-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
fibromyalgia
acupuncture
patterns and combinations
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Liver Qi Stagnation/Constraint; Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency); Cold in the Channels with Damp-Heat; dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); dysfunction of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) and/or Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
» therapeutic notes:
Avoid long retention of needles unless Constrained Liver Qi is predominant and even then watch not to sedate excessively. Use very light stimulus. Patient should barely feel needles. (Ambrose)
Abdominal palpation valuable for assessing involvement and dysfunction of Extraordinary Vessels, which is quite common in this syndrome
Fibromyalgia may be a part of a general pattern of glandular/lymphatic exhaustion that can often be rooted in or at least exacerbated by a chronic, often subclinical, infection in the sinuses and irritation in the oropharyngeal mucous membranes. This area is a common site of primary focal infection from which secondary infections derive. Palpation at reflex sites in proximity of TW-16 ("East Wind") and LI-10.5 and above and below the eyes will confirm this hypothesis. If tender and/or painful points are found, consider needling Lu-7 and the reactive points in the areas of "LI-10.5", "St-2.5", yu yao, east wind/TW-16, and "St-43". Sinus irrigation with saline solution is usually also helpful - see "patient handout: sinus wash". (Matsumoto) See also "sinusitis".
» illustrative combinations:
Lv-3 and LI-4: open the Four Gates; expel Wind, stop pain; regulate Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation; remove Obstruction of the channels; open the Orifices; release bodily tension; relax clenching of jaws; free constraint; calm the mind; relieve mental cloudiness; provide sedative and analgesic effect; pacify Liver Yang (Finkelstein, p. 7; Flaws, 1989, p. 76)
LI-11, LI-4, PC-6, TW-5, LI-15, GB-21 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the lower limbs (Eisen)
GB-30, GB-31, St-32, Sp-10, St-36, GB-34 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the upper limbs (Eisen)
CV-8 (ginger moxa); UB-23, GV-4, LI-4, Lv-3, LI-11, St-36, CV-12, UB-38/43 and left TW-4 for neurasthenia (McWilliams, et al., Lesson 31, p. 158)
PC-6 after Sp-4 (=): activate Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) to regulate digestion and nourish Xue (Blood); Master and Couple points of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
TW-5 and GB-41: open the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) for which loss of strength, esp. during rainy or cold weather, is a symptom of Xu (Deficiency)
UB-62 and SI-3: open and regulate the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with flaccidity of the muscles of the medial aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the lateral aspect
Kd-6 and Lu-7: open and regulate the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with Shi (Excess) of the Yang channels or flaccidity of the muscles of the lateral aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the medial aspect
Kd-6 and Kd-27 (+): tonify Kidney Qi and strengthen adrenal glands (Matsumoto)
CV-4 and St-36: tonify the Spleen and Kidney to strengthen the vitality (Finkelstein, p. 85)
CV-4, CV-6 and UB-54/40: "address vacuity", i.e., Xu (Deficiency) (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 220)
Sp-2, Kd-7, PC-7 and CV-6 (+) for lack of Will Power (McWilliams, et al., Lesson 31, p. 160)
PC-6, Ht-7, yin tang (threaded inferiorly), an mian, St-36 and Kd-3 (also consider GB-20, GV-20, TW-23, CV-12, UB-20, UB-18, Sp-6, UB-18, Sp-6, UB-15, UB-23, GV-4, CV-4, CV-6, Lv-2 and PC-4) for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305)
an mian, Ht-7 and PC-6 (also consider yi ming, St-36 and Sp-6) for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305)
GB-20, UB-11, UB-22, CV-4, PC-6, St-36 and UB-15; alternate with UB-10, GV-12, UB-14, UB-23, CV-6, Ht-5 and Sp-6 for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305)
"yu yao", "St-2.5", "east wind", "LI-10.5", Lu-7, and "St-43", with other points sensitive to palpation, for sinusitis and glandular/lymphatic exhaustion, esp. with a primary focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes (Matsumoto)
UB-38/43, CV-4 and St-36 (D) for general weakness caused by prolonged illness (Shanghai, p. 201)
Kd-3, Sp-6, LI-4, GB-20 and Lv-2: reinforce the Kidney and nourishes Yin (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Kd-3 and UB-23: nourish Kidney Yin and facilitates Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Kd-3, UB-23 and UB-15: adjust disharmony of the Heart and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Kd-3, UB-23, GV-4 and CV-4 (all: D): support Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Kd-6, Kd-7 and Sp-6: nourish Yin and moistens dryness (Finkelstein, p. 54)
GB-34 and CV-12 (+): strengthen the Spleen and Stomach to help transportation and transformation of water and cereals to support body resistance (Zheng Qi) (Finkelstein, p. 69)
CV-12 and Sp-4: treat lack of appetite (Finkelstein, p. 89)
St-36, CV-4 and CV-6: restore the primary Qi (Finkelstein, p. 20)
St-36, Ht-7 and Sp-6: strengthen the Spleen; regulate the circulation of Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and calm the Shen (Flaws, 1989, p. 87)
St-36 and Sp-6: regulate the Spleen and Stomach; nourish the Xue (Blood); descend Rebellious Qi; cultivate the growing source of Qi and Xue (Blood); treat Xu (Deficiency) Cold conditions of the Spleen and Stomach; and ease the Mind (Finkelstein, p. 19)
St-36, Sp-6 and UB-20: invigorate the Spleen and benefit the Root of Post-Natal Qi and Xue (Blood) (Flaws, 1989, p. 70; Finkelstein, p. 19)
St-36 and Kd-3: regulate the Qi of the Liver, Spleen and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 20)
St-36, CV-12 and Sp-6: tonify the Spleen; regulate the Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and treat Spleen Xu (Deficiency) syndrome (Flaws, 1989, p. 87; Finkelstein, p. 20)
St-36 and CV-4: tonify Spleen and Kidney to strengthen vitality (Finkelstein, p. 20)
St-36, LI-4 and Lu-7: tonify the essential Qi to strengthen Ying (Constructive) and Wei (Protective) Qi (Finkelstein, p. 20)
CV-12 , CV-10 and CV-13: tonify the whole body Yang via the Triple Warmer (Finkelstein, p. 90)
CV-12, UB-20, Sp-3 and Lv-13 (+ and D): invigorate Spleen Yang (Finkelstein, p. 90)
Lu-7 -> Lu-8 with threading along superior border of the clavicle: to release scalene muscles (Matsumoto)
point analysis
» palpate and consider:
local ashi (tender) points (-): palpate and needle, possibly add moxa, to facilitate circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperse Stagnation; consider encircling painful area with oblique insertions toward the center of the lesion and allow for dispersion
bai lao (-): facilitates flow of Lung Qi; disperses Stagnation and facilitates flow of effused blood; esp. with stiffness, sprain or spasm of the neck muscles; "One Hundred Labors"
SI-10 (=): facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperses Stagnation; palpate for tender and/or painful point(s) in this area and needle to release midscapular tension, spasm and pain
UB-11 (=): dispels Cold; 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; diffuses Lung Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; strengthens all joints; facilitates Xue (Blood) flow; relaxes the muscles, sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats generalized spasms throughout the body, esp. for neck and back pain, muscular spasm in the back, soreness and pain of the interscapular region, and stiffness along the spine; Hui Reunion point of the Bones; Sea of Xue (Blood) upper entry point
UB-38/43 (+ and D): regulates Lung Qi; tonifies Yin of the whole body; tonifies Kidney; warms Yang; restores collapsed Yang; strengthens Xu (Deficiency); Pericardium psychospiritual associated point
UB-17 (+ and D): tonifies the Qi; nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) (esp. with D); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and disperses Obstruction; enriches Yin; generates Fluids; expands the chest and diaphragm; 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-18 (= or -): pacifies the Shen; benefits and clears the Liver and Gall Bladder; cools Damp-Heat; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; relieves mid-back tension; Liver Shu Associated point
UB-20 (+ and D): tonifies the Spleen and Stomach; benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; tonifies and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); softens masses; provides strength to the extremities; Spleen Shu Associated point
UB-23 (+ and D): strengthens Qi Hai; tonifies the Kidney; nourishes Kidney Jing (Essence); nourishes Yin and strengthens Yang; Kidney Shu Associated point
GV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; 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; "Gate of Life Fire"
jing gong (+): tonifies Kidney Yang; warms the Jing (Essence)
yao yi (-): facilitates circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperses Stagnation; esp. with chronic muscular spasm in lumbar region, or injury to the soft tissues of the lower back
GB-30 (- or +): invigorates the Kidney; strengthens the lower back; regulates hip joint; strengthens thigh; benefits the knee; dissipates Wind-Damp in the channels and connecting vessels; frees the channels and removes Obstructions; relaxes the muscles and tendons
GB-31 (- or +): detoxifies the Liver; clears Heat and transforms Damp; tonifies waist and strengthens thighs; relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons
TW-16 and/or "east wind" (=): treats glandular/lymphatic exhaustion, esp. with focus in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes (Matsumoto); palpate lateral aspects of neck for ashi (tender) points (Matsumoto)
GB-21 (- or +): spreads Liver Qi; disperses Stagnation and stops pain; benefits tendons and muscles; benefits shoulder; clears and invigorates the channels
Lu-1 (+): regulates Qi of Upper Warmer; clears, opens, and draws Qi into the Lung channel; increases Qi and stamina; enhances oxygenation; aids release of old emotions (-); cools and disperses Heat and Yang from the Upper Warmer; disperses Qi Stagnation, esp. with painful skin; Lung Mu Alarm and Entry point
Lu-5 (-): opens the Lung and clears Upper Warmer Heat; stimulates descending of Lung Qi; relaxes the sinews and muscles; treats inability to raise the arm, esp. due to hypertonicity and pain in the elbow, cramping and/or spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm; Lung He Sea Uniting, Water and Dispersion point
Lu-10 (-): clears Fire and Heat generally; cools Heat in Xue (Blood); releases muscular spasm of the arm; Lung Fire point
LI-15 (- or +): harmonizes the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; stops pain; softens masses; facilitates the joints; benefits skin Qi
LI-11 (- or +): regulates and harmonizes Qi, Ying and Xue (Blood); improves immune function (Finkelstein, p. 9); tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; benefits sinews, tendons and joints; frees the channels; Large Intestine Upper He Sea Uniting, Earth and Tonification point
"LI-10.5" (-): moves Stagnation in sinuses and cervical lymphatics; locate tender most tender point on each side of the neck, usually "east wind", near TW-16, then palpate for the most tender or painful point, distal to the elbow crease, between the Large Intestine and Triple Warmer channels; needle each arm to resolve focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes and oropharyngeal mucous membranes and relieve glandular/lymphatic exhaustion; verify location and angle of needle by diminishing of cervical tenderness (Matsumoto)
LI-4 (=): pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); stimulates dispersing function of Lung; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; elevates Clear Qi and descends Turbid Qi; clears Toxins; relaxes sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point
TW-7 (-): clears Heat from the Triple Warmer; expels Toxins; soothes the Liver; facilitates circulation of Qi; spreads Liver Qi Stagnation; treats pain and stiffness of the arm, as well as painful skin conditions; Triple Warmer Xi Cleft Accumulation point
TW-5 (- or +): opens and moves the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) and regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); dissolves Toxins; disperses Qi in the intercostal region; frees the channels to facilitate the circulation of Qi in the channels; invigorates the collateral vessels; strengthens and relaxes the sinews and tendons; alleviates pain; Triple Warmer Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
PC-6 (= or +): pacifies the Shen and tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi; opens the chest; harmonizes and spreads the Qi in the Upper and Middle Warmers; clears and spreads Qi in Pericardium channel; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); enhances purification and dispersement of the Triple Warmer; drains the Triple Warmer; relaxes the sinews and clears the vessels; relieves pain; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
PC-7 (-): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the emotions; nourishes Heart Xue (Blood); opens Heart Orifices; dissipates Heat from the Ying (nutrient system) and Xue (Blood); influences adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); Pericardium Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point; historically used as the Heart Source point (Maciocia, p. 436)
Ht-5 (= or -): pacifies the Shen; regulates and tonifies Heart Qi; opens Heart Orifices to calm palpitations and relieve nervous condition (Finkelstein, p. 32); brings Fire down from the head; clears Heart Fire and Xu (Deficiency) Heat; benefits a slow pulse; Heart Luo Connecting point ; point name inner communication indicative of function of connecting heart to expression
Ht-7 (= or +): pacifies the Shen; stimulates secretion of fluids; calms the Heart; general sedative and regulating effect on the inner organs; tonifies and nourishes Heart Yin and Xue (Blood); relieves pain, esp. lateral costal pain; frees the channels; Heart Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point
SI-6 (=): relaxes the sinews and tendons; benefits the joints; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for torticollis, pain in the back, shoulder, elbow and forearm, pain between scapulae, and/or restriction of movement in the lumbar area; Small Intestine Xi Cleft Accumulation point
SI-5 (+): clears Heat; pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; "very effective in helping the person to gain clarity and a sense of direction in life" (Maciocia, p. 274); spreads Lung Qi; transforms Phlegm; Small Intestine Fire and Horary point
SI-3 (=): pacifies the Shen and clears the Mind; opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); strengthens the spine; relaxes the sinews and muscles; benefits the joints; 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)
Lv-13 (+): spreads and promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi; clears Obstructions of the Liver channel and its Luo channels; invigorates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); quickens the Xue (Blood) and disperses Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); softens and dispels masses; Spleen Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the five Zang (Yin viscera)
Kd-27 (+): regulates Lung; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; fortifies the Spleen; stimulates Kidney function of reception of Qi; tonifies Kidney (especially Yang); associated point of all associated points
Kd-24 (=): revitalizes the sense of self; resurrects the Spirit (Worsley); pacifies the Shen; opens and releases the chest; tonifies the Kidney
Kd-16 (=): benefits the Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); "strengthens function of the Kidney, giving renewed strength to body and mind" (Finkelstein, p. 55); palpation: reflection of birth trauma (Matsumoto); Spleen reflex point (Nan Jing as per Matsumoto); adrenal cortex reflex point (Nasako as per Matsumoto); Kidney Mu Alarm point (Manaka as per Matsumoto)
knotty and/or tender abdominal points and areas (=): palpate to locate and needle to release Stagnation and facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) (Matsumoto and Birch; Seem; et al.)
CV-12 (+ and D): builds Heart Yang; regulates and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens and calms the Spleen; transforms Dampness; transforms Rebellious Qi to ease nausea; benefits and soothes the Qi; raises Middle Qi; warms the Middle Warmer, Stomach and Intestines; facilitates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid; regulates the Intestines and stops excessive bowel movements; Stomach Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs)
CV-6 (+ and D): strengthens and moves the Qi, esp. in the Lower Warmer; influences the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); raises Middle Qi; warms and strengthens the Lower and Middle Warmers (D); tonifies the Kidney; regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes and invigorates Kidney Yang; warms Ming Men (Life Gate Fire) (esp. with D); reinforces the Jing (Essence); regulates Water Pathways and dispels Dampness; warms feet and hands; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5: important point for concentration of Qi in the body; "Sea of Qi"
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 and strengthens Spleen; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); separates the Clear and the Turbid; nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; roots the Ethereal Soul; strengthens and replenishes the Kidney Qi; warms the Kidney Yang, the Lower Warmer and Uterus (D); resolves Damp-Heat; Yuan (Original) Qi home; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point
Sp-15 (+): promotes the flow of Qi; regulates the Spleen (especially Qi); ventilates and clears stagnant Qi of the organs
St-30 (= or + and D): warms the Lower Warmer to dissipate Cold; harmonizes the Xue (Blood) and Ying (Constructive) Qi; dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); treats pelvic and inguinal problems; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment; reflex indicator for weak immune system (Matsumoto); if the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is troubled St-30 will be tender to palpation (Finkelstein, p. 17)
St-32 (=): warms the channels and dissipates Cold; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats coldness and pain of the low back, thigh and knees
St-36 (+ with D): calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); disperses Stagnation in the Upper Warmer; strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; strengthens all striated muscle; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi; spreads Liver Qi and benefits the Gall Bladder; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; drains Shi (Excess) from the Yang channels, esp. in chronic cases with Heat; regulates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid (-), esp. by the Intestines; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
ca. St-43 (-): palpate for tender or painful point, on the Stomach channel or between the third and fourth metatarsals; needle to resolve focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes, and relieve glandular/lymphatic exhaustion (Matsumoto)
Sp-10 (=): harmonizes and tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi; regulates and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat and transforms Damp-Heat in the Xue (Blood); "Sea of Blood"
Sp-6 (+): nourishes Yin; strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Kidney; influences the pituitary and adrenals (Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); nourishes and moves the Xue (Blood); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); frees Qi Stagnation and spreads the Liver Qi; warms the Middle and Lower Warmers; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-4 (= or +): pacifies the Shen; moves, adjusts and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; harmonizes the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and circulation of Qi in the Middle Warmer; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), esp. in the Middle Warmer; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; descends the Turbid; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
Sp-2 (+): stimulates the flow of Qi; dispels Exterior symptom-complex; stimulates thymus (Finkelstein, p. 25); strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Spleen Yang; harmonizes the Stomach; returns Yang and stems counterflow; reduces Food Stagnation; eliminates Dampness and Phlegm caused by Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Fire and Tonification point
GB-34 (+): soothes and subdues Yang of the Liver and Gall Bladder; opens and drains the Gall Bladder to regulate distribution of functional Qi (Finkelstein, p. 68); clears Dampness and cools Heat; facilitates and harmonizes the Liver; relieves pain in costal and hypochondriac regions; strengthens and relaxes sinews and tendons; relieves soreness from fatigued muscles; benefits joints, esp. knees and hips; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; alleviates pain; Gall Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point; Hui Reunion point of Jin (sinews and tendons)
GB-37 (=): regulates the Liver; dispels Wind and Damp; transforms Damp-Heat; relaxes the sinews and muscles; invigorates the channels; treats blockage and numbness of the leg or muscular pain in legs, esp. pain of the calf due to gastrocnemius spasm; Gall Bladder Luo Connecting point
GB-38 (-): reduces Liver and Gall Bladder; dissipates Heat from the Gall Bladder; dispels Wind and Dampness; frees the channels; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats aches and pains throughout the body, muscular and/or vascular spasm in general, pain and stiffness of the neck, and pain and soreness in the calf and lateral aspect of the lower extremities; Gall Bladder Fire and Dispersion point
GB-41 (-): dissipates Wind; removes Fire; brightens the eyes; harmonizes and regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; 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)
GB-40 (=): drains Fire from the Liver and Gall Bladder; spreads the Liver Qi; benefits Gall Bladder; softens masses; transforms Damp-Heat; treats external trauma, esp. below the waist; benefits the joints; frees the channels; relieves muscular spasm, esp. pain and stiffness of the neck and pain in the lower limbs; Gall Bladder Yuan Source point
Lv-8 (+): drains Liver Fire; nourishes Liver Xue (Blood); 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-6 (-): removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; harmonizes Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; dispels Damp-Heat; relieves coldness and pain in the lower leg; Liver Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Lv-5 (=): drains the Liver; spreads Liver Qi and disperses Liver Qi Stagnation; benefits the Qi; tonifies Liver and Yang; relieves Obstruction in Lower Warmer; secures Jing (Essence); relaxes the sinews; frees the channels; esp. with back stiff and unable to bend, coldness, aching and pain in lower leg and feet, difficulty flexing knee, and/or skin cold and aching; Liver Luo Connecting point
Lv-4 (=): dissipates Heat and Fire in the Liver; dispels Dampness; spreads Liver Qi; frees the channels and facilitates flow of channel Qi; Liver Jing River and Metal point
Lv-3 (=): pacifies the Shen; "relieves anger and mellows spirits of those who are frustrated and jealous" (Finkelstein, p. 73); adjusts and pacifies the Liver and Gall Bladder; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; clears and drains the Liver and Gall Bladder; subdues Liver Yang; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); opens the channels and relaxes spasms and cramps; sedates pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms
Lv-2 (-): calms the Shen and eases the Mind; subdues Yang Shi (Excess); soothes and loosens Liver to release Liver Qi and remove Qi Depression; disperses Stagnant Qi of Liver and Gall Bladder; cools the Xue (Blood); relaxes cramps and spasms; Liver Fire and Dispersion point
Kd-8 (=): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates adrenals and Kidney Qi; removes Obstructions from the channels; removes masses; esp. with pain in the loins, thighs and legs; 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; stimulates adrenals, thyroid and testes; cools and clears Damp-Heat; moistens dryness; regulates the pores and sweating; disperses Stagnation; strengthens the back, esp. lumbars; Kidney Metal and Tonification point
Kd-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; nourishes the Heart; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); brightens the eyes and sends Zhong (Ancestral) Qi to the eyes via the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); clears the Lung and tonifies Lung Yin; benefits the throat; sedates cough, esp. chronic; tonifies Kidney (especially Yin); moistens dryness; dispels Dampness; eliminates excess fluid retention and initiates diuresis; 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-4 (+): nourishes the Shen and Yin; regulates the Kidney; reinforces the Liver and Kidney, the latter through longitudinal Luo vessels; facilitates the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); harmonizes the Xue (Blood); supplements the Jing (Essence); "susceptibility to fright or anger; ... insufficiency of spirit qi" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 249); esp. with a person who is fearful and discontented, completely lacking in motivation and desiring only to lay around at home, possibly due to insecurity, lack of confidence, or a feeling of inferiority (Mann, p. 45); Kidney Luo Connecting point
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; strengthens the Brain; nourishes the Yin to moisten the Lung, calm wheezing, and sedate cough; treats thyroid imbalance (Matsumoto); stimulates pancreas; tonifies Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire (D); reinforces Kidney to accept Qi (Finkelstein, p. 53); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Kidney Yuan Source and Earth 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); eliminates mild toxins (Finkelstein, p. 50); relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles; benefits and strengthens the lower back; relieves pain and spasm along the Bladder channel; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels, e.g., headache; sedates pain; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
UB-62 (=): dispels Wind and Cold; clears the Shen and Heart; 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; relaxes the Muscle channels; esp. when person describes a sensation of electricity or excessive Qi in the skin (Mann, p. 42); Master point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Couple point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
footnotes