3)手阳明络之会。本穴物质为大肠经各穴中上行的阳气聚集而成,故为手阳明络之会。
别名:髃骨,中骨井,扁骨,扁髃,尚骨,中肩,偏肩,肩尖。
名解:1)肩髃。肩,穴所在部位也。髃,骨之禺也。禺乃角落之意,髃所指为骨之边缘。肩髃名意指在骨部的远端所形成的小范围水域。本穴物质为臂臑穴传来的经气所化,臂臑穴上传本穴的物质为强盛的阳气,至本穴后因散热而冷凝沉降,所降之浊在地部形成小的水域,而本穴的地部水域相对肾所主的腰膝骨部来说它是处于较远的边缘之处,故名肩髃。髃骨、扁骨、扁髃之名与肩髃穴同,扁同偏。
2)中井骨。中,与外相对,指内部。井,地之孔隙。骨,肾主之水也。中井骨名意指本穴有地部孔隙与肾水相通。本穴物质为大肠经浊降地部之水,因本穴位处肩端两骨间,有地部孔隙与骨相通,故名中井骨。
3)尚骨。尚,超过、高尚之意。骨,肾主之水也。尚骨名意指本穴经水为高处的肾水。
4)中肩、偏肩、肩尖。中,指本穴位于大肠经经脉之中部。中肩、偏肩、肩尖皆为对穴所处的位置的指示,无它意。
5)手阳明跷脉之会。跷,跷健也。本穴物质既有大肠经由此上行头颈部的阳热之气又有地部之经水,表现出跷脉物质阴阳相济的特性,故为手阳明跷脉之会。(阳跷脉,即是保证人的阳气充盛使人活动跷健的血脉。古经书对阴阳跷脉的记述甚少,只有其循行线路和所主之病,阴跷脉为病阳缓而阴急,阳跷脉为病阴缓而阳急。以经书所记跷脉之病反推之,则跷脉在不病之时为阴与阳不急亦不缓,阴阳二物同时共存,而本穴气血即有此特性。在天部,有大肠经上输头颈部的阳气源源而行,在地部,有孔隙与骨部相通,经水有出处有来处,穴内物质阴阳相济,故为手阳明跷脉之会。)
功能作用:导引大肠经经回流骨部。
16巨骨
名解:巨,大也。骨,水也。巨骨名意指大肠经阴浊降地后所形成的巨大水域。本穴物质为肩髃穴传来的地部经水,流至本穴后,由于本穴位处锁骨与肩胛骨之间的凹陷处,经水聚集于本穴,故名巨骨。(若以地球坐标系的角度来看直立的人体,巨骨穴在高位,肩髃穴在低位,何以经水能上行?此是人体重力场的作用大于地球重力场的作用之故。在人体重力场中,外者为高,内者为低,故肩髃穴地部经水可流向巨骨穴。)
运行规律:地部水液一方面循大肠经内走天鼎穴,另一方面则循本穴的地部孔隙内注地之地部(骨部)。
功能作用:汇聚肩胛的地部水液内注骨部。
治法:寒则通之,热则泻之或凉药水针。
17天鼎
别名:天顶,天项,天盖。
名解:1)天鼎。天,头面、皮部也。鼎,炉鼎也。天鼎名意指大肠经经水受热气化并上行于天。本穴物质为巨骨穴传来的地部经水,至本穴后,受心部外传之热水液蒸发并上行于天,如鼎内之水被加热一般,故名天鼎。(从地球坐标系来看,天鼎穴在上,何以经水能上行,其理同巨骨穴气血运行之解。)
2)天顶、天盖。天,指穴内气血所处的部位或运行的方向。顶,支撑也。盖,外盖也。天顶、天盖名意皆指穴内物质为气化之气,对天起支撑或护盖作用。本穴物质为气化后上行于天的阳热之气,阳气的存在,既是对皮部的支撑也是对皮下之物的护盖,故名。
3)天项。天,指穴内气血所处的部位或运行的方向。项,指穴所处的部位。天项名意指本穴的阳热之气从项部上行天部。
18扶突
别名:水穴,水泉。
名解:1)扶突。扶,帮助、扶持也。突,冲也。扶突名意指大肠经经气在外热的扶助下上行天部。本穴物质为天鼎穴蒸发上行的水湿之气,性滞重,至本穴后无力上行于天,是在心的外散之热扶助下才得以上行,故名扶突。
2)水穴、水泉。穴名之意皆指本穴上行的水湿之气为头面天部的水湿之源,故名水穴、水泉。
运行规律:水湿之气吸热后上行头面天部。
治法:寒则补之,湿热则泻之。
19口禾髎
别名:禾髎,长频,长髎,长颊。
名解:口禾髎。禾,细长之物也。髎,孔隙也。口禾髎穴名意指大肠经体表经水由本穴回归大肠经体内经脉。本穴物质为扶突穴与迎香穴二穴提供的天部之气,至本穴后冷降归于地部并由本穴的地部孔隙回归大肠经体内经脉,地部孔隙细长狭窄,如孔隙之状,故名口禾髎。禾髎、长频、长髎、长颊之名皆与口禾穴同。长指地部孔隙细长,频指气血的运行频频不断,颊通挟,皆为对穴内气血物质的运行或穴位的微观形态的描述。
治法:寒则通之,热则泻之。
注:大肠经体表经脉的终结点在迎香穴,而其体表经脉与体内经脉的交接点则在口禾髎穴。
20迎香手足阳明之会。
别名:冲阳。
名解:1)迎香。迎,迎受也。香,脾胃五谷之气也。迎香名意指本穴接受胃经供给的气血。大肠经与胃经同为阳明经,气血物质所处的天部层次相近,迎香穴与胃经相邻,所处又为低位,因而胃经浊气下传本穴,故名。
2)冲阳。冲,直上也。阳,阳气也。冲阳名意指大肠经阳气由本穴上冲并交于阳明胃经。本穴为大肠经诸穴的最高穴位,大肠经循经上行的阳气皆聚集于此,而本穴又与阳明胃经的气血物质所处层次相同,因而本穴中的阳气向上直冲交于阳明胃经,故名。
3)手足阳明之会。理同迎香穴、冲阳穴之名解。
运行规律:大肠经上行的阳气在此交于胃经,而胃经的下行浊气则在此交于大肠经。
治法:寒则补而灸之,热则泻之。
三、足阳明胃经多气多血
三、足阳明胃经多气多血
阳明胃经多气多血,气血物质的运行变化是由液态向气态再向液态的不断反复变化,且为散热冷降的过程。
别名:鼷穴,面髎,溪穴。
名解:1)承泣。承,受也。泣,泪也、水液也。承泣名意指胃经体内经脉气血物质由本穴而出。胃经属阳明经,阳明经多气多血,多气,即是多气态物,多血,血为受热后变为的红色液体,也就是既多液又多热。胃经的体表经脉气血运行是由头走足,为下行,与其构成无端循环的胃经体内经脉部分,气血物质的运行则为散热上行。本穴物质即为胃经体内经脉气血上行所化,在体内经脉中,气血物质是以气的形式而上行,由体内经脉出体表经脉后经气冷却液化为经水,经水位于胃经之最上部,处于不稳定状态,如泪液之要滴下,故名承泣。
2)鼷穴、面髎、溪穴。鼷穴,地部之小洞也。面髎,面部之孔隙也。溪穴,孔隙中流水的小溪也。鼷穴、面髎、溪穴名意皆指有地部孔隙沟通阳明胃经体内与体表经脉,气血物质内外相通。
3)阳跷任脉足阳明之会。本穴物质由胃经体内经脉气血外出变化而来,胃经体内经脉气血出体表后既有液化之水又有温热之气,气血物质的阴阳相济之性同于跷脉,故为跷脉足阳明之会。此外,本穴的地部经水其性又同于任脉,可循地部别走任脉的承浆穴,故其又为任脉足阳明之会。
运行规律:经水循地部层次下走任脉的承浆穴,温热之气的浊重部分循胃经下行,阳热之气交于阳跷脉。
功能作用:将体内胃经的物质营养及能源输送头面天部及任脉、阳跷脉等。
治法:寒则补之,热则泻之,无灸。
2四白
名解:四白。四,数词,指四面八方,亦指穴所在的周围空间。白,可见的颜色、肺之色也。四白名意指胃经经水在本穴快速气化成为天部之气。本穴物质为承泣穴传来的地部经水,其性温热,由地部流至四白穴时,因吸收脾土之热而在本穴快速气化,气化之气形成白雾之状充斥四周,且清淅可见,故名四白。
运行规律:散热后聚集并向巨髎穴下行。
治法:寒则补而灸之,热则泻之。
名解:1)巨髎。巨,大也,形容穴内气血场覆盖的区域巨大。髎,孔隙。巨髎名意指胃经天部浊气化雨冷降归于地部。本穴物质为四白穴传来的天部之气,行至本穴后散热化雨冷降,而因本穴位处天之上部(头面的天部),降地之雨覆盖的区域大,名为之巨,又因其降地之雨细小,如由孔隙漏落一般,名为之髎,故名巨髎。
2)跷脉足阳明之会。本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水,气血物质同合跷脉阴阳相济之性,故为跷脉足阳明之会。
运行规律:雨状云系由天之下部归降地部。
功能作用:冷降胃浊。
别名:会维,胃维。
名解:1)地仓。地,脾胃之土也。仓,五谷存储聚散之所也。地仓名意指胃经地部的经水在此聚散。本穴物质为胃经上部诸穴的地部经水汇聚而成,经水汇聚本穴后再由本穴分流输配,有仓储的聚散作用,故名地仓。(地仓穴之所以在头之地部,而不在脾胃所主的腹部,乃地仓穴为一身之粮仓,国家之粮库,为君皇所管辖,头乃皇室之位,故穴在头而不在腹。)
2)会维、胃维。会,相会也。胃,胃经气血也。维,维持、维系也。会维、胃维名意指穴内的气血物质对人体的正常运行有维系的作用。胃为人的后天之本,人的头部及身体中下部的气血要靠本穴输配,本穴气血的输配正常与否直接维系着人体的各种生理功能是否正常,故而名为会维、胃维。
3)跷脉手足阳明之会。本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水,气血物质同合跷脉阴阳相济之性,故为跷脉足阳明之会。
运行规律:地部经水一是向大迎穴分流,二是向人迎穴分流,三是部分经水气化后交于阳跷脉。
治法:寒则通之补之,热则泻之。
5大迎
别名:髓孔。
名解:1)大迎。大,多也、尊也。迎,受也。大迎名意指胃经气血物质的大部分由本穴上输头部。大迎穴的物质由地仓穴分配而来,一支是由头面循项下走胸腹,一支由本穴上走头部。由于头部为君主之地,因而上输头部的皇粮其量也大、其质也精,运送亦有浩荡之势,故名大迎。
2)髓孔。髓,脑为髓海,髓即头之脑也。孔,孔隙也。髓孔名意指本穴物质上输脑部。本穴为胃经气血上输头脑的重要通道,胃经为多气多血之经,清浊混杂,而脑部只能藏精微而不能受浊气,故要对胃经上输的气血物质去粗取精,髓孔名意即言对胃经上输气血的限制,孔隙通道即是其关卡。
治法:寒则补而灸之,热则泻之。
6颊车
别名:曲牙,机关,鬼床,牙车。
穴义:胃经的五谷精微物质由此上输于头。
名解:1)颊车。颊,指穴所在的部位为面颊。车,运载工具也。颊车名意指本穴的功用是运送胃经的五谷精微气血循经上头。本穴物质为大迎穴传来的五谷精微气血,至本穴后由于受内部心火的外散之热,气血物质循胃经输送于头,若有车载一般,故名颊车。
3) 手阳明络脉的交会穴。本穴的气血物质由大肠经各穴位中上行的阳气聚集而成,因此称为手阳明络脉的交会穴。
治法:实证用泻法,针刺出气;虚证用补法,或采用轻微艾灸。
别名:髃骨、中骨井、扁骨、扁髃、尚骨、中肩、偏肩、肩尖。
名解:1)肩髃。肩,指穴位所在部位。髃,指骨的边缘。“禺”意为角落,“髃”即指骨的边缘。肩髃之名意指在骨部远端形成的小范围水域。本穴气血物质由臂臑穴传来的经气化生,臂臑穴上传至本穴的物质为强盛的阳气,到达本穴后因散热而冷凝沉降,所降之浊阴在地部形成小水域。相对于肾所主的腰膝骨部而言,本穴的地部水域处于较远的边缘位置,故命名为肩髃。髃骨、扁骨、扁髃的名称与肩髃穴相同,“扁”通“偏”。
2)中井骨。中,与外相对,指内部。井,地下的孔隙。骨,肾主之水也。中井骨之名意指本穴有地部孔隙与肾水相通。本穴气血物质为大肠经浊阴沉降于地部的水液,因本穴位于肩端两骨之间,有地部孔隙与骨部相通,故命名为中井骨。
3)尚骨。尚,意为超过、高尚。骨,肾主之水也。尚骨之名意指本穴经水为高处的肾水。
4)中肩、偏肩、肩尖。中,指本穴位于大肠经经脉的中部。中肩、偏肩、肩尖均为对穴位所处位置的指示,无其他深意。
5)手阳明跷脉的交会穴。跷,意为跷健、轻捷。本穴气血物质既有大肠经由此上行头颈部的阳热之气,又有地部的经水,表现出跷脉物质阴阳相济的特性,因此称为手阳明跷脉的交会穴。(阳跷脉,是保证人体阳气充盛使人活动轻捷的血脉。古医书对阴阳跷脉的记述较少,仅记载其循行线路和所主病症,阴跷脉发病时表现为阳缓而阴急,阳跷脉发病时表现为阴缓而阳急。根据医书记载的跷脉病症反推,则跷脉在未病之时,阴与阳不急亦不缓,阴阳二气同时共存,而本穴气血正具有此特性。在天部,有大肠经上输头颈部的阳气源源不断运行;在地部,有孔隙与骨部相通,经水有出处也有来处,穴内物质阴阳相济,故称为手阳明跷脉的交会穴。)
治法:寒证用补法并施灸,热证用泻法或用凉药水针。
16 巨骨
名解:巨,大也。骨,水也。巨骨之名意指大肠经阴浊之气沉降于地后形成的巨大水域。本穴气血物质由肩髃穴传来的地部经水,流至本穴后,由于本穴位于锁骨与肩胛骨之间的凹陷处,经水聚集于此,故命名为巨骨。(若从地球坐标系的角度观察直立的人体,巨骨穴位置较高,肩髃穴位置较低,为何经水能上行?这是因为人体重力场的作用大于地球重力场的作用。在人体重力场中,外侧为高,内侧为低,因此肩髃穴地部的经水可流向巨骨穴。)
运行规律:地部水液一方面沿大肠经向内行走至天鼎穴,另一方面则沿本穴的地部孔隙向内注入地之地部(骨部)。
功能作用:汇聚肩胛部位的地部水液,内注于骨部。
17 天鼎
别名:天顶、天项、天盖。
名解:1)天鼎。天,指头面、皮部。鼎,炉鼎也。天鼎之名意指大肠经经水受热气化并上行于天。本穴气血物质由巨骨穴传来的地部经水,到达本穴后,受心部外传之热水液蒸发并上行于天,如同鼎内之水被加热一般,故命名为天鼎。(从地球坐标系来看,天鼎穴位置较高,为何经水能上行,其原理同巨骨穴气血运行的解释。)
2)天顶、天盖。天,指穴内气血所处的部位或运行的方向。顶,支撑也。盖,外盖也。天顶、天盖之名意指穴内物质为气化之气,对天起支撑或护盖作用。本穴物质为气化后上行于天的阳热之气,阳气的存在,既是对皮部的支撑也是对皮下组织的护盖,故得名。
3)天项。天,指穴内气血所处的部位或运行的方向。项,指穴所处的部位。天项之名意指本穴的阳热之气从项部上行至天部。
治法:寒证用补法并长时间留针,热证用泻法。
18 扶突
别名:水穴、水泉。
名解:1)扶突。扶,帮助、扶持也。突,冲也。扶突之名意指大肠经经气在外热的扶助下上行天部。本穴物质为天鼎穴蒸发上行的水湿之气,性质滞重,到达本穴后无力上行于天,是在心的外散之热扶助下才得以继续上行,故命名为扶突。
2)水穴、水泉。穴名之意皆指本穴上行的水湿之气为头面天部的水湿之源,故命名为水穴、水泉。
运行规律:水湿之气吸热后上行至头面天部。
治法:寒证用补法,湿热证用泻法。
19 口禾髎
别名:禾髎、长频、长髎、长颊。
名解:口禾髎。禾,细长之物也。髎,孔隙也。口禾髎穴名意指大肠经体表经水由本穴回归大肠经体内经脉。本穴物质由扶突穴与迎香穴二穴提供的天部之气组成,到达本穴后冷降归于地部,并由本穴的地部孔隙回归大肠经体内经脉。地部孔隙细长狭窄,如孔隙之状,故命名为口禾髎。禾髎、长频、长髎、长颊的名称皆与口禾穴相同。长指地部孔隙细长,频指气血的运行频频不断,颊通“挟”,皆为对穴内气血物质的运行或穴位的微观形态的描述。
治法:寒证疏通经络,热证用泻法。
注:大肠经体表经脉的终结点在迎香穴,而其体表经脉与体内经脉的交接点则在口禾髎穴。
20 迎香 手足阳明经的交会穴。
别名:冲阳。
穴义:接收阳明胃经的五谷浊气,并向胃经输送大肠经的清阳之气。
名解:1)迎香。迎,迎受也。香,脾胃五谷之气也。迎香之名意指本穴接受胃经供给的气血。大肠经与胃经同为阳明经,气血物质所处的天部层次相近,迎香穴与胃经相邻,且所处位置较低,因而胃经浊气下传至本穴,故命名为迎香。
2)冲阳。冲,直上也。阳,阳气也。冲阳之名意指大肠经阳气由本穴上冲并交于阳明胃经。本穴为大肠经诸穴的最高穴位,大肠经循经上行的阳气皆聚集于此,而本穴又与阳明胃经的气血物质所处层次相同,因而本穴中的阳气向上直冲交于阳明胃经,故命名为冲阳。
3)手足阳明经的交会穴。原理同迎香穴、冲阳穴的名解。
运行规律:大肠经上行的阳气在此交于胃经,而胃经的下行浊气则在此交于大肠经。
治法:寒证用补法并施灸,热证用泻法。
三、足阳明胃经多气多血
三、足阳明胃经多气多血
阳明胃经多气多血,气血物质的运行变化是由液态向气态再向液态的不断反复变化,且为散热冷降的过程。
别名:鼷穴、面髎、溪穴。
名解:1)承泣。承,受也。泣,泪也、水液也。承泣之名意指胃经体内经脉气血物质由本穴而出。胃经属阳明经,阳明经多气多血,多气即指多气态物,多血指血为受热后变成的红色液体,也就是既多液又多热。胃经的体表经脉气血运行是由头走足,为下行,与其构成无端循环的胃经体内经脉部分,气血物质的运行则为散热上行。本穴物质即为胃经体内经脉气血上行所化,在体内经脉中,气血物质是以气的形式而上行,由体内经脉出体表经脉后经气冷却液化为经水,经水位于胃经之最上部,处于不稳定状态,如泪液将滴未滴,故命名为承泣。
2)鼷穴、面髎、溪穴。鼷穴,地部之小洞也。面髎,面部之孔隙也。溪穴,孔隙中流水的小溪也。鼷穴、面髎、溪穴之名意指有地部孔隙沟通阳明胃经体内与体表经脉,气血物质内外相通。
3)阳跷脉、任脉、足阳明经的交会穴。本穴物质由胃经体内经脉气血外出变化而来,胃经体内经脉气血出体表后既有液化之水又有温热之气,气血物质的阴阳相济之性同于跷脉,故为跷脉足阳明经的交会穴。此外,本穴的地部经水性同于任脉,可循地部别走任脉的承浆穴,故其又为任脉足阳明经的交会穴。
运行规律:经水循地部层次下走任脉的承浆穴,温热之气的浊重部分循胃经下行,阳热之气交于阳跷脉。
功能作用:将体内胃经的物质营养及能源输送至头面天部及任脉、阳跷脉等。
治法:寒证用补法,热证用泻法,不可施灸。
2 四白
名解:四白。四,数词,指四面八方,亦指穴所在的周围空间。白,可见的颜色、肺之色也。四白之名意指胃经经水在本穴快速气化成为天部之气。本穴物质为承泣穴传来的地部经水,其性温热,由地部流至四白穴时,因吸收脾土之热而在本穴快速气化,气化之气形成白雾之状充斥四周,且清晰可见,故命名为四白。
运行规律:散热后聚集并向巨髎穴下行。
治法:寒证用补法并施灸,热证用泻法。
名解:1)巨髎。巨,大也,形容穴内气血场覆盖的区域巨大。髎,孔隙。巨髎之名意指胃经天部浊气化雨冷降归于地部。本穴物质为四白穴传来的天部之气,行至本穴后散热化雨冷降,而因本穴位于天之上部(头面的天部),降地之雨覆盖的区域大,名为之巨,又因其降地之雨细小,如由孔隙漏落一般,名为之髎,故命名为巨髎。
2)跷脉足阳明经的交会穴。本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水,气血物质同合跷脉阴阳相济之性,故为跷脉足阳明经的交会穴。
运行规律:雨状云系由天之下部归降地部。
功能作用:冷降胃浊。
治法:寒证用补法并施灸,热证用泻法针刺出气。
别名:会维、胃维。
名解:1)地仓。地,脾胃之土也。仓,五谷存储聚散之所也。地仓之名意指胃经地部的经水在此聚散。本穴物质为胃经上部诸穴的地部经水汇聚而成,经水汇聚本穴后再由本穴分流输配,有仓储的聚散作用,故命名为地仓。(地仓穴之所以在头之地部,而不在脾胃所主的腹部,乃因地仓穴为一身之粮仓,国家之粮库,为君皇所管辖,头乃皇室之位,故穴在头而不在腹。)
2)会维、胃维。会,相会也。胃,胃经气血也。维,维持、维系也。会维、胃维之名意指穴内的气血物质对人体的正常运行有维系的作用。胃为人的后天之本,人的头部及身体中下部的气血要靠本穴输配,本穴气血的输配正常与否直接维系着人体的各种生理功能是否正常,故而命名为会维、胃维。
3)跷脉手足阳明经的交会穴。本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水,气血物质同合跷脉阴阳相济之性,故为跷脉足阳明经的交会穴。
运行规律:地部经水一是向大迎穴分流,二是向人迎穴分流,三是部分经水气化后交于阳跷脉。
治法:寒证疏通经络并用补法,热证用泻法。
5 大迎
别名:髓孔。
名解:1)大迎。大,多也、尊也。迎,受也。大迎之名意指胃经气血物质的大部分由本穴上输头部。大迎穴的物质由地仓穴分配而来,一支是由头面循项下走胸腹,一支由本穴上走头部。由于头部为君主之地,因而上输头部的“皇粮”其量也大、其质也精,运送亦有浩荡之势,故命名为大迎。
2)髓孔。髓,脑为髓海,髓即头之脑也。孔,孔隙也。髓孔之名意指本穴物质上输脑部。本穴为胃经气血上输头脑的重要通道,胃经为多气多血之经,清浊混杂,而脑部只能藏精微而不能受浊气,故要对胃经上输的气血物质去粗取精,髓孔之名意即言对胃经上输气血的限制,孔隙通道即是其关卡。
治法:寒证用补法并施灸,热证用泻法。
6 颊车
别名:曲牙、机关、鬼床、牙车。
穴义:胃经的五谷精微物质由此上输于头。
名解:1)颊车。颊,指穴所在的部位为面颊。车,运载工具也。颊车之名意指本穴的功用是运送胃经的五谷精微气血循经上头。本穴物质为大迎穴传来的五谷精微气血,到达本穴后由于受内部心火的外散之热,气血物质循胃经输送于头,若有车载一般,故命名为颊车。
3) Meeting point of the collateral of the Hand-Yangming channel. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is formed by the gathering of yang qi ascending from various acupoints of the Large Intestine Channel, thus it is called the meeting point of the collateral of the Hand-Yangming channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is yang qi in the Heaven portion (upper part of the human body).
Movement Pattern: Yang qi ascends to the Heaven portion of the head and neck with a rushing motion.
Functional Role: Gathers the hot yang qi of the Large Intestine Channel and transmits it upward to the Heaven portion of the head and neck.
Treatment Method: For excess patterns, use reducing method and needle out the qi; for deficiency patterns, use tonifying method or mild moxibustion.
15 Jianyu (LI15) - Meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Qiao Mai channels.
Aliases: Yugu, Zhonggujing, Biangu, Bianyu, Shanggu, Zhongjian, Pianjian, Jianjian.
Acupoint Meaning: The turbid and heavy part of the Jing Qi of the Large Intestine Channel settles here.
Name Explanation: 1) Jianyu. "Jian" refers to the location of the acupoint. "Yu" refers to the edge of the bone. "Yu" means corner, so "Yu" indicates the edge of the bone. The name Jianyu implies a small area of water formed at the distal end of the bone. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is transformed from the Jing Qi transmitted from the Binao acupoint (LI14). The substance transmitted from Binao to this acupoint is strong yang qi. Upon reaching this acupoint, due to heat dissipation, it condenses and sinks. The turbid yin that sinks forms a small pool of water on the Earth portion. Relative to the lumbar and knee bony areas governed by the Kidney, the Earth portion water of this acupoint is located at a relatively distant edge, hence named Jianyu. The names Yugu, Biangu, and Bianyu are the same as Jianyu, where "Bian" is synonymous with "Pian".
2) Zhongjinggu. "Zhong" is opposite to "Wai", referring to the interior. "Jing" refers to pores in the ground. "Gu" refers to water governed by the Kidney. The name Zhongjinggu implies that there is a pore on the Earth portion of this acupoint connecting with Kidney water. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is water from the turbid descent of the Large Intestine Channel on the Earth portion. Because this acupoint is located between the two bones at the shoulder end, having Earth portion pores connecting with the bone, it is named Zhongjinggu.
3) Shanggu. "Shang" means exceeding or noble. "Gu" refers to water governed by the Kidney. The name Shanggu implies that the Jing Water of this acupoint is high-level Kidney water.
4) Zhongjian, Pianjian, Jianjian. "Zhong" indicates that this acupoint is located in the middle section of the Large Intestine Channel meridian. Zhongjian, Pianjian, and Jianjian are all indications of the position of the acupoint, without other profound meanings.
5) Meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Qiao Mai channels. "Qiao" means agile and nimble. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint includes both the hot yang qi of the Large Intestine Channel ascending to the head and neck and the Jing Water on the Earth portion, exhibiting the characteristic of yin-yang mutual supplementation of the Qiao Mai substances, thus it is called the meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Qiao Mai channels. (The Yang Qiao Mai is the vessel that ensures abundant yang qi in the human body, enabling agile movement. Ancient medical texts have few records of the Yin and Yang Qiao Mains, only describing their pathways and associated diseases. Disease of the Yin Qiao Mai presents as slackness of yang and tightness of yin; disease of the Yang Qiao Mai presents as slackness of yin and tightness of yang. Inferring from the recorded diseases of the Qiao Mains, when not diseased, neither yin nor yang is slack nor tight; yin and yang coexist simultaneously. The qi and blood of this acupoint possess this characteristic. In the Heaven portion, yang qi from the Large Intestine Channel continuously ascends to the head and neck. On the Earth portion, there are pores connecting with the bone, and Jing Water has its source and origin. The substances within the acupoint exhibit yin-yang mutual supplementation, hence it is called the meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Qiao Mai channels.)
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion, with a small volume.
Movement Pattern: Flows along the Earth portion of the Large Intestine Channel towards the Jugu acupoint (LI16).
Functional Role: Guides the Jing Qi of the Large Intestine Channel to flow back to the bony structures.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reduction or cool water acupuncture.
16 Jugu (LI16)
Acupoint Meaning: A huge water pool formed on the Earth portion by the turbid yin qi descending from the Large Intestine Channel.
Name Explanation: "Ju" means large. "Gu" means water. The name Jugu implies a huge water pool formed after the yin-turbid qi of the Large Intestine Channel descends to the Earth. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is Jing Water on the Earth portion transmitted from the Jianyu acupoint (LI15). After flowing to this acupoint, because this acupoint is located in the depression between the clavicle and the scapula, Jing Water gathers here, hence named Jugu. (Viewing an upright human body from the perspective of the Earth coordinate system, the Jugu acupoint is at a higher level, while the Jianyu acupoint is at a lower level. Why can Jing Water ascend? This is because the effect of the human gravity field is greater than that of the Earth's gravity field. Within the human gravity field, the exterior is high and the interior is low; therefore, Jing Water on the Earth portion of the Jianyu acupoint can flow to the Jugu acupoint.)
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion, covering a vast area.
Movement Pattern: The liquid on the Earth portion一方面 flows inward along the Large Intestine Channel to the Tianding acupoint (LI17), and另一方面 flows inward through the Earth portion pores of this acupoint into the deepest Earth portion (bony structure).
Functional Role: Gathers the Earth portion fluid of the scapular region and injects it inward into the bony structures.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, unblock the meridians; for heat patterns, use reduction or cool water acupuncture.
17 Tianding (LI18)
Aliases: Tiding, Tianxiang, Tiangan.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing Water of the Large Intestine Channel undergoes thermal transformation and ascends to the Heaven.
Name Explanation: 1) Tianding. "Tian" refers to the head, face, and skin layer. "Ding" refers to a cauldron. The name Tianding implies that Jing Water of the Large Intestine Channel undergoes thermal transformation and ascends to the Heaven. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is Jing Water on the Earth portion transmitted from the Jugu acupoint (LI16). Upon reaching this acupoint, it is evaporated by the hot water transmitted externally from the Heart and ascends to the Heaven, similar to water being heated inside a cauldron, hence named Tianding. (From the perspective of the Earth coordinate system, the Tianding acupoint is at a higher level. Why can Jing Water ascend? The principle is the same as the explanation for the qi and blood movement of the Jugu acupoint.)
2) Tiding, Tiangan. "Tian" refers to the location or direction of the qi and blood within the acupoint. "Ding" means support. "Gai" means cover. The names Tiding and Tiangan imply that the substance within the acupoint is vaporized qi, which provides support or protection to the Heaven. The substance of this acupoint is hot yang qi that has been vaporized and ascends to the Heaven. The existence of yang qi serves as both support for the skin layer and protection for subcutaneous tissues, hence the name.
3) Tianxiang. "Tian" refers to the location or direction of the qi and blood within the acupoint. "Xiang" refers to the location of the acupoint. The name Tianxiang implies that the hot yang qi of this acupoint ascends from the nape to the Heaven portion.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion and the vaporized qi of the Jing Water.
Movement Pattern: Jing Water on the Earth portion is entirely vaporized into qi at this acupoint and ascends to the Heaven portion of the head and face.
Functional Role: Transmits the vaporized qi of the Large Intestine Channel to the Heaven portion of the head and face.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and retain the needle for a long time; for heat patterns, use reduction.
18 Futu (LI19)
Aliases: Shuxue, Shuiquan.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing Qi of the Large Intestine Channel absorbs heat and ascends here.
Name Explanation: 1) Futu. "Fu" means help or support. "Tu" means rush. The name Futu implies that Jing Qi of the Large Intestine Channel ascends to the Heaven portion with the assistance of external heat. The substance of this acupoint is moist qi evaporating and ascending from the Tianding acupoint (LI17). Its nature is stagnant and heavy. Upon reaching this acupoint, it lacks the power to ascend to the Heaven on its own. It is able to ascend only with the assistance of the heat dissipating externally from the Heart, hence named Futu.
2) Shuxue, Shuiquan. The meaning of these names is that the moist qi ascending from this acupoint is the source of moisture for the Heaven portion of the head and face, hence named Shuxue and Shuiquan.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is qi in the Heaven portion, with a stagnant and heavy nature.
Movement Pattern: Moist qi absorbs heat and ascends to the Heaven portion of the head and face.
Functional Role: Provides moisture to the Heaven portion level and clears and moistens Lung qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification; for damp-heat patterns, use reduction.
19 Kouheliao (LI19 alias/alternative naming context, often referred to as Heliao LI18 in standard numbering but text says 19 Kouheliao, likely referring to Hegu/LI4 area or specific text variation, strictly translating text: Kouheliao) *Note: Standard numbering usually places Heliao (LI18) before Futu (LI19). Text lists 19 Kouheliao. I will translate as per text.*
Aliases: Heliao, Changpin, Changliao, Changjia.
Acupoint Meaning: The cold-descending fluid of the Large Intestine Channel returns to the internal meridian of the Large Intestine Channel here.
Name Explanation: Kouheliao. "He" refers to slender objects. "Liao" refers to pores. The name Kouheliao implies that the surface Jing Water of the Large Intestine Channel returns to the internal meridian of the Large Intestine Channel from this acupoint. The substance of this acupoint consists of Heaven portion qi provided by the Futu acupoint (LI19) and Yingxiang acupoint (LI20). Upon reaching this acupoint, it cools and descends to the Earth portion and returns to the internal meridian of the Large Intestine Channel through the Earth portion pores of this acupoint. The Earth portion pores are slender and narrow, resembling pores, hence named Kouheliao. The names Heliao, Changpin, Changliao, and Changjia are all the same as Kouheliao. "Chang" refers to the slenderness of the Earth portion pores; "Pin" refers to the continuous and frequent operation of qi and blood; "Jia" is synonymous with "Xie" (to clasp/hold), all describing the operation of qi and blood substances within the acupoint or the microscopic morphology of the acupoint.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion.
Movement Pattern: Jing Water on the Earth portion returns to the internal meridian of the Large Intestine Channel through the Earth portion pores of this acupoint.
Functional Role: Guides the surface fluid of the Large Intestine Channel to return to the internal meridian of the Large Intestine Channel.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, unblock the meridians; for heat patterns, use reduction.
Note: The termination point of the surface meridian of the Large Intestine Channel is at the Yingxiang acupoint (LI20), while the junction point between the surface meridian and the internal meridian is at the Kouheliao acupoint.
20 Yingxiang (LI20) - Meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming channels.
Alias: Chongyang.
Acupoint Meaning: Receives the turbid qi of grains from the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming and transmits the clear yang qi of the Large Intestine Channel to the Stomach Channel.
Name Explanation: 1) Yingxiang. "Ying" means to receive. "Xiang" refers to the qi of grains from the Spleen and Stomach. The name Yingxiang implies that this acupoint receives the qi and blood supplied by the Stomach Channel. Both the Large Intestine Channel and the Stomach Channel belong to the Yangming category. The Heaven portion levels where their qi and blood substances reside are similar. Yingxiang is adjacent to the Stomach Channel and is located at a lower level; therefore, the turbid qi of the Stomach Channel descends to this acupoint, hence named Yingxiang.
2) Chongyang. "Chong" means straight up. "Yang" refers to yang qi. The name Chongyang implies that the yang qi of the Large Intestine Channel rushes upward from this acupoint and intersects with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel. This acupoint is the highest acupoint among those of the Large Intestine Channel. The yang qi ascending along the meridian of the Large Intestine Channel gathers here. Since this acupoint shares the same level with the qi and blood substances of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, the yang qi in this acupoint rushes straight upward to intersect with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, hence named Chongyang.
3) Meeting point of the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming channels. The principle is the same as the name explanations for Yingxiang and Chongyang.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is qi in the Heaven portion.
Movement Pattern: The yang qi ascending from the Large Intestine Channel intersects with the Stomach Channel here, while the turbid qi descending from the Stomach Channel intersects with the Large Intestine Channel here.
Functional Role: Exchanges the Heaven portion qi between the Large Intestine Channel and the Stomach Channel.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reduction.
III. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel is Abundant in Qi and Blood
III. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel is Abundant in Qi and Blood
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel is abundant in qi and blood. The movement and transformation of qi and blood substances involve continuous repeated changes from liquid state to gas state and back to liquid state, and it is a process of heat dissipation and cold descent.
1 Chengqi (ST1) - Meeting point of the Yang Qiao Mai, Ren Mai, and Foot-Yangming Channel.
Aliases: Xixue, Mianliao, Xixue.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel exits from this acupoint.
Name Explanation: 1) Chengqi. "Cheng" means to receive or bear. "Qi" means tears or fluid. The name Chengqi implies that the qi and blood substances of the internal meridian of the Stomach Channel exit from this acupoint. The Stomach Channel belongs to the Yangming category, which is abundant in qi and blood. "Abundant in qi" refers to abundant gaseous substances; "abundant in blood" refers to blood becoming red liquid after heating, meaning there is both abundant fluid and heat. The qi and blood movement of the surface meridian of the Stomach Channel is from head to foot, which is downward. In contrast, the internal meridian part of the Stomach Channel, which forms a closed loop with the surface meridian, moves qi and blood substances upward by dissipating heat. The substance of this acupoint is transformed from the qi and blood of the internal meridian of the Stomach Channel ascending. Within the internal meridian, qi and blood substances ascend in the form of qi. After exiting the internal meridian to the surface meridian, the Jing Qi cools and liquefies into Jing Water. This Jing Water is located at the uppermost part of the Stomach Channel, in an unstable state, like tears about to drop, hence named Chengqi.
2) Xixue, Mianliao, Xixue. Xixue refers to a small hole on the Earth portion. Mianliao refers to a pore on the face. Xixue refers to a small stream of water flowing through a pore. The names Xixue, Mianliao, and Xixue all imply that there are pores on the Earth portion communicating between the internal and surface meridians of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, allowing qi and blood substances to connect internally and externally.
3) Meeting point of the Yang Qiao Mai, Ren Mai, and Foot-Yangming Channel. The substance of this acupoint originates from the transformation of qi and blood exiting the internal meridian of the Stomach Channel. After the qi and blood of the internal meridian of the Stomach Channel exits to the surface, it contains both liquefied water and warm qi. The characteristic of yin-yang mutual supplementation of the qi and blood substances is similar to that of the Qiao Mai, thus it is the meeting point of the Qiao Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel. Additionally, the nature of the Jing Water on the Earth portion of this acupoint is similar to that of the Ren Mai. It can travel along the Earth portion to another point on the Ren Mai, Chengjiang (CV24). Therefore, it is also the meeting point of the Ren Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion and warm qi in the Heaven portion.
Movement Pattern: Jing Water flows along the Earth portion level downward to the Chengjiang acupoint (CV24) of the Ren Mai. The turbid and heavy part of the warm qi descends along the Stomach Channel, and the hot yang qi intersects with the Yang Qiao Mai.
Functional Role: Transports material nutrients and energy from the internal Stomach Channel to the Heaven portion of the head and face, as well as to the Ren Mai and Yang Qiao Mai, etc.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification; for heat patterns, use reduction. No moxibustion.
2 Sibai (ST2)
Acupoint Meaning: Jing Water of the Stomach Channel rapidly vaporizes here to become qi in the Heaven portion.
Name Explanation: Sibai. "Si" is a numeral meaning four directions or the surrounding space of the acupoint. "Bai" means visible color or the color of the Lung (white). The name Sibai implies that Jing Water of the Stomach Channel rapidly vaporizes here to become qi in the Heaven portion. The substance of this acupoint is Jing Water on the Earth portion transmitted from the Chengqi acupoint (ST1). Its nature is warm. When flowing from the Earth portion to the Sibai acupoint, it rapidly vaporizes at this acupoint by absorbing heat from the Spleen Earth. The vaporized qi forms a white mist filling the surroundings, clearly visible, hence named Sibai.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is mist-like qi, located at a not-too-high Heaven portion level.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat, it gathers and descends toward the Juliao acupoint (ST3).
Functional Role: Dissipates Spleen heat and provides moisture to the Heaven portion.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reduction.
3 Juliao (ST3) - Meeting point of the Qiao Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel.
Acupoint Meaning: Turbid qi of the Stomach Channel transforms into rain and cold-descends to the Earth portion here.
Name Explanation: 1) Juliao. "Ju" means large, describing the vast area covered by the qi and blood field within the acupoint. "Liao" means pore. The name Juliao implies that the turbid qi in the Heaven portion of the Stomach Channel transforms into rain, cold-descends, and returns to the Earth portion. The substance of this acupoint is Heaven portion qi transmitted from the Sibai acupoint (ST2). Upon reaching this acupoint, it dissipates heat, transforms into rain, and cold-descends. Because this acupoint is located in the upper part of Heaven (the Heaven portion of the head/face), the rain falling to the Earth covers a large area, hence named Ju (large). Furthermore, because the rain falling to the Earth is fine, as if leaking through a pore, it is named Liao (pore), hence named Juliao.
2) Meeting point of the Qiao Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel. The substance of this acupoint includes both Heaven portion qi and Earth portion water. The qi and blood substances combine with the yin-yang mutual supplementation characteristic of the Qiao Mai, thus it is the meeting point of the Qiao Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is rain-like cloud systems in the lower Heaven portion and water falling to the Earth.
Movement Pattern: Rain-like cloud systems descend from the lower Heaven portion to the Earth portion.
Functional Role: Cold-descends Stomach turbidity.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reduction and needle out the qi.
4 Dicang (ST4) - Meeting point of the Qiao Mai, Hand-Yangming, and Foot-Yangming channels.
Aliases: Huiwei, Weiwei.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing Water on the Earth portion of the Stomach Channel gathers and disperses here.
Name Explanation: 1) Dicang. "Di" refers to the Earth of the Spleen and Stomach. "Cang" refers to a place for storing and dispersing grains. The name Dicang implies that Jing Water on the Earth portion of the Stomach Channel gathers and disperses here. The substance of this acupoint is formed by the gathering of Jing Water on the Earth portion from the upper acupoints of the Stomach Channel. After gathering at this acupoint, the Jing Water is distributed and allocated from this acupoint, performing a storage and dispersion function, hence named Dicang. (The reason why the Dicang acupoint is on the Earth portion of the head, rather than on the abdomen governed by the Spleen and Stomach, is that Dicang acts as the granary of the whole body and the national grain depot, under the jurisdiction of the Emperor. The head is the seat of royalty, hence the acupoint is on the head and not on the abdomen.)
2) Huiwei, Weiwei. "Hui" means to meet. "Wei" refers to the qi and blood of the Stomach Channel. "Wei" means maintain or sustain. The names Huiwei and Weiwei imply that the qi and blood substances within the acupoint play a sustaining role in the normal operation of the human body. The Stomach is the foundation of acquired constitution. The qi and blood of the human head and the lower parts of the body rely on the distribution from this acupoint. Whether the distribution of qi and blood from this acupoint is normal directly sustains whether various physiological functions of the human body are normal, hence named Huiwei and Weiwei.
3) Meeting point of the Qiao Mai, Hand-Yangming, and Foot-Yangming channels. The substance of this acupoint includes both Heaven portion qi and Earth portion water. The qi and blood substances combine with the yin-yang mutual supplementation characteristic of the Qiao Mai, thus it is the meeting point of the Qiao Mai and Foot-Yangming Channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion and the vaporized qi of the Jing Water.
Movement Pattern: Jing Water on the Earth portion is distributed in three ways: one branch flows to the Daying acupoint (ST5), another branch flows to the Renying acupoint (ST9), and a portion of the Jing Water vaporizes and intersects with the Yang Qiao Mai.
Functional Role: Distributes Jing Water on the Earth portion of the Stomach Channel and provides hot yang qi to the Yang Qiao Mai.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, unblock the meridians and use tonification; for heat patterns, use reduction.
5 Daying (ST5)
Alias: Suikong.
Acupoint Meaning: The refined substances of the qi and blood of the Stomach Channel are transported upward to the head from here.
Name Explanation: 1) Daying. "Da" means many or honorable. "Ying" means to receive. The name Daying implies that the majority of the qi and blood substances of the Stomach Channel are transported upward to the head from this acupoint. The substance of the Daying acupoint is distributed from the Dicang acupoint (ST4). One branch travels from the head and face down the nape to the chest and abdomen, and another branch travels upward to the head from this acupoint. Since the head is the land of the monarch, the "imperial grain" transported to the head is large in quantity and refined in quality, and the transportation has a majestic momentum, hence named Daying.
2) Suikong. "Sui" refers to the brain as the sea of marrow, so sui means the brain of the head. "Kong" means pore. The name Suikong implies that the substance of this acupoint is transported to the brain. This acupoint is an important channel for the qi and blood of the Stomach Channel to be transported to the brain. The Stomach Channel is abundant in qi and blood, mixing clear and turbid elements. However, the brain can only store refined substances and cannot accept turbid qi. Therefore, the coarse must be removed and the essence retained from the qi and blood substances transported upward by the Stomach Channel. The name Suikong implies a restriction on the qi and blood transported upward by the Stomach Channel, where the pore channel serves as the checkpoint.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Jing Water on the Earth portion and gases evaporated from the Jing Water.
Movement Pattern: Transmitted along the Stomach Channel to the Jiache acupoint (ST6).
Functional Role: Accepts and transmits the qi and blood substances transported by the Stomach Channel to the head.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reduction.
6 Jiache (ST6)
Aliases: Quya, Jiguan, Guichuang, Yache.
Acupoint Meaning: The refined substances of grains from the Stomach Channel are transported upward to the head from here.
Name Explanation: 1) Jiache. "Jia" refers to the cheek, indicating the location of the acupoint. "Che" means vehicle or transport tool. The name Jiache implies that the function of this acupoint is to transport the refined qi and blood of grains from the Stomach Channel upward to the head along the meridian. The substance of this acupoint is the refined qi and blood of grains transmitted from the Daying acupoint (ST5). Upon reaching this acupoint, due to the heat dissipating externally from the internal Heart Fire, the qi and blood substances are transported to the head along the Stomach Channel, resembling a vehicle carrying goods, hence named Jiache.