- the combination of points from different channels.
Point 1 above has already been discussed in the "Foundations of Chinese Medicine" and will not
be repeated here.1(547) Points 2, 3 and 4 will be discussed in detail below.
Dynamics of Qi Flow in the Channels
Qi flows in the channels due to a difference of energetic potential between the chest and the
head, the chest being the area of minimum potential and the head the area of maximum potential.
On its course from the chest to the head, Qi flows via the fingers, and on its course from the head
back to the chest it flows via the toes (see Figure 1.2(548) in Chapter 1, "Headache"). The area
around the fingers and the toes has special energetic significance as Qi is more superficial and
changes polarity (from Yin to Yang and vice versa) in these areas. It is for these two reasons that
the points around fingers and toes are more dynamic than others and they tend to draw Qi
downwards. For example, HE-9 Shaochong can draw Heart-Qi downwards calming the Mind,
and KI-1 can subdue rising Empty-Heat within the Kidney channel, also calming the Mind.
The question of Qi flow within the channel will be discussed from five perspectives:
- order of insertion of needles
- order of withdrawal of needles
- distal and local points
- rising and descending of Qi
- arm and leg channels.
Order of Insertion of Needles
As soon as a needle is inserted it initially sends a rush of Qi upwards: for this reason it is best to
insert the needles from top to bottom. This approach applies particularly to points on the limbs
and not so much to those on the torso. This is because points on the torso are less dynamic and
would not send such a rush of Qi upwards as points on the limbs do. There is one exception, for
practical reasons, to insertion of needles from top to bottom: if a head point is used in a new
patient, it is best to insert this last, as when one is experiencing acupuncture for the first time it
may be quite unnerving to start by having a needle in the head.
The order of needle insertion can be further differentiated according to Fullness or Emptiness. If
a Full condition is being treated, it is best to insert needles from top to bottom as this will have
the effect of draining pathogenic factors. For example, if a patient is suffering from a Full
condition of the Stomach such as retention of food, one could insert the following points in this