point location guide - zen shiatsu iv source · pdf file · 2015-02-20point...

Point Location Guide - Zen Shiatsu IVFor your test, memorize:1.The English name of each point (if two options are given, memorize just one)2. Be able to describe the point in such a way that a reader could accurately find the point using just your description. It does not need to be exactly the way it’s written in this guide, but it needs to be precise.3. Memorize two of the functions from the function list at the end of each point description. This summary is in bold/italic text.

Source Points

Source Points are the points at which each channel receives its share of Source Ki from the Kidneys. Yin Source Points are used mainly to tonify the yin organs. All source points on Yin meridians are Earth points, and help to nourish the organs and regulate the balance of Earth energy relative to each organ.Yang Source Points are used mainly to expel pathogenic factors in the yang organs.Source Points also:1. May be a good choice for the a point to treat on a patient’s constitutional meridian, reawakening their true nature and

reawakening to a state of who they were prior to life’s traumas.2. Tend to benefit all aspects of an organ network, in a gentle and general way (they are less clinically “specific” than

some other points)3. Yin source points tend to focus the mind introspectively on the aspect of inner wisdom associated with the meridian in

question, allowing someone to be less confused by the mind’s desires or distracted by the seeming urgency of external circumstances.

4. Yang source points tend to clear the mind, clearing pathogenic or habitual thought patterns, negative programming and interpretations.

Lung 9 - Great Abyss (Great Stagnation)

In the carpal (wrist) joint, radial to the radial artery.• Search for the sensation of pulse• In the wrist transverse crease• Ulnar to abductor pollicis longus• Between the radius and the scaphoid (carpal bone)• Level with Heart 7

The name connotes water flowing down in a whirlpool. Lung 9 tonifies Lung Qi and promotes the descending of Lung Qi and the descending of fluids down from the upper body.

All material possessions and physical form eventually descend to the abyss. Lung 9 helps us realize the emptiness within and the eternal spirit shared by all people as that which is of highest value, allowing us to detach our value from transient material goods and physical forms.

Resolves phlegm, promotes descending of Lung Qi, Tonifies Lung Qi, Clears Lung/Liver Heat

825A Chicago AveEvanston, IL 60202

847-864-1130www.zenshiatsuchicago.org

http://www.zenshiatsuchicago.org

Large Intestine 4 - Joining of the Valleys (Meeting Mountains)

On the dorsal side of the hand, in the depression, between the two heads of the first dorsal interrosseous muscle, level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal• Level with a small notch at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.• In the stiff tissue just under the bone

At this junction of mountains, the functions of receiving (lung) and letting go (large intestine) are joined. The valley, because it is a depression, receives everything that lets go and erodes into it.Large Intestine 4 a) helps people let down their iron mask and relinquish attachments to their old stories. b) Empowers the immune functions of releasing the Exterior c) Empowers the ability to absorb yang in the form of minerals while surrendering all mundanity (yin) into the abyss.

Expels Wind, Releases Exterior, Tonifies Qi & Consolidates Exterior, Harmonizes ascending/descending of Qi.

Stomach 42 - Rushing Yang

In the depression, at the joint of 3 bones: the cuneiform and the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals

• At the highest point on the dorsal aspect of the foot• About 2 cun from St 41 at the ankle joint• The depression that can be felt when moving proximally from the depression between the two metatarsal bones.

Stomach 42 is at the center of the top of the foot, just as the stomach is in the middle burner and nourishes our center. The yang qi of the stomach organ surges forth at this point and can be felt as the pounding of an arterial pulse. The “Rushing” in the name connotes the type of movement of a geyser shooting up towards heaven.Stomach 42 helps to govern the upward surging of yang in the body. If yang does not rise with sufficient force, it can’t propel Yin with it, and the digestive process lacks sufficient fluid (dry mouth/dry lips). If yang rises too forcefully, rebellious stomach qi occurs, as well as hypertension, heart problems, stroke and some types of bipolar mania. Stomach 42 clears these rebellious qi patterns and brings body and spirit “back to earth”. It

empowers us to take in only those aspects of the environment that are truly nourishing to us and congruent with our inner nature.

Regulates the Intestines, Tonifies Stomach and Spleen, dispels Cold from joints




Spleen 3 - Supreme White (Great Brightness)

Inferior and proximal to the 1st metatarsal bone head. • Proximal and inferior to the metatarsalphalangeal joint.• On the borderline between the light skin of the sole and the darker, pigmented skin of the top of the foot.

“Supreme White” describes the Spleen’s function of empowering the virtues of integrity and reciprocity, giving congruence between our intentions, our speech and our actions.

Spleen 3 builds integrity by empowering our Spleen capacity to build qi and blood from food and dispersing Dampness. Dampness can be felt as the acquired burdens that obscure our ability to recognize the true

nature of our needs and appetites.

Neediness or giving to others with the expectation of a return reflect a lack of the true virtue of reciprocity. Spleen 3 empowers the Spleen function of experiencing ourselves as whole, complete, self-reliant and fulfilled through our inner resources, freeing us up to share our abundance altruistically with others, while still recognizing the moments when we truly need the support of others.

Strengthens the Spleen, Stimulates Intellect, Resolves Dampness, Strengthens Spinal Muscles

Heart 7 - Spirit Gate (Gate of God)

In the carpal (wrist) joint, radial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon • At the ulnar end of the wrist crease• Proximal to the corner of the pisiform bone (pictured)

“Spirit gate” alludes to the facility of this point to provide entry into and out of the imperial chamber of the Heart. Treating this point is like “oiling the Heart’s gate”.

The Spirit of a person is always complete, untouched by life, available as our deepest source of healing. Disorders of shen refer to a disordered mind unable to smoothly tap into source. The mind can on the one hand be unhealthily focused inwardly on its unfulfilled desires, or it can have an inability to maintain a separate boundary with the outside world, getting lost in connection and endless pursuit of desires.

Treating Heart 7 can help restore the boundary between self and the world and to establish a basis on which a healthier sense of self, grounded in fulfillment, can be built.

Calms Mind, Nourishes Heart Blood




Small Intestine 4 - Wrist Bone

In the depression at the meeting point of three bones: triquetral, pisiform and the base of the 5th metacarpal.

Between the base of the 5th metacarpal and the wrist bones.

“Wrist bone” : The wrist is the juncture between the core self and the outside world. We extend ourselves to make contact with a handshake. The Small Intestine similarly conveys the heart’s essence via speech and listening. Wrist pain may be related to the heart’s inability to communicate clearly with the external world via dysfunction of the small intestine.

This point clears damp-heat stagnating in the small intestine. Psychologically damp-heat in the intestines can manifest as bitterness: sarcasm, cynicism and unethical/non-consensual sexual behavior. Physically this looks like loose stools with

mucus, abdominal fullness & pain, mental restlessness, burning pain and/or blood on urination (heat passing to bladder), scanty and dark urine.

Resolves Damp-Heat, Removes channel obstructions in SI meridian from wrist to neck.

Bladder 64 - Capital Bone (Central Bone)

Anterior to the 5th metatarsal bone base tuberosity, inferior to the bone neck. • The 5th metatarsal bone tuberosity is the structure that sticks out farthest on the lateral side of the foot.• On the borderline between the lighter sole skin and pigmented dorsal skin.

“Capital” in “Capital Bone” can be considered synonymous with “Source”. The Bladder provides access to our deepest inner reserves, stored in the Kidney. As represented by the Yu points, which provide access for each organ to the deepest level of their functional reserves of qi. This point is very invigorating, and strengthens the Bladder in its ability to mobilize the body’s reserves, like the army moving forth from the capital city. Psychologically, it helps the mind move away from a focus on fear and anxiety, and towards wise action.

Clears the channels, benefits the backside of the body, calms the spirit and clears the brain. Subdues rebellious qi in the head, especially headaches and dizziness related to Kidney deficiency.




Kidney 3 - Great Mountain Stream (Great Brook)

In the gap halfway between the medial malleolus peak and the achilles tendon, level with the peak.

Easiest to find when the foot is loose and at a right angle to the leg.

The image is of a spring gushing out of its source high in the mountains and flowing downward into a valley. Qi flows through KI 3 and down to KI 4, 5 and 6. The malleolus peak serves as the mountain.

Like a spring, this point can be used to tap into the Water resources wherever they are needed: strengthening jing, and both the yin and yang aspects of the Kidney.

The name also references the relationship between Earth and Water. KI 3 is the Earth point on the Kidney meridian,

and helps direct Earth qualities to the Kidney function. KI 3 helps to contain fear and effectively channel the resources of the Kidney from still and wise place. By contrast, if Earth energy is dysfunctional, neediness and worry can promote fear and paralyze the individual. KI 3 helps balance this dynamic as well, directing consciousness to the wisdom stored in jing and cultivating faith in the unknown, releasing worry.

Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, Strengthens Kidney’s receiving of Qi of Heaven, Strengthens low back and knees, Benefits Jing.

Pericardium 7 - Great Mound

In the wrist joint, between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons.

Easier to identify the two tendons when tightening the hand.

“Great Mound” evokes the imagery of the imperial mausoleums. Ling is the word for both “mound” and “spiritual potency allowing the effective performance of personal ritual. This point nourishes and revives a heart buried under life’s sorrows.

The “mound” imagery also calls to mind that this is the Earth point on the PC meridian. As such, this point empowers our ability to be nurtured by intimate relationships, whether someone has been exhausted by relationships or insatiably seeks stimulation and intimacy, this point balances the appetites and allows us to connect to deeper sources of nourishment regarding relationships.

Calms the mind, clears heat, harmonizes the stomach.




Triple Heater 4 - Yang Pond (Yang’s Pool)

On the wrist joint, ulnar to the extensor digitorum tendon.

• When making a fist and stretching the hand, two depressions appear on the wrist. This point is the ulnar one.• Start between the 4th and 5th metacarpals, and move proximally to the depression in the wrist joint.

The “pond” name alludes to the depression between the ulna and carpal bones when the point is located. Also, Triple Heater acts as the body’s thermostat, regulating the balance of temperature and fluids throughout the body, hence “pond” (water) of yang (fire). A traditional function of this point is fluid transformation.

The Triple Heater mediates our outermost boundaries of making contact and connection with others, in addition to governing our defensive weiqi as it relates to immune function.

The hand represents the point at which we extend ourselves into the world. Wrist pain and coldness or warmth of the hands sometimes corresponds to boundary issues; hands that are too hot or too cold can indicate either an excessive need for contact or that emotional warmth has been withdrawn. TH 4 can balance this dynamic, either

diminishing the urgency of our need for connection or supplying a clear stream of yang to warm our hands and help us extend our hearts into the world in a more balanced way.

Benefits ears, clears channel obstructions, benefits Source Qi, Promotes fluid transformation

Gallbladder 40 - Wilderness Mound (Hill’s Ruins)

Level with the lateral malleolus inferior border and vertically inferior to the malleolus anterior border.

Posterior (and inferior) to the extensor digitorum longus tendon.

The name refers to a hilltop from which one can see in every direction, but there is nothing to be seen. The function of GB 40 is like climbing a peak while lost in the wilderness. From this point we can gain perspective on where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going.

The Gallbladder governs judgement, including blame directed at self or others. GB-40 empowers clarity of vision, empowering us to realize that our personal opinions are always contextual and never absolute. We realize that the true judgement of “goodness”,

“badness” or “desirable” and “undesirable” are judgements that are beyond the reach of our limited minds. This allows us to relieve internal frustration and stop pinning our suffering on objects of blame, including ourselves. It empowers clear decision making from a perspective where we realize there are no “right” or “wrong” decisions.

Promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi, clears Gallbladder Heat, strengthens resolve and initiative




Liver 3 - Supreme Rushing

Between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, proximal to the bone heads.

The “rushing” in the name is a translation of chong, as in chongqi, the vast whirling abyss that blends heaven and earth into a unified whole. The liver carries out the action between the poles of Yin and Yang, ensuring the smooth flow and transformation between the poles.

Spiritually, the Liver ensures that our mind (shen/yang), is looking into our highest potential (stored in the jing/yin) to tap into inner wisdom to empower our actions and decisions. It also ensures that our inner potential extends out into the world as we grow, learn from life and cultivate wisdom.

The Liver ensures that growth occurs smoothly. In dysfunction, the liver tends to either accelerate growth and overwork, or tends to collapse as we push against perceived obstacles.

This point is the Earth point on the Liver meridian. As such it is very important in resolving imbalances between the Earth and

Wood elements. Too fast a rate of growth strain’s Earth’s capacity to nourish and sustain us. Here, belligerence overwhelms sympathy as resentment for being stuck in life is externalized and we project on others our inability to find creative solutions to our problems. Even when a goal is reaches, the liver may tend to initiate new plans, never allowing time to relax and taste the fruits of our labor.

A different dysfunctional tendency of the Earth element in relation to Wood is to mitigate our own needs in order to avoid conflict. Every time we say “yes” when we should say “no”, a bit of resentment is swallowed. This unprocessed anger and resentment adds stagnation to the digestive system, leading to nausea and a stuck feeling in the throat.

Also, the “rushing” in the name refers to the upward rush of rebellious Liver Qi, such as nausea, vomiting, esophageal reflux and tension headaches. Liver 3 helps to quell these rushing-up movements.

The balance of Wood and Earth can also be expressed this way. The creative mind (Wood), can see endless possibility in life and grows frustrated with the process of implementing plans. Wood can see the beginning and the end of a plan in a moment, and is often impatient while the Earth energy must grow, harvest, prepare, ingest, digest and build our blood, muscle and tissue as we work to bring our plans to fruition. Liver 3 empowers the Wood element to be patient and enjoy the process. As such, we no longer view the limits of time and resources as constraints, but rather as guides towards aligning our plan with Heaven’s plan.

Subdues Liver Yang, Extinguishes Interior Wind, smooths Liver Qi, Invigorates Blood, Calms spasms




Connecting Points (Luo Points) Connecting points have a variety of specific applications. Some protocols may seem to contradict each other. Don’t worry. Please understand that all these functions are simultaneously possible for connecting points, and can be used as the situation warrants.

1. Connecting points help to disperse excess within the channel they lie on. For example, Gallbladder 37 will clear heat in the Gallbladder, relieving eye pain and redness and dispersing frustration and tension headaches.

2. Connecting Points help to harmonize between the paired yin/yang meridians. For example, if Gallbladder is jitsu relative to the Liver, treat Liver 5 to drain the excess from the Gallbladder to support the Liver.

3. They also help to balance side-to-side imbalance within one meridian (harmonizing Gallbladder Left/Right meridian imbalance for instance). Treat the Connecting point on the more kyo meridian to drain qi towards that side of the channel from the excess side. If Gallbladder is more jitsu on the left side, treat GB 37 on the right side.

4. Luo points also are excellent at focusing consciousness towards inner wisdom, and clearing the mind so that it can view external circumstances clearly. For example, Gallbladder Jitsu as relative to Liver Kyo indicates that the decision-making process is being used excessively because the mind is not referring back to the inner wisdom and planning that is stored in the Liver. Treating Liver 5 to drain excess Gallbladder energy towards the Liver therefore has the effect of directing consciousness away from habitual snap decisions and towards wise planning.

5. A different way to transfer qi between yin/yang meridians is to treat the source point on the deficient channel while treating the connecting point on the excess channel. This is a good choice if the excess meridian is very excess, showing signs of heat and qi stagnation, like the example in number 1 above, where the Gallbladder shows signs on internal heat (eye redness) and qi stagnation (tension headaches), and where the paired meridian is kyo. In number 1 above, perhaps Liver Blood is deficient, and Gallbladder excess is causing redness and pain. In this case, you can treat GB 37 (to clear Gallbladder excess and harmonize w/ Liver) and Liver 3 (strengthen Liver, make Liver qi available to produce and move Blood and harmonize with Gallbladder). Luo points also drain any other pathogenic excess, such as cold, damp and wind.

Lung 7 - Broken Sequence

Proximal to radial styloid process, between abductor pollicis longus and brachioradialis

As a connecting point on the Lung channel, Lung 7 integrates the functions of receiving and letting go. It clears stagnation from the lungs and directs the mind inwardly towards emptiness and essence, the only things with lasting value.

An alternate name is “child mystery”. CV 17 (pericardium bo point), also has a child-related alternate name “primordial child”. Lung 7 and CV 17 can both empower breath and inspiration when these virtues are obscured by clouds of loss and longing dating to events from childhood.

Promotes descending and diffusing of Lung Qi , Releases Exterior, Benefits Head/Neck and Opens Nose, Opens Conception Vessel




Large Intestine 6 - Side Passage (Deviated Passage)

On a line connecting LI 5 to LI 11, 3 cun proximal to LI 5 In the gap between two tendons

The name of the point refers to the fact that the luo channel begins here, transferring energy from Large Intestine to Lung.

This point in involved in moisture pathology, moistening dryness and regulating Lung’s water passages.

As a connecting point, this point helps to vent Lung stagnation, venting grief or damp/phlegm.

The metal element relates to our ability to perceive value, or how we believe the world values us. Large intestine dysfunction can correspond to dryness and feeling “burned by the world”, or undervalued by the world. This point helps to clear these circular patterns of thought.

Regulates Lung’s water passages (edema of face/hands, combined w/ upper respiratory distress), Benefits toothache and facial pain

Stomach 40 - Abundant Splendor (Abundant Flourishing)

2 fingerwidths lateral to the sharp crest of the tibia, level with the midpoint between the knee joint and the lateral malleolus peak.

The name refers to mountains of abundant food and grain, the harvest from the threshing floor, signifying abundance and prosperity. The stomach abstracts nourishment from the earth (which surrounds us with abundance), and builds Earth within us, manifesting as blood and qi, muscle and flesh, and the virtue of integrity (words and actions congruent with our true nature).

Stomach 40 eliminates the burden of dampness and phlegm. Dampness is embodied as excess weight, big appetite, accumulation of phlegm, heavy-feeling limbs, fatty lumps, neediness, selfishness, and feelings of being burdened, along with ingratiating behavior (behavior designed to get others to owe us something).

By resolving dampness, feelings of being burdened lift away. This point is ideal when we feel burdened rather than nourished by friends, family and career. If you hear singing tones combined with weeping, faint sighing, or lack of laughter, the client may be experiencing internal complaining and whining even if their words don’t explicity express this.

By clearing the excess stagnation of accumulated burdens, Stomach 40 empowers the Spleen to experience ourselves as nourished and fulfilled by life and relationships.

Resolves Phlegm, Calms the Mind, Opens chest and subdues rebellious Qi




Spleen 4 - Ancestor and Descendant (Grandfather-Grandson)

Inferior to 1st metatarsal bone, distal to the bone base On the borderline between sole and pigmented skin

The name of this point refers to the harmonization of the Earth element: Spleen and Stomach. In the analogy, Spleen is the grandfather and Stomach is the grandson. The relationship between grandfather and grandson spans generations, forming a bridge between the wisdom of the past and our hope for the future.

In response to shock in life, we can lose touch with our centers and project the fulfillment of our needs externally on others. In time our appetites come to be solely based on our drive to seek comfort with no attention paid to the quality of nourishment that our spirits truly hunger for. This dynamic can be embodied as the stagnation of dampness, a pathogen that obscures our ability to determine our

needs appropriately. As the Spleen’s Luo point, Spleen 4 dispels damp and directs the mind inwardly towards jing, focusing our appetites on our true inner nature, helping us to better recognize what truly nourishes us.

Spleen 4 harmonizes the center in many other ways, benefiting the intestines and pain in the middle burner. It regulates the sea of blood and benefits menstrual dysfunction.

Regulates Intestines, Benefits fullness and pain in middle burner, Regulates menstruation and stops excessive bleeding, Opens Penetrating Vessel

Heart 5 - Penetrating Inside (Communication’s Route)

1 cun proximal to the carpal crease, radial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon

“Penetrating” conveys the notion of interpenetration or of being in communication with a principle in such a way that yields understanding. This point brings qi into the heart, directing intention and awareness towards the interior. In this way the heart fire and the mind can penetrate the principles of true self that lie in the depths.

All mental phenomena in some way relate to the heart/kidney dynamic. The heart houses all workings of the conscious mind as it seeks to reawaken to its true nature. The true nature of each of us is as conscious spirit, as an energy that is nameless and permeates each and every living thing. We are that. We are more than our “own” individual body and energy field. When we inevitably lose touch with this truth during life, we come to feel like a separate, threatened, suffering being.

This point resolves confusion between the heart and small intestine. When the mind loses touch with the truth in the heart, communication between Heart and Small Intestine is compromised. The mind of the Small Intestine tends to turn externally towards the world, attempting to comprehend meaning through excessive sorting. All sorting is in vain

without being able to relax into the truth of faith and uncertainty, beyond what the mind can comprehend. This dysfunction can be evident when a person uses “confusion” as an excuse for not taking appropriate action in the world. As a luo point, Heart 5 can vent heat and phlegm that agitates and confuses the mental process, restoring intuition as a guiding force.

Calms Mind, Benefits the Tongue, Regulates Uterus and Bladder




Small Intestine 7 - Support Uprightness (Branch from the Main)

On the line connecting SI 5 (at wrist crease) to SI 8, 5 cun proximal to SI 5Search for a horizontal slit on the ulna

The name refers to the important of the small intestine in empowering clarity and intuition. The “uprightness” refers to original nature/virtue, suggesting that we are able to know the world directly with our heart, perceiving life without coloring it with the mind’s interpretation.

The Small Intestine’s function is to convey with absolute fidelity the heart’s intentions into the world through communication. Sarcasm, bitterness and actions that perpetuate our own suffering and the suffering of others represent distortions of the heart’s intension, which always empowers the highest in life.

When such negative sentiments distort the heart’s intention, we can feel we are not being understood or heard clearly as we fail to recognize the fault is our own. As the luo point, SI 7 can vent such stagnant emotions thus removing the basis of their expression in speech and action.

The alternate translation of “branch from the main” can refer to the arms that are rooted in the shoulders and constitute the branches by which we extend our

good works into the world. Small Intestine channel pain from wrist to shoulder can be embodiments of the small intestine failing to grasp the intentions of the heart and being inhibited in carrying out the good deeds the heart wishes to manifest. SI is particularly indicated when side-to-side motion of the head is inhibited.

Expels Wind-Heat, Benefits Elbow Problems, Calms the Mind

Bladder 58- Fly and Scatter (Flying Yang)

1 cun distal and 1 cun lateral to BL 57.On the edge of the gastrocnemius fibers.

The function of BL 58 can be likened to regulating a reservoir to empower the appropriate utilization of reserves. The point’s name serves as an image for the exhaustion of yin and rising of yang when we are driven by ambition to overwork. This point stills the nervous system by draining constant vigilance and urgency.

The name “flying yang” suggests dispersing rebellious yang and redirecting it downward, rooting our urgent energy in the jing of the kidneys, where we can experience faith in the unknown and be in touch with the limits of our own resources.

BL 58 can be indicated for symptoms involving heart in the upper body coupled with deficiency and coldness below. It can also treat rebellious qi patterns such as asthma, cough or hiccups.

Strengthens Kidneys, Subdues rebellious Qi in the head (great for Liver Yang rising w/ Kid Yin Deficiency), treats low back ache and haemorrhoids




Kidney 4 - Great Bell

1/2 cun inferior and posterior to Kidney 3Just on the superior edge of the calcaneus

The image of a great bell or cup suggests the capability of the point to help us “dip into” our reserves. As a “great bell” this point can be likened to the bell at the center of a town that calls all the inhabitants and alerts them to their purpose.

Kidney 4 is a gate into our depths that, when opened, can clear away influences that obscure insight into our true nature.

Habituated responses to deep-seated fears turn our minds outwards, away from original nature as we struggle for survival. This fight or flight response can far outlast the source of any specific threat. Kidney yin and yang can become depleted as our habituated response to fear compels us to overwork emotionally

and physically just to “keep our heads above water”. Kidney 4 (great bell) quiets the mind and disperses fear. Original purpose can again serve as the source of our motivation instead of fear, and a newfound reserve of strength can once again place us on the path of fulfilling destiny.

Benefits urination, strengthens back, calms Mind

Pericardium 6 - Inner Frontier Gate

2 cun proximal to the carpal groove (wrist crease)• Between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons• Easier to identify the two tendons when tightening the hand.

The function of the Pericardium can be likened to that of a drawbridge providing access into and out of the forbidden city of the Heart. In reaction to past pain, the Pericardium may close to protect the heart. Although this may protect our sense of self from the pain of intimacy, it also tends to trap old pain within the heart that may accrue physiologically as stagnation and heat.

As the luo point, PC 6 may help vent such stagnation to the outside and oil the “inner frontier gate” so that it may open and close in a way not constrained by our old habitual reaction to past pain.

This point excels at calming a restless heart and quieting a mind confused by issues of intimacy and its betrayal as occurs in rape, incest or divorce. This point particularly helps open the area around CV 17 and 14, the

Pericardium and Heart Bo points, where we often tend to feel the pain of loss and betrayal or experience painful separation.

In harmonizing the PC and TH, this point can also help relieve protective TH meridian tension in the shoulder and neck.

Opens chest, Harmonizes Stomach, helps treat TH neck ache




Triple Heater 5 - Outer Frontier Gate

2 cun proximal to the wrist joint, between extensor digitorum and the radius

The name “outer frontier gate” alludes to the triple heater as similar to the Great Wall of China, protecting the periphery of the nation by defining its outermost border. The function of a border pass is to allow for the active discernment of who may enter and leave the nation. TH 5 regulates our external boundary and helps us make contact with beneficial influences in life while defending us from pathogenic influences, whether people or viruses.

Dysfunction is along a continuum of either being unable to journey up to or past our borders, or being habitually driven

towards inappropriately exposing ourselves in the outer frontier.

The “Outer Frontier Gate” tends toward one of three dysfunctional states: either being stuck open, stuck closed, or opening and closing in a seemingly random fashion not congruent with the specific situation at hand. In the first case, we have difficulty making anything more than superficial connections. In the second, we tend to too quickly make too many connections, either to avoid deep connection with one person, or to try to continually dive too deep too often, in an attempt to “prove” that the world is safe. In the third case, there tend to be extreme fluctuations in mood and temperature, shifting quickly between sorrow and joy.

TH 5, as a luo point, is excellent for venting heat, whether related to immune system functioning or compulsive need for contact and intimacy.

Clears Heat in head, Expels Wind-Heat, treats TH channel obstruction

Gallbladder 37 - Bright and Clear (Bright Light)

5 cun proximal to the lateral malleolus peak, anterior to the fibula

Gallbladder empowers our ability to see the broadest possible perspective, from which we may actually be much less certain what is “good” or “bad”, “right” or “wrong. From this perspective, we are much less likely to attribute suffering by blaming others, blaming circustances, or blaming ourselves. This perspective allows for a great deal of forgiveness and recognizing that the outcome of events is perfect in the ultimate analysis, beyond what our minds can grasp.

The sage Laozi advises that we must know how to make our way through the material world using the “bright light” to aid our distinctions and discernments. These discernments are just tools for navigation, we must always hold to our deeper vision of dao empowering the knowledge that, in reality, all things are one.

“Bright and clear” empowers a balanced vision of the external context of one’s life as well as the inner plan accessed by the Liver and stored in the jing. It also transforms damp heat, clearing resentment harbored towards others festering in the Gallbladder. In general, this point clears one-sided symptomology affecting the Gallbladder, including spasms, rigidity, paralysis and nerve pain, as well as

eye redness. One-sided signs and symptoms can reflect the tendency to see only one side of an issue, suggesting Gallbladder imbalance.

Benefits the Eyes, Conducts Fire downwards (red, swollen eyes, headache, bitter taste)




Liver 5 - Insect Drain (Draining Shells)

On the medial aspect of the leg, 5 cun proximal to the medial malleolus peak, posterior to the tibia Slightly posterior to where the bone is clearly felt.

The term “insect” (li) refers to a wood-boring insect. As the luo point on the Liver, Liver 5 drills inward to focus the mind towards the plan stored in our depths, and opens the liver channel so stagnation can vent to the exterior.

A traditional function of Liver 5 is to tonify Liver yin and blood, clearing and detoxifying and cooling the Blood. Stagnation of damp and heat in the Liver can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis appearing like bugs on the flesh. Wind affecting the liver can result in annoying skin conditions “like bugs crawling” on the skin.

Heat in the blood can manifest psychospiritually as belligerence, internal pressure and frustration. With the Liver compromised in this way, it loses the ability to clean the Blood effectively, and autoimmune illnesses and food and chemical sensitivities may develop. Additionally, we may become acutely sensitive to annoying details in

our surroundings, blinding us to appreciation of the big picture. Liver 5 is indicated for the person whose picnic is always ruined by ants.

Liver pathology can be typified by excessive attachment to our vision of how things “ought to be”. For instance, someone who constantly judges their children because they don’t conform to their vision of who they “should” marry or what career they “should” have. Liver 5 helps us let go of attachment to specific outcomes in life that constrain us.

The Liver is the only channel that passes directly through the genitals. “Draining shells” also refers to the point’s ability to clear damp-heat from the genitals, benefitting a wide range of urogenital patterns involving redness, swelling, burning and itching.

Resolves Damp-Heat in genitals, tonifies Liver yin and blood.




General Points

Large Intestine 4 - Joining of the Valleys (Meeting Mountains) - review as Source Point

Stomach 36 - Leg Three Miles

Level w/ Tibial Tuberosity inferior border, 1 fingerbreadth lateral to the tibia crest. About 3 cun inferior to patella lateral/inferior corner

“Leg Three Miles” is a name that speaks to this point’s ability to empower strength, endurance and integrity on all levels. As the Earth point on the stomach channel, is empowers all aspects of Stomach function, including empowering us to identify our needs as defined by our inner truth, stimulating appropriate appetite, digesting and assimilating nourishment, creating qi and blood from it. Stomach 36 also resolves the dampness that can obscure all these processes.

The integrity of our center manifests as strong muscles nourished by blood and powered by the qi of the Earth element. A strong well-functioning center is proof that our efforts in life have nourished and strengthened us, as the Stomach and Spleen work to extract nourishment from our circumstances and accomplishments. Having

cultivated enough for ourselves to be content in life, we have sufficient reserve to contribute good works to the betterment of others. This is the very definition of altruism and reciprocity as empowered by a healthy Earth element.

By “tonifying Source Qi”, Stomach 36 also helps us to tap and mobilize our deepest reserves of jing. The name “leg three miles” evokes the image of providing access to a reserve of strength so a weary traveler can complete his journey. This wondrous resource must be used responsibly so as not to promote the client to further deplete themselves.

Tonifies Qi and Blood, Tonifies Source Qi, Raises Yang, Expels Wind/Damp/Cold,

Spleen 6 - Three Yin Junction

3 cun superior to medial malleolus peak, posterior to tibia

This point governs the balance of function of the three yin leg meridians. The relationship of the kidney to the liver is typified by the upward rising of innate potential into the world (Liver accessing the plan stored in the jing). The nature of the Earth element is to hold the center through transitions, allowing the transition from Water to Wood to happen in a grounded and centered way. If the Spleen is dysfunctional, it can smother this process with Dampness.

Three Yin Junction excels at treating damp stagnation in the urogenital tract (white or yellow discharge) or intestines (diarrhea and/or mucus in stool). The Kidney and Liver provide the potency and thrust that fuel evolution. If the influence of these organs is obscured, then all effort in life can be transformed into a burden. Pregnancy can be compromised as worry and obsession (dampness), undermines the functioning of the reproductive system.

Depression can result from the smothering of our life’s purpose and our perceived inability to fulfill our needs. Spleen 6 unburdens the kidney and liver by dispersing damp, clearing the mind and allowing destiny to manifest.Resolves Damp, Nourishes Blood & Yin, Regulates uterus & menstruation, Moves & Cools Blood, Calms the Mind




Bladder 40 - Central Servant (Supporting Middle)

In the center of the popliteal crease.

Bladder 40 is the Earth point on the Bladder meridian. The function of this point is similar to that of utilizing earth to shore up and contain the banks of a river that is overflowing. It provides the inner stability needed to control anxiety and fear associated with the Water element.

Located in the back of the knee, it prevents “weak-kneed” personality, giving us adequately focused and contained reserves in the face of our fears.

The excess or deficient influence of Earth on Water often manifests as the compounding of worry with fear. BL 40 is the perfect point to harmonize both.

Additionally, given the cross-influence of Water and Earth at this point, this point clears heat and cools the blood

Clears Heat and Cools Blood, Important for treating low back ache

Gallbladder 20 - Pond of Wind

Inferior to the occipital bone, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius.

Wind is the environmental condition associated with the Wood element. When invading from the exterior, Wind can cloud the mind and block the orifices, yielding symptoms like sinus congestion, plugged ears and runny eyes, as manifests at the beginning of illness. Internally-generated Wind tends to obscure our vision of self as evidenced by constantly changing plans and decisions or the belligerent adherence to plans for lack of being able to accommodate to life’s changing circumstances.

Emotionally, wind can manifest as anger that blows up like a storm whenever we must alter our plans to accommodate present circumstances. With vision so obscured by anger, indecisiveness and poor planning may cause us to be blown through life like a leaf in the wind.

In such a scenario, symptoms of dizziness can be present, indicating our inability to navigate when life changes so rapidly and unpredictably. Dizziness can result when we are unable to reconcile what we see in the world (Gallbladder) with our sense of self (Liver). By draining wind, GB 20 can restore communication between the Gallbladder and Liver officials.

Gallbladder 20 has a powerful ability to still the mind, allowing access to intuitive introspection and clarity, free from habitual mental chatter.

Expels exterior and interior Wind, subdues Liver-Yang, Clears Heat, brightens eyes, clears the brain




Gallbladder 21 - Well in the Shoulder

In the trapezius split, midway between C7 spinous process and the acromion peak.At the highest point of the shoulder. On the superior part of the shoulder but with an anterior aspect. Vertically superior to the nipple. In a slight depression.

Well in the Shoulder is named for its location in a well-like depression in the center of the trapezius muscle. This plateau represents the highest aspect of the torso. Every bilateral pair of points on the Gallbladder channel addresses a specific form of constraint that can disempower the smooth flow of qi. The wood element empowers the virtue of “benevolence”, meaning a broad perspective in life not limited by judgemental attitudes or belligerence. When separation occurs between head and heart due to anger and constraint, the shoulders become tight

in a way that limits perspective because the head is unable to turn fully. This tension obscures vision of the highest aspects of himself and others, resulting in harsh judgements and inappropriate anger. GB 21 empowers perspective and emotional flexibility, keeping neck and shoulders relaxed so they can turn freely. In this way the heart’s insight is freely accessible to the mind, and the virtue of benevolence is restored.

Benefits shoulders and neck, relaxes sinews, stimulates descending of Qi (including Lung Qi w/ cough, breathlessness) and promotes delivery

Gallbladder 30 - Jumping Circle (Jumping Pivot)

When the thigh is bent at a right angle, 1/3 of the distance between the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus.

Jumping Circle empowers the ability to move flexibly and decisively in a manner unconstrained by thought. Flowing movement of the hip joint reflects a spirit that is able to wander freely and spontaneously. The sage is able to follow the direction of his own nature spontaneously, unhampered by conditioned thoughts of “should” and “shouldn’t”. GB 30 helps empower flexibility and energy in our movement through life.

Benefits hip pain and sciatica, resolves damp heat in lower burner, tonifies Qi and Blood

Liver 3 - Great RushingReview as Source Point




Conception Vessel 4 - Origin Pass (Hinge at the Source)

3 Cun inferior to the umbilicus center

This is one of the most important tonic points in the body. It accesses original qi as stored in the jing. It is a point that can help assist anyone, of any constitutional type, in connecting with that source.

As such, it greatly tonifies Blood and Yin in any pattern of deficiency of one or both. As such, it roots and calms the mind, directing it towards true nature.

Its blood and yin-building capacities make it an excellent choice for treating menstrual disorders and infertility, benefitting amenorrhoea, scanty periods, irregular periods or heavy periods.

It strengthens the Kidney and generally benefits energy levels and chronic diseases, or anyone with poor overall vitality.

One of the most important tonic points in the body, nourishes Blood and Yin, benefits Source Qi, Strengthens Kidneys, Roots and Calms the Mind

Conception Vessel 17 - Primordial Child (Central Altar)

On the sternum midline, level with the 4th intercostal space medial end. Search for a small depression in the sternum.

The name Primordial Child alludes to this point’s effectiveness in directing consciousness to our original nature, untouched by the insults of childhood.

For those who experienced particularly traumatic events or betrayals of trust in childhood, this point helps us to access our primordial spirit held in the jing, which remains untouched by these events.

It is the Bo point for the Pericardium and especially helps to resolve our feelings around intimacy and trust, making us free to open and close the heart as appropriate to the present moment, rather than responding reflexively to triggers from our early life.

It opens and harmonizes the entire upper burner and chest.

Opens chest, tonifies Lung/chest Qi, regulates Qi and promotes descending of Qi, Benefits breasts and lactation




Governing Vessel 20 - Hundred Meetings

Midway, on the straight line that connects the two ear auricles’ posterior borders.

All of the interior pathways of the Yang channels make their way at some point to the top of the head. This is therefore a point of intersection for all the yang energy of the body, six primary channels and the Governing Vessel.

In Chinese Cosmology, Emperor Yu was a mythical emperor who brought order to the country by working with the forces of nature, directing natural energies in a way that supported human life rather than struggling against natural energy. After quelling the floods that threatened the kingdom, he convened a meeting at a mountaintop of the one hundred spirits he had met on his journey. “Hundred Meetings” refers also to this mythical meeting place.

Governing Vessel 20 is a point that aligns us with the polestar of universal energy. As we awaken spiritually our personal will - based on concepts of what our mind told us we need before we can be fulfilled - gradually diminishes. We often find that a new sense of personal will begins to take its place, in which our own will is aligned with what heaven wills for us. GV 20 helps align us with heaven’s will, while quelling many of the aggressive internal yang energies that can cloud the mind and perception.

Expels Liver-Yang or raises Yang (helpful in prolapse), Extinguishes Interior Wind, Lifts the Mind




point location guide - zen shiatsu iv source · pdf file · 2015-02-20point...

Documents