- ST-31 is an important point to tonify Qi and Blood in the channel and, in particular, to
facilitate the raising of the leg which is so important when the person has difficulty in
walking.
- ST-32 is a local point for the Stomach channel and it affects blood vessels.
- G.B.-34 is used for its local as well as its general effect on the sinews.
- ST-36 is probably the most important point to tonify the channel and tonify Stomach and
Spleen in general.
- ST-41 and G.B.-40 are used as local points for the foot. In particular, they facilitate the
lifting of the foot which is so important when the foot is dropped and dragged along,
making walking very difficult.
- BL-32 and Du-3 stimulate the circulation of Qi and Blood to the legs.
- Du-12, Du-14 and their corresponding Huatuojiaji points may be chosen to affect the
spinal nerves according to the distribution of symptoms. Besides that, Du-12 tonifies Qi
in general and Du-14 expels Wind.
- ST-30 strengthens the Stomach channel and promotes the circulation of nutrient
substances from the Stomach to the limbs. Chapter 44 of the "Simple Questions"
prescribes the use of the Bright-Yang channel to treat Atrophy Syndrome. It says: "The
Bright Yang is the Sea of the 5 Yin and 6 Yang organs, it irrigates the original sinews
which run to the pubic bone and up the spine in the back."4(527) Thus, there are several
good reasons for choosing points from the Stomach channel: first, they have general tonic
properties as the Stomach is the source of post-natal Qi; secondly, the Bright-Yang
channels abound in Qi and Blood; thirdly, the point ST-30 is also a crossing point with
the Penetrating Vessel so that reinforcing this point strengthens the Stomach and the
Penetrating Vessel, as well as the so-called "original sinews" which gather around the
pubic bone and which go through ST-30 and then up to the spine. In fact, the "Simple
Questions" goes on by saying:
The Penetrating Vessel is the Sea of the 12 channels, it irrigates the rivers and
valleys [i.e. channels and muscles] and it meets with the Bright Yang at the
original sinews, Yin and Yang channels meet here and converge at ST-30 which is
on the Bright Yang. The Girdle Vessel and Governing Vessel also converge at this
point. Thus when the Bright Yang is deficient the original sinews are weakened,
the Girdle Vessel does not fasten and Atrophy Syndrome results.5(528)
