Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]

Page 1 of 9

Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Clears heat, brightens eyes Disperses wind (local) and unblocks the channels Relaxes the face and alleviates pain Reduces swelling, alleviates pain Opens nose Relaxes face

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
Directly below center of pupil of eye in infraorbital foramen.

INDICATIONS
Eyes red and swollen Myopia Facial paralysis or spasm Sinusitis Twitching eyelids Facial paralysis Rhinitis Twitching eyelids Upper jaw toothache sinusitis

DISCUSSION
Great alternative to ST1 (much safer to needle) Maxillary, Ethmoid sinusitis, local

CONTRA.
No vigorous manipulation (black eye) No Moxa.

**
ST2

**
ST3

Directly below the center of the pupil of the eye level with border of ala nasi.

Yangming channel problems, nasal obstruction.

No scarring moxa

***
ST4

.4 cun lateral to corner of the mouth

Relaxes the face

WIND IN THE FACE

Drooling Excessive salivation Eye twitching Toothache upper jaw Cankers due to associated heat Mouth ulcers (herpes) Trigeminal neuralgia Toothache Parotitis Facial paralysis Stiff neck Teeth grinding Lockjaw

Important Point for facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, Bells palsy, post-stroke facial paralysis. Often needled through to ST6 and combined with points such as GV26, SI18, ST5, LI20. Local point for oral herpes, mouth ulcers, gum problems, speech disorders, combine with distal ST channel points.

***
ST6

One finger width anterior & superior to angle of corner of jaw at the prominence of masseter muscle.

Clears heat and disperses wind Benefits the teeth and jaw

IP local point for jaw problems, toothache, TMJ disorders. For toothache if too sensitive or inflamed use indirect moxa on the opposite side.

**
ST7

In depression below inferior border of zygomatic arch anterior to condyloid process (midway between condyloid & coronoid)

Disperses wind and opens the orifices (ears) Benefits jaw

TMJ pain or arthritis Toothache Motor impairment of jaw Lock jaw (w/ST6 & ST7 thread the points)

Yawning and pain in the lower teeth with ST5, ST7, TW17. Stimulate needle at ST7 and withdraw, patient must not yawn while needle is in.

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Brightens eyes and alleviates pain Unbinds the head

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
At corner of forehead 4.5 cun lateral to DU24.

INDICATIONS
Headache Blurred vision Excessive tearing w/sore eyes Visual dizziness assoc. w/Menieres Major HA point due to phlegm/damp

DISCUSSION
Treatment for headache: start on side of headache, if on right side for example, treat: LI4, ST8, GB20 (all right side); GB20, ST8, LI4 (all left side). Needle each point in turn, stimulating for 1-2 minutes, then remove before needling the next point. Tonify or sedate according to the nature of the headache and the patients constitution. For temporal headache use TW5 instead of LI4. May needle Taiyang between ST8 and GB20 Adjunct point for dizziness

CONTRA.
No Moxa

***
ST8

MAJOR HEADACHE POINT RELATED TO DAMP/PHLEGM

**
ST9

Level with highpoint of laryngeal prominence at anterior border of SCM.

WINDOW OF SKY REGULATE BLOOD PRESSURE THROAT ISSUES

Clears LU, unblocks throat Benefits throat Clears heat, reduces swelling Softens hard masses

Throat pain and swelling Goiter (local point) Dizziness High blood pressure Low blood pressure Flushing face Vocal chord issues

Important point for regulating blood pressure but used more for lowering blood pressure. Needle cautiously, or use gentle non-needle tech. Restores upward and downward movement, maintains the ascending and descending aspect of circulation. Window of the Sky point, restores the smooth flow of Qi between the body and the head.

Avoid Carotid Artery No cupping

**
ST12

Posterior to superior border of clavicle 4 cun lateral to AML.

Circulates LU Qi, transforms phlegm

CHEST/LUNG ISSUE POINT

Cough Wheezing Pain in the supraclavicular fossa (local pain)

Massage this area to relax the clavicular attachment of the SCM as well as the scalenes for neck tightness or to calm bronchial spasm.

No deep needle Caution with subclavian vessels.

**
ST16

4 cun lateral AML, level with 3rd ICS

Opens and relaxes chest Circulates LU Qi

Bronchitis Intercostal neuralgia Mastitis

Local point for breast problems, needle towards problem, but avoid needling into breast tissue.

No deep perpendicular needling (pneumothorax)

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Unblocks breast channels Moves and circulates the qi of chest Clears HT and LU

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
4 cun lateral AML, level with 5th ICS (root of breast).

INDICATIONS
Insufficient lactation Mastitis Bronchitis/asthma Local chest pain Cough w/unrestrained LV Qi Breast problems Breast tenderness w/PMS Acute and chronic gastroenteritis Periumbilical pain vomiting Colic Abdominal pain Abdominal lumps or masses Borborygmus Constipation Diarrhea Flatulence Irregular menstruation Low back pain

DISCUSSION
Main local point for breast disorders, mastitis, abscess, pain, swelling and particularly for insufficient lactation

CONTRA.
No deep perpendicular needling (pneumothorax

***
ST18

BREAST ROOT MP FOR LOCAL BREAST ISSUES

****
ST25

2 cun lateral AML, level with CV8.

UNOFFICIAL UTERUS FRONT MU POINT FRONT MU OF LI ACUTE/CHRONIC HOT/COLD DEFICIENT/ EXCESS ABDOMINAL DISTENTION & STAGNATION

Regulates Intestines, moves the lower burner Regulates & Facilitates the functioning of the Intestines Regulates Qi & eliminates stagnation in the lower burner.

MP for all intestinal problems: intestinal spasm or paralysis, sluggish bowels, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal distension and stagnation, borborygmus, etc Important point for abdominal pain of GYN nature, esp involving abdominal obstruction, or lumps, masses, or accumulations: uterine fibroids, cysts, etc. Moves qi and blood

During pregnancy Caution with deep needle (full bladder and/or peritoneal cavity

***
ST27

2 cun lateral AML, 2 cun inferior to CV8.

MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION & URINARY DISORDERS

Regulates Qi and unblocks waterways Benefits KD and firms essence

Abdominal pain and distention Difficulty urination Dysuria Impotence Spermatorrhea Premature ejaculation Hernia Seminal emission Lower abdominal distention Ascites Urinary retention Orchitis (swelling of testes) Genital pain Infertility

Special point for male sexual dysfunction, strengthens the jing in males

During pregnancy Caution with deep needle (full bladder and/or peritoneal cavity

****
ST28

2 cun lateral AML, 3 cun inferior to CV8.

DISPELS DAMPNESS W/BIAS TO DAMP HEAT DISPERSIVE IN NATURE

Adjusts, regulates waterways Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain Clears damp heat in Lower Burner

Main point for fluid stagnation in the Lower Burner, particularly BL disorders, retention of urine, damp heat conditions such as genital herpes, burning itchy discharges, inflamed testicles or ovaries (nice w/ CV9) Main point for GYN disorders, generally for excess, dysmenorrheal, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility due to blockage or stagnation, red and white discharges, facilitates movement of fluids.

During pregnancy Caution with deep needle (full bladder and/or peritoneal cavity

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Warms the Lower Burner, regulates uterus Removes blood stasis from uterus.

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
2 cun lateral AML, 4 cun inferior to CV8.

INDICATIONS
GYN Amenorrhea Irregular menstruation Vaginal uterine prolapse Vaginal discharge (white/watery) Dysmenorrhea (cold) Male Impotence Other Hernia pain Irregular menstruation Vaginal pain and swelling Dysmenorrhea Uterine prolapse Abdominal bloating and distention Anorexia Malnutrition disorders

DISCUSSION
Warming and tonifying point for Lower Burner, MP for cold def. conditions affecting the urogenital system in both sexes MP for cold deficient menstrual disorders, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and masses due to cold induced Qi stagnation As point name suggests, assists with receiving functions, main point for infertility especially due to cold in the uterus, and for stopping outflows such as uterine bleeding. For Running Piglet Disorder, caused by counterflow LV Qi or cold accumulation in the lower warmer. Characterized by feeling of Qi rushing from the abdomen up into chest, throat, abdominal pain, dizziness, vertigo, palpitations, anxiety.

CONTRA.
During pregnancy Caution with deep needle (full bladder and/or peritoneal cavity

****
ST29

COLD CONDITIONS (Excess & Deficient) COLD & GYN CONDITIONS

**
ST30

2 cun lateral AML, level with CV2.

SEA OF NOURISHMENT

Warms the channels and disperses cold Nourishes the jing Local point for pain due to deficient cold conditions

No deep perpendicular needling w/thin patients, w/full bladder, Men: spermatic chord is nearby During pregnancy!

**
ST31

Inferior to ASIS in depression lateral to Sartorius muscle level with inferior border of the pubis symphysis.

Benefits hips and strengthens legs.

Lower limb paralysis/motor impairment Weakness, numbness Atrophy of the lower extremity Pain in the thigh

Main point for bi syndrome in the lower limbs, combine w/ST36 and ST40. Main point for leg atrophy or paralysis (Wei syndrome). For atrophy obtain strong sensation down the leg when needling.

THIGH GATE LEG PARALYSIS

**
ST32

6 cun superior to the superior border of the patella, on line between ASIS and lateral border of patella.

Warms channels, dispels cold Expels wind dampness (local) Benefits KD, strengthens lower back Post-stroke lower limb weakness

Lower limb pain, weakness, paralysis, atrophy Motor impairment Numbness of the lower limb & pain Local point for Bi syndrome

Post-stroke lower limb weakness

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Harmonizes ST, reduces swelling Expels wind dampness, alleviates pain

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
2 cun superior from superior border of patella on line between ASIS & lateral border of patella.

INDICATIONS
Lower limb pain, weakness, paralysis, atrophy Knee arthritis Knee joint pain or stiffness Gastritis Epigastric pain Mastitis Breast pain Leg, stomach, thigh, knee problems Pain, numbness, motor impairment Local point for disease of the knee and surrounding soft tissue

DISCUSSION
MP for acute ST pain, gastritis. IP for mastitis, breast pain, moves stagnation in the channel

CONTRA.

***
ST34

XI-CLEFT MOVES STAGNANT QI

***1/2
ST35

In the hollow formed with the knee flexed at 45 angle, inferior to patella/lateral to patellar ligament.

Reduces knee swelling, alleviates pain

MP for Knee problems, treat with pillows under the knees that keep them flexed at least 60 degrees.

KNEE PROBLEMS

*****
ST36

3 cun inferior/distal to ST35, 1 finger breadth lateral to anterior crest of tibia.

MAIN POINT FOR ALL DIGESTIVE & STOMACH ISSUES PRIMARILY ACTS ON THE MIDDLE BURNER

Adjusts Middle Burner Benefits, regulates qi and blood Regulates, strengthens SP and ST as well as the Qi and blood Strengthens body and preserves health Tonifies qi and blood Tonifies Wei Qi Helps to regulate the Three Burners

Abdominal pain and distention Asthma Constipation Diarrhea Diseases of the reproductive system Edema of the limbs General weakness and emaciation Hemiplegia w/ST31 Hypertension est. w/excess yang LI11, LV3 Indigestion and other disorders of the digestive system (gas, belching, vomiting, bloating) Main point for vomiting Major point for building Wei Qi

Tonification Builds Qi and blood, for any deficient Qi and blood disorder: weakness, dizziness, fatigue, emaciation. MP for building Wei Qi, the first line of defense against external pathogens: symptoms are catching colds easily, fatigue, depressed immune system, combines well w/LI4. Prevention of cold & flus, esp. w/ moxa Stomach/Spleen MP for all digestive and ST problems: regulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid, increases the production of pepsin, and affects the absorption of nutrients by the SP and ST (He Sea) Command point for abdomen, one of the original four from Ming Dynasty author Gao Wu. Affects the center and controls from sternum to pelvis. MP for Invigorating, moving, grounding, strengthening the descending function MP for breast problems, mastitis, insufficient lactation ST36 brings down Qi, KD3 holds it down and gives it root, these points work well together for grounding, centering. Important point for asthma to bring down Qi. For headache from deficient Qi and/or blood; for frontal, sinus headache or facial pain from Yangming or ST heat.

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Unblocks, regulates LI Regulates ST and Intestines Moves food stagnation

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
3 cun inferior to ST36, 1 finger breadth lateral to tibial crest.

INDICATIONS
Abdominal pain Appendicitis Borborygmus Constipation Diarrhea Dysentery Epigastric pain or fullness Treats hollow organ Hemiplegia Local point for lower leg disorders

DISCUSSION
MP for intestinal disorders diarrhea, dysentery from dampness, damp heat, def., cold, bacterial pathogen. Also used for stagnation, constipation, retention of food, intestinal obstruction or intestinal abscess. Good for laxatonic bowels, as it increases both circulation and peristalsis in the intestines. Teach patient deep abdominal breathing to move and relax the bowels. Often combined with LI9. Appendicitis w/ Lanweixue to strengthen effect Sea of Blood w/ BL11 and ST39

CONTRA.

****
ST37

LOWER HE-SEA of LARGE INTESTINE MP FOR INTESTINAL DISORDERS

**1/2
ST38

8 cun inferior to ST35, 1 finger breadth lateral to tibial crest.

Expels wind dampness and activates channels Benefits shoulder

FROZEN SHOULDER/ MOTOR IMPAIRMENT OF SHOULDER

Pain, cold or swelling of the leg or ankle Lower limb weakness Atrophy or paralysis Shoulder pain

IP (Empirical) for frozen shoulder

**1/2
ST39

9 cun inferior to ST35

LOWER HE SEA SMALL INTESTINE

Regulates ST and Intestines Expels wind dampness (leg)

Inflammation or heat in the SI Dysentery Diarrhea Lower abdominal pain Lower limb weakness Atrophy Paralysis Mastitis Breast abscess

Treats SI organ; for Qi stagnation abdominal pain, stuck food, damp heat diarrhea and dysentery; or chronic diarrhea from cold and deficiency

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Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Transforms phlegm damp Quiets HT and calms spirit

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
8 cun inferior to ST35, 2 fingerbreadths lateral to Tibial Crest.

INDICATIONS
Asthma Copious phlegm Vertigo Phlegm in chest Stuck mucus along channels Lower limb weakness, atrophy or paralysis Lower limb edema Phlegm misting HT or mind

DISCUSSION
MP for transforming phlegm, most commonly w/ impairment of transportation and transformation function of SP. Phlegm in chest/LU w/ stuffiness, asthma, chest constriction, nausea. Related to this are phlegm accumulations in the throat and sinuses. Phlegm may also accumulate in the HT due to emotional causes, obstructing the HT and manifesting as lethargy, dullness, confusion, manifesting as phlegm fire w/ mania, hallucinations, wild speech and crazy laughter. Phlegm accumulation also as lumps or masses anywhere in body, particularly in the neck, chest and abdomen.

CONTRA.

****
ST40

LUO TRANSFORMS PHLEGM ACUTE ASTHMA POINT

**
ST41

Level with the highpoint of the medial malleolus in the depression between Extensor Hallucis Longus and Extensor Digitorum Longus.

Stops spasms

UNOFFICIAL CONTROL POINT OF THE FOOT

Ankle pain and swelling Dropped foot (usually peroneal nerve paralysis) Motor impairment of lower extremities Diseases of the ankle & surrounding soft tissue

Used most often for ankle problems, local tendinitis, or in combo w/ other points for lower limb disorders

Caution w/Anterior Tibial Vessels & Nerve

**
ST42

On dorsum of the foot in depression formed by junction of 2nd/3rd metatarsal & Cuneiform bones

Clears ST heat

Toothache Pain or swelling on the dorsum of the foot Motor impairment of foot No Discussion Points

Caution with Dorsalis Pedis Artery

**
ST43

On dorsum of the foot between 2nd/3rd metatarsal in depression approximately 1 cun proximal to ST44.

Alleviates dampness and discharges water

Facial edema Pain or swelling in the dorsum of the foot No Discussion Points

WIND WATER

Page 8 of 9

Actions & Effects

[STOMACH]
FUNCTIONS
Clears ST heat and drains fire Clears Yangming channel heat

ACUPOINT

LOCATION
On Dorsum of the foot between 2nd/3rd toes, .5 cun proximal to the margin of the web.

INDICATIONS
Acid regurgitation Constipation Diarrhea Epigastric pain Nosebleed Toothache upper jaw Pain or swelling in the dorsal aspect of the foot

DISCUSSION
Ying-spring point, clears hear and fire in the ST channel: MP for toothache, bleeding gums, nosebleed, eye pain, facial pain, tonsillitis, esp. when accompanied by ST heat Symptoms: burning epigastric pain, bad breath, strong appetite, etc The Great Compendium recommends ST44 for upper jaw toothache, LI4 for lower jaw, but other sources vary. Both channels traverse the mandible and maxilla, and both channels have a powerful effect on the face. Use both points for any toothache, with local points such as ST5, ST6, LI18 and ear points. Good for gum disorders, gingivitis, bleeding gums, combines well w/LI4, LI6. Damp heat in the intestines, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal distension. Insatiable hunger from ST heat, digestion progresses so rapidly that hunger is felt soon after eating. Good for pain from heat or stagnation, needle or bleed to cool fire in both channel and organ. For eyes, face, teeth, gums, throat, headache, facial pain or neuralgia, breast pain or abscess. Used more for excess than deficiency. Important point for ST heat, often combined w/ST44. Good distal point for TMJ pain. Calms the spirit, for agitation or insomnia especially w/heat signs.

CONTRA.

***
ST44

YING SPRING COOLS & DRAINS HEAT PULLS HEAT DOWNWARD MAIN POINT FOR GUM DISORDERS

**
ST45

.1 cun lateral to the proximal nail of the 2nd toe.

Cools and drains ST Fire Clears Yangming heat

JING WELL EXTREME SITUATION W/FEVER FEBRILE CONDITIONS

Facial edema Facial paralysis Toothache Excessive dreaming, esp. on a full stomach

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