Charts of Therapeutic Qualities and Actions
The following charts are intended to give quick reference for stone choices. The categorizations are not absolute. Strategies and actions depend on stone placement and combinations. Always consult the materia medica before making a final selection.
Brackets around a stone name indicates that the stone’s function varies according to placement or combination with other stones. Brackets also note stones that may have varying structures.
APPENDIX 2
Locations for Acupuncture Points Commonly Used in Stone Medicine
The language used to describe point location in this text is intended for the layperson, avoiding the use of anatomical terms where possible. Although acupuncture point locations are specific, the stones used in treatment will usually be larger than the point. Depending on an individual’s anatomy and the size of the stone, more than one point might be touched (for example, CV-14 and CV-15). This is not a significant concern.
Points on the Back of the Body
Urinary Bladder Shu/Transporting Points
The Bladder Shu points are located bilaterally and adjacent to the spine, along the highest point of the paravertebral muscles. Locate the points on the upper back by first palpating the depression under the “big bone” at the base of the neck. The next depression down is at the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). Begin counting the depressions down the spine until the desired level is reached.
To locate the points in the lumbar region, press with the fingers into the tops of the hips, or iliac crest, and with your thumbs find the depression in the spine on the same line as the hips. This depression is the lower border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Count up or down to locate the nearby points.
|
Bladder Shu Point |
Vertebra |
Location |
|
Lung Shu/Feishu/UB-13 |
T3 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T3 spinous process |
|
Pericardium Shu/Jueyinshu/UB-14 |
T4 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T4 spinous process |
|
Heart Shu/Xinshu/UB-15 |
T5 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T5 spinous process |
|
Governor Shu/Dushu/UB-16 |
T6 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T6 spinous process |
|
Diaphragm Shu/Geshu/UB-17 Influential Point for Blood |
T7 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T7 spinous process |
|
Liver Shu/Ganshu/UB-18 |
T9 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T9 spinous process |
|
Gall Bladder Shu/Danshu/UB-19 |
T10 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T10 spinous process |
|
Spleen Shu/Pishu/UB-20 |
T11 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T11 spinous process |
|
Stomach Shu/Weishu/UB-21 |
T12 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T12 spinous process |
|
Triple Heater Shu/Sanjiaoshu/UB-22 |
L1 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the L1 spinous process |
|
Kidney Shu/Shenshu/UB-23 |
L2 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the L2 spinous process (this is the level on the spine for the location of the point Mingmen/GV-4) |
|
Large Intestine Shu/Dachangshu/UB-25 |
L4 |
On the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the L4 spinous process |
|
Small Intestine Shu/Xiaochangshu/UB-27 |
S1 |
On the sacrum, in the depressions just lateral to the first posterior sacral foramen |
|
Urinary Bladder Shu/Pangguangshu/UB-28 |
S2 |
On the sacrum, in the depressions just lateral to the second posterior sacral foramen |
Governor Vessel Points
The Governor Vessel points are located in depressions between the vertebrae, directly on the spine.
|
Governor Vessel Point |
Location |
|
Long Strong/Changqiang/GV-1 |
Directly below the base of the tailbone |
|
Gate of Life, or Gate of Destiny/Mingmen/GV-4 |
On the low back in the depression below the L2 spinous process |
|
Reaching Yang/Zhiyang/GV-9 |
On the middle back in the depression below the T7 spinous process |
|
Great Vertebra/Dazhui/GV-14 |
At the base of the neck, in the depression below the C7 spinous process (C7 is the “big bone” between the neck and upper back) |
|
Palace of Wind/Fengfu/GV-16 |
At the notch in the occiput where the skull meets the spine |
|
Hundreds of Meetings/Baihui/GV-20 |
At the top of the head (use caution, as this is an important point for meditation) |
Other Points on the Back of the Body
The first three points in the following chart are among the outer Bladder Shu points, located a hand’s width from the centerline of the back and at the same level as their related inner Bladder Shu points. They have an emotional/spiritual connotation. The last two points are frequently used to release tension in the musculature.
|
Point |
Vertebra |
Location |
|
Hall of the Spirit/Shentang/UB-44 |
T5 |
A hand’s width from the center line of the back, at the lower border of the T5 spinous process (at the same level as UB-15) |
|
Gate to the Hun/Hunmen/UB-47 |
T9 |
A hand’s width from the center line of the back, at the lower border of the T9 spinous process (at the same level as UB-18) |
|
Residence of the Will/Zhishi/UB-52 |
L2 |
A hand’s width from the center line of the back, at the lower border of the L2 spinous process (at the same level as UB-23 and GV-4) |
|
Grasping the Wind/Bingfeng/SI-12 |
N/A |
Approximately in the middle of the top border of the shoulder blade |
|
Shoulder Well/Jianjing/GB-21 |
N/A |
At the crest of the trapezius muscle, midway between the “big bone” of the spine (C7 spinous process/GV-14) and the tip of the acromion (the shoulder bone) |
Points on the Front of the Body
Conception Vessel Points
The Conception Vessel points are all located on the midline of the front of the body. Several points are found using the landmark of the “V” where the rib cage meets the base of the sternum and where the bony sternum meets with the cartilage of the xiphoid process. To locate this area, run the fingers up the inner border of the rib cage into the depression just below the bony sternum. This is where the cartilage of the xiphoid process is located. The size and shape of the xiphoid process vary considerably from person to person.
Note that a number of these Conception Vessel points are among the Mu points that address long-term accumulations affecting the associated Internal Organ.
|
Conception Vessel Point |
Location |
|
Meeting of Yin/Huiyin/CV-1 |
At the perineum |
|
Curved Bone/Qugu/CV-2 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen at the upper border of the pubic bone |
|
Middle Pole/Zhongji/CV-3 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, a thumb’s width above the upper border of the pubic bone (CV-3 is the Bladder Mu point) |
|
Gate of Origin/Guanyuan/CV-4 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, approximately midway between the upper border of the pubic bone and the navel (CV-4 is the Small Intestine Mu point) |
|
Stone Gate/Shimen/CV-5 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, about three fingers’ width below the navel (CV-5 is the Triple Heater Mu point) |
|
Sea of Qi/Qihai/CV-6 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen about two fingers’ width below the navel |
|
Spirit Gateway/Shenque/CV-8 |
On the navel |
|
Central Receptacle/Zhongwan/CV-12 |
On the midline of the abdomen, midway between the navel and the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum (CV-12 is the Stomach Mu point) |
|
Great Gateway/Juque/CV-14 |
On the midline of the abdomen, slightly below the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum (CV-14 is the Heart Mu point) |
|
Turtle Dove Tail/Jiuwei/CV-15 |
On the midline of the abdomen, at the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum (CV-15 is the upper point of the Bao Mai) |
|
Central Altar/Shanzhong/CV-17 |
On the center of the sternum, in line with the nipples (CV-17 is the Pericardium Mu point) |
|
Celestial Chimney/Tiantu/CV-22 |
In the central notch at the base of the throat |
Mu Points
The Mu points are areas of accumulation located on the front of the body. The points are located near specific organs and are used to treat chronic conditions that affect their respective Internal Organs. (The conditions listed in the chart are only common examples.)
|
Internal Organ/Mu Point |
Sample Condition |
Location |
|
Lungs—LU-1/Middle Palace/Zhongfu |
Bronchitis |
On the lateral aspect of the upper chest, in the hollow under the clavicle |
|
Large Intestine—ST-25/Celestial Pivot/Tianshu |
Constipation |
Two thumbs’ width lateral to the navel |
|
Stomach—CV-12/Central Receptacle/Zhongwan |
Gastritis |
On the midline of the abdomen, midway between the navel and the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum |
|
Spleen—LR-13/Camphor Wood Gate/Zhangmen |
Diabetes |
On the lateral torso, just below and in front of the tip of the eleventh rib, usually on a level slightly higher than the navel |
|
Heart—CV-14/Great Gateway/Juque |
Heart disease |
On the midline of the abdomen, slightly below the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum |
|
Small Intestine—CV-4/Gate of Origin/Guanyuan |
Ulcerative colitis/irritable bowel syndrome |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, approximately midway between the upper border of the pubic bone and the navel |
|
Kidney—GB-25/Capital Gate/Jingmen |
Prostatitis; kidney stones |
On the lateral torso just under and in front of the twelfth rib, usually slightly higher than the navel |
|
Urinary Bladder—CV-3/Middle Pole/Zhongji |
Difficult or painful urination |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, a thumb’s width above the upper border of the pubic bone |
|
Pericardium—CV-17/Central Altar/Shanzhong |
Anxiety |
On the center of the sternum, in line with the nipples |
|
Triple Heater—CV-5/Stone Gate/Shimen |
Conditions of dryness |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, about three fingers’ width below the navel |
|
Gall Bladder—GB-24/Sun and Moon/Riyue |
Gallstones |
On the chest, one intercostal space below LR-14 (located in the intercostal space beneath the breast tissue), in line with and below the nipple |
|
Liver—LR-14/Cyclic Gate/Qimen |
Hepatitis |
On the chest, in the intercostal space below the breast tissue, in line with and below the nipple |
The Meeting (or Confluent) Points of the Sinew Channels
These points affect all of their associated channels.
|
Meeting Point |
Location |
|
For the Yang Leg Channels (Bladder, Stomach, Gall Bladder): Cheekbone Crevice/Quanliao/SI-18 |
In the depression under the cheekbone, below the outer corner of the eye (this is a Liao point, a bony hole where latency gathers in the face) |
|
For the Yang Arm Channels (Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Triple Heater): Root of Spirit/Benshen/GB-13 |
On the sides of the forehead slightly above the hairline, in line with the outer corner of the eye |
|
For the Yin Leg Channels (Spleen, Kidney, Liver): Middle Pole/Zhongji/CV-3 |
On the midline of the lower abdomen, a thumb’s width above the upper border of the pubic bone |
|
For the Yin Arm Channels (Lung, Heart, Pericardium): Armpit Abyss/Yuanye/GB-22 |
On the lateral aspect of the torso, about a hand’s width below the armpit, in line with the nipples |
Other Points on the Front of the Body
These are points on various channels that are mentioned in the materia medica but do not belong to the point groups included in this appendix.
|
Point |
Location |
|
Welcoming Humanity/Renying/ST-9 |
On the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid, lateral to the Adam’s apple, where the carotid artery pulses |
|
Empty Basin/Quipen/ST-12 |
On the upper border of the collarbone, about one hand’s width from the central notch |
|
Cloud Gate/Yunmen/LU-2 |
On the lateral aspect of the upper chest, in the hollow under the lateral end of the collarbone |
|
Belt Channel/Daimai/GB-26 |
On a line from the navel toward the sides of the torso, at the tip of the eleventh rib |
|
Where the Qi Enters the Sea of Blood/Qichong/ST-30 |
On the upper border of the pubic bone, about two fingers’ width lateral to the center line |
Points on the Extremities, Including the Head
Points on the Face, Head, Throat, and Neck
Points on the head and neck are often associated with opening the senses. Additionally, there are several Liao points listed below; these are bony holes that accumulate and hold pathology latent.
|
Points on the Face and Throat |
Location |
|
Esoteric Hall/Yintang (extra point; not associated with a channel) |
Third eye |
|
Bright Eyes/Jingming/UB-1 |
On the inner corner of the eye |
|
Gathering of Bamboo/Zanzhu/UB-2 |
In the depression at the inner corner of the eyebrow |
|
Pupil Bone-Hole (Liao)/Tongziliao/GB-1 |
On the temple, in the depression lateral to the outer corner of the eye |
|
Gigantic Bone-Hole (Liao)/Juliao/ST-3 |
In the depression under the cheekbone, in line with the center of the pupil of the eye, at the same level as the base of the nostrils |
|
Welcoming Fragrance/Yingxiang/LI-20 |
In the depression on either side of the nostrils |
|
Cheekbone Crevice (Liao)/Quanliao/SI-18 |
In the depression under the cheekbone, below the outer corner of the eye |
|
Great Welcome/Daying/ST-5 |
In the depression on the lower jaw, anterior to the muscle bulge (run your finger from the angle of the jaw toward the chin, and find the first depression) |
|
Humanity’s Center/Renzhong/GV-26 |
On the central area between the nose and upper lip, on the philtrum |
|
Points on the Neck and Back of the Skull |
Location |
|
Celestial Pillar/Tianzhu/UB-10 |
Below the occiput, in the indentations lateral to the center line |
|
Wind Screen/Yifeng/TH-17 |
In the depression behind the earlobe |
|
Wind Pool/Fengchi/GB-20 |
Just below the occiput in the depression approximately one hand’s width from the cervical spine (slightly higher and more lateral than UB-10 described above) |
|
Completion Bone/Wangu/GB-12 |
On the mastoid process, at the base of the skull behind the ear |
The Jing-Well Points
The Jing-Well points are located on the digits, around the cuticles of the fingers and toes (except for KI-1, a Jing-Well point located on the bottom of the feet). The Sinew Channels all begin at the Jing-Well points and are noted to be effective in releasing Wind and Heat (excessive Wei Qi). They are best stimulated by massaging the cuticle with a smooth stone.
These points open the sensory portals of the head, especially the eyes and ears. They address acute conditions of the nose, mouth, and gums.
|
Jing-Well Points on the Toes and Associated Sinew Channels |
Jing-Well Points on the Fingers and Associated Sinew Channels |
|
Little toe/UB-67/Leg Taiyang |
Little finger (lateral aspect)/SI-1/Arm Taiyang |
|
Fourth toe/GB-44/Leg Shaoyang |
Fourth finger/TH-1/Arm Shaoyang |
|
Second toe/ST-45/Leg Yangming |
Index finger/LI-1/Arm Yangming |
|
In the hollow behind the ball of the foot/KI-1/Leg Shaoyin |
Little finger (on the side next to the fourth finger)/HT-9/Arm Shaoyin |
|
Big toe (medial aspect)/SP-1/Leg Taiyin |
Thumb/LU-11/Arm Taiyin |
|
Big toe (next to the second toe)/LR-1/Leg Jueyin |
Middle finger/PC-9/Arm Jueyin |
The Luo Points
The Luo points are located on the arms and legs, on the trajectories of the Primary Channels. They are associated with the Blood, and hence the emotions. Traditionally their treatment is through bleeding. In stone medicine, massaging the points with stones that have iron or copper content is an appropriate treatment to help release unresolved emotional issues.
|
Emotion |
Luo Point |
Location |
|
Grief |
Broken Sequence/Lieque/LU-7 |
On the inner edge of the wrist/forearm in line with the thumb, in the depression proximal to the bony landmark of the radial styloid process |
|
Veering Passage/Pianli/LI-6 |
On the wrist/forearm in line with the index finger, four fingers’ width proximal to the bony landmark at the end of the radial styloid process |
|
|
Worry/Obsession |
Abundant Bulge/Fenglong/ST-40 |
On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, midway between the high point of the anklebone and the crease at the back of the knee, two thumbs’ width lateral to the tibia (shinbone) |
|
Grandfather Grandson/Gongsun/SP-4 |
On the medial aspect of the foot—touch the hollow proximal to the “bunion” bone, and then slide your finger toward the arch until it hits the first metatarsal bone |
|
|
Anxiety |
Penetrating the Interior/Tongli/ HT-5 |
On the little-finger side of the inner wrist/forearm (on the palm side of the hand)—touch the hollow in the wrist crease in line with the little finger and slide your finger proximally over the bump to find the next hollow area one thumb’s width medial to the tendon |
|
Branch of the Upright/Zhizheng/SI-7 |
On the little-finger side of the forearm, midway between the wrist and elbow (looking at the back of the hand) in the hollow beneath the bone |
|
|
Fear |
Soaring Upward/Feiyang/UB-58 |
On the lower leg, midway between the ankle and the crease behind the knee, one thumb’s width lateral and down from the depression at the center of the calf muscle |
|
Great Bell/Dazhong/KI-4 |
On the medial aspect of the ankle, in the hollow where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone |
|
|
Anxiety |
Inner Pass/Neiguan PC-6 |
On the inner forearm, in line with the middle finger, three fingers’ width above the wrist crease (looking at the palm side of the hand), between the tendons |
|
Outer Pass/Waiguan/TH-5 |
On the midline of the top of the forearm (looking at the back of the hand), in the depression about two thumbs’ width above the wrist joint |
|
|
Anger |
Bright Light/Guangming/GB-37 |
On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, in a depression a little more than a hand’s width above the high point of the outer anklebone |
|
Woodworm Canal/Ligou/LR-5 |
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, a little more than a hand’s width up from the high point of the inner anklebone on the border of the tibia |
|
|
Deeply held emotional conditions |
Turtle Dove Tail/Jiuwei/CV-15 |
On the midline of the abdomen, at the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum |
|
Long Strong/Changqiang/GV-1 |
Directly below the base of the tailbone |
|
|
Pain all over the body |
Great Wrap/Da Bao/SP-21 (Great Luo of the Spleen) |
On the lateral torso, about a hand’s width below the fold of the armpit |
Xi-Cleft Points
The Xi-Cleft (pronounced “she cleft”) points are used for any type of acute disruption of Qi flow within the trajectory of the external branch of a meridian (for example, acute pain that radiates from the scapula down the arm along the Small Intestine meridian is a condition for which you can use SI-6, the Xi-Cleft point of the Small Intestine).
All Xi-Cleft points are governed by the Pericardium. As the Heart Protector, the Pericardium comes to the rescue when emergencies “rattle the empire.”
|
Function |
Xi-Cleft Point |
Location |
|
Emergencies affecting the Lungs, such as exterior pathogenic Wind-Heat causing cough or wheezing, swelling and pain of the throat, and loss of voice |
Collection Hole/Zongzui/LU-6 |
About two hands’ width up from the inner wrist crease on the palm side of the forearm, in line with the thumb |
|
Emergencies of Counterflow Qi, such as vomiting of foam or watery saliva, or heat and painful swelling in the face |
Warming the Flow/Wenliu/LI-7 |
About a hand’s width up from the wrist crease on the forearm, in line with the thumb |
|
Acute swelling and pain in the knee causing difficulty walking—by virtue of the trajectory of the Stomach channel, this point also addresses acute swelling, pain, and abscess of the breast |
Beam Mound/Liangqiu/ST-34 |
On the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh (when the knee is flexed), in a depression about two thumbs’ width above the kneecap |
|
Acute gynecological conditions due to Blood stasis or Qi stagnation, such as menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea |
Bringing into Flight/Diji/SP-8 |
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression about a hand’s width below the depression at the base of the inner knee, in line with the high point of the medial anklebone |
|
Acute palpitations, chest pain, vomiting blood, or a broken heart |
Yin Cleft/Yinxi/HT-6 |
On the palm side of the forearm in line with the little finger, in a depression a couple of fingers’ width up from the wrist crease. |
|
Conditions that come on during the aging process, especially related to deteriorating sensory organs; it also addresses acute, severe pain in the shoulder, shoulder blade, and arm |
Nourishing the Aged/Yanglao/SI-6 |
On the back of the wrist, in the depression just medial to the tip of the ulnar styloid process (on the little-finger side) |
|
Sudden, painful onset of hernia; simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea with cramping; and acute, severe joint pain |
Metal Gate/Jinmen/UB-63 |
On the lateral edge of the foot, in a depression in front of the heel |
|
Acute pain, and menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea or irregular menses |
Water Spring/Shuiquan/KI-5 |
In a depression below and behind the anklebone on the inner aspect of the heel |
|
This point controls all the Xi-Cleft points |
Cleft Gate/Ximen/PC-4 |
A little more than a hand’s width above the wrist crease (looking at the palm side of the forearm), in line with the middle finger |
|
Hearing loss and tinnitus |
Convergence and Gathering/Huizong/TH-7 |
On the forearm (looking at the back of the hand), a hand’s width up from the wrist crease in line with the fourth finger |
|
Painful skin |
Outer Hill/Waiqiu/GB-36 |
In the groove between the fibula and tibia (shinbone), on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, almost midway up from the high point of the lateral anklebone to the crease behind the knee |
|
Excessive uterine bleeding |
Central Metropolis/Zhongdu/LR-6 |
Behind the tibia (shinbone) on the medial aspect of the lower leg, almost midway between the high point of the medial malleolus and the crease at the back of the knee |
The Lower He-Sea Points of the Yang Leg Channels
The Lower He-Sea points are indicated for any symptom of Rebellious Qi. The Lower He-Sea points of the Leg Yang Channels are located on or below the knees. They are appropriate to treat conditions affecting the Yang zones of Taiyang, Shaoyang, and Yangming, such as allergies or conditions affecting the bowels.
|
Zone |
Organ |
He-Sea Point |
Organ |
He-Sea Point |
|
Yangming |
Large Intestine |
Upper Gigantic Empty/Shangjuxu/ST37: midway between the ankle and knee, in the groove one finger’s width lateral to the tibia (shinbone) |
Stomach |
Leg Three Miles/Zusanli/ST-36: in a depression just below the lateral aspect of the kneecap |
|
Shaoyang |
Triple Heater |
Outside the Crook/Weiyang/UB-39: in the crease behind the knee, lateral to the center line |
Gall Bladder |
Yang Mound Spring/Yanglingquan/GB-34: in a depression just below the knee joint on the lateral aspect of the lower leg |
|
Taiyang |
Small Intestine |
Lower Gigantic Empty/Xiajuxu/ST-39: more than halfway from the knee toward the ankle (slightly below ST-37), in the groove one finger’s width lateral to the tibia (shinbone) |
Urinary Bladder |
Middle of the Crook/Weizhong/UB-40: in the center of the crease behind the knee |
The Source Points
The Source points are located on the Primary Channels on or near the hands and feet. They are points where Source/Yuan Qi pools, and they give direct access to the associated Internal Organ. They are used either to strengthen the Organ or to release excess energy.
|
Source Point |
Location |
|
Great Abyss/Taiyuan/LU-9 |
On the inner wrist crease, in the depression under the thenar eminence |
|
Unifying Valley (Tiger’s Mouth)/Hegu/LI-4 |
In the web between the thumb and index finger on the back side of the hand |
|
Surging Yang/Chongyang/ST-42 |
At the high point of the dorsum of the foot where there is a pulse (run your finger up a line from between the second and third toes to find the pulse) |
|
Great White/Taibai/SP-3 |
On the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression just proximal to the “bunion” bone |
|
Spirit Gate/Shenmen/HT-7 |
On the wrist crease on the palm side of the hand, in the depression in line with the little finger |
|
Wrist Bone/Wangu/SI-4 |
On the lateral edge of the hand/wrist, in the depression between the base of the hand and the wrist in line with the little finger |
|
Capital Bone/Jinggu/UB-64 |
In the depression approximately midway between the little toe and the heel on the lateral aspect of the foot (run your finger on the lateral edge of the foot from the little toe toward the heel—it is the most noticeable depression along the way) |
|
Grand Ravine/Taixi/KI-3 |
Between the Achilles tendon and the high point of the anklebone on the medial aspect of the ankle |
|
Great Mound/Daling/PC-7 |
On the wrist crease in line with the middle finger (looking at the palm side of the wrist) |
|
Yang Pool/Yangchi/TH-4 |
In a depression in the wrist joint, in line with the fourth finger (looking at the back of the hand) |
|
Mound of Ruins/Qiuxu/GB-40 |
In the depression just in front of and just below the lateral malleolus, on the lateral aspect of the ankle joint |
|
Great Surging/Taichong/LR-3 |
In the “V” on the top of the foot where the metatarsal bones of the first and second toes meet |
Other Points on the Extremities
These are points on various channels that are mentioned in the materia medica but do not belong to the point groups included in this appendix.
|
Point |
Location |
|
Kunlun Mountains/Kunlun/UB-60 |
On the lateral aspect of the ankle, in the depression between the high point of the anklebone and the Achilles tendon |
|
Blazing Valley/Rangu/KI-2 |
On the medial aspect of the foot, touch the inner heel under the inner anklebone and run your thumb toward the arch of the foot—the point is in the depression just before you hit the first bump |
|
Shining Sea/Zhaohai/KI-6 |
On the inner ankle, in a depression below the anklebone |
|
Exchanging Trust/Jiaoxin/KI-8 |
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, about three fingers’ width up from the depression behind the high point of the anklebone |
|
Guest House/Zhubin/KI-9 |
On the medial aspect of the lower leg at the base of the calf muscle |
|
Meeting of Three Yin/Sanyinjiao/SP-6 |
On the medial ankle, a hand’s width up from the high point of the anklebone |
|
Suspended Bell/Xuanzhong/GB-39 (Meeting Point for the Marrow) |
On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, a hand’s width up from the high point of the anklebone |
|
Yin Mound Spring/Yinlingquan/SP-9 |
On the inner corner of the knee crease |
|
Sea of Blood/Xuehai/SP-10 |
A little above the inner corner of the kneecap in a depression on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps |
|
The Bending Spring/Ququan/LR-8 |
On the medial end of the crease behind the knee |
|
Middle of the Crook/Weizhong/UB-40 |
In the center of the crease behind the knee |
|
Palace of Effort/Laogong/PC-8 |
In the center of the palm |
|
Back of the Ravine/Houxi/SI-3 |
On the little-finger edge of the hand, in the large depression just in from the metacarpal joint |
|
Pool at the Crook/Quchi/LI-11 |
At the crease where the elbow bends, in line with the index finger |
|
Ultimate Spring/Jiquan/HT-1 |
In the center of the armpit |
APPENDIX 3
Glossary of Terms
Bi/Obstruction syndrome: The term bi applies to any kind of blockage to the normal flow of Qi. For example, chest Bi refers to the symptom of being unable to take a deep breath. Throat Bi can denote difficulty swallowing or speaking. It can describe physical pain, in which case it is usually combined with the term Wind plus a climatic factor, for example Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, denoting a pain condition that is worse with cold, damp weather.
old: Cold is a pathogenic factor that restricts the flow of Qi. It can be contracted from the exterior, as in the common cold, and generally, Cold can describe other viral infections, such as herpes. It can result from eating too much cold or raw food. It can be emotional, usually describing a fearful state. The pain associated with Cold is a fixed, sharp pain that is worse with cold.
Counterflow Qi: See Rebellious Qi.
Damp: Dampness is a pathogenic factor that makes the flow of Qi slow and heavy. It is associated with a physiological response to Heat or stress, because it slows down excessive activity. It can be contracted from the exterior, as the result of exposure to a wet or humid environment. It can also result from eating too many heavy, sticky, or sweet foods. It can manifest as swelling anywhere in the body. Emotionally, it describes a heavy, dull feeling, as in depression. The pain associated with Dampness is described as heavy and achy.
Deficient Qi: A general condition of fatigue and weakness. It can include symptoms ranging from depression to a weak voice.
Dian Kuang: This term describes manic depression, or bipolar disorder.
Excess Qi: A description of a relational discrepancy. For example, if the Liver has too much Qi, the Stomach and Spleen, or the Lungs, will have too little.
Fire Toxins: Fire Toxins are the end result of extreme Heat. Fever is the physiological response of the body to destroy pathogens. When the fever clears and the patient begins to recover, there may still remain a residue of the pathogen. The analogy is that when something burns, ashes are left behind. This residue can be hidden in the body for many years, until with age and stress our resources dwindle. At this point, the Fire Toxins can be released, causing such serious illnesses as cancer. From the Western point of view, Fire Toxins are analogous to free radicals.
Heat: There are two aspects to Heat. The first is that Heat is a physiological response to Cold. It quickens the flow of Qi in an attempt to break up the restriction caused by Cold.
The second is Heat as a pathogenic factor. It can come from the exterior, such as in an epidemic. More common in our culture is Heat arising from the interior from too many desires, too much work and stress, and unhealthy dietary choices. Heat as a pathogenic factor causes disruptions in Qi flow that can lead to “reckless blood,” manifesting as nosebleeds or excessive menstrual flow. Heat burns the fluids that nourish the muscles and nerves, causing neurological disorders. Heat causes Qi to rise in the body, causing headaches or high blood pressure.
The quality of pain associated with Heat is throbbing, or burning that is worse with heat.
Lao/taxation syndrome: Lao syndrome describes conditions of exhaustion. The cause can be from a multitude of factors ranging from chronic overwork or stress to an inability to recover from the aftermath of childbirth. In Western language, chronic fatigue syndrome and viruses such as Epstein-Barr are examples.
Lin disorder: Lin is a term applied to urinary symptoms. There are five Lins: painful, cloudy, stone (as in kidney stones), taxation (difficult urination with dribbling), and bloody.
Liver invading the Spleen and Stomach: A condition in which the Qi of the Liver is in excess, affecting the Spleen and Stomach, which are deficient, and causing symptoms such as alternating diarrhea and constipation, loose or small pebble-like stools, abdominal distension, fullness and/or pain, belching, nausea, or vomiting.
Liver insulting the Lungs: A condition causing a machine-gun-like cough.
Phlegm misting the mind: This condition describes mental states of confusion, depression, dullness, or withdrawal, among others.
Phlegm harassing the Heart: This condition manifests as agitation, mania, and palpitations, among others.
Qi: The subtle energy that animates life. Many terms describe both the healthy physiological functions (see part 1) and pathological actions and relationships of Qi. In the human body, each Internal Organ has its own Qi, which is affected by emotional, dietary, and environmental factors.
· Deficient Qi implies hypofunctioning of one or more of the Internal Organs. A broad application of the term is for the person who doesn’t have enough energy to accomplish what is necessary in his or her life
· Excessive Qi describes hyperfunctioning of one or more of the Internal Organs.
Rebellious Qi: Rebellious Qi, also called Counterflow Qi, describes a disorder in the direction of Qi flow. It is most often associated with disturbance of the harmonizing up-and-down vectors of the Stomach and Spleen. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, hiccups, and cough. Emotionally, it describes a rebelliousness toward the circumstances of one’s life.
Running Piglet Qi: This describes a panic attack—the sensation of Qi running up the center of the body from the lower abdomen.
Steaming Bone syndrome: Steaming Bone syndrome is a late-stage condition when a person has become severely Yin deficient. The primary symptom is the sensation of heat emitting from deep within the body, especially during the night.
Sudden Turmoil disorder: This term applies to an acute condition of simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea.
Wei/Atrophy syndrome: Wei syndrome describes a condition of “wasting” of the musculature, causing weakness and flaccidity, as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Wind: Wind is the cause of “hundreds of diseases.” Wind moves. It can move in any direction. The other pathogenic factors of Cold, Damp, and Heat can all be introduced into the body by Wind, causing acute conditions such as the common cold, muscle cramps, or allergies, with fluids running from the eyes or nose.
Internally, Wind can manifest as seizures, uncontrollable eye movements, lockjaw or tetanic cramping, dizziness, tics, or tremors.
The quality of pain associated with Wind is radiating, moving pain.
Xiao-Ke/wasting and thirsting syndrome: Wasting and thirsting syndrome is associated with the symptoms of excessive thirst, excessive hunger, and excessive urination. Traditionally, weight loss is also part of the symptom picture. It is associated with the modern disease equivalent of diabetes.