Heart 1 Ji Quan “Utmost Source” Ht 1 is the entry point and the first point on the heart meridian. It’s where the journey of the heart begins the exchanges of Heaven and Earth and how spirit that resides in the heart guides the individual through life. The heart is the supreme controller, the sovereign […]
Spleen 4 Gong Sun “Grandfather Grandson” Sp 4 is a wonderful point for the spirit of Earth. Its connection with the Chong Mai*, and thus indirectly with Pre and Post Heavenly Qi, gives it a sense of continuity through generations. As the opening point for the Chong Mai, which coalesces with St 30, Sp 4 benefits both […]
Spleen 2 Da Du “Great Capital” The Ling Shu discusses how Sp 2 and Sp 3 are often used together to treat the Spleen. Since Sp 2 is the Fire point of Spleen, we can understand that if the Spleen becomes too self-absorbed and serious, or when Earth becomes cold and bogged down, that the […]
Kidney 26 “Amidst Elegance”. This point promotes the smooth flow of Qi in the chest, and in doing so lifts the Spirits. The P’o resides here and the Heart Fire flourishes here. This powerful combination of strong Kidney Essence and P’o allows us to receive and appreciate life at its fullest. The point brings in light, […]
Kidney 6 “Illuminating Sea” is said to conjure up an image of enlightenment and radiance of spirit reflecting and enhancing the origin of light. My teacher would refer to this point as providing an energetic reservoir. This point has a strong impact on the patient’s contemplation, providing an awareness of the vitality of Spirit. The […]
Kid 3 “Greater Mountain Stream” is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point. When Kidneys are in balance and energetic harmony, we have the strength and capacity to deal with life’s challenges. This is mainly due to the fact that the Kidneys store our Jing Essence, which tonifies our bones and marrow. It is the Marrow/Yin aspect of […]
St 12 Broken Bowl (Que Pen) If the patient cannot receive or hold onto nourishment, they live with the sense that life, and its harvest, is ebbing away – leaving them with deprivation and loss. At Stomach 12, seven pathways cross at the deep level, which provides a powerful, enriching support. From the Chinese perspective, “Que […]
St 9 People Welcome (Ren Ying) St 9 is a “Window of the Sky” acupuncture point. If our focus is inward and closed off from what others can give, we may not be able to receive and welcome the experiences of life. This can leave us feeling unloved, suspicious and paranoid. St 9 allows in […]
St 8 Head Tied (Tou Wei) St 8 is an excellent point for the mind and spirit – when the person is stuck in over-processing, is in mental turmoil, complains of being woolly-headed. As a crossing point with the Gall Bladder, it draws on powers of new beginnings. This forges a path through obstructions, breaking […]
We’re launching an acupuncture point series here on the International College of Acupuncture (ICA) blog. Our Principal, Michael Baker, will provide valuable insight into the uses, Chinese characters, historical links and Mind/Body/Spirit relationship of a selection of points. We begin with the Stomach meridian and the wonderful Stomach 36 point. Over to Michael… St […]
