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AQ3 Course Notes – Specific Points, Extra Points, Auricular/Scalp Acupuncture, Tests and Assessments

Overview and Objectives

  • Aim of the module: solid understanding and memorization of AcuPoints (AcuPoints) for effective clinical use and exam preparation. emphasize point name, nature, location, precautions, actions, indications; combinations of points (FortiGates and others) are flexible but focus on commonly used/popular combinations and those with particular clinical usage.
  • Progression: from AcuRine content to AQ3 content; later classes expand on point combinations, channel collateral system, and region-based point sets.
  • Focus shift in this AQ3 class: specific points (point nature) in addition to channel points, extra points, and future integration of points by region and by system (auricular, scalp).

Structure and Key Concepts in AQ3

  • Specific points: 10 groups of specific points (the class notes enumerate 10 groups; you will review the following named groups in class):
    • The five chip points
    • Lower her c points
    • Your prime points
    • Low connecting
    • Front nerve back through c cleft
    • Confluence influential
    • Also crossing points
    • (Note: transcript mentions 10 groups but only these named ones are clearly listed; expect additional groups to be covered in class materials.)
  • Extra points and extra channels
    • Extra points: points not on the regular channels or extra channels; still have specific locations, functions, and clinical applications.
    • Some extra points have moved into channels over time (e.g., Bladder 43); naming and numbering can vary across reference books (WHO nomenclature vs. DUTMAN/PenKan/other catalogs).
    • Criteria for an extra point: useful clinically, well-defined location, distinct from channel points (at least 0.5 cun away from a channel point), and often given priority by college materials.
  • Auricular acupuncture (ear points)
    • Definition: acupuncture system based on the ear with somatotopic correspondence; ear points map to body parts.
    • Mapping principle: inverted beta map (head points lower on the ear, lower limbs higher on the ear).
    • Practical note: stimulation at an ear point yields information about, or influence on, a body part or function.
  • Scalp acupuncture
    • Uses scalp lines that map to somatotopic functional brain areas (somatosensory, language, hearing, etc.).
    • Relates to brain function distributions; lines provide a framework for scalp-based treatment.
  • Points by region, channels vs. region-based study
    • Review AQ1–AQ2 content plus AQ3 extras; the review is designed to consolidate knowledge and prepare for practice.
  • Tests and assessment format
    • Tests: theory (online ClassMarker quizzes) and practicals (class marker + PowerPoint visuals; locating points on the body).
    • Quizzes: four quizzes with specified contents, not strictly cumulative; individual quiz weights: 2.5% each (total 10%).
    • Practical assessment: combination of ClassMarker questions and point-location tasks; visual recognition of points in slides.
  • Course plan and assessment weights
    • Attendance and class participation: 10% (online attendance requires video on).
    • Quizzes: 10% total (four quizzes, 2.5% each).
    • Assignments: 20% total (two parts in AQ3; individual and group work as described).
    • Midterm exam: 25% (cumulative from AQ3 contents).
    • Final exam: 35% (cumulative from AQ3 contents).
  • Syllabus and study tips
    • Emphasis on recognizing point naming conventions (numerical names with alphabetic identifiers) and understanding both the Chinese names and the numerical/alphabetic designations.
    • For extra points, be aware of naming discrepancies across sources; the course will center on the college-recommended list and our notes.
    • Practice locations using proportional measurements (cun) and anatomical landmarks; bring a gel pen or skin-safe marker for practice during light-handout sessions.

Specific Points and Regions: Representative Examples

Note: The transcript covers many points in the head/face region with detailed locations, needling directions, and clinical indications. The following entries are pulled directly from the lecture text, including exact point names used in the class notes and their described use.

Head and Face region: Headpoint groupings and representative points

  • Sichantong (Sichan Tong)
    • Location: vertex region; midline of the head; about 5–10 cun from the anterior hairline.
    • Indications and use: great for calming the mind; treat insomnia and wind affecting the brain; eye issues; wind-affected headaches; can be used with other points for brain-related conditions.
    • Needling note: deeper needling is described in some sources; adjust to constitution; typical subcutaneous depth around 0.3–0.5 cun in many texts.
  • Yin Tang
    • Location: between the two eyebrows, at the glabella, midway between medial ends of the eyebrows.
    • Depth: needle subcutaneously downward 0.3–0.5 cun (skin should be painted to avoid needle displacement).
    • Indications: nasal congestion, discharge, sneezing, rhinitis, headaches; mind-related benefits (calming, brain-related effects); epilepsy and vertigo.
  • Tai Yang
    • Location: lateral to the eye, in the temporal region; located by linking the outer canthus to the end of the eyebrow and finding the midpoint.
    • Depth: 0.3–0.5 cun subcutaneously; can needle perpendicular or obliquely toward the temple depending on outcome.
    • Indications: headaches (temporal and frontal), eye-related conditions, trigeminal neuralgia, tooth/gum pain, and zygomatic area pain.
  • Shang Ming (Shangming)
    • Location: above the eyeball; the point above the eyeball associated with brightness of the eyes.
    • Indications: frontal headaches; support for visual clarity and brain function; often used with Yin Tang for headaches related to emotional disturbance.
  • Xiaoming
    • Location: above the eyeball (the text contrasts with Shangming as the point just above the eye region).
    • Indications: similar to Shangming for eye-related conditions; supports brightness and visual function.
  • Cheong Ho (Cheong Ho; LI-20 vicinity)
    • Location: on the nasolabial border, near the side of the nose above LI-20; described in the transcript as near the infraorbital region.
    • Depth: 0.3–0.5 cun; sometimes combined with LI-20 to treat nose conditions.
    • Indications: nose conditions (nasal congestion, discharge, polyps, etc.); eye conditions and local facial area issues.
  • LI-20 (Large Intestine 20)
    • Location: at the nasolabial border, at the level of the nasolabial fold; approximately at the midpoint of the alar nasi.
    • Depth: 0.3–0.5 cun; needle toward the bridge of the nose or along the side of the nose.
    • Indications: nasal issues (congestion, discharge, sneezing, etc.); often used with Bitong.
  • Bitong
    • Location: inside the mouth near the nose, located superior to LI-20; above LI-20 and near the upper lip line.
    • Depth: 0.3–0.5 cun; needle subcutaneously toward the bridge of the nose; often needling both LI-20 and Bitong with a single needle or separate needles.
    • Indications: nose-related issues and local tongue/mouth symptoms (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, etc.). Bleeding technique may be used in some cases.
  • Jinjing and Yuye (two points on the tongue)
    • Location: on the bottom of the tongue along the two major venous lines at either side of the frenulum.
    • Names and lateral positioning: Jinjing (left side) and Yuye (right side).
    • Indications: reduce heat in the tongue, treat tongue ulcers, and address fluid-related tongue swelling; bleeding is used at these points in some protocols.
    • Distinguishing features: used for tongue-related heat and moisture issues; fluid generation or wasting thirsting conditions; bleeding technique is used in some traditions.
  • Hai Chun
    • Location: center of the frenulum between the two points above the tongue; often described as a “sea spring” or water-related point.
    • Indications: fluid generation and wasting thirsting disorders (dry mouth, thirst), heat in the tongue/mouth area, ulcers; also used for some tongue-related pain and swelling, and other tongue-related conditions.
    • Additional ideas: sometimes linked to clearing heat and generating fluids.
  • Haizhan (Hai Chun variation and closely related tongue points)
    • Similar to Hai Chun with additional local tongue indications and fluid generation focus.
  • Shangling Chen / Shan Ling Chen (tongue-internal points)
    • Location: on or near the roots of the tongue; often referenced in conjunction with tongue-related conditions.
    • Indications: tongue and throat-related symptoms; saliva issues; throat discomfort; speech and swallowing difficulties.
    • Depth: varies by point; typically shallow to moderate depth; bleeding sometimes used in specific points on the tongue.
  • Ling Chang / Shan Ling Chen connections (tongue base points) and related explanations
    • Location: around the tongue base and the root area; targets tongue conditions and speech issues.
    • Indications: throat, voice, saliva, swallowing issues; mild intestinal symptoms in some contexts.
  • Duan points around the mouth (mouth region extra points)
    • Includes points near the mouth region for local mouth deviations and facial issues; used for mouth and eye deviation, facial paralysis, and related symptoms.
    • Depth and needling direction depend on exact point and safety considerations.
  • Jing Pi / JIngpi (neck region, anterior neck)
    • Location: on the neck, anterior to clavicle; measured along the clavicle from medial to lateral ends, dividing the clavicle into thirds; positioned on the anterior neck region near the SCM.
    • Depth: usually shallow to avoid deep structures; typically 0.5–1 cun perpendicular or slightly oblique to treat neck/arm connections.
    • Indications: neck region conditions, shoulder and upper back pain; arm-related issues (paralysis, numbness);
  • Ding Chuan
    • Location: back/neck region, at level up to T4 and near the posterior midline, between the scapula and spine.
    • Depth: 0.5–0.8 cun perpendicular or 0.5–1 cun oblique toward the spine.
    • Indications: dyspnea, coughing, asthma; also local neck/shoulder pain; helps with chest and back issues.
  • Bai Lao / Bǎi Lǎo (neck/scapular region)
    • Location: posterior neck region, near the scapular region; measured using the posterior midline and scapula landmarks (between mastoid and the posterior midline) depending on referenced diagrams; often used with Dingchuan-related points.
    • Indications: neck stiffness, sweating, asthma-related symptoms in some variations; additional lung-related indications.
  • Yimin / Yìmín (ear and neck region; posterior to SJ17 and GB20 vicinity)
    • Location: in the neck/occipital region, posterior to SJ17, near GB20; two points (Yimin and Yiming) near SCM.
    • Depth: 0.5–2 cun, perpendicular or oblique depending on indication and safety near the skull base.
    • Indications: insomnia and calming the mind; eye/ear conditions; some liver- or yin-related conditions depending on tradition.
  • Jing Pi (neck) and nearby SCM-related points
    • Summary: several extra points lie in the SCM region or near trunk/neck junction with arm connections; careful anatomical localization is essential to avoid deep structures.

Note on safety and technique for head/neck/eye region points:

  • For points near the eye orbit (e.g., Xiang Ming, Cheong Ho, LI-20 family, Bitong): use gentle insertion, push the eyeball slightly away with the other hand/eye closure to create space, minimize depth, and avoid injury.
  • For posterior neck/back points (e.g., Ding Chuan, Bai Lao, Yimin, Yiming): avoidance of deep insertion toward the pleural cavity; depth typically within 0.5–1 cun; adjust to patient size and anatomy.
  • For ear/auricular points: use caution with needle direction and angle to respect the scalp/ear anatomy; consider bleeding techniques when indicated by the point description.

Representative nerve/structure references used in locating points

  • Proportional measurements (cun) and body landmarks:
    • Example: for Dingchuan, measure from the posterior midline to the point with 0.5–0.8 cun depth; avoid deep insertion that could reach the pleural cavity.
    • For neck/shoulder region points, use the midline and scapular landmarks to identify the back/waist region points.
  • Anatomical references often cited include:
    • SCM (sternocleidomastoid) region and its relation to nearby nerves and vessels.
    • Trapezius and surrounding muscular planes in the posterior neck.
    • The posterior midline and intervertebral regions for back-point locations.
  • Point location tips:
    • Use surface anatomy drawings or precise landmarks rather than broad zones to avoid mis-placing the needle on adjacent points.
    • For practice, prepare with a gel pen or skin-safe markers to illustrate proportional measurements on yourself or a partner.

Practical considerations and test prep for AQ3

  • Test formats and platform
    • ClassMarker-based theory quizzes (online) and practicals combining ClassMarker visuals with PowerPoint and locating points on the body.
    • Quizzes are point-specific (not accumulative) and cover distinct sections (extras, specific points, auricular/scalp).
  • Attendance and marks
    • Attendance: 10%
    • Quizzes: 10%
    • Assignments: 20%
    • Midterm: 25% (cumulative from AQ3 content)
    • Final: 35% (cumulative from AQ3 content)
  • Assignments
    • Individual assignment (10% total): two parts
    • Part 1: Summary of all 10 groups of specific points (or your chosen summarization approach).
    • Part 2: Summary of the 78 commonly used points (name, nature, location, needling cautions, functions, applications, and basic combinations). Format is flexible (Excel, Word, etc.). Submit original format and PDF.
    • Due around Oct 24 (before a study break). Files should be easy to review and open across platforms.
    • Group assignments (two parts, 50 questions per body region):
    • Part 1: Questions by body region (40 multiple choice, 5 matching questions with ~5 items, 5 true/false questions).
    • Part 2: Answers version (optional); two versions of the file: with questions only and with questions + answers.
    • Regions covered: hand/upper limb, lower limb, head/face/neck, trunk.
    • Due Nov 7 (later in the term).
  • Practical vs theory: exam format
    • Midterm: theory + practical components; cumulative coverage from AQ3 content.
    • Final: cumulative; broader coverage including all AQ3 content plus practical components.

Study tips and best practices mentioned in the lecture

  • Memorization versus understanding: the course emphasizes both memorization of point details and deeper understanding of channel collateral systems for flexible clinical reasoning.
  • Naming conventions
    • Use numerical names with alphabetic designations (e.g., Long1, Long2) as common practice in clinics and exams.
    • Be aware of Chinese pinyin names as well; Chinese names provide historical and functional insight but are not always required to memorize for this course.
    • Expect variability across reference texts (WHO standard nomenclature vs. other texts); focus on the PE (point name) designations used in course notes.
  • Point location and practice
    • Prioritize proportional measurements (cun) and anatomical relationships; avoid over-reliance on diagrams if they conflict with practical anatomy.
    • For practice in class: plan to locate points on the body (without actual needling for this term).
    • For eye-related points near the orbit: ensure safe needle depth and consider eyelid/eye movement to protect the globe.
  • Common pitfalls and safety notes
    • Be mindful of pneumothorax risk for posterior neck/back points near the lung apex; never needle deeply in high-risk zones.
    • Epilepsy: safety-first approach during episodes; avoid needling during convulsions; consider acupressure only if safe.
    • When in doubt, prioritize patient safety and emergency protocols; consult with instructors or supervisors for supervision during risky points.
  • Study organization and assignment planning
    • The two-part AQ3 assignments are designed to reinforce memory (78 commonly used points) and overall comprehension (specific points and combinations).
    • Group work should reflect region-based study rather than channel-based groupings, to encourage integration of region-specific point knowledge.
    • File naming and submission guidelines will be provided; adhere to them to ensure timely review.

Practical Takeaways for Exam Preparation

  • Build a mental map of head/face extra points and representative indications (insomnia, headaches, eye conditions, nose/mouth conditions).
  • Practice the main lower-neck/upper-chest points (Dingchuan, Bai Lao, Yimin/Yiming) with emphasis on safe needle depth and anatomical landmarks.
  • Use the 0.3–0.5 cun and 0.5–1 cun ranges as starting points for practice; adjust depth for patient size and safety, especially near the eye orbit and near the lungs.
  • Review the 78 commonly used points and their core functions; prepare succinct summaries with the required fields: name, nature, location, needling cautions, functions, applications, and suggested combinations.
  • Prepare for the test formats by practicing both 40 MCQs/5 matching/5 true-false per body region and the two-file submission format for group work.

Quick Reference: Key Points Mentioned (names as in transcript)

  • Sichantong (vertex, mind/brain, wind, insomnia, eye conditions)
  • Yin Tang (glabella, nose issues, mind/epilepsy)
  • Tai Yang (temporal region, eye and tooth/nerve indications)
  • Xiaoming / Shangming (eye brightness, above eyeball)
  • Cheong Ho (near LI-20, nose/eye conditions)
  • LI-20 (nasolabial border, nose conditions)
  • Bitong (inside the mouth, nasal conditions, tongue/mouth issues)
  • Jinjing / Yuye (tongue base veins; bleeding points for tongue/dry mouth)
  • Hai Chun / Hai Chun variants (tongue, fluids, heat)
  • Shan Ling Chen (tongue root area; throat/voice; insomnia)
  • LIng/Tongue-nose region points around mouth (Ji? and related terms)
  • JingPi, Dingchuan, Bai Lao (neck/shoulder/back with arm connections; dyspnea, cough, asthma; safety considerations near lungs)
  • Yimin / Yiming (ear-near-neck, insomnia, eye/ear conditions)
  • Associated neck/occipital region points (GB20, SJ17 vicinity; posterior neck landmarks)
  • Extra points near ear/face (ear apex, Tianqin, etc.) and near the SCM/mastoid region
  • Head/ear regions with safety notes for ocular and orbital proximity; pneumothorax cautions for posterior/neck regions

If you need a clean, exam-ready version of these notes, I can format a condensed one-page study sheet or expand any section with more precise point-by-point data from your course notes. Let me know which parts you want emphasized (e.g., auricular/scalp sections, specific point summaries, or assignment details).