Classical Points Combinations and Clusters of Points in Acupuncture Therapy

6.One Point Above. Two Points Below

An extension of the previous law, this extraordinary law achieves wonders in acute processes, if applied correctly.

This law makes use of the previous law: "combining local with distant points", with two additions. One is that all the points should be on the same meridian segment (i.e. Shaoyang, Yangming, Taiyin etc.). The second, emphasizes that only one needle should be planted near the disease, while far from it two needles. This may, at first, sound bizarre, but the logic is clear.

Taking, once more, the example of sinusitis, the points combination which is the outcome of this law would be: Hegu (LI-4), Yingxiang (LI-20), Zusanly (ST-36), Nelting (ST-44).

Hegu, as the strongest point in the hand-Yangming, will set the whole Yang-Ming energy in motion. Yingxiang serves as the local point to cause a dispersion effect In the area, and Zusanli, together with Neiting, are "the two points below". These two points below provide a strong stimulation to the other end of the meridian, thus accelerating its energy and flow, while eliminating the stagnation in its upper part.

This same law formulates another very important points combination, used to effect Damp elimination from the intestines (purgation of the intestines).

The combination is: Tianshu (ST-25), Zusanli (ST-36), Shangjuxu (ST-37)and Xiajuxu (ST-39).

Tianshu is the local strong point for the intestines (Mu point of the colon), the other three points being situated on the same stomachmeridian, and creating the weight to cause a strong downward flow of the stomach meridian energy (15).

7.Empirical Points-Combinations

There are dozens of points-combinations in acupuncture which have emerged through sheer clinical experience. Every practitioner, who has spent a considerable length of time in clinical work, has probably noticed that some points yield better results when combined with certain points.

It is only logical that after so many generations of accumulated experience in the field of acupuncture, such empirical combinations have become the inheritance of the majority of practitioners.

In comparison with the other forms of points-combinations that have so far been detailed, this form lacks their theoretical background in most cases.

Nevertheless, clinical success is, after all, the ultimate judge, and thus, these combinations have earned their position in clinical work.

Here are a few examples of points-combinations whose source is entirely empirical:

1. The addition of Sibai (ST-2) to the combination of Dannangxue (extra), Tianshsu (ST-25) and Guanyuan (CV-4), have a great soothing effect on biliary ascariasis. Manipulating Sibai in a sedative fashion, usually eliminates the very sharp pain which this illness causes (16). There is no theoretical explanation for this phenomenon.

2. Hegu (LI-4) on the opposite side, combined with Liangqiu(ST-34) on the affected side, is a quick relief for strained muscles or tendons of the knee Joint (usually due to sport injury). In order to obtain the full effect of this combination, one should first puncture Hegu, at an oblique angle towards the metacarpal bones, two Cun deep, and then manipulate Liangqiu to cause numbness or distension around the knee (17).

3. Shaoze (SI-1) has an undeniable influence on the breasts. Hence, all breast diseases, including agalactia (lack of milk), are treated with the aid of this point. When combining Taiyang (extra) to Shaoze (SI-1), we make an effective points-combination for swollen breasts. This formula's source is also classical (Song of the Jade Dragon Ca. 1500) (18).

It is worthwhile mentioning, in this connection, that many empirical combinations include extra points, and there are a few that are composed entirely of extra points.

The reason for this is clear. Since extra points themselves have originated from clinical experience, and in many cases as Ahshi points, they lack the theoretical basis that most of the meridians' points have.

It is no wonder then, that many empirical combinations include extra points, for they too have originated from clinical observation.

Example No. 3 (above) may illustrate this phenomenon, or this very popular combination:

Yintang (extra), Shenmen (H-7), Sanyinjiao (SP-6).

This formula is often used to calm the mind, especially in cases of insomnia (19), or mental anxiety.

Shenmen and SanyinJiao harmonize Fire and Water elements, or Heart andKidney functions, while Yintang places an emphasis on calming the mind. Thus, an extra point (Yintang) contributes to the principal effect of the two meridian points, with its empirically-found soothing properties.

7.Points Clusters

A Points cluster is a grouping of a few points in the same area of the body, whose mutual effect on this area is beneficial.

In many cases theseclusters are formed from extra points, like Sishencong on the vertex, or from Ahshi points (tender points) in the vicinity of the disease focus.

An example of a points-cluster would be "Three needles at the ankle". i.e. Kunlun (B-60), Jiexi (ST-41), Taixi (K-3). This cluster serves as a local treatment to disperse any blood stagnation caused by trauma in the ankle joint, or paraplegia (20).

Another "Three needles at the ankle" serves the same purpose, and is a combination of three different points: Qiuxu (G-40), Jiexi (ST-41), and Shangqiu (SP-5). This is indeed a very effective trio for sprained ankle, etc.

The majority of the points clusters, though not all of them, are concerned with localized influence. Making use of the T.C.M. principle that any pain, swelling etc. is caused by stagnant energy or blood, or both, (21) the use of powerful local points in conjunction, is supposed to resolve this stagnation, and dislodge the barrier.

Needlessto mention, the utilization of such a combination would need a special dispersing technique, one that would enhance the flow of energy in the region, and disperse blood or fluid from the joint.

Other points clusters serve the same purpose as regular points-combinations, i.e. to cause any precalculated therapeutic effect, with the difference, as we mentioned above, that they are located in close vicinity.

The articulations of the body, such as: shoulder Joint, ankle, knee or elbow Joint, are considered the most vulnerable parts of the body, in relation to the smooth flow of Qi (22). Rheumatic pain which is caused by weather Influences, according to T.C.M. thinking, is usually lodged in the joints, thus hindering thesmooth flow of Qi.

It is not surprising, therefore, that many clusters of points have originated in the vicinity of the joints, for the purpose of removing the stagnant pernicious influence that has lodged there.

Such clusters are the "three ankle points", that we have already mentioned, or "the three shoulder points" and the "three knee points", some of which will be discussed later.