JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 42 MAY 1993 for:


i. disorders of the zang (with the Ying-Spring point). ii. disorders of the Yang channels. iii. heaviness of the body and pain of the joints. iv. diseases manifesting intermittently.


In the light of traditional and modern clinical use, the following observations may be made:


1. The Shu-Stream points of the Yin channels have to be viewed separately from the Shu-Stream points of the Yang channels as their range of actions is quite different. The Shu-Stream points of the Yin channels are the pri- mary point on each channel for regulating and harmo- nising their respective zang, and may therefore be con- sidered as the single most important point of their re- spective channel:


• Taiyuan LU-9 is an essential point to tonify both Lung- Qi and Yin.


• Taibai SP-3 strongly fortifies Spleen-Qi and Yang and is indicated by the classic of the Jade Dragon for “Spleen and Stomach deficient and feeble”.


• Shenmen HE-7 is able to tonify and nourish the Heart in all kinds of deficiency, whether of Qi, blood, Yin or Yang, as well as to regulate the Heart function of storing the Shen.


• Taixi KID-3 both nourishes Kidney-Yin and tonifies Kidney-Yang.


• Daling P-7 clears pathogenic factors from the Pericar- dium during the course of febrile diseases and strongly calms the Shen when disturbed by heat.


• Taichong LIV-3 is simply indicated for any pattern of the Liver zang whether Xu or Shi.


This fully bears out the classical perspective that the Shu- Stream points treat disorders of the zang, but is partly determined by their equal status as Yuan-Source points (where the Yuan Qi emerges on the channel). According to the Spiritual Axis: “When the five zang are diseased, select the Yuan-Source points”.


The Shu-Stream points of the Yang channels, by com- parison, have relatively little action on zangfu disorders. However, Sanjian L.I.-3 is indicated for borborygmus and diarrhoea due to dampness, and Xiangu ST-43 for disorders of the Stomach and intestines.


2. The Shu-Stream points of the Yin channels, like all acupuncture points, have some action on regulating their respective channel but this action is overshadowed by their primary action on disorders of the zang. By contrast, the Shu-Stream points of the Yang channels have important actions on their respective channels. Sanjian L.I.-3 clears wind and heat from the head, throat, teeth, eyes and mouth; Houxi SI-3 is a vital point for regulating disorders of Tai Yang and Du Mai channels; Zhongzhu SJ-3 is important for disorders of Shao Yang channel, especially the ears; Zulinqi GB-41 has a particu- larly strong action on dispersing stagnation of Liver-Qi throughout the Gall-Bladder and Shao Yang channels.


3. According to the Classic of Difficulties, Shu-Stream points are indicated for “heaviness of the body and pain of the joints”. This is a clear reference to Bi syndrome, especially when due to attack of dampness. Theoreti- cally one would expect this observation to apply prima- rily to the Yin channels whose Shu-Stream points pertain


36 Houxi SI-3 Taibai SP-3


to Earth, the phase associated with dampness. With the exception of Taibai SP-3, however, this is not borne out by the classical indications for the points. As far as the Yang Shu-Stream points are concerned, there is rela- tively more evidence for this action. Sanjian L.I.-3 and Houxi SI-3 are both important points for disorders of the finger joints. Sanjian L.I.-3 is further indicated for "shoul- der and back pain from chronic Bi leading to exhaustion of Qi and blood", whilst Houxi SI-3 is an important distal point for all disorders of the neck. Xiangu ST-43 is much used currently for general aching due to wind and damp-heat Bi.


4. As far as ‘diseases manifesting intermittently’ is con- Shu-Stream Points


Effect on 'heaviness of the body and pain of the joints'.


Sanjian L.I.-3


Acute stiff neck, redness and swelling of the dorsum of the hand, difficulty in flexing and extending the fingers.


Xiangu ST-43


Swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, difficulty in flexing and extending the toes.


Pain of the knee and thigh, joint pains, bone pain, lumbar pain, Wei syndrome.


Stiffness and pain of the head and neck, difficulty in turning the neck, pain of the back and shoulder, pain of the shoulder, elbow and arm, spasm of the elbow, spasm and pain of the fingers, pain of the lower back and knees.


Shugu BL-65 Taixi KID-3


Stiff neck, pain of the lumbar region and back, thigh pain.


Backache, pain and swelling of the heel, swelling and pain of the ankle.


Zhongzhu SJ-3


Inability to extend and flex the fingers, pain of the spine, pain of the elbow, arm and shoulder, numbness of the limbs.


Zulinqi GB-41


Swelling and pain of the feet, pain and spasm of the toes, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the feet.


cerned, this is rather difficult to elucidate from examin- ing the traditional indications. The classic intermittent


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