Guest guest Posted April 25, 2000 Report Share Posted April 25, 2000 Each meridian has what is called a Source or Original point. Original Qi, the foundation of all the Yang and Yin energies in the body, stays in the Source Points. Because of this, the Source points can be used not only to treat diseased Yin Organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney), but can be used as an aide to diagnose problems disease in Yin organs. Giovanni Maciocia says in The Foundations of that when Yin organs are diseased, there may be abnormalities that one can see over these areas. Some of the abnormalities that can be seen include " swellings, redness, congested blood vessels " (common on K3), " varicose veins, a deep sunken dip around the point " (also common on K3), " whiteness, a bluish colour or very flaccid skin. " (p. 345) For example, if there are spider veins over the Kidney 3 point, this may mean that the Kidneys have an imbalance. If you observe bluish discoloration over the Spleen 3 point, this may mean that there's an imbalance in the Spleen. The Source points for the Yin meridians are Lung 9, Heart 7, Spleen 3, Liver 3, and Kidney 3. If you have access to an acupuncture chart, look these points up. Next, look at the points on your body to see if there are any signs of abnormality over the points such as redness, bluish color, varicose veins, etc. This is one way to start learning acupuncture/ acupressure and to become familiar with the location of the points. Note: These points are all bilateral. There is one of each on the right and on the left. Also note that Liver 3 is one of the acupuncture points profiled on the acupuncture-clinic website. Source points on the Yin meridians can be used both to diagnose and to treat diseases in the Yin Organs. The Source points of the Yang Organs have different uses. The Yang Source points are used mainly to expel Excess evils from the body. For example, Large Intestine 4, Joining the Valley - Hoku (Hegu), is used to " release the Exterior and expel Wind-Heat. " (Foundations, p. 346). Note that LI4 is one of those points that gets used a lot in acupuncture/ acupressure, has been discussed a lot on here, and is profiled on the acupuncture-clinic website. This is one of the main points for relieving constipation and is forbidden in pregnant women. Small Intestine 4 can be used to move Stagnant Liver Qi. (It's not unusual for points on one meridian to be helpful in relieving problems in other meridian/ organ systems. In fact, it's common.) Bladder 64 can be used to " expel Damp Heat from the Lower Burner. " (Foundations, p. 346) The Lower Burner is the lower part of the Triple Heater and includes the Kidneys, Bladder, and Intestines. Infection in the bladder is an example of Damp Heat. Gallbadder 40 is another point that can be used for Stagnant Liver Qi. Stomach 42 gets used to " expel Wind-Cold from the face in facial paralysis. " (Foundations, p. 346) Triple Heater 4 can be used to treat deafness which is caused by Gallbladder Heat or to " regulate the Lesser Yang. " (p. 346) The Yang Source points can be used to tonify the Yang Organs, but they are not the best points to use for this. Source points also are used to treat the Original Qi. In summary, the Yin Source points can be used to diagnose and to treat disease in the Yin organs. The Yang Source points get used mainly to expel Excess Evils like Wind Cold, Wind Heat, etc. and to clear up some Excess conditions in the body like Stagnant Liver Qi. (All Stagnation problems are classified as Excess conditions. Blood Stasis and Phlegm also are classified as Excess conditions. Knowing that Stagnation, Blood Stasis, and Phlegm are classified as Excess conditions is one of those things you need to know if you ever take a formal TCM course.) Victoria --== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==-- Before you buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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