Nomenclature of acu points

The Classification of Acupuncture Points into two categories - viz., Functional and Positional - is a great effort and teamwork of Jingwell Academy India. We proudly present the Categories of Points in a logical way.

1. NOMENCLATURE of Points In the Acupuncture System

2. Classification by LOCATION

3. Ah Shi - Points Those points that are Painful to the patient, Tender or Hard on palpation or touch – but do not belong to any meridian or collateral. These are like accidental Trigger points or specific spots on sites of injury. “Oh.. Ouch.. Yes” 1

4. Local - Points Those points that are chosen (meticulously) around the affected site of pain or Qi obstruction. “Acu points around the affected site” 2

5. Distal - Points Those points that are very much away (distal) from the affected zone in consideration for a treatment. They are chosen by either clinical usage, or by their relationship to the meridian. “Acu points that remotely control the affected zone” 3

6. Though there are six clinically known points, the table on the right gives extensively more distal points. Head and Face - LI 4 Nape and Neck - LU 7 Chest and Epigastrium - P 6 Abdomen and Stomach - ST 36 Lumbar region - UB 40 Pelvic region and Uterus - SP 6

7. Mu (Front alarm) - Points “Points anterior to the organ that become tender and painful indicating the affected organ” Lungs LU 1 Bladder REN 3 Large Intestine ST 25 Kidney GB 25 Stomach REN 12 Pericardium REN 17 Spleen LIV 13 Triple Heater REN 5 Heart REN 14 Gall Bladder GB 24,GB 21 (Most Obstructions) Small Intestine REN 4 Liver LIV 14, LIV 6 Special Shu Points ( on Chong Meridian Branch ) K 22 – Kidney (Water / Zhi ) K 23 – Spleen (Earth / Yi) K 24 – Liver (Wood / Hun) K 25 – Heart (Fire / Shen ) K 26 – Lungs (Metal / Po) 4

8. Shu (Back alarm) - Points “Points posterior to the organ that become tender and painful indicating the affected organ – along the autonomic nervous tracts (All points are on UB meridian” Lungs UB 13 Stomach UB 21 Pericardium UB 14 Triple Heater UB 22 Heart UB 15 Kidney UB 23 Liver UB 18 Large Intestine UB 25 Gall Bladder UB 19 Small Intestine UB 27 Spleen UB 20 Bladder UB 28 5

9. Dangerous - Points Those points that are over vital arteries, organs, brain areas or sense organs and points that cause rapid alteration to Qi flow or homeostasis resulting in fainting. “Acu points that need to be cautiously needled” LU 9, LI 18. P3, LU 1, ST 25 (right), DU 15, DU 16, ST 1, LIV 3, SP 6 6

10. Forbidden - Points These points are forbidden for common use. Sensitive areas like Arm pit, Umbilicus and Nipples are such points. “Acu points that shouldn’t be used commonly” However . . . . . H 1 is used during Angina for emergency. REN 8 is filled with Salt and indirect Moxibustion is done on a sliced ginger placed over it. ST 17 is never needled but used as anatomical landmark. 7

11. 8 Yuan-Source - Points These points are vital pools of the primordial (Yuan) Qi and connected to the Triple Cavity for circulation of this Yuan Qi. The Zang Source points are used to tonify their respective organs. The Fu Source points are used to expel pathogens. “Earth is the source of all life below….while the source of Heaven is unfathomable and mystic ever”

12. Meridian Yuan Source Point Meridian Yuan Source Point SP 3 LI 4 K 3 SI 4 LIV 3 SJ 4 LU 9 ST 42 H 7 UB 64 P 7 GB 40 Yin Source is Earth, and these points keep the Zang organ grounded and attuned since the Zang meridians start with Wood element from roots. Yang Source is before the wood element point and indicates the grounding through the roots again.

13. 9 Xi -Cleft - Points These points are the accumulation points where the Qi and Blood of a meridian pool. They are like makeshift reservoirs for the body and used in treatment of acute conditions. There are more Xi cleft points on some longer meridians. They work like triggers.

14. LU 6 - acute asthma, wind heat LI 7 - sore throat, face pain/swelling SP 8 - blood stagnation in the uterus or acute dysentery ST 34 - breast issues, epigastric pain H 6 - heart pain, reckless bleeding due to heat SI 6 - severe pain along the SI channel K 5 - menstrual problems due to deficiency a/or blood stagnation UB 63 - acute cystitis P 4 - severe chest pain, reckless bleeding due to heat TW 7 - acute shoulder stiffness LIV 6 - acute cystitis, blood stagnation in the uterus a/or lower abdomen GB 36 - painful obstruction and/or atrophy of the lower limbs UB 59 - yang qiao mai , acute cramps, fainting spells K 8 - yin qiao mai , menstrual irregularities K 9 - yin wei mai , severe and acute mental disorders GB 35 - yang wei mai – acute Poisoning / virulent toxicity

15. 10 Luo -Connecting - Points These points lead to the splitting off collateral that connect with the yin or yang paired meridian. The Fu collaterals serve as a feedback to the Zang and vice versa. While Jing-Meridians are abrupt heavy and vertical, the Collaterals are smooth lighter and horizontal to disperse Qi and Blood into deeper tissues. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

16. Meridian Luo Connecting Point Meridian Luo Connecting Point SP 4 LI 6 K 4 SI 7 LIV 5 SJ 5 LU 7 ST 40 H 5 UB 58 P 6 GB 37 REN 15 DU 1 & 26 Great Collateral SP 21 www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

17. 11 Group Luo - Points There are 4 group luo points which are used in cases where 3 related meridians are imbalanced . SJ 8  - treats 3 Yang meridians in the arm (LI, SJ, SI) P 5  - treats 3 Yin meridians in the arm (LU, P, H) GB 39 - treats 3 Yang meridians in the leg (ST, GB, UB) SP 6  - treats 3 Yin meridians in the leg (SP, LV, KD) www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

18. 12 Jing well - Points The Jing-Well points depict the arid desert or the Barren land where the yin changes to yang and vice versa. They are the ‘ Puteals ’ as they have to be commonly accepted or presumed to awaken the unconscious life force into action. The twelve regular meridians either begin or end at the nail base of fingers and toes. These fingertip points are the Jing well points. The Yin Jing well points belong to Wood while the Yang Jing well points are Air (Metal) points . SP 1, K 1, LIV 1, LU 11, H 9, P 9 – Wood LI 1, SI 1, SJ 1, ST 45, UB 67, GB 44 – Metal www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

19. Yung Spring - Points 13 The Yung-Spring points represent springs of mountains where fresh and original water springs up to quench the heat and the deficiency of yin or yang. They are also known as the ‘ Effusories ’ since the thermal states are modulated here . These points succeed the Jing well points, and can be located on the toe and finger web margins or nearer to the phalanges. On Yang meridians they represent water, while on Yin they depict fire . SP 2, K 2, LIV 2, LU 10, H 8, P 8 – Fire LI 2, SI 2, SJ 2, ST 44, UB 66, GB 43 - Water www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

20. Shu Stream - Points 14 The Shu -Stream represents the trickling of energy down from high peaks to low lying areas, and the source of the meridian itself where communication is between the meridian and the respective jiao . They are the ‘ Inductories ’ of the meridian. These points are located around the wrist and ankle joints. On the Yin channels they represent Earth while on the Yang channels they are Wood points. SP 3, K 3, LIV 3, LU 9, H 7, P 7 – Earth LI 3, SI 3, SJ 3, ST 43, UB 65, GB 41 - Wood www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

21. Jing River - Points 15 The Jing-River points are over the plains and represent turbulent and dynamic alterative nature of flow used to clear obstructive pathology and hence termed ‘Transitory’. These points are along the length of the arms and legs. They cause heavy displacement of energy (or matter). The Yin Jing River points activate Air while Yang Jing River points trigger Fire . SP 5, K 7, LIV 4, LU 8, H 4, P 5 – Metal LI 5, SI 5, SJ 6, ST 41, UB 60, GB 38 – Fire www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

22. He Sea - Points 16 The He-sea is the ultimate entry of the meridian into the organ and the broader functions are achieved here, and aptly known as ‘ Conjunctory ’. These are the final and fifth set of twelve points that lie around the Elbow and Knee. Yin He Sea points induce Water, and the Yang He Sea points build up Earth. SP 9, K 10, LIV 8, LU 5, H 3, P 3 – Water LI 11, SI 8, SJ 10, ST 36, UB 40, GB 34 - Earth www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

23. Lower He Sea - Points 17 The Lower He-sea points also called the lower uniting he points, are used to treat their respective FU organs. For example, ST 37 - the lower he sea point of the Large Intestine will treat diarrhea . Point FU Organ Point FU Organ ST 36 Stomach ST 37 Large Intestine GB 34 Gall Bladder ST 39 Small Intestine UB 40 Urinary Bladder UB 39 Triple Cavity www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

24. Classification by FUNCTION

25. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy 18 Analgesic Points Used to relieve pain. The nerve endings produce certain neurotransmitters ( peptides) like Acetylcholine, Adrenaline, Endorphin and Encephalin. In addition to the nerves, the Brain and Pituitary gland produce Endorphin, which is responsible for a great amount of pain relief. Acupuncture needling or Acupressure, effectively increases the levels of such analgesic substances in the Cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in Pain relief. Besides Endorphin, Encephalin is a mediator secreted in the Gut Cells and the Pineal gland and the Brain cells. Owing to a larger surface area of the Stomach and the Bowels, very important Analgesic Points of Acupuncture lie over the Stomach and Large Intestine Channels. Manual stimulation to certain points, results in the elevation of the Pain Threshold of a person. LI 4 ST 44 SI 18 LIV 3 UB 62 LI 10 This is the clinical list of points. However there are points that act as Analgesic, when Qi obstruction pathway is cleared by proper and comprehensive diagnosis.

26. 19 Sedative Points The secretion of Melatonin over a Day-night (Diurnal) scale has a rhythmic cycle. The Melatonin level in Blood increases during darkness and decreases with dawn. Certain points treated in Acupuncture influence the secretion of Melatonin and such other mediators like Dopamine, for treating all Psychosomatic disorders. Moreover, as the Five element theory states, Fire stands for thoughts, emotions, anger, passion, anxiety and a state of sleeplessness. Sedation of Fire is the goal of certain sedative points. This is the clinical list of points. However points that calm the Spirit ( Shen ) by proper and comprehensive diagnosis act as sedative points. DU 20, P 6, EX 7,8,9, LIV 3, GB 34, ST 40, H7,P7, LI 4 www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

27. 20 Homeostatic Points Various Ions and Plasma proteins in Blood are responsible for the Homeostatic states of the Life process like Fever and Chillness, Acidity and Alkalinity of Blood, Urine and Cerebro-spinal fluid, High Blood Pressure and Low Blood Pressure, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), Hemoglobin content and so on. The Midbrain glands function to establish the Equilibrium conditions at times of distress. Acupuncture points that are specific in establishing Homeostasis have been found to have tremendous effect on the Homeostasis, more than any other form of conventional therapy. DU 14, P 6, EX 1, LIV 3, ST 36, LI 11, LI 4 Though this is not a complete list of Homeostatic points, they help to restore balance when used in combination with other points. Acupuncture treatment itself is focused on ultimate Homeostasis. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

28. 21 Motor-recovery Points There are specific points over muscular regions in the body, which help in the restoration of the muscular activity in cases of Paralytic diseases. ST 6 Motor Recovery point of the Face, LI 10 Motor Recovery point of the Upper Limb, ST 32 Motor Recovery point of the Lower Limb. Certain Xi-cleft points and Group Luo points also work like Motor Recovery points if they are sensitive or tender to palpate. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

29. 22 Anti-allergic Points act on the toxic substances or allergens, by producing mediators like Anti Histamine, and Cortico Steroids. SP 10, LIV 3, LI 11, K 7 Enhancement of Kidney Yang promotes Wei Qi (Defensive) for Anti-pathogenic Anti-allergic action. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

30. 23 Endocrine Points have specific action on the Endocrine glands. EX 1, LI 18, SJ 3, 8 Insulin point between UB 17 and UB 18 GB 21 is a major Endocrine point for most fertility conditions www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

31. 24 Emergency Points are used to bring a person to consciousness at the time of Shocks, Fits, Drowning, Coma and Fainting. Jingwell points are used for this purpose. Pricking of these points results in awakening due to the release of Adrenaline and increased Blood flow to the Brain. K 1, LI 1, LU 11, DU 26, P 9 www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

32. 25 Tonification Points are almost similar to Immune Enhancing points. In addition they stimulate Growth, Appetite and Absorption of nutrients. ST 36, LI 11, REN 6, REN 12 www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

33. 26 Influential Points have specific action on specific components of the body - like Bones (density & mineral storage), Muscles (expansion etc ), Vessels (wall thickness, permeability), Marrow (making blood components), Zang , Fu, Xue (blood) and Qi (the flow and quality). The points trigger off certain physiological and Bio chemical products which result ultimately in the repair and improvement of the specific tissues. Thus, LU 9 is an Influential point for the vessels, as it primarily results in the release of Anti-clot mediator Heparin, and secondly enhances the Lung Qi for reducing the content of Carboxy -Hemoglobin . Zang LIV 13 Sinews GB 34 Fu CV 12 Vessels LU 9 Qi CV 17 Bones UB 11 Blood UB 17 Marrow GB 39 www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

34. The Eight Influential Points are also known as "Gathering Points," or Hui meeting points, that have a broad effect on their related Gene from which the relevant tissue originated. LV 13 - meeting of the yin organs, also  SP Mu CV 12 - meeting of the yang organs, also ST Mu CV 17 - meeting of the Qi, also PC Mu, moves Qi in the chest UB 17 - meeting of the Blood, builds blood, resolves stagnation and disperses heat in the Blood GB 34 - meeting of the sinews, resolves stiffness and contracture LU 9 - meeting of the Blood vessels, stimulates circulation, tonifies LU Qi, harmonizes the Qi and Blood in the chest, stops bleeding UB 11 - meeting of the bones, any bone disorder, osteoporosis GB 39 - meeting of the marrow, bone disorders, mental functioning, useful post-stroke www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

35. 27 Confluent Points The eight extraordinary confluent points are very vital acupuncture points also called the intersection, meeting, command, opening, master, and the flowing and pooling points . These Ancestral channels ( Qi Jing Ba Mai) carry the Jing to connect with Qi of the Principal channels, for strengthening, control , storage and regulation of Qi and blood of channels (reservoirs). These Eight Pre-natal meridians were the lines of creation of the Embryo by Qi - initiated at conception after the egg and sperm come together. They support the Eight Planes and support the regular meridians to absorb genetic essence. They provide a map for us to fulfill our potential, our destiny, the purpose of life, and to convert Jing into Shen through the transmuting power of Qi. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

36. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy Extra Meridian Confluent Points Plane CHONG Thoroughfare Vessel YIN WEI Yin Regulatory Vessel Gongsun ( SP 4) Neiguan ( P 6 ) INTERIOR INFERIOR DU Governor Vessel YANG QIAO Yang Heel Vessel Houxi (Si 3) Shenmai (UB 62) POSTERIOR LEFT YANG WEI Yang Regulatory Vessel DAI Girdling Vessel Waiguan ( SJ 5) Zulingqi ( GB 41) SUPERIOR EXTERIOR REN Conception Vessel YIN QIAO Yin Heel Vessel Lieque ( LU 7) Zhaohai ( K 6) ANTERIOR RIGHT

37. 28 Sea Points The Four Seas and point groupings strongly effect their related system within the body (Qi , Blood , Marrow , Nutrition ). The Sea of Qi Points (ST 9, REN 17, DU 15, DU 14) effect the amount and flow of Qi (energy) within the body. The Sea of Blood Points (UB 11, ST 37, ST 39) effect the amount and flow of Blood within the body. For Blood issues, points such as UB 17, UB 18, UB 19, SP 10 and LIV 8 are much more widely used . The Sea of Nutrition Points (ST 30, ST 36) effect digestion and appetite. The Sea of Marrow Points (DU 20, DU 16) effect mental functioning and energy levels. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

38. The prenatal energies, Jing and Yuan, act in the early stages of development and produce the four substances - Marrow , Qi, Blood and Ying (nutritive Qi), which form the basic building blocks for the developing embryo. These four substances are linked to the four seas in the four cardinal directions and in this manner are linked with an early interaction between Heaven and Earth. • The sea of marrow opening point is Du 20 Baihui and the exit point is Du 16 Fengfu . • The sea of Qi opening points are Du 15 Yamen and Du 14 Dazhui (and Bl 10 Tianshu ) and the exit points are St 9. • The sea of blood opening points are Bl 11 Dazhu and the exit points are St 37 Shangjixu and St 39Xiajuxu. • The sea of nourishment opening points are St 30 Qichong and the exit points are St 36 Zusanli . www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

39. 29 Ghost Points Ghost points were categorized from Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) publication of Sun Si-Miao within the "Thousand Ducat Formulas ". As culture advanced many psychological illnesses became more prevalent. The Ghost points were used as a systemic approach to the treatment of mental illness. ‘Demons and ghosts’ may be taken to be a form of thought that sees the illness as a pure external accident. When conventional treatments fail, we call them ‘Possessions’. www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

40. The 13 Ghost Points:   Guigong –  Ghost Palace  ( Renzhong Du 26) Gui Zhen – Ghost Pillow ( Fengfu Du 16) Guitang – Ghost Hall ( Shangxing Du 23) GuiShi – Ghost Market ( Chengqiang Ren 24) Guixin – Ghost Faith ( Shaoshang Lu 11) Guitui – Ghost Leg ( Quchi LI 11) ( Yanglingquan GB 34) Guichuang – Ghost’s Bed ( Jiache ST 6) Guilei – Ghost Fortress ( Yinbai SP 1) Guixin – Ghost Heart ( Daling PC 7) (Taiyuan LU 9) Guicu –  Ghost Cave  ( Laogong PC 8) Guilu – Ghost Path ( Shenmai BL 62) ( Jianshi P 5) Guifeng – Ghost Seal ( Haiquan extra point below tongue) Guicang – Ghost Store ( Huiyin Ren 1) (Xingjian LIV 2) www.acu.in Jingwell Academy

41. Ends here Dr Raju C Krishna Jingwell Academy