radiates outwards from the point that should be sufficient.- Du-4 Mingmen: it tonifies Kidney-Yang and strengthens the back.
- Du-8 Jinsuo: it relaxes the sinews and relieves stiffness and contraction.
- Shiqizhuixia: this is an extremely effective extra point for backache in the centre of the
lower part of the back. - BL-32 Ciliao: this point is used if the pain is over the sacrum. The needling sensation
should radiate outwards.
Other points on the Governing Vessel may be chosen according to deviation and rotation of
vertebrae. The points on the Governing Vessel may be combined with the corresponding
Huatuojiaji points. If a vertebra is rotated it is best to use the Governing Vessel point below it, as
well as three pairs of Huatuojiaji points at its level and immediately below and above it (Figure
24.9(489)).
Case History 24.1
Lower Backache: Kidney-Yin Deficiency-Female, Age 44
A 44-year-old woman complained of an acute backache which had started after working in the
garden. The pain was intense and was centred around the left sacro-iliac area. It radiated
downwards to the left buttock and the back of the leg. She had not suffered from any backache
before.
On examination, the muscles on the left side of her back were in spasm and the whole area felt
very stiff. The most tender point was BL-26 Guanyuanshu. She was quite a tense person and her
pulse was slightly Rapid and Wiry.
Diagnosis This is a case of acute backache from sprain.
Treatment She was treated only with acupuncture. The distal points used were:
BL-62 Shenmai on the left, P-7 Daling on the right and LIV-3 Taichong
bilaterally. BL-62 was used to remove obstructions from the Bladder
channel on the left side. P-7 was selected to calm the Mind and relax the
muscles. LIV-3 was chosen to relax muscles and sinews. These points
were reduced and then left in place for 45 minutes, being manipulated
again a few times during this period.The local points, inserted after withdrawing the distal ones, were: