in each session would be too strong. If treatment is given more infrequently, say, fortnightly or
less, then Back-Transporting and Front-Collecting points could be combined in one session.
Back-Transporting points are best used with a short retention of needles of, say, about 10
minutes or less, or with moxa only. If needles are left in these points for longer, they may tend to
have a reducing effect and make the patient very tired. In a Deficiency condition, if one is in
doubt, it is best to use the Back-Transporting points with moxa only (unless of course, there are
signs of Heat or Empty-Heat).
There are also two other ways of combining the Back-Transporting and Front-Collecting points:
the former can be combined with the Source points and the latter with the Sea points.
Combining Back-Transporting with the Source points of the same organ specifically treats the
Yin organs, chronic diseases and Deficiency conditions. For example, BL-13 Feishu with LU-9
Taiyuan, or BL-18 Ganshu with LIV-3 Taichong.
Combining Front-Collecting with Sea points of the same organ specifically treats the Yang
organs, acute diseases and Excess conditions. It should be borne in mind that by Sea point of the
Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Triple Burner is meant their Lower Sea points, i.e. ST-37
Shangjuxu, ST-39 Xiajuxu and BL-39 Weiyang. A full listing of these points is given in Table
I.2Table I.2.
The polarity of Back-Front and specifically Back-Transporting points against Front-Collecting
points can also be made use of in correcting the ill effects of a treatment. For example, supposing
too many Back-Transporting points have been used, or maybe they have been left in for too long
and the patient feels very tired after the treatment, then this effect can be corrected by using one
or two points in the front and specifically some Front-Collecting points.
Balancing Governing and Directing Vessels
Balancing points from the Governing and Directing Vessels is a very important aspect of
Yin-Yang and Back-Front balancing. The Governing Vessel governs all the Yang channels while
the Directing vessel governs all the Yin channels: thus points on these two channels acquire
special importance in balancing Front and Back.
These two channels are also particularly suited for combining as their pathways arise from the
same area between the Kidneys and cross over internally so that they could be seen as one
circuit. As these two vessels flow upwards from Ren-1 Huiyin but also downwards internally,
combining their points also regulates the ascending and descending of Qi.
Finally, as these two vessels both flow upwards to the head and the Governing Vessel flows into
the brain, combining their points also has a very powerful and important mental effect which can