Dave Shipsey<\/a> (in English), and online resources by Dr. Zhiyun Bo (in Chinese).<\/p>\nINTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/p>\nAbdominal Acupuncture utilizes a hologram of the abdomen of a tortoise on its back. Abdominal points prescriptions follow the same concept of herbal prescriptions in which there are Jun, Chen, Zuo, Shi<\/em> (Chief, Deputy, Assistant, Envoy) points, with each playing an important and essential function.<\/p>\n\n- Chief points<\/strong> treat the patient\u2019s chief complaints, and regulate and harmonize the organs. Usually 1-2 points are selected.<\/li>\n
- Deputy points <\/strong>enhance the organ regulating effects of the Chief points.<\/li>\n
- Assistant points<\/strong> enhance Chief and Deputy functions, as well as regulate affected channels.<\/li>\n
- Envoy points <\/strong>provide symptomatic relief. They often image the corresponding pain areas, and can also be guiding points.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There is no set number of points to use for each category above, however, there are usually more Envoy points than Chief points. Depending on the condition, some point prescriptions may only contain points from one or two of the categories.<\/p>\n
In addition, different combinations of the same points can yield different effects. Take Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), and Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) for example. Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4) and Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) combined tonify the Spleen and the Kidney; whereas, Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4) and Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10) combined harmonize the Stomach and strengthen the Spleen; and Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10) and Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) combined treat a broader range of gastrointestinal disorders, as opposed to using only one of the points.<\/p>\nPoint locations and needling depths are the keys to successful treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n
POINT LOCATIONS WITH CORRESPONDING IMAGING AREAS<\/strong><\/p>\nThe ren<\/em> (conception) channel images the spine. Therefore, the CV points on the abdomen correspond to the vertebra and GV points.<\/p>\nZhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) = Head \u2013 Treats head, brain, and sensory organs<\/p>\nJianli<\/em> (CV 11) = C1 or Fengfu<\/em> (GV 16) \u2013 Used for brain problems and treats C1 vertebra area<\/p>\nXiawan<\/em> (CV 10) = C7 or Dazhuiv (GV 14) \u2013 Helps Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) for SP and ST problems, and treats C7 vertebra area<\/em><\/p>\nShuifen<\/em> (CV 9) = T7 \u2013 Reduces swelling during the acute stages of back\/neck pain<\/p>\nShenque<\/em> (CV 8) or navel = T12; this is the center<\/p>\nQihai<\/em> (CV 6) = L1 \u2013 Treats all kinds of chronic qi diseases<\/p>\nGuanyuan<\/em> (CV 4) = L4 & L5 or Yaoyangguan<\/em> (GV 3)<\/p>\nZhongji<\/em> (CV 3) = Sacrum<\/p>\nIn addition to the CV points above, there are also points on the abdomen that image the upper and lower extremities. <\/p>\n
Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24) = Shoulder point \u2013 Use for any arm\/hand issues. Strengthens the upper back.<\/p>\n\n- Elbow point (AB1) is \u00bd cun<\/em> superolateral to the Shoulder point. This point is also the Upper Rheumatism Point.<\/li>\n
- Wrist point (AB2) is 1 cun<\/em> lateral to the Shoulder point, or \u00bd cun<\/em> inferolateral to the Elbow point. This point is also the Upper Lateral Rheumatism Point.<\/li>\n
- Thumb point (AB3) is 1 cun<\/em> superior to the Wrist point. This point is also the Upper Rheumatism Point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wailing (ST 26) = Hip point \u2013 Use for any back\/leg issues. Strengthens the lower back.<\/p>\n
\n- Knee point (AB4) is \u00bd cun<\/em> inferolateral to the Hip point. This point is also the Lower Rheumatism Point.<\/li>\n
- Medial Knee point (AB5) is \u00bd cun<\/em> inferomedial to the Hip point.<\/li>\n
- Ankle point (AB6) is \u00bd cun<\/em> inferolateral to the Knee point (AB4). This point is also the Lower Lower Rheumatism Point.<\/li>\n
- Foot\/Toes point (AB7) is \u00bd cun<\/em> inferomedial to the Ankle point (AB6).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summary of the points that are Vertically Lined Up<\/p>\n
\n- Shoulder point and Hip point are lined up vertically on the ST channel (2 cun<\/em> lateral to ren<\/em> (conception) channel).<\/li>\n
- Elbow point (AB1) and Knee point (AB4) are lined up vertically 2.5 cun<\/em> lateral to ren<\/em> (conception) channel.<\/li>\n
- Wrist point (AB2), Thumb point (AB3), and Ankle point (AB6) are lined up vertically 3 cun<\/em> lateral to ren<\/em> (conception) channel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summary of the points that are Horizontally Lined Up<\/p>\n
\n- Thumb point (3 cun<\/em> lateral) is lined up horizontally with Xiawan (CV 10).<\/li>\n
- Shoulder point (2 cun lateral) and Wrist point (3 cun<\/em> lateral) are lined up horizontally with Shuifen<\/em> (CV 9). <\/li>\n
- Hip point (2 cun<\/em> lateral) is lined up horizontally with Yinjiao<\/em> (CV 7).<\/li>\n
- Medial Knee point (1.5 cun<\/em> lateral) and Knee point (2.5 cun<\/em> lateral) are lined up horizontally with Qihai<\/em> (CV 6).<\/li>\n
- Ankle point (3 cun<\/em> lateral) is lined up horizontally with Shimen<\/em> (CV 5).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Kidney channel images the Urinary Bladder channel, so the KI points on the abdomen are anatomical reflections of points on the back BL channel, and can be used likewise. These points are also used to re-enforce the actions of the CV points. In addition, the KI points also affect the opposite side upper and lower extremities by moving the qi from the Kidneys to the reflected area (see Chart below). KI points that are often used in Abdominal Acupuncture are Qixue<\/em> (KI 13), Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17), Shiguan<\/em> (KI 18), and Yindu<\/em> (KI 19).<\/p>\nSIZE AND GAUGE OF NEEDLES<\/strong><\/p>\nUsually 32 gauge, 1 to 1.5 cun<\/em> needles are used.<\/p>\nNEEDLING PROCEDURE<\/strong><\/p>\nIn Abdominal Acupuncture, the points are needled from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. Chief points used to \u201cbring the qi home\u201d should be needled deeper. Deputy and Assistant points should be moderately deep, and Envoy points should be shallow if treating pain.<\/p>\n
Insert all the needles first and let them settle in so the body is aware it is being treated. Then use very gentle pressure to adjust the depths and directions of the needles so that they are all standing upright. Adjust the needles in the same order they were inserted.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Chief Points<\/strong><\/p>\nChoose 2 or 4 of the following points to bring the qi to the core or home. This is known as \u201cBringing the Qi Home\u201d to strengthen the Spleen and the Kidneys.<\/p>\n
Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12) \u2013 Tonifies the SP \/ ST<\/p>\nXiawan<\/em> (CV 10) \u2013 Tonifies the SP \/ ST<\/p>\nQihai<\/em> (CV 6) \u2013 Tonifies the KI<\/p>\nGuanyuan<\/em> (CV 4) \u2013 Tonifies the KI<\/p>\nStep 2: Deputy and Assistant Points<\/strong><\/p>\nAdd any of the following points to enhance and support the functions of the Chief points.<\/p>\n
\n- Add Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24) and Wailing<\/em> (ST 26), bilaterally, to promote more qi and blood circulation. They are the Abdominal Four Gates. <\/li>\n
- Add Tianshu<\/em> (ST 25), bilaterally, if the patient also has digestive disorders.<\/li>\n
- Add Daheng<\/em> (SP 15), bilaterally, if addressing disorders involving muscles, or to ease pain and eliminate dampness, or to harmonize the middle jiao<\/em> more.<\/li>\n
- Add Qixue<\/em> (KI 13), on the healthy side, to move qi in the lower jiao<\/em>.<\/li>\n
- Add Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17), on the healthy side, to move qi in the upper jiao<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 3: Envoy Points<\/strong><\/p>\nFeel for nodes, grains, bubbles, or ashi<\/em> points in the corresponding problematic area. Use up to 3 needles if necessary and adjust the depth of the needles for optimal results. Needle the same side as the affected area.<\/p>\nUpper and Lower Rheumatism points can be used to open channels and collaterals and relieve bi zheng<\/em> (painful obstruction syndrome).<\/p>\nStep 4: Stimulation<\/strong><\/p>\nThere is no need to stimulate the needles up and down like in body acupuncture. As long as the needles are at the right depth, you can just let the needles work their magic. Any stimulation should be just back and forth in a gentle manner. Adjust the angle if needed.<\/p>\n
Weaker stimulation tonifies while stronger stimulation sedates. Because Abdominal Acupuncture is most suitable for chronic disorders and most patients with chronic disorders are deficient, mild needle stimulation would be enough to achieve desired treatment results. Moxa can also be added to the points. <\/p>\n
In general, there are three steps to \u201cDe Qi<\/em>\u201d in Abdominal Acupuncture.<\/p>\nWait for the Qi (Hou Qi<\/em> \u5019\u6c14):<\/p>\nThis step is to insert the needle and wait 3-5 minutes for the qi to arrive to the local area.<\/p>\n
Activate the Qi (Xing Qi<\/em> \u884c \u6c14):<\/p>\nThis step is to stimulate the points by adjusting the needles to the proper depth. Needles need to be adjusted in the same order they were inserted.<\/p>\n
Hurry the Qi (Cui Qi<\/em> \u50ac\u6c14):<\/p>\nThis step is to refine the point location by adjusting the angle or the depth of the needle in order to achieve maximum clinical effectiveness. Usually this step is not needed unless the result is not satisfactory.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Removal of Needles<\/strong><\/p>\nRemove the needles in the order of insertion. Slowly remove the needles from the depth they are in \u2013 do not<\/strong> further insert the needle before removal. Also, do not<\/strong> stimulate the point before removal. After needle removal, use a dry cotton ball to press on the points.<\/p>\nNEEDLE DEPTH<\/strong><\/p>\nThere are 3 depth levels in Abdominal Acupuncture: Heaven, Man, and Earth.<\/p>\n
Heaven level is the most superficial of the 3 levels. It is less than 1 cun<\/em> from the surface. Needle insertion at this superficial level is mostly used to treat periphery, acute, or painful disorders of the muscles, bones, etc. The tortoise hologram is 3 dimensional so the more superficial part of the Heaven level treats the front of the body while the deeper part of the Heaven level treats the bone or the posterior side of the body. Don\u2019t go deeper than necessary.<\/p>\nThe second level is Man, which is moderately deep. This depth is used to treat problems with the channels and collaterals.<\/p>\n
The last and deepest level is Earth, and it is used to treat zang fu<\/em> disorders.<\/p>\nAs a general rule, depth of the Chief points on the ren<\/em> (conception) channel should be deep. During treatment, these points can be marked with red ink on the patient’s chart to indicate the depth is the deepest, Earth level. Deputy and Assistant points on the ST, SP, KI channels should be moderately deep, Man level, and indicated by blue ink on patients\u2019 charts. Envoy points on the affected area should be shallow, on the Heaven level. One can also indicate the depth of the needles on patients\u2019 charts by writing D (Deep), M (Medium) or S (Shallow) on the side of the points that are needled. <\/p>\nRETENTION OF NEEDLES<\/strong><\/p>\nOn average, needles should stay in for 20-30 minutes. Leave the needles in for a shorter period of time if treating chronic or weak patients. Alternatively, for acute or stronger patients, needles can be retained for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n
CAUTION\/CONTRAINDICATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Avoid deep needling puncturing into the abdomen, vessels, or organs.<\/li>\n
- Contraindicated for acute abdominal disorders, acute peritonitis, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly with visible veins. (Shallow needling around the rib area for patients with hepato- or splenomegaly.)<\/li>\n
- Contraindicated in extremely deficient patients or post-surgical patients, cancer patients, and pregnant women.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
SAMPLE PRESCRIPTIONS<\/strong><\/p>\nHeadache<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Bilateral: Ashi<\/em> points around Yindu<\/em> (KI 19)<\/p>\nNeck Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Healthy side: Ashi<\/em> points around Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Affected side: Ashi<\/em> points around Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24) and Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10)<\/p>\nShoulder Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Healthy side: Ashi<\/em> points around Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Affected side: Ashi<\/em> points around Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24)<\/p>\nElbow Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Healthy side: Ashi<\/em> points around Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Affected side: Ashi<\/em> points around Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24) \/ Shoulder point, Upper Rheumatism point \/ Elbow point (AB1), and Wrist point (AB2)<\/p>\nWrist Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Healthy side: Ashi<\/em> points around Shangqu<\/em> (KI 17)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Affected side: Ashi<\/em> points around Huaroumen<\/em> (ST 24) \/ Shoulder point, Upper Rheumatism Point \/ Elbow point (AB1), and Wrist point (AB2). If pain radiates down to the thumb, then add Thumb point (AB3).<\/p>\nBack Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7 Zhongwan<\/em> (CV 12), Xiawan<\/em> (CV 10), Qihai<\/em> (CV 6), Guanyuan<\/em> (CV 4)<\/p>\n\u00b7 Bilateral: Daheng<\/em> (SP 15), Tianshu<\/em> (ST 25), ashi<\/em> points around Qixue<\/em> (KI 13) <\/p>\nKnee Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00b7
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