Acupuncture Techniques for Treating Neck, Shoulder, Waist, and Leg Pain: The Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points!

Utilizing the Zu San Li (Stomach 36) point alternately with the “Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points” to treat neck, shoulder, waist, leg pain, trigeminal neuralgia, stubborn headaches, toothaches, and other difficult pain syndromes, the results are remarkably swift and precise, it can be said: Needle insertion leads to effect, withdrawal leads to recovery.■ Zu San Li (Stomach 36) (A vital point for strengthening; if you want peace, the three feet must be unbroken.)1. The Origin of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot PointsThese acupuncture techniques were named based on their precise efficacy in treating neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain.2. What are the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points?The Three Hand Points are: Hou Xi (Small Intestine 3), Zhong Zhu (Triple Energizer 4), Jian Gu (Large Intestine 5).The Three Foot Points are: Tai Chong (Liver 3), Nei Ting (Stomach 44), Zu Lin Qi (Gallbladder 41).1. Jian Gu (Large Intestine 5)A newly discovered point in clinical practice, located at the midpoint of the line connecting the San Jian (Large Intestine 3) and He Gu (Large Intestine 4) points. Its indications are the same as those for the two points, especially effective for pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, elbow, arm, and fingers. The main treatment scope from “Acupuncture Essentials” for San Jian and He Gu is as follows:San Jian: Treats throat obstruction, sensation of a lump in the throat, lower tooth decay pain, drowsiness, fullness in the chest and abdomen, intestinal rumbling, diarrhea, cold and heat symptoms, dry lips, asthma, acute eye pain, tongue protrusion, stiff neck, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and 17 other conditions.He Gu: Treats cold-induced thirst, floating pulse, fever with chills, headache with stiff neck and no sweating, cold and heat symptoms, persistent nosebleeds, heat disease with no sweating, unclear vision, blood stasis, headache, lower tooth decay, deafness, throat obstruction, facial swelling, inability to close lips, inability to speak, locked jaw, hemiplegia, wind rash, and 22 other conditions.The reason Jian Gu can treat the above conditions is due to its location at the midpoint of the line connecting the two points, making it significantly more sensitive. Pressing this point with a fingernail or a small stick like a matchstick or ballpoint pen will elicit a strong sensation of soreness and swelling, while pressing He Gu will yield a lesser sensation, and San Jian even less. A more sensitive point receives qi quickly, leading to rapid therapeutic effects, which seems indisputable.2. Zhong Zhu (Triple Energizer 4)Located along the pathway of the Shaoyang San Jiao (Triple Energizer) channel, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metacarpal joints on the back of the hand. Its indications, as stated in “Acupuncture Essentials”, include: “heat disease with no sweating, dizziness and headache, deafness, eye membrane formation, chronic malaria, throat swelling, elbow pain, inability to extend or flex fingers,” while “Medical Classic of the Golden Mirror” states: “numbness in the limbs, tremors, spasms, elbow and shoulder swelling and pain, abscesses on the back of the hand.”3. Hou Xi (Small Intestine 3)Located along the pathway of the Taiyang Xiao Chang (Small Intestine) channel, behind the fifth metacarpal head on the ulnar side, in the depression on the outer side of the little finger. Its indications, as stated in “Acupuncture Essentials”, include: “malaria with cold and heat, red eyes with membrane formation, nosebleeds, deafness, chest fullness, inability to turn the head, epilepsy, and elbow and arm stiffness.” “Medical Classic of the Golden Mirror” states: “spasms and tremors in the hands and feet, sudden fainting due to stroke, inability to speak, epilepsy with loss of consciousness, convulsions, headache, and fiery eyes, excessive tears, leg and back pain, stiff neck, cold and flu with no sweating, inability to urinate, swelling and pain in the teeth, gums, and throat, numbness in the hands and feet, and wind invasion.”All three points are located on the back of the hand and are along the pathways of the three Yang channels of the hand, each can treat their respective main symptoms, and when used together, they have a synergistic effect. They can be used individually, in pairs, or in combination with one or two points from the Three Foot Points for ideal therapeutic effects on pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, elbow, fingers, back, spine, waist, hips, legs, feet, and toes.In treating pain and swelling in the above areas, or headaches, toothaches, migraines, and intercostal pain (intercostal neuralgia, gallbladder or liver pain), the use of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points often results in immediate relief.The method of locating these three points is based on a fist being slightly relaxed.Next, let’s discuss the Three Foot Points.The Three Foot Points: Zu Lin Qi (Gallbladder 41), Nei Ting (Stomach 44), Tai Chong (Liver 3) will be discussed below regarding their respective indications.1. Zu Lin Qi (Gallbladder 41)Located along the pathway of the Shaoyang Gallbladder channel, in the depression at the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Its indications, as stated in “Acupuncture Essentials”, include: “fullness in the chest, abscesses in the axilla, good for chewing, swelling in the throat, soreness, dizziness, occipital pain, chills, heart pain, irregular pain, cold limbs, inability to walk, daily malaria, and menstrual issues in women.”“Medical Classic of the Golden Mirror” states: “difficult movements in hands and feet due to stroke, numbness, fever, muscle spasms, headache, swelling in the jaw, red eyes, and throat swelling. If needled, the condition can be cured.”2. Nei Ting (Stomach 44)Located along the pathway of the Yangming Stomach channel, in the depression between the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints. Its indications, as stated in “Acupuncture Essentials”, include: “cold limbs, abdominal distension, frequent yawning, aversion to human voices, chills, throat pain, dry mouth, tooth decay, loss of appetite, headache, persistent nosebleeds, cold limbs, and diarrhea.”There is no mention of treating neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain. In clinical practice, needling Nei Ting for pain and numbness in the calves and thighs (especially the front side), swelling and pain in the foot, and toe pain has shown particularly remarkable results.3. Tai Chong (Liver 3)Located along the pathway of the Jueyin Liver channel, in the depression between the first and second metatarsals, 1.5 inches behind the base of the big toe. Its indications, as stated in “Acupuncture Essentials”, include: “heart pain, pulse tension, yellowing, epidemics, shoulder swelling, weakness, waist pain, testicular pain, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, lower abdominal pain, pale complexion, fullness in the chest, cold feet, and various other conditions, with about 7 related to this article.” Needling Tai Chong for pain and numbness in the inner thighs, swelling and spasms in the feet, and sudden waist pain has also shown good results.Overall, among the six points of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points, only Nei Ting does not have direct references to neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, while the other five points have prominent mentions.From experience, the indications for Nei Ting are not limited to those mentioned; it has shown particularly remarkable results for pain, swelling, and stiffness in the front of the calves, foot, toes, and inner and outer ankles, surpassing the effects described in ancient medical texts.3. Indications for the Three Hand Points and Three Foot PointsThe causes of neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain are complex, and some may not be identifiable even with advanced imaging techniques like CT or MRI. The inability to find a cause does not mean there is no disease. The Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points have outstanding efficacy for over 90% of neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, particularly for trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, headaches, and toothaches. However, a small portion of neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain may not respond well to these treatments; the term “effective” here refers to cure or significant improvement, while “ineffective” does not mean no effect. For example, taking painkillers may relieve pain temporarily, but once the effect wears off, the pain returns. One can say painkillers are effective, but they only alleviate pain without addressing the underlying cause. The Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points are ideal for pain relief in neck, shoulder, and waist conditions, and this can also be considered a therapeutic effect.4. Mechanism of Action of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points in Treating Neck and Shoulder PainThe action of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points is understood through the meridian pathways of the six points. The Three Hand Points are located along the three Yang channels of the hand, while only Tai Chong is on the Jueyin channel of the foot; the other two points are on the Yang channels of the foot.The pathways of the three Yang channels of the hand run from the fingers → back of the hand → forearm → upper arm → shoulder → neck → head and face, connecting with the three Yang channels of the foot, which run from the head to the foot, with Yangming in the front, Shaoyang on the side, and Taiyang at the back. The three Yin channels of the foot run from the foot to the abdomen, while the three Yin channels of the hand run from the chest to the hand, creating an endless cycle, interconnected, linking the organs and limbs, communicating internally and externally, regulating the pathways of various tissues and organs, making the body an organic whole.Regarding the pathways of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points, please refer to the diagram.There are a total of 218 points in the three Yang channels of the hand and foot that can be used to treat neck, shoulder, and waist pain, with 130 points available; there are 91 points in the three Yin channels that can treat neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, with 46 points available; and there are 28 points in the Governing Vessel, with 20 points applicable to the above conditions, while the Ren Vessel has no points for these conditions.In total, there are approximately 196 points that can treat neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain and numbness. If we also include extraordinary points, Tian Ying points, ear points, etc., the number is truly incalculable. With so many points, clinical application can be quite complex.In clinical practice, whenever these symptoms are observed, regardless of the cause, treatment is first administered using the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points, generally without additional points. Of course, the indications for these six points may not be as extensive as the 196 points; however, based on experience, the vast majority of conditions within this range can achieve significant results.5. Characteristics of the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points1. Few points are selected. The maximum number of points for the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points is only six, but in general, only 1 to 3 points are needed, and it is very rare to use both the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points together.2. Quick needle insertion. The speed of needle insertion is as fast as lightning, generally not exceeding 1 second.3. Quick technique. The needle enters the point like lightning, and the technique should be as swift as a gale. From needle insertion to completion of the technique takes about a few seconds.4. Quick qi reception. The special effect of a fast technique is that qi is received quickly; as soon as the technique is applied, qi is immediately received, leading to a sensation of soreness and heaviness at the point.5. Rapid results. The effect is felt immediately upon needle insertion, with relief occurring in a few seconds to over 10 seconds.6. Short needle retention time. The duration of needle retention is related to the presence or absence of therapeutic effects. If the effect is significant, the needle can be removed immediately; if the sensation is poor, the retention time can be slightly longer. When using the Three Hand Points and Three Foot Points, the time from insertion to removal is generally around 1 minute, with 2 to 3 minutes being rare.

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