was used to simultaneously tonify the Kidneys and invigorate its
Connecting channel and therefore the Bladder channel. LIV-3 was
chosen to relax the muscles and sinews. The placing of needles
unilaterally in this pattern is a very effective and dynamic way of
combining points.
BL-40 Weizhong on the right was also used as a distal point once he
turned over, to remove obstructions from the Bladder channel. All the
distal points were needled with reducing method, except for KI-4, and
were left in place for 45 minutes.
The local points were selected according to tenderness:
BL-26 Guanyuanshu on the right side, was reduced vigorously and then
cupped;
BL-23 Shenshu was needled because the attacks recurred repeatedly
over 10 years, indicating a Kidney deficiency;
Tunzhong was needled with reducing method at a depth of 2.5".
Ten daily sessions produced a complete remission. He was, however,
advised to take more exercise, do stretching exercises for his back,
reduce his sexual activity and avoid lifting weights. He was also
prescribed the Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Golden Chest Kidney-Qi Pill to
tonify Kidney-Yang and strengthen the back.
After this attack, he had other, less severe attacks, which acupuncture
cleared up very quickly in one or two sessions.
Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions are always due to a Kidney deficiency which can be combined with retention
of Damp-Cold or stagnation of Qi and Blood or even both these conditions.
In chronic conditions local points are primary in relation to distal ones.
Distal Points
The distal points to use are the same as for acute cases with some additional ones:
- S.I.-3 Houxi and BL-62 Shenmai in combination open the Governing Vessel, strengthen
the spine and tonify the Kidneys. They are an excellent treatment for chronic backache
from Kidney deficiency. In a man, needle S.I.-3 on the left and BL-62 on the right. In
women, the Governing Vessel is best combined with the Directing Vessel. Thus, in a