Acupuncture Points and Their Functions

Points on the primary channels that are closest to the source of the channel's energy, often used for tonifying.

Points on the primary channels that represent the channel's connection to the muscles and tendons, often used for treating pain in these tissues.

Points on the primary channels that represent the channel's connection to the corresponding organ, used for treating organ disorders.

Points on the primary channels that represent the channel's connection to the bones, often used for treating bone disorders.

Points on the primary channels that represent the channel's connection to the deeper tissues, used for treating systemic disorders.

This describes the state of Qi at Jing Well points. It is the initial stage where Qi is starting to manifest.

This describes the state of Qi at Ying Spring points. Qi moves smoothly through the muscles and tendons.

This describes the state of Qi at Shu Stream points. Qi is flowing into the corresponding organ.

This describes the state of Qi at Jing River points. Qi is flowing along the bones.

This describes the state of Qi at He Sea points. Qi is at its deepest level, connecting with the deeper tissues and influencing the whole body.

Lower He-Sea points are best for tonifying Yang organs, especially those located on the Yang channels of the leg. They can also be used to treat disorders of the six Fu organs.

These points are located between the elbow and wrist, or the knee and ankle, and are used to treat disorders of blood on Yin channels. They are also used for diagnostic purposes.

These points are located on each of the twelve primary channels and are used to tonify Yin organs or treat excess conditions on Yang channels. They are often used in conjunction with the Luo-connecting points.

On Yin channels, Yuan-Source points are best for tonifying Yin organs. They overlap with Shu-Stream points and usually correspond to the third point on the channel.

On Yang channels, Yuan-Source points are usually used for treating excess conditions but can still be used to tonify the Yang organs. They are not as ideal as Lower He-Sea points for tonifying Yang.

These points are used to treat disorders reached by the luo-connecting channel and can be helpful for psycho-emotional disorders. They are often used with Yuan-Source points for a more complete treatment.

These points are located 1.5 cun from the midline on the Bladder channel and represent the connection to the corresponding Zang Fu organ. They are used for treating both excess and deficiency conditions, especially chronic conditions.

These points are located on the anterior surface of the body and represent the Qi of the Zang Fu gathering there. They are used to treat both acute and chronic conditions, primarily those involving excess heat.

Back-Shu points treat primarily Yin disorders and chronic conditions, while Front-Mu points treat primarily Yang disorders and acute conditions.

These points are located on the eight extraordinary vessels and represent the communication between the primary channels and these deeper vessels. They are used to treat a wider range of conditions and access a deeper level of treatment.

The order of depth, from most superficial to deepest, is: Cutaneous regions, Minute and superficial collaterals, Sinew Channels, Luo-connecting channels, Primary channels, Divergent channels, Extraordinary channels, Deep pathways of the primary and divergent channels.

These points have a specific control over certain areas of the body, such as the face, chest, head, and abdomen.

These points are intersections of two or more channels and are used to treat channel disorders specific to that area.

These points are locations where Qi gathers and concentrates, influencing specific tissues, organs, or Qi and Blood.

These points have specialized purposes that are unique and have been proven through clinical practice.

The Lung channel originates in the middle jiao and connects with the large intestine, penetrating the lung and ascending to the throat. The Luo connects with the Large Intestine. The Divergent descends to the large intestine and connects with the LI channel in the neck. The Sinew connects with the LI sinew.

The Large Intestine channel originates in the gums of the lower teeth and crosses to the opposite side of the face. The Sinew ascends to the forehead and crosses the head to connect with the opposite mandible. The Luo enters the ear and teeth. The Divergent descends to the breast and travels medially to the spinal column.

The Stomach channel originates on the lateral side of the nose and enters the gums, connecting the upper and lower gums via GV26 and CV24. It ascends from the ear, meets with the GB channel, descends through the breasts, and crosses the chest, epigastrium, and abdomen. The Luo branches off at ST40 and joins the SP channel, terminating at the throat. The Divergent disperses in the Spleen and penetrates the Heart. The Sinew spreads in the chest and converges at the genitalia.

The Spleen channel originates at the medial tip of the big toe and meets the Conception vessel at CV3, CV4, and CV10. It passes through the hypochondrium, meets with GB24 and LR14, ascends along the chest, passes through the lateral costal region, and connects with the Tongue and Heart. The Luo connects with the intestines. The Divergent connects with the tongue.