Atlas of Acupuncture

8.3 Point Combinations

Clinical application

● For deficiency conditions:needling the ben point with toni-

fying technique will tonify its corresponding Organ or channel

● For excess conditions:needling the benpoint with reducing

technique will drain the excess from its corresponding Organ

or channel

● Spiritual aspect:the benpoints on the Yin channels also

affect the spiritual aspect of their corresponding phases. Thus

the LU ben point LU-8allows the po (corporeal soul) to

unfold its potential. Similarly the HE benpoint HE-8will

empower the shen (spirit), the SP benpoint SP-3the yi

(thinking), the LIV benpoint LIV-1the hun(ethereal soul)

and the KID benpoint KID-10the zhi(will).

8.3 Point Combinations

8.3.1 Combining Local and Distal

Points

Point selection and combination can be carried out according to

affected areas and channels (➞8.2.1, ➞8.2.2).

For disorders affecting the channel:For example, for bi-syn-

dromes affecting the sinews and joints, distal points can be stim-

ulated first. Then local and adjacent points can be selected based

on tenderness. These are needled and/or subsequently cupped.

For disorders of the zangfu-Organs:Generally, only distal

points are applied in acute conditions. Once the condition (for

example, acute pain) has improved, local points can be selected.

In chronic conditions the combination of local and distal points –

and especially Back-shuand Front-mupoints as adjacent points

(➞8.3.2) – is commonly used. Another possibility is the combi-

nation of the opening point of an extraordinary vessel (➞8.1.8)

with local points in the affected area.

Yin Yang

L.I.-1

SP-3

KID-10

LIV-1

G.B.-41

BL-66

ST-36

HE-8

LU-8

S.I.-5

T.B.-6

P-8

G.B.-41

G.B.-43

G.B.-8

T.B.-17

T.B.-3

T.B.-5

Ex-HN-5

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