Atlas of Acupuncture

8.3 Point Combinations

8.3.3 Yin–Yang Combination

Synonym:Interior/Exterior combination

The Yin–Yang combination balances the flow of Yin and Yang

in the channels. It is based on the concepts of channel energetics

(➞channel circuits, Fig. 1.12).

Importantyuan/luocombinations

● L.I.-4(hegu) and LU-7(lieque) support the descending func-

tion of the Lung Qi, expel pathogenic factors, tonify the

Defensive Qi (wei qi) and calm the shen

● SP-3(taibai) and ST-40(fenglong) tonify the Spleen and

transform Phlegm

● LIV-3(taichong) and G.B.-37(guangming) benefit the eyes

for Liver syndromes

● T.B.-4 (yangchi) and P-6 (neiguan) regulate the Triple

Burner, move Liver Qi, calm the shen, relax the muscles in

the occiput and shoulders.

Du-20

yintang

Du-15–16

Ren-22–23

Du-11

Du-9 Ren-17

Du-6

Du-4

(BL-31–33)

Ren-14–1 5

Ren-12

Ren-4–6

Ren-3

Du-1 Ren-1

Crown

Eyebrow

Larynx

Heart

Solar plexus

dantian

Reproduction

Perineum

Spleen

Needling too many points on the Yang channels can make

the patient nervous and restless. In this case, needling points

on the Yin channels can restore balance and have a calming

effect.

Needling too many points on the Yin channels can lead to

tiredness. In this case, needling points on the Yang channels

has a balancing, stimulating effect.

Balancing Yin and Yang in paired channels

● Points on the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired channels are com-

bined in order to balance Yin and Yang. For example the LU

and L.I. channels are the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired channels

of the hand, while the ST and SP channels are the Interiorly–

Exteriorly paired channels of the foot of the first circuit.

● This method increases the therapeutic effect compared to

using only Yin or only Yang points.

Yuan/luocombination

Most important Yin–Yang combination(Synonym: host–guest

combination): The yuan-source point (host) of the primarily

affected channel/Organ is combined with the luo-connecting

point of the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired channel.

LU-7
 L.I.-4

G.B.-37

LIV-3

SP-3

ST-40

P6
 T.B.-4

a

c

b

d

Yin Yang

luo yuan

luo yuan

luo

yuan

luo

yuan

Yin Yang

Yin Yang Yin Yang

Further methods of combining points of

Interiorly–Exteriorly paired channels and

modifiedyuan/luocombinations

a Combining the luo-connecting points of Interiorly–Exteriorly

paired channels tends to enhance the therapeutic effect; for

example combine ST-40and SP-4for abdominal pain

b For chronic disorders, combine the yuan-source point and the

luo-connecting point of the same Yin channel in order to

increase the therapeutic effect; for example needle LU-9and

LU-7for chronic cough.

c For disorders affecting a Yin channel, only needle the yuan-

source point of the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired Yang channel.

For example for an acute cold (a Lung syndrome), needle

only L.I.-4(yuan-source point).

d For unilateral musculoskeletal disorders affecting a Yang

channel: in addition to local and adjacent points on the

affected channel, needle the contralateral luo-connecting

point of the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired Yin channel. This

method, which promotes balance between Yin and Yang, is

mainly used for channel-pertaining disorders. For example:

for unilateral arm or shoulder pain along the L.I. channel,

needle points on the L.I. channel on the affected side as well

as LU-7on the opposite side of the body.

Ch08-F10028.qxd 2/23/08 4:41 PM Page 693