APPLICATIONS OF

SPECIAL
ACUPUNCTURE POINTS
PRESENTED BY- DR. M. K. SASTRY
 Special points refer to those of the 14 regular meridians that have
specific therapeutic properties. They have their special names given
according to their different indications and functions.
Application of the Five-Shu Points
These are five points on each of the twelve regular meridians, namely
the Jing-Well point, the Ying-Spring point, the Shu-Stream point, the
Jing-River point, and the He-Sea point.
• Jing-well points treat symptoms of fullness in the epigastric region,
which is caused by Liver Qi stagnation failing in controlling the flow
of Qi, or attacking the Stomach and Spleen. Sometimes it’s
commonly used for unconsciousness or mental disorders that are
due to stagnation in the Heart.
• Ying-spring points treat body Heat and fever, or Interior Heat due to
Heart Fire flaming up.
• Shu-stream points treat heaviness and joint pain caused by the
Spleen’s failure to transport and transform, leading to stagnation of
the retained water in the body and muscles.
• Shu-stream points treat heaviness and joint pain caused by the
Spleen’s failure to transport and transform, leading to stagnation of
the retained water in the body and muscles.
• Jing-river points treat Dyspnea, cough and alternating cold and heat
caused by the Lung’s failing in ascending and descending and all
other meridians problems.
• He-sea points treat all the organ problems, and the adverse flowing
and leaking of the Qi caused by the Kidney’s failure to hold or retain
the Qi.
The Five Shu points are located below the knee and elbow joints and
are very often used to treat symptoms throughout the whole body, as
well as local areas. In the ancient times, most treatments applied the
Five Phase Theory, utilizing the Five Shu-transporting points. The main
techniques are as follows:
Reinforcing the mother and reducing the son on the same meridian:
For example, if the Lung meridian is Excess, reduce LU-5 (Water is
the son of Metal—the water point on the Metal meridian). If Deficient,
reinforce LU-9 (Earth is the mother of Metal—the Earth point on the
Metal meridian.)
Reinforcing and reducing techniques on the mother and son related
meridians:
There are two techniques in this relationship. First, for example, if the
Lung is Deficient, select the mother meridian (the Spleen) of the Lung
and choose the mother point on the mother meridian—SP-3 (Earth
point on the earth meridian) and apply a reinforcing needle technique.
Otherwise, select the mother point on the Exteriorly and Interiorly
related meridian (LI-11, the Earth point on the LI channel) and apply a
reinforcing needle technique.
 The Five Shu Points of the Yin Meridians
Jing-Well Ying-Spring Shu-Stream Jing-River He-Sea
Meridian Wood Fire Earth Metal Water

Lung LU-11 LU-10 LU-9 LU-8 LU-5

Pericardium PC-9 PC-8 PC-7 PC-5 PC-3
Heart HT-9 HT-8 HT-7 HT-4 HT-3
Spleen SP-1 SP-2 SP-3 SP-5 SP-9
Liver LV-1 LV-2 LV-3 LV-4 LV-8
Kidney KI-1 KI-2 KI-3 KI-7 KI-10
 The Five Shu Points of the Yang Meridians
Jing-Well Ying-Spring Shu-Stream Jing-River He-Sea
Meridian Wood Fire Earth Metal Water

Large Intestine LI-1 LI-2 LI-3 LI-5 LI-11

Triple Warmer TW-1 TW-2 TW-3 TW-6 TW-10
Small Intestine SI-1 SI-2 SI-3 SI-5 SI-8
Stomach ST-45 ST-44 ST-43 ST-41 ST-36
Gall Bladder GB-44 GB-43 GB-41 GB-38 GB-34
Bladder BL-67 BL-66 BL-65 BL-60 BL-40
 Applications of the Five Shu Points with the Seasons
Season Layer of the Body Qi Selection of Points
Summer Jing-Well
Spring Superficial Layer Ying-Spring
Fall Shu-Stream
Winter Deep Layer He-Sea
Application of the Yuan-Source Points
Yuan points can be found in both Yin and Yang meridians. The twelve
Yuan-Source points are used for organ disorders. The Nei Jing says:
“when organs are diseased, apply the 12 Yuan points.”

The Twelve Yuan-Source Points

Yin Meridians Yuan-Source Yang Meridians Yuan-Source Points
Points
Lung LU-9 Large Intestine LI-4
Heart HT-7 Small Intestine SI-4
Pericardium PC-7 Triple Warmer TW-4
Spleen SP-3 Stomach ST-42
Kidney KI-3 Bladder BL-64
Liver LV-3 Gall Bladder GB-40
Yuan and Luo Point Prescriptions:
This treats disease in both Exterior and Interior related meridians.
The Yuan point addresses the disease as the main point and the Luo
point as supplemental point. For example, the patient has the Lung
meridian symptoms such as: cough, asthma, shortness and breath
and fullness sensation in the chest. At the same time, he has some
Large Intestine meridian symptoms such as: fever, headache,
abdominal bloating, borborygmus, and irregular bowel movements.
The LU-9 (Lung meridian Yuan point) will be used with the LI-6 (Large
Intestine meridian Luo point).
This prescription also addresses problems in one meridian only,
when the patients with weak body constitutions. For example, use
LU-9 (Lung Yuan source point) with reinforcing technique and LU-7
(Lung Luo connecting point) with a reducing technique to treat
chronic cough with shortness of breath and stuffy sensation in the
chest.
Yuan and Back-Shu Point Prescriptions:
This is commonly used for the treatment of organ disorders. For
instance, LV-3 (Yuan point of Liver meridian) and BL-18 (Back Shu
point of Liver) as the group can soothe the Liver and regulate the
stagnation of the Qi. It is very effective for Liver stagnation, resulting
in: abdominal distention and distending sensation in the chest and
hypochondriac region, a bitter taste in the mouth, a tendency for
anger, headache, insomnia and nausea.
Yuan and He-sea Point or Lower-He-sea Point Prescriptions:
There are different techniques in order to apply this in a clinical
situation.
Selecting points according to the Exterior and Interior relationship of
their meridians.
For example, choice SP-3 (Yuan point of Spleen meridian) and
ST-36 (He-sea point of Stomach meridian) can treat anorexia,
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea whish caused by disharmony of
Spleen and Stomach. On the other hand, select LU-9 (Yuan point of
Lung meridian) and ST-37 (Lowers- He-sea point of Large intestine)
to treat constipation that in this case is caused by the result of a
cold or flue like symptom.
Which will increases the body temperature and decreases the body
fluids in the intestinal tract causing the drying of bodily waste. This
is prescription of Yuan and Lower-He Sea point.
 There were two sentences to describe He-sea and Source Yuan
point combination in the Nei Jing, “The He-sea treats organ
diseases, and when the disease is in the organs, use the Source
Yuan point.” Which means both of the Yuan and He-sea points
can treat organ disorders. For instance LI-4 (Yuan point of Large
Intestine meridian) and LI-11 (He-sea point of large intestine)
can treat wind heat symptoms, such as high fever, headache, and
sore throat.
Selecting points according to organ diagnosis.
For example, LV-3 (Yuan point of liver meridian) and ST-36 (He-
sea point of Stomach meridian) can treat the syndrome of liver
Qi attacks Stomach, such as: abdomen bloating, pain sensation
on the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting and poor appetite or
diarrhea.
Application of the Luo-Connecting Points
Luo points are usually used for the treatment of both Exterior and
Interior related meridians, because of its connection function. For
example, ST-40 (Luo-connecting point of Stomach meridian) can treat
not only the disease of the Stomach meridian, but also those of the
Spleen meridian. On the other hand, TCM thinks long term or chronic
diseases often transfer to Luo meridians, where there are a lot small
Luo Mai (including Blood Luo) in each organ and tissues that become
stagnated after long term disease developed from Blood stagnation
inside of the organ or tissues. So the Luo Meridian can treat chronic
diseases is an advanced technique in TCM.
 The Fifteen Luo-Connecting Points
Meridian Luo-Point Meridian Luo-Point
Lung LU-7 Pericardium PC-6
Large Intestine LI-5 Triple Warmer TW-5
Stomach ST-40 Gall Bladder GB-37
Spleen SP-4 Liver LV-5
Heart HT-5 Conception Vessel CV-1
Small Intestine SI-7 Governing Vessel GV-1
Bladder BL-58 Major Spleen SP-21
Kidney KI-4
Application of Back-Shu and Front-Mu Points
The Back-Shu and Front-Mu points are the sites at which the Qi of the
Zang-Fu are concentrated. The Back-Shu points are mainly used to treat
the problems of the Five Zang-organs. Nan Jing Chapter 67 says:
“Needle the Yang (Back-Shu points) to treat the Yin diseases.
Because those points are on the Yang side of the body, Back Shu points
are located on the Bladder Meridian of the Foot Tai Yang, bilateral to the
spinal column on the back. Most of them are situated close to their
respective Zang-Fu. So the Back Shu points present abnormal reactions,
such as tenderness, burning or painful sensations, representing the
dysfunction of their corresponding Zang-Fu. They are very significant in
the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders corresponding to the
Zang-Fu. For instance, BL-18 can treat some symptoms that are caused
by dysfunction of the Liver organ, such as: Liver Qi stagnation, Liver
Yang rising, or Liver Blood deficiency.
 The Twelve Back Shu Points

Yin Organs Back-Shu Points Yang Bowels Back-Shu Points

Lung BL-13 Large Intestine BL-25
Heart BL-15 Small Intestine BL-27
Pericardium BL-14 Triple Warmer BL-22
Spleen BL-20 Stomach BL-21
Liver BL-18 Gall Bladder BL-19
Kidney BL-23 Bladder BL-28
 The Twelve Front-Mu Points

Yin Organs Front-Shu Points Yang Bowels Front-Shu Points

Lung LU-1 Large Intestine ST-25
Heart CV-14 Small Intestine CV-4
Pericardium CV-17 Triple Warmer CV-5
Spleen LV-13 Stomach CV-12
Liver LV-14 Gall Bladder GB-24
Kidney GB-25 Bladder CV-3
 The Front-Mu points are mainly used to treat problems of the
six Fu-bowels. They are located close to their corresponding bowels.
There are some abnormal reactions during meridian palpation, such as
tenderness and pain often in its corresponding Front-Mu point if the
bowel is diseased. Nan Jing Chapter 67 says: “Yang disease, treat the
Yin side.” This means to treat the Yang Fu-bowels disease by using the
Front-Mu points. For instance, epigastric pain is very commonly treated
by CV-12 (Front-Mu point of Stomach). Bowel movement problems and
urinary problems are commonly treated using CV-3 and ST-25 (Front-Mu
point of the Large Intestine and Urinary Bladder).
Besides treating the Six Fu-bowels using the Front Mu points, it is very
common to use it in combination with other points such as the Back
Shu points and the Six Lower He-sea points (Xia He Xue).
Front-Mu and Back Shu Point Prescriptions:
This is often called Yin and Yang Combination Prescriptions.
There are two techniques applied in the clinic:
One is used for a single Zang or Fu problem, for example, for the
treatment of Spleen deficiency with abdominal bloating,
lassitude, loose stool and pain reflected to the middle of the
back. Needle BL-20 first then needle LV-13. This is a typical case
of using a Front-Mu and Back-Shu point prescription.
Treating related organs after diagnosis is the other method
frequently used in the clinic. For example, fore retention of urine
caused by Kidney Qi deficiency, needle the Front-Mu CV-3 first to
move the Urinary Bladder Qi and then needle BL-23 to warm the
Kidney Qi. This technique is usually applied for Exterior and
Interior related meridians.
Front-Mu and Lower He-sea Point Prescriptions:
This combination is used for Six Fu-bowel Excess or Heat
diseases. For example, when patients suffer from severe
Stomach pain caused by improper food intake, select CV-12
(Front-Mu of the Stomach) combined with ST-36 (Lower He-sea
of the Stomach meridian). When patients have bad Gall Bladder
pain, use GB-24 and GB-34 with a dispersive needle technique.
Application of Lower He-Sea Points—Xia He Xue
The application of the Lower He-Sea points is mainly used for the Six
Fu-bowel problems. In the Nei Jing it states, “ The He-Sea points can
treat the disorders of Six Fu-bowels.” According to this theory, the
Lower He-sea points are selected to treat the diseases of their
respective Fu-bowels. For example, BL-40 (Lower He-sea point of
Urinary Bladder) can be used to treat acute Urinary Tract Infection.

The Six Lower He-Sea Points

Six Bowels Stomach Large Small Gall Bladder Bladde Triple Warmer
Intestine Intestine r
Points ST-36 ST-37 ST-39 GB-34 BL-40 BL-39
Application of the Sixteen Xi-Cleft Points
Each of the 12 regular meridians has one Xi (Cleft) point. In
addition, within the 8 extra meridians, only the Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yang
Qiao and Yin Qiao meridians have their own Xi (Cleft) point. Totally,
there are 16 Xi (Cleft) points. The Xi (Cleft) points are used primarily in
the treatment of acute diseases appearing in their corresponding
meridians, organs, and bowels.
Xi (Cleft) points in the Yin meridians are mainly used for treating
Blood syndromes and in the Yang meridians they are used to treat acute
pain syndromes. For instance, LU-6 is effective to hemoptysis or
vomiting of blood, KI-5 commonly treats irregular menstruation, ST-34
is mainly used for acute Stomach pain, and SI-6 is effective for acute
lower back pain. The Xi (Cleft) point can be singly selected or
combined with other points. For example, ST-34 (Stomach meridian Xi-
cleft point) and CV-12 (Front-Mu point) are effective in the treatment of
acute Stomach pain.
 The Sixteen Xi-Cleft Points
Meridians Points Meridians Points
Lung LU-9 Small Intestine SI-6
Pericardium PC-4 Gall Bladder GB-36
Heart HT-6 Bladder BL-63
Kidney KI-5 Triple Warmer TW-7
Liver LV-6 Yin Wei KI-9
Spleen SP-8 Yang Wei GB-35
Stomach ST-34 Yin Qiao KI-8
Large Intestine LI-7 Yang Qiao BL-59
Application of the Eight Influential Points
The Eight Influential Points refer to eight specific points at which
the vital essence of the Zang, Fu, Qi, Blood, Tendons, Pulse/Vessels,
Bone and Marrow are concentrated. In clinical application, their
respective influential points may treat all the diseases related to these
eight aspects.
 The Eight Influential Points
Eight Influences Points Specific Points
Zang LV-13 Front-Mu of Spleen
Fu CV-12 Front-Mu of Stomach
Qi CV-17 Front-Mu of Pericardium
Blood BL-17 Bladder Meridian
Tendon GB-34 Lower He-Sea of Gall Bladder
Pulse LU-9 Source Point of the Lung
Bone BL-11 Bladder Meridian
Marrow GB-39 Gall Bladder Meridian
Indications of the Eight Influential Points
Influential Point of the Zang Organs: LV-13.
Used for abdominal bloating, borborygmus, hypochondriac pain,
masses in the abdomen, cold and painful sensations in the lower
back and spinal region, frequent cloudy white urine, and any kind
of organ disease, particularly for treating disorders of the Liver
and Spleen.
Influential Point of the Fu Bowels: CV-12.
Used for abdominal bloating, Stomach pain and poor appetite,
vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, particularly for digestion
system problems such as Stomach, Large Intestine and Small
Intestine diseases.
Influential Point of the Qi: CV-17.
Used for treating stuffiness in the chest or chest pain, cough,
shortness of breath, hiccup, rebellious of the Qi, and other Qi
problems. It’s very often used with other points in the clinic. For
example, apply CV-17 with CV-12 for vomiting, with PC-6 for
angina, with BL-13 for asthma, and with SI-1 for lack of milk after
labor.
Influential point of Blood: BL-17.
Used for any kind of Blood problems such as anemia, dizziness,
etc. It is very effective for anemic patients, for bleeding in
accordance with BL-20, for GYN problems with BL-23, and for
Heart Blood stagnation, or chest pain with BL-14.
Influential point of Tendons: GB-34.
Used to treat paralysis, contraction, and numb sensations on the
lower extremities. It is also effective for some Gall Bladder and
Liver problems such as: distension and distending sensation on
the chest and hypochondriac region, bitter taste in the mouth,
vomiting, and lassitude.
Influential Point of Pulse-vessels: LU-9.
The Heart dominates the pulse and the Lung controls all of the
pulse, this is why LU-9 is mainly used for Heart and Lung organ
problems such as: Chest Bi syndrome, Heart disease, choppy
pulse, cough and asthma.
Influential Point of the Bones: BL-11.
Used for stiffness and painful sensations on the neck and
shoulder area, back pain, and difficult movement, heavy
sensation in the head, and problems in the scapular region. It is
also effective for Pathogenic Influences such as: fever, headache,
and cough.
Influential Point of the Marrow: GB-39.
Used for Wind stroke, dysfunction of the four extremities, muscle
and bone problems. Also use GB-39 with moxibustion technique
to be able to prevent Wind stroke because in Traditional Chinese
Medicine, it is said that the brain is the Sea of Marrow.
Application of the Eight Confluence Points
The Eight Confluence Points refer to the eight special points
where the eight extra meridians communicate with the twelve regular
meridians. All of them are distributed on the areas superior and inferior
to the wrist joint and ankle joints. They are all regular twelve meridian
points and also they all connect to the eight extra meridians. That is
why they not only treat twelve regular meridian problems, but also treat
the eight extra meridian problems.
 The Eight Confluence Points
Eight Meridians Points Indications
Chong-mai SP-4
Heart, chest, Stomach, Liver, or Spleen diseases
Yin Wei PC-6
Dai-mai GB-41 Outer canthus, ears, neck, nape, side of the body, and
Yang Wei TW-5 alternation of cold and heat
Governing Vessel SI-3 Inner canthus, ears, neck, scapula, back, fever, and
Yang Qiao BL-62 aversion to cold.
Conception
Vessel LU-7 Chest, Lung, throat, diaphragm, Liver, Kidney, and
Interior Heat due to Yin Deficiency
Yin Qiao KI-6
Single Point Technique:
SP-4 communicates with the Chong Mai, in order to treat both
Spleen and Chong Mai problems such as irregular menstruation
with loose stool, poor appetite, and a weak sensation in four
extremities and body.
Combination Point Technique:
Choose a group of special confluence points, each one from the
upper and lower extremities. For example, SP-4 and PC-6 as a
group prescription to treat Stomach, Heart and chest problems;
TW-5 and GB-41 as a group prescription to treat diseases which
are located on outer canthus, face, shoulder, and also for
alternating cold and hot sensations.
Application of Crossing-Meeting Points
Crossing points refer to a single point where two or more
meridians intersect. Most of them are distributed on the head, face and
body. They are used to treat disorders related with more than one
meridian.
Crossing Points

Meridians Point Crossing Meridians

s
Hand Taiyin Lung LU-1 LU & SP
Hand Yangming Large LI-14 LI-SI-BL-Yang Wei
Intestine
LI-15 LI-TW-SI-Yang Qiao
LI-16 LI-Yang Qiao
LI-20 LI-ST
Foot Yangming Stomach ST-1 ST-Yang Qiao-CV
ST-3 ST-LI-Yang Qiao
ST-4 ST-LI-Yang Qiao-CV
ST-6 ST-GB
ST-8 ST-GB-Yang Wei
ST-9 ST-GB
ST-30 ST-Cong Mai
Foot Taiyin Spleen SP-6 SP-LV-KI
SP-12 SP-LV-Yin Wei
SP-13 SP-LV-KI-ST-Yin Wei
SP-15
SP-Yin Wei
SP-16
Hand Taiyang Small Intestine SI-17 SI-TW
SI-10 SI-BL-Yang Wei-Yang Qiao
SI-12 SI-ST-GB-TW
SI-18 SI-TW
SI-19 SI-GB-TW
Foot Taiyang Bladder BL-1 BL-SI-GB-TW-ST-Yang Qiao
BL-11 BL-SI-GB-TW-GV
BL-12 BL-GV
BL-41 BL-SI
BL-31 BL-GB
BL-33
BL-GB-LV
BL-34
BL-59
BL-61
BL-Yang Qiao
BL-62
BL-63 BL-Yang Wei
Foot Shaoyin Kidney KI-6
KI-Yin Qiao
KI-8
KI-9 KI-Yin Wei
KI-11
KI-12
KI-13
KI-14
KI-15
KI-16
KI-17 KI-Cong Mai KI-Cong Mai
KI-18
KI-19
KI-20
Hand Jueyin Pericardium PC-1 PC-TW-GB
Hand Shaoyang Triple Warmer TW-13 TW-LI-Yang Wei
TW-15 TW-GB-Yang Wei
TW-17 TW-GB
TW-20 TW-GB-LI-SI
TW-22 TW-GB-SI
TW-23 TW-GB
Foot Shaoyang Gall Bladder GB-1 GB-TW-SI
GB-2 GB-TW
GB-3 GB-TW-ST
GB-4
GB-5
GB-TW-LI
GB-6
GB-7
GB-8
GB-9 GB-BL
GB-10
GB-11 GB-TW-BL
GB-12 GB-BL
Foot Shaoyang Gall Bladder GB-13 GB-Yang Wei
GB-14 GB-TW-LI-Yang Wei & Yin Wei
GB-15 GB-BL-Yang Wei
GB-16
GB-17
GB-18 GB-Yang Wei
GB-19
GB-20 GB-TW-Yang Wei
GB-21 GB-TW-ST-Yang Wei
GB-22 GB-BL
GB-24 GB-SP-Yang Wei
Foot Shaoyang Gall Bladder GB-26
GB-27 GB-Dai Mai
GB-28
GB-29 GB-Yang Wei & Yang Qiao
GB-30 GB-BL-Yang Wei
GB-35 GB-Yang Wei
Foot Jueyin Liver LV-13 LV-GB-Dai Mai
LV-14 LV-SP-Yin Wei
Governing Vessel GV-1 GV-BL-GB-KI
GV-4 GV-Dai Mai
GV-13 GV-BL
GV-14 GV & all Six Yang Meridians
GV-15 GV-Yang Wei
GV-16 GV-BL-Yang Wei
GV-17 GV-BL
GV-20 GV-LV & all Six Yang Meridians
GV-24 GV-BL-ST
GV-26 GV-LI-ST
GV-28 GV-CV-ST
Conception Vessel CV-1 CV-GV-Cong Mai
CV-2 CV-LV
CV-3 CV & Three Foot Yin Meridians
CV-Cong
CV-4 MeridiansMai-ST & Three Foot Yin
CV-7 CV-Cong Mai-KI
CV-10 CV-SP
CV-12 CV-ST-SI-TW
CV-13 CV-ST-SI
CV-17 CV-SP-KI-SI-TW
CV-22
CV-Yin Wei
CV-23
CV-24 CV-GV-LI-ST
Thank
You - Dr. M. K. Sastry