sudden loss of voice. Repletion: mania and withdrawal: Vacuity wilting (wěi) of the lower leg muscles.
    • Foot greater yīn (tài yīn) spleen channel SP-4 (公孙 gōng sūn,Yellow Emperor): Counterflow ascent of qì: sudden turmoil (cholera). Repletion: cutting pain in the abdomen. Vacuity: drum distension.
    • Hand lesser yīn (shào yīn) heart channel HT-5 (通里 tōng lǐ,Connecting Lǐ): Repletion: Distension and fullness in the region of the diaphragm and chest. Vacuity: loss of speech.
    • Small intestine channel SI-7 (支正 zhī zhèng,Branch to the Correct): Repletion: looseness of the joints; wilting (wěi) of the sinews in the elbow region. Repletion: warts; scabby conditions of the fingers.
    • Foot greater yáng (tài yáng) bladder channel BL-58 (飞扬 fēi yáng,Taking Flight): Repletion: nasal congestion with clear nasal discharge; headache; back pain. Vacuity: runny nose and nosebleed.
    • Foot lesser yīn (shào yīn) kidney channel KI-4 (大钟 dà zhōng,Large Goblet): Qì counterflow: vexation and oppression in the chest. Repletion: inhibited urination. Vacuity: lumbar pain.
    • Hand reverting yīn (jué yīn) pericardium channel PC-6 (内关 nèi guān,Inner Pass): Repletion: heart pain. Vacuity: stiff nape.
    • Hand lesser yáng (shào yáng) triple burner channel TB-5 (外关 wài guān,Outer Pass): Repletion: hypertonicity of the elbow. Vacuity: wilting (wěi) the elbow.
    • Foot lesser yáng (shào yáng) gallbladder channel GB-37 (光明 guāng míng,Bright Light): Repletion: reversal cold of the lower legs. Vacuity: weakness and wilting (wěi) of the lower limbs (with inability to walk and difficulty standing).
    • Foot reverting yīn (jué yīn) liver channel LR-5 (蠡沟 lǐ gōu,Woodworm Canal): Qì counterflow: swollen testicles and mounting qì (hernia). Repletion: persistent erections. Vacuity: genital itch.
    • Governing vessel GV-1 (长强 cháng qiáng,Long Strong): Repletion: rigidity of the spinal column with difficulty bending forward and backward. Vacuity: heavy-headedness and wobbling in the upper body.
    • Controlling vessel CV-15 (鸠尾 jiū wěi,Turtledove Tail, also called 尾翳 wěi yì,Tail Screen): Repletion: pain abdominal skin. Vacuity: itchy abdominal skin.
    • Great network vessel of the spleen SP-21 (大包 dà bāo,Great Embracement): Repletion: generalized pain. Vacuity: generalized limpness of the joints.

    Cleft Points (郄穴 xī xué)

    The cleft points are ones located at indentations in the body at which signs of vacuity or repletion can be observed. Acute pain on pressure, redness, or swelling at the cleft points indicates repletion; a dull or mild pain or a pronounced depression indicates vacuity.

    The cleft points are as follows: All twelve regular channels have cleft points. The yīn and yáng springing vessels and the yīn and yáng linking vessels each have cleft point belonging to other channels.

    • LU-6 (孔最 kǒng zuì,Collection Hole)
    • LI-7 (温溜 wēn liū,Warm Dwelling)
    • ST-34 (梁丘 liáng qiū,Beam Hill)
    • SP-8 (地机 dì jī,Earth’s Crux)
    • HT-6 (阴郄 yīn xī,Yīn Cleft)
    • SI-6 (养老 yǎng lǎo,Nursing the Aged)
    • BL-63 (金门 jīn mén,Metal Gate)
    • KI-5 (水泉 shuǐ quán,Water Spring)
    • PC-4 (郄门 xī mén,Cleft Gate)
    • TB-7 (会宗 huì zōng,Convergence and Gathering)
    • GB-36 (外丘 wài qiū,Outer Hill)
    • LR-6 (中都 zhōng dū,Central Metropolis)
    • Yīn springing vessel (yīn qiāo mài): KI-8 (交信 jiāo xìn,Intersection Reach)
    • Yáng springing vessel (yáng qiāo mài): BL-59 (跗阳 fū yáng,Instep Yáng)
    • Yīn linking vessel (yīn wéi mài): KI-9 (筑宾 zhú bīn,Guest House)
    • Yáng linking vessel (yáng wéi mài): GB-35 (阳交 yáng jiāo,Yáng Intersection)

    Lower Uniting Points (下合穴 xià hé xué)

    The lower uniting points are points on the three foot yáng channels where the qì of these channels meets with the qì of the three hand yáng channels. The Nán Jīng explains that the lower uniting points for the small and large intestines are located on the stomach channel because these bowels belong to the stomach. Furthermore, it implies that the lower uniting point of the triple burner is locate on the bladder channel because these two bowels are involved in the movement and transformation of water.

    • Stomach: ST-36: Stomach pain; retching and vomiting; diarrhea; dysentery; constipation.
    • Large intestine: ST-37: Intestinal welling-abscess (cháng yōng); abdominal pain; rumbling intestines; diarrhea; constipation.
    • Small intestine: ST-39: Rib-side pain; bitter taste in the mouth; retching and vomiting; diarrhea.
    • Gallbladder: GB-34: Acute abdominal pain.
    • Bladder: BL-40: Inhibited urination; enuresis.
    • Triple burner: BL-39: Inhibited urination; enuresis.

    Four Command Points (四总穴 sì zǒng xué)

    The four command points are used to treat certain areas. Command points are often combined with the points more specific to the disease being treated. For example, treatment of lumbar pain may combine BL-40, the command point of the back and lumbus, with local points such as BL-23 and BL-30.

    • ST-36 (zú sān lǐ,Leg Three Lǐ) treats the abdomen.
    • BL-40 (wěi zhōng,Bend Center) treats the back and lumbus.
    • LU-7 (liè quē,Broken Sequence) treats the head and nape.
    • LI-4 (hé gu3,Valley Union) treats the face and mouth.

    Alarm Points (募穴 mu4 xué)

    The alarm points (募穴 mu4 xué literally means mustering points) are points on the chest and abdomen where channel qì of the associated bowel and viscus collects, which are often not on the associated channel. Changes at the points such as swellings or depressions indicate morbidity. Stimulation of the alarm points of the bowels is frequently used clinically to treat disease of the bowels. The alarm points of the viscera are seldom used, the back transport (bèi shu4) points being used instead. The alarm points are as follows:

    Alarm point of the bowels

    • Large intestine: ST-25 (tiān shū,Celestial Pivot)
    • Stomach: CV-12 (中脘 zhōng wan3,Central Stomach Duct)
    • Small intestine: CV-4 (关元 guān yuán,Pass Head)
    • Bladder: CV-3 (zhōng ji2), almost always used to treat urinary problems
    • Triple burner: CV-5 (石门 shi2 mén,Stone Gate)
    • Gallbladder: GB-24 (日月 rì yuè,Sun and Moon)

    Alarm points of the viscera

    • Lung: LU-1 (zhōng fu3,Central Treasury)
    • Spleen: LR-13 (章门 zhāng mén,Camphorwood Gate)
    • Heart: CV-14 (巨阙 ju4 què,Great Tower Gate)
    • Kidney: GB-25 (京门 jīng mén,Capital Gate)
    • Pericardium: CV-17 (膻中 dàn zhōng,Chest Center.
    • Liver: LR-14 (期门 qī mén,Cycle Gate)

    Intersection Points (交会穴 jiāo huì xué)

    The intersection points are points at which two or more channels intersect. Stimulus at such points can affect both channels. There are over 90 intersection points over the whole body, although sources differ as to the exact number. Here are a few examples:

    • SP-6 (sān yīn jiāo,Three Yīn Intersection) is an intersection point of the foot three yīn channels and is often used to treat disorders affecting any or all those channels and their viscera.
    • CV-3 (zhōng ji2,Central Pole) is an intersection point of the foot three yīn channels and the conception vessel, which pass through the genitourinary region. It is often used to treat genitourinary problems.
    • LR-14 (qī mén,Cycle Gate) is an intersection point of the liver and spleen channels. It is often used to treat blood problems because the liver stores the blood, while the spleen controls the blood.

    If a disorder is located near an intersection point, then the treatment of points on any of the intersecting channels may be appropriate. BL-62, for example can treat sciatic pain, which occurs in areas traversed by the gallbladder channel, because GB-30, located in a region where the pain is usually felt, is the intersection point of the bladder and gallbladder channels.

    The Confluence (jiāo huì) Points of the Eight Extraordinary VesselsConfl. PointsExtraordinary VesselRegions of EffectPC-6
    SP-4Yīn linking
    ThoroughfareHeart, stomach, and chestTB-5
    GB-41Yáng linking GirdlingOuter canthus, area behind the ear, shoulder, neck (front)LU-7
    KI-6Controlling
    Yīn springingDiaphragm, throat, lungSI-3
    BL-62Governing vessel
    Yang springingInner canthus, neck (front and back), ear, shoulder, small intestine and bladder
    • Governing (dū) vessel: SI-3 (后溪 hòu xī,Back Ravine)
    • Controlling (rèn) vessel: LU-7 (列缺 liè quē,Broken Sequence)
    • Thoroughfare (chōng) vessel: SP-4 (公孙 gōng sūn,Yellow Emperor)
    • Girdling (dài) vessel: GB-41 (足临泣 zú lín qì,Foot Overlooking Tears)
    • Yīn springing (yīn qiāo) vessel: KI-6 (照海 zhào hǎi,Shining Sea)
    • Yáng springing (yáng qiāo) vessel: BL-62 (申脉 shēn mài,Extending Vessel)
    • Yīn linking (yīn wéi) vessel: PC-6 (内关 nèi guān,Inner Pass)
    • Yáng linking (yáng wéi) vessel: TB-5 (外关 wài guān,Outer Pass)

    Eight Meeting Points (八会穴 bā huì xué)

    The eight meeting points are points that each have a powerful therapeutic effect on one of the following: viscera, bowels, qì, blood, sinews, marrow, bones, and vessels. For example, BL-17 (gé shù), the meeting point of the blood, can be combined with SP-1 and LR-1 to treat flooding and spotting, while GB-34 (yáng líng quán), the meeting point of the sinews, can be combined with local points in the treatment of sprains and strains in any part of the body.

    • Viscera: LR-13 (章门 zhāng mén,Camphorwood Gate)
    • Bowels: CV-12 (中脘 zhōng wǎn,Central Stomach Duct)
    • Qì: CV-17 (膻中 dàn zhōng,Chest Center)
    • Blood: BL-17 (膈俞 gé shù,Diaphragm Transport)
    • Sinews: GB-34 (yáng líng quán,Yáng Mound Spring)
    • Marrow: GB-39 (悬钟 xuán zhōng,Suspended Bell)
    • Bones: BL-11 (dà zhù, Great Shuttle)
    • Vessels: LU-9 (太渊 tài yuān,Great Abyss)

    Thirteen Ghost Points (十三鬼穴 shí sān guǐ xué)

    The thirteen ghost points are a group of points that originated with the Táng dynasty physician Sūn Sī-Miǎo’s method for treating conditions such as mania, withdrawal, and epilepsy, which were once understood to be caused by ghosts and demons. These points are located on the twelve regular channels and the eight extraordinary vessels. In Chinese, these points have alternate names that highlight their status as ghost points, as the full list below shows.

    • LU-11 (shào shāng,Lesser Shāng; guǐ xìn,Ghost Sincerity)
    • LI-11 (qū chí,Pool at the Bend; guǐ tuǐ,Ghost Leg)

    • ST-6 (jiá chē,Cheek Carriage; guǐ chuāng,Ghost Bed)

    • SP-1 (yǐn bái,Hidden White; guǐ yǎn,Ghost Eye)
    • BL-62 (shēn mài,Extending Vessel; guǐ lù,Ghost Road)

    • PC-7 (dà líng,Great Mound; guǐ xīn,Ghost Heart)

    • PC-8 (láo gōng,Palace of Toil; guǐ kū,Ghost Cave)
    • GV-16 (fēng fǔ,Wind Mansion; guǐ xué,Ghost Hole)
    • GV-23 (shàng xīng,Upper Star; guǐ táng,Ghost Hall)
    • CV-26 (rén zhōng, Human Center; guǐ gōng,Ghost Palace)
    • CV-1 (huì yīn,Meeting of Yīn; guǐ cáng,Ghost Store)
    • CV-24 (chéng jiāng,Sauce Receptacle; guǐ shì,Ghost Market)
    • M-HN-37 (hǎi quán, Sea Spring; guǐ fēng,Ghost Seal)

    Huà Tuó’s Paravertebral Points (华陀夹脊穴 huà tuó jiā jǐ xué)

    Huà Tuó’s paravertebral points are points named after the legendary Chinese physician, who may have lived between 145–208 CE. They are situated along both sides of the spine about 0.5 cùn lateral to the lower end of the spinous process of each vertebra. Their functions are similar to the functions of the governing (dū) vessel and the back transport (bèi shù) points between which they are located.

    Nine Needles for Returning Yáng (回阳九针 huí yáng jiǔ zhēn)

    The nine needles for returning yáng are not needles but points, specifically re GV-15, PC-8, SP-6, KI-1, KI-3, CV-12, GB-30, ST-36, and LI-4. They are used to treat yáng collapse, which is marked by reversal cold of the extremities, aversion to cold, green-blue lips, somber-white facial complexion, and a faint pulse on the verge of expiration.

    Five Pillar Points (五柱穴 wǔ zhù xué)

    The five pillar points are CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct, 中脘 zhōng wǎn), CV-14 (Great Tower Gate, 巨阙 jù què), CV-10 (Lower Stomach Duct, 下脘 xià wǎn), and bilateral ST-21 (Beam Gate, 梁门 liáng mén), (CV-12 is two cùn from each of the other points), which are poled to treat spleen vacuity diarrhea and cold-damp diarrhea.

    NB: CV-12 is four cùn above the umbilicus and is two cùn from each of the other points. Compare cross moxa.

    台湾张成国

    Ten Diffusing Points (十宣 shí xuān)

    Ten acupoints each on in the center of a fingertip. They are used for emergency treatment of wind stroke and summerheat stroke with clouded spirit.

    Four Creases (四缝 sì fèng)

    Also four crease points. Four acupoints each located at the center of the creases of the proximal interphalangeal joints on the palmar aspect of each of the four fingers. They are used to treat infantile gān accumulation; infantile indigestion; whooping cough; diarrhea; biliary ascariasis.

    Alert Spirit Quartet (四神聪 sì shén cōng)

    Four acupoints located 1 cùn anterior, posterior and lateral to GV-20 (Hundred Convergences, 百会 bǎi huì). They treat headache, dizziness, insomnia, forgetfulness, and epilepsy. Needle transversely, 0.5–0.8 cùn.

    ā-shì Points (阿是穴 ā shì xué)

    The āshì points or ouch points are points particularly sensitive to palpation. The Chinese term means That’s it! or Oh, yes! points. These acupoints are most often used to treat disorders in their immediate vicinity but can also treat problems distant from the point. āshì are points not necessarily located on channels. Because their locations vary and reflect the illness and its relationship to the patient, these points are inherently unchartable.

    Non-Channel Points (经外奇穴 jīng wài qí xué)

    non-channel points are points not located on channels that have been empirically found to have therapeutic effects. Examples:

    • Hall of Impression (M-HN-3, 印堂 yìn táng) located between the eyebrows, on the anterior midline at the center of the glabella. It treats eye diseases; nasal congestion; postpartum blood dizziness; pregnancy epilepsy; trigeminal neuralgia.
    • Greater yáng (tài yáng) (M-HN-9, 太阳 tài yáng) located in the depression behind the eyebrow, at the purple vein of the temple. It treats headache, deviated eyes and mouth, trigeminal neuralgia, dry eyes, painful red swollen eyes.
    • Central Spring (M-UE-33, 中泉 zhōng quán) located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, in the depression between the tendons of the extensor pollicis longus and the extensor indicis muscles. It treats distension and fullness in the chest and rib-side; stomach pain; heart pain; vomiting and retching; spitting of blood; cough; panting; diseases of the wrist and surrounding tissues.
    • Hundred Worm Nest (M-LE-34, 百虫窝 bǎi chong2 wo1) located on the medial aspect of the thigh, 1 cùn superior to SP-10 (xuè hǎi). It treats itchy skin; dormant papules; roundworm disease; genital sores.

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