-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
osteoarthritis
acupuncture

patterns and combinations

after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency); Liver Xu (Deficiency); Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Qi Stagnation; Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Wind-Damp Bi; dysfunction of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)

» therapeutic notes:
• with Xu (Deficiency), application of direct and/or indirect moxa to points may be extremely beneficial for strengthening and invigorating the Qi, Yang and/or Jing (Essence), but caution must be exercised so as not to damage the Yin if Yin Xu (Deficiency) is presenting
• with Wind-Damp Bi, needle with even needle technique, retain for 20 minutes; moxa applicable to all points
• apply moxa to specific affected area(s), esp. direct non-scarring moxa with moxa shields
• point selection should include points with global and local effects, as well as distal points and those related by channel relationships
• plum blossom affected joints

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis in general:
• GB-39 and GB-34 strengthen the tendon and consolidate the bones (Finkelstein, p. 70)
• GB-39 and UB-11 strengthen the tendons and build up the bones (Finkelstein, p. 70)
• Kd-3, UB-47/52 and GV-4 strengthen the Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 48)
• UB-23 and GV-4 tonify the Kidney; strengthen the Yang (Finkelstein, p. 44)
• UB-23 and Sp-6 tonify the Kidney; nourish the Yang (Finkelstein, p. 44)
• UB-23, Kd-3 and GV-4 invigorate Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 44)
• UB-23, Kd-3 and CV-4 (D) strengthen Kidney Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 44)
• Sp-6 and Kd-2 tonify the Kidney, consolidate or astringe the Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 70; Finkelstein, p. 27)
• TW-5, then GB-41 open the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) for which arthritis is a symptom of dysfunction
• especially with Jing Xu (Deficiency), consider the Eight Extraordinary Vessel treatment: Lu-7, Kd-6, SI-3, UB-62, Sp-4, PC-6, GB-41 and TW-5. This treatment may have to be repeated many times to receive fullest benefits. (Fan and Dunbar, p. 57)
• UB-10, LI-11, SI-5, CV-6 and St-36 (+) invigorate Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation (Legge, p. 86)
• UB-11, UB-58, GB-30, St-36, GV-2, Lv-3, GV-15, UB-3 and PC-7 influence the parathyroids (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20)

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis of the head and neck:
• St-7 and LI-4 for temporomandibular arthritis (Shanghai, p. 155)
• TW-17 and St-7 for temporomandibular arthritis (Shanghai, p. 161)
• UB-60 and UB-62 remove Qi Obstruction of the Tai Yang channel to treat stiffness of the neck and back (Finkelstein, p. 50)

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine:
• SI-3, then UB-62 open the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
• yao yan, UB-23 and UB-54/40 for low back pain (Shanghai, p. 212)
• thread TW-5 through the arm to PC-6, and SI-6 for lumbar pain (Shanghai, p. 237)
• see also "low back pain"

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis of the upper limbs:
• LI-15, TW-14, LI-11 and jian nei ling for diseases of the shoulder joint (Shanghai, p. 222)
• TW-3 and LI-10 for shoulder and back pain (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 281)
• TW-3 and TW-2 treat swelling and inflammation of the arm and hand (Shanghai, p. 238)
• LI-15, LI-11 and LI-4 when "aching of the hands make it difficult to grasp things" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 103)
• LI-10, LI-5, TW-5, TW-4, SI-4, PC-7, shang ba xie and si feng for arthritis of the wrist, metacarpals and fingers (Shanghai, p. 606)
• TW-4, PC-7, si feng and shang ba xie for arthritis of the wrist, hand, fingers and bones of hand (Shanghai, p. 237)
• LI-11, LI-4 and LI-15 for soreness and pain in hand and arm (Shanghai, p. 230);
• LI-11 and GB-21 to relieve pain in the upper arm (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 100);
• LI-11, St-42 and TW-15 for painful elbow (Shanghai, p. 659)

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis of the hip:
• GB-30 (ind. D), GB-29, GB-31 and UB-30 as local points (Legge, p. 200)
• GB-34, GB-40 and ling hou as distal points (Legge, p. 200)
• GB-41, then TW-5 open the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) for which arthritis of the hip is a symptom of dysfunction

» illustrative combinations for osteoarthritis of the knee joint:
• St-36, Sp-9, Sp-6, Kd-3 and Kd-1 (+) improve circulation in the legs; tonify the Kidney to strengthen the bones (Eisen)
• GB-31, St-33 and GB-34 for arthritis of the knee (Shanghai, p. 266)
• St-34, St-35 and GB-34 for arthritis of the knee (Shanghai, p. 270)
• he ding, xi xia, St-34, St-35, St-36, Sp-9 and GB-34 for arthritis of the knee (Shanghai, p. 270)
• local ashi (tender) points, St-35 and nei xi yan (ind. D) for osteoarthritis of the knee joint

» illustrative combinations for the lower limbs:
• St-36, GB-34, UB-54/40, UB-57 and UB-60 for osteoarthritis of the lower limbs (Eisen)
• UB-60, St-41, GB-40, Kd-3, GB-35 and Kd-8 and Sp-5 for arthritis in the ankle (Shanghai, p. 606)
• UB-60 and UB-62: remove Qi Obstructions of the Tai Yang channel to treat stiffness of the neck and back (Finkelstein, p. 50)
• St-36, Sp-9, Sp-6, Kd-3 and Kd-1 (+): improve circulation in the legs; tonify the Kidney to strengthen the bones (Eisen)
• UB-36/41 and UB-37/42 (+): deep vertical insertion (Serizawa, p. 164)


point analysis

»
palpate and consider:
local shu and hua tuo jia ji points (+): facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperse Stagnation along the spine; deep insertion, slight medial direction (Serizawa, p. 164)
UB-11 (+): dispels Wind; connects the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) to the Shu Associated points; distributes Bladder Qi and Jing-Ye (Yin) to all the dorsal Shu points (Finkelstein, p. 38); removes Obstruction of Qi circulation of the Tai Yang channels (Bladder and Small Intestine) and Du Mai (Governing Vessel) of the upper back; influences the parathyroids (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); strengthens all bones and joints; facilitates Xue (Blood) flow; relaxes the muscles, sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; Hui Reunion point of the Bones; Sea of Xue (Blood) upper entry point
• UB-36/41 (+): disperses Wind; dissipates Cold; relaxes the sinews and muscles; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats pain of the neck, shoulder and upper back, esp. neck stiffness; deep vertical insertion (Serizawa, p. 164)
• UB-37/42 (+): regulates the Lung; treats stiffness and/or pain of the neck, shoulder and back; deep vertical insertion (Serizawa, p. 164); Lung psychospiritual associated point
• UB-17 (+): regulates, nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) (esp. invigorates with D); tonifies the Qi; transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and disperses Obstruction; enriches Yin; strengthens Xu (Deficient) conditions and increases stamina; strengthens the upper back (- then +) (Finkelstein, p. 40); Diaphragm Shu Associated point; Hui Reunion and Master point of the Xue (Blood)
UB-20 (+): regulates Spleen Qi; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach to facilitate digestive transportation and transformation; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; tonifies and nourishes the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness; dispels Cold and relieves pain; provides strength to the extremities; 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; resolves Dampness; strengthens the spine, esp. the lower back; benefits the knees; controls the bones and teeth; Kidney Shu Associated point
UB-47/52 (+ and/or D): tonifies Kidney Qi, Kidney Yang, Kidney Yin, Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi; influences the pituitary, adrenals and testes (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); resolves Dampness; strengthens lower back (-, then +); Kidney psychospiritual associated point
• UB-25 (+): regulates the Qi of the Fu (Yang organs); transforms Stagnation; warms Cold and dries Damp-Cold; benefits the lower back and knees; esp. for arthritis of the sacroiliac joint (transverse insertion, toward with UB-27); Large Intestine Shu Associated point
• UB-27 (+): opens, moves and regulates the Small Intestine; eliminates Dampness and cools Heat; transforms Stagnation and Accumulation; strengthens the lower back; esp. for arthritis of the sacroiliac joint (transverse insertion); Small Intestine Shu Associated point
• UB-30 (=): transforms Damp-Heat; consolidates Jing (Essence); esp. with pain in the lumbosacral region, osteoarthritis of the hip, and/or weakness of lower limb
UB-54/40 (- and/or bleed): clears Heat from the Xue (Blood); controls the renal region (Finkelstein, p. 49); strengthens the waist; relaxes the sinews and muscles; benefits the lower back, hips, legs and knees; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint; bleed congested vein if evident; Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point; Command point of the back (upper and lower)
• UB-57 (-): regulates Qi in the Yang organs; dispels Wind and clears Heat; transforms Damp-Heat; strengthens the lower back; relaxes the sinews and muscles; treats pain of lower back and leg, as well as pain and inflammation of the knee; main point for all physical trauma (Finkelstein, p. 49); first aid for leg cramps
• UB-58 (=): dispels Wind-Damp; promotes flow of Qi; influences the parathyroids (Worsley, p. B-20); strengthens Kidney function; increases stamina; eases low back pain; benefits sciatica; treats progressive painful joints; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; Bladder Luo Connecting point
GV-4 (+ and/or D): pacifies the Shen; strengthens the Kidney; benefits and replenishes the Kidney Yang; nourishes the Yuan (Original) Qi; relieves mental and physical exhaustion; strengthens the back, esp. benefits the lumbar vertebrae; reinforces and astringes the Jing (Essence); stimulates adrenals, testes and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 77); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; "Life Gate Fire"
• GV-3 (+ and/or D): reinforces the Kidney and regulates the Kidney Qi; warms the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence); dispels Cold-Damp, esp. in the Lower Warmer; distributes Zhong (Ancestral) Qi to the pelvis; influences testes (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); benefits the lumbar spine and knees; regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); treats pain and stiffness in the lumbosacral region, lower limbs, and knees
• yao yan (+): strengthens the lower back; treats lower back pain and stiffness
• GB-29 (= or +): strengthens the lumbar spine and legs; soothes the sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for osteoarthritis of the hip
GB-30 (ind. D): facilitates the low back and hips; strengthens the lumbar spine and legs; dissipates Wind-Damp in the channels and collateral vessels; esp. for osteoarthritis of the hip
• GB-31 (-): disperses Wind and Cold; clears Heat and transforms Damp; tonifies waist, strengthens thighs, and tonifies knees; strengthens bones; relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons; esp. for osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee joint
• GB-2 (-): eliminates Wind and Cold; clears blockage and restores circulation of Qi in Gall Bladder channel near the ear; invigorates the Liver; relaxes the sinews and muscles; treats arthritis of the mandibular joint
• TW-17 (-): disperses Wind; frees the channels; relaxes the sinews and tendons, especially facial; treats temporomandibular arthritis
• TW-21 (-): dispels Wind and Cold; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats temporomandibular arthritis
• St-7 (-): dissipates Wind; sedates pain; removes Obstructions from the Stomach channel; relaxes the jaw; treats temporomandibular arthritis
GB-21 (= or -): clears Heat; dispels Wind-Cold; spreads Liver Qi; clears and invigorates the channels; benefits shoulder; disperses Stagnation and stops pain; benefits tendons and muscles
• LI-15 (-): expels Wind; harmonizes the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; stops pain; facilitates the joints; treats pain and stiffness of the shoulder and arm; Independent Associated point of the shoulder (Mann, p. 9)
• LI-14 (-): promotes the circulation of Xue (Blood); sedates pain; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats pain and stiffness in the neck, upper back, shoulder and/or arm, esp. when inhibiting the lifting of the shoulder and/or arm
• LI-11 (+): clears Heat and eliminates Wind; regulates and harmonizes Qi and Ying; regulates the Xue (Blood); eliminates Dampness, through the Intestines; benefits sinews, tendons and joints; frees the channels; treats pain in the elbow and arm, esp. arthritis of the upper extremities; Large Intestine Upper He Sea Uniting, Earth and Tonification point
• LI-10 (-): promotes the circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); tonifies Qi and Xue (Blood) (Maciocia, p. 378); benefits Qi of arms and shoulders; removes Obstruction from and invigorates the channels; treats pain and/or stiffness in the shoulder, upper arm and elbow
• LI-5 (-): expels Wind and Heat; stops pain; treats wrist pain; Large Intestine Fire point
LI-4 (= or -): pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; relaxes sinews and tendons; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point; command point of the face and mouth
TW-5 (+): dissipates Wind and clears Heat, esp. from the Triple Warmer channel; opens and moves the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) and regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); facilitates the circulation of Qi in the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; strengthens and relaxes the sinews and tendons; alleviates pain; treats pain and/or stiffness in the neck, upper arm; forearm, wrist and fingers, as well as the hips; Triple Warmer Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
• TW-4 (- and/or +): dispels Wind; left TW-4 is tonic to Yang of the whole body (Finkelstein, p. 61); relaxes the sinews and muscles; promotes function of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); frees the channels and collateral vessels; treats pain and/or stiffness in the neck, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist and hand, esp. when the wrist is painful, stiff and inflamed or grasping strength is decreased; Triple Warmer Yuan Source point
• TW-3 (-): dispels Wind and Heat; facilitates the circulation of Qi; influences the thyroid (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); treats pain in shoulder, neck, arm, elbow and fingers, esp. with inability to bend fingers and grasp objects tightly; Triple Warmer Wood and Tonification point
• TW-2 (=): clears and drains Heat, esp. pathogenic Heat in the San Jiao (Triple Warmer); dispels Wind; facilitates flow of Qi; disperses Stagnation; moistens Dryness; generates Fluids; reduces swelling; relieves pain; moistens the throat; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; relieves arthritic pain and swelling of the hand and fingers, esp. with inability of the fingers to extend and flex freely; Triple Warmer Water point
• PC-7 (-): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the emotions; nourishes Heart Xue (Blood); aids relaxation and sleep; influences adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); treats arthritis in the wrist; Pericardium Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point; historically used as the Heart Source point (Maciocia, p. 436)
SI-6 (=): relaxes the sinews and tendons; benefits the joints; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats pain and stiffness in the back, shoulder, elbow and forearm, and relieves restriction of movement in the lumbar area; Small Intestine Xi Cleft Accumulation point
• SI-4 (+): invigorates Tai Yang (Small Intestine and Bladder); relaxes the sinews and muscles; reduces swelling; removes Obstruction from the channel; esp. for arthritis of the elbow, wrist and fingers; Small Intestine Yuan Source point
SI-3 (+): opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); dispels Dampness and Internal Heat; strengthens the spine; relaxes the sinews and muscles; benefits all the joints, but esp. treats pain or stiffness in the spine (particularly the low back), shoulder, neck, hand and fingers; releases muscle spasms; invigorates the channels; Small Intestine Wood and Tonification point; Master point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
• Ht-7 (=): pacifies the Shen and aids sleep; general sedative and regulating effect on the inner organs; tonifies and nourishes Heart Yin and Xue (Blood); frees the channels; Heart Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point
Ht-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; sends Wei (Protective) Qi to the joints and bones; relaxes the muscles and tendons; invigorates and removes Obstructions from the Heart channel; relieves pain and stiffness of the elbow, wrist and hand; Heart Metal point
• da gu kong (+ and/or D): facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats pain and arthritis in the thumb knuckle
• xiao gu kong (D): facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats arthritis in the thumb knuckle and pain in the hand joints
• shang ba xie (- or bleed): dispel Wind; clear Heat; facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); relax the sinews and tendons; free the channels and invigorate the collateral vessels
• si feng (bleed): expel Wind and resolve Dampness; facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); treat finger pain due to arthritis
• CV-12 (+): strengthens the Spleen, tonifies the Qi and benefits digestion; transforms Dampness; raises Middle Qi; warms the Middle Warmer, Stomach and Intestines; Stomach and Middle Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs)
CV-6 (+ and/or D): strengthens and moves the Qi; regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; warms the Lower and Middle Warmers (D); tonifies the Kidney, esp. nourishes and invigorates Kidney Yang; warms Ming Men (Life Gate Fire) (esp. with D); influences pituitary, thyroid and adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); reinforces Jing (Essence); benefits spine, esp. "slipped disc" (Finkelstein, p. 86); Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5: important point for concentration of Qi in the body
CV-4 (+ and/or D): grounds the Shen when there is Empty-Heat (Maciocia, p. 207); regulates the Qi and tonifies the Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; tonifies the Middle Warmer and strengthens the Spleen; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); dispels Cold-Damp and eliminates Cold (D); nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; tonifies and warms Kidney Yang (D); Small Intestine Mu Alarm point
• he ding (= and/or D): disperses Damp and Cold; facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); relaxes sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
• xi xia (-): disperses Damp and Cold; facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); benefits the knees; relaxes the sinews and muscles; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
• nei xi yan (-): disperse Damp and Cold; facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); benefit the knees; relax the sinews and tendons; free the channels and invigorate the collateral vessels; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
• ling hou (= or -): facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); dissipates Wind; disperses Damp and Cold; relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for arthritis of the hip and/or knee
• shen xi (-): dissipates Wind; disperses Damp and Cold; benefits the Kidney; facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); benefits the knees; relaxes the sinews and muscles; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats arthritis of the knee
• St-34 (-): expels Wind; facilitates the joints, esp. benefits the knee; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; treats painful low back pain, Obstruction of lower extremities, and pain in the loins, knees and feet; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint; Stomach Xi Cleft Accumulation point
• St-35 (-): dispels Wind; facilitates the joints, esp. benefits the knee; invigorates the channels; relieves swelling; stops pain; esp. for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
St-36 (+ and/or D): dispels Cold and expels Wind; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); influences the parathyroids (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; strengthens the Spleen and replenishes the Middle Warmer; dispels and eliminates Dampness; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi and spreads Liver Qi; nourishes the Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies the Kidney to strengthen bones; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; improve circulation in the legs; esp. for pain and stiffness of the knee joint; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
• St-37 (-): rectifies the Spleen and drains the the Large Intestine; cools Heat and resolves Dampness; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the lower back and knee; He Sea Lower Uniting point of the Da Chang (Large Intestine); Exit point of Sea of Xue (Blood)
• St-38 (- and/or D): dissipates Cold; relaxes the muscles and tendons; warms the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the shoulder, thigh, knee and lower leg
• St-41 (- or =): clears the Mind and pacifies the Shen; dispels Wind; supports Spleen Qi; removes Obstructions from Stomach channel; transforms Damp Stagnation; esp. for pain and stiffness in the ankle and foot; dispersing technique more appropriate with accompanying Stomach Fire; Stomach Fire and Tonification point
• Sp-10 (-): regulates and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat, dissipates Wind, and transforms Damp-Heat in the Xue (Blood); nourishes Xue (Blood) Dryness; esp. for pain and stiffness of the knee joint
Sp-9 (+): regulates and tonifies Spleen (especially Yang); warms and moves the Middle Warmer; transforms Damp Stagnation, esp. through promotion of diuresis; dispels Damp-Heat; improves circulation in the legs; esp. for pain and stiffness of the knee joint; Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point
Sp-6 (+): transforms Dampness; aids transportation and transformation to improve digestion and nourishment; nourishes Yin; clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); regulates Xue (Blood) circulation; transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and frees Qi Stagnation; tonifies the Kidney to strengthen the bones; warms the Middle and Lower Warmers; improves circulation in the legs; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
• Sp-5 ( - or =): strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; transforms Damp Stagnation and Damp-Heat; relaxes muscles, sinews and tendons; stimulates the channels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the ankle; Spleen Metal and Dispersion point
• Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; moves and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; harmonizes the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and circulation of Qi in the Middle Warmer; reestablishes harmony between Stomach and Spleen (Matsumoto); invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); regulates the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); 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)
• Lv-8 (+ and/or D): nourishes Liver Xue (Blood); clears and cools Damp-Heat; soothes the sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the knee joint; Liver He Sea Uniting, Water and Tonification point
• Lv-7 (-): dispels Wind; relieves pain; frees the channels and collateral vessels; facilitates the joints, esp. the knee; generally treats swollen and painful joints with limited range of motion; specifically treats medial knee pain and stiffness, esp., with inability to bend or extend the leg; "Knee Gate"
• lan wei (xue): transforms Damp-Heat; treats lower extremity arthritis
GB-34 (=): facilitates the Liver and soothes Liver Yang; clears Dampness and cools Heat; tonifies the Spleen; strengthens and relaxes sinews and tendons; relieves soreness from fatigued muscles; benefits joints, esp. the knees and hips; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; alleviates pain; esp. for pain and stiffness of the hip and knee joint; Gall Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point; Hui Reunion point of Jin (sinews and tendons)
GB-35 (=): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Gall Bladder; invigorates the Xue (Blood); soothes the sinews and tendons; relieves pain; esp. for pain and stiffness in the ankle; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)
GB-39 (+): transforms Damp-Heat; pacifies the Liver; relaxes the neck; tonifies the Bone Marrow; relaxes the muscles and sinews; strengthens the Bones; expels Wind-Damp and otherwise frees the channels and connecting vessels; esp. with pain and stiffness of the neck and/or ankle; Hui Reunion point of the Marrow; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three primary Yang channels of leg.
• GB-40 (+): spreads the Liver Qi; benefits Gall Bladder; benefits the joints; frees the channels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the hips, ankle and heel; Gall Bladder Yuan Source point
GB-41 (=): dissipates Wind; removes Fire; harmonizes and regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; spreads Liver Qi to reduce Stagnation of Phlegm and Xue (Blood) in the Liver channel; clears and regulates Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); clears Wetness (Damp Spleen) by draining into Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), thereby increasing Spleen Qi and Xue (Blood) production, improving digestion, and warming the extremities; dispels Damp-Heat; Gall Bladder Wood and Horary point; Master point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)
Kd-10 (=): tonifies Kidney (especially Yin and Qi); local point which strengthens the knee; esp. for pain and stiffness of the knee joint; Kidney He Sea Uniting, Water and Horary point
• Kd-8 (=): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); eliminates Damp; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); tonifies the Kidney; removes Obstructions from the channels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the ankle; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Kd-7 (+ and/or D): strengthens Wei (Protective) Qi; clears Heat and nourishes Yin; strengthens Spleen and rids body of excess fluids; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; tonifies the Liver via the mother/child relationship; stimulates adrenals, thyroid and testes; cools and clears Damp-Heat; disperses Stagnation; strengthens the back, esp. lumbars; Kidney Metal and Tonification point
• Kd-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; removes Obstruction from the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); tonifies Kidney (especially Yin); dispels Dampness; strengthens lower back and loins; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; Master point and Entry point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Couple point of Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
Kd-3 (+ and/or D): 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; pacifies Xu (Deficiency) Fire; treats thyroid imbalance (Matsumoto); tonifies Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire (D); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); strengthens the lower back, waist and knees; relieves pain in the bones; improves circulation in the legs; esp. for pain and stiffness in the low back and ankles; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point
• Kd-1 (+): pacifies the Shen; energizes the entire system (ind. D) (Finkelstein, p. 52); reinforces the Kidney; nourishes Kidney Yin (and thereby suppresses Liver Fire); nourishes Yin and benefits Jing (Essence); Kidney Jing Well, Wood, Dispersion and Entry point
• UB-59 (-): regulates Qi; dispels Wind and clears Heat; promotes flow of Xue (Blood); disperses Damp-Heat; effects the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles; benefits and strengthens the lower back; relieves pain along the Bladder channel; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
UB-60 (-): disperses Wind; promotes Qi function and Xue (Blood) circulation; influences pituitary and testes (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); reinforces the Kidney; strengthens the lower back; relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles of the neck, shoulder, waist, back, ankle and foot, esp. the lower back; specific for pain and stiffness in the ankle; frees the channels and collateral vessels; Bladder Fire point
UB-62 (+): dispels Wind and Cold; opens and moves the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and benefits Du Mai (Governing Vessel) disorders; soothes sinews, tendons and vessels; esp. for pain and stiffness in the spine and ankles; relaxes the Muscle channels; Master point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Couple point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)

ear: sympathetic, kidney, corresponding area(s)


footnotes

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