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TCM Classical Five Element (Part 2)

Acupuncture Point Categories - TCM Theory

Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizies a number of theories which group acupuncture points together based on
their functions and/or other relationships. Many of these theories are important in a clinical setting and are used,
along with other theory and diagnostic information, to decide which acupuncture points will be used for a given
condition.

Acupuncture Point Theoretical Groupings:

o Five Shu Points Page 2
o Mother-Child Points Page 4
o Lower He Sea Points Page 5
o Xi Cleft Points Page 6
o Yuan Source Points Page 7
o Luo Connecting Points Page 8
o Front Mu Points Page 11
o Back Shu Points Page 12
o Hui Meeting Points Page 13
o Extraordinary Vessel Master Coupled Points Page 14
o Command Points Page 19
o Four Seas Points Page 20
o Sky Window Points Page 21
o Thirteen Ghost Points Page 22
o Entry Exit Points Page 23
o Shokanten Points Page 24
o Horary Points Page 25

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Five Shu Points Theory and Applications

o Some styles of acupuncture, such as Worsley (or Classical) Five Element, Japanese Five Phase, and even
some branches of TCM utilize the five element theory and acupuncture points more extensively than
others.
o The Yin Shu Stream Points are also the Yuan Source points, so they carry a role in tonifying the Yin
organs which may or may not be related to their role as Shu Stream points in treating heaviness of the
body.
Jing-well Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel emerges and begins moving towards the trunk of the body
o Located on the tips of the fingers and toes
o Actions & Effects
o Restores consciousness
o Clears Heat & Stagnation from the opposite end of the channel
o Calms the Spirit (Shen)
o Treats fullness below the Heart

Ying-spring Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel trickles
o Located just proximal to the Jing-well points
o Actions & Effects
o Clears heat from the meridian/organ
o Effect on the opposite end of the channel (less than Jing-well)
o Clears Heat over the entire course of the channel (Jing-well works on the distal end)

Shu-stream Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel begins to pour
o Located at or near the joints of the extremities (i.e. ankles & wrists)
o On the Yin Channels Shu-stream points are identical to the Yuan-source points (important for
tonifying and regulating their pertaining organs)
o Actions & Effects
o Heaviness a/or pain of the joints
o Combine with the Ying-spring Points to treat the Yin organs
o Yang Shu-stream Points useful for channel stagnation
o Ling Shu ch. 44 states that they are useful for diseases which come and go

Jing-river Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel begins to flow more heavily
o Located on the forearm and lower leg
o Actions & Effects

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o Cough, Fever & Chills - External pathogenic factors

o Disorders of the local tissues (muscles, tendons, bones, joints)
o Diseases manifesting in the voice

He-sea Points
o Where the Qi of the Channel enters a deeper level to communicate with its pertaining organ
o Located at or near the elbows and knees
o Actions & Effects
o Counterflow Qi, diarrhea, skin diseases (mainly hot)
o Issues with the Yang Organs and Channels
o Treats the Fu (hollow organs)

Five Shu Points Chart

Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

Yin Meridians
(Wood) (Fire) (Earth) (Metal) (Water)

LU LU 11 LU 10 LU 9 LU 8 LU 5

PC PC 9 PC 8 PC 7 PC 5 PC 3

HT HT 9 HT 8 HT 7 HT 4 HT 3

SP SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 5 SP 9

LV LV 1 LV 2 LV 3 LV 4 LV 8

KD KD 1 KD 2 KD 3 KD 7 KD 10

Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea

Yang Meridians
(Metal) (Water) (Wood) (Fire) (Earth)

LI LI 1 LI 2 LI 3 LI 5 LI 11

TH TH 1 TH 2 TH 3 TH 6 TH 10

SI SI 1 SI 2 SI 3 SI 5 SI 8

ST ST 45 ST 44 ST 43 ST 41 ST 36

GB GB 44 GB 43 GB 41 GB 38 GB 34

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UB UB 67 UB 66 UB 65 UB 60 UB 40

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Mother Child Points Theory and

Mother Child
Applications
o Within five element theory the "creation" cycle is the circular
Lung (Metal) LU 9 LU 5
flow of relationships from one element to the next. Fire -->
Earth --> Metal --> Water --> Wood --> Fire. Within the
Large Intestine (Metal) LI 11 LI 2
creation cycle the "mother" is the preceding element and the
"child" is the following element. For example, Fire is the
mother of earth and the child of wood. Stomach (Earth) ST 41 ST 45
o The Mother - Child law states that in cases of a deficiency
you tonify the mother and in cases of excess you sedate the
Spleen (Earth) SP 2 SP 5
child. For example, frequent urination can be a sign of
Kidney (water) deficiency, so you would tonify the metal
point on the Kidney meridian (KD 7). Heart (Fire) HT 9 HT 7
o While the theory many times correlates to the common
clinical usage of acupuncture points, some of the points that
Small Intestine (Fire) SI 3 SI 8
the theory would select do not work the way that the theory
would predict. Some examples are:
o HT 9 & PC 9 - are most often used to clear heat. Urinary Bladder (Water) UB 67 UB 65
o SI 3 & SI 8 - reduce heat, pain and stagnation but
provide no tonifying effect.
Kidney (Water) KD 7 KD 1
o LI 11 - is typically dispersed to clear heat.
o TH 3 - has no tonification effects.
Pericardium (Fire) PC 9 PC 7
o ST 41 - is typically used to disperse fever a/or
reduce abdominal distention, although it can be as a local
point in a tonifying manner to increase energy flow to the Triple Heater (Fire) TH 3 TH 10
foot.
o SP 2 - is not the most tonifying point on the SP
Gall Bladder (Wood) GB 43 GB 38
meridian - SP 3 is a better choice.
o UB 67 - dispersive point for acute conditions.
o GB 43 & GB 38 - are both used to clear heat. Liver (Wood) LV 8 LV 2

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Lower He Sea Points of the 6 Fu (Yang) Organs Theory and Applications

o The lower he sea points, also called the lower sea or lower uniting he points, are used to treat their

respective yang organs. For example, ST 37, the lower he sea point of the LI will treat diarrhea.

Lower He Sea Points Chart

Large Intestine ST 37 -Yang Ming- Stomach ST 36

Triple Heater UB 39 -Shao Yang- Gall Bladder GB 34

Small Intestine ST 39 -Tai Yang- Urinary Bladder UB 40

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Xi Cleft Points Theory and Applications

o The Xi Cleft points, also called the accumulation points, are where the Qi and Blood of a meridian pool.
They are primarily at or near the joints of the body.
o In treatment they are used primarily for acute conditions, especially pain, that involve their related
organs/channels.
o LU 6 - acute asthma, wind heat
o LI 7 - sore throat, face pain/swelling
o SP 8 - blood stagnation in the uterus a/or lower abdomen
o ST 34 - breast issues, epigastric pain
o HT 6 - heart pain, reckless bleeding due to heat
o SI 6 - severe pain along the SI channel
o KD 5 - menstrual problems due to deficiency a/or blood stagnation
o UB 63 - acute cystitis
o PC 4 - severe chest pain, reckless bleeding due to heat
o TH 7 - not used often clinically
o LV 6 - acute cystitis, blood stagnation in the uterus a/or lower abdomen
o GB 36 - painful obstruction a/or atrophy of the lower limbs
o UB 59 - yang qiao mai, not used often clinically
o KD 8 - yin qiao mai, menstrual irregularities
o KD 9 - yin wei mai, severe and acute mental disorders

o GB 35 - yang wei mai, not used often clinically

Xi Cleft Points Chart

Lung LU 6 Urinary Bladder UB 63 Yin Qiao Vessel KD 8

Large Intestine LI 7 Kidney KD 5 Yang Qiao Vessel UB 59

Stomach ST 34 Pericardium PC 4 Yin Wei Vessel KD 9

Spleen SP 8 Triple Heater TH 7 Yang Wei Vessel GB 35

Heart HT 6 Gall Bladder GB 36

Small Intestine SI 6 Liver LV 6

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Yuan Source Points Theory and Applications

o The Yuan Source points are where the Yuan Qi, the bodies primordial Qi, pools.

o Each of the 12 meridians has a Yuan Source point including the TH which is also the meridian

responsible for circulating the Yuan Qi.

o With their relationship to the primordial Qi, the Yuan Source points indicate the nature of Yin in the

body and the Yin Yuan Points can be used to tonify the 5 Yin Organs (HT, LU, SP, KD, LV) a/or as

diagnostic tools for the 5 Yin Organs.

o The Yang Yuan Points are not used to tonify yang organs but can be used to expel pathogenic factors

a/or release excess patterns.

o LI 4 - expel wind heat

o TH 4 - clears heat from the GB

o SI 4 - treat pain along the SI meridian

o ST 42 - acute facial paralysis from wind-cold

o GB 40 - resolve LV Qi stagnation

o UB 64 - resolve damp cold in the lower warmer

Yuan Source Points Chart

Lung LU 9 Urinary Bladder UB 64

Large Intestine LI 4 Kidney KD 3

Stomach ST 42 Pericardium PC 7

Spleen SP 3 Triple Heater TH 4

Heart HT 7 Gall Bladder GB 40

Small Intestine SI 4 Liver LV 3

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Luo Connecting Points Theory and Applications

o Luo Connecting Points are where a separate channel splits off from the main flow and connects with the
Yin/Yang paired meridian.
o Can be used to diagnose and treat channel problems based on fullness (pain, heat) or emptiness
(stiffness, weakness).
o May be used to treat the Yin/Yang paired organ.
o LI 6 - edema (LU's water regulating function)
o SI 7 - calm and regulate emotions (HT relationship)
o ST 40 - eliminates phlegm (supports SP)
o GB 37 - eye problems (supports LV)
o UB 58 - cold in the lower back (KD deficiency)
o PC 6 - nausea via connection with the TH and travelling through the 3 warmers
o May be used to treat emotional disharmonies.
o LU 7 - sadness
o PC 6 - insomnia, anxiety
o SI 7 - anxiety
o HT 5 - agitation, depression, stress
o ST 40 - bi polar disorder, manic episodes
o SP 4 - manic depression, restlessness
o LV 5 - plum pit qi, depression
o There are 4 group luo points which are used in cases where 3 related meridians are imbalanced.
o TH 8 - treat the 3 Yang meridians in the arm (LI, TH, SI)
o PC 5 - treat the 3 Yin meridians in the arm (LU, PC, HT)
o GB 39 - treat the 3 Yang meridians in the leg (ST, GB, UB)
o SP 6 - treat the 3 Yin meridians in the leg (SP, LV, KD)
o There are 16 connecting channels: 1 for each of the 12 meridians, a great luo point for the ST as well as
the SP in addition to their regular luo points, 1 for the CV and 1 for the GV.
o LU separates at LU 7, follows the LU channel into the palm, spread through the thenar
eminence and connects with the LI
o LI separates at LI 6, joins the LU meridian, ascends the arm going through LI 15 to the jaw
where it divides, one branch going to the teeth and the other enters the ear
o SP separates at SP 4, connects with the ST meridian, ascends up the medial aspect of the leg
and connects with the Stomach and intestines
o SP Great Luo separates at SP 21, spreads through the chest and the lateral costal region
o ST separates at ST 40, joins the SP, ascends the leg and continues to the base of the neck where
it joins the Qi of the other yang channels and terminates in the throat
o ST Great Luo is sometimes seen as a throbbing below the left breast and connects with the LU

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o HT separates at HT 5, joins the SI, follows the HT meridian to the HT and continues to the root
of the tongue and into the eyes
o SI separates at SI 7, joins the HT, ascends the arm at connects with LI 15
o KD separates at KD 5, encircles the heel and enters internally connecting with the UB, follows
up to a point below the heart and travels posteriorly spreading into the lumbar region
o UB separates at UB 58, connects with the KD meridian
o PC separates at PC 6, connects with the TH, ascends along the TH and connects with the PC
and the HT
o TH separates at TH 5, travels up the posterior aspect of the arm and joins the PC in the chest
o LV separates at LV 5, connects with the GB and travels up the legs to the genitals
o GB separates at GB 37, connects with the LV, descends and disperses over the dorsum of the
foot
o CV separates at CV 15, descends and disperses over the abdomen
o GV separates at GV 1, ascends bilaterally along the sides of the spine to the base of the neck,
spreads out over the occiput

Luo Connecting Points Chart

Lung LU 7 Urinary Bladder UB 58

Large Intestine LI 6 Kidney KD 4

Stomach ST 40 Pericardium PC 6

Spleen SP 4 Triple Heater TH 5

Heart HT 5 Gall Bladder GB 37

Small Intestine SI 7 Liver LV 5

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Yuan Luo - Guest/Host - Point Combinations in Clinical Practice

o If a meridian is deficient you tonify the Yuan Source point and disperse the Luo Connecting point on

it's Yin/Yang paired meridian

o If a meridian is excess you disperse the Yuan Source point and tonify the Luo Connecting point on it's

Yin/Yang paired meridian

o Some Examples:

o LI 4 (source) w/ LU 7 (luo) - sore throat, nasal congestion, colds and respiratory flu

o LU 9 (source) w/ LI 6 (luo) - acute upper body edema

o SP 3 (source) w/ ST 40 (luo) - phlegm

o HT 7 (source) w/ SI 7 - psycho-emotional issues

o KD 3 (source) w/ UB 58 (luo) - lower back problems, weakness in the lower limbs

o LV 3 (source) w/ GB 37 (luo) - eye problems caused by LV disharmonies

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Front Mu Points Theory and Applications

o Used primarily to treat their related organ a/or for problems in the local area.

o Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.

o Considered more for acute a/or local problems of the organs.

o Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yang organs, while the

Back Shu points will treat imbalances within the yin organs.

Front Mu Points Chart

Lung LU 1 Urinary Bladder CV 3

Large Intestine ST 25 Kidney GB 25

Stomach CV 12 Pericardium CV 17

Spleen LV 13 Triple Heater CV 5

Heart CV 14 Gall Bladder GB 24

Small Intestine CV 4 Liver LV 14

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Back Shu Points Theory and Applications

o Used primarily to treat their related organ, especially with chronic conditions.

o May be used for problems in the local area.

o Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.

o Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yin organs, while the

Front Mu points will treat imbalances within the yang organs.

Back Shu Points Chart

Lung UB 13 Urinary Bladder UB 28

Large Intestine UB 25 Kidney UB 23

Stomach UB 21 Pericardium UB 14

Spleen UB 20 Triple Heater UB 22

Heart UB 15 Gall Bladder UB 19

Small Intestine UB 27 Liver UB 18

Governing Vessel UB 16 Diaphragm UB 17

Qihai (Sea of Qi) UB 24 Guanyuan (Gate of Source) UB 26

Zhonglu (Center Back Muscles) UB 29 Baihuan (White Ring) UB 30

Gaohuang (Vital Region) UB 43

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Hui Meeting Points Theory and Applications

o The Hui Meeting Points, also called the "Eight Influential Points" or the "Gathering Points," are a

special set of points which have a broad effect on their related area (i.e. qi, blood, vessels, bones, etc.).

o LV 13 - meeting of the yin organs, SP Mu

o CV 12 - meeting of the yang organs, ST Mu

o CV 17 - meeting of the Qi, PC Mu, moves Qi in the chest

o UB 17 - meeting of the Blood, builds blood, resolves stagnation a/or disperses heat in the Blood

o GB 34 - meeting of the sinews, resolves stiffness a/or contracture

o LU 9 - meeting of the Blood vessels, stimulates circulation, tonifies LU Qi, harmonizes the Qi and Blood

in the chest, stops bleeding

o UB 11 - meeting of the bones, any bone disorder, osteoporosis

o GB 39 - meeting of the marrow, bone disorders, mental functioning, useful post-stroke

Hui Meeting Points Chart

Zang LV 13 Sinews GB 34

Fu CV 12 Vessels LU 9

Qi CV 17 Bones UB 11

Blood UB 17 Marrow GB 39

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Extraordinary Vessel Points Theory and Applications

The extraordinary vessels run "behind" the 12 main meridians. They interconnect with the 12 meridians and
correspondingly allow for broad and deep effects within the body. 6 of the 8 extraordinary vessels has a master
and coupled point on a pair of the main meridians. The Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel, however,
have their own points. The extraordinary vessels are used extensively within Japanese acupuncture, in particular
with Dr. Manaka's ion pumping cord treatments.

o Extraordinary Vessel Pairings:

o Yin Qiao Mai [paired with] Ren Mai (Conception Vessel, CV)
o Yang Qiao Mai [paired with] Du Mai (Governing Vessel, GV)
o Yin Wei Mai [paired with] Chong Mai
o Yang Wei Mai [paired with] Dai Mai
o Using the Points in Practice - Master & Couple Combinations:
o In general you needle the master point of the main meridian you are treating (due to symptomology)
and then you needle its coupled point.
o For males it is common to needle the master point on the Left side and the coupled point on the Right.
o For women it is common to needle the master point on the Right side and the coupled point on the Left.
o Yin Qiao Mai Details
o Alternative names: yin heel vessel, yin motility vessel
o Master Point: KD 6
o Coupled Point: LU 7
o Xi Cleft Point: KD 8
o Intersection Points: KD 6, KD 8, UB 1
o Paired Meridian: Ren Mai
o Areas of effect: medial aspect of lower extremities, genitals, abdomen, eyes, throat, chest,
lungs
nervous, muscular skeletal, digestive and respiratory systems
o Functions:
o Controls the ascent of fluids and the descent of Qi
o Movement of the body, walking, cold a/or weakness in the lower limbs
o Digestive issues, abdominal issues
o Urogenital problems, retention of urine
o Respiratory issues
o Excessive sleepiness
o Eye issues
o Hot Flashes
o Pathway: Originates at KD 2, travels upward to KD 6 and then to KD 8. It then continues up
the medial aspect of the leg to the inguinal region where it enters the genitals. From the genitals it

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travels up the anterior abdomen and the chest to ST 12. From ST 12 it travels to ST 9 and along the
cheek to UB 1 where it connects with the UB, GV and Yang Qiao Mai vessels. From there it rises upwards
and enters the brain.
o Ren Mai Details - graphic
o Alternative names: conception vessel, directing vessel
o Master Point: LU 7
o Coupled Point: KD 6
o Luo Points: CV 15
o Intersection Points: ST 1, GV 28
o Paired Meridian: Yin Qiao Mai
o Areas of effect: face, thorax, abdomen, genitals, throat, chest, lungs
endocrine, urinary and digestive systems
o Functions:
o "Sea of Yin:" influences the yin, essence and fluids
o Regulates female cycles, menstruation (irregular, leukorrhea), reproduction
o Effects male genitalia, hernia, sexual desire, impotence
o Gastrointestinal issues, digestion
o Pathway: Originates at ming men and passes through the uterus and connects with CV 1.
Then it follows the ren meridian up to CV 24. Along the path it connects internally with the SP, LV and
KD meridians. At CV 24 a second branch rises upwards and encircles the mouth and then rises to the
eyes at ST 1. A separate branche originates in the pelvic cavity and rises up along the back.
o Yang Qiao Mai Details
o Alternative names: yang heel vessel, yang motility vessel
o Master Point: UB 62
o Coupled Point: SI 3
o Xi Cleft Point: UB 59
o Intersection Points: UB 1, UB 59, UB 61, UB 62, GB 20, GB 29, SI 10, LI 15, LI 16, ST 1, ST
3, ST 4
o Paired Meridian: Du Mai
o Areas of effect: back, neck, eyes
nervous and muscular skeletal systems
o Functions:
o Issues of the eyes a/or face, eye pain (esp. inner canthus), redness a/or swelling,
headache
o Effects the lateral aspect of the lower limbs, numbness, weakness, spasms
o Excess Yang, insomnia
o Pathway: Originates at UB 62 and travels behind the heel to UB 61. It continues up the calf to
UB 59, up the lateral aspect of the leg to GB 29 and then up to the scapular region at SI 10. It continues
to LI 15 and LI 16 and then travels to the face and connects with ST 4, ST 3, ST 1 and UB 1 where it

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meets with the UB, GV and Yin Qiao meridians. From here it travels over the head and terminates at GB
20.
o Du Mai Details - graphic
o Alternative names: governing vessel
o Master Point: SI 3
o Coupled Point: UB 62
o Luo Point: GV 1
o Intersection Points: CV 1, UB 12
o Paired Meridian: Yang Qiao Mai
o Areas of effect: Posterior midline especially spinal cord and brain
nervous and muscular systems
o Functions:
o "Sea of Yang:" effects all of the yang meridians
o Brain, marrow a/or spinal cord issues - pain, heaviness, stroke, psychological issues,
etc.
o Other facial issues - headache, migaraine, pain/swelling in the face/head
o Pathway: Originates at ming men and descends to the perineum, emerging at CV 1/GV 1.
Then it continues to GV 4 where it enters the kidneys. From the kidneys it travels up the interior of the
spinal column to GV 12 where it goes laterally to UB 12 and then back to GV 13. From here it continues
along the midline of the head to GV 16 where it enters the brain and ends at the frenulum of the upper
lib (GV 28).
o Yin Wei Mai Details
o Alternative names: yin linking vessel
o Master Point: PC 6
o Coupled Point: SP 4
o Xi Cleft Point: KD 9
o Intersection Points: KD 9, LV 14, SP 13, SP 15, SP 16, CV 22, CV 23
o Paired Meridian: Chong Mai
o Areas of effect: Medial aspect of the lower limbs
nervous, cardiovascular, muscular skeletal and digestive systems
o Functions:
o Effects the balance of Yin and Yang
o Effects the Blood, Yin and Shen - blood circulation, heart pain, depression, blood
deficiency headaches
o Pain in the chest, back, middle and/or lower jiaos - abdominal distention, ST ache,
nausea, rectal prolapse
o Pathway: Originates at KD 9 and goes up along the medial aspect of the thigh into the
abdomen where it enters the spleen meridian at SP 13, SP 15, SP 16. It continues up to LV 14, enters the
abdomen and continues upwards through the chest and throat. It then meets the ren mai at CV 22 and
CV 23.

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o Chong Mai Details

o Alternative names: penetrating vessel
o Master Point: SP 4
o Coupled Point: PC 6
o Xi Cleft Point: GB 35
o Intersection Points: KD 11 thru KD 21, CV 1
o Paired Meridian: Yin Wei Mai
o Areas of effect: Abdomen, thorax, genitals, Heart, inner thigh
reproductive, digestive and respiratory systems
o Functions:
o "Sea of Blood:" menstrual a/or reproductive issues, irregular menstruation, infertility
o Physical and spiritual heart issues - Heart pain, depression
o Balances rebellious Qi - hiccups
o Abdominal stagnation
o Respiratory issues - SOB, asthma
o Pathway: Originates in the ming men and passes through the uterus and down to CV 1. From
here it emerges at ST 30 and continues upwards along the kidney meridian to KD 21. It then flows up
the throat, encircles the mouth and continues up to the forehead.
A second branch flows from CV 1 inside the spine to the UB 23 area.
A third branch flows downwards towards the foot where it splits into 2 branches and follows the KD and
SP meridians.
o Yang Wei Mai Details
o Alternative names: yang linking vessel
o Master Point: TH 5
o Coupled Point: GB 41
o Xi Cleft Point: GB 35
o Intersection Points: UB 63, SI 10, GV 15, GV 16, GB 13 thru GB 21, GB 35, TH 15
o Paired Meridian: Dai Mai
o Areas of effect: Sides of the body, hips, joints, eyes, ears
muscular skeletal and immune systems
o Functions:
o Shao Yang level illnesses - alternating fever and chills
o Pain a/or distention in the lumbar region
o Pathway: Originates at UB 63 and ascends along the the GB meridian up the leg and sides of
the body passing thru GB 35. It continues to UB 59 and up to the hip (GB 29). Then it continues along
the lateral aspect of the body to LI 14 at the shoulder, to TH 13, TH 15 and to GB 21. It then travels down
to SI 10, over to GV 15, GV 16 and then to GB 20. It continues downward along the GB meridian from
GB 19 thru to GB 13 where it ends.
o Dai Mai Details

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o Alternative names: belt vessel, girdle vessel

o Master Point: GB 41
o Coupled Point: TH 5
o Intersection Points: GB 26, GB 27, GB 28, LV 13
o Paired Meridian: Yang Wei Mai
o Areas of effect: lateral sides of the lumbar area
gastrointestinal, female reproductive and muscular skeletal systems
o Functions:
o Issues in the middle aspect of the body - abdominal distention, lumbar weakness,
muscular weakness in the lumbar a/or lower extremities
o Links the upper and lower halves of the body and helps to move Qi and Blood in the
legs - weakness in the legs, walking problems
o Pathway: Originates at LV 13, continues to and encircles GB 26 and LV 13 and then connects
with GB 27 and GB 28.

Extraordinary Vessel Points Chart

Extraordinary Vessel Master Point Coupled Point

Conception Vessel LU 7 KD 6

Governing Vessel SI 3 UB 62

Chong Vessel SP 4 PC 6

Dai Vessel GB 41 TH 5

Yin Qiao Vessel KD 6 LU 7

Yang Qiao Vessel UB 62 SI 3

Yin Wei Vessel PC 6 SP 4

Yang Wei Vessel TH 5 GB 41

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Command Points Theory and Applications

o Their are currently 6 commonly accepted command points used within TCM. Some texts only contain

four command points as PC 6 and GV 26 were added after the original four.

o The Command Points are individual points that have strong and broad effects on their related part of

the body. They are used to treat any imbalance in their designated areas from any etiology (hot, cold,

excess, deficiency) at any stage (i.e. chronic or acute).

Command Points Chart

Abdomen ST 36

Lumbar Region UB 40

Head & Posterior Neck LU 7

Face & Mouth LI 4

Heart, Chest & Epigastrium PC 6

Fainting & Collapse GV 26

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Four Seas Points Theory and Applications

o The Four Seas are point groupings which have a strong effect on their related system within the body

(i.e. qi, blood, marrow, digestion).

o The Sea of Qi Points (ST 9, CV 17, GV 15, GV 14) effect the amount and flow of Qi (energy) within the

body. A person with excess Qi may experience problems of an excess nature in the upper body

(headache, red face, fullness in the chest, etc.). A person with Qi deficiency may experience problems

with fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, etc.

o The Sea of Blood Points (UB 11, ST 37, ST 39) effect the amount and flow of Blood (which constitutes

more than the western idea of blood) within the body. Excesses in the Blood, according to the classics,

may make someone feel larger than they are and make them aware of a subtle illness or imbalance

within their body. Blood excess is not a primary diagnosis in TCM, whereas Blood stagnation is. Blood

deficiency may lead to a variety of issues within a person such as dizziness, dryness, thinking problems,

etc. Again, according to the classics, Blood deficiency may make someone feel smaller than they are,

however, this doesn't seem to be a common complaint in modern clinical practice. For Blood issues,

points such as UB 17, UB 18, UB 19, SP 10 and LV 8 are much more widely used.

o The Sea of Water and Grain Points (ST 30, ST 36) effect digestion and appetite.

o The Sea of Marrow Points (GV 20, GV 16) effect mental functioning and energy levels. When deficient a

person may experience fatigue, tinnitus, weakness in the lower limbs, etc.

Four Seas Points Chart

Sea of Qi ST 9, CV 17, GV 15, GV 14

Sea of Blood UB 11, ST 37, ST 39

Sea of Water & Grain ST 30 (upper point), ST 36 (lower point)

Sea of Marrow GV 20, GV 16

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Sky Window Points Theory and Applications

o The Sky Window points are a set of acupuncture points drawn from the Ling Shu.
o Generally they are not popularly used points, although some systems of acupuncture utilize them to a
greater degree than others. The basic functions of the points are to improve the flow of energy between
the head and the rest of the body.
o The points can be used for local issues such as neck pain, but also more complex issues such as multiple
sclerosis and dizziness for example.
o The points are used extensively within the Tom Tam Healing System for a range of conditions such as
MS, Parkinsons, Brain Tumors, etc. - in essence to facilitate the smooth flow of Blood and Qi to and from
the Brain.
o The points and their clinical indications are as follows:
o ST 9 - regulation of blood pressure, headaches, chest tightness
o LI 18 - regulation of blood pressure
o TH 16 - sudden deafness, vision disturbances
o UB 10 - neck pain, occipital headache, wind-cold invasion
o LU 3 - neck pain, goiters, depression, asthma, grief, coughing of blood
o CV 22 - throat/vocal cord issues, aphasia, asthma, chest tightness
o SI 16/SI 17 - throat issues, goiters
o GV 16 - wind-cold invasion, dizziness, tremors, headache, eye issues, aphasia
o PC 1 - reflux, hiccups, chest tightness, breast issues, insufficient lactation

Sky Window Points Chart

From Ling Shu Ch. 21 From Ling Shu Ch. 2

Renying ST 9 Tiantu CV 22

Futu LI 18 Tianchuang SI 16

Tianyou TH 16 Tianrong SI 17

Tianzhu UB 10 Fengfu GV 16

Tianfu LU 3 Tianchi PC 1

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Thirteen Ghost Points (from Sun Si Miao)

Point Number Point Name

GV 26 Ghost Palace

GV 23 Ghost Hall

GV 16 Ghost Pillow

CV 24 Ghost Market

LU 11 Ghost Faith

LI 11 Ghost Leg

PC 7 Ghost Heart

PC 8 Ghost Cave

ST 6 Ghost Bed

SP 1 Ghost Fortress

UB 62 Ghost Path

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Guifeng (Extra Point)

on the underside of
Ghost Seal
the tongue, one cun from
the tip of the midline

Essentially CV 1

originally described as Ghost Store

Yumentou (Extra Point - Women)
/Yinxiafeng (Extra Point - Men)

Entry Exit Points Theory and Applications

o Not all of the entry exit points are the first and the last points on a meridian. The exceptions are LU 7, LI
4, ST 42, KD 22, PC 8, TH 22 and GB 41.
o The entry exit points do not have a strong theoretical usage in modern clinical practice, however, they
may be considered if you want to allow a relative excess or deficiency in one meridian to be offset by it's
yin yang paired meridian. For example, if you want to drain excess from the LU and have it flow into a
deficient LI you could needle LU 7 and LI 4.
Entry Exit o The Entry Exit points are used extensively in Five
Element (Worsley) Style Acupuncture. Our article on
LU LU 1 LU 7 *(LU 11) Classical Five Element Acupuncture discusses the
clinical usage of the entry/exit points.
LI LI 4 *(LI 1) LI 20 Entry Exit Points Chart

PC PC 1 PC 8 *(PC 9) The entry/exit points that are not the first or the last points on
the meridian are marked with an "*" and with the first or last
TH TH 1 TH 22 *(TH 23)
point within parentheses. The entry/exit points are also in red
on the meridian flow diagram following the chart.
HT HT 1 HT 9

SI SI 1 SI 19 The following chart shows the meridian flow, activity times

and entry/exit points.

SP SP 1 SP 21

ST ST 1 ST 42 *(ST 45)

LV LV 1 LV 14

GB GB 1 GB 41 *(GB 44)

KD KD 1 KD 22 *(KD 27)
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UB UB 1 UB 67
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Shokanten Points & the Nine Continent Pulses Theory and Applications
o The Nine Continent Pulses may be used when the when the pulse via the radial artery offers

inconclusive information.

o The pulses are also used to aid in the comparative analysis of meridians in the upper and lower portions

of the body.

o The Shokanten points are often used to treat conditions arising from a psycho-emotional background.

For example, the use of KD 12 when fear is an associated aspect of a child's bedwetting issues.

Shokanten Points & the Nine Continent Pulses Chart

Pulse Location Division Shokanten Effected Area

Upper Tai Yang Tai Yang KD 12 Sides of the Head

Middle TH 21 Shao Yang ST 25/KD 21 Eyes & Ears

Lower ST 2 Yang Ming ST 27 Mouth & Teeth

Upper LU 9 Tai Yin LV 13 Lungs

Middle HT 7 Shao Yin KD 16 Heart

Lower LI 4 Jue Yin LV 14/KD 19 Chest

Upper LV 3 Tai Yin LV 13 Liver

Middle ST 42 Shao Yin KD 16 Spleen

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Horary Points:

Horary Points are drawn from the Transporting (Five Shu) Points Chart in accordance with the active meridian
times according to the Chinese clock (indicated in the graphic above) and the associated element you are
interested in treating.

For example, to tonify the Wood Element, you would tonify the Wood point (LV 1) on the Wood meridian at
the Wood time (1a.m. to 3a.m.).

Element Point Time

Metal LU 8 3-5a

LI 1 5-7a

Earth ST 36 7-9a

SP 3 9-11a

Fire HT 8 11a-1p

SI 5 1-3p

Water UB 66 3-5p

KD 10 5-7p

Fire PC 8 7-9p

TH 6 9-11p

Wood GB 41 11p-1a

LV 1 1-3a

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