Documenti di Didattica
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to Acu-points
Chris Jarmey
and Ilaira Bouratinos
Lotus
Lotus Publishing
Chichester, England
Publishing
Lotus
North Atlantic Books
Publishing
Berkeley, California
Copyright © 2008 by Chris Jarmey and Ilaira Bouratinos. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief
GALLBLADDER CHANNEL
review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the written permission of the publisher. For information,
Contents
contact Lotus Publishing or North Atlantic Books.
A Practical Guide to Acu-points
GALLBLADDER CHANNEL
Chapter 11 Points of the
Introduction
Large Intestine Channel 59
Chapter 17 Points of the Kidney Channel 201 It describes the common techniques that can be applied to the major acu-points, such as acupuncture, moxibustion,
guasha, cupping, magnet therapy and manually applied techniques, as well as describing the different therapeutic effects
Chapter 18 Points of the that can be achieved via those treatment methods.
Pericardium Channel 215
The various techniques are clearly delineated in headed subsections. It is recommended that all the sections on the
Chapter 19 Points of the Sanjiao different modes of treatment are studied, even if the intention is to use some, but not all, of those methods. This will
(Triple Burner) Channel 225 facilitate a deeper understanding of each point. For example, shiatsu practitioners, tuina practitioners and other bodywork
therapists will improve their understanding of the different layers and depths associated with pressure by studying the
Chapter 20 Points of the needling section. Acupuncturists will greatly benefit from using manual techniques, either in the clinic or as self-treatment
Gallbladder Channel 239 recommendations for their patients. Most practitioners of Eastern healing systems will benefit from the moxibustion,
cupping, guasha and magnet therapy guidelines offered in the text. Furthermore, physiotherapists, nurses and many
Chapter 21 Points of the Liver Channel 271 medical specialists will benefit from the manual techniques section.
Chapter 22 Points of the Ren Mai Chris Jarmey and Ilaira Bouratinos, 2008
(Conception Vessel) Channel 287
Chapter 24 Extraordinary
(Miscellaneous) Non-channel Points 321
Resources 345
Index of Points 347
How to Use This Book
Introduction to the Text Format Main Text Format
The text for each point begins with a clear title giving its Classification
name and number, followed by a calligraphic image of Classification terms are given in English, followed by
the Chinese ideogram. Below the title, the classification the Chinese term. For example, Source-Yuan point. For
of the point is mentioned (where relevant). The main text more details, see Chapter 6. For points of the Five Phase
outlines a comprehensive description of the location of categories, the Tonification, Sedation and Horary nature
the point. is mentioned in brackets.
A Practical Guide to Acu-points How to Use This Book
Cautionary notes are marked with an exclamation mark [!]. Magnets About the Illustrations
Text marked with a double exclamation mark [!!] denotes This section mentions basic usage of magnets and certain Main Areas: Mentions the main body areas,
potentially dangerous techniques and contraindications. point combinations. These illustrations aim to be as anatomically precise as
tissues, organs, systems and Zangfu affected by
possible and to show the relevant structures.
the point.
Needling Although there are many different points of view on the
This section details the main needling techniques, subject of magnet usage, it is important to understand Main Functions: Mentions the main functions of The needle insertion site is illustrated with a dot. A broader
including the minimum and maximum depths, angles and that the mechanism via which they work is still not fully the point to complement and re-emphasise the area around this dot is illustrated with light blue shading.
directions for insertion. understood. italicised functions in the actions and indications This area displays the site where manual techniques,
section.
moxibustion, guasha and cupping can be applied (where
The text marked with an exclamation mark [!] cautions Although there are differing opinions on which pole of relevant). Most of the point illustrations have the shaded
the acupuncturist to avoid the blood vessels, nerves and the magnet is more tonifying or sedating, it is taken in area, except where, for reasons of clarity, it was excluded.
other sensitive structures found at the needling site. this text that the North Pole is more tonifying and the The main functions listed in the synopsis text box are Also, where there is more than one illustration for any
Furthermore, text marked with a double exclamation mark South more dispersing, when in the Earth’s Northern often the same as the major functions that are italicised given point, the shaded area is not always repeated.
[!!] denotes dangerous techniques and contraindications. Hemisphere (the opposite applies in the Southern in the section on actions and indications. This means that
For more details, see Chapter 1. Hemisphere). Throughout the text, it is taken that the these repeated functions are of most clinical relevance. These shaded areas may also illustrate other possible sites
treatment is applied in the Northern Hemisphere. In some cases, the synopsis of functions differs from the for needling, acupressure and other treatment methods.
Manual techniques and shiatsu italicised text. This means that those functions mentioned Possible reasons for treating outside the main point as
Most points can be treated by manual techniques, whether Stimulation sensation in the text box are the most clinically relevant. The reason illustrated with the dot include:
it is sustained or moving pressure, superficial or deep This section discusses the most common manifestations for this is that the italicised functions in the main text are
friction, oil massage or other useful physical manipulation of deqi acquired from stimulating the point. It details the • I f deqi cannot be achieved at the specified point, the
mostly major traditional Chinese functions. For example,
methods such as stretching and mobilisation. quality, intensity, direction and areas the sensation should practitioner must palpate this area carefully to ascertain
regulating qi and Blood is a traditional function, whereas
reach depending on the required therapeutic results. It a more reactive location to insert the needle or apply the
lowering blood pressure is not (see St-9). Therefore, the
This section details the most effective ways to apply also mentions other manifestations of deqi such as pressure, magnet, moxibustion, etc.
italicised functions in the main text and synopsis box
a choice of manual techniques to points where these changes in the pulse, or breathing rate. must be compared.
methods are applicable. Variations and different • I f there is distortion of the main needling site (for
techniques are discussed in relation to their therapeutic Although deqi is mostly relevant to the application of example: swelling, skin eruptions, scar tissue, extreme
The reader must note, however, that because Eastern
effect and the desired outcome. acupuncture and manual techniques such as massage tightness, distended blood vessels), then the practitioner
medicine is an ‘art’ rather than a precise ‘science’, there
and shiatsu, it may also apply to magnet therapy must insert the needle at a different site.
is immense variation in the actions of the points, both in
The text marked with an exclamation mark [!] mentions and moxibustion. This section is based on the major terms of the different traditional schools of thought and
the relevant cautions, whereas a double exclamation mark acupuncture texts as well as the authors’ experience. For Also, the shaded area may illustrate the area the needle
the individual practitioner. Therefore, the synopsis of
[!!] indicates dangerous techniques and contraindications, more details, see Chapter 5. shaft may reach at a deeper level, particularly when
main functions and italicised text serves as a general guide
accordingly. For more details, see Chapter 2. applying oblique or transverse needling. For example,
only. Furthermore, the functions that are emphasised,
Actions and indications the large shaded area between the middle and anterior
have been chosen as those deemed most clinically
Moxibustion This section discusses the applications for each point. fibres of the deltoid muscle for the point LI-15 not only
applicable according to the authors’ own experience
This section details the points indicated for moxibustion It requires that the reader have an understanding of illustrates the manual techniques region, but also the area
and understanding. In this sense, they can be altered or
and those contraindicated. As a general rule, where there Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and where the needle will be located when using the second
substituted by each practitioner, as he/she considers most
is no mention of it at all, moxibustion should not be differentiation of syndromes. The main actions (functions) needling method mentioned (i.e. needle up to 2 cun at a
appropriate. Every effort has been made to include the
used. The times, quantities and types of moxa mentioned are clearly presented and accompanied by the relevant transverse angle distally, between the anterior and medial
most accurate information from principal traditional and
are based mainly on Chinese recommendations. Where indications (including signs, symptoms and diseases). fibres of the muscle).
contemporary sources.
‘indirect’ moxa is mentioned, both traditional moxa poles The major functions are emphasised in italic text. They
and other more modern methods of moxa application are are based mainly, but not exclusively, on classical The reader may also notice that some of the dots
For example, the synopsis for point Lu-9:
intended for use. For more details, see Chapter 3. Chinese medical theory. Furthermore, there are numerous illustrating a point appear to be slightly smaller (or larger)
comments mentioning various interesting and important than others. This is because points do vary somewhat in
Cupping facts relating to the point. size. For example, the Well-Jing points at the tips of the
Main Areas: Chest. Lungs. Blood vessels. fingers are smaller than large fleshy points such as Sp-6
Cupping is mentioned only where applicable. Where it
is not mentioned, it should not be used. For more details, At the end of the text for each point* there is a quick or GB-30.
Main Functions: Tonifies chest qi. Strengthens
see Chapter 4. reference section (synopsis), clearly defined in a text box, the breath and voice. Nourishes Lung yin.
highlighting the body areas, organs and functions that are Transforms phlegm. Benefits the vessels and
Guasha deemed of most use in the clinic. improves circulation.
The basic guasha method is mentioned where considered
most useful and applicable. Where it is not mentioned, it
should not generally be used.
A Practical Guide to Acu-points Points of the Gallbladder Channel
Alarm Mu point of the Kidney Intersection of the Dai Mai and Gallbladder
Mid-axillary line
! Only apply very gentle pressure to the false ribs. This
location is very sensitive and can be very painful if
On the lower back, at the free end of the twelfth rib. pressed carelessly. On the lateral aspect of the abdomen, level with the
umbilicus, below the free end of the eleventh rib,
To aid location, it is usually tender on light palpation approximately on the mid-axillary line.
Moxibustion
because it is a very sensitive location.
Cones: 3–10. Pole: 10–30 minutes.
Best treatment positions
Alternative location This location is best treated with the patient in a supine
At the inferior border of the free end of the twelfth rib. Cupping
Cupping with medium or light suction or empty cupping or side-lying position. However, prone or sitting up may
can be very beneficial for kidney disorders and lumbar also be employed.
Best treatment positions
This location is best treated with the patient in a prone or pain. Use a medium or large cup size. Umbilicus
Needling
side position. However, manual techniques can also be • 0.5 to 1 cun perpendicular insertion.
applied with the patient sitting up. Guasha GB-26
Gently applied guasha is applicable.
!! Do not needle deeply. Do not puncture the peritoneum.
Needling Deep needling may puncture the colon, liver, spleen
• 0.3 to 1 cun oblique or transverse insertion, medially
Magnets
Stick-on magnets are helpful for kidney disorders. Apply or kidney.
along lower border of twelfth rib.
• 0.3 to 0.5 cun perpendicular insertion.
south pole to GB-25 and north to Bl-23 for lumbar pain
and kidney disorders including colic and haematuria. Moxibustion
Cones: 3–5. Pole: 10–20 minutes. Rice-grain moxa is
!! Do not needle deeply. Do not puncture the peritoneum. also useful.
Deep needling may puncture the colon, liver, spleen Stimulation sensation
Actions and indications
or kidney. Local ache, distension, tingling or numbness radiating
Magnets GB-26 is an important point to activate qi and Blood
across the lumbar area, possibly extending toward the
Small stick-on magnets can be effective. For weight loss circulation in the lower jiao and regulate the Dai Mai
groin or into the kidneys.
and harmonising or tonifying the abdomen, alternate (Girdle Vessel), from which it takes its name.
Actions and indications north and south poles on points level with the umbilicus
It is useful to clear dampness and heat from the abdomen,
Although GB-25 is not as commonly used as other including GB-26, Sp-15, St-25, Ren-8, Bl-23 and Du-4.
harmonise the lower jiao and regulate menstruation.
Alarm-Mu points, it can be effective to tonify the Kidneys Indications include pain, distension, swelling or flaccidity
and strengthen the lumbar area, dispel dampness from Manual techniques and shiatsu
of the abdomen, lumbus and girdle area, lower abdominal
the lower jiao and open the water passages as well as It is generally not so easy to stimulate this location
pain in women, irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea,
regulate the intestines. It also activates qi and Blood by pressure and massage because of the soft nature of
chronic leucorrhoea, blood-stained discharge, hernia,
circulation and alleviates pain. the underlying tissues. However, it can be effective to
diarrhoea and abdominal rumbling.
press both sides simultaneously (this is not so easy to
Indications include acute or chronic lumbar pain, renal achieve on overweight patients) or one side only in a Treatment at GB-26 is useful in weight loss programmes
colic, frequent urination, dysuria, haematuria, lumbar side-lying position. because it helps tonify the intestines and strengthen
pain, cold lower back, hip pain, abdominal rumbling, the abdominal wall, helping to lose inches around the
diarrhoea, vomiting, intercostal neuralgia, hypochondrial An effective shiatsu technique is to open this area by waist. In such cases it is most effective to combine
or abdominal distension and pain. stretching the space between the pelvis and rib cage. This treatment with embedding needles or stick-on magnets.
is achieved either in a side-lying position (grasp the iliac Furthermore, self-moxibustion, applied daily for a few
Spontaneous pain at this location on one or both sides crest and stretch the pelvis down toward the feet, or apply minutes, is helpful to tonify the Kidneys and Spleen in
may be a diagnostic indication of kidney disease. crossed arm diagonal stretch with one palm resting on such cases.
the pelvis and the other on the lower ribs), or, in a sitting
position (side flex the torso toward the opposite side,
Main Areas: Kidneys. Lumbar area. Flank. while stabilising the pelvis).
Main Areas: Abdomen. Sides. Lumbar area.
Main Functions: Benefits the Kidneys. Uterus. Girdle Vessel.
! Only apply very light pressure to the floating ribs.
GB-25 Transforms dampness and heat. Regulates qi
and blood. Alleviates pain. Main Functions: Clears dampness and heat.
Stimulation sensation
Benefits the lower jiao. Regulates menstruation.
Local distension, dull ache or tingling spreading across
the abdomen and lower back, or down toward the hip on
the side that is being treated.