Acupuncture & TCM Articles
Acupuncture Articles
by John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC
 Dr. Amaro is an internationally known author, lecturer and practitioner beginning his practice of Acupuncture and Chiropractic in 1971. He has led 13 diplomatic Acupuncture study tours of The People's Republic of China escorting more than 500 doctors and practitioners. He has personally studied Acupuncture in nine separate Asian nations.
He has received Certification in Acupuncture through the Columbia Institute of Chiropractic in 1973. This was one of the first Acupuncture postgraduate education programs for physicians in North America commencing in 1972.
He has been certified by the Waseda Acupuncture College in Tokyo, Japan in 1974 and graduated from the Chinese Medical Institute, Kowloon, China in 1976. He had previously taken postgraduate studies at the Tai Chung Medical School Taipei, China 1973.
The Eight (Hui) Influential Points
John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC
Without question some of the most "Influential Points" on the body are named accordingly. These particular acupuncture points exert a profound effect on the functioning of the body. Each of them have a specific systemic effect on a particular tissue, body area or organ system.
Because illness may generally assert an effect on multiple sights in the body, the "Influential points" have a practical effect by eliminating superfluous needle stimulation and focusing the treatment on as few points as possible. A classic example would be the influential point known as GB 34 just in front of the tibial tuberosity. This point is the classic point for any symptomatology affecting the "sinews".
Therefore, any symptom dealing with muscles, ligaments, tendons have a positive effect by the stimulation of GB 34.
Regardless of where the musculoskeletal condition is located, GB 34 will have a positive effect. The person may be suffering with rotator cuff syndrome or epicondylitis in each case, the influential point for the "sinews" will have a particular effect even though it is far removed from the sight of discomfort. Most often, practitioners will utilize local points in the area of pain in addition to GB 34.
GB 39 is known as the "Influential Point of Marrow". Located just above the external malleolus. Marrow is generally referred to assisting brain function or to bone marrow itself. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bone marrow does not have a relationship to blood formation as it does in Western physiology. Therefore it is not typically used for blood disorders as one might think.
It has a particular effect on both sciatic neuritis as well as cervicalgia due to its being a specific point linking the yang meridians of the lower extremity, namely Gallbladder, Stomach and Bladder. Remember, a meridian effects what it is named after and where it courses to. It has also been used for vertigo and brain dysfunction.
LU 9 is known as the "Influential Point of the Vessels". This point is often used in order to assist the pulse stand out more clearly in those with fine and weak pulses when using pulse diagnosis. It has been used in cardiovascular disease. However, its ancient claim to fame is for conditions affecting the pulse.
BL 11 is known as the "Influential Point of Bone". Two fingers breadth bilateral to C7-T1. Probably one of the most controversial points on the body due to the fact it does indeed have an effect on bone, but primarily due to its effect with pathogenic wind. When a patient complains of bone symptomatology due to attack of pathogenic wind as in "bi patterns" this point has a particularly high effect rate. However, it must be borne in mind, additional points such as BL 12, GB 21, TH 15 have very similar effects.
BL 17 is known as the "Influential Point of Blood". Two fingers breadth bilateral to T5-6. This point is one of the classic points especially effective in any condition involving blood. It deals with blood stasis. In classical osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still stated, "the rule of the artery is supreme", this acupoint deals with any condition dealing with blood. Anytime pain is a factor, blood will be involved. Think of this point as one of the most important points on the body.
CV 17 (Ren Mai) is known as the "Influential Point of Chi". Known as the Mu / Alarm point for the Pericardium / Circulation/Sex meridian it is particularly related to the lungs. Located two inches above the xiphoid process. It is often used for conditions affecting the lungs and heart. This point has numerous applications, as it is also the 4th Chakra in addition to being a point that would have major affects on hormonal effects due to its relationship to the Pericardium meridian.
CV 12 (Ren Mai) is known as the Influential Point of the Bowels". Located half way between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process, this point is the Alarm point for the Stomach. It is perhaps one of the most significant points on the body for any stomach or bowel symptomatology. It has an effect on the Spleen meridian.
Liv 13 is known as the "Influential Point of the Viscera". Located at the tip of the 11th rib, this point is known as the Alarm point of the Spleen. In my opinion, it is one of the premier points on the body affecting anything of visceral symptomatolgy. This point when used with BL 38 (on the vertebral border of the scapula half way between the top and bottom) is legendary for patients with visceral complaints regardless of its origin. The Spleen meridians relationship to the Extraordinary meridians is one of the most important relationships in the body. This point is critical.
GB 34 is known as the "Influential Point of the Sinews". Located just in front of the tibial tuberosity, this point is one of the classic points on the body for any condition affecting muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is one of the most historically used points for thousands of years in every Asian nation.
The eight points you have been presented with here are extremely powerful. You will find these points an incredible addition to a clinical practice. Strong caution is urged when using needle stimulation as some of these points are in sensitive and potentially dangerous areas. Remember, "Acupuncture is a principle not a technique", therefore, many techniques can be safely utilized to include, laser and electronic stimulation.
Best Wishes for your successful utilization of the principles of acupuncture in the Year of the Dragon.
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