9. Balancing and mutual assistance

This very traditional principle of Chinese medicine Is responsible for dozens of points combinations, which have been formulated over the millenia.

The idea of balancing is, after all, the core of Chinese thought, originating from the basic conception of Yin and Yang (23).

All phenomena in our body can actually be attributed to Yin and Yang, and its balanced or imbalanced state.

Without pondering too deeply upon this subject's philosophy, which is beyond the scope of this work, it is sufficient to say that balancing of Yin and Yang, Hot and Cold, Shi and Xu, is the ultimate goal of Chinese medicine (24).

Therefore, besides the various rules of points-combinations that we have summarized above, there is the principle of balancing Yin and Yang activities, which dictates what points to use in each case of imbalance.

One of the most frequently encountered imbalances in clinical practice is that of the Fire and Water elements. Most often symptoms such as heart palpitations, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, anxiety etc., are the outcome of this imbalance. According to the poetic imaginative Chinese physiology, Kidney Water is Insufficient and unable to control Heart-Fire, which blazes upward.

This may cause palpitations and restless Heart, as well as disturbed Shen (spirit), since Shen resides In the heart organ.

To rectify this, the Chinese have originated many combinations, formulated from points having the ability to restrain or dredge the heart activity on the one hand, and to strengthen or supplement Kidney-Water, on the other hand.

Such combinations are:

1. Shenmen (H-7) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6)

2. Tongli (H-5) and Dazhong (K-4)

3. Tongli (H-5) and Zhaohai (K-6). (26)

Another frequently encountered balancing method is to harmonize activities, either of organs or of functions. This is also based on the concept of deficiency or excess of specific activities. A good illustration for this would be the combination of Hequ (LI-4) and Fuliu (K-7).

This combination Is used primarily to treat cases of either excessive, or lack of, perspiration.

In case of excessive perspiration, Wei Qi is deficient, so Hegu has to be tonified in order to fortify the protective abilities of Wei Qi. (Please note that Wei Qi is responsible for the tonus of the sweat-pores, thus controlling perspiration). At the same time Fuliu has to be reduced, since its activities are closely linked to "water" movements in the body.

In the case of absence of perspiration, one should use these very points, only with reversed manipulation. For example: Hegu sedated, In order to release tightness of the sweat-pores which are controlled by Wei Qi. Fuliu tonified, In order to increase "Water" movement In the body (27).

Another principle of points-combination, which was included under this heading, is the principle of mutual assistance.

In the same way that herbs are frequently chosen to assist and strengthen one another's action, so are points, by this principle of combination.

This method is often relevant In cases where elimination of a pathogenic factor is needed, much like herbal treatment.

For instance, where elimination of a Wind-Heat factor in the head region is needed (i.e. tonsillitis), Hegu LI-4) is of major importance. To strengthen its action we shall most probably choose Quchi (LI-11), a point quite powerful by itself, for eliminating Wind-Heat. Clinical observaton has verified, that this couple of points has a much better impact on the head region than each of them alone (28).

By the same logic, Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Yinlingquan (SP-9) are often combined together, for the purpose of eliminating Damp-Heat pathogen from the Lower Burner.

SanyinJIao is indicated, among many other qualities, to resolve Damp and Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner, mostly by facilitating urination (29). Yinlingquan is also iIndicated to resolve Damp and Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, and it treats: edema, ascites, retention of urine, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, etc. (30).