AC 101 Class 5: Acupuncture Points

AC 101 Class 5: Acupuncture Points

Specific Points Overview

  • Spring 2025

  • Instructor: Zhenni Jin, DOAM, LA.C

  • Topics Covered: Yuan-Source Points, Luo-Connecting Points, Xi-Cleft Points, Back-Shu Points, Front-Mu Points, Eight Confluent Points, Eight Influential Points

  • References:

    • CAM, pages 132-134

    • Deadman, pages 38-55

  • Yuan-Source Points (原⽳)

    • Definition: Yuan-Source points (Yuan-Xue) are specific acupoints located primarily on the twelve main channels near the wrist and ankle. They serve as key locations for the body’s primary energy, known as Yuan-Qi (原⽓).

  • Yuan-Qi Origin: Originates below the umbilicus between the kidneys (dān tián) and is dispersed via the San Jiao (Triple Burner) to nourish internal organs and limbs.

  • Significance in Therapy:

    • Reflect health status of related zang-fu organs (the functional organ systems in Traditional Chinese Medicine).

    • Regulate organ function and maintain homeostasis.

    • Often used in combination with other acupoints for holistic treatment effects.

Characteristics of Yuan-Source Points

  • In yin channels (associated with zang-organs: lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, pericardium):

    • Yuan-Source points are identical to Shu-Stream points.

    • Useful for diagnosing and treating chronic conditions.

  • In yang channels (associated with fu-organs: stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, gallbladder, San Jiao):

    • Yuan-Source points are distinct from Shu-Stream points, emphasizing their separate roles in energy regulation.

Location and Functions

  • Location: Around the wrist and ankle joints, crucial for mobility, grasping, and balance.

  • Importance of Qi and Blood Flow:

    • High mobility areas require significant blood flow, hence the localized warmth in hands and feet when qi and blood are sufficient.

    • Areas often feel cold first when qi and blood are deficient.

  • Role in Circulation: Yuan-Source points are where qi transformation is most active, positioned near the most distal palpable pulse of each channel.

Clinical Applications

  • Primary Use: Tonification in clinical practice to enhance qi, particularly in yin channels, by strengthening and energizing the body.

  • Yang Channel Utilization: Focus on unblocking circulation, enhancing movement, promoting overall energy flow.

  • Example Case - LU-9 (Taiyuan):

    • Used for treating lung qi deficiency and also beneficial for acute issues (dry throat, dry cough).

    • Mechanism: Strengthens lung qi which indirectly supports yin through enhancing collaboration between the lung and spleen in producing blood nourishment.

Luo-Connecting Points (络⽳)

  • Definition: Specific acupoints where collaterals branch off from the twelve primary channels, including the Du Vessel, Ren Vessel, and Major Collateral of the Spleen.

  • Total Number: Fifteen Luo-Connecting Points.

  • Functionality: Connect paired interior-exterior channels, facilitating energy flow between them, hence termed as points that “connect two channels” (⼀络通两经).

Clinical Use

  • Treatment Capability:

    • Used for conditions affecting the primary channel and its paired counterpart.

    • Addresses disorders in areas influenced by the channels.

  • Luo-Connecting Point Example - LU-7 (Lieque):

    • Treats lung conditions (cough, asthma) and issues from the Large Intestine channel (toothache, head pain).

  • Yuan-Luo Pairing Technique:

    • Involves using Luo-Connecting points alone or in combination with Yuan-Source points of the paired channel for balanced qi flow regulation between the two channels.

Summary of Channel and Collateral System

  • Channels: Primary pathways linking the head and trunk to the limbs.

  • Collaterals: Network providing microcirculation, completing the system. Channels are deeper within the body while collaterals are more superficial.