The Therapeutics of

Dr Zijing Hu (M.B. M.Med)

Lecturer: Department of
Complementary Medicine

Acupuncture and Moxibustion

(Acupuncture)
Faculty of Health Sciences

(General Introduction) University of Johannesburg

Table of contents

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

The therapeutic principles of A&M

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

The eight-principle differentiation
The zang-fu organs differentiation
The qi and blood differentiation
The meridian differentiation

A&M prescription

The clinical application of the special acupoints

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

• Dredging/smoothing the meridians

• Strengthening the anti-pathogenic qi and eliminating pathogenic qi

• Regulating yin and yang

• Dredging/smoothing the meridians – the most primary and direct function of A&M
➢ The analgesic function
Paralysis, impairments and atrophy of the
Swollen, redness, pain in the body extremities

Wind, cold and dampness Qi and blood stagnation, mal-

nourishment of the meridians
Cold pain, spasm, injuries
Paralysis, impairments and atrophy
Intervention: acupuncture
Intervention: moxibustion
Dispelling wind and dampness, activating
blood and removing stagnant blood, Tonifying qi and blood, warming
smoothing the meridians and relieving pain the meridians and tonifying
• Strengthening the anti-pathogenic qi and eliminating pathogenic qi

➢ Pathogenic qi prevails and anti-pathogenic qi is still not weak – expelling pathogenic

factors

➢ Pathogenic qi and anti-pathogenic qi are still not strong – tonifying anti-pathogenic qi

➢ Pathogenic qi is not strong and anti-pathogenic qi is weak – tonifying anti-pathogenic qi

and expelling pathogenic factors
• Factors affecting tonifying and purging function
• Manipulation methods
• Treatment methods
• Nature of acupoints

• Manipulation methods
Reinforcing and reducing methods
• Treatment methods
➢ Acupuncture manipulation with reinforcing methods and moxibustion, tonifying, used for
chronic diseases or cold deficiency syndromes.
➢ Acupuncture manipulation with reducing methods and pricking for bleeding, eliminating,
used for acute conditions, emergency conditions and excess heat syndromes.
 Due to qi and blood RN6 (Qihai), ST36
Metrorrhagia
deficiency (Zusanli), BL20 (Pishu)
Acupuncture: reinforcing
SP1 (Yinbai), RN4
(Guanyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
Moxibustion

High grade fever/ DU14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu),

Due to exogenous heat LI11 (Quchi), DU26 (Shuigou),
unconsciousness
Acupuncture: reducing

Ear tip, earlobes, EX-UE11

(Shixuan), twelve jing points;
Prick to cause bleeding
• Nature of acupoints
➢ Tonifying: RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), Du4 (Mingmen), BL43 (Gaohuang), BL23
(Shenshu)
➢ Eliminating: PC3 (Quze), BL40 (Weizhong), Du26 (Shuigou), M-UE-1 (Shixuan),
Shierjing
➢ Can be used for tonifying and eliminating: RN12 (Zhongwan), PC6 (Neiguan), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), ST36 (Zusanli)

➢ The back transport points (Back shu points) – tonifying – chronic deficient conditions
➢ The cleft points (Xi xue)/ alarm points (Mu xue)/ lower sea points (Xia he xue) –
eliminating - emergency, acute pain
➢ The yuan-source points – tonifying and eliminating functions – acute, emergency,
deficiency and excess syndromes.
• Regulating yin and yang
• Ling Shu: The key point of using acupuncture is to regulate yin and yang.

• According to yin and yang nature

➢ Zang organs – back – the back transport points

✓ Lung - cough/asthma – BL13 (Feishu)
✓ Kidney – nocturnal emission/erectile dysfunction – BL23 (Shenshu)
➢ Fu organs – abdomen – the alarm points
✓ Stomach – stomach-ache/diarrhoea – RN12 (Zhongwan)
✓ Difficult urination/enuresis – RN3 (Zhongji)
• According to zang-fu organs/meridians

➢ Diseases in yin meridians – use (points on) the coupled yang meridians
✓ Liver (organ/meridian) disease– GB34 (Yanglingquan)
✓ Spleen (organ/meridian) disease – ST36 (Zusanli)

➢ Disease in yang meridians – use (points on) the coupled yin meridians
✓ Gallbladder (organ/meridian) disease – LV3 (Taichong)
✓ Stomach (organ/meridian) disease – SP4 (Gongsun)
Table of contents

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

The therapeutic principles of A&M

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

The eight-principle differentiation
The zang-fu organs differentiation
The qi and blood differentiation
The meridian differentiation

A&M prescription

The clinical application of the special acupoints

The therapeutic principles of A&M

• Cultivating the shen/spirit and maintaining the qi

• Clearing the heat and warming the coldness

• Tonifying the deficiency and expelling the excess

• Cultivating the shen/spirit and maintaining the qi
➢ Cultivating the shen/spirit
• Patient’s spirit/concentration (mind/emotions)
• Practitioners concentration

➢ Maintaining the qi
• De qi
• The qi movement
• The qi arrival to the affected area

• Affecting factors: patient’s constitutions, patient’s sensitivities to A&M, the accuracy of

acupoints, the correct insertion direction/angle/depth/tense/manipulation methods
• Clearing the heat and warming the coldness
• Clearing the heat: using A&M to expel wind-heat, clear toxic heat, unblock orifices, used
for heat syndromes
• Warming the coldness: using A&M to tonify yang qi, warm the meridians, smooth the
meridians, expel coldness, used for cold syndromes.
➢ Clearing the heat
• Refers to syndromes with prevailing pathogenic heat.
• Possible causes: exogenous wind-cold/wind-heat, qi stagnation in the zang-fu organs
resulting in internal heat, qi and blood stagnation in an isolated area results in heat
syndrome in local affected areas
• Fast/quick technique for heat syndrome
• Application: acupuncture with filiform needles, shallow insertion with a short period,
reducing methods, prick for bleeding
 Common cold due to wind-heat

Acupoints: Du14 (Dazhui), LI11 (Quchi), LI4 (Hegu) and SJ5

(Waiguan)
Application: acupuncture with filiform needles, shallow
insertion with a short period in order to clear wind-heat

If the heat travels into internal areas – normal needle, deep insertion,
longer period, and reducing manipulation method (cooling the sky)

If accompanied with sore/swollen throat, add LU11

(Shaoshang) prick for bleeding (three edge needles) in order
to enhance heat clearance, reduce swelling and relieve pain
➢ Warming the coldness
• Refers to excess yin coldness
• Possible causes: exogenous wind-cold, Bi-pain syndrome due to cold-dampness
blockage in the meridians, internal cold syndrome due to the zang-fu organs deficiency
resulting in yang deficiency
• Application: moxibustion (warm the meridians and expel coldness) or acupuncture with
filiform needles, deep insertion with a longer period (in order to restore the yang qi)
➢ The combination of clearing the heat and warming the coldness

• Syndrome with exterior heat and internal coldness

• Manifestations: fever, thirst with no desire to drink or only prefers to drink a small amount
of warm water, prefers warmth, profuse clear urine.
• Applications:
• Warm internal coldness, focus on the foot yangming and foot taiyin meridians, such as
ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), acupuncture with reinforcing manipulation methods
and/or moxibustion
• Clear exogenous heat, focus on the hand yangming and hand taiyin meridians, such as
LI11 (Quchi), LI4 (Hegu), LU7 (Lieque), acupuncture with filiform needles
• Syndrome with heat in upper jiao and coldness in middle/lower jiao
• Manifestations: Irritation, thirst, dry throat, sore throat, abdominal pain with preference for
pressure, loose stool and cold extremities
• Applications:
• Warm the internal coldness in the middle/lower jiao, using moxibustion with RN6 (Qihai),
RN4 (Guanyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
• Clear heat in the upper jiao, using acupuncture with filiform needles on RN17 (Danzhong),
PC6 (Neiguan), LU7 (Lieque)
• Tonifying the deficiency and expelling the excess

➢ Using the tonify methods on the deficient syndromes

• refers to using tonify methods for deficient syndromes, including the choices of acupoints,
manipulation methods and specific applications (acupuncture or moxibustion)
• Used in chronic deficient syndromes/diseases
• For example, fatigue, weakness in extremities, short of breath, diarrhoea, enuresis, lack
of milk after giving birth, weak body constitution, recovery from severe disease, chronic
diseases, etc.
• Commonly used acupoints: RN4 (Guanyuan), RN6 (Qihai), DU4 (Mingmen), BL43
(Gaohuang), ST36 (Zusanli) and the back transport points, yuan-source points
• Application: using both acupuncture and moxibustion, reinforcing manipulation method
➢ Using moxibustion for the (qi) sinking

• Applied in the following situations

• a. the deficiency of qi results in hypofunctions of the zang-fu organs and prolapse of
internal organs
• b. lack of blood in the vessel
• c. weak/forceless pulse in superficial or deep levels
• d. extreme failure of yang qi with extremely feeble pulse
• The zang-fu organs/meridians qi deficiency – chronic diarrhoea, enuresis, metrorrhagia,
rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse or prolapse of other internal organs
• Applications:
• Tonifying qi in the middle jiao – Du20 (Baihui), RN8 (Shenque), RN6 (Qihai), RN4
(Guanyuan), RN12 (Zhongwan), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), BL23 (Shenshu), ST36
(Zusanli)
• Excessive bleeding/sweating, cold extremities, yang qi collapse, blood pressure decline,
extreme feeble pulse – moxibustion the above acupoints
 • Using the purging methods in the excess syndromes

• Refers to using the purging methods for the excess syndromes, including the choices of
acupoints, manipulation methods and specific applications (acupuncture or moxibustion)
• Application: the reducing manipulation method and pricking for bleeding

Excess syndromes Anti-pathogenic qi is not weak

High-grade fever, sun-stroke,

unconsciousness, convulsion, Acupoints: Du14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), BL40
spasm and severe pain (Weizhong), DU26 (Shuigou), M-UE-1 (Shixuan), the twelve Jing-
well points Acupuncture without moxibustion, purging methods
Application:
(the reducing manipulation method or pricking for bleeding)
 Excess blood syndromes
Possible causes:
Blood stasis, stagnant blood,
Treatment principles: activating blood circulation,
pathogenic qi in ying and blood
removing stagnant blood, smooth the meridians
level, chronic pain affecting
Application: pricking for bleeding
collaterals

• Using the acupoints on the affecting meridians for syndromes with no obvious deficiency
or excess

• Acupoints: the yuan-source points, five-shu points, etc,

• Manipulation methods: even method (ping bu ping xie, neither reinforcing nor reducing)
Table of contents

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

The therapeutic principles of A&M

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

The eight-principle differentiation
The zang-fu organs differentiation
The qi and blood differentiation
The meridian differentiation

A&M prescription

The clinical application of the special acupoints

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

• The characteristics of clinical differentiations of A&M

• Identifying the nature of diseases (heat/cold/excess/deficiency/…)

• Emphasising the meridian differentiation
• Focusing on the holistic concept
• Distinguishing the manifestations and root causes, urgent or not urgent
• Considering factors due to the difference of individuals, geography and time
 The eight-principle differentiation

• Yin and yang syndromes More severe

Yin syndrome Yang syndrome

Deficient cold syndrome Excess heat syndrome

Recovering
Treatment principles: warming Treatment principles: expelling exterior,
internals, tonifying deficiencies clearing heat, purging excess

Applications: A&M, focus on moxibustion; acupuncture with Applications: acupuncture with shallow
deep insertion and keep for a longer period, tonifying methods insertion, a short treatment period or
including choices of acupoints, manipulation methods and pricking for bleeding, no moxibustion
specific applications (acupuncture or moxibustion)
• Exterior and interior syndromes

• Exterior syndrome:
• Signs and symptoms: chills, fever, headache, body ache, nasal obstruction, sneezing,
runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, coughing and tachypnea. Pale red tongue with a thin
coating and superficial pulse.

• Treatment principles: smooth and unblock meridians, expel exterior pathogens,

• Acupoints commonly used: Du14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), SJ5 (Waiguan), LU7
(Lieque), GB20 (Fengchi), BL12 (Fengmen), BL13 (Feishu), etc.
• Applications:

Exterior coldness/exterior deficiency Exterior heat/exterior excess

• combination of A&M • purging methods, acupuncture with

• tonifying and purging methods shallow insertions, a short period
• no moxibustion

• Exterior deficiency – moxibustion

• Exterior coldness – acupuncture keep for a longer period,
shallow insertions
• Interior syndrome
• Signs and symptoms: An interior syndrome has vast and extensive signs and symptoms,
which can cover all clinical manifestations of non-exterior syndromes and intermediate
syndrome between exterior and interior syndromes. With an absence of chills or fever, an
interior syndrome is characterized by symptoms of zang-fu organs, qi, blood and body
fluids.

• Treatment principles: activating qi and blood circulation, recover the functions of zang-fu
organs
• Acupoints commonly used: RN12 (Zhongwan), ST25 (Tianshu), SP15 (Daheng), SJ6
(Zhigou), ST40 (Fenglong), RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST39 (Xiajuxu), etc.
• Applications:

Interior coldness/interior deficiency

Interior heat/interior excess

• combination of A&M
• purging methods, acupuncture with
deep insertions (manipulation methods)
• no moxibustion
• Interior deficiency – tonifying methods less forceful
manipulation, focus on moxibustion
• Interior coldness – acupuncture keep for a longer period,
deep insertion, tonifying and purging methods, warm
needling technique –warm the middle jiao, expel coldness
 • Cold and heat syndromes
• Cold syndromes
• Signs and symptoms: these include chills, cold intolerance, preference for warmth, cold
pain, tastelessness with absence of thirst, cold extremities, curled-up lying posture, thin
clear phlegm, nasal mucous and saliva, a pale complexion, clear profuse urine and loose
stools. The tongue is pale with a white moist or white slippery coating. The pulse is tense or
slow.
Pain or numbness in muscles Internal coldness affecting the Spleen and stomach deficiency
zang-fu organs
Due to cold pathogen in
the meridian (exterior) Due to internal coldness (interior) Acupoints: RN12 (Zhongwan), BL20 (Pishu),
BL21 (Weishu), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), etc.
Applications: moxibustion is Applications: acupuncture with deep Applications: a combination of A&M, focus
most important, also can use insertions, a longer period, warm on moxibustion; acupuncture with
skin needling technique, cupping acupuncture technique (with moxibustion) reinforcing manipulation method
• Heat syndrome
• Signs and symptoms: these include fever, preference for cold and aversion to heat, thirst
with a desire to drink water, thick yellow nasal mucous, a red face, restlessness, scanty,
dark yellow urine and constipation. The tongue is red with a dry, yellow coating. The pulse
is rapid.
• Applications: shallow insertions, keep for a short period or withdraw directly after insertion

Flu/cold due to exterior heat

Acupoints: Du14 (Dazhui), LI11 (Quchi), LI4 (Hegu), SJ5 Accompanied with swollen and sore throat
(Waiguan)
Applications: acupuncture with a shallow insertion, Add: LU11 (Shaoshang), LU10 (Yuji),
withdraw directly after insertion prick for bleeding (three-edge needle)
 Unconsciousness, spasm and delirium Constipation, less and yellow
urine due to internal heat

Acupoints: Du26 (Shuigou),M-UE-1 (Shixuan), twelve

jing-well points, Du14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong) Acupoints: LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), SJ6
Applications: acupuncture with a shallow insertion and (Zhigou), ST40 (Fenglong), ST36 (Zusanli),
short period, heavy manipulation or prick for bleeding ST37 (Shangjuxu), St39 (Xiajuxu)

Internal heat Deficient heat

Applications: primary with acupuncture, less

Applications: acupuncture with a deep insertion and a longer
moxibustion
period, reducing manipulation method (cooling the sky)
Even manipulation method
• Deficiency and excess syndromes
• Deficiency syndrome
• Signs and symptoms: signs and symptoms vary according to different deficiencies or
deficiency of different zang-fu organs.

Yang deficiency
Yin deficiency with deficient heat

Applications: a combination of A&M, reinforcing manipulation,

focus on moxibustion
Acupoints: RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), RN8 (Shenque), Du20
Primary acupuncture with less moxibustion
(Baihui), DU14 (Dazhui), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP10
Even manipulation
(Xuehai), KD3 (Taixi), BL43 (Gaohuang), and the yuan-source
points and the back transport points
 • Excess syndrome
• Signs and symptoms: signs and symptoms vary according to the pathogenic nature,
causative factors and retention area of the pathogenic factors. It’s generally characterized
by sudden onset and acute condition. Patients often have a strong body constitution.

Excess syndrome (pathogenic qi prevailing) Excess syndrome

& Anti-pathogenic qi is not weak & Anti-pathogenic qi is weak

Applications: acupuncture without moxibustion, purging methods

or prick for bleeding
Applications: Firstly tonify methods and
Acupoints: Du26 (Shuigou), M-UE-1 (Shixuan), twelve jing-well
followed by purging methods
points, LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), PE3 (Quze), BL40 (Weizhong),
the alarm points, cleft points and lower sea points, etc.
• In general, acupuncture is purging and used for excess conditions, while moxibustion is
tonifying and used for deficient conditions.

Yang syndromes, excess syndromes and Yin syndromes, deficient syndromes, cold
exterior syndromes syndromes and interior syndromes

Acupuncture Moxibustion

Reinforcing or reducing manipulation methods Reinforcing or reducing manipulation methods

The zang-fu organs differentiation
• Lung related syndromes
• Wind-cold attacking the lung
• Treatment principles: expelling wind and cold, dispelling exterior pathogens and assisting
the lung’s functions
• Applications: mainly focus on the hand taiyin meridian, hand yangming meridian (the
coupled meridian) and the foot taiyang meridian, such as LU1 (Zhongfu), LU9 (Taiyuan),
LU7 (Lieque), LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), BL12 (Fengmen), BL13 (Feishu), DU14 (Dazhui),
etc.
• Wind-heat attacking the lung
• Treatment principles: expelling wind and heat, dispelling exterior pathogens
• Applications: Acupuncture with purging methods or prick for bleeding, no moxibustion.
Mainly focus on the hand taiyin meridian and hand yangming meridian, such as LU1
(Zhongfu), LU5 (Chize), LU10 (Yuji), LU11 (Shaoshang), LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), SJ5
(Waiguan), DU14 (Dazhui), ST44 (Neiting), etc.
• Phlegm dampness affecting the lung
• Treatment principles: clearing dampness and phlegm
• Applications: purging methods is used in phlegm with heat, even manipulation method
and/or moxibustion is used in phlegm with coldness. Mainly focus on hand taiyin meridian,
foot taiyin meridian, foot yangming meridian and the related back transport points, such
as LU1 (Zhongfu), LU9 (Taiyuan), LU5 (Chize), LU7 (Lieque), SP3 (Taibai), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), ST40 (Fenglong), ST36 (Zusanli), BL13 (Feishu), BL20 (Pishu), etc.
• Lung qi deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying the lung and regulating qi, tonifying the spleen and tonifying
qi, warming the kidney and receiving qi
• Applications: A combination of A&M, tonify methods. Mainly focus on the hand taiyin
meridian, foot taiyin meridian, foot shaoyin meridian, ren meridian and related back
transport points, such as LU9 (Taiyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), KD3 (Taixi), RN17 (Danzhong),
RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), ST36 (Zusanli), BL13 (Feishu), BL20 (Pishu), BL23
(Shenshu), etc.
• Lung yin deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying the lung and kidney yin, clearing deficient heat
• Applications: Primary with acupuncture, less moxibustion, tonify methods (even
manipulation method for yin deficiency with deficiency heat). Mainly focus on the hand
taiyin and foot shaoyin meridians, and related back transport points, such as LU9
(Taiyuan), LU1 (Zhongfu), LU5 (Chize), LU7 (Lieque), LU6 (Kongzui), LU10 (Yuji), KD3
(Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), BL13 (Feishu), BL23 (Shenshu), BL43 (Gaohuang), etc.
• Large intestine related syndromes
• Large intestine excess syndrome
• Treatment principles: Reducing food retention, smoothing the qi of fu organs
• Applications: Acupuncture with purging methods, no moxibustion. Commonly used
acupoints include RN12 (Zhongwan), ST25 (Tianshu), ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu),
SP15 (Daheng), PC6 (Neiguan), SJ6 (Zhigou), etc.

• Damp-heat in large intestine

• Treatment principles: Clearing dampness and heat, smoothing the qi of fu organs.
• Applications: Acupuncture only, no moxibustion. Commonly used acupoints include RN12
(Zhongwan), ST25 (Tianshu), ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), LI4 (Hegu), LI11
(Quchi), etc.
• Large intestine deficient syndrome
• Treatment principles: Tonifying qi, moving yang qi upwards and stopping diarrhoea
• Applications: A combination of A&M, tonify method, focus on moxibustion. Commonly
used acupoints include RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), RN12 (Zhongwan), DU20 (Baihui),
DU1 (Changqiang), ST36 (Zusanli), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), BL25 (Dachangshu),
etc.

• Large intestine cold syndrome

• Treatment principles: Warming internal areas, expelling coldness, relieving pain and
stopping diarrhoea
• Applications: A combination of A&M, purging method. Commonly used acupoints include
RN12 (Zhongwan), ST25 (Tianshu), ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), BL25
(Dachangshu), etc.
• Intestinal dryness due to fluid insufficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying yin and fluids, moisten the intestines, releasing constipation
• Applications: Primarily use acupuncture and less moxibustion, tonify method or even
manipulation method. Commonly used acupoints include LI4 (Hegu), ST36 (Zusanli),
ST37 (Shangjuxu), PC6 (Neiguan), SJ6 (Zhigou), KD3 (Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), BL25
(Dachangshu), etc.
• Stomach related syndromes
• Food retention
• Treatment principles: promoting digestion
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the ren
meridian, foot yangming meridian and the stomach alarm point, such as RN12
(Zhongwan), RN11 (Jianli), ST21 (Liangmen), ST36 (Zusanli), PC6 (Neiguan), SP4
(Gongsun), ST44 (Neiting), etc.

• Stomach coldness syndrome

• Treatment principles: warming the middle jiao and expelling coldness
• Applications: a combination of A&M, even manipulation method. Mainly focus on the foot
yangming and foot taiyin meridians, related back transport points and alarm points, such
as ST21 (Liangmen), ST36 (Zusanli), SP4 (Gongsun), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), RN12
(Zhongwan), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), etc.
• Stomach heat syndrome
• Treatment principles: clearing stomach heat
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the
hand and foot yangming meridians, such as LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), ST44 (Neiting),
St36 (Zusanli), SJ6 (Zhigou), RN12 (Zhongwan), PC7 (Daling), etc.

• Stomach yin deficiency syndrome

• Treatment principles: tonifying stomach and yin fluid
• Applications: Primarily use acupuncture, less moxibustion, tonifying method (even
manipulation method for individuals with deficient heat). Mainly focus on the hand and
foot yangming meridians, and stomach alarm points, such as LI4 (Hegu), RN12
(Zhongwan), ST21 (Liangmen), ST36 (Zusanli), PC6 (Neiguan), SP4 (Gongsun), RN23
(Lianquan), EXHN-12 (Jinjin), EXHN-13 (Yuye), etc.
• Spleen related syndromes
• Spleen qi deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying the middle jiao
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the foot taiyin and foot
taiyang meridians, and related back transport points, such as SP3 (Taibai), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), ST40 (Fenglong), BL23 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), ect.

Accompany with qi sinking, add RN6

(Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), DU20 (Baihui),
focus on moxibustion
Accompany with bleeding due to qi deficiency,
add SP1 (Yinbai), SP10 (Xuehai), BL17 (Geshu),
focus on moxibustion
• Spleen yang deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying spleen yang
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the foot taiyin and
foot yangming meridians, and related back transport points, such as SP3 (Taibai), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), ST40 (Fenglong), RN4 (Guanyuan), BL20 (Pishu), BL21
(Weishu), BL23 (Shenshu), etc.

• Damp-heat accumulation in spleen

• Treatment principles: clearing dampness and heat
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
taiyin and foot jueyin meridians, such as SP3 (Taibai), SP5 (Shangqiu), SP6 (Sanyinjiao),
SP9 (Yinlingquan), LV3 (Taichong), LV13 (Zhangmen), LV14 (Qimen), ST36 (Zusanli),
GB34 (Yanglingquan), etc.
• Heart (pericardium) related syndromes
• Heart qi deficiency
• Treatment principles: warming heart yang, harmonise the qi and blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the hand shaoyin and
hand jueyin meridians, and related back transport points and alarm points, such as HT7
(Shenmen), HT5 (Tongli), PE6 (Neiguan), RN17 (Danzhong), BL15 (Xinshu), BL14
(Jueyinshu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.

• Heart blood deficiency

• Treatment principles: Tonifying qi and nourishing blood, calming spirit
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method (even manipulation method in
deficiency heat). Commonly used acupoints include KD3 (Taixi), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL20
(Pishu), BL17 (Geshu), etc.
• Heart fire/heat syndrome
• Treatment principles: clearing heart heat
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the
hand shaoyin meridian, foot shaoyin meridian and hand jueyin meridian, such as HT6
(Yinxi), HT8 (Shaofu), PC7 (Daling), PC8 (Laogong), PC6 (Neiguan), PC4 (Ximen), KD3
(Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), etc.

• Phlegm misting the heart mind

• Treatment principles: clear the phlegm, calm the mind
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, or prick for bleeding, no moxibustion.
Mainly focus on the hand shaoyin meridian, hand jueyin meridian and Du meridian, such
as HT7 (Shenmen), HT9 (Shaochong), PC9 (Zhongchong), PC6 (Neiguan), PC7 (Daling),
PC5 (Jianshi), DU26 (Shuigou), DU14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), ST40
(Fenglong), the twelve jing-well points, etc.
• Blockage of heart vessels
• Treatment principles: activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, stopping pain,
unblock meridian
• Applications: acupuncture or moxibustion, purging method. Mainly focus on the hand
shaoyin meridian and hand jueyin meridian, and related back transport and alarm points,
such as HT7 (Shenmen), HT6 (Yinxi), PC6 (Neiguan), PC4 (Ximen), RN17 (Danzhong),
RN14 (Juque), BL15 (Xinshu), BL14 (Jueyinshu), BL17 (Geshu), etc.
• Small intestine related syndromes
• Small intestine deficiency coldness
• Treatment principles: warming the intestines and expelling coldness, regulating qi and
stopping pain
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the foot yangming
meridian, and related back transport and alarm points, such as ST36 (Zusanli), ST39
(Xiajuxu), ST25 (Tianshu), RN12 (Zhongwan), RN4 (Guanyuan), BL20 (Pishu), BL21
(Weishu), BL27 (Xiaochangshu), etc.
• Small intestine excess heat
• Treatment principles: clearing heat, promoting urination
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the
hand shaoyin meridian and foot shaoyin meridian, such as HT5 (Tongli), HT8 (Shaofu),
HT6 (Yinxi), KD3 (Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), KD1 (Yongquan), SI7 (Zhizheng), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), RN4 (Guanyuan), ST39 (Xiajuxu), etc.
• Small intestine qi stagnation
• Treatment principles: warming the meridian, expelling coldness, regulating qi and stopping
pain
• Applications: a combination of A&M, purging method. Mainly focus on Ren meridian, foot
yangming meridian and foot jueyin meridian, such as RN4 (Guanyuan), RN6 (Qihai), LV3
(Taichong), LV1 (Dadun), ST29 (Guilai), ST36 (Zusanli), ST39 (Xiajuxu), etc.
• Bladder related syndromes
• Bladder deficient cold syndrome
• Treatment principles: warming yang qi, promoting the bladder function
• Applications: a combination of A&M, purging method. Mainly focus on the Ren meridian
and foot taiyang meridian, such as RN3 (Zhongji), RN4 (Guanyuan), RN6 (Qihai), BL23
(Shenshu), BL28 (Pangguangshu), KD3 (Taixi), SP6(Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.

• Damp-heat accumulation in bladder

• Treatment principles: clearing heat and dampness, unblock the lower jiao
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method. Mainly focus on the ren meridian, foot
taiyang meridian and foot taiyin meridian, such as RN3 (Zhongji), RN4 (Guanyuan), BL40
(Weizhong), BL39 (Weiyang), BL23 (Shenshu), BL28 (Pangguangshu), BL27
(Xiaochangshu), BL22 (Sanjiaoshu), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP9 (Yinlingquan), etc.
• Kidney related syndromes
• Kidney yin deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying essence and blood
• Applications: Primarily use acupuncture, tonify method (even manipulation method for yin
deficiency with deficient heat), less moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot shaoyin
meridian and related back transport points, such as KD3 (Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), KD1
(Yongquan), KD7 (Fuliu), KD12 (Dahe), BL23 (Shenshu), BL15 (Xinshu), RN4
(Guanyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL32 (Ciliao), BL54 (Zhibian), etc.
• Kidney yang deficiency
• Treatment principles: warming kidney yang, receiving qi
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the foot shaoyin
meridian, ren meridian and related back transport points, such as KD3 (Taixi), KD7
(Fuliu), KD12 (Dahe), RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), BL23 (Shenshu), BL13 (Feishu),
BL20 (Pishu), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), DU4 (Mingmen), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.
• Sanjiao related syndromes
• Sanjiao deficient coldness
• Treatment principles: warming the three jiao, promoting qi transformation
• Applications: a combination A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the ren meridian and
related back transport points, such as RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), RN12 (Zhongwan),
SJ4 (Yangchi), KD3 (Taixi), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL23 (Shenshu), BL22 (Sanjiaoshu), ST36
(Zusanli), etc.
• Sanjiao excessive heat
• Treatment principles: unblock the three jiao, promoting water metabolism, clearing
dampness
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the ren
meridian and hand shaoyang meridian, such as RN12 (Zhongwan), RN3 (Zhongji), RN9
(Shuifen), RN5 (Shimen), ST28 (Shuidao), SJ4 (Yangchi), SJ6 (Zhigou), SP9
(Yinlingquan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL40 (Weizhong), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.
• Liver related syndromes
• Liver qi stagnation
• Treatment principles: activating liver qi
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
jueyin meridian, such as LV3 (Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian), LV13 (Zhangmen), LV14
(Qimen), PC6 (Neiguan), GB34 (Yanglingquan), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.

• Internal stirring of liver wind

• Treatment principles: expelling wind and stopping spasm
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
jueyin and Du meridian, such as LV3 (Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian), DU26 (Shuigou), DU20
(Baihui), DU14 (Dazhui), DU8 (Jinsuo), LI4 (Hegu), SI3 (Houxi), etc.
• Hyperactive liver yang
• Treatment principles: reducing liver yang
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
jueyin meridian, foot shaoyin meridian and related back transport points, such as LV3
(Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian), KD3 (Taixi), KD1 (Yongquan), KD6 (Zhaohai), BL18 (Ganshu),
BL23 (Shenshu), DU20 (Baihui), etc.

• Liver fire
• Treatment principles: clearing liver fire
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method (prick for bleeding), no moxibustion. The
commonly used acupoints are same as the Hyperactive liver yang, add GB43 (Xiaxi),
EXHN-5 (Taiyang), EXHN-3 (Yintang), etc.
• Cold retention in the liver meridian
• Treatment principles: warming the meridian and expelling coldness
• Applications: a combination of A&M, purging method. Mainly focus on the foot jueyin
meridian, such as LV3 (Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian), LV1 (Dadun), LV12 (Jimai), RN4
(Guanyuan), ST29 (Guilai), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), GB34 (Yanglinquan), etc.

• Liver blood deficiency

• Treatment principles: tonifying liver blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Mainly focus on the three foot
meridians and related back transport points, such as LV3 (Taichong), LV8 (Ququan), KD3
(Taixi), KD6 (Zhaohai), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP10 (Xuehai), GB37 (Guangming), BL18
(Ganshu), BL23 (Shenshu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.
• Liver and gallbladder fire
• Treatment principles: clearing heat, smoothing the gallbladder
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
yangming meridian and foot jueyin meridian, such as GB20 (Fengchi), GB24 (Riyue),
GB40 (Qiuxu), GB34 (Yanglingquan), GB41 (Zulinqi), GB43 (Xiaxi), LV2 (Xingjian), LV3
(Taichong), LV14 (Qimen), SJ5 (Waiguan), etc.

• Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder

• Treatment principles: smoothing the liver and gallbladder, clearing heat and dampness
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Mainly focus on the foot
jueyin meridian, foot shaoyang meridian, foot taiyin meridian and related back transport
points, such as LV3 (Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian), LV13 (Zhangmen), LV14 (Qimen), GB24
(Riyue), Gb34 (Yanglingquan), SP9 (Yinlingquan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL18 (Ganshu),
BL19 (Danshu), BL20 (Pishu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.
The qi and blood differentiation
• Qi related syndromes
• Qi deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying qi
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Commonly used acupoints include
RN4 (Qihai), RN6 (Guanyuan), RN17 (Danzhong), BL13 (Feishu), BL20 (Pishu), BL23
(Shenshu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc

applications of related
zang-fu organs
The qi and blood differentiation
• Qi sinking
• Treatment principles: tonifying qi and rising the yang
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method, focus on moxibustion. Commonly
used acupoints include DU20 (Baihui), RN8 (Shenque), RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan),
RN12 (Zhongwan), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), BL23 (Shenshu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.

• Severe conditions (qi collapse) Treatment principles: restoring yang and strengthening the qi
Applications: the above acupoints applied with moxibustion
+ acupuncture DU25 (Suliao), DU26 (Shuigou), RN1 (Huiyin),
etc
• Qi stagnation
• Treatment principles: activating qi circulation, stopping pain, smoothing meridians
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. Commonly used
acupoints include RN12 (Zhongwan), RN17 (Danzhong), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong),
LV14 (Qimen), SJ6 (Zhigou), GB34 (Yanglingquan), ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu),
ST39 (Xiajuxu), etc.
 • Qi counterflow

Lung Treatment principles: stopping cough and Stomach Treatment principles: stopping nausea/vomiting
releasing tachypnea, regulating the lung qi and regulating the stomach qi

Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no
moxibustion. Commonly used acupoints include LU1 moxibustion. Commonly used acupoints include RN12
(Zhongfu), LU7 (Lieque), LU9 (Taiyuan), LU6 (Kongzui), (Zhongwan), ST21 (Liangmen), PC6 (Neiguan), RN17
RN17 (Danzhong), BL13 (Feishu), ST36 (Zusanli), etc. (Danzhong), ST36 (Zusanli), ST30 (Qichong), etc.
• Blood related syndromes
• Blood deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying blood and tonifying qi to generate the blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Commonly used acupoints include
SP10 (Xuehai), RN4 (Qihai), RN17 (Danzhong), GB39 (Xuanzhong), SP6 (Sanyinjiao),
ST36 (Zusanli), BL15 (Xinshu), BL17 (Geshu), BL20 (Pishu), BL18 (Ganshu), BL43
(Gaohuang), etc.
• Blood stasis
• Treatment principles: activating blood, removing stagnant blood, stopping pain, reducing
swelling
• Applications: initial stage: acupuncture only, purging method, or prick for bleeding
(followed by cupping), no moxibustion. Later stage: a combination of A&M, even
manipulation method. Commonly used acupoints include SP10 (Xuehai), BL17 (Geshu),
RN4 (Qihai), RN17 (Danzhong), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), A-shi points, etc.
• Bleeding syndromes

• Bleeding due to qi failing to control blood

• Treatment principles: Tonifying qi and confining blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Base on the application of Qi and
blood related syndromes + SP1 (Yinbai), LU6 (Kongzui), etc.

• Bleeding due to excess heat

• Treatment principles: clearing heat, cooling blood, stopping bleeding.
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging method, no moxibustion. (see next page)
• Nose bleeding: LI20 (Yingxiang), Shangyingxiang, EX-HN3 (Yintang), GB20 (Fengchi),
LI4 (Hegu)
• Coughing blood: LU1 (Zhongfu), LU5 (Chize), LU10 (Yuji), LU6 (Kongzui), BL17
(Geshu)
• Vomiting blood: RN12 (Zhongwan), ST34 (Liangqiu), PC6 (Neiguan), BL17 (Geshu),
ST44 (Neiting), ST36 (Zusanli)
• Blood in urine: RN3 (Zhongji), RN4 (Guanyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP9 (Yinlingquan),
ST39 (Xiajuxu), BL23 (Shenshu), BL28 (Pangguangshu), BL27 (Xiaochangshu)
• Blood in stool: DU1 (Changqiang), RN12 (Zhongwan), ST34 (Liangqiu), LU6 (Kongzui),
BL57 (Chengshan)
• Heavy menstruation/metrorrhagia: LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), LV1 (Dadun), LV2
(Xingjian), BL17 (Geshu), SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
• Bleeding due to yin deficiency with deficient heat
• Treatment principles: tonifying yin, clearing heat, stopping bleeding
• Applications: acupuncture only, even manipulation method, no moxibustion. Commonly
used acupoints include RN12 (Zhongwan), LU10 (Yuji), LU5 (Chize), KD3 (Taixi), BL13
(Feishu), BL43 (Gaohuang), etc.

• Bleeding due to blood stasis

• Treatment principles: activating blood, removing stagnant blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, purging method. Commonly used acupoints are
same as the ones in the application of blood stasis
• Qi and blood related syndromes
• Qi and blood deficiency
• Treatment principles: tonifying qi and blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method. Commonly used acupoints include
RN4 (Qihai), SP10 (Xuehai), RN17 (Danzhong), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), BL18
(Ganshu), BL17 (Geshu), GB39 (Xuanzhong), ST36 (Zusanli), etc.

• Blood collapse due to qi deficiency

• Treatment principles: same as Bleeding due to qi failing to control blood
• Applications: same as Bleeding due to qi failing to control blood
• Qi collapse due to excessive bleeding
• Treatment principles: Urgently tonifying qi and blood, restoring yang
• Applications: a combination of A&M, tonify method, focus on moxibustion. Commonly
used acupoints (moxibustion) include RN8 (Shenque), RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan),
DU20 (Baihui), ST36 (Zusanli), or acupuncture with the following acupoints, DU25
(Suliao), PC6 (Neiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), etc.

• Blood stasis due to qi deficiency

• Treatment principles: tonifying qi, activating qi and blood circulation
• Applications: a combination of A&M, even manipulation method, or skin needling
technique (local affecting area). Commonly used acupoints include RN4 (Qihai), RN17
(Danzhong), ST36 (Zusanli), LI4 (Hegu), BL20 (Pishu), BL21 (Weishu), BL17 (Geshu), A-
shi points, etc.
• Blood stasis due to blood deficiency
• Treatment principles: activating blood circulation and removing stagnant blood
• Applications: a combination of A&M, even manipulation method, or skin needling
technique (local affecting area). Commonly used acupoints include SP10 (Xuehai), BL17
(Geshu), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), ST36 (Zusanli), BL20 (Pishu), BL18 (Ganshu), SP6
(Sanyinjiao), A-shi points, ect.

• Qi stagnation with blood stasis

• Treatment principles: activating qi and blood circulation, removing stagnant blood
• Applications: primary use acupuncture, purging method, or skin needling
technique/cupping (local affecting area). Commonly used acupoints include RN17
(Danzhong), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), BL40 (Weizhong), RN6 (Qimen), BL17 (Geshu),
A-shi points, etc.
The meridian differentiation (Self study)

➢ The meridian differentiation

✓ According to the syndromes
✓ According to the affected locations

➢ Treatment according to meridians (according to the Huang Di Nei Jing)

➢ The meridian differentiation

✓ According to the syndromes

✓ According to the affected locations

• Meridian inspection
• Meridian palpation
➢ Treatment according to meridians (according to the Huang Di Nei Jing)

• The twelve main meridians

• The extraordinary meridians
• The lung meridian of the hand taiyin
• Manifestations: cough, shortness of breath, tachypnea, chest oppression, chest
tightness; blocked nose, sore throat, aversion to cold, fever, sweating, aversion to wind;
frequent urination with little volume of urine; pain or numbness in the interior and anterior
area of upper extremities
• Applications: mainly focus on the lung meridian, coordinate with the hand yangming and
foot yangming meridians. Commonly used acupoints include LU1 (Zhongfu), LU9
(Taiyuan), LU7 (Lieque), LU5 (Chize), LU6 (Kongzui), LU11 (Shaoshang), LI4 (Hegu),
LI11 (Quchi), LI20 (Yingxiang), LI6 (Pianli), BL12 (Fengmen), BL13 (Feishu), RN17
(Danzhong), DU14 (Dazhui), etc.
• The large intestine meridian of the hand yangming
• Manifestations: pain or numbness in the exterior, anterior aspect of the upper
extremities; weakness, movement limitation, atrophy, impairment in the upper extremities;
swollen neck, shoulder pain, blocked nose, runny nose, nose bleeds, toothache (lower
jaw), sore throat, facial pain, facial disorder, facial spasm, abdominal pain, increased
(hyperactive) bowel sounds, diarrhoea, hemorrhoids and constipation. Pain or numbness
in the lateral and anterior area of upper extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the large intestine meridian, coordinate with the hand
taiyin and foot yangming meridians. Commonly used acupoints include LI4 (Hegu), LI11
(Quchi), LI3 (Sanjian), LI15 (Jianyu), LI10 (Shousanli), LI20 (Yingxiang), LU7 (Lieque),
LU6 (Kongzui), ST36 (Zusanli), ST25 (Tianshu), ST37 (Shangjuxu), RN12 (Zhongwan),
BL25 (Dachangshu), etc.
• The stomach meridian of the foot yangming
• Manifestations: stomach ache, distended stomach, poor appetite, vomiting, abdominal
pain, increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds, diarrhoea, constipation; fever, swollen neck,
sore throat, toothache (upper jaw), nose diseases, eye diseases, facial pain, facial
disorders, facial spasm, pain in forehead; pain or numbness on the anterior portion of the
lower extremities; weakness, movement limitation, atrophy, impairment of lower
extremities. Pain or numbness in the lateral and anterior area of lower extremities
• Applications: mainly focus on the stomach meridian, coordinate with the foot taiyin
meridian and the alarm appoint, back transport point of stomach. Commonly used
acupoints include ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST39 (Xiajuxu), ST40 (Fenglong),
ST44 (Neiting), ST34 (Liangqiu), ST25 (Tianshu), ST21 (Liangmen), ST4 (Dicang), ST6
(Jiache), ST7 (Xiaguan), ST2 (Sibai), ST8 (Touwei), SP4 (Gongsun), SP15 (Daheng),
SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), RN12 (Zhongwan), BL21 (Weishu), etc.
• The spleen meridian of the foot taiyin
• Manifestations: abdominal distending feeling, diarrhoea, poor appetite, jaundice,
oedema, body heaviness, fatigue, irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, tongue stiffness,
pain or numbness of the interior portion of the lower extremities. Pain or numbness in the
interior and anterior area of lower extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the spleen meridian, coordinate with the foot yangming
meridian and the alarm point, as well as the back transport point of spleen. Commonly
used acupoints include SP3 (Taibai), SP1 (Yinbai), SP4 (Gongsun), SP6 (Sanyinjiao),SP8
(Diji), SP10 (Xuehai), SP9 (Yinlingquan), SP15 (Daheng), ST21 (Liangmen), ST28
(Shuidao), ST40 (Fenglong), ST36 (Zusanli), LV13 (Zhangmen), BL20 (Pishu), BL21
(Weishu), etc.
• The heart meridian of the hand shaoyin
• Manifestations: chest pain, palpitation, irritation, insomnia, mental disorders, dry throat,
mouth/tongue ulcers, hot sensation or pain in the palms; pain or numbness on the interior
and posterior portion of the upper extremities. Pain or numbness in the interior and
posterior area of upper extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the heart and pericardium meridians, coordinate with the
alarm appoint, as well as the back transport point of heart. Commonly used acupoints
include HT7 (Shenmen), HT5 (Tongli), HT6 (Yinxi), HT8 (Shaofu), HT3 (Shaohai), PC7
(Daling), PC6 (Neiguan), PC5 (Jianshi), PC4 (Ximen), RN14 (Juque), RN17 (Danzhong),
BL15 (Xinshu), BL14 (Jueyinshu), etc.
• The small intestine meridian of the hand taiyang
• Manifestations: pain in the scapula, sore throat, swollen cheek, yellow eyes, tinnitus,
deafness, increased bowel sounds, diarrhoea, yellow urine, pain in both sides of
abdomen, pain and numbness in the lateral and posterior area of upper extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the small intestine meridian, coordinate with the foot
yangming meridian and the alarm point, as well as the back transport point of the small
intestine. Commonly used acupoints include SI3 (Houxi), SI4 (Wangu), SI8 (Xiaohai), SI9
(Jianzhen), SI11 (Tianzong), SI18 (Quanliao), SI19 (Tinggong), ST36 (Zusanli), ST39
(Xiajuxu), RN12 (Zhongwan), RN4 (Guanyuan), BL27 (Xiaochangshu), etc.
• The bladder meridian of the foot taiyang
• Manifestations: enuresis, difficult urination, lower abdomen distending feeling, mental
disorders, all kinds of zang-fu organs diseases, ear/nose/eye diseases, back pain, lower
back pain, aversion to cold, fever, headache in the occipital region, pain and numbness at
the back of lower extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the bladder meridian, coordinate with the alarm point, as
well as the back transport point of the bladder. Commonly used acupoints include BL10
(Tianzhu), BL11 (Dazhu), BL12 (Fengmen), all back transport points, BL32 (Ciliao), BL54
(Zhibian), BL37 (Yinmen), BL40 (Weizhong), BL39 (Weiyang), BL57 (Chengshan), BL60
(Kunlun), BL62 (Shenmai), BL64 (Jinggu), RN3 (Zhongji), RN4 (Guanyuan), KD3 (Taixi),
SP6 (Sanyinjiao), etc.
• The kidney meridian of the foot shaoyin
• Manifestations: mainly deficiency syndromes, enuresis, difficult urination, nocturnal
emission, erectile dysfunction, infertility in male and female, tachypnea (deficiency),
coughing blood, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleeping, lower back pain, dry throat, near
sightedness, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, hot sensation under the soles, pain and
numbness in the interior and posterior area of lower extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the kidney meridian, coordinate with the ren meridian and
the foot taiyang meridian. Commonly used acupoints include KD3 (Taixi), KD7 (Fuliu),
KD6 (Zhaohai), KD1 (Yongquan), KD12 (Dahe), BL23 (Shenshu), BL32 (Ciliao), BL54
(Zhibian), DU4 (Mingmen), RN6 (Qihai), RN4 (Guanyuan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), etc.
• The pericardium meridian of the hand jueyin
• Manifestations: same as the heart meridian, except the pain or numbness on the interior
and middle area of upper extremities.
• Applications: same as the heart meridian
• The sanjiao meridian of the hand shaoyang
• Manifestations: Pain and numbness in the lateral and middle area of upper extremities;
pain in the shoulder, neck, behind ear; tinnitus, deafness, migraines, sore throat,
abdominal distension, oedema, enuresis, difficult urination
• Applications: mainly focus on the sanjiao meridian, coordinate with the foot shaoyang,
foot taiyin and the alarm point, as well as the back transport points and lower sea point of
the sanjiao meridian. Commonly used acupoints include SJ4 (Yangchi), SJ3 (Zhongzhu),
SJ5 (Waiguan), SJ6 (Zhigou), SJ17 (Yifeng), SJ20 (Jiaosun), SJ21 (Ermen), GB20
(Fengchi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), GB41 (Zulinqi), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP9 (Yinlingquan),
RN5 (Shimen), BL22 (Sanjiaoshu), BL39 (Weiyang), etc.
• The gallbladder meridian of the foot shaoyang
• Manifestations: jaundice, bitter taste, yellow urine, fear, insomnia, migraines, eye
disease, tinnitus, deafness; pain and numbness in the lateral and middle area of lower
extremities.
• Applications: Mainly focus on the gallbladder meridian, coordinate with the hand shaoyin
and foot jueyin meridians. Commonly used acupoints include GB40 (Qiuxu), GB43 (Xiaxi),
GB41 (Zulinqi), GB39 (Xuanzhong), GB37 (Guangming), GB34 (Yanglingquan), GB31
(Fengshi), GB30 (Huantiao), GB24 (Riyue), GB8 (Shuaigu), GB20 (Fengchi), GB2
(Tinghui), SJ6 (Zhigou), SJ5 (Waiguan), LV14 (Qimen), LV3 (Taichong), BL18 (Ganshu),
BL19 (Danshu), etc.
• The liver meridian of the foot jueyin
• Manifestations: distending feelings in the chest, jaundice, bitter taste, poor appetite,
nausea, vomiting, irritation, facial disorder, dizziness, vertigo, pain at the top of the head,
short eyesight, blurred vision, red eyes, sore eyes; pain and numbness in the interior and
middle area of lower extremities.
• Applications: mainly focus on the liver meridian, coordinate with the foot shaoyang and
foot shaoyin meridians. Commonly used acupoints include LV3 (Taichong), LV2 (Xingjian),
LV1 (Dadun), Lv8 (Ququan), LV13 (Zhangmen), LV14 (Qimen), GB43 (Xiaxi), GB34
(Yanglingquan), GB37 (Guangming), GB20 (Fengchi), GB24 (Riyue), KD3 (Taixi), KD7
(Fuliu), KD1 (Yongquan), ST36 (Zusanli), DU20 (Baihui), BL18 (Ganshu), etc.
• The ren meridian (the conception meridian)
• Manifestations: mainly manifests in the lower jiao including diseases of the urinary and
reproductive systems, such as frequent urination, enuresis, difficult urination, nocturnal
emission, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, infertility (male and female),
leucorrhoea, metrorrhagia, irregular menstruation, abdominal masses.
• Also including diseases of the digestive system, respiratory system and heart, such as
abdominal pain, tachypnea, oppressed chest, mental disorders
• Treatment principles: regulating sanjiao and stomach.
• Applications: in the chest area, mainly use acupuncture; in the abdominal area,
acupuncture or moxibustion. Commonly used acupoints include RN3 (Zhongji), RN4
(Guanyuan), RN6 (Qihai), RN8 (Shenque), RN12 (Zhongwan), RN14 (Juque), RN17
(Danzhong), RN22 (Tiantu), RN23 (Lianquan), RN24 (Chengjiang), LU7 (Lieque), etc.
• The du meridian (the governor meridian)
• Manifestations: mainly focus on the impairments/diseases of motor functions, mental
disorders, urinary system, reproductive system and digestive system.
• Treatment principles: smoothing meridian, calming mind/spirit
• Applications: acupuncture, moxibustion, skin needling or cupping. Commonly used
acupoints include DU1 (Changqiang), DU3 (Yaoyangguan), DU4 (Mingmen), DU9
(Zhiyang), DU12 (Shenzhu), DU14 (Dazhui), DU15 (Yamen), DU16 (Fengfu), DU20
(Baihui), DU26 (Shuigou), DU25 (Suliao), SI3 (Houxi), etc.
• The chong meridian (the thoroughfare meridian)
• Manifestations: chest pain, chest tightness, difficult breathing, abdominal
pain/distension, spasm; irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, leucorrhoea, infertility in
males or females; nocturnal emission, erectile dysfunction
• Treatment principles: regulating the qi in chest and stomach
• Applications: a combination of A&M. Commonly used acupoints include RN1 (Huiyin),
RN7 (Yinjiao), ST30 (Qichong), KD11 (Henggu), KD12 (Dahe), KD27 (Shufu), SP4
(Gongsun), etc.
• The dai meridian (the belt meridian)
• Manifestations:
➢ Excess syndrome: leucorrhoea due to damp-heat, pain (bi-pain) in the extremities due to
coldness and dampness
➢ Deficiency syndrome: leucorrhoea due to deficiency, irregular menstruation, uterus
prolapse, weakness in the waist, impairments in the lower extremities
• Treatment principles: clearing damp-heat, stopping leucorrhoea, regulating
menstruation
• Applications: a combination of A&M. Commonly used acupoints include DU4 (Mingmen),
LV13 (Zhangmen), GB26 (Daimai), GB27 (Wushu), GB28 (Weidao), GB41 (Zulinqi), etc.
• The yin link meridian
• Manifestations: this meridian is in charge of the interior of the body. Patients may
present with chest oppression, abdominal pain (cold pain) due to stagnation/gathering of
yin qi

• Treatment principles: Tonifying the middle jiao and expelling coldness, regulating qi and
stopping pain
• Applications: a combination of A&M, warm needling is most suitable in this situation.
Commonly used acupoints include RN22 (Tiantu), RN23 (Lianquan), KD9 (Zhubin), LV14
(Qimen), SP12 (Chongmen), SP13 (Fushe), SP15 (Daheng), SP16 (Fu’ai), PC6
(Neiguan), etc.
• The yang link meridian
• Manifestations: this meridian is in charge of the exterior of the body. Patients may
present with aversion to cold, fever, neck stiffness, body ache due to excess yang qi. The
exterior syndrome due to exogenous pathogens is mostly treated with acupoints related to
this meridian
• Treatment principles: expelling pathogens on the exterior, harmonising the ying blood
and wei defensive qi
• Applications: wind-heat syndrome, acupuncture only, purging method, shallow insertions,
keep for a shorter period
• Wind-cold syndrome, a combination of A&M, purging method
• Commonly used acupoints include DU15 (Yamen), DU16 (Fengfu), GB20 (Fengchi), ST8
(Touwei), SJ5 (Waiguan), etc.
• The yin heel meridian
• Manifestations: impairments/atrophy/spasm in the lateral area above ankles. This
meridian is in charge of the movement of the body. Patients may present with lower back
pain, referral pain in external genitals, hypersomnia, sore throat, loss of voice
• Treatment principles: regulating the meridian qi and opening orifices
• Applications: a combination of A&M. Commonly used acupoints include BL1 (Jingming),
KD8 (Jiaoxin), KD6 (Zhaohai), etc.
• The yang heel meridian
• Manifestations: impairments/atrophy/spasm in the interior area above ankles. Patients
may present with lower back pain, opisthotonos, insomnia, mental disorders (day onset)
• Treatment principles: regulating the meridian qi and calming the spirit
• Applications: acupuncture only, purging the excess yang and tonifying the yin.
Commonly used acupoints include Du16 (Fengfu), ST1 (Chengqi), ST4 (Dicang), GB20
(Fengchi), BL1 (Jingming), BL61(Pucen), BL62 (Shenmai), etc.
• Zu San Li ST 36 足三里
• Direct translation: Foot three Li

• Zu Wu Li (LR10), Shou San Li (LI10), Shou Wu Li (LI13), Tong Li (HT5)

• 足五里，手三里，手五里，通里

• Su Wen (Plain Questions): The so-called san li is three cun below knees.

• Shuo Wen Jie Zi (100 - 121 AD): Li, refers to residence which further illustrates gathering
or distribution.
Table of contents

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

The therapeutic principles of A&M

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

The eight-principle differentiation
The zang-fu organs differentiation
The qi and blood differentiation
The meridian differentiation

A&M prescription

The clinical application of the special acupoints

A&M prescription

• Principles of acupoints selection (main acupoints)

• Localised selection
• Proximal selection
• Distal selection
• Selection according to syndrome differentiation
• Selection according to symptoms
• Selection according to A-shi points
• Selection according to the time differentiation (Ziwu flow) *
• Other selection methods
• Selection of the coordinating acupoints

➢ According to the location

➢ According to the meridians
• According to the location
➢ Localised method (Headache: EX-HN3 (Yintang), EX-HN5 (Taiyang), DU20 (Baihui);
stomach ache: RN12 (Zhongwan), ST21 (Liangmen), ST19 (Burong), ST20 (Chengman))
➢ Upper-lower body method (Tooth ache: LI4 (Hegu), ST44 (Neiting); chest tightness: PC6
(Neiguan), SP4 (Gongsun))
➢ Anterior-posterior body method (Stomachache: RN12 (Zhongwan), ST21 (Liangmen);
BL21 (Weishu), DU8 (jinsuo))
➢ Left-right body method (Facial disorder: ST4 (Dicang), ST6 (Jiache) + LI4 (Hegu), LI10
(Shousanli)
➢ Three-region method (Localised, proximal and distal)
eg. Eye’s problem: BL1 (Jingming), GB20 (Fengchi), GB37 (Guangming)
• According to meridians
• Different acupoints on the affected meridian (shaoyang headache: GB8 (Shuaigu), GB20
(Fengchi), GB41 (Zulinqi), GB44 (Zuqiaoyin), etc.)
• Coupled meridians (liver: LV14 (Qimen) <liver meridian> + GB34 (Yanglingquan)
<gallbaldder>)
• Meridians with the same name (stiff neck, acute muscle strains in lower back, taiyang
headache: hand and foot taiyang meridian: SI3 (Houxi) + BL60 (Kunlun))
• The mother and son meridian (dizziness/headache due to liver fire: LV3 (Taichong), LV2
(Xingjian) <liver> + HT7 (Shenmen), HT9 (Shaochong), HT8 (Shaofu), PC6 (Neiguan)
<heart>)
• The connecting meridians
• What should be included in a prescription?

• Selection of acupoints (main acupoints)

• Selection of coordinating acupoints (assisting the main acupoints)
• Selection of treatment application (acupuncture, moxibustion, skin needling, cupping, etc.)
• Selection of the manipulation method (reinforcing or reducing, etc.)
• Factors that affect a prescription
• Selection of main acupoints and coordinating acupoints
• The application order (main acupoints first and followed by the coordinating acupoints)
• Selection of acupuncture or moxibustion
• The different depths of insertion may affect the treatment purpose
• Selection of different manipulation methods
• Different manifestations
Asthma (excess syndrome)
Prescription:
RN17 (Danzhong), LU7 (Lieque),
BL13 (Feishu), LU5 (Chize)
with excess wind cold, remove LU5 (Chize), add
BL12 (Fengmen)
with phlegm heat, remove LU7 (Lieque), add ST40
(Fenglong)
acute attack, remove BL13 (Feishu), add LU6
(Kongzui)
• When to apply the treatment?
• Insomnia: afternoon or evening is better than morning, especially 1-2 hours before
sleeping
• Irregular menstruation/dysmenorrhea, 3-5 days before the period and till the last day of
the period; female infertility, during the ovulation period;
• No treatment during the menstruation cycle, if not the menstruation problems
• How long should a treatment last?
• 20-30 minutes, manipulation every 5-10 minutes;
• Kids or extremity spasm, withdraw directly after insertion;
• Acute pain, such as acute appendicitis, biliary colic, renal colic, may keep for a longer
period, 1-2 hours even up to more than 10 hours
• Course of the treatment
• Most diseases, bell’s palsy, bi-pain, a course consists of 10 days
• Acute condition, such as acute sprain, toothache, red eyes, swollen eyes, a course
consists of 3-5 days
• Some chronic diseases, motor impairment disease, such as obesity, infertility, stroke
rehabilitation, a course consists at least 1 month

• Treatment frequency
• Chronic disease, treatment is applied once a day or every second day.
• Some disease, such as acute pain, severe pain, twice a day, or even every 5-6 hours
• It is recommended to have 3-5 days break between each course
• Treatment needed
• Acute, simple disease, such as stiff neck, toothache, can be healed with one treatment
session or 3-5 treatment sessions
• Chronic diseases, treatment may last for months or a year, such as obesity, infertility,
stroke rehabilitation
• For some diseases, it is recommended to continue treatment for 3-5 sessions after
recovery for prevention
• Commonly used symbols in A&M prescriptions
Prescription example 1

Prescription example 2

Acupoint: LI 4, right side
Application: reducing manipulation
method
Acupoint: LI 11, both sides
Application: acupuncture with
moxibustion (warm needling
technique)
Acupoint: ST36, both sides
Application: reinforcing manipulation method
Acupoint: LU 11, left side
Application: prick for bleeding
Acupoint: BL 23, both sides
Applications: even manipulation
method followed by cupping
Acupoint: SP6, both sides
Applications: reinforcing manipulation
method followed by moxibustion
Table of contents

Functions of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M)

The therapeutic principles of A&M

Principles of clinical differentiations of A&M

The eight-principle differentiation
The zang-fu organs differentiation
The qi and blood differentiation
The meridian differentiation

A&M prescription

The clinical application of the special acupoints

The clinical application of the special acupoints

• The clinical applications of the five transport points

• Clinical application of the five shu points
• Huang Di Nei Jing
• The shu-stream points are mostly used for the problems of zang organs, while the he-sea
points are mainly used for the problems of fu organs
• The Xing-spring and shu-stream points are used for problems of the zang organs (yin
meridians), while the xing-spring and shu-stream points are used for problems of the fu
organs (yang meridians)

• Nanjing
• The jing-well points are used for fullness below the heart, the xing-spring points are used
for hot sensation of the body, the shu-stream points are used for body heaviness
sensation and joint pain, the jing-river points are used for tachypnea, coughing, coldness
and heat; the he sea points are used for the counterflow of qi.
• Reinforcing and reducing according to mother and son elements

• Mother and son elements on the same meridian

• Mother and son elements on different meridians
• Mother and son elements on the same meridian
Liver – wood
• Lung metal
• Mother element – earth – LU9 (Taiyuan)
Mother element – water – LV8 (Ququan)
• Son element – Water – LU5 (Chize) Son element – fire – LV2 (Xingjian)
• Lung deficiency syndrome reinforcing LU9 (Taiyuan)
Liver excess/heat syndrome reducing LV2 (Xingjian
• Lung excess syndrome reducing LU5 (Chize) Liver deficiency syndrome reinforcing LV8 (Ququan

• Stomach – earth
• Mother element – fire – ST41 (Jiexi)
• Son element – metal – ST45 (Lidui)
• Stomach deficiency syndrome reinforcing ST41 (Jiexi)
• Stomach excess syndrome reducing ST45 (Lidui)
• Mother and son elements on different meridians
➢ Mother meridian and mother acupoint
➢ Son meridian and son acupoint
• Lung metal
• Lung deficiency syndrome – tonify the mother element
• Mother element – earth
• Mother meridian – the earth meridian (spleen)
• Mother acupoint on the mother meridian (spleen) – earth point – SP3 (Taibai)
• Lung excess syndrome – reducing the son element
• Son element - water
• Son meridian – the water meridian (kidney)
• Son acupoint on the son meridian (kidney) – water point – KD10 (Yingu)
• Liver metal
• Liver deficiency syndrome – tonify the mother element
• Mother element – water
• Mother meridian – the water meridian (kidney)
• Mother acupoint on the mother meridian (kidney) – water point – KD10 (Yingu)
• Liver excess syndrome – reducing the son element
• Son element - fire
• Son meridian – the fire meridian (heart)
• Son acupoint on the son meridian (heart) – fire point – HT8 (Shaofu)
• According to different seasons

• According to different time (Zi Wu flow)

• The clinical application of the yuan-source and luo-connecting points

• The application of the yuan-source points

• The application of the luo-connecting points

• The combination of the yuan-source and luo-connecting points

• The clinical application of the back transport and alarm appoints

• The application of the back transport points

• The application of the alarm points

• The combination of the back transport and alarm points

• The clinical application of the cleft points
• The clinical application of the eight influential points
acupoints
Bone Dazhu (BL11)
Blood Geshu (BL17)
Marrow Juegu (GB39)
Ligament/tendons Yanglingquan (GB34)
Zang Zhangmen (LR13)
Fu Zhongwan (RN12)
Qi Danzhong (RN17)
Pulse Taiyuan (LU9)

• The combination of the cleft and influential points

• The clinical application of the lower sea points
• The clinical application of the eight confluent points
• The clinical application of the crossing acupoints
 Dr Zijing Hu (M.B. M.Med)
Lecturer: Department of Complementary Medicine
(Acupuncture)
Room 7106d John Orr Building DFC
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 559 6999
E-mail: zhu@uj.ac.za