This page is still under construction

Click on the links below to access information on the function and location of each of the acupuncture points on a specific acupuncture channel

I compiled this information on the function of the acupuncture points from many of the standard TCM source texts in order for my students to have an easily accessible summary of the standard available TCM information. This information is arranged as follows-

Channel Abbreviation

I have chosen the following abbreviatioon style simply because this sytem of abbreviation is easier to read than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard abbreviations. They are as follows:
Hand Tai Yin Lung Channel    =   Lu
Hand Yang Ming Large Intestine Channel   =   L.I.
Foot Yang Ming Stomach Channel    =  St
Foot Tai Yin Spleen Channel  =  Sp
Hand Shao Yin Heart Channel  =  Ht
Hand Tai Yang Small Intestine Channel  =  S.I.
Foot Tai Yang Urinary Bladder Channel   =   U.B.
Foot Shao Yin Kidney Channel   =   Kid
Hand Jue Yin Pericardium Channel   =   Per
Hand Shao Yang Triple Burner Channel   =  T.B.
Foot Shao Yang Gall Bladder Channel   =    G.B.
Foot Jue Yin Liver Channel   =   Liv
Governor Vessel   =  G.V.
Conception Vessel   =   C.V.

Point Number
This is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard acupuncture point nomenclature

Point Names
The names of the points, and interpretations of their meanings are taken from standard reference works on the subject.

Point Rank
I have coded the points for my students from one to five stars. This determines the point's 'importance'. This of course reflects its historical usage , and it is basically a subjective evaluation on my part, it is meant only to guide the novice student of acupuncture as to which points to emphasize in their studies. It is not to be taken too seriously.

Point Source
This refers to the first historical text in which the point is mentioned.

Point Category
This refers to the different point categories which the point may be associated with.

Traditional Location
This is a description of the point location taken from ancient authoritative sources as compiled in 'Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture' by Ellis, Wiseman and Boss, 1991.
These location descriptions are often far more elegant and descriptive than the anatomically accurate but frequently pedantic and confusing modern descriptions of point location.

Anatomical Location
The modern anatomical location of the point is taken from 'Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion' Beijing Foreign Language Press, 1987. When there is a variation, or when this source text is obviously wrong the location is also taken from 'The Manual of Acupuncture' by Deadman, Baker and Al-Khafaji, 1998. While this is a far superior book, I have still included the older descriptions, where acurate, due to their ubiquity.

point Location Methods
There are 'tricks' to finding the points, shortcuts, ways of measuring the body - some traditional, some modern. These are often overlooked in modern acupuncture texts.
The process of finding a point or a point zone is normally physical, involving feeling where the point is, and where it is reactive. Tthere are certain tactile sensations one looks for; there is a lexicon of kinesthetic impressions which aid in correct point location.

Point Functions and Indications
The 'function' information in bold is the generally recognized information within the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) tradition which I felt was the most important information to memorize for the purposes of passing the California state board exams.
The main body of the information is summarized from various standard TCM sources listed below. I have emphasized function as the 'organizer' of individual symptom indications wherever possible as I believe that an understanding of the functions of a point generally enables one to deduce indications.
I have listed the symptom indications each point treats - organized where possible according to the points functions. In this way the text can also serve as a teaching aid for the principles of acupuncture.

Traditional Indications
Traditional indication lists for each point are actually more ancient than point functions. I have listed them for each point.

Other Information
The information in italics is from individual practitioners of various traditions such as J.R. Worsley's Five Element tradition, or from Japanese sources, from Dr Voll, Giovanni etc. In this section I try to site the source of all information as it is quoted.
Please understand that this section is an informal compilation taken from my and other acupuncturist's notes. It is not a scholarly reference, it is a working document-in-progress and so some latitude must be given for inexactitude or subjective bias to occur. This italic section is less reflective of a formal tradition, more reflective of divergent traditions and individual practitioners' experiences. I feel that this more informal information is very important in fleshing out the points, in giving color, flavor, feeling; and in demonstrating new applications or a new gestalt in our understanding and use of a point.
If any acupuncturists have any information from their teachers, sources or traditions about the use of any points, I would be happy to consider including it here.

Zones and Other Points in Proximity
It is always interesting to examine the zone of influence around an acupuncture point. By this I mean the functions held in common with other adjacent points, as well as the functions associated with the body region, muscles or nerves in the area by many different traditions. In this regard it is interesting to pay attention to applied kinesiology and its various 'offspring', to massage techniques from around the world and other completely divergent traditions. It is also interesting to examine adjacent non-channel points, new points etc.

Needling Techniques
Needling technique is taken from standard texts with additional comments at times.
The direction of insertion of a needle is often dependent upon either safety issues or the desired clinical result. Methods of needling to achieve tonification, sedation, coursing the Qi of the channel and so on can be examined on a point by point basis. The safety of depth of insertion in acupuncture is normally a matter of common sense. In general acupuncture is proven to be very safe and remarkably lacking in serious complications or side effects. Obviously with modern, thin and disposable sterilized needles safety is maximized. Applying the needles gently, without force, and not inserting them too deeply or too fast normally guarantees that damage to internal structures like nerves, blood vessels and bones can be avoided.

Contraindications
There are three kinds of contraindications: based upon local anatomy, based upon traditional sources and based upon energetic effect. All three contraindications will be discussed.

Sacred Acupuncture information
This section in blue is my reflection upon the points. Please understand that this information is a reflection of the clinical insights and experience of Adam Atman L.Ac. MMQ. It's my stuff! You can quote it, if you cite the source.

Downloads

You will soon be able to download this information channel by channel.
It will be available as a download both with or without the Sacred Acupuncture information.

LINKS COMING SOON
we are in the process of editing the existing documents and adding to them. The lung channel should be posted by November 01 2006

 

 

The Lung Channel