Atlas of Acupuncture

8.1 Point Categories

Points

The 12 luo-connecting points of the primary channels are

located between the fingers and the elbow on the upper extrem-

ity and between the toes and the knee on the lower extremity.

● Luo-connecting points of the primary Yin channels

• hand Yin channels: LU-7(lieque), P-6(neiguan), HE-5
  (tongli)


• foot Yin channels: SP-4(gongsun), LIV-5(ligou), KID-4
  (dazhong)
  ● Luo-connecting points of the primary Yang channels


• hand Yang channels: L.I.-6(pianli), T.B.-5(waiguan),
  S.I.-7(zhizheng)


• foot Yang channels: ST-40(fenglong), G.B.-37(guangming),
  BL-58(feiyang)
  ● Luo-connecting points of the ren mai:Ren-15(jiuwei); action:
  regulates the luo-connecting vessels of the Yin channels;
  indication: abdominal diseases and disorders
  ● Luo-connecting points of the du mai:Du-1(changqiang);
  action: regulates the luo-connecting vessels of the Yang chan-
  nels; indication: disorders of the back
  ● Great luo-connecting point of the Spleen: SP-21(dabao);
  action: connects with all luo-vessels and governs all luo and
  Blood vessels of the body; indication: disorders of the joint,
  general weakness and pain
  ● Great luo-connecting point of the Stomach: xu li*, near the
  left ST-18; moxibustion is contraindicated, only superficial
  needling is recommended. Indication: breathing and heart

disorders such as asthma, dyspnoea, emphysema and brady-

cardia, also for shortness of breath due to anxiety attacks.

Clinical application

Diagnosis

● In excess syndromes the luovessels often become visible near

the luo-connecting points, for example skin discolorations and

swellings may occur. With pain due to Cold the predominant

colour may be bluish to greenish, with Heat syndromes red-

dish, with chronic stagnation and stasis dark to dark purple.

● In deficiency syndromes there are often no colour changes.

However, in severe chronic cases (for example severe Qi defi-

ciency) there will more likely be distinct muscular flaccidity,

presenting as a dip or depression in the area of the point.

Therapy

● For disorders of the pertaining zangfu-Organ or channel

● For diseases of the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired Organ or

channel

● For disorders due to the accumulation of pathogenic factors or

substances, for example Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, retention

of Dampness or Phlegm

● For psychoemotional problems, especially luo-connecting

points of the Yin channels, for example classically P-6(neiguan)

and HE-5(tongli)

● Bloodletting (three-edged needle, lancet or plum-blossom

needle) on the luo-connecting point of the affected channel:

this is particularly indicated for excess syndromes with

Qi stagnation and Blood stasis. For more details on point

selection ➞8.3.3

8.1.3 Xi-Cleft Points

Synonyms:Accumulation points (Maciocia)

The xi-cleft points are all located between the fingers and the

elbow on the upper extremity and between the toes and the knee

on the lower extremity. Only ST-34is located more proximally

on the thigh.

ST-18

SP-21

Ren-15 Du-1

*Xu liis only rarely mentioned in Western literature. The location and signifi-

cance of this point is based on Su Wen, chapter 18: ‘The geat luovessel of the

Stomach is called xu liand emerges at ST-18under the left breast, passes

through the diaphragm and ascends to connect with the Lung. One can feel its

pulsation with the hand. It is the place where the zong qi(➞1.1.4) of the chan-

nels resides.’ (Ngyen Van Nghi, 1989). Xu liis the only luo-connecting vessel

to directly emerge from a fu-Organ. It plays an important role in Korean

acupuncture.

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