In chronic cases it is important to select other points to treat the general condition underlying the
back problem. In particular, one must treat the Spleen to affect the back muscles, the Liver to
affect the vertebrae ligaments and cartilage and the Kidneys to affect the bones. The combination
of Source points with Back-Transporting points would be particularly effective:
- SP-3 Taibai and BL-20 Pishu for the Spleen
- KI-3 Taixi and BL-23 Shenshu for the Kidneys
- BL-11 Dashu and G.B.-39 Xuanzhong for the bones.
Local Points
The local points in chronic backache are also selected according to tenderness on pressure but
BL-23 Shenshu should be used in every case. Other very important local points are:
- BL-26 Guanyuanshu
- Shiqizhuixia
- BL-54 Zhibian if the pain radiates to the buttocks
- Tunzhong: this is an extra point (Figure 24.13(495)) lateral to BL-54 half-way between
the midline and the edge of the buttock. It is an extremely effective point for pain in the
buttocks also when it radiates to the leg. It is more often tender on pressure than BL-54.
If the pain radiates down to the leg, a good needling sensation should be obtained,
preferably running down the leg - Yaoyan, an extra point in the depression lateral to the interspace between the spinous
processes of L4 and L5, is a good local point for chronic backache, especially in the
lower part. It is often tender on pressure (Figure 24.13(496)).
If there is Kidney-Yang deficiency, or if there is Cold-Dampness in the back, the moxa box
placed on the lower back over, say, BL-26 and Shiqizhuixia, is extremely effective.
Case History 24.3
Lower Backache: Kidney-Yin Deficiency-Male, Age 54
A 54-year-old man had been suffering from backache for over 20 years. The ache was across the
lower back stemming from the midline and was aggravated by work and improved by rest. Other