Source and Collateral Points, Channel Flow, Utilizing Points Therapeutically

Source and Collateral Points

  • Key Concept: Understanding the distinction between source points and collateral points in acupuncture.

Practice Activity

  • Focus on Points: Practice locating HT 3 - HT 9.

  • Terminology: - Meeting of Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Qi (原 A 泉 - quán):

    • Defined as a spring gushing out from a cliff (厂) - represents the origin of water.

Locations of the Source Points

  • Source Point Channel Qi:

    • LU-10: Location and significance in maintaining channel qi.

    • LU-11: Similar application as LU-10.

    • LU-9: Channel qi begins to flow from this point.

    • Channel Qi Flow:

      • “流” (liu) indicates the beginning of flow.

      • “出” (chu): flow begins to come out.

      • “注” (zh): flow now begins to pour with force, generating ample source qi.

Conditional Indicators

  • Chronic Conditions:

    • Source points can indicate chronic (cold) conditions.

  • Palpable Changes:

    • Changes may be smaller and harder to detect.

  • Deficiency Effects:

    • Deficiency conditions may show slight swelling.

    • Excess conditions in organs or channels are less obvious in source points.

Benefit Qi and Warm Yang (益氣溫陽 - yì qì wën yáng)

  • LU-9:

    • Function: Benefits and assists in the assimilation of ‘true qi’ (真氣 - zhēn qì).

    • Indication: Shortness of breath.

  • SP-3:

    • Function: Assists in the assimilation of post-natal qi.

    • Indication: Loose bowel movements, fatigue.

  • LI-4:

    • Function: Lifts and warms yangming channel qi to the head.

    • Indication: Headaches, chronic tooth pain.

  • ST-42:

    • Unique use; less commonly employed.

  • HT-7:

    • Function: Benefits and warms the heart.

    • Indication: Anxiety and insomnia.

Collateral Points

  • Microcirculation and Connectivity:

    • Relationships: Reflect internal and external channels involved in microcirculation.

    • Emotional Patterns: Possible correlations with emotional stasis in small spaces.

    • Deficiency Detection: Deficiencies in microcirculation are often harder to palpate.

Yin-Yang Channel Connection and Upstream Microcirculation

  • Key Points:

    • LU-7: Opens the collaterals of the lungs and throat.

    • SP-4: Opens the collaterals of blood in the abdomen.

    • LI-6: Opens collaterals of the face.

    • ST-40: Regulates spleen-stomach fluid metabolism.

    • HT-5: Address issues with micro-circulation in the brain.

Clinical Applications of Points

  • LU-7:

    • Conditions: Chronic cough and neck pain.

  • SP-4:

    • Conditions: Irregular menstruation/abdominal distension.

  • LI-6:

    • Conditions: Bell’s palsy/trigeminal neuralgia.

  • ST-40:

    • Conditions: “Phlegm misting the heart”/face pain.

  • HT-5:

    • Conditions: Post-stroke effects, agitation, dementia.

Moving Twelve Six Levels Organs and Environmental Qi

  • Cold (寒 - hán): Taiyang.

  • Fire (火 - huô): Shaoyang.

  • Dry (燥 - zào): Yangming.

  • Damp (湿 - shï): Taiyin.

  • Summerheat/Heat (热 - rè): Jueyin.

Point Characteristics and Functions

  • HT-5: Collateral/Luo point impacting microcirculation in the brain.

  • HT-6: Xi-cleft point with implications for heart functions.

  • HT-7: Source point, calming and warming effects on the heart related to anxiety and tightness in the chest.

Specific Points and Their Conditions

  • Shaochong (HE-9): Treatment for various heart-related issues.

  • Shaofu (HE-8): Focused on managing severe insomnia and mania.

  • Laogong (P-8): Specific functions in cardiovascular treatment patterns.

  • HT-8: Ying/Spring point for heat conditions and related angina.

  • HT-9: Jing Well Point related to angina and medial epicondylitis (tendonitis).

Understanding Tendons and Muscles

  • Upper Limb (Right): Emphasis on anatomical relationships.

  • Specific Muscles to Note:

    • Flexor Digitorum Superficialis: Its role in hand movement.

    • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris: Involvement in wrist flexion and stability.

  • Layering Tendons Over Bones: Understanding the structural composition of muscle and tendons during hand movement.

Heart Points Relation to Tendons and Bones

  • HT-5: Designated as a tendon space for its indexing characteristics.

  • HT-6: Identified as a bone space, indicating treatment approach based on structural anatomy.

  • HT-7: An important point for relating tendons and bones in therapeutic applications.