woman, needle S.I.-3 on the right, BL-62 on the left, LU-7 on the left and KI-6 on the
right in this order (Figure 24.10(490)). Remove the needles in reverse order. These two
treatments are only effective if the backache stems from the midline, over the spine. If the
ache starts on one side only, then different points should be used.
- BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi, in this order, open the Yang Heel Vessel and may be
used if the backache radiates outwards towards the hip. In a man, use BL-62 on the left
and S.I.-3 on the right, and the opposite in a woman (Figure 24.11(491)).
- BL-60 Kunlun is a very important distal point for chronic backache. In chronic cases it is
the point of choice to replace BL-40 Weizhong, which may sometimes aggravate the
backache if used in chronic cases. BL-60 also affects the upper part of the back and the
neck.
- KI-4 Dazhong is good if there is an underlying Kidney deficiency as it will
simultaneously tonify the Kidneys and affect the Bladder channel by virtue of its being
the Connecting point.
- SP-3 Taibai influences the spine and is good to select in chronic backache with obvious
scoliosis of the spine. Chapter 4 of the "Simple Questions" says: "Diseases of the Spleen
affect the spine."8(492) I use this point quite frequently in these cases with good results.
- Du-20 Baihui can be used as a distal point to affect the Governing Vessel when the pain
is on the lower part of the lumbar spine.
- HE-7 Shenmen affects the back indirectly because of its relation with the Kidney channel
within the Lesser Yin. It also relieves backache by calming the Mind and relieving
spasm. Strange as it may seem, I use this point very frequently in chronic backache
(suitably combined with others) with excellent results. It is especially indicated in tense
men with a Wiry and Fine pulse. An example of combination of distal points for chronic
backache stemming from the midline in a man might be:
- S.I.-3 Houxi on the left and BL-62 Shenmai on the right (i.e. the Governing Vessel
points), HE-7 Shenmen on the right and SP-3 Taibai on the left (Figure 24.12(493)). This
combination opens the Governing Vessel and removes obstructions from it, strengthens
the Kidneys and the spine, expels Wind, calms the Mind, relieves spasm and straightens
the spine. After withdrawal of these points, local points could be used. In a woman, the
combination would be:
- S.I.-3 Houxi on the right and BL-62 Shenmai on the left (i.e. the Governing Vessel
points), LU-7 Lieque on the left and KI-6 on the right (i.e. the Directing Vessel points),
HE-7 Shenmen on the right and SP-3 on the left (Figure 24.12(494)).
