1. Acute Lumbar Pain
Acupuncture Point: Ren Zhong (Human Center).
Characteristics: Opens blockages, clears heat, and expels wind.
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle, inserting it horizontally from the opposite side of the lumbar pain to the Ying Xiang (Welcome Fragrance) point.
Method: Standing position, insert the needle 1.5 inches, gently stimulate until the patient feels pain. While twisting the needle, have the patient bend forward to the maximum extent, then return to an upright position while moving the needle in the opposite direction. Repeat this process 2-3 times, and the pain will quickly disappear.
Note: I disagree with the so-called point-specific theory; acupuncture points do not have the same cold, heat, warm, or cool properties as herbs, nor do they treat diseases by targeting specific conditions. The effectiveness of acupuncture points is greatly influenced by their distribution, the body’s functional state, the tools used, and the practitioner’s skill level. I believe defining acupuncture points by the properties of herbs is a misguided approach! I often use the back of the hand’s lumbar points for treating acute lumbar sprains, achieving immediate results, and using both points together enhances effectiveness.
2. Acute Optic Neuritis
Acupuncture Point: Guang Ming (Bright Light).
Characteristics: Clears liver, brightens eyes, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain. Treats itchy and painful eyes, cataracts, night blindness, color blindness, and migraines.
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle, insert straight to 1.5 inches, lifting and rotating the needle gently to guide Qi, leaving the needle in for 15-20 minutes.
3. Acute Pharyngitis
There are two treatment methods: (1) Bloodletting from the ear vein, select the most prominent vein behind the ear, rub it with your fingertip to guide Qi, fix the area with your thumb and index finger, and prick with a three-edged needle to release a few drops of blood.
Note: Bloodletting from the ear tip is also very effective, especially when combined with puncturing the Shao Shang (Lesser Merchant) point for better results.
(2) Acupuncture at the Zhong Feng (Middle of the Forehead) point, located at the midpoint between Yin Tang (Hall of Impression) and Shen Ting (Spirit Court). Use a 1.5-inch needle, inserting towards Yin Tang. Insert 3/4 inch, lift and insert for 20 seconds, then have the patient lie flat and leave the needle for 30 minutes.
Note: This method has proven effective; some have used it to treat diphtheria with great success!
4. Acute Conjunctivitis
Needle Technique: Use a three-edged needle to prick the ear tip on the affected side, releasing 3-5 drops of blood.
5. Amenorrhea
Acupuncture Point: Shang Yao (Upper Yao).
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle, inserting it into the sacral foramen. Try to determine the timing of menstruation; if uncertain, choose days when the woman feels uncomfortable or moody. The patient stands with feet slightly apart, elbows resting on the table to avoid pressure on the pubic and lower abdomen. Before inserting the needle, the doctor should press the patient’s abdomen 5-8 times, pressing slowly and releasing quickly to stimulate the uterus effectively. Insert the needle 1 inch, twist clockwise to the maximum extent, leave the needle until the patient feels uterine contractions, and repeat the process 3 times. Both sides should be needled. Note: Treatment should be done 25 days after menstruation.
Note: Compare this with the treatment for dysmenorrhea later; what are the differences in operation? Also, the Chang Qiang (Long Strong) point is also very effective for treating amenorrhea; both methods target secondary amenorrhea, while primary amenorrhea is difficult to treat.
6. Motion Sickness
Acupuncture Points: An Mian 1, located at the midpoint between the Yi Feng (Wind Screen) and Yi Ming (Bright Screen) points, within the sternocleidomastoid muscle, 1 inch below the mastoid process. An Mian 2, located at the midpoint between Feng Chi (Wind Pool) and Yi Ming.
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle, inserting straight to 1.5 inches, gently twisting to insert, needling only one side.
Note: Compare with treatments for stomach pain, dizziness, and vomiting; generally, they all involve phlegm in the throat causing discomfort in the stomach, and treatments to descend Qi and benefit the throat are often effective. For example, the point on the forearm’s midpoint, the Chi Wei (Stomach Point), is extremely effective for treating stomach pain, vomiting, and motion sickness; in emergencies, using the thumb to apply pressure can yield immediate results!
7. Cold Extremities
Acupuncture Point: Coccyx. Most acupuncturists are unaware of this coccyx therapy, which has significant healing capabilities; many treatments use this area as an energy center. The tip of the coccyx is the strongest energy point, while the first segment has the lowest energy. The coccygeal transverse processes are rich in sensory nerve endings, making acupuncture treatment here highly significant.
Needle Technique: Use a 26-gauge 1.5-inch needle or a three-edged needle. In a prone position, insert the needle between the first coccyx and sacrum, applying moderate strength for lifting and inserting stimulation. After removing the needle, repeat the operation at both ends of the transverse process, with the needle tip directed outward. Another method is to insert the needle at the midpoint between the second coccyx’s tip and top, focusing on inserting the needle for stimulation; you can leave the needle in or not. When using a three-edged needle, the operation is the same. Note: This therapy should only be done for a short time, about 5 minutes.
Note: The coccyx tip is increasingly recognized as a center of human capability; for example, the nearby Chang Qiang point is widely used in high-energy therapies for various difficult diseases!
8. Constipation
Acupuncture Point: Zhi Bian (Hip Border).
Characteristics: Clears heat, eliminates dampness, reduces swelling, and promotes bowel movement.
Needle Technique: Use a 4-inch needle, inserting it 3 inches deep, directing towards the perineum, generating a sensation of Qi, and leaving the needle for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, needle again if necessary. Note: For acute cases, 2-3 treatments are required.
Note: Zhi Bian is extremely effective for treating prostatitis, enuresis, and urethral pain; also, the Zhi Bian point 2 inches away is effective for treating these conditions! Additionally, the Huan Tiao (Circle Jump) point is effective for treating pelvic inflammation, dysmenorrhea, and constipation, as the rectum, prostate, uterus, vagina, and urethra are all located close together, demonstrating the principle of proximity in acupuncture treatment.
9. Cystitis
Acupuncture Point: Zhi Gou (Branch Ditch).
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle, inserting vertically. Insert the needle 1.5 inches deep, using both increasing and decreasing force to guide Qi, leaving the needle for 40 minutes, needling every 10 minutes.
Note: Zhi Gou is extremely effective for treating constipation; see point 8 for constipation. The proximity of the bladder and rectum supports the principle of proximity in treating both cystitis and constipation.
10. Enteritis
Acupuncture Point: Shen Que (Spirit Gate).
Characteristics: Warms Yang, replenishes deficiency, promotes urination, and reduces swelling.
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle for direct insertion. Insert to 1 inch, using force to guide Qi, then directly remove the needle without leaving it in. Note: This is the navel area; acupuncture texts indeed state that needling here is not allowed, so be sure to disinfect the area before inserting the needle.
11. Nosebleed
Acupuncture Points: Da Dun (Great Rush) and Yin Bai (Hidden White).
Method: Firmly grasp the big toe on the opposite side of the bleeding nostril and hold it until the bleeding stops.
Note: Standing and tapping the popliteal fossa is a simple and effective treatment for nosebleeds.
12. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Acupuncture Points: Nei Guan (Inner Pass) to Wai Guan (Outer Pass).
Needle Technique: Use a 2.5-inch needle for direct insertion, using a longer needle if necessary. Insert the needle directly to reach the outer pass subcutaneously. Use small, rapid lifting and inserting motions while gently massaging the abdomen for about 2 minutes, asking the patient to take deep breaths. Repeat the operation after 5 minutes until abdominal pain disappears. Leave the needle in for 20 minutes.
13. Headache
Acupuncture Point: Feng Chi (Wind Pool), invented by Mr. Jin, located between the xiphoid process and the seventh rib.
Method: The patient sits, women should loosen their bras, the practitioner stands on the patient’s right side, pressing the Feng Chi points on both sides of the neck with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, while the right hand’s middle finger presses the Wei Shu (Stomach Comfort) point, as if trying to lift the patient off the ground. Note: This is Mr. Jin’s 15-second method, guaranteed to be 100% effective; within 15 seconds, the patient will feel a reduction in headache.
14. Hiccups
Method 1: Yong Quan (Gushing Spring) in a prone position, apply strong pressure with the thumb on the Yong Quan point for 1-2 minutes, with sufficient intensity until the hiccups stop. Note: For severe patients, bilateral Yong Quan needling may be performed.
Method 2: Mid-thoracic vertebrae, between the 3rd and 7th vertebrae. The patient stands with hands on the wall, and the practitioner presses the tightest areas on both sides between the 3rd and 7th thoracic vertebrae with both thumbs until the hiccups stop. This can also be done in a prone position.
Note: The ear point, Er Zhong (Middle Ear), can stop hiccups immediately. The key to Method 2 is finding the tightest areas between the 3rd and 7th thoracic vertebrae to apply pressure.
15. Hysteria
(1) Hysterical Aphonia: Use a 1.5-inch needle at the Yong Quan point. Insert 3/4 inch deep on one side, lifting and rotating for about 3 minutes while speaking to the patient. If the patient does not regain the ability to speak, needle the other side of the Yong Quan point.
(2) Hysterical Paralysis: Use a 28-gauge 3.5-inch needle, inserting 3 inches towards the reproductive organs, gradually reducing force to make the lower limbs feel numb, even with an electric shock sensation, needle for about 3 minutes before removing.
(3) Hysterical Spasm: Use a 2-inch needle at the Zhong Wan (Middle Stomach) point. Insert 1.5 inches, using reduced force to enhance stimulation until the spasm stops.
16. Impotence
Method 1: Dao Men (Door of the Way) point—another new point invented by Mr. Jin, located between the C3 and C4 spinous processes. Use a 1.5-inch needle. The patient sits with the head leaning forward, inserting 1 inch straight, performing lifting and inserting stimulation, leaving the needle for 30 minutes, needling every 10 minutes.
Method 2: Insert the needle at the tip of the coccyx and surrounding area, performing rapid lifting and inserting for about 15 seconds, then inserting the needle in surrounding areas, performing rapid lifting and inserting without leaving the needle in.
17. Insomnia
Acupuncture Point: Hua Tuo Jia Ji (Hua Tuo’s Paravertebral Points) from the first cervical vertebra to the coccyx.
Needle Technique: Use a seven-star plum blossom hammer (needle). Preparation: Use the thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the skin over the spine until it turns red. Use the plum blossom needle on the spine and Hua Tuo Jia Ji points to the coccyx to draw blood. After the operation, let the patient rest for 30 minutes.
18. Intestinal Worms
Acupuncture Point: Zhi Yin (Reaching Yin), also known as the Finger Well—UB67.
Needle Technique: Perform direct insertion during the new moon, stimulating for about 1 minute, leaving the needle for 40 minutes, lightly stimulating every 10 minutes.
Note: Why perform needling during the new moon? It is unclear; perhaps there are more intricacies involved. I hope someone knowledgeable can enlighten us.
19. Nervous Tension
Acupuncture Point: Hua Tuo Jia Ji from T1 to S1, plus the coccyx, bilaterally.
Needle Technique: Use a plum blossom needle, tapping until bleeding occurs. In a prone position, stimulate the back before treatment to mobilize Qi. Use the plum blossom needle from the coccyx to the first thoracic vertebra for stimulation. Rest for 20 minutes after treatment.
20. Pain When Raising the Arm
Acupuncture Point: Wai Guan (Outer Pass).
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle, inserting straight on the opposite side. Insert 1.5 inches deep, sitting, slowly raising the arm while the practitioner twists the needle slowly but firmly in the direction of the arm’s lift. When the arm reaches the highest point, hold the needle tightly for 3 seconds, then let the patient lower the arm while the acupuncturist also lowers the needle in the opposite direction. Repeat this operation 2-3 times until the arm moves freely. Note: This method may cause pain for the patient but is very effective.
Note: The pain described by Mr. Jin when raising the arm may be shoulder periarthritis; clinicians encountering these patients may want to give it a try.
21. Qi Hai Shu Pain
Acupuncture Point: Cheng Shan (Supporting Mountain).
Needle Technique: Use a 2-inch needle for direct insertion. In a prone position, insert 1.5 inches, quickly twisting at 300-350 times per minute, allowing the sensation of swelling and numbness to radiate to the popliteal fossa, lower leg, and foot. Leave the needle for 30 minutes, needling every 5 minutes.
Note: Qi Hai Shu is located 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra; Mr. Jin may be referring to the lumbar three transverse process syndrome.
22. Dysmenorrhea
Acupuncture Point: Shang Yao, located at the first sacral foramen.
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle for direct insertion. The patient stands with feet slightly apart, bending forward, elbows resting on the edge of the table, ensuring the abdomen does not touch the table. Slowly insert the needle 1 inch from the right sacral foramen, twisting clockwise to the limit, then maintain that position without moving. The acupuncturist places the other hand on the patient’s abdominal area over the uterus without applying pressure, guiding Qi from the needle in one hand to the other. The patient will feel uterine contractions. Reduce the intensity of the needle insertion, wait about 10 seconds, and then perform the next stimulation operation. Note: Needle retention may occur, where the needle gets stuck in the point and cannot be removed; another needle can be used to extract it. This is a very effective method invented by Mr. Jin.
Note: When treating dysmenorrhea with this method, I sometimes forget the specific operations from the book, resulting in using the wrong point; after inserting the needle and twisting, I applied pressure to the patient’s abdomen, which also caused immediate pain relief.
23. (Quit) Smoking
Acupuncture Points: (1) Tian Wei (Sweet Point) – a special point located at the midpoint between Lie Que (Broken Sequence) and Yang Xi (Yang Stream). (2) Shun Gu (Rate Valley).
Needle Technique: Use a 1-inch needle. Insert vertically 3-5 mm deep while asking the patient to take deep breaths, guiding Qi into the wrist and even the arm, causing a numb sensation. The patient may feel drowsy or euphoric, but will have a metallic or other taste in the mouth. Leave the needle for 15-20 minutes. At this time, you can needle the Shun Gu point, inserting towards the ear, stimulating until pain is felt, then remove the needle.
24. Stiff Neck
Acupuncture Point: Nei Guan (Inner Pass).
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle, inserting straight into the affected side 1-1.2 inches deep. Lift and insert the needle for 5 minutes while allowing the patient to turn their neck. Then remove the needle.
Note: The Wai Guan (Outer Pass) point is extremely effective for treating stiff neck; inserting the needle and twisting allows for immediate neck movement. The Xuan Zhong (Suspended Bell) point is also very effective for treating stiff neck.
25. Stomach Pain
Acupuncture Point: Wei Shu (Stomach Comfort), located between the xiphoid process and the seventh rib.
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle for direct insertion. In a supine position, insert straight to the right of the xiphoid process, gently lifting and inserting for about half a minute, leaving the needle for half an hour. Note: This method is not suitable for pregnant women, as it may cause uterine contractions.
26. Tennis Elbow
Acupuncture Point: A Shi (Ah Shi) point.
Needle Technique: First, locate the A Shi point on the tendon of the affected area and mark it. Use a 1-inch or 1.5-inch thick needle. Before inserting the needle, press firmly on both sides of the tendon to immobilize it, then insert the needle slowly into the muscle; the patient will feel radiating pain. Lift and insert the needle for 1 minute, then change direction and lift and insert again, as if further damaging the tendon. Insert in different directions 2-3 times, then leave the needle for 30 minutes.
Note: The Yi Jian (Forehead Point) treatment for tennis elbow is effective; the most effective method I have used is the Ba Zi (Eight Characters) therapy!
27. Toothache
Acupuncture Point: Ye Men (Liquid Gate).
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle, inserting diagonally between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones. Insert 1 inch deep, twisting the needle to generate a sensation until there is local soreness radiating to the elbow or fingertips, leaving the needle for 40-60 minutes. If the toothache does not improve, needle the other side and perform the same operation.
Note: The toothache point on the ulnar side of the middle finger’s metacarpophalangeal joint is very effective, and the Ye Men point is roughly parallel and close to it.
28. Dizziness
Refer to motion sickness.
29. Vocal Cord Paralysis
(1) Hysterical Aphonia: Use a 1.5-inch needle at the Yong Quan point. Insert the needle, lifting and twisting for about 1-10 minutes; the patient will regain the ability to speak during treatment.
(2) Vocal Cord Paralysis: Use a 1.5-inch needle at the Nei Guan point. Insert 1 inch, lifting and twisting for strong stimulation for about 5 minutes.
Note: The Tong Li (Communicating Inside) point is also very effective for treating mutism; the Nei Guan and Tong Li points are located close to each other. Additionally, Yin Qie (Hidden Copper) treats mutism effectively. Ling Dao (Spirit Path) and Zi Sheng (Life Giving) treat sudden mutism and can be used with Ling Dao, Tian Tu (Heavenly Pivot), and Tian Chuang (Heavenly Window). Lie Que (Broken Sequence) is also effective for treating hoarseness.
30. Vomiting
Acupuncture Point: Wei Shu (Stomach Comfort), located between the xiphoid process and the seventh rib.
Needle Technique: Use a 1.5-inch needle for direct insertion. In a supine position, insert straight to the right of the xiphoid process, gently lifting and inserting for about half a minute, leaving the needle for half an hour.
Note: The Gan Shen (Liver Spirit) point is located near this position and is effective not only for treating hepatitis and cholecystitis but also for stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness due to Qi counterflow.
