(although they obviously are joined internally), the Yang channels are joined directly and
superficially on the head.
The implications of all this are as follows:
- The leg-channels' distal points are stronger than the arm-channels' distal points.
This is because the leg-channels' distal points are at a stage of the cycle when Qi
is flowing downwards towards the area of minimum potential: these points
therefore have a stronger clearing movement and are more powerful than the
arm-channels' distal points. For example, if one were treating a problem of the
gums or mouth (be it gum ulcers, toothache, herpes simplex, etc.), one could use
L.I.-4 Hegu or ST-44 Neiting: the latter point has a stronger effect than the
former. Of course, one can also use both points to have an even stronger effect. - Because the Yang channels, one arm channel flowing upwards (e.g. Large
Intestine) and one leg channel flowing downwards (e.g. Stomach), communicate
directly and superficially on the head, their points are particularly good to
harmonize Above-Below and regulate the ascending and descending of Qi. For
example, L.I.-4 Hegu regulates the ascending and descending of Qi, especially in
combination with ST-36 Zusanli. Another example is the combination of T.B.-6
Zhigou and G.B.-34 Yanglingquan to harmonize the Lesser Yang and regulate the
ascending and descending in the Three Burners. - It is important to balance arm and leg points: an example of this was given earlier
at the beginning of the chapter. In asthma, it is especially important to balance leg
with arm points and pay attention to using enough arm points. This is because all
points send an initial rush of Qi upwards and the "column" of Qi rushing upwards
is that much higher in leg points. For example, an asthmatic patient felt a
tightness of the chest during the session. The points used were LU-7 Lieque on
the right, KI-6 Zhaohai on the left (Directing Vessel's opening points), ST-40
Fenglong and SP-6 Sanyinjiao bilaterally. I concluded that there were not enough
arm points; on insertion of P-6 Neiguan the tight feeling of the chest cleared
immediately. - Because the Yang channels are joined directly and superficially, the arm and the
leg channel within each cycle could be considered as one channel, e.g. Large
Intestine and Stomach channels (Bright Yang), Small Intestine and Bladder
channels (Greater Yang) and Triple Burner and Gall-Bladder channels (Lesser
Yang). This means that the points on the related Yang channels are somewhat
interchangeable and they affect a common area covered by the two channels. For
example, L.I.-4 Hegu and ST-44 Neiting (affecting the face, gums and mouth),
S.I.-3 Houxi and BL-60 Kunlun (affecting the occiput) and T.B.-5 Waiguan and
G.B.-43 Xiaxi (affecting the temples).
The close connection between arm and leg paired Yang channels and the fact that they affect a
common area, makes for many possible combinations of points which harmonize Top and