To select the distal points one must accurately identify the channel involved. The main distal
points for sciatica are as follows:
- BL-40 Weizhong if the pain is on the Bladder channel. This point is better for acute than
chronic cases. It should also be kept in mind that this point tends to have a reducing and
cooling effect. It is therefore not suitable if there is a deficiency of Kidney-Yang. - BL-60 Kunlun if the pain is on the Bladder channel and is chronic.
- BL-57 Chengshan may be selected as a distal point instead of BL-40 when there is an
underlying Kidney-Yang deficiency. - BL-58 Feiyang if the pain is in between the Bladder and Gall-Bladder channel.
- BL-62 Shenmai if the pain starts from around the hip area, radiates to the lateral side of
the thigh and then to the back of the lower leg along the Bladder channel. - G.B.-41 Zulinqi or G.B.-40 Qiuxu if the pain occurs along the Gall-Bladder channel.
- KI-4 Dazhong, Connecting point of the Kidney channel, is a good distal point to choose
when there is an underlying Kidney deficiency as it simultaneously tonifies the Kidneys
and invigorates its Connecting channel and therefore the Bladder channel.
Obviously any of the above distal points may be used as a local point when the pain extends to
the lower leg.
Local Points
The main local points are:
- Tunzhong if the leg pain starts from the buttock. This point should be inserted at least 2"
deep and a good needling sensation obtained preferably radiating down to the leg. - BL-36 Chengfu is often a tender point and if so should be selected. Again, the needling
sensation should radiate down the leg. - BL-37 Yinmen, same as above.
- G.B.-30 Huantiao is an extremely important point if the leg pain occurs along the
Gall-Bladder channel. This point should be needled at least 2.5" deep, with the patient