-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
spontaneous abortion/miscarriage
acupuncture

patterns and combinations

after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Heat in the Xue (Blood); Qi Xu (Deficiency); Kidney Qi Xu (Deficiency); Liver Qi Stagnation; traumatic injury or accident; Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); dysfunction of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and/or Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)

» therapeutic notes:
• treatment with acupuncture is not an adequate substitute for emergency medical intervention in the event that complications appear likely
• if you are unsure about contraindications, check the list of "forbidden and caution points" in the materia medica regarding appropriateness during pregnancy
• therapeutic intention, point selection and technique will vary considerably if the fetus is considerable viable or if the primary goal has become expelling the fetus to save the mother from complications; if the pregnancy is no longer viable, see also "retained placenta" under "labor pains" for points that will assist in expelling a non-viable fetus

» illustrative combinations:
• St-25 and Sp-6 (D): "sometimes used to treat threatened abortion" (Liu, p. 398)
• UB-15 and UB-18 (-): reduce Heat in the Xue (Blood)
• UB-20, CV-3 and Sp-9 (-): resolve Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer and Xue (Blood)
• UB-23 and UB-28 (+): benefit Kidney
• GV-4, CV-4, and St-36 (+ and D): tonify Kidney Yang and Qi; nourish the weak
• Lu-7 and Kd-6 open and regulate the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) which nurtures the fetus and nourishes the Uterus
• Sp-6, UB-23 and Kd-3 (+): reinforce Kidney and nourish Yin (Finkelstein, p. 27; Flaws, 1989, p. 88)
• Kd-5 and Kd-7: stabilize and consolidate Kidney Qi (Finkelstein, p. 53)
• Kd-5, CV-4 and Kd-7: consolidate Kidney Qi (Finkelstein, p. 53)


point analysis

»
palpate and consider:
GV-20 (D): stabilizes the body against shock; pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; regulates and tonifies the Qi (D); adjusts Qi of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); elevates the Clear Qi; spreads Liver Qi; secures the lower Orifices (D); calms the fetus (D); Sea of Marrow point; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the six Yang channels and the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
• GV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; strengthens the Kidney; benefits and replenishes the Kidney Yang; nourishes the Yuan (Original) Qi; relieves mental and physical exhaustion; reinforces and astringes the Jing (Essence); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels
• UB-15 (-): calms the Heart and the Shen; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); Heart Shu Associated point
• UB-18 (-): pacifies the Shen; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); Liver Shu Associated point
• UB-20 (-): regulates Spleen Qi; tonifies the Spleen and benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; tonifies and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); raises Middle Qi; resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer and in the Xue (Blood); Spleen Shu Associated point
• UB-23 (+): tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); prevents or relieves general stress fatigue (Finkelstein, p. 44); strengthens Yang and Qi Hai; drains Heat from the Lower Warmer; Kidney Shu Associated point
• UB-47/52 (+): tonifies Kidney Qi, Kidney Yang, Kidney Yin, Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi; stabilizes Kidney Qi; influences the pituitary (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); Kidney psychospiritual associated point
• UB-28 (+): clears Heat from Lower Warmer; reinforces Yuan (Original) Qi; benefits the Kidney; Bladder Shu Associated point
• UB-54/40 (-): clears Heat from the Xue (Blood); transforms Damp-Heat; calms the fetus, esp. when restless due to Heat in the Xue (Blood); benefits Kidney Qi as well as the lower back, hips, legs and knees; Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point
• GB-25 (=): tonifies the Kidney; sedates and/or warms Kidney Yang; influences Kidney Yin; removes Qi Stagnation; calms the fetus; Kidney Mu Alarm point
GB-21 (-): spreads Liver Qi, disperses Stagnation, and stops pain; sends Qi downward to expel retained placenta, or with premature labor or miscarriage characterized by cold limbs (Mann, p. 62); clears and invigorates the channels; note: contraindicated if fetus still viable
PC-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi in the Upper and Middle Warmers; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); stabilizes Qi in the Uterus; relaxes the sinews and clears the vessels; relieves pain; palpation: major Spleen reflex point (Matsumoto); Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
Lu-7 (+): opens and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Lung Luo Connecting and Exit point; Master point of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
• Ht-7 (-): pacifies the Shen; calms the Heart; relieves palpitations, insomnia and fear; regulates and tonifies the Heart, esp. Heart Qi; Heart Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point
CV-8 (D on salt): warms and stabilizes the Yang; warms the Lower and Middle Warmers; strengthens the transporting function of the Spleen and Stomach; dries Dampness and Damp-Cold; raises placenta and fetus that has slipped or dropped prematurely (Flaws, 1983, p. 45); palpation: pulsing around CV-8 indicates Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency), while a puffy navel indicates Kidney Xu (Deficiency) (Matsumoto)
• CV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; grounds the Shen when there is Empty-Heat (Maciocia, p. 207); regulates the Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; tonifies the Middle Warmer, strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Raising Qi; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); strengthens the function of astringing the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; strengthens and replenishes the Kidney Qi; regulates the Uterus; warms the Kidney Yang, the Lower Warmer and Uterus (D); Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; at CV-4 the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) separates from the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) (Finkelstein, p. 85)
• CV-3 (-): assists the transforming functions of Qi; alleviates Damp-Heat, esp. in the Uterus and Xue (Blood); tonifies the Kidney Qi and Yang; regulates the Uterus and menstruation; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; relieves pain; Bladder Mu Alarm point
St-25 (D): supports Earth and harmonizes the Center; regulates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates Qi, esp. Ying (Constructive) Qi and Wei (Protective) Qi (Finkelstein, p. 15); tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi and thus neutralizes Shi (Excess) Heat; transforms Dampness; regulates pelvic Qi; Large Intestine Mu Alarm point
zi gong (=): clears Heat; tonifies and warms Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates menstruation; transforms Damp-Heat; calms the fetus
Sp-10 (+): harmonizes and tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi; regulates, nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat and transforms Damp-Heat in the Xue (Blood); nourishes Xue (Blood) Dryness; perfuses the Lower Warmer; regulates the menses; treats restless fetus disorder due to Heat in the Xue (Blood) or Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); "Sea of Blood"
• Sp-9 (-): regulates and tonifies Spleen (especially Yang); warms and moves the Middle Warmer; regulates the Water Pathways; benefits the Lower Warmer; resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer and Xue (Blood); Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point
• Sp-8 (=): regulates and tonifies the Spleen (especially Qi); promotes circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates, harmonizes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) to move Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and reduce pain; regulates and adjusts the Uterus; stabilizes Kidney Qi; Spleen Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Sp-6 (D; no needle!): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences the pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen and tonifies the Qi; regulates and nourishes the Xue (Blood); clears Xue (Blood) Heat; transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); frees Qi Stagnation and spreads Liver Qi; restores circulation to the Lower Warmer; tonifies the Kidney; transforms Dampness and Heat; stimulates activity of the Uterus, regulates the menses, and reduces menstrual pain; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; adjusts and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; regulates the Xue (Blood), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and menstrual cycle; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); transforms Dampness and Damp-Heat; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
• St-36 (+ and D): calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; strengthens the Spleen and replenishes the Middle Warmer; dispels and eliminates Dampness; increases the raising Qi, regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi, and spreads Liver Qi; nourishes the Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies Kidney Yin; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
• Lv-8 (+): nourishes Liver Xue (Blood) and Yin; clears and cools Damp-Heat; soothes the sinews and tendons; frees and facilitates the Lower Warmer; invigorates the collateral vessels; Liver He Sea Uniting, Water and Tonification point
Lv-3 (-): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; regulates the Vital Qi, strengthens Raising Qi, and removes irregularities in the body Qi; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); regulates circulation of Xue (Blood) to disperse Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and regulate menses; discharges Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer; opens the channels and relaxes spasms; sedates pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms
Kd-9 (D): pacifies the Shen; relieves anxiety and emotional tension of Kidney origin (Maciocia, p. 253); strengthens Yuan (Original) Qi; warms the Kidney; tonifies Kidney Qi, Kidney Yin and Jing (Essence); strengthens the fetus and eliminates hereditary dysfunction; Entry point and Xi Cleft Accumulation point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); note: important preventive point, see "Kd-9" in materia medica for more information
• Kd-7 (+): clears Heat and nourishes Yin; strengthens the Spleen and rids body of excess fluids; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates Qi, esp. Kidney Qi, and restores Qi to the vessels; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; tonifies the Liver via the mother/child relationship; regulates the menses; cools and clears Damp-Heat; disperses Stagnation; Kidney Metal and Tonification point
• Kd-5 (+): reinforces the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens Yuan (Original) Qi; moves the Lower Warmer; regulates the menses; strengthens function of the Kidney; revives circulation of Qi in the Kidney organs and channels; clears and regulates the Bladder; Kidney Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Kd-3 (+): tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; warms Cold; cools and descends Heat; pacifies Xu (Deficiency) Fire; tonifies Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire (D); stabilizes Kidney Qi; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); promotes function of the Uterus; regulates menses and Water Pathways; calms the fetus; Kidney Yuan Source, Shu Stream and Earth point
UB-67 (D; no needle!): calms the Shen; regulates and promotes flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates pregnancy and childbirth; repositions the fetus; eliminates Dampness; transforms Damp-Heat; effects ovaries, all hormones and lymphatic system (Finkelstein, p. 51); Bladder Jing Well, Metal, Tonification and Exit point; "root of Yang" according to Nei Jing (Finkelstein, p. 51)

» illustrative combinations:
• St-25 and Sp-6 (D): "sometimes used to treat threatened abortion" (Liu, p. 398)
• UB-15 and UB-18 (-): reduce Heat in the Xue (Blood)
• UB-20, CV-3 and Sp-9 (-): resolve Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer and Xue (Blood)
• UB-23 and UB-28 (+): benefit Kidney
• GV-4, CV-4, and St-36 (+ and D): tonify Kidney Yang and Qi; nourish the weak
• Lu-7 and Kd-6 open and regulate the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) which nurtures the fetus and nourishes the Uterus
• Sp-6, UB-23 and Kd-3 (+): reinforce Kidney and nourish Yin (Finkelstein, p. 27; Flaws, 1989, p. 88)
• Kd-5 and Kd-7: stabilize and consolidate Kidney Qi (Finkelstein, p. 53)
• Kd-5, CV-4 and Kd-7: consolidate Kidney Qi (Finkelstein, p. 53)


footnotes

Reprinted from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Maciocia, Giovanni, 1989, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.