Other Points
Many other points can be used according to the location of the headache.
Distal Points
- P-6 Neiguan is used as a distal point for various reasons. First of all, the Pericardium
channel is connected to the Liver channel within the Terminal Yin. P-6 will therefore
indirectly help to subdue Liver-Yang and calm the Mind and Ethereal Soul at the same
time. P-6 is also the Connecting point of the Pericardium channel and it therefore
connects with the Triple Burner channel. For this reason it affects the Triple Burner
channel on the head and can contribute to subduing Liver-Yang rising affecting the
Lesser Yang channels. For this effect P-6 can be combined with Yangchi T.B.-4. This
combination is very effective for headaches on the Lesser Yang channel area (i.e.
temples, sides of the head and lateral side of the neck) especially in women. Finally, a
condition of Liver-Yang rising is frequently associated with stress and a highly-strung
disposition. P-6 will help to harmonize the Liver and calm the Mind and Ethereal Soul,
especially in women. - LU-7 Lieque is a special point for headaches. It is not specific for Liver-Yang headaches
but it can be used here for two reasons. First of all, it will affect any type of headache and
secondly, it can tonify the Lungs when the deficiency of Lung-Qi is contributing to the
rebellious rising of Liver-Yang. In 5-Element terms this corresponds to "Metal failing to
control Wood". This situation is quite common and is reflected in the pulse, the right
Front position being very weak and the left Middle position very Wiry. Often, there may
be no other symptoms or signs of Lung deficiency apart from the pulse. - G.B.-43 Xiaxi is the Spring point of the Gall-Bladder channel. As such, it is used in Full
patterns to eliminate pathogenic factors. In this case, it can be used to subdue Liver-Yang
and remove obstructions from the Gall-Bladder channel in the head. Being on the foot, it
can treat the opposite end, i.e. the head. Specifically, it will affect the temple and eye
area.
Local Points
- G.B.-4 Hanyan, G.B.-5 Xuanlu and G.B.-6 Xuanli are all very important local points for
headaches on the Gall-Bladder channel on the side of the head deriving from Liver-Yang
rising. They are needled horizontally (i.e. just under the skin with the needle at an angle
of about 15 degrees) usually pointing backwards. These local points should always be
used at some time during the course of treatment especially if the headache is very
chronic and always appearing in that particular area.