Course C Basic Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Course C: Basic Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
A brief introduction to meridians & collaterals and acupoints
1. What are the means of meridians and collaterals?

2. What is the composition of the meridian system?
3. What are the acupoints?
4. How to locate the acupoints?
Part 1 Fourteen Meridians and Acupoints

Lecture 1 The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin(LU)
Lecture 2 The Large intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming (LI)
Lecture 3 The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST)
Lecture 4 The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin (SP)
Lecture 5 The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin (HT)
Lecture 6 The Small intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang (SI)
Lecture 7 The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang (BL)
Lecture 8 The Kidney Meridian of Foot-shaoyin (KI)
Lecture 9 The Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin (PC)
Lecture 10 The Sanjiao (Triple Energizer) Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang (SJ)
Lecture 11 The Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang (GB)
Lecture 12 The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin (LR)
Lecture 13 The Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel) (RN) (or CV)
Lecture 14 The Du Meridian (Governor Vessel) (DU) (or GV)
Appendix: Standard Location of the Extra Points (EX)
Part 2 Acupuncture and Moxibustion Techniques
Lecture 1 Acupuncture
1. Filiform needle
2. Needling methods
3. Precautions, Contraindications and Management of Possible Accidents in Acupuncture
Treatment
Lecture 2 Moxibustion
1. What is Moxibustion
2. What are the actions of moxibustion?
3. What is the classification of moxibustion
4. How to apply the moxibustion?

A Brief Introduction to Meridians & Collaterals and Acupoints
1. What is it meant by meridians and collaterals?
In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, the meridians (Jing) and collaterals (Luo) are pathways
in human body through which the Qi and blood circulate. They form a specific network which
communicates with the internal organs and limbs and connects the upper to the lower and the
exterior to the interior portions of the body. The meridians are the main body of the system and
they run lengthwise inside the body while the collaterals, being as the branches of the meridians
run crosswise from the meridians either on or just below the body surface. Since they are
distributed over the entire body, the meridians and collaterals link altogether the Zang-Fu
(internal organs of human body) and other organs, the orifices of the body, then the skin, muscles
and bones, bringing the body into an organic whole, hence to carry on the systematic activities
in coordination.
The theory of the meridians and collaterals is the one which focus on studying the physiological
functions and pathological changes of the meridian system, as well as the relationship between
the system and the Zang-Fu organs (internal organs), thus is an important component of the
theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Despite the apparent fact that this
theory is closely related to acupuncture therapy, it provides the theoretical foundation not only
for acupuncture, moxibustion, massage and Qigong which have something in common, but also
guides the clinical practice of other fields of TCM.
2. What is the composition of the meridian system?
The meridian system consists of three parts: the regular meridians, the eight extra meridians and
the twelve divergent meridians.
There are altogether twelve regular meridians, namely the three Yang meridians of the hand, the
three Yang meridians of the foot, the three Yin meridians of the hand and the three Yin
meridians of the foot. Why they are called "twelve regular meridians"? It is because these
meridians are the chief pathways of Qi and blood. The twelve regular meridians start and
terminate at given parts, run along regular routes and meet in a specified sequence. They are
moreover, associate with the Zang-Fu organs.
There are also eight extra meridians: the Du (governor vessel), Ren (conception vessel), Chong,
Dai, Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, and Yangwei meridians. The eight extra meridians interlace the
twelve regular meridians, helping reinforce the communication between and adjustment of the
twelve regular meridians. The eight extra meridians are not directly related to any of the internal
organs.
The twelve divergent meridians are the divergent parts of the twelve regular meridians moving
mainly deep inside the body. They usually start from the limbs, then run deep into the body, and
finally emerge from the body at the back of the neck. These meridians are also distributed
symmetrically in both sides of the body. There are Yang and Yin divergent meridians. The Yang
divergent meridians start from the six regular Yang meridians and, after traveling through the
body, rejoin the regular meridians while the Yin ones give off from the six Yin regular
meridians, however, after traveling through the body, they join the Yang regular meridians with
which they are exteriorly-interiorly related.

Among the meridians mentioned above, the twelve regular meridians plus Du meridian
(governor vessel meridian) and Ren meridian (conception vessel meridian) are the most useful
thus most important parts for clinical practice. Therefore, they are illustrated in detail in the
following.
3. What are the acupoints?
Acupoints (an abbreviation for acupuncture points) are the specific sites where the Qi of Zang-Fu
organs (internal organs) and meridians spreads to the body surface. Acupoints are not only the
pathways for the circulation of Qi and blood, but also the loci of response to diseases. In
acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, proper technique are used on the acupoints to regulate
the functional activities of the body, strengthen the body resistance so as to prevent and treat
diseases. Medical practitioners in ancient China have left plentiful recordings describing the
locations and indications of acupoints, forming a systematical theory.
4. How to locate the acupoints?
There are three methods for locating the acupoints, i.e. surface anatomical landmarks, bone
proportional measurement and finger measurement. They are often used in combination, but the
first one is the fundamental and the other two the supplemental ones.
4.1. Surface anatomical landmarks
This method is used to determine the location of acupoints on the basis of the anatomical
landmarks on the body surface, which are divided into two ways, the fixed landmarks and the
movable ones.
The fixed landmarks include the prominence and depressions formed by the joints and muscles,
the configuration of the five sense organs, hairline, fingernails and toenails, nipples and
umbilicus. For instance, Yanglingquan (GB 34) is in the depression anterior and inferior to the
head of fibula and Binao (LI 14) is at the center of the insertion of the deltoid muscle, etc.
The moveable landmarks refer to the clefts, depressions, wrinkles or prominences appearing on
the joints, muscles, tendons and skin when the body is in certain postures with motion. For
example, Tinggong (SI 19) is between the tragus and the mandibular joint, where a depression is
formed when the mouth is slightly open and Quchi (LI 11) is in the depression at the lateral end
of the cubital crease when the elbow is flexed.
The major anatomical landmarks on the surface of human body are listed as follows:
On the head are:
1). the midpoint of the anterior hairline;
2). the midpoint of the posterior hairline;
3). the corner of the forehead (at the corner of the anterior hairline);
4). the mastoid process.
On the face are:
1). Yintang (EX-HN 3) (at the midpoint between the eyebrows);
2). the pupil (in the sitting position and looking straight forward), or the center of the eye (at the
midpoint of the line between the inner and outer canthi).
On the neck is:
1). the laryngeal protuberance.
On the chest are:

1). the suprasternal fossa (in the depression above the suprasternal notch);
2). the midpoint of the sternoxyphoid symphysis (at the conjunction of the sternum and xyphoid
process);
3). the nipple (the center of the nipple).
On the abdomen are:
1). the umbilicus (Shenque RN 8) (the center of the umbilicus);
2). the upper border of the pubic symphysis at the crossing point of the upper border of the pubic
symphysis and the anterior midline);
3). the anterior superior iliac spine.
On the lateral side of the chest and abdomen are:
1). apex of the axilla (the highest point of the axillary fossa);
2). the free end of the 11th rib.
On the back, lower back and sacrum are:
1). the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra;
2). The spinous processes from the 1st to the 12th thoracic vertebrae and from the 1st to the 5th
lumbar vertebra, the median sacral crest and the coccyx;
3). The medial and the scapular spine (on the medial border of the scapula);
4). The acromial angle;
5). The posterior superior iliac spine.
On the upper limbs are:
1). the anterior axillary fold (the anterior end of the axillary crease);
2). the posterior axillary fold (the posterior end of the axillary crease);
3). the cubital crease;
4). the tip of the elbow (olecranon);
5). the dorsal and palmer creases of the wrist (styloid crease between the distal ends of the
styloid processes of the ulna and radius).
On the lower limbs are:
1). the greater trochanter of the femur;
2). the medial epicondyle of the femur;
3). the medial epicondyle of the tibia;
4). the inferior gluteal crease (the border between the buttocks and thigh)
5). Dubi (ST 35) (in the center of the depression lateral to the patella ligament);
6). the popliteal crease;
7). the tip of the medial malleolus;
8). the tip of the lateral malleolus.
4.2. Bone proportional measurement
In this method the joints are taken as the main landmarks of the length and width of various
portions of the human body. The proportional measurement of various portions of the human
body defined in the "Miraculous Pivot" (Ling Shu) is taken as the basis for the location of
acupoints in combination with the modified methods introduced by the acupuncturists through
the ages. The length between two joints is divided into several equal portions, each portion as

one cun and 10 portions as one chi. The main bone proportional measurements are listed in the
following table.
The Table of Bone Measurement
Position origin and end Portion method of

points measurement (cun) Remarks
Head and face
From the midpoint of the
Used for measuring the longitudinal
anterior hairline to the 12, longitudinal measurement
distance of the acupoints on the head
posterior hairline
From Yintang (EX-HN3) to
distance of the acupoints on the
the midpoint of the anterior 3, longitudinal measurement
anterior and posterior hairline and
hairline
the head
From the point below the
spinous process of the
7th cervical vertebra (Dazhui, 3, longitudinal measurement
DU 14) to the midpoint of the
posterior hairline
From Yintang (EX-HN3) to
the midpoint of the posterior
hairline and then to the point
18, longitudinal measurement
below the spinous process of
the 7th cervical vertebra
(Dazhui, DU 14)
Used for measuring the transverse
Between the corner of the
9, transverse measurement distance of the acupoints on the
forehead (Touwei ST 8)
anterior part of the head
Chest, abdomen and

hypochondrium
From the suprasternal fossa Used for measuring the longitudinal
(Tiantu, RN 22) to the distance of the acupoints of Ren
midpoint of the sternoxyphoid meridian (Conception Vessel) on the
symphysis chest
From the midpoint of the Used for measuring the longitudinal
sternoxyphoid symphysis to 8, longitudinal measurement distance of the acupoints on the
the center of the umbilicus upper abdomen
From the center of the 5, longitudinal measurement Used for measuring the longitudinal
umbilicus to the upper border distance of the acupoints on the

of the pubic symphysis (Qugu,
lower abdomen
RN 2)
Between the two nipples 8, transverse measurement distance of the acupoints on the
chest and abdomen
From the apex of the axilla to Used for measuring the longitudinal
the free end of the 11th rib 12, longitudinal measurement distance of the acupoints on the
(Zhangmen, LR 13) hypochondrium
Back and lower back
From the medial border of the
scapula to the posterior 3, transverse measurement
distance of the acupoints on the back
midline
From the acromial angle to the
8, transverse measurement distance of the acupoints on the
posterior midline
shoulder and back
Upper limbs
From the anterior and
posterior axilla folds to the 9, longitudinal measurement
distance of the acupoints on the arm
cubital crease
From the cubital crease to the
12, longitudinal measurement distance of the acupoints on the
dorsal crease of the wrist
forearm
Lower limbs
From the upper border of the Used for measuring the longitudinal
pubic symphysis to the upper distance of the acupoints on the
border of the medial three Yin meridians of the foot on
epicondyle of the femur the medial side of the lower limbs
From the lower border of the
three Yang meridians of the foot on
medial epicondyle of the tibia
13, longitudinal measurement the latero-posterior side of the lower
to the tip of the medial
limbs (the distance from the gluteal
malleolus
groove to the popliteal crease is
equivalent to 14 cun)
From the great trochanter to
the popliteal crease
From the popliteal crease to
16, longitudinal measurement three Yang meridians of the foot on
the tip of the lateral malleolus
the latero-posterior side of the lower
limbs

4.3 Finger measurement
This is a method to locate the acupoints by measuring the distance with either the length or the
width of the patients' finger (s).
1). Middle finger measurement: When the middle finger is flexed, the distance between the radial
ends of the two interphalangeal creases of the patient's middle finger is taken as 1 cun.
2). Thumb measurement: The width of the interphalangeal joint of the patient's thumb is taken as
1 cun
3). Four-finger measurement: When the four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) keep
close, their width on the level of the proximal interphalangeal crease of the middle finger is taken
as 3 cun.
This method is mainly used for locating the acupoints of the lower limbs. When locating the
acupoints, this method should be used in combination with some simple movable landmarks on
the basis of the bone proportional measurement.
Part 1 Fourteen Meridians and Acupoints

Lecture 1. The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin(LU)
1. Traveling route

a) The meridian starts from the middle Jiao (energizer), the portion between the diaphragm and
the umbilicus of the body activity, and runs downward to connect with the large intestine. Then it
ascends along the upper orifice of the stomach and crosses the diaphragm before pertaining to
the Lung.
b) It emerges from the Lung system transversely (at point Zhongfu, LU l) and runs down along
the medial aspect of the upper arm and on the radial side of the Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin
and the Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin. Then it goes through the cubital fossa and enters
cunkou (on the wrist over the radial artery where the artery is palpable) along the radial border of
the medial aspect of the forearm. It continues to run along the thenar eminence and the thenar
border and arrives at the radial side of the thumb tip (point Shaoshang, LU 11).
c) A branch starts from Lieque (LU 7) and runs along the radial side to the tip of the index
finger.
2. Symptoms:
Cough, asthma, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, common cold, fullness in the chest, sore throat,
and other disorders (e.g. pain) along the course of the meridian.
3. Acupoints
Zhongfu (Front-Mu Point, LU l)
Location: 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline and at the
same level of the first intercostal space.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, fullness in the
chest, and pain in the shoulders and back.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely toward the lateral side
of the chest, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Note:
Do not insert the needle too deep lest the lung should be injured.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The axillary artery and vein and the thoracoacromial artery and vein.
Innervation: The intermediate supraclavicular nerve, the branches of thoracic nerves, and the
lateral cord of the brachial plexus.
Yunmen (LU 2)
Location: 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline and in the
depression of the infraclavicular fossa.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, and hot sensation
and pain in the chest.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely into the lateral side of
the chest, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Note:
Do not insert the needle too deep lest the lung should be injured.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein, the thoracoacromial artery and vein, and the axillary artery.
Innervation: The intermediate and posterior supraclavicular nerves, the branches of the thoracic
nerves and the brachial plexus.

Tianfu (LU 3)
Location: On the medial aspect of the upper arm,
3 cun below the anterior end of the axillary fold
and on the radial side of biceps muscle of arm.
Indications: Cough, asthma, epistaxis, and pain
in the shoulders and medial aspect of the upper
arm.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-1
cun deep.
Notes:
a) Simple measurement: Raise the arm
horizontally forward and bend neck towards the
arm. The place on the medial side where the tip
of nose touches is the Tianfu acupoint.
b) Tianfu (LU 3) and Hegu (LI 4) are effective in
treating epistaxis.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein and the branches
of the brachial artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous nerve of arm
and the musculocutaneous nerve.
Xiabai (LU 4)
Location: One cun below Tianfu (LU 3), 5 cun
above the cubital crease and on the radial
border of biceps muscle of arm.
Indications: Cough, shortness of breath, pain
and fullness in the chest, pain in the medial
aspect of the upper arm, and retching.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-
1 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those
of Tianfu (LU 3).
Chize
(He-Sea
Point, LU
5)

Location: Above the cubital crease and on the radial border of the tendon of the biceps.
Indications: Cough, asthma, afternoon fever, hemoptysis, epistaxis, sore throat, pain and fullness
in the chest, pain in the elbow and arm, infantile convulsion, and acute mastitis.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Notes:
a) Chize is a He-Sea point of the meridian, belonging to water of the Five Elements. According
to the principle of treating excess syndrome by purgation and reduction, this acupoint is
indicated for the excess syndromes of lung diseases .
b) Use the point together with Zhongfu (LU 1), Danzhong (RN 17), Feishu (BL 13) and
Dingchuan (EX-BL 1) to cure cough and asthma, and in cooperation with Jianyu (LI 15) and
Quchi (LI 11) to cure pain in the elbow and arm
c) Chize (LU 5) can also be used to relieve spasmodic pain in the elbow.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the radial recurrent artery and vein and the cephalic vein.
Innervation: The antebrachial lateral cutaneous nerve and the radial nerve.
Kongzui (Xi-Cleft Point, LU 6)
Location: On the medial aspect of the forearm and the line
joining Chize (LU 5) and Taiyuan (LU 9), and 7 cun above
the transverse crease of the wrist.
Indications: Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat,
aphonia, and spasmodic pain in the elbow and arm.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-l cun deep.
Note:
Use the point together with Hegu (LI 4) to treat fever without sweating.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein and the radial artery and vein.
Innervation: The antebrachial lateral cutaneous nerve and the superficial ramus of the radial
nerve.
Lieque (Lou-Connecting Point and one of the Eight
Confluent Points, LU 7)
Location: On the radial side of the forearm, superior to the
styloid process of the radius and 1.5 cun above the
transverse crease of the wrist.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the wrist,
rigidity of nape with headache, facial paralysis, and
toothache.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely upward, 0.3- 0.5 cun deep.
Notes:
a) Simple measurement: Cross the inter-space between the index finger and thumb of both hands,
with the index finger of one hand on the styloid process of the radius of the other, and the point
is at the depression under the tip of the index finger.

b) Since this acupoint is one of the eight confluent points, it can be used together with Zhaohai
(KI 6) to treat sore throat.
c) Lieque (LU 7) and Wangu (GB 12) are indicated for facial paralysis.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein and the branches of the radial artery and vein.
Innervation. The antebrachial lateral cutaneous nerve and the superficial ramus of the radial
nerve.
Jing-riverqu (Jing-River Point, LU 8)
Location: On the palmar side of the forearm, 1 cun above
the transverse crease of the wrist and on the radial side of
artery.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, chest pain, and
pain in the wrist.
Method: Keep away from radial artery and insert the needle
perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5 cun deep. Moxibustion is
contraindicated.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The radial artery and vein.
nerve.
Taiyuan (Shu-Stream Point, Yuan-Primary Point, and Influential
Point of Vessels, LU 9)
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist and in the depression
on the side of radial artery.
Indications: Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, chest pain,
acrotism, and pain in the wrist.
Method: Keep away from artery and insert the needle perpendicularly,
0.3-0.5 cun deep.
Notes:
a) It is the Shu-Stream point of the meridian, belonging to earth of the
Five Elements. According to the principle of adopting the reinforcing
and replenishing method for a deficiency syndrome, this acupoint is indicated for Lung diseases
of the deficiency type.
b) Use the point together with Neiguan (PC 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) to treat chest pain and
palpitation.
c) It is advisable to puncture Taiyuan (LU 9) and Lieque (LU 7) to treat wind-phlegm syndrome
of cough.
d) It is said that Taiyuan and Renying (ST 9) can be used as the chief prescription to treat
acrotism.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The radial artery and vein.

nerve.
Yuji (Ying-Spring Point, LU 10)
Location: On the radial side of the midpoint of the first metacarpal
bone and the dorso-ventral boundary of the hand.
Indications: Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, aphonia, fever,
and a hot sensation in the palm.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0. 8 cun deep.
Note:
It is said that when treating bronchial asthma, needling Yuji together
with Dazhui (DU 14), Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (RN 4) will
help improve pulmonary function, relieve bronchial spasm, reduce
airway resistance, promote ventilation function and alleviate the
wheezing sound.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The venules linking the thumb with the cephalic vein.
Innervation: The superficial ramus of the radial nerve.
Shaoshang (Jing-Well Point, LU 11)
Location: On the radial side of the thumb and about 0.1 cun posterior
to the corner of the fingernail.
Indications: Cough, sore throat, epistaxis, fever, and syncope.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely upward, 0.l -0.2 cun deep or
make bleeding by prompt prick.
Notes:
a) Renzhong (DU 26) and Zusanli (ST 36) may be used together to
treat syncope and shock.
b) According to "Epitome of Acupuncture and Moxibustion", the
combination of Shaoshang, Tiantu (RN 22) and Hegu (LI 4) is
indicated for treating sore throat.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network formed by the palmar and the digital proprial
arteries and veins.
Innervation: The mixed branches of the antebrachial lateral cutaneous nerve, the superficial
ramus of the radial nerve, and the peripheral nerve network formed by the palmar and the digital
proprial nerve of the median nerve.

Lecture 2 The Large intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming (LI)
1.Traveling route
a) The meridian starts from the tip of the index finger (point Shangyang, LI 1). Then it runs
upward along the radial side of the index finger, passing the interspace of the first and second
metacarpal bones and the tendons of long and short extensor muscle of the wrist. It continues to
rise further along the radial side of the forearm and elbow, and the radial side of the dorsal aspect
of the upper arm, and arrives at the shoulder. It runs along anterior border of the acromion, then
meets Dazhui (DU 14) and enters the body cavity through the supraclavicular fossa.
b) It runs down from the supraclavicular fossa to connect with the lung; further down it crosses
the diaphragm and pertains to the large intestine.
c) Starting from the supraclavicular fossa, it passes the neck, cheek, and the gums of the lower
teeth; then exiting the mouth cavity, it runs around the upper lip, crosses at the philtrum, and
ends at the alae nasi (point Yingxiang, LI 20)
2. Symptoms:
Abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, toothache, sore throat, stuffy
nose, and the other disorders (e.g. pain) along the course of the meridian.
3. Acupoints
Shangyang (Jing -Well Point, LI l)
Location: On the radial side of the index finger and about 0.1 cun
posterior to the corner of the fingernail.
Indications: Toothache, swollen cheek, and sore throat, numb fingers,
febrile disease without sweating, and syncope. Method: Insert the needle
0.1 cun deep into the skin, or prompt prick so that a little blood comes
out.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The network of digit dorsal arteries and veins.
Innervation: The palmar digital proprial nerve and the intrinsic nerve derived from the median
nerve.
Erjian (Ying-Spring Point, LI 2)
Location: In the depression of the radial side and distal to the second
metacarpophalangeal joint.
Indications: Toothache, dry mouth, sore throat, red and swollen eyes, and
pain in the interphalangeal joints.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The dorsal digital and the palmar digital proprial arteries and veins.

Innervation: The dorsal digital nerve of the radial nerve and the palmar digital proprial nerve of
median nerve.
Sanjian (Shu-Stream Point, LI 3)
Location: In the depression of the radial side and proximal to the second
metacarpophalangeal joint.
Indications: Toothache, sore throat, red and swollen eyes, and pain in the
interphalangeal joints.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of hand and the branch of the first dorsal metacarpal
arteries.
Hegu (Yuan- Primary Point, LI 4)
Location: Between the first and second metacarpal bones and
approximately on the radial side of the midpoint of the second metacarpal
bone.
Indications: Toothache, trismus, facial paralysis, facial swelling, sore
throat, red and swollen eyes, fever, anhidrosis and hyperhidrosis, cough, numbness and paralysis
of upper limbs, amenorrhea, prolonged labor, infantile convulsion, and urticaria.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun deep, acupuncture and moxibustion are
contraindicated to pregnant women.
Note:
Simple measurement: place the transverse crease of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb on the
web-space between the thumb and index finger of the other hand, the acupoint locates at the
place where the tip of the thumb rests.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of hand.
Yangxi (Jing-River Point,
LI 5)
Location: On the radial
side of the wrist crease and
in the depression between
the tendons of the long and
short exterior muscles of
the thumb.
Indications: Red and
swollen eyes, sore throat,
headache, tinnitus, and pain in the wrist.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.3- 0.5 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein, the radial artery and its dorsal carpal branch.

PianLi (Luo-Connecting
Point, LI 6)
side of the dorsal surface
of the forearm and 3 cun
above the crease of the
wrist.
Indications: Facial
paralysis, red and swollen
eyes, sore throat, and pain
in the arm.
Method: Insert the needle
perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5
cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The cephalic vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm, and the superficial ramus of the radial nerve
on the radial side, the dorsal cutaneous nerve and the dorsal interosseous nerve of the forearm on
the ulnar side.
Wenliu (Xi-Cleft Point,
LI 7)
above the crease of the
wrist.
Indications: Facial
paralysis, facial swelling,
sore throat, headache,
swollen mouth and
tongue, and pain in the
arm. Method: Insert the
needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The muscular branch of the radial artery, and the cephalic vein.
Innervation: The dorsal cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the deep ramus of the radial nerve.
Xialian (LI 8)
below the cubital crease.

Indications: Red and swollen eyes, headache, vertigo, and pain in the elbow and arm.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-1cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those of Wenliu (LI 7).
Shanglian (LI 9)
Indications: Hemiplegia,
headache, and numbness
and pain in the arm.
perpendicularly, 0.5-1cun
deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and
innervation: The same as those of Wenliu (LI 7).
Shousanli (LI 10)
Indications: Toothache,
swollen cheek, aphonia,
numbness and motor
impairment of the upper
limbs, and pain in the
shoulder and arm.
perpendicularly, 0.5-1 cun
deep.
Note:
Shousanli, in the anterior cubital region, is indicated for pains in shoulder and back. This point
may be used together with Jianyu (LI 15) and Waiguan (SJ 5) to treat motoring impairment of
the upper limbs and pain in the shoulder
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the radial recurrent artery and vein.
Innervation: The same as that of Wenliu (Ll 7).
Quchi (He-Sea Point, LI 11)
Location: At the lateral end of the cubital crease with the elbow flexed.

Indications: Toothache, red and swollen eyes, sore throat, motor impairment of the upper limbs,
febrile diseases, scrofula, urticaria, and vertigo.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, l- l.5 cun deep.
Notes:
a) It is the He-Sea point of the meridian and belongs to earth in terms of the Five Elements. It is
indicated for febrile diseases and mania.
b) It can be used together with Dazhui (DU 14) and Fengchi (GB20) to treat fever; with Dazhui
and Xuehai (ST 10) to treat urticaria; and with Zusanli (ST 36) and Renying (ST 9) to treat
vertigo.
c) Studies show that it is also effective for simple appendicitis.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the radial recurrent artery and vein.
Innervation: The dorsal cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the radial nerve.
Zhouliao (LI 12)
Location: On the lateral side of the upper
arm, 1 cun above Quchi (LI 11) and on
the medial border of the humerus.
Indications: Numbness and pain in the
arm, elbow and shoulder
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly,
0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The radial collateral artery
and vein.
Innervation: The dorsal cutaneous nerve
of the forearm and the radial nerve.
Shouwuli (LI 13)

Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm and 3
cun above Quchi.
Indications: Spasmodic pain in the elbow and arm,
and scrofula.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun
deep.
Regional anatomy:

Vasculature: The radial collateral artery and vein.
Innervation: The dorsal cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the radial nerve.
Binao ( LI 14)
Location: On the lateral side of the arm, at
the insertion of the deltoid muscle and 7
cun above Quchi (LI 11).
Indications: Eye diseases, and pain in the
shoulder and arm, and scrofula.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly
or obliquely upward, 0.8-1cun deep.
Note:
It is often used together with Jianyu (LI
15) for acupuncture anesthesia in
pneumonectomy.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the posterior
humeral circumflex artery and vein, and
the deep brachial artery and vein.
Innervation: The dorsal cutaneous nerve of
the arm and the radial nerve.
Jianyu (LI 15)
Location: On the
shoulder and in the
depression anterior and inferior to the acromion when the arm is
abducted.
Indications: Toothache, motor impairment of the upper limbs, and pain in the shoulder and arm.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly or obliquely, 0.8-l.5 cun deep.
Note:
According to Basic Questions, Yunmen (LU 2), Jianyu (LI 15), Weizhong (BL 40) and Yaoshu
(DU 2) can be combined to reduce heat in the limbs.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The posterior humeral circumflex artery and vein.
Innervation: The supraclavicular nerve and the axillary nerve.
Jugu (LI 16)
Location: In the depression between the acromial extremity of the
clavicle and the scapular spine.
Indications: Pain in the shoulder, arm and back, scrofula, and goiter
Note:
Do not insert the needle too deep lest the lung should be harmed.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The suprascapular artery and vein.

Innervation: The posterior supraclavicular nerve, the branch of the accessory nerve, and the
suprascapular nerve.
Tianding (LI 17)
Location: On the posterior border of
sternocleidomastoid muscle, 3 cun lateral to and
1cun below the tip of Adam's apple.
Indications: Sore throat, sudden loss of voice,
scrofula, and goiter
0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The external jugular vein.
Innervation: The supraclavicular nerves and the
phrenic nerve at the posterior border of the
sternocleidomastoid muscle where the cutaneous
nerve of neck just emerges.
Futu(LI 18)
Location: 3 cun lateral to the tip of Adam's
apple and between the sternal head and
clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat,
sudden loss of voice, scrofula, and goiter.
0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The ascending cervical artery and
vein.
Innervation: The great auricular nerve, the
cutaneous nerve of neck, the lesser occipital
nerve and the accessory nerve.

Kouheliao (LI 19)
Location: 0.5 cun lateral to Shuigou (DU 26)
Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus, nasal
stuffiness, and epistaxis.
0.3-0.5 cun deep. Moxibustion is
contraindicated.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The superior labial branches of
the facial artery and vein.
Innervation: The anastomotic branch of the
facial nerve and the infraorbital nerve.
Yingxiang (LI 20)

Location: In the nasolabial groove and beside the
midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
Indications: Nasal stuffiness, epistaxis, rhinorrhea
with turbid discharge, and facial paralysis and
itching.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.1 -
0.2 cun deep, or insert obliquely upward, 0.5-0.8
cun deep. Moxibustion is contraindicated.
Note:
If there is a feeling of a warm wriggling on the
face, this point can be used for the treatment.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The facial artery and vein, and the infraorbital artery and vein.
Innervation: The anastomotic branch of the facial and the infraorbital nerves.

Lecture 3. The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST)
1. Traveling route
a) The meridian starts at the lateral side of ala nasi, runs up to the root of the nose and meets the
Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang. Then it descends along the lateral side of the nose (point Chengqi,
ST l), enters the upper gum, curves around the lips goes down to meet Chengjiang (RN 24) at the
mentolabial groove, and then runs along the posterior and lower part of the cheek to the acupoint
Daying (ST 5). It continues to travel along the angle of the mandible, passing the front of the ear
(Xiaguan, ST 7), ascends to the anterior hairline and finally reaches the forehead.

b) One of its branches descends from Daying (ST 5) to Renying (ST 9) and then running along the
throat, reaches Quepen (ST 12), at the center of the supraclavicular fossa. It continues to go
downward, through the diaphragm and then connects with the stomach and spleen.
c) A straight branch starts from the supraclavicular fossa, crosses the nipple and reaches Qichong (ST
30), at the lateral side of the abdomen.
d) Another branch starts from the lower orifice of the stomach, through the abdomen, and descends to
Qichong (ST 30) where it joins the straight branch. Then it passes Biguan (ST 3l), running along the
anterior border of the thigh, Futu (ST 32), and then descends to the lateral side of the knee. It
continues to travel along the lateral side of the crural tibia, reaches the dorsum of the foot and then
enters the lateral side of the tip of the second toe.
e) The tibial branch starts from Zusanli (ST 36), 3 cun below the knee and goes down to the lateral
side of the lip of the middle toe.
f) The dorsal foot branch starts from the dorsum of the foot and ends at the medial side of the tip of
the great toe.
2. Symptoms:
Borborygmus, abdominal distention, edema, stomachache, vomiting, polyorexia, facial paralysis, sore
throat, febrile diseases, mania, pain in the chest, and other disorders (e.g. pain) along the course of
the meridian.
3. Acupoints
Chengqi (ST 1)
Location: On the face, directly below the pupil
and between the eyeball and the inferior border
of the orbit.
Indications: Red and swollen eyes, night
blindness, lacrimation in exposure of wind,
twitching eyelids, facial paralysis, and myopia.
Method: When the eyeball is fixed, insert the
needle perpendicularly and slowly along the
infraorbital ridge, 0.5-0.8 cun deep. Do not use
lifting and thrusting methods lest the blood
vessel be injured, resulting in edema due to
blood stasis.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of infraorbital and
ophthalmic arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of infraorbital nerve,
the inferior branch of oculomotor nerve and the
muscular branch of facial nerve.

Sibai (ST 2)
Location: On the face, directly below the pupil
and in the depression of the infraorbital
foramen.
Indications: Red and swollen eyes, corneal
nebula, twitching eyelids, facial paralysis,
headache, and vertigo.
0.5 cun deep. Take care not to injure the eyeball
while puncturing.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of facial artery and
vein, the infraorbital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branches of facial nerve and
infraorbital nerve.
Juliao (ST 3)
Location: On the face, directly below the pupil and at
the level of the lower border of ala nasi.
Indications: Facial paralysis, twitching eyelids,
epistaxis, and
toothache.
Method: Insert
the needle
perpendicularly,
0.3-0.5 cun
deep.
Regional
anatomy:
Vasculature:
The branches of
facial and infraorbital arteries and veins.
Innervation: The facial and infraorbital nerves.
Dicang (ST 4)
Location: 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth.

Indications: Facial paralysis, salivation, toothache, and swollen cheek.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.2 cun deep or horizontally towards Jiache (ST 6), 0.8-1
cun deep.
Note:
In clinic, Dicang (ST 4) is effective in treating facial paralysis when used together with Jiache (ST 6).
When needled together with Yingxiang (LI 20), Quanliao (SI l 8), Qianzheng (EX-HN), and Hegu (LI
4), it can be used to treat facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The facial artery and vein.
Innervation: The branches of facial and infraorbital nerves and the terminal branch of buccal nerve.
Daying (ST 5)
Location: l.3 cun anterior to the
mandibular angle and on the anterior
border of the masseter muscle where
the pulsation of facial artery is
palpable.
Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus,
toothache, and swollen cheek.
perpendicularly or horizontally, 0.2-0.5
cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The facial artery and vein.
Innervation: The facial and buccal
nerves.
Jiache (ST 6)
Location: On the cheek, one finger-
breadth anterior and superior to the
mandibular angle and at the
prominence of the masseter muscle
when the jaw is clenched.
Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus,
toothache, swollen face, and cheek.
perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5 cun deep or
insert the needle horizontally, 0.5-1
cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The masseteric artery.
Innervation: The great auricular nerve,
facial nerve and masseteric nerve.
Xiaguan (ST 7)

Location: In the depression below the zygomatic arch and anterior to the mandibular condyloid
process.
Indications: Toothache, trismus, facial paralysis, deafness, and tinnitus.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-1 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature. The transverse facial artery and vein and maxillary artery and vein.
Innervation: The zygomatic branch of facial nerve and the branches of auriculotemporal nerve.
Touwei (ST 8)
Location: On the lateral side of the head and 0.5 cun above the anterior
hairline at the corner of the forehead.
Indications: Red and swollen eyes, twitching eyelids, headache, and dizziness.
Method: Insert the needle horizontally, 0.5-l cun deep. Moxibustion is
contraindicated.
Note:
Touwei and Daling (PC 7) could be used together to treat severe headache and ophthalmalgia. It is
also an effective point in treating migraine in combination with Shuaigu (GB 8) and Fengchi (GB 20).
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The frontal branches of superficial temporal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of auriculotemporal nerve and the temporal branch of facial nerve.
Renying (ST 9)
Location: l .5 cun lateral to the tip of Adam's apple and on the anterior border
of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, fullness in the chest, dyspnea, scrofula, goiter,
headache, vertigo, and hemiplegia.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5 cun deep. Do not injure the
artery. Moxibustion is contraindicated.
Note:
It is effective in treating
hypertension when
combined with Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI 11);
and treating hyperthyroidism in
combination with Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST
36), Shenmen (HT 7), and Sanyinjiao (ST 6).
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The superior thyroid artery, internal
and external carotid artery.
Innervation: The cutaneous nerve of neck, the
cervical branch of facial nerve, sympathetic
trunk and the descending branch of hypoglossal
nerve and the vagus nerve.
Shuitu (ST 10)

Location: At the midpoint of the line connecting Renying (ST 9) and Qishe (ST 11) and on the anterior
border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, cough, asthma, and goiter
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The common carotid artery.
Innervation: The cutaneous nerve of neck, the superior cardiac nerve stemming from sympathetic
nerve and sympathetic trunk.
Qishe (ST 11)
Location: Directly below Renying (ST 9) and on the
upper border of the medial end of the clavicle.
Indications: Sore throat, asthma, rigid neck, and
goiter
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5
cun deep. Avoid to make deep insertion.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The anterior jugular vein and common
carotid artery.
Innervation: The anterior branch of the
supraclavicular nerve and the muscular branch of
ansa hypoglossi.
Quepen (ST 12)
Location: At the center of the
supraclavicular fossa and 4
cun lateral to the anterior
midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, and scrofula.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5 cun deep. Acupuncture is contraindicated for
pregnant women.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: The intermediate supraclavicular nerve and the supraclavicular portion of brachial plexus.
Qihu (ST 13)
Location: At the lower border of the clavicle and 4 cun lateral to the anterior
midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, and fullness and pain in the chest.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of thoracoacromial artery and vein and sub-clavicular vein.
Innervation: The branches of supraclavicular nerve and anterior thoracic nerve.
Kufang (ST 14)
Location: In the first intercostal space and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Indications: Cough, asthma, and distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac region.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: Thoracoacromial artery and vein, and the branches of the lateral thoracic artery and
vein.
Innervation: The branch of the anterior thoracic nerve.
Wuyi (ST 15)
Location:In the second intercostal space and 4 cun lateral to the anterior
midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac
region, and mastitis.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely or horizontally, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The same as that of Kufang (ST 14).
Innervation: The branch of greater pectoral muscle stemming from the anterior thoracic nerve.
Yingchuang (ST 16)
Location: In the third intercostal space and 4 cun lateral to the anterior
midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac
region, and mastitis.
Notes. Vasculature: Lateral thoracic artery and vein. Innervation: The branches of the anterior
thoracic nerve.
Ruzhong (ST 17)
Location: At the center of the nipple.
Note:
This point is not used for acupuncture or moxibustion, but rather serves as a
landmark for locating the other acupoints. The distance between two nipples is
8 cun.
Rugen (ST 18)
Location: In the fifth intercostal space and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain, mastitis, and hypogalactia.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The fifth intercostal nerve.

Burong (ST 19)
Location: 6 cun above the umbilicus and
2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Stomachache, vomiting,
abdominal distention and pain, and
anorexia.
perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the
seventh intercostal artery and vein, and
the branches of superior epigastric artery
and vein.
Innervation: The branches of the seventh
intercostal nerve.
Chengman (ST 20)
Indications: Stomachache, vomiting,
abdominal distention, borborygmus, and
pain in the hypochondriac region.
perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same
as those of Burong (ST 19).
Liangmen (ST 21)
Location: 4 cun
above the
umbilicus and 2
cun lateral to the
anterior midline.
Indications:
Stomachache,
vomiting, abdominal distention,
diarrhea, and anorexia.
perpendicularly, 0.5-1 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the eight intercostal arteries and veins, and the branches of the superior
epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of the eight intercostal nerve.

Guanmen (ST 22)
Indications: Abdominal distention and
pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, and
edema.
Perpendicularly, 0.5-1 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same
as those of Liangmen (ST 21).
Taiyi (ST 23)
Indications: Stomachache, abdominal
pain, indigestion, irritability, and mania.
perpendicularly, 0.5- 1 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the eight
and ninth intercostal arteries and veins,
and the branches of the inferior
Innervation: The branches of the eight
and ninth intercostal nerves.
Huaroumen (ST
24)
Location: 1 cun
above the
umbilicus and 2
cun lateral to the
anterior midline.
Indications:
Stomachache, vomiting, and mania.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.8- l .2 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the ninth intercostal arteries and veins, and the branches of inferior
Innervation: The branch of the ninth intercostal nerve.

Tianshu (Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine, ST 25)
Location: 2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.
Indications: Pain around the umbilicus, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, constipation,
dysentery, appendicitis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and abdominal mass.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.8-1 .2 cun deep.
Note:
a) It is the Front-Mu point of the large intestine and usually used to treat abdominal distention and
pain, diarrhea and constipation together with Dachangshu (BL 25).
b) It is also effective in treating irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea together with Sanyinjiao
(ST 6) and Ciliao (BL 32).
c) This acupoint can be also used to treat abdominal masses and lumps, blood stasis, metrorrhagia
and irregular menstruation
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the tenth intercostal arteries and veins, and branches of the inferior
Innervation: The branches of the tenth intercostal nerve.
Wailing (ST 26)
Location: 1 cun below the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and hernia.

Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those of Tianshu (ST 25).
Daju (ST 27)
Indications: Lower abdominal distention, dysuria, hernia, and seminal
emission.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of the eleventh intercostal arteries and veins, and inferior epigastric
arteries and veins. Innervation: The eleventh intercostal nerve.
Shuidao (ST 28)
Indications: Lower abdominal distention, dysuria, and dysmenorrhea.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.8- l.2 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of subcostal arteries and veins, and inferior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branches of subcostal nerve.
Guilai (ST 29)
Indications: Lower abdominal distention, dysmenorrhea, irregular
menstruation, impotence, seminal emission, and hernia.
Method: Insert the needle Perpendicularly, 0.8- l.2 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The iliohypogastric nerve.
Qichong (ST 30)
Indications: Lower abdominal pain, hernia, irregular menstruation,
dysmenorrhea, impotence, and swollen vulva.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of superficial epigastric artery and
vein, and inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The ilio-inguinal nerve.
Biguan (ST 31)
Location: On the anterior side of the upper thigh, at the level of
the inferior border of symphysis pubis and in the depression
lateral to the sartorius muscle.
Indication: abdominal pain, motor impairment of the lower
limbs, and numbness and pain in the lower limbs.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, l-l.5 cun deep.

Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of lateral femoral circumflex artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh.
Futu (ST 32)
Location: On the line connecting the anterior superior iliac Spine
and lateral border of the patella and 6 cun above the
superolateral corner of the patella.
Indications: Motor impairment and pain in the lower limbs, and
pain in the knees and lumbar region.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 1-2 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The branches of lateral femoral circumflex artery
and vein.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral cutaneous nerves of thigh.
Yinshi (ST 33)
Location: On the line
connecting the anterior
superior iliac Spine and
lateral border of the
patella and 3 cun above
the superolateral corner
of the patella.
Indications: Motor impairment of the lower limbs,
numbness and pain in the lower limbs, pain and stiffness in the
knees, and hernia.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.8-l.5 cun
deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The descending branch of the lateral
femoral circumflex artery.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral
cutaneous nerves of thigh.
Liangqiu (Xi-Cleft Point, ST 34)
Location: On the line connecting the anterior superior iliac Spine and lateral
border of the patella and 2 cun above the superolateral corner of the patella.
Indications: Stomachache, swollen knees, motor impairment of the lower
limbs, and mastitis.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those of Yinshi (ST 33).
Dubi (ST 35)

Location: On the knee, in the depression lateral to the patella and its ligament when the knee is
flexed.
Indications: Pain in the knee joint.
Method: Insert the needle slightly towards the ligament, 0.8- l.2 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The network of arteries and veins of the knee joint.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous nerve of calf and the articular branch of the common peroneal
nerve.
Zusanli (He-Sea Point and Lower He-Sea Point of the Stomach, ST 36)
Location: 3 cun below Dubi (ST 35) and one finger breadth from the anterior
crest of the tibia.
Indications: Stomachache, abdominal distention, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery,
indigestion, edema, appendicitis, mastitis, mania, epilepsy, flaccidity and
numbness of the lower limbs, dyspneic cough, vertigo, palpitation, and
emaciation due to consumptive disease.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The branches of the lateral cutaneous nerve of calf and the saphenous nerve, and deep
peroneal nerve.
Shangjuxu (Lower He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine, ST 37)
Location: 3 cun below Zusanli (ST 36).
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, appendicitis, and
motor impairment of the lower limbs.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 1-l.5 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those of Zusanli (ST 36).
Tiaokou (ST 38)
Location: 8 cun below Dubi (ST 35) and one finger breadth from the anterior crest of
the tibia.
Indications: Motor impairment, numbness and spasmodic pain in the lower limbs, and
pain in the shoulder.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature and innervation: The same as those of Zusanli (ST 36).
Xiajuxu (Lower He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine, ST 39)
Location: 9 cun below Dubi (ST 35) and one finger breadth from the anterior crest of
the tibia.
Indications: Lower abdominal distention and pain, diarrhea, dysentery, motor
impairment of the lower limbs, and testalgia.
Regional anatomy:

Innervation: The branches of the superficial peroneal nerve and deep peroneal nerve.
Fenglong (Luo-Connecting Point, ST 40)
Location: One finger breadth from Tiaokou (ST 38).
Indications: Cough, asthma, mania, epilepsy, headache, vertigo, and motor
impairment of the lower limbs.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 1- l.5 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Innervation: The superficial peroneal nerve.
Jiexi (Jing-River Point, ST 41)
Location: On the dorsum of the foot, at the midpoint
of the transverse crease of the ankle joint, and
between the tendons of long extensor muscle of
thumb and long extensor muscle of toe.
Indication: Abdominal distention, constipation,
mania, motor impairment, numbness and pain in the
lower limbs, and headache and vertigo.
Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly, 0.5-0.8
cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Innervation: The superficial and deep peroneal
nerves.
Chongyang (Yuan-Primary Point, ST 42)

Location: At the prominence of the instep, where
the pulsation of the dorsal artery of the foot is
palpable, and 3 cun above Xiangu (ST 43).
Indications: Stomachache, abdominal distention,
facial paralysis, facial swelling, toothache, and
swollen instep.
Method: Keep the needle away from the artery
and insert it perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:

Vasculature: The dorsal artery and vein of foot and dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: The medial dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot stemming from the superficial peroneal nerve.
Xiangu (Shu-Stream Point, ST 43)
Location: In the depression distal to the commissure of the second and third
metatarsal bones.
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, swollen face, general edema, and
swollen instep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: The medial dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot.
Neiting (Ying-Spring Point, ST 44)
Location: On the instep and at the proximal end of the skin crease of the web
between the second and third toes.
Indications: Abdominal distention, stomachache, diarrhea, dysentery,
toothache, and facial paralysis, sore throat, and swollen instep.
Method: Insert the needle obliquely upward, 0.3-0.5 cun deep.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: The dorsal digital nerves, and the lateral branch of medial
dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot.
Lidui (Jing-Well Point, ST 45)
Location: On the lateral side of the second toe and about 0.1 cun posterior to
the corner of the toenail.
Indications: Abdominal distention, swollen face, facial paralysis, and toothache,
sore throat, epistaxis, mania, and cold legs and feet.
Regional anatomy:
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network formed by dorsal digital arteries
and veins of foot.
Innervation: The dorsal digital nerves of foot stemming from the superficial peroneal nerve.


Course C Basic Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

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Course C Basic Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

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Course C: Basic Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

A brief introduction to meridians & collaterals and acupoints

1. What are the means of meridians and collaterals?

Part 1 Fourteen Meridians and Acupoints

Part 2 Acupuncture and Moxibustion Techniques