from the face, calm the Mind and settle the Ethereal Soul.- T.B.-4 Yangchi and ST-42 Chongyang to tonify the three Burners, strengthen the Stomach
and regulate the uterus. This last function is due to the Triple Burner's role as the avenue
through which the Original Qi emerges from between the Kidneys (chapter 66 of the
"Classic of Difficulties").2(564) Also, the term chong within the name of the point ST-42
Chongyang refers to the Chong Mai, i.e. the Penetrating Vessel which emerges from the
uterus, and indicates that this extraordinary vessel goes through this point. - P-6 Neiguan and ST-40 Fenglong to regulate the Middle Burner, subdue rebellious
Stomach-Qi, resolve Phlegm, calm the Mind and harmonize the rising and descending of
Qi. This combination is excellent for Excess patterns of the Stomach characterized by
rebellious Stomach-Qi and not necessarily by Phlegm. It also has a powerful calming
effect and is very good in Stomach problems deriving from emotional problems. This
combination also treats sprain of the rib muscles. It may be compared with the
combination P-6 and ST-36 mentioned above: the combination of P-6 and ST-40 is better
for Excess patterns, while P-6 and ST-36 is better for Deficiency patterns. - L.I.-4 Hegu and LIV-2 Xingjian to regulate the rising and descending of Qi, clear Heat,
drain Fire, calm the Mind and benefit the eyes. This combination, similar in effect to the
Four Gates (L.I.-4 and LIV-3), is excellent to treat eye problems deriving from Liver-Fire
against a background of Liver-related emotional problems. - LU-7 Lieque and BL-63 Jinmen to open the Water passages, promote urination and stop
urinary pain. This combination is used in retention of urine or Painful-Urination
Syndrome with Dampness obstructing the Water passages. - LU-7 Lieque and KI-7 Fuliu to stimulate the descending of Lung-Qi and the Kidney's
grasping of Qi. This combination is good to treat asthma from Lung and Kidney
deficiency. - HE-5 Tongli and SP-3 Taibai to stimulate the Mind and Intellect and strengthen memory
and concentration. This combination is good to strengthen memory and concentration in
patients with Heart- and Spleen-Blood deficiency. It may also be used to boost memory
and concentration in students before an exam: in this case it should be combined with
BL-15 Xinshu, BL-20 Pishu and Du-20 Baihui.
Although balancing Top and Bottom is a very important part of a harmonious acupuncture
treatment, there are situations when the dynamics of the channel system are exploited to draw Qi
upwards or downwards by needling only the top or bottom half of the body. For example, if there
is Fullness above and Emptiness below from a deficiency of Kidney-Yin and flaring up of Heart
Empty-Heat (red face, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, backache, night-sweating, etc.), one might
deliberately choose an unbalanced point prescription, i.e. only KI-1 Yongquan to draw Qi