Acupuncture - Study Cards
>>This material is a compilation of the editor's personal notes, lecture notes, and the following references: 1. A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman 2. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Zhang Enqin. Accuracy is not guaranteed. For studying only, not intended as medical advice.<<<
Choose a category below.
An Mian
Posterior and slightly superior to GB-12
0.5 to 1 cun perpendicular
Insomnia, palpitations, headache, dizziness, tinnitus
Agitation, restlessness
Hypertension
Bai Lao
1 cun lateral to midline and 2 cun above DU14
0.5 to 0.8 cun perpendicular
Cough, asthma, neck stiffness, whooping cough, dyspnea, spontaneous sweating, hot flashes/steaming bone disorder
Bi Tong
highest part of the naso-labial groove
Transverse insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun towards the nose bridge. Commonly threads to it from LI20
rhinitis, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, nasal polyps, allergies
BL-01
Meeting point of BL, SI, ST, GB, SJ, with DU, Yin Qiao, Yang Qiao
0.1 cun medial and superior to the inner canthus of the eye, near the medial border of the orbit.
Ask patient to close their eyes and to direct the eyes as far as possible towards the side being needled, i.e. when needling left BL-1, the patient should look to the left and vice-versa. With the forefinger of one hand, gently push the eyeball to the lateral side and hold it firmly. Insert the needle slowly perpendicularly with the other hand, without lifting, thrusting or rotating to a depth of 0.5 to 1 cun. Immediately on withdrawal of the needle, press firmly with a cotton wool ball for about a minute to prevent haematoma. Contraindicated to moxibustion.
i. Perpendicular insertion 0.2 to 0.3 cun (No Moxa)
Local eye problems: Deficiency/excess, acute/chronic
THREADING: ST1 to BL1 (Patient supine or sitting on chair; horizontal threading from ST1 to BL1; indicated for myopia, Bell’s palsy, watery eye, etc.)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint. Personal Communications]
BL-02
Superior to the inner canthus, in a depression on the eyebrow, close to its medial end.
Contraindicated to moxibustion.
Transverse-oblique insertion inferiorly towards Jīngmíng BL-1 for eye diseases; ii. Transverse lateral insertion to join with M-HN-6 for supraorbital pain; iii. Prick to bleed for heat disorders. (No Moxa)
Local: headache, pain along the eyebrow, sinus headache, eye’s problems
Acupuncture anesthesia (eye or internal organ surgery), acute lumbar sprain, hiccups
THREADING: BL2 to Yuyao (Patient supine or sitting on chair; pinch skin over Bl2 and threading to Yuyao; indicated for eye disorders, headaches, vertigo, and eye lid spasm) • BL2 to Yintang (Patient supine and sitting on chair; pinch the skin over Bl 2, threading direction to opposite Bl2 through Yintang; indicate for headaches, vertigo, watery eye, nasal congestion)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint. Personal Communications]
BL-03
Directly superior to BL-02, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, level with DU-24. BL-02 is superior to the inner canthus, in a depression on the eyebrow, close to its medial end.
Contraindicated to moxibustion.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. (No Moxa)
Epilepsy
Upper Jiao problems of heart and lung
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-04
0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to DU-24 and one third of the distance between DU-24 and ST-8.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-05
0.5 cun directly posterior to BL-4 • 1 cun within the anterior hairline • 1.5 cun lateral to DU-23 • The distance from the anterior hairline at the midline to DU-20 is 5 cun.
Contraindicated to moxibustion.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. (No Moxa)
Expel internal wind: epilepsy, convulsion
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-06
1.5 cun posterior to Wǔchù BL-5, 2.5 cun within the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Contraindicated to moxibustion.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. (No Moxa)
Vomit, irritable
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-07
1.5 cun posterior to BL-06 • 4 cun within the anterior hairline • 1.5 cun lateral to the midline • The distance between the glabella (M-HN-3) and the lower border of the occipital protuberance (DU-16) is measured as 14 cun • BL-7 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the midpoint of this line • BL-7 can also be located 1 cun anterior and 1.5 cun lateral to DU-20
Contraindicated to moxibustion.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. (No Moxa)
1. Headaches 2. Helps the nose
Phlegm disturb upper body (asthma, goiter), neck pain, leg pain, numbness
Local problems: 1. headaches (vertex, occipital), heaviness of head, dizziness, unconscious 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-08
1.5 cun posterior to BL-7, and 5.5 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline • BL-8 is most easily located 1.5 cun lateral to and 0.5 cun posterior to DU-20 • To locate the anterior hairline if indistinct, see location note for BL-3 • Note that the distance from the anterior hairline at the midline to DU-20 is 5 cun.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Calm Shen: depression, mania
Facial paralysis
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-09
1.3 cun lateral to DU-17 (which is located in the depression superior to the external occipital protuberance, 1.5 cun superior to DU-16.
Point is very close to the optical nerve if needled upward.
Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Poor balance
Dizziness, headache
Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BL-10
Window of Heaven Point, Sea of Qi Point
1.3 cun lateral to DU-15 (DU-15 is 0.5 cun below DU-16, which is directly below the occipital protuberance and in a depression between the trapezius heads) • On the lateral side of the trapezius muscle.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
Dispel wind, calm Shen, relief pain, regulate Qi, helps with head and sensory disorders
Stiff neck (local, wind invasion) • Throat problems • Occipital headache • Local problems: 1. headache, heaviness of head, dizziness 2. Eyes diseases 3. Nasal problems
BACK PAIN: lumbar and spine stiffness/pain, distal point particularly if pain is on the midline or starting from the midline and spread out [GM]
THREADING: BL10 to BL10 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; horizontal threading; indicated for vertigo, neck pain, blur vision, nasal congestion) [Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-11
Bones Hui Point • Sea of Blood Point • Meeting Point of BL, SI, SJ, GB, and Du channels
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Various bone diseases (bony painful obstruction)
1. Expel exterior wind: Exterior syndrome 2. Respiratory problems 3. Local problems: upper back pain, neck pain
HUI OF BONE: various bone diseases and rigidity and pain of the neck, spine and lumbar region. In modern clinical practice it is used when painful obstruction penetrates deeply into the bones and joints causing deformity (known as BONY PAINFUL OBSTRUCTION).
Calm “shen”: epilepsy, depression
THREADING: DU14 to Dingchuan, BL11 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture obliquely/horizontally from DU14 To BL11; indicated for flu, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia, fever, upper back pain) • BL11 to BL12, BL13, BL14 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally; combine with Guasha, cupping; indicated for flu, cough, Asthma, upper back pain [Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-12
Meeting point of BL with the Du meridian
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Local problems: upper back pain, neck pain
EXTERIOR SYNDROME 2) Skin rashes 2. Clear heat: fever, skin infection on back 3. vomit
EXTERIOR WIND 1. expels wind, release exterior 2. Strengthens defensive Qi and firms exterior. 3. Descends and propagates Lung Qi 4. Benefits the nose
THREADING: BL11 to BL12, BL13, BL14 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally; combine with Guasha, cupping; indicated for flu, cough, Asthma, upper back pain [40]
BL-13
Lung Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Lung Qi Deficiency
1. EXPEL EXTERIOR WIND: EXTERIOR SYNDROME 2. RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS 3. LOCAL PROBLEMS: UPPER BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN
RESPIRATORY, cold LU, LU atrophy.
2) SKIN 3) WATER PASSAGE 4)NASAL
Clear empty heat (pulmonary TB) • Calm “Shen”: clear Jaki • Special feeling
THREADING: Dingchuan to BL13 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally; indicated for flu, bronchitis, asthma, fever, upper back pain) • BL11 to BL12, BL13, BL14 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally; combine with Guasha, cupping; indicated for flu, cough, Asthma, upper back pain [Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-14
Pericardium Back Shu Point
Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Back Shu-Pericardium
THREADING: BL11 to BL12, BL13, BL14 (Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally; combine with Guasha, cupping; indicated for flu, cough, Asthma, upper back pain [Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-15
Heart Back Shu Point
Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Needling away from the spine can cause pneumothorax.
0.5 to 1 cun, oblique or 1 to 1.5 cun transverse-oblique. Needle directing towards the spine, .
Back Shu - Heart
Regulate Heart Qi: Chest pain, heart pain and oppression, palpitations, breathlessness, irregular pulse
Nourish Heart and Calm Shen: anxiety, mania, depression, poor memory, sadness, insomnia and excessive dreaming, incessant walking
Clear Heart Fire: lacrimation, hemiplegia, nosebleed, jaundice, wingstroke, epistaxis
Resolve Blood Stasis: bloody cough, bloody vomit, night sweats, abdominal distention
THREADING: BL15 to BL16, BL17(Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally with about 15 degree angle; indicated for chest tension, heart palpitation, asthma, nausea, hiccup, acid reflux)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-16
None
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
THREADING: BL15 to BL16, BL17(Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally with about 15 degree angle; indicated for chest tension, heart palpitation, asthma, nausea, hiccup, acid reflux)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-17
Blood Hui Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Any blood issue (heat, yu or xu)
HUI of BLOOD: Any blood related disorders: bloody vomit, bloody cough, bloody urine, nosebleed, bloody stool • 4 Flower point: BL-17/BL-19 for nourishing blood, empty heat, night sweats, and yin deficiency • Cools blood: chest pain, heart pain, mania or depression, sore throat, dispnea
DIAPHRAM SHU: hiccups, hiccough, nausea, vomiting, gas, belching, sour regurgitation
Whole body type painful obstruction (skin, bones, muscles), fatique, spine rigidity, body heaviness • Pain in the abdomen, epigastrium, and lateral costal region; vomiting, hiccups, stomach reflux, jaundice, lack of appetite
THREADING: BL15 to BL16, BL17(Patient prone or sitting on chair; puncture horizontally with about 15 degree angle; indicated for chest tension, heart palpitation, asthma, nausea, hiccup, acid reflux)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-18
Liver Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Any Liver problems
Liver is in charge of wind.
THREADING: BL18 to BL19,20,21 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for gastric and abdominal distension, hypochondrium pain, poor digestion, stress)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-19
Gall Bladder Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T10) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
GB BACK SHU: LV and GB damp heat - jaundice, bitter taste, yellow in eyes, nausea, vomiting, chest and lateral costal pain and distention, dry throat.
4 Flower point - BL-17 and Bl-19 to nourish blood for empty heat, night sweats, yin deficiency
insomnia, fear, palpitations, anxiety
THREADING: BL18 to BL19,20,21 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for gastric and abdominal distension, hypochondrium pain, poor digestion, stress)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-20
Spleen Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Any Spleen problem
tonify SP Qi and yang, clear dampness, holds blood
regulate and harmonize qin in the middle jiao
THREADING: BL18 to BL19,20,21 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for gastric and abdominal distension, hypochondrium pain, poor digestion, stress)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-21
Stomach Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T12 • Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries risk of pneumothorax.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun, or transverse-oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Back Shu - Stomach
THREADING: BL18 to BL19,20,21 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for gastric and abdominal distension, hypochondrium pain, poor digestion, stress)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-22
San Jiao Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).
Can injure the kidneys if needled too deeply.
Oblique or perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 1 to 1.5 cun.
Promote urination, edema, water metabolism • Back Shu - San Jiao
BL-23
Kidney Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Kidney injury if needled too deeply.
1 to 1.5 cun oblique or perpendicular-oblique; towards the spine
Any Kidney Xu
KD BACK SHU: Any KD deficiency. Tonifies KD.
Reproductive problems - fertility disorders, menstrual issues, menopausal issues
KD deficiency: joint, bone and spinal issues, respiratory issues, ear problems, thinning hair, KD deficiency headaches
THREADING: BL23 to BL24, BL25 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for acute / chronic low back pain, abdominal pain and distension) • BL23 to DU4, DU4 to BL23 (Patient prone puncture horizontally;
lower back pain, insomnia, incontinence, impotence and infertility) • BL23 to BL 52 ( Patient prone; puncture obliquely; indicated for lower back pain, insomnia, incontinence, impotence and infertility)
[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-24
None
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
THREADING: BL23 to BL24, BL25 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for acute / chronic low back pain, abdominal pain and distension)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-25
Large Intestine Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).. Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Back Shu - Large Intestine
THREADING: BL23 to BL24, BL25 (Patient prone; puncture horizontally; indicated for acute / chronic low back pain, abdominal pain and distension)[Fan, Y. July 22, 2024. Powerpoint]
BL-26
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Regulate lower jiao: enuresis, wasting and thirsting disorder, scanty urination, frequent urination
Benefits lumbar region: back pain due to external pathogenic invasion. Relieve pain, abdominal distention, diarrhea, and constipation
BL-27
Small Intestine Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the first posterior sacral foramen • As the inner line of the Bladder channel on the back descends towards the sacrum, it runs closer to the midline • The 1.5 cun measurement in this area will be relatively shorter
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Back Shu - Small Intestine
BL-28
Bladder Back Shu Point
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the second posterior sacral foramen • As the inner line of the Bladder channel on the back descends towards the sacrum, it runs closer to the midline • The 1.5 cun measurement in this area will be relatively shorter
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Back Shu - Bladder
BL-29
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the third posterior sacral foramen. • As the inner line of the Bladder channel on the back descends towards the sacrum, it runs closer to the midline • The 1.5 cun measurement in this area will be relatively shorter
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
dispel cold from the intestines. dysenteric disorder • hernia • wasting and thirsting disorder • abdominal distention • lateral costal pain
lumbar pain and stiffness
BL-30
None
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the fourth posterior sacral foramen • As the inner line of the Bladder channel on the back descends towards the sacrum, it runs closer to the midline • The 1.5 cun measurement in this area will be relatively shorter
Contraindicated for Moxibustion
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. (No Moxa)
BL-31
Meeting point of the Bladder and Gall Bladder channels
Over the first posterior sacral foramen.
CC: Moxa
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen. Needling through the foramen is facilitated by a slightly oblique medial and inferior insertion.
BL-32
Meeting point - BL & GB Channels • Empirical - Dysmenorrhea
Over the second posterior sacral foramen.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen. Needling through the foramen is facilitated by a slightly oblique medial and inferior insertion.
Saline injection at BL32 is one of the best solutions for menstrual pain.[42]
BL-33
Meeting point of the Bladder and Gall Bladder channels
Over the third posterior sacral foramen.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen.
BL-34
Meeting point of the Bladder, and Gall Bladder channels
Over the fourth posterior sacral foramen.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen.
BL-35
None
0.5 cun lateral to the Governing vessel, level with the tip of the coccyx.
Perpendicular insertion towards the genital region, 1 to 1.5 cun.
BL-36
None
Just below the buttock, on a line directly superior to BL-40, in the centre of the transverse gluteal crease in a depression between the hamstring muscles.
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 2 cun.
Relief pain: pain in lumbar, buttock, sacrum, coccyx. Sciatica, limb atrophy
Regulate lower jiao: genital pain, cold uterus, seminal emissions. Problems with urination, defecation, hemorrhoids. Axilla swelling
BL-37
Lies between the hamstring muscles along the line between BL36 and BL40. 6 cun distal to BL-36. 8 cun proximal to BL-40.
1 to 2 cun. Perpendicular insertion.
Relief pain: pain in lumbar, thigh, and lower limbs. Muscle atrophy of lower limbs.
Sciatica
Watery diarrhea
