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Common Acupuncture Formulas
1. Treatment for Common Cold
Feng Chi (Wind Pool) and He Gu (Union Valley) for tonifying, Tai Yang (Sun) and Da Zhui (Great Vertebra) for dispersing,
for nasal congestion add Ying Xiang (Welcome Fragrance) and Shang Xing (Upper Star),
for cough add Chi Ze (Cubital Marsh) and Er Shang (Two Merchants) for throat pain.
Da Zhui and Feng Chi have a strong dispersing effect against external wind and cold. He Gu and Ru Liu can induce sweating. For nasal congestion and forehead pain, add Ying Xiang and Shang Xing. For cough, add Chi Ze. For throat pain, add Shao Shang and Shang Yang (the two merchants), and puncture to induce bleeding.
2. Treatment for Cough and Asthma
For cough, add Fei Shu (Lung Back Shu) and Zhong Fu (Central Palace),
for internal conditions add Nei Guan (Inner Pass), Chi Ze, and San Li (Three Miles),
for asthma, puncture Tian Tu (Heavenly Embrace) and Xuan Zhong (Chest Center),
for excessive phlegm add Feng Long (Abundant Dragon) and He Gu.
Fei Shu and Zhong Fu are the back and front mu points of the lung, while Nei Guan is a key point for treating chest and rib conditions. Add Chi Ze and Zu San Li to tonify earth and generate metal to clear lung heat. For asthma, use the upper points and add Tian Tu and Xuan Zhong; if phlegm is abundant, puncture Feng Long and He Gu.
3. Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders
For gastrointestinal diseases, use the back and mu points,
add San Li, Ju Xu (Giant Void), and Nei Guan,
for diarrhea, use ginger moxibustion on Shen Que (Spirit Gate),
for excessive acidity add Gong Sun (Public Grandson) and Xing Jian (Walking Between).
Gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroenteritis, indigestion, and gastrointestinal neurosis, can be treated with the “back and mu point” method, generally using Wei Shu (Stomach Back Shu) and Zhong Wan (Middle Stomach). You can also use Da Chang Shu (Large Intestine Back Shu) and Tian Shu (Heavenly Pivot), or Xiao Chang Shu (Small Intestine Back Shu) and Guan Yuan (Gate of Origin), along with Zu San Li, Shang Ju Xu, Xia Ju Xu, and Nei Guan. For diarrhea, use ginger moxibustion on Shen Que. For acid reflux, add Gong Sun and Xing Jian.
4. Treatment for Edema
For edema, use Shen Shu (Kidney Back Shu) and Pang Guang Shu (Bladder Back Shu),
Jing Men (Capital Gate) and Zhong Ji (Middle Extreme) are essential,
San Li and Di Ji (Earth Machine) are also very useful,
San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection) and Ru Liu.
The kidney is the water organ, opening to the two yin. The bladder is the reservoir of fluids, responsible for urination, and the spleen governs the transformation of water and dampness. Edema due to spleen and kidney yang deficiency can be treated using the back and mu points of the kidney and bladder, along with the spleen channel’s San Yin Jiao and Di Ji, and you can also add Zu San Li.
5. Treatment for Nocturnal Enuresis in Children
For nocturnal enuresis, use Shen Men (Spirit Gate) and Guan Yuan,
San Yin Jiao and Dui Duan (End of Exchange),
for bladder Shu and mu points, add San Li,
adjusting habits can lead to recovery.
Using the bladder channel’s back and mu points, Bladder Shu and Zhong Ji, along with Guan Yuan, San Yin Jiao, Shen Men, Zu San Li, and Dui Duan, can effectively treat nocturnal enuresis. During treatment, advise the child to adjust their habits, avoiding excessive fatigue during the day and limiting water intake in the evening.
6. Treatment for Women’s Health Issues
For gynecological issues, use Guan Yuan and San Yin Jiao,
Shen Shu and Xue Hai (Blood Sea) are crucial,
for menopause add Shi Men (Stone Gate) and San Li,
for dysmenorrhea, use Gui Lai (Return) and Tai Chong (Great Surge),
for scanty menstruation, add Qi Hai (Sea of Qi) and Dai Mai (Belt Vessel),
for excessive menstruation, use Yin Bai (Hidden White) and Da Dun (Great Rush) with puncture to induce bleeding.
Gynecological diseases mainly involve the Chong and Ren channels, as well as the liver and spleen channels. You can use Guan Yuan, San Yin Jiao, Shen Shu, and Xue Hai for treatment. For menopausal symptoms, add Shi Men and Zu San Li, and you can also combine with other points based on symptoms, such as adding Yin Tang (Hall of Impression) for insomnia or Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings) for dizziness. For dysmenorrhea, puncture Gui Lai and Tai Chong. For scanty menstruation, use Qi Hai and Dai Mai, and for excessive menstruation, use Yin Bai and Da Dun, with puncture to induce bleeding. If it is a deficiency syndrome, moxibustion on Yin Bai is recommended.
7. Treatment for Mental Disorders
For mental disorders, use San Li and San Yin Jiao,
Shen Men, Guan Yuan, and He Gu are also effective,
for headaches, add Tai Yang (Sun) and Lie Que (Broken Sequence),
for insomnia, use Yong Quan (Gushing Spring) and Yin Tang,
for dizziness, puncture Nei Ting (Inner Court) and Bai Hui,
for nausea and vomiting, add Zhong Wan and Nei Guan.
Heart governs the spirit; for mental disorders, you can select Zu San Li, San Yin Jiao, or Shen Men, Guan Yuan, and He Gu. For headaches, add Tai Yang and Lie Que. For insomnia, add Yong Quan and Yin Tang; for dizziness, add Nei Ting and Bai Hui; for nausea and vomiting, add Zhong Wan and Nei Guan. For palpitations, add Nei Guan, Tai Chong, Xin Shu (Heart Back Shu), and Shen Shu to connect the heart and kidney, nourish blood, and calm the spirit.
8. Treatment for Impotence and Premature Ejaculation
For impotence and premature ejaculation, provide guidance,
then puncture San Li and San Yin Jiao,
for Ming Men (Life Gate), Qu Gu (Curved Bone), and Tai Chong,
add Guan Yuan and Shen Shu with moxibustion.
Patients with impotence and premature ejaculation often lack physiological knowledge and carry heavy psychological burdens. Therefore, during treatment, it is essential to clarify the situation and provide correct explanations. Temporarily separating couples can lead to better treatment outcomes.
9. Treatment for Epilepsy and Mania
For epilepsy, use Feng Fu (Wind Palace), Shao Shang (Minor Merchant), and Shang Xing,
for Yin Bai (Hidden White), Shen Mai (Shen Pulse), and Da Ling (Great Ridge),
for Qu Chi (Curved Pool), Jia Che (Jaw Car), and Cheng Jiang (Receiving River),
lightly puncture under the tongue and at the labor palace,
for men, puncture Hui Yin (Meeting of Yin), for women, use Yu Men (Jade Gate),
the commonly used points are Ren Zhong (Human Center).
This formula is adapted from the famous Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao’s thirteen ghost points for treating epilepsy and mania. The point under the tongue refers to the midline of the tongue, located between the Jin Jin and Yu Ye points. The Yu Men point is located above the labia majora. For severe cases, all thirteen points can be used at once; for mild cases, select five to seven points, alternating their use, but all should be used with a strong puncture technique. Additionally, Bai Hui, Jian Shi (Intermediary), Feng Long, and Tai Chong are also commonly used points and can be used as backups.
10. Emergency Treatment for Stroke
For closed stroke, puncture Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings),
for labor palace and Yong Quan (Gushing Spring) to connect tightly,
for open stroke, use Nei Guan and moxibustion on Guan Yuan,
do not forget ginger moxibustion on Shen Que.
For both closed and open strokes, you can use Ren Zhong. For closed strokes, puncture Shi Xuan (Ten Declared) to induce bleeding. For open strokes, avoid excessive moxibustion. The “Medical Classic of the Golden Mirror” states: “In open strokes, the hand is released, indicating spleen exhaustion; if the mouth and eyes are closed, it indicates heart and liver exhaustion; if there is nocturnal enuresis, it indicates kidney exhaustion; for closed strokes, the jaw is tightly clenched.” This can be used as a reference for distinguishing between closed and open strokes.
11. Treatment for Facial Paralysis
For facial paralysis, start with He Gu (Union Valley),
for Di Cang (Earth Warehouse) and Zuan Zhu (Bamboo Gathering),
for Bai Hui and Jia Che,
add Nei Ting and Tai Chong.
Facial paralysis is caused by wind evil invading the meridians; the points mentioned in the song should be used for early treatment. The two Bai points refer to Yang Bai and Si Bai. Initially, puncture the affected side, and later, both sides can be used. Combine with a scallion white decoction to fumigate and wash the affected side, avoiding wind and cold, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol for faster results.
12. Treatment for Limb Disorders
For limb disorders, use local points,
select points based on channels and alternate treatments,
for long-standing conditions, treat the healthy side,
puncture Ah Shi (Ah Shi) points for remarkable effects,
for lower limbs, use Huan Tiao (Jumping Circle) and Zu San Li,
for upper limbs, use Wai Guan (Outer Pass) and Qu Chi.
Pain in the limbs, hemiplegia, etc., can be treated with local points, but it is also necessary to differentiate and select points based on channels. Generally, puncture the affected side first; if the condition is long-standing and the puncture sensation is dull, you can also puncture the healthy side first, then the affected side. When encountering pain, sometimes puncturing Ah Shi points yields good results.
13. Treatment for Dizziness
For dizziness, use Zu San Li,
Bai Hui, Yin Tang, and Feng Chi.
For Tai Chong and Qu Chi, add He Gu and San Yin Jiao.
Dizziness is often due to excessive liver yang rising, impacting the head. You can use Tai Chong to regulate the liver channel, and Zu San Li to guide qi downward, along with other points. If there is excessive phlegm heat, add Zhong Wan and Feng Long. Puncture treatment often uses a draining technique.
14. Treatment for Oral and Throat Issues
For tooth pain, use Jia Che and Xia Guan (Lower Gate),
for throat pain, use Feng Chi and Lian Quan (Lian Spring),
for tooth pain, use Ren Zhong and Zhaohai (Shining Sea),
for both conditions, use He Gu.
The four essential points for the mouth and face are He Gu, so for tooth and throat pain, you can apply the large intestine source point He Gu, generally adding local points. If the pain is severe, you can also add Ren Zhong. If there is kidney yin deficiency and excessive fire, you can add Zhaohai to nourish yin, clear heat, and soothe the throat.
15. Treatment for Ear Disorders
For ear disorders, use Xia Guan and Ting Gong (Listening Palace),
for Er Men (Ear Gate) and Feng Chi.
For Wai Guan and Zhong Zhu (Middle Bamboo) and He Gu,
for long-standing conditions, also puncture Shen Shu.
The ear is traversed by the Shao Yang channel; use the hand and foot Shao Yang channel points Er Men, Wan Gu, Zhong Zhu, Wai Guan, and other local points, and add the facial treatment point He Gu. The ear is the orifice of the kidney. For chronic ear disorders, treatment should include puncturing Shen Shu.
16. Treatment for Eye Disorders
For eye disorders, use Tai Yang and Jing Ming (Bright Eyes),
for Zuan Zhu and Yu Yao (Fish Waist),
for He Gu and Guang Ming (Light Bright),
for other points, use light puncture.
Generally, for eye disorders, local points can be selected along with He Gu. The gallbladder channel starts at the outer corner of the eye at the pupil, and puncturing Guang Ming is effective for eye diseases. The acupuncture points around the eyes should be punctured lightly without twisting or lifting, and additionally, use Feng Chi to treat eye diseases. During treatment, the sensation of the needle should be transmitted to the same side of the eye for significant effects.
17. Treatment for Low Back Pain
For low back pain, select Wei Zhong (Middle of the Spine),
Shen Shu, Ming Men, and Da Chang Shu,
for cough pain, add Yang Ling Quan (Yang Ridge Spring),
for wind-cold acute pain, use Zuan Zhu and other points above,
for low back pain with abdominal discomfort, puncture Tian Shu (Heavenly Pivot) to allow the patient to get up.
The four essential points for the back and waist are Wei Zhong. For acute low back pain, you can use bloodletting at Wei Zhong for treatment, along with Shen Shu, Ming Men, and Da Chang Shu. If the pain is severe to the point of not being able to cough, puncture Yang Ling Quan using a draining technique. While puncturing, ask the patient to cough and inquire if the pain has decreased. If the pain is due to wind-cold, making it difficult to bend forward or backward, puncture the two eyebrows at Zuan Zhu, causing tears for better results, which is my personal experience. If the low back pain is accompanied by abdominal discomfort, puncture Tian Shu to draw yin to yang.
18. Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
For frozen shoulder, puncture is difficult to lift,
for reaching up and touching the spine,
first puncture Tiao Kou (Tiao Mouth) and then Cheng Shan (Shoulder Mountain),
add He Gu, Qu Chi, and Jian Yu (Shoulder Bone).
Frozen shoulder, also known as shoulder stiffness, often occurs around the age of fifty, presenting as shoulder pain and difficulty in lifting, reaching for the head, or touching the spine. First, puncture from Tiao Kou to Cheng Shan, then successively puncture He Gu, Qu Chi, and finally Jian Yu. Additionally, instruct the patient to raise the affected limb and move it up and down or to draw circles with the affected limb to enhance functional exercise.
19. Treatment for Stiff Neck
For stiff neck, puncture Cheng Jiang (Receiving River) and then Feng Fu,
for difficulty in looking up and down, puncture Hou Xi (Back Stream),
for difficulty in turning left, puncture Kun Lun (Kun Lun).
“First puncture Cheng Jiang and then Feng Fu” is derived from the Jade Dragon Song, and it has been effective repeatedly. If there is difficulty in looking up and down, add Hou Xi to open the governing vessel. If there is difficulty in turning left and right, puncture Kun Lun to smooth the qi of the Tai Yang channel to relieve pain.
Disclaimer: The content of this article, if it involves formulas or therapies, is for reference only. Please do not use it indiscriminately. The article and images are sourced from the internet; if there is any infringement, please contact for removal.
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