Acupuncture theory Flashcards
Acupuncture dates back…
4000years
Acupuncture systemised
2nd century BC or 2000 years ago
Jīng (经) runs….. and includes:
Channel vertical or north/south pathways 12 regular pathways 8 extra meridians
Luò (络) runs …. and includes…..
Collaterals the horizontal or east/west pathways 15 Luo-connecting 12 Divergent. Runs superficially
meridian system component
Meridians: 12 regular, 8 extra
Collaterals: 15 Luo-connecting, 12 Divergents
12 muscle region
12 cutaneous regions
Levels of meridians

General Functions of meridians
- Carry Qi, blood, body fluids; nourish organs & tissues
- Communication between different areas of body and Zang Fu
- Transmit disease
- Transmit acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation
- Regulate functional balance
- Responds to dysfunction / disease of the body
- Serve as a guide to diagnosis and treatment eg: Headache.

tài yáng
greater yang
supreme yang
received the most sun
Posterior lateral
Big Yang
shǎo yáng
lesser yang
middle yang
medial and dorsal
yáng míng
Sunlight Yang
Yang Brightness
Small yang
anterolateral
inner part and back of the body,
tài yīn
greater yin
supreme yin
Most shaded
anteromedial surface
shǎo yīn
lesser yin
Lesser shade
middle yin
anteromedial surface
jué yīn
terminal yin
absolute yin/reverting yin
Middle yin
Medial plane
relationship between regular meridians
- Tai Yin – Yang Ming
- Jue Yin – Shao Yang
- Shao Yin – Tai Yang

Tai Yang organs
Hand - Small Intestine
Foot - Urinary Bladder
Shao Yang organs
Hand -San Jiao
Foot- Gall Bladder
Yang Ming
Hand - Large Intestine
Foot - Stomach
Tai Yin
Hand -Lung
Foot - Spleen
Shao Yin
Hand -Heart
Foot - Kidney
Jue Yin
Hand - Pericardium
Foot - Liver
Describe the flow of energy through meridians

Which Extra Meridians pertain or communicate with zang/fu
None
Which extra meridians have own points
Du and Ren
Functions of extra meridians
Control, join, regulate Qi & blood
– Further strengthens the connection of the 12 regular meridians – as a reservoir excess Qi & blood – protects the body (particularly yuan qi)
Define confluent points
Points that connect 8 extra meridians and 12 main channels
Dumai meridian
Yang Meridians

Renmai
Yin meridians

Chongmai
Vital pass, all meridians

Daimai Meridian
Connect all meridians

Yangqiaomai
Functional, eyes, insomnia

Yinqiaomai
Functional, eyes, somnolence

Yangweimai:

Harmonise yang meridians and body

• Yinweimai
Harmonise Yin meridians and body

Name the five zang organs
Yin organs
- the heart (including the pericardium),
- lung,
- spleen,
- liver,
- kidney.
Name the fǔ (腑)
yang organs – Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder, Urinary Bladder, Stomach and Sānjiaō.
Divergents of Yin meridian connect with….
interiorly-exteriorly related yang meridian
Functions of Divergent Meridians
- Strengthen internal / external relationship
- Distribute Qi & blood to head & face \
- Integrate areas of the body
Divergent Meridians branch out from….
main meridians
T or F
Divergent Meridians run deeper than collaterrals
True
Do Divergent Meridians have their own points
No
Divergents of to Yang meridians enter the….
Zangfu organs to which the yang meridian pertains
•Divergent Yang meridians emerge…..
emerge at the neck joining their related primary channel
Divergent Yin Meridians emerge
emerge to Yang
Divergent meridians for …. unions (confluence)
6
Divergent meridians surface at
supraclavicular fossa/neck/face
Collateral points
• Branch out from 12 main meridians, Du Ren & great luo of the SP
describe location of secondary channels

2 sources of qi
What are the 2 fires in the body
Function of storing blood
LU → LI
SP St
HT → Si
KI UB
PC → SJ
LI GB
Arrows snake
Collaterals strengthen
nternal / external relationship
How many collaterals
15
Collaterals have …. points
Luo
Number of cutaneous regions
12
Functions of muscle tendino, sinew
Qi of regular meridians gathers at muscle, tendons and joints
Nourish muscles Connects all bones/joints/tendons/ligaments –
Maintain normal function –
Do not connect with zang fu directly
Fx of cutaneous regions
- reflect functional activities of 12 meridians
S+S internal disease
outer layer-protect and transmission of diseases
Functions of collaterals
Transfer Qi and blood from meridian to body
Protect from pathogenic factors
What part of meridian system explain sensation and pathological changes to treatment
Collaterals
Origin of Hand-Taiyin – LU
Middle Jiao
Termination of Hand-Taiyin – LU
Radial side of the tip of the thumb (Lu 11)
Origin of Hand-Yangming – LI
Radial side of middle finger
Terminationof Hand-Yangming – LI
Ala nasi of the nose (LI20)
Origin of Foot-Yangming – ST
Ala nasi of the nose
Termination of Foot-Yangming – ST
Lateral side of the tip of the 2nd toe (ST45)
Origin of Foot-Taiyin – SP
Great toe (SP1)
Termination of Foot-Taiyin – SP
Tongue
Origin of Hand-Shaoyin – HT
Heart
Termination of Hand-Shaoyin – HT
Radial little finger (Ht9)
Origin of Hand-Taiyang – SI
Ulnar side of the little finger (SI1)
Termination of Hand-Taiyang – SI
Inner canthus Bl1
Origin of Foot-Taiyang – UB
Inner canthus (BL1)
Termination of Foot-Taiyang – UB
Lateral side of the small toe (BL67)
Origin of Foot-Shaoyin – KI
Inferior aspect of the small toe
Termination of Foot-Shaoyin – KI
Root of the tongue
Origin of Hand-Jueyin – PC
Chest
Terminationn of Hand-Jueyin – PC
Tip of the middle finger PC9)
Origin of Hand-Shaoyang – SJ
Ulnar side of the ring finger (SJ1)
Termination of Hand-Shaoyang – SJ
Outer canthus (SJ23)
Origin of Foot-Shaoyang – GB
Outer canthus (GB1)
Termination of Foot-Shaoyang – GB
Lateral side of the fourth toe
Origin of Foot-Jueyin – LR
Great toe (Liv1)
Termination of Foot Jueyin - LR
Vertex



Jing well points
Locations
Where the Qi of the Channel emerges and begins moving towards the trunk of the body
Located on the tips of the fingers and toes
Jing well (metal) points actions
Restores consciousness
Eliminate pathogenic factors
Treats fullness below the Heart incl: CCP and mental disorders
Jing well points

Ying-spring Points Location
Ying-Spring points are located in the metacarpal/metatarsal area. Ying-Spring points are located in the metacarpal/metatarsal area.
Ying spring points function
Pathogenic Factors and clear heat, especially in febrile diseases.
Anterior cun measurements

Posterior cun measurement

Lateral cun measurements

Define regular points
Points located on the 12 regular meridinas and the Du and Ren meridian (14 meridians)
Window of Heaven Points
- Points usually located on the neck and are used to treat psychological disorders as they are said to “open a window of opportunity” to free the psyche, thereby altering the pattern of thought. They can also be used to redirect chaotic and rebellious Qi.
Ashi Points -
Tender points without specific names and location. Locating Ashi Points is the primary method of point selection in ear acupuncture and moxibusion treatments and is mostly used for pain syndrome.
Jing well points

Ying spring points

Shu stream point locations
located near the wrist or ankle They are the third point from the end of the fingers and toes (with exception of Gallbladder meridian, whose Shu-Stream point is the 4th point from the extremities).
Shu stream functions
used to treat “heavy body sensation and joint pain” caused by obstructions or chronic disorder due to dampness.
Shu stream points

Jing river point locations
Jing-River points are located on the forearm or lower leg
Jing river fx
used to treat alternating cold and heat conditions as well as wheezing/asthma and throat conditions.
Jing river points

He-Sea points location
located on the elbow or knee
He-sea point Fx
Used to treat rebellious Qi and conditions related to the digestive system.
He-sea points

Lower He-Sea points
Fu organs only
These points are commonly used to treat Fu organ diseases of the specific organ. Same as He-Sea points of the Foot Yang meridians
What points are lower He-Sea points

Name and Number of points in lung meridian
Tai yin of hand
11
Name and Number of points in large intestines meridian
Yang Ming of hand
20
Name and Number of points in stomach meridian
Yang ming of foot
45
Name and Number of points in spleen meridian
Tai Yin of foot
21
Name and Number of points in heart meridian
Shao yin of hand
9
Name and Number of points in Small Intestine meridian
Tai yang of hand
19
Name and Number of points in bladder meridian
tai yang of foot
67
Name and Number of points in kidney meridian
Shao yin of foot
27
Name and Number of points in pericardium meridian
Jue Yin of hand
9
Name and Number of points in triple energiser meridian
Shao yang of hand
23
Name and Number of points in GB meridian
Foot shao ming
44
Name and Number of points in liver meridian
Jue Yin of foot
14
yuan point location
yin points - 3rd point from extremity = shu-stream
yang points - 4th point from extremity except GB which is 5th from extremity
yuan point Fx
They retain Yuan Qi (Primary Qi) and are commonly used to treat conditions of the relative Zang organs. Yuan points are used to balance Yin and Yang, disperse excess and tonify deficiencies and stabilise emotions.
Functions of luo points
- strengthens the interior-exterior relationship c
- used to treat disorders involving the two interiorly-exteriorly related meridians and those in the area supplied by the two meridians
Functions of Xi cleft points
The Xi-Cleft points are where Qi and Blood of the meridians deeply converge. These points are used to treat acute disorders of the pertaining meridian and Zang-fu organs. Xi-Cleft points are often used to treat pain conditions and blood (yin) disorders as well.
Xi cleft points
She acutely fell of the cliff and her spine twisted into figure 8 and her large san jioa turned into 7. The small demon heart lives at the top off the cliff and lunged her over. Pair of 4s save with trampoline.A bloody goo 63 came out of drain reflected as 36. kids see what happen and hi five pair of 4s. St 34 stand on dirty oar.

Xi cleft points

Confluent points fx
The 8 extraordinary meridians work in pairs and each Confluent (Master) point is the Coupled point of its partner.
T/F
The Confluent/Master points are located on the regular meridians
True
Front Mu points-
Correspond with zang fu organs
They are points where the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs is infused and converges on the chest or abdomen. Front-Mu points are usually located near their corresponding organ. They reflect diseases of the organs and therefore can be used for diagnosis. These points are usually used to treat acute excess conditions.
Front-Mu points
corresponding to one of the Zang-Fu organs. They are points where the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs is infused and converges on the chest or abdomen. Front-Mu points are usually located near their corresponding organ. They reflect diseases of the organs and therefore can be used for diagnosis. These points are usually used to treat acute excess conditions.

Back-shu points
12 - corresponding to each Zang-Fu organ
located near the corresponding organ and is where the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs are infused, but on the back (the Qi of the Zang-Fu flows to the back and lumbar). The points also reflect diseases and can be used to diagnosis and treatment. Back-Shu points are usually used to treat chronic deficiency disorders and organ disorders, including emotional and mental conditions.
List Back-shu points

8 influential points
treat disorders of the listed parts or organs of the body.

Mother and Son point functions
mother points tonifying
Son points reducing.
The …. …. are the hub points of the Qi from the 12 meridians.
muscle regions
The …. …. provide being outermost layer provides RESISTANCE
cutaneous region
The … …is where Qi intersects tendons, muscles and
Muscle region
the … …. provides a warning system by providing S+S of internal disease
cutaneous system
the … … is involved in MOTOR system by controlling joint movement
muscle regions
lung meridian mother point
Lu 9 (Great abyss)- earth point
lung meridian son point
(Water point on the Lung )
Lung 5 - Foot Marsh (Indentation in the Stream)
Large Intestine Meridian of Hand –Yang Ming mother point
L.I 11
Son point Large Intestine Meridian of Hand –Yang Ming
LI 2
mother point Stomach Meridian of Foot –Yang Ming
ST 41 (fire)
Son point Stomach Meridian of Foot –Yang Ming
St 45 (metal)
Mother point Spleen Meridian of Foot -Tai Yin
(fire) SP 2
Son point Spleen Meridian of Foot -Tai Yin
SP 5 (Metal)
Mother point Heart Meridian of Hand -Shao Yin
Ht 9 (wood)
Son point Heart Meridian of Hand -Shao Yin
Ht 7 (Earth)
Mother point Small Intestine Meridian of Hand -Tai Yang
SI 3 (Wood)
Son point Small Intestine Meridian of Hand -Tai Yang
(Earth) Small Intestine 8 - Small Sea
Mother point Bladder Meridian of Foot -Tai Yang
(Metal) Bladder 67 - Extremity of Yin
Bladder Meridian of Foot -Tai Yang
(Wood) Bladder 65 - Bone Binder (Restrained Bone
Ki Mother/Tonification Point
(Metal) Kidney 7 - Returning Current
Ki son point
Kidney 1 - Bubbling Spring (Gushing Spring)
Pericardium mother point
(Wood) Pericardium 9 - Rushing into the Middle (Middle Rushing)
Child/Sedation Point Pericardium
(Earth) Pericardium 7 - Great Mound
Mother/Tonification Point Triple Energiser
(Wood) Triple Energiser 3 - Middle Islet
Triple Heater son point
Child/Sedation Point (Earth) Triple Heater 10 - Heavenly Well
Mother/Tonification Point Gallbladder
(Water)Gallbladder 43 - Valiant Stream (Brave Stream)
Child/Sedation Point Gallbladder
(Fire) Gallbladder 38 - Yang Support (Yang’s Assistant)
Mother/Tonification Point Liver
Mother/Tonification Point (Water) Liver 8 - Curved Spring
Child/Sedation Point Liver 2
Child/Sedation Point (Fire)Liver 2 - Walk Between (Travel Between)
Anatomical position

Lung muscle region
x starts at the thumb and spreads to the thenar eminence and lateral side of the radial pulse. It continues up the forearm to the elbow, upper arm, axilla and ST 12 (Quepen). The muscle region spreads down to the chest and diaphragm, merges with the muscle region of the Pericardium meridian of Hand Jue Yin before going to the hypochondriac region.

Which Zang Fu organ has the internal and external relationship with Spleen?
Stomach
The normal movement of Spleen Qi is
Ascending
What does Spleen send upward and to which Zang Fu organ?
Send Clear Qi to the Lung and Heart
A prolapsed stomach is due to
Spleen Qi does not ascend
The TT function of the Spleen refers to
Digestion of food and water
Impaired blood controlling function of the Spleen is manifested as
Easily bruised skin
Excessive uterine bleeding
Deficiency in Spleen is likely to show which of the following groups of signs and symptoms?
- Weak muscles and limbs, over worrying and stress fractures
- Feeling fearful, pale lips and stress fractures
- Feeling fearful, dull eyes and pale lips
- Weak muscles and limbs, over worrying, and pale lips
4
The RR function of the Stomach relies on
- Water
- Dryness
- Coldness
- Heat
Heat
A person feeling nausea after eating this is due to the Stomach Qi
cannot descend
Explain spleen’s role in diarrhoea
Spleen could not transform and transport food and water, and not able to ascend Gu Qi or nutrient Qi therefore causes diarrhoea
Explain spleen role in abdominal distention and pain
Spleen could not transform and transport food and water, therefore causes stagnation in the abdomen, leading to pain.
Explain spleen’s role in poor appetite
Spleen cannot TT cause stagnation in the abdomen. This impacts on Stomach’s descending function, leading to poor appetite.
Asthma is due to dysfunction of the Lung in
Descending qi
Which is the external manifestation of the Lung?
Skin and hair
The normal movement of Lung Qi is
Dispersing and Descending
To which Zang organ that the Lung sends Qi to ensure the smooth breathing?
Lung descends and Kidney receives. The two work together to ensure Qi descends
What is the relationship between the Lung and Large Intestine
Internal and External
The DD function of the Lung explains
The Lung controls pattern of breathing, Qi in the body as well regulate waterways
Large Intestine receives what from the Lung to maintain its normal function?
Clear Qi
The emotion related to the Lung is
Sadness
Which body fluid is related to the Lung?
- Snivel
- Saliva
- Phlegm
- Urine
- Sweat
Snivel
Explain Lung’s role in chills
Lung not dispersing Wei Qi
Explain Lung’s role in cough
D/D disrupted
Explain Lung’s role in Phlegm
D/D in water passage results in accumulation of phlegm
Functions of Spleen
- Controls the Up-bearing of Clear Qi
- Governs transformation and transportation
- Controls the Blood
- Controls: Muscle and limbs (strong and energetic )
Spleen opens to
mouth
Outward appearance of Spleen:
the lips (red, moist and lustrous)
Spleen Emotions:
Worry; Mental: thinking, concentrating, focusing and memorizing
Wha meridian is the foundation of Postnatal Qi
Spleen
Spleen governs ..
TT of food nutrients
TT of water
Spleen likes…
dryness
Describe TT of food
The food and drink is taken into the stomach.
The spleen provides the energy to digest and absorb nutrient qi.
The remaining “sludge” that is in the Stomach is passed to the small intestine where the Spleen further acts to transform and absorb nutrients. The clear nutrient qi is taken up by the Spleen and transported to the Heart and Lung to be distributed to and nourish the rest of the body.
Describe TT of water
During the digestion process the absorbed, clear fluid is taken by the Spleen and transformed into body fluids and transported to the Lung to be disseminated to the body to nourish it. The Spleen takes up further turbid fluid remaining and transforms them further before transporting them to the Lung and Kidney to continue the process of elimination which will eventually leave the body as sweat or urine.
Stomach qi direction
Downwards
Controls the Descending of Qi à LI and SI
Stomach likes
heat and moisture