Combination of Acupuncture Points

As mentioned above, a correct and harmonious combination of points in one treatment is an
essential part of the art of acupuncture. If we choose points only according to their actions, even
if our choice is correct from that point of view, it will not be enough to give a balanced
treatment. As the points given in all the previous chapters were selected only according to their
action, this section of the book should be integrated with the points given with each pattern in
order to select a balanced combination of points.

We can discuss the combination of points according to five different points of view:

• Distal and local points


• Top-Bottom


• Yin-Yang


• Back-Front


• Left-Right.

The combination of distal and local points has already been discussed above, so we need to
discuss the remaining four aspects.

Balancing Top and Bottom

Balancing Top and Bottom areas of the body is an important part of a harmonious acupuncture
treatment. As we have seen before, every time we insert a needle in the body there is an initial
rush of Qi upwards: for this reason, a proper balance of points on the upper and lower parts of
the body ensures a smooth flow of Qi during the treatment.

Also, as we have seen, the first two channels in a 4-channel cycle (in the upper part of the body)
have an ascending potential, while the second two channels (in the lower part of the body) have a
descending potential. Thus, balancing points from the Top and Bottom achieves an equalization
of flow of Qi in the channels.

Examples of combination of points from arm and leg Yang channels within the same cycle (e.g.
Large Intestine and Stomach) have already been given above: these represent one way of
balancing Top and Bottom. Obviously combining points from the Top and Bottom also applies
to arm and leg Yin channels within the same cycle (e.g. Lung and Spleen) and to points from
different channels.

The following are examples of combinations of points from arm and leg Yin channels within the