Special Acupoints
Major Points in Acupuncture
In TCM, acupuncture points are categorized based on their unique functions and relationships. These groupings guide clinical practices, aiding practitioners in selecting the most effective points for various conditions. Below is an overview of key acupuncture point categories, including Five Shu Points, Yuan Source, Luo Connecting, Xi Cleft Points, Front Mu, Back Shu, Hui Influential Points, Command Points, and Ghost Points.
Five Shu Points
The Five Shu Points consist of Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea Points. They are located at the extremities and joints of the body, reflecting the movement and transformation of Qi in the meridians.
| Type | Description | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jing-Well | Where Qi rises, resembling the source of water. | Emergency cases, resuscitation, regulating Qi and Blood. | BL-67, HT-9 |
| Ying-Spring | Where Qi glides, akin to water flowing out of a spring. | Clearing heat and treating febrile conditions. | LI-2, ST-44 |
| Shu-Stream | Where Qi flows more deeply, transitioning toward the interior. | Treats heaviness, joint pain, and chronic diseases. | SP-3, KI-3 |
| Jing-River | Where Qi flows like a river, deeper into the body. | Addresses respiratory conditions like cough and asthma, as well as voice changes. | LU-8, ST-41 |
| He-Sea | Where Qi flows deeply, like a river entering the sea. | Treats Fu organ disorders, digestive issues, and Qi reversal syndromes. | ST-36, GB-34 |
Yuan Source, Luo Connecting, and Xi Cleft Points
- Yuan Source Points: Represent the concentration of Yuan Qi. Used to regulate Zang-Fu organ functions and treat both excess and deficiency conditions.
- Luo Connecting Points: Connect interior and exterior meridians. Effective for treating paired meridian disorders.
- Xi Cleft Points: Where Qi gathers deeply in the body. Best for acute pain and bleeding disorders.
| Point Type | Description | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuan Source | Location of Yuan Qi on each channel. | Tonifies and regulates organ function. | LI-4, SP-3 |
| Luo Connecting | Points that link paired meridians. | Treats disorders in paired channels and helps in diagnosis via local changes. | LU-7, ST-40 |
| Xi Cleft | Deep accumulation of Qi, often located near joints. | Useful for acute and severe conditions, including pain and bleeding. | LU-6, ST-34 |
Front Mu and Back Shu Points
These points are where the Qi of Zang-Fu organs is infused.
| Type | Location | Primary Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Mu | Located on the chest or abdomen. | Diagnose and treat Yang organ disorders (acute or local issues). | CV-12, ST-25 |
| Back Shu | Located on the back, near the spine. | Diagnose and treat Yin organ disorders (chronic or systemic issues). | BL-13, BL-18 |
Hui Influential and Command Points
- Hui Influential Points: Specific points where Qi gathers to influence tissues like blood, marrow, and organs. For instance, GB-34 targets tendons, while BL-17 benefits blood.
- Command Points: Treat specific regions of the body, irrespective of the condition's nature.
Ghost Points
Originating from Sun Si-Miao's "Thirteen Ghost Points," these are used to address psycho-emotional disorders. They treat conditions like depression and schizophrenia and are believed to expel "ghosts" or disturbances of the Shen.
| Point | Function |
|---|---|
| GV-26 | Restores consciousness and calms Shen. |
| PC-7 | Clears the heart and treats anxiety. |
Four Sea Points
These points relate to the "Seas" of Marrow, Qi, Blood, and Nourishment, addressing systemic imbalances like fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, or poor appetite.
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