Well points

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The Well points are the first of the 5 Shu (aka Transporting, aka

Element)points which lie between the tips of the fingers and toes and the

elbows and knees. The 5 are Well, Spring, Stream, River, and Sea (using the

Maciocia translations).

 

The Well point is where the flow of Qi reverses polarity and where the flow

of energy is the most superficial and thinnest. It's also where the energy

is the most unstable. Because of these factors, Qi flow can be influenced

very easily at this point. The Well points are very good points to use in

acute, Exterior conditions because needling them can get rid of a Pernicious

Evil and/or symptom very quickly. There is a very centrifugal (outward)

movement of energy at the Well points. This is why they can be used to

quickly throw out a Pernicious Evil.

 

Maciocia gives the following examples of how the Well points can be used to

get rid of an acute problem very quickly: Lung 11 for fainting, Pericardium

9 for fainting and heat stroke, Heart 9 and Small Intestine 1 for loss of

consciousness, Spleen 1 for convulsions, Kidney 1 for loss of consciousness

and infantile convulsions, and Large Intestine 1 for loss of consciousness.

(Maciocia, Foundations, p. 338)

 

The Classic of Dfficulties gives the general guidelines of Well points for

" fulness under the heart. " (Foundations, p. 338)

 

Maciocia elaborates on uses of the Well points: They have a really strong

influence on moods and mental states. Think of perhaps using Well points

when irritability, anxiety, mental confusion, " brain fog " , restlessness, or

insomnia are present if the total picture merits their use. What do I mean

by " if the total picture merits their use " ? Some people tend to get agitated

when a severe storm is moving in. This definitely is an acute, Exterior

attack (Wind, Dampness, possibly Cold)situation with a component of

agitation, nervousness, anxiety, etc. A Well point definitely would be of

use. Well points may or may not be as useful for mental symptoms arising

from strictly Interior causes. For example, if a person is agitated and

nervous because of Yin Deficiency, the Yin Deficiency needs to be corrected.

Kidney 1 would be effective for both Yin Deficiency and Exterior factors

because one of the properties of Kidney 1 is that it tonifies the Yin.

(Kidney 1 is located in the center of the sole of the foot.) On the other

hand, Heart 9 probably wouldn't be effective for anxiety arising from Yin

Deficiency because 1). it doesn't tonify Yin, and 2). its primary use is

getting rid of Excess with Heat in the Heart, and Yin Deficiency is a

Deficiency problem. (Note: All Heart points do have the property of calming

the Mind (Spirit),but not all Heart points are going to help agitation and

anxiety arising from Yin Deficiency.)

 

Maciocia gives the following uses of Well points for mental symptoms:

Pericardium 9 for irritability and insomnia (Note to self: Remember P9 for

my crabby moods), Heart 9 for mental disorders, anxiety, manic-depression

(the reason the Well point H9 works for these more severe, Interior mental

disorders is because it opens the orifices of the Heart and blockage of the

orifices of the Heart is one of the primary causes of severe mental

illness), Spleen 1 for hysteria and insomnia, Stomach 45 for insomnia and

mental confusion, and Kidney 1 for anxiety (see previous comments for K1's

particular effectives in Yin Deficiency anxiety). (p.339)

 

The Spiritual Axis recommends the use of Well points when Yin organs are

effected. (Liver, Spleen, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs). It also recommends Well

points be used in Winter, though the overall clinical picture will dictate

what points get used when. The use of Well points for mental symptoms work

equally well on Yin and Yang meridians.

 

Victoria

 

 

 

 

 

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