wk7 - ST key fxns & combinations (35-45)

Question 0

What are the key functions of ST 36?

Answer 0

1) Rectifies the SP & ST - helps ST organize downward movement & helps SP organize upward movement
2) Regulates central qi
3) Harmonizes the intestines & disperses stagnation (He Sea fxn)
4) Breaks thoracic blood stasis - re: breast tissue (e.g. breast infections, breast lumps)
5) Courses wind & transforms damp - usu. external wind
6) Frees & regulates qi & blood of the channels - lowers blood pressure
7) Supports the correct & banks up the origin - tonifies zheng qi and original qi / essence
8) Dispels the pathogens & prevents disease (i.e. you can promote WBC production by burning moxa at ST 36)

Question 1

What is the major tonification point on the ST channel, that is included in most treatments? What categories does it belong to?

Answer 1

ST 36

He Sea, Command of Abdomen (and Horary)

Question 2

ST 36 combined with ______ is the “Inner 4 Gates.” What is the purpose of this point combination?

Answer 2

LI 10

• to promote digestion; to get better qi & blood
• used for Wei Syndrome

Question 3

ST 36 combined with ____ & ____ support the immune system. How does this point combination work?

Answer 3

Ren 4 (or 6) + LI 11

• consolidates the exterior
• protect from allergies

Question 4

ST 36 combined with which other points can be used to lower blood pressure?

Answer 4

ST 9 + LI 11 + Er Jian (+ GB 20)

together with ST 36, these points can be used to lower blood pressure

Question 5

How does this function of ST 36 relate to its category?

Function: “Harmonizes the intestines & disperses stagnation”

Answer 5

all He Seas move things through a hollow organ, and ST 36 is the He Sea of ST

Question 7

How does this function of ST 39 relate to its category?

Function: “Clears the bowels & transforms stasis”

Answer 7

all He Seas move things through a hollow organ, and ST 39 is the Lower He Sea of SI

Question 8

How does this function of ST 37 relate to its category?

Function: “Frees the intestines & transforms stagnation”

Answer 8

all He Seas move things through a hollow organ, and ST 37 is the Lower He Sea of LI

Question 9

What is an Empirical Point?

Answer 9

has a function or indication that’s clinically useful, but there is no real reason we can figure out

Question 10

Which point on the ST channel is an Empirical Point? What is it used for?

Answer 10

• ST 38 is the Empirical Point for frozen shoulder

- it is used for pain & motor impairment of the shoulder

Question 11

How do these functions of ST 40 relate to its category?

Functions: “Transforms phlegm-damp”

Answer 11

• ST 40 is a Luo Connecting Pt, and Luos in general help its paired Zang Fu organ
• “Transforms phlegm-damp” means that ST 40 helps the SP, which is the ST’s paired Zang Fu organ

Question 12

Can ST 40 be used to transform phlegm damp anywhere in the body?

Answer 12

• Yes, ST 40 can be used in combination with other points to treat phlegm-damp anywhere in body
• For example, the function “clear spirit disposition” refers to ability of ST 40 to address phlegm clouding the head (SX: headache, dizziness, vertigo, mania, epilepsy)

Question 13

Give a Host-Guest combo using the ST channel. What is it used for?

Answer 13

ST 40 + SP 3 = Host Guest combo for phlegm damp due to SP Qi Deficiency

(ST 40 is the Luo Connecting Point. SP 3 is the Yuan Source Point on its paired yin-yang channel.)

Question 14

What are distal points on the ST channel generally good for? Give an example of two points that will do this.

Answer 14

• to clear ST heat, especially when ST heat disturbs the mind
• ST 41 & ST 42 have specific functions for stabilizing the spirit

Question 15

What is the best point on the ST channel for clearing heat?

Answer 15

• Ying Spring point, ST 44

- especially used to clear heat from the other end of the channel (in mouth, gums, teeth)

Question 16

Give an example of Local-Distal Needling to treat tooth pain, using points on the ST channel. What point on the LI channel can be combined to improve efficacy?

Answer 16

ST 44 + ST 4, 5, 6 + LI 4

(ST 44 is Ying Spring point, and clears heat from other end of channel. ST 4, 5, 6 are local points around the mouth and gums. LI is the Command of Face & Mouth, and directs the treatment there.)

Question 17

What point on the ST channel discharges Yang Ming pathogenic heat?

Answer 17

ST 45, the Jing Well point

Question 18

What is the classic combo for heat & fever? (Note: these points are NOT on the ST channel)

Answer 18

Du 14 + LI 11 + LI 4

(All Yang channels go to Du 14 at the back of the neck. LI 11 is the Master Point of Heat & Fever. LI 4 is the Command of Face & Mouth, as well as the Yuan Source point.)

Question 21

What 3 points on the leg can be used to promote digestion? What are the relevant point categories?

Answer 21

ST 36 - He Sea (of ST)
ST 37 - Lower He Sea of LI
ST 39 - Lower He Sea of SI

together these are the 3 He Seas for the digestive system