Benchmark Review Meridian Theory and Point Locations, Energetics 8 March 2013

Meridian Theory and Point Locations

Name and Category of Meridians and Collaterals Channel names consist of 3 parts:  Zang of fu to which it belongs  Upper or lower limb through which it travels  Its’ yin or yang identity

Regular Channels  Six yin channels  Six yang channels Eight extraordinary channels  Ren, du, chong, dai, yin qiao, yang qiao, yin wei, yang wei Miscellaneous channels  Divergent, sinew, cutaneous, superficial Fifteen collaterals  1 for each primary,1 for du, 1 for ren, 1 for great luo connecting of the spleen

Function of the Meridians and Collaterals General function of meridians  Transport qi and blood through body, rendering the body as an integrated whole.  Protect the body  Respond to the dysfunction of the body  The channel itself can be diseased  The zangfu connected with the channel can be diseased which shows in the channel  Disease can transmitted via the channels (i.e., Ht fire  SI  bladder  Channel may show the disease  Channels transmit healthy qi to diseased areas

Luo Connecting  Strengthen the connection between the internally and externally paired channels and zangfu.  Treating disorders of their interiorly- exteriorly related channel or zangfu  Treating disorders in regions reached by the luo-connecting channel  Treating psycho-emotional disorders

General distribution, direction, flow of meridians  Go through Deadman and review the diagrams of the main channels  Focus on where they start, where they go  Focus on what direction they flow  Refamiliarize yourself with the organs they pass through

Classification, Nomenclature of acu-points Nomenclature  How points are named. We learn points by channel/number except for extra points  In Asian countries (and at Bensky’s school in Seattle) you learn the name of the points which reflect the points’ location and therapeutic properties

Classification, Nomenclature of acu-points Classification  Regular points  Located on 12 main channels + Du and Ren  Each has a reliable name, function, location  Extra points  Not located on a main/Du/Ren meridian, not related to internal organ  Are named, have definite locations, and indications/functions  Ashi points  Tender or responsive points, not on any channel, not named, no reliable locations, no real indications  Are used to treat local problems.  Find ‘em by palpating

Methods of locating points  Anatomical landmarks  Proportional measurements  Finger measurements  Convenient measurements

Landmarks  Bones, protuberances like mastoid process, intercostal spaces,transverse processes of the vertebrae, etc.  Hairlines – anterior and posterior  Creases – cubital, popliteal, wrist, etc.  Depressions – ST 35, GB 20, etc.

Proportional measures  Refers to the proportions of the patient and varies based on their body part sizes. Examples:  9 cun from anatomical neck of humerus (axillary crease) to the elbow crease.  9 cun from lateral-lateral hairline (St 8’ish).  9 cun from mastoid process to mastoid process  12 cun from front hairline to back hairline  12 cun from cubital crease to wrist crease  8 cun from sternal notch to acromion process  8 cun from sternal costal angle (just above xyphoid process) to umbilicus  8 cun from nip to nip (on females, mid-clavicular line to mid-clavicular line)  5 cun from umbilicus to pubic symphysis.  14 cun from gluteal fold to popliteal crease  16 cun from popliteal crease to lateral malleolus  15 cun from popliteal crease to medial malleolus  19 cun from great trochanter to popliteal crease (anterior)  See CAM and Deadman for a few more that aren’t listed above.

Finger and hand measures – see Deadman and CAMS for the whole set

Convenient measures Nose to arm to find LU 3, thumb phalangeal crease on the webbing to find Li 4, width of the smile, etc.

Location/relationship of points on 12 regular, Ren, Du t%20Locations/Point%20Locations%203.html

Location of extra points Same document as cited on previous page

Needling method of points  Needle directions  Perpendicular, oblique, transverse and transverse oblique and where to use them  Needling depth I.e., how not to kill/maim someone and how not to get sued.  Pneumothorax and other fun organ punctures.  Needling close to blood vessels and nerves

Point Energetics

Function, indication of points on the 14 meridians  Point Category Study Guide Point Category Study Guide  Five Element Study Guide Five Element Study Guide  Channel and Pathways Study Guide Channel and Pathways Study Guide  Comprehensive Energetics Study Guide Comprehensive Energetics Study Guide

Function, indication of extra points

Five phase, element or control points

Antique points  Jing well, etc.

Front mu points

Back shu points

Confluent points of the 8 extra meridians

Sheng/generation and Ke/control cycles

Meeting points

Entry and exit points

Window of Sky points

Four Needle Technique

Xi Cleft points

Yuan Source and Luo Connecting points

Extra points

Ashi points

Basic principles for prescription and selecting points

Commonly used point prescriptions  Four gates, four flower, etc.

Some classic point association  Four general/command, etc.