MY 1975 BOOK, THE LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE OF ACU- PUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION.
The term ‘Orthodox Channels’ in the title of Master Tung’s book,
Tung’s Acupuncture—Extraordinary Points of the Orthodox Chan- nels, is closely related to the traditional 14-Channels. Since the
14-Channels and the zangfu interconnect, there is an inseparable relationship between the 14-Channesl and the zangfu. To explain Master Tung’s Points, one must first consider applying the thinking behind and concepts related to the 14-Channels. Choosing points along the meridians in the 14-Channel is the basic principle, and the technique of choosing points by syndrome differentiates treatment. Choosing points from the effected channel among the 14 Channels is the most fundamental principle and method of point selection in acupuncture syndrome differentiation and point selection method- ology. When making use of Master Tung Points the same principles and methods of course also apply.
10 - 1 The Conceptual Framework for ‘Selecting the Points along the Channels’ in relation to Master Tung Points. 10 – 1.1 Selecting Points on the Affected Channel.
For example, 77.01 Zhengjin and 77.02 Zhengzong can treat the neck and nape owing to their Taiji correspondence (for details please see the explanation of the point 77.01 Zhengjin) and to their relationship to the Urinary Bladder Channel, and as a result they give phenomenal results when treating problems of the nape and neck. Other points, such as 77.04 Boqiu, treat back pain; 33.01 Qimen, 33.03 Qizheng, and 33.02 Qijiao treat hemorrhoids; 88.13 Tianhuang, 88.12 Minghuang and 88.14 Qihuang, treat Liver diseases; Xiasanhuang (77.18, 77.19, 77.21) (including the point Sanyinjiao SP-6) treat the urinary system, Spleen and Stomach, and gynecological diseases; 33.13 Renshi, 33.14 Dishi, 33.15 Tianshi and 33.16 Quling, treat asthma and common cold, all related to the Lung channel; 66.05 Menjin, treats diseases of the digestive system since it is related to the Stomach channel, etc. There are many, many other examples; the ones we have provided here are sufficient to demonstrate that Master Tung Points use the functions and uses of the Traditional 12 Channels as a foundation.
10 – 1.2 External-Internal Channel Relationship Point Selection.
For example, in order to treat skin diseases that are governed by the Lung, select points that are on the Hand Yangming Channel (Large Intestine Channel), such as 11.08 Zhiwujin and Zhiqianjin, and 11.17 Mu point. Another point, 11.02 Xiaojian, is located on the index finger on the border of the Large Intestine Channel. Since the Large Intestine and Lung are externally and internally related, 11.02 Xiaojian treats bronchitis, yellow Phlegm, vexation of the chest and bronchiectasis.
Master Tung’s book, in the indications section for 11.17 Mu Point, says, “Exuberant Liver fire, irritability”. However, I have expanded its use to include treatment of extreme dryness and cracking of the palms and skin diseases of the hand with great results. It can also treat excessive nasal discharge and can immediately stop nasal discharge due to common cold. The reason this point can treat nasal conditions so effectively is based on Channel Theory—the point is located on the aspect of the Large Intestine Channel that is on the finger, and Large Intestine and Lung channels are externally-internally related. The list goes on for points in the whole body.
10 – 1.3 Choosing Points from Channels that share the Same Name.
The ‘Common Channel Choosing Point Technique’ is also known as ‘Choosing Points from Channels that share the Same Name.’ It is also known as ‘Choosing Points from the Communication of the Six Channels.’ It is an extension of choosing points from connecting channels and is also one of the Channel Treatment techniques. The six connecting channels are: Hand Tai Yin—Foot Tai Yin, Hand Yang Ming—Foot Yang Ming, Hand Shao Yin—Foot Shao Yin, Hand Tai Yang—Foot Tai Yang, Hand Jue Yin—Foot Jue Yin, Hand Shao Yang— Foot Shao Yang; these are the three yin and three yang connections. I often apply the Theory of Same Name Channels Communicate to- ward Master Tung’s Points, for example: Master Tung’s Points 22.08 Wanshunyi and 22.09 Wanshun’er that are on the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Channel treat lumbar pain that is located on the Foot Taiyang Urinary Bladder Channel. The point 22.11 Tushui that is located on the Hand Taiyin Lung Channel treats diarrhea due to the deficiency of the Spleen that belongs to the Foot Taiyin Channel. 11.13 Dan that is on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Channel treats the Foot Jueyin Liver Qi diseases such as: palpitations, timidity, as well as night crying due to the deficiency of the Gall Bladder. Treating toe
pain by using 11.27 Wuhu on the Lung channel is also based on the ‘Choosing Points from Channels that share the Same Name’—Lung and Spleen Taiyin channels. Additionally, the Spleen governs the extremities, and there is also a corresponding relationship between fingers and toes. Using A.05 Xiaojie, which is located on the Lung channel, to treat ankle pain is also based on the theory of the same name channel of the Lung and Spleen, hand and foot Taiyin channels, to treat medial malleolus pain. Furthermore, by applying the theory of zangfu extraordinary relationships, the Lung and Urinary Bladder communicate with each other, so pain in the lateral malleolus can also be treated. A.05 Xiaojie can therefore treat both medial and lateral malleolus pain.
Creation, Research and Development of the ‘Relationship between the Ideology of Choosing the Points along the Channel and Master Tung’s Points’
• 1975 Published the theories of ‘Choosing Points from the Original Channel, the Interior-Exterior Channels and Same Name Channels’ in my book, The Longitude and Latitude of Acu-
puncture and Moxibustion.
• 1991 My book, Master Tung Acupuncture, uses the theories of’ ‘Choosing Points from the Original Channel, the Interi- or-Exterior Channels and Same Name Channels,’ to explain Master Tung Points.
• 2006 Published the Chinese version of Lectures on Tung’s
Acupuncture–Therapeutic System, included the theory of
‘Choosing Points from the Same Name Channels in the Taiji Needling Technique.’
• 2008 Published English version of Lectures on Tung’s Acupunc- ture–Therapeutic System, included the theory of ‘Choosing Points from the Same Name Channels in the Taiji Needling Technique.’
• 2009 “The Theory of Choosing Points from the Same Name Chan- nels in the Taiji Needling Technique,” published in the April 2009 issue of the Eleventh Round of Q&A and Discussions
in Acupuncture.
10-2 Relationship between ‘Diseases of the Vessels’ and Master Tung Points.
‘Masters the Group of Diseases’ is a different treatment system than the diseases of the zang images, and it expands the concepts and capacities of treatment methods. Clinically speaking, the application of the Six Yang Meridians ‘Masters the Group of Diseases’ theory is commonly used. The six yang meridians do not simply treat diseases of the six Fu organs; the ‘Masters the Group of Diseases’ theory has a broader meaning than simply referring to the Fu, and is used to categorize related diseases. Originally, ‘Masters the Group of Diseas- es’ was applied to generally categorize diseases of the 14 Channels. However, I have applied it to explain the relationship between Master Tung Points and the 14 Channels, as well as the application and uses of Master Tung Points, and have found it to be extremely useful.
10 - 2.1 The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Channel Masters the Diseases of the ‘Jin’ fluids.
The word ‘jin’ indicates the fluids that are secreted outwardly from the body, such as, sweat, nasal discharge and saliva. Whereas the word ‘Ye’ indicates the fluids that are retained inwardly in the joints, brain and orifices, where they function to lubricate and to nourish. The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Channel masters the diseases of ‘jin, which include toothache, swelling of the neck, yellowing of the sclera, dry mouth, nose bleed and tonsillitis, and the involved areas include the mouth, teeth, nose, eyes, and throat. These areas all lie on the Hand Yangming Channel and are where there is a concentration or collection of ‘jin’ fluids. The famous Ming Dynasty doctor Zhang Jing Yue noted, “There is an interior-exterior relationship between
the Lung and Large Intestine. The Lung masters Qi. And since jin ye is produced by the transformation of qi, therefore regardless of whether there is diarrhea or constipation (of the Large Intestine), both are due to the diseases of jin and ye, and the Large Intestine masters them.” Zhang Yin noted, “The Large Intestine conducts wa- ter and grain, transforms the essence, thus it masters the jin and ye. When the Large Intestine is diseased, Jin and Ye dry up and heat and fire becomes over abundant which causes the symptoms of yellowing of the sclera, dry mouth, nose bleed and tonsillitis.” The reason that the Master Tung Point 11.17 Mu can treat dry eyes, excessive tearing, nose dryness and excessive nasal discharge are all due to the mastery of the Large Intestine over the Jin fluids.
10 - 2.2 The Hand Taiyang Channel Masters Diseases of the ‘Ye’ Fluids.
Diseases stated in the Neijing include deafness, yellowing of the sclera, swelling of the cheek, neck, forehead, shoulder, upper arm, the posterior and lateral aspect of the elbow and forearm. 《靈樞·口 問》The Ling Shu, “Kou Wen” Chapter, says, ”Ye is the essence that irrigates the empty spaces and orifices.” Diseases of the ears, eyes and joints are all due to ‘ye’ being unable to “irrigate the empty spaces and orifices”, in another words, they are due to the “drying of ye/ye exhaustion.”
There are a few Master Tung Points that are on the Small Intestine Channel, such as, 11.23 Yanhuang to treat yellowing of the sclera; 22.09 Wanshun’er, 33.10 Changmen and 33.11 Ganmen can all treat Liver diseases (including yellow sclera). 22.08 Wanshunyi and 22.09 Wanshun’er are both important points for treating tinnitus. 33.12 Xinmen, treats degenerative arthritis and is a very effective point for treating knee pain arising from insufficiency of synovial fluids between the joint.
10 – 2.3 The Foot Shaoyang Channel Masters Diseases of the Bone.
GB39 Xuanzhong is the Meeting Point of the Bones, is located on the Shaoyang channel, and can treat many kinds of bone pain. 88.25 Jiuli (GB-31 Fengshi) can treat bone pain anywhere in the body. I personally often use 88.25 Jiuli (GB-31 Fengshi) to treat cervical and lumbar bone spurs very effectively. These are examples of the application of the theory of Shaoyang Masters the Bones.
Regarding the other ‘Masters the Group of Diseases’ relationships— the Foot Tai Yang Masters Diseases of the Tendons-Ligaments-Mus- cles, the Hand Shao Yang Masters Diseases of the Qi, the Foot Yang Ming Stomach Channel Masters Diseases of the Blood—we can find Master Tung points for all of them, and can likewise find a reasonable explanation and understanding of these points’ efficacy.
Creation, Research and Development of the relationship between ‘Vessel Diseases and Master Tung Points’:
• 2008 “Vessel Diseases and Master Tung Points,” published in the August 2008 issue of the Fifth Round of Q&A and Discus-
sions in Acupuncture.
• 2008 “Vessel Diseases and Master Tung Points,” published in the November 2008 issue of the Sixth Round of Q&A and
Discussions in Acupuncture.
• 2009 “Vessel Diseases and Master Tung Points,” published in the September 2009 edition of the Thirteenth Round of Q&A
and Discussions in Acupuncture.
• 2010 “Vessel Diseases and Master Tung Points,” published in the April 2010 issue of the Fifteenth Round of Q&A and Discus-
10 - 3 The Twelve Divergent Channels and Master Tung Points.
Many of the Zangfu Extraordinary Relationships (Zang Fu Bie Tong) take place by virtue of the divergent channels. In my lectures on
Advanced Course on Tung’s Acupuncture I have described this very
clearly, so here we will only touch the subject lightly to detail how the zangfu extraordinary relationships can explain functions and uses of Master Tung Points. For example:
10-3.1 Liver and Large Intestine Inter-Communicate.
(a) The Large Intestine Channel treats the throat:
For example, points such as LI-1 Shangyang, 11.08 Zhiwujin and Zhiqianjin, treat swelling and sore throat. LI-1 Shangyang belongs to the Large Intestine channel and is very effective for the common cold and painful and swollen throat excess syndrome. Master Tung Points 11.08 Zhiwujin and Zhiqianjin, located on the index finger, are related to the Large Intestine Channel. However, there is no direct relationship between the Large Intestine Channel and the throat. Generally, people believe that the treatment mechanism is mainly due to the interior-exterior relationship between the Lung and Large Intestine and that they can treat the diseases of each other’s channel. Actually, the divergent channel of the Hand Yangming “ascends and passes through the throat.” This tells us that the Hand Yangming Divergent Channel is directly connected with the throat; applying the theory of divergent channels to explain the action and mechanism of LI-1 Shangyang to treat painful and swollen throat provides us with a more direct mechanism of action. The Liver channel ascends and en- ters the throat, it is in the throat where it connects and communicates with the Large Intestine Channel.
(b) The Large Intestine Channel treats breast abscesses/mastitis and dizziness:
LI-11 Quchi treats breast abscesses/mastitis: LI-11 Quchi belongs to the Yangming Large Intestine channel. There is no direct connection between the Large Intestine channel and the breasts. The reason why LI-11 is a main point for breast abscesses/mastitis is that the Yangming channels have abundant blood and qi, and LI-11 functions to clear heat and expel toxins. Or one can say that the Large Intestine has an extraordinary connection with the Liver, and the Liver governs the nipple, but this is only one aspect of the action mechanism. From a divergent channels perspective we see that the Hand Yangming Divergent Channel ‘follows the breast’, thus demonstrating how the divergent channel has a direct connection to the breast. Now we can understand that using LI-11 to treat breast abscesses/mastitis works well because there is a channel pathway and treatment connection between the point and the breast condition.
10-3.2 The Stomach and Pericardium Inter-Communicate.
(a) The Stomach Channel treats Heart diseases:
ST-36 is often used to treat Heart diseases: I often use ST-36 to treat Heart diseases and the effect is phenomenal. ST-36 belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach channel; the channel itself has no connec- tion with the Heart. However, its divergent channel “ascends and communicate with the Heart” which means there is a direct effect on the Heart. Needling ST-36 Zusanli can regulate the Heart qi to treat Heart diseases.
10-3.3 The Heart and Gall Bladder Inter-Communicate.
GB-31 Fengshi treats palpitations and pruritus (Heart and Gall Blad- der Inter-Communicate).
The point GB-31 Fengshi can treat palpitations and pruritus very effectively. Although there is no direct connection between the Gall Bladder Channel and the Heart, the divergent channel of the Gall Bladder ‘ascends and penetrates through the Heart.’ GB-31 belongs to the Gall Bladder channel, its capacity to treat palpitations and pruritus comes about from the connection between the Gall Bladder Divergent Channel and the Heart.
Other Extraordinary Relationships can be found by further pursuing the above-mentioned connection relationships.
10-4 The Relationship between Biao Ben/Symptoms and Causes, Gen Jie/Root and Gathering, Qi Jie/Path of Qi and Master Tung Points.
Biao Ben/Symptoms and Causes, Gen Jie/Root and Gathering, and Qi Jie/Path of Qi form an important group of concepts in the fundamentals of acupuncture theory. These concepts provide im- portant meaning and guidance in the clinical application of essential acupuncture points. Doctor Dou Hanxing in Biao Yao Fu says, “Fully explore the four roots and three gatherings, follow the symptoms and causes, then needle and no illness will remain unhealed.” This emphasizes the importance of the theories of Root and Gathering, Symptoms and Causes, and Path of Qi in Chinese medicine.
Applying the Ling Shu, “Jing Mai” Chapter’s《靈樞·經脈篇》theories concerning the circulation of the twelve channels to the Five Shu (Transport) Points provides an unsatisfactory understanding of the hows and whys of the Five Shu Point dynamics. However, when applying the ‘towards the Heart’ circulation and flow described by
‘Symptoms and Causes’ and ‘Root and Gathering’ concepts to the dynamics of the Five Shu Points, one is able to arrive at a relatively satisfactory understanding of those dynamics.
Some Master Tung Points can be explained by using the Biao Ben/ Symptoms and Causes, Gen Jie/Root and Gathering, and Qi Jie/Path of Qi concepts. Here are a couple of examples:
10-4.1 The Liver channel does not directly connect to the Heart.
However, the Liver channel gathers at REN-18玉英 and connects at REN-17 Shanzhong. REN-17 Shanzhong is located closely to the Heart. I often use LV-3 Taichong or the Master Tung Point 66.04 Huozhu to treat Heart diseases and the results are very satisfactory. 10-4.2 Qijie/Path of Qi
‘The lower part of the leg has a Path of Qi’ theory explains the impor- tance of the points that lie between UB-57 Chengshan and the area around the ankles. Many of the jing-river and luo-connecting points of the foot channels are within this area, and GB-39 Xuanzhong the Meeting Point for the Marrow is located there. Four of the Eight Extraordinary Channels, the Yin Qiao, Yang Qiao, Yin Wei, and Yang Wei all arise in this area. A large number of Master Tung Points such as 77.01 zhengjin, 77.02 zhengzong, 66.14 shuixiang, 77.05, 77.06, 77.07 sanzhongxue, and 77.24 zuqianjin are all in this area.
Creation, Research and Development of the Theories ‘The Twelve Divergent Channels and Master Tung Points’ and ‘Symptoms and Causes, Root and Gathering, Path of Qi and Master Tung Points.’
• 2008 ‘Twelve Divergent Channels and Symptoms and Causes, Root and Gathering, Path of Qi and Master Tung Points,“ published in the June 2008 edition of the Third Round Q&A
and Discussions in Acupuncture.
• 2009 “Twelve Divergent Channels and Symptoms and Causes, Root and Gathering, Path of Qi and Master Tung Points,” published in the September 2009 edition of the Thirteenth Round Q&A and Discussions in Acupuncture.
• 2010 Included in the contents of the October 2010 Lectures in
Advanced Course on Tung’s Acupuncture.
XI. CREATED AND DEVELOPED “BLEEDING TECHNIQUE