and ankle.
Bearing in mind the above correspondence between joints and related leg-arm channels of the
same polarity, we can build up a table of corresponding points (Table I.3Table I.3).
Balancing According to the Heavenly Stems
This method which has already been described can be used to balance points treating a channel
problem. For example, if we are using S.I.-8 Xiaohai, S.I.-7 Zhizheng and S.I.-3 Houxi to treat a
painful elbow on one side, we can balance these points with a Lung-channel point on the
opposite side, e.g. LU-9 Taiyuan.
Balancing with an Appropriate Gathering Point
Points on one side treating a channel problem can be balanced with an appropriate Gathering
point on the opposite side. For example, if we are using L.I.-15 Jianyu, L.I.-14 Binao and L.I.-11
Quchi for a shoulder problem characterized by inflammation of the tendons, we can balance
these points with G.B.-34 Yanglingquan, Gathering point for sinews, on the opposite side.
Balancing According to Accompanying Pattern
The balancing point on the side opposite the one where the channel problem is can be chosen
according to an accompanying syndrome or an underlying condition. For example, if we are
using L.I.-15 Jianyu, L.I.-11 Quchi and L.I.-4 Hegu on one side and the patient also suffers from
stagnation of Liver-Qi, we could balance these points with LIV-3 Taichong on the opposite side:
this would simultaneously treat the stagnation of Liver-Qi and balance Left and Right, Top and
Bottom and Yin and Yang.
As an another example, if we are treating a patient suffering from chronic Painful Obstruction
Syndrome of one hand with swollen joints with T.B.-4 Yangchi and L.I.-3 Sanjian on one side,
and the tongue is Swollen with a sticky coating, we could balance these points with SP-9
Yinlingquan and ST-40 Fenglong on the opposite side to help to resolve Dampness and Phlegm.
As another example, if we are treating a patient with tennis elbow with L.I.-11 Quchi and L.I.-10
Shousanli on one side, and this patient also suffers from Spleen-Qi deficiency, we could balance
these points with ST-36 Zusanli on the opposite side. Bearing in mind the correspondences
mentioned in point (i) above, this would also help the elbow. If the same patient suffered from
Kidney-deficiency, we could select KI-3 Taixi instead.
Balancing According to the Connecting Points
This has already been mentioned before. In acute cases, the local points on one side can be