Benchmark ReviewMeridian Theory and Point Locations, Energetics8 March 2013

Meridian Theory and Point Locations

Name and Category of Meridians and Collaterals

Channel names consist of 3 parts:

Zang of fu to which it belongs Upper or lower limb through which it

travels Its’ yin or yang identity

Regular Channels Six yin channels Six yang channels

Eight extraordinary channels Ren, du, chong, dai, yin qiao, yang qiao, yin

wei, yang wei

Miscellaneous channels Divergent, sinew, cutaneous, superficial

Fifteen collaterals 1 for each primary,1 for du, 1 for ren, 1 for

great luo connecting of the spleen

Function of the Meridians and CollateralsGeneral function of meridians Transport qi and blood through body, rendering the

body as an integrated whole. Protect the body Respond to the dysfunction of the body

The channel itself can be diseased The zangfu connected with the channel can be

diseased which shows in the channel Disease can transmitted via the channels (i.e., Ht fire

SI bladder Channel may show the disease

Channels transmit healthy qi to diseased areas

Luo Connecting Strengthen the connection between the

internally and externally paired channels and zangfu.

Treating disorders of their interiorly-exteriorly related channel or zangfu

Treating disorders in regions reached by the luo-connecting channel

Treating psycho-emotional disorders

General distribution, direction, flow of meridians Go through Deadman and review the

diagrams of the main channels Focus on where they start, where they go Focus on what direction they flow Refamiliarize yourself with the organs

they pass through

Classification, Nomenclature of acu-points

Nomenclature How points are named. We learn points by

channel/number except for extra points In Asian countries (and at Bensky’s school

in Seattle) you learn the name of the points which reflect the points’ location and therapeutic properties

Classification, Nomenclature of acu-pointsClassification Regular points

Located on 12 main channels + Du and Ren Each has a reliable name, function, location

Extra points Not located on a main/Du/Ren meridian, not related to

internal organ Are named, have definite locations, and indications/functions

Ashi points Tender or responsive points, not on any channel, not named,

no reliable locations, no real indications Are used to treat local problems. Find ‘em by palpating

Methods of locating points Anatomical landmarks Proportional measurements Finger measurements Convenient measurements

Landmarks Bones, protuberances like mastoid

process, intercostal spaces,transverse processes of the vertebrae, etc.

Hairlines – anterior and posterior Creases – cubital, popliteal, wrist, etc. Depressions – ST 35, GB 20, etc.

Proportional measures Refers to the proportions of the patient and varies based on their

body part sizes.

Examples: 9 cun from anatomical neck of humerus (axillary crease) to the elbow

crease. 9 cun from lateral-lateral hairline (St 8’ish). 9 cun from mastoid process to mastoid process 12 cun from front hairline to back hairline 12 cun from cubital crease to wrist crease 8 cun from sternal notch to acromion process 8 cun from sternal costal angle

(just above xyphoid process) to umbilicus 8 cun from nip to nip

(on females, mid-clavicular line to mid-clavicular line) 5 cun from umbilicus to pubic symphysis. 14 cun from gluteal fold to popliteal crease 16 cun from popliteal crease to lateral malleolus 15 cun from popliteal crease to medial malleolus 19 cun from great trochanter to popliteal crease (anterior)

See CAM and Deadman for a few more that aren’t listed above.

Finger and hand measures – see Deadman and CAMS for the whole set

Convenient measures

Nose to arm to find LU 3, thumb phalangeal crease on the webbing to find Li 4, width of the smile, etc.

Location/relationship of points on 12 regular, Ren, Du

http://catstcmnotes.com/pages/Class/Point%20Locations/Point%20Locations%203.html

Location of extra pointsSame document as cited on previous page

Needling method of points Needle directions

Perpendicular, oblique, transverse and transverse oblique and where to use them

Needling depthI.e., how not to kill/maim someone and how not to get sued. Pneumothorax and other fun organ

punctures. Needling close to blood vessels and

nerves

Point Energetics

Function, indication of points on the 14 meridians Point Category Study Guide Five Element Study Guide Channel and Pathways Study Guide Comprehensive Energetics Study Guide

Function, indication of extra points

Five phase, element or control points

Antique points Jing well, etc.

Front mu points

Back shu points

Confluent points of the 8 extra meridians

Sheng/generation and Ke/control cycles

Meeting points

Entry and exit points

Window of Sky points

Four Needle Technique

Xi Cleft points

Yuan Source and Luo Connecting points

Extra points

Ashi points

Basic principles for prescription and selecting points

Commonly used point prescriptions Four gates, four flower, etc.

Some classic point association Four general/command, etc.