39. Stomach and Spleen points
Stomach points (Table 39.1)
The primary pathway of the Stomach channel
The Stomach channel begins below the eye, travels down the cheek, loops backwards along the angle of the jaw and ascends in front of the ear to the upper corner of the forehead. From the jaw a pathway runs down the side of the throat to travel transversely out along the superior edge of the collarbone, and then to descend down the nipple line, passing through the breast and to the side of the umbilicus, to the groin. Here the channel moves out transversely to continue down the front of the thigh, the lateral border of the patella and tibia, and then over the top of the foot to end at the lateral side of the second toe. It then joins the Spleen channel at Sp 1.
| Yuan source point | Stomach 42 |
| Luo junction point | Stomach 40 |
| Tonification point | Stomach 41 |
| Sedation point | Stomach 45 |
| Back shu point | Bladder 21 |
| Outer Back shu point | Bladder 50 |
| Horary point | Stomach 36 |
| Xi cleft point | Stomach 34 |
| Entry point | Stomach 1 |
| Exit point | Stomach 42 |
| Window of the Sky | Stomach 9 |
Stomach 1 Cheng Qi, Receive Tears: Entry point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; no moxa
This is the Entry point that receives qi from LI 20, the Exit point of the Large Intestine. It is most commonly used to clear Entry–Exit blocks between these two channels.
The Large Intestine and Stomach channels together constitute the yang ming channel.
Stomach 4 Di Cang, Earth Granary: meeting point of St and LI
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; no moxa
The name of this point alludes to both the Earth Element and a granary, the place where reserves of food are stored. Su WenChapter 8 says that the Stomach and Spleen are responsible for ‘storehouses and granaries’. This point is situated at the corner of the mouth and is used when people are having problems with digestion. More rarely it can be used if people have difficulties with their attitude to food.
Stomach 8 Tou Wei, Corner of the Head: meeting point of St and GB
Needle depth 0.5–0.8 cun; no moxa
This point is used to clear the head if it feels stuffy or congested. It is also used when overthinking (si) has ‘knotted’ (jie) the qi and people are ‘tying themselves up in knots’ (see Chapter 5, this volume). In this case they may be preoccupied or continually worrying about their problems. Another translation of the name of this point is Head Tied.
Stomach 9 Ren Ying, People Welcome: Window of the Sky, point of sea of qi
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; no moxa
This is an extremely powerful point. Chapter 33 of the Ling Shu designates it as one of the ‘seas of qi’ and it can be used to strengthen a person’s qi.
It is the only Window of the Sky on the channels of the Earth Element. One tendency of Earth CFs, or people whose Earth Elements have become distressed, is to find it difficult to experience intimate contact. However much they like the idea of letting people show empathetic concern towards them, in practice they find it hard to allow themselves to soften sufficiently to let it in. ‘People Welcome’ can be used to help people establish more satisfying relationships with those who care for them.
Stomach 12 Qu Pen, Broken Bowl
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is located in the supraclavicular fossa, which is shaped like a bowl. The name of this point also evokes the Chinese saying, ‘My rice bowl is broken’, which is used when people say that they are no longer able to support or feed themselves. This point can be used when a patient is unable to nourish and sustain themselves physically or spiritually.
An alternative name for this point is Tian Gai, Heaven Cover. This evokes a further image. In ancient times Heaven was visualised as an inverted bowl. This was supported by the four main mountains of China. It was said that if this bowl was broken, then Heaven would be sundered and contact would be broken. The implication is that this point connects people to the heavens and subsequently to their spirit (Hicks, 1999, p.11).
Stomach 14 Ku Fang, Storehouse
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point draws on the reserves of qi that are held in the ‘storehouses and granaries’.
Stomach 19 Bu Rong, Not Contained
Needle depth 0.5–0.8 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point has also been named ‘not at ease’. It is situated in the stomach region and can be used when the Stomach qi rebels so patients are unable to digest their food. The result may be vomiting, belching or nausea. This may be from a physical cause such as over-eating or for emotional reasons such as anxiety or worry.
Stomach 20 Cheng Man, Receiving Fullness
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
The name of this point has implications concerning the tendency of people whose Earth Element is distressed to feel dissatisfied and deprived. Using this point may help to fill the void they feel in their centre.
Stomach 21 Liang Men, Beam Gate
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 5–15
This point is at the level of Ren 12 and is an important point for digestion. Opening this gate can enable people to digest and assimilate thoughts as well as food, especially if their thoughts are stuck or obsessive.
Stomach 22 Guan Men, Border Gate
Needle depth 0.8–1.0 cun; moxa cones 5–15
This point is similar to the previous point and encourages physical, mental and spiritual digestion.
Stomach 23 Tai Yi, Supreme Unity
Needle depth 0.7–1.0 cun; moxa cones 5–15
The name Tai Yi refers to the state of undifferentiated unity that existed before the arising of yin and yang and the division of Heaven and Earth. Located in the middle of the torso, the name refers to the age-old division of the body between the upper part, resonant with Heaven, and the lower, resonant with Earth. 1
It has a long recorded history of being used to treat problems that arise in a person’s spirit (Chan, 1963, p. 281). This point is especially useful for Earth CFs who are either excessively ‘grounded’ in the material world or ‘ungrounded’ and internally unstable, making it hard for them to cope effectively with day-to-day life. This point can balance these aspects and bring people stability and harmony within.
Stomach 25 Tian Shu, Heavenly Pivot: Large Intestine front mu point, point to release Internal Dragons
Needle depth 0.7–1.2 cun; moxa cones 5–15
Tian Shu is the name of the central star in the Northern Dipper, around which the other six stars revolve. This point lies at the intersection of Heaven and Earth in the body:
As the body resembles heaven and earth, the waist serves as a sash … What is above the sash is all yang and what is below the sash is all yin, each with its own function.
The yang is the material force of heaven, and the yin is the material force of earth.
(Tung Chung-Shu; Chan, 1963, p. 281)
Certainly the name implies that it is a point of special importance, and few points have so many alternative names. It is situated on the lower dan tian and can enable a person to have both stability and a connection to the earth as well as an ability to contact the heavens and reconnect the spirit. It is especially useful when people are mentally unstable and prone to emotional swings.
This point is particularly useful for Earth CFs who feel insecure and unstable. This point is often paired with Spleen 15, Great Horizontal, the Spleen point alongside it. This implies that the vertical connection between Heaven and Earth is complemented by the horizontal movement generated by Spleen 15.
This point is one of those used when releasing the ‘Internal Dragons’.
A woman in her late fifties had an extremely worried disposition and she found it difficult to feel internally secure and stable. At the root of this characteristic was her extremely depleted Earth Element. Treatment on ‘command points’ and the back shu points brought some improvement to her symptoms, pulses and colour, but she did not seem to be changing in herself. Tonifying St 25 and Sp 15 together initiated a more profound change in her state of mind and mood than any of the other point combinations.
Stomach 27 Da Ju, Great Fullness
Needle depth 0.7–1.2 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point is mainly used for its local effect, especially when the Stomach Organ causes symptoms lower down in the digestive tract. It is also sometimes used to fill an internal void in a similar way to St 20.
Stomach 28 Shui Dao, Water Way
Needle depth 0.7–1.2 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point is used for problems with fluids in the lower burner. It is often combined with Ren 4 and sometimes with Spleen 13.
Stomach 29 Gui Lai, The Return
Needle depth 0.7–1.2 cun; moxa cones 5–10
The name of this point probably refers to the menstrual cycle. Regulating the menstrual cycle is one of the main uses for this point.
Stomach 30 Qi Chong, Surging Qi
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 7
This is an extremely powerful point, as the name implies. It can be used to treat both the jing via the Chong mai (one of the Eight Extraordinary Channels) and the Earth qi via its connection to the Stomach and the Sea of Nourishment (Ling Shu, Chapter 33). Using this point can therefore strongly invigorate a person’s qi and enhance the Stomach and Spleen. This point is underused owing to its location in the groin.
Stomach 32 Fu Tu, Prostrate Hare: point to release Internal Dragons
Needle depth 1.0–1.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is one of the points used when releasing the ‘Internal Dragons’.
Stomach 36 Zu San Li, Leg Three: Li Earth point, horary point, point of Sea of Nourishment
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 7–20
The name of this point suggests that if this point is treated people will be able to walk another three li, about 1 mile or 1.6 kilometres.
This is a major point to nourish the Stomach. Metaphorically it is similar to giving chicken soup, one of the most nourishing dishes in the Chinese cuisine. It is such a strengthening point that it has a very potent effect, especially if it is used between 7 and 9 a.m., the horary time. Some practitioners also use this point as a ‘seasonal’ horary point in the late summer between August and October. (In countries that move the clock in order to have a ‘Summer Time’, in summer this point can be used to maximum effect an hour later than during ‘Winter Time’.)
As the Earth point within the Earth Element it can benefit patients who have any kind of imbalance in the Earth Element, enabling them to assimilate at all levels. At a physical level it can enhance the immune system and strengthen resistance to disease. Mentally and spiritually it can bring great stability to people who are feeling emotionally unstable or insecure. It helps to calm the mind and spirit if patients are worried, anxious or obsessive. It can also clear the mind if people have been intensively working by studying or over-thinking.
St 36 can be used in the event of a patient fainting during treatment, especially if the patient has needles in the upper part of the body. (See Chapter 34 for more on the points for treating needle shock.)
Stomach 37 Shang Ju Xu, Upper Great Void
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is sometimes used as the upper He sea point of the Large Intestine for acute problems in the Organ, such as constipation or diarrhoea. It is rarely used to treat the Stomach.
Stomach 39 Xia Ju Xu, Lower Great Void
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is sometimes used as the lower He sea point of the Small Intestine for acute problems in this Organ. Like St 37, it is rarely used for treating the Stomach.
Stomach 40 Feng Long, Abundant Prosperity: luo junction point
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
The point name gives some idea of the richness, abundance and prosperity that can be accessed from its use. This point is the luo junction point and is very commonly used to treat symptoms of both the body and spirit. It is often combined with Sp 4 or 3. The stabilising effects of the junction point can help to bring a person greater balance and harmony and reconnection to the Earth.
Stomach 41 Jie Xi, Released Stream: Fire point, tonification point, point to release Internal Dragons
Needle depth 0.5–0.7 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the Fire point and tonification point. It is therefore commonly used if the pulses of the Small Intestine and Triple Burner are stronger than those of the Stomach. In this case it will reconnect the mother Element, Fire, to the Earth. Even if there is not an obvious discrepancy in the strength of the pulses, tonification points are often used to assist the natural working of the sheng cycle and create a clear passageway between the Elements.
This point is one of those used when releasing the ‘Internal Dragons’.
A patient who was a young professional woman in her early thirties had a long history of eating disorders and anorexia. She was a Fire CF. Her pulses were very deficient and for many years her Fire Element had not been nourishing her Earth Element, the next Element on the sheng cycle. The tonification points of Earth, St 41 and Sp 2, evoked a better response on her Earth pulses than other command points such as St 42, 36, 40 and Sp 3, 4 and 6.
Stomach 42 Chong Yang, Surging Yang: Exit point, yuan source point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the yuan source point and is therefore a very frequently used point. It is often sedated if the person is agitated and disturbed and the Stomach pulse is full (Surging Yang). It is a frequently used point when a patient fluctuates between mania and depression. More commonly it is tonified in order to strengthen and revitalise the qi of the Stomach.
St 42 is also the Exit point of the Stomach channel and joins to Sp 1, the Entry point of the Spleen.
Stomach 43 Xian Gu, Sinking Valley: shu stream point, Wood point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the Wood point and it is rarely used. It is occasionally used with Sp 1, although being on a yang channel it cannot transfer qi from the Wood Element. (See Chapters 34 and 36, this volume, for explanation of transfers of qi across the ke cycle.)
Stomach 44 Nei Ting, Inner Courtyard: Water point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the Water point and can therefore be used with Sp 9 to affect the balance of the Water in the Earth. It is especially useful when the Stomach is too hot, causing the patient to feel agitated and restless.
Using a sedating needle action can help to calm the patient.
Stomach 45 Li Du, Harsh Exchange/Strict Mouth: Metal point, sedation point
Needle depth 0.1 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This name is very hard to translate and may even mean ‘Rapid Raising of Spirits’ (see Hicks, 1999, p. 15). It is the Metal point and is therefore used as the sedation point. If used in this way it can transmit qi to the Large Intestine when the pulse of the Stomach is full.
Bladder 21 Wei Shu: Stomach back shu point
Needle depth 0.5–0.7 cun; moxa cones 7–15
This point is commonly used to tonify the Stomach and connects directly to the Organ itself. It has a strongly enhancing effect on the Organ and is often used to improve the ‘rotting and ripening’ function of the Stomach. Like other back shu points, it also has the effect of strengthening the patient’s mind and spirit by increasing the qi of the Stomach Organ.
This point can help to revitalise people who are tired and lethargic and enable them to assimilate and digest food, thoughts and information. It may also help people who feel they lack a centre to feel more stable and grounded. It is usually used in combination with the Spleen back shu point.
Bladder 50 Wei Cang, Stomach Granary
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This outer back shu point is probably underused, largely because the names of the outer back shu points of the yang Organs are not as evocative as those of the yin Organs. This point is a powerful point in assisting the Stomach in its role of being responsible for ‘storehouses and granaries’. It can enable a person to digest thoughts and ideas. It can be used on its own or with Bl 51, the outer back shu point of the Spleen, or with Bl 20, the Stomach back shu point.
Other points used to treat the Stomach
One other point used to treat the Stomach is Ren 12.
Spleen points (Table 39.2)
The primary pathway of the Spleen channel
The Spleen channel begins on the medial side of the big toe, travels along the medial edge of the foot, passes anterior to the malleolus at the ankle bone and up the inside of the leg on the posterior border of the tibia. From here it continues upwards over the medial aspect of the knee and thigh and then up to the abdomen, passing through the stomach and spleen organs. From the spleen and stomach it then travels through the diaphragm to join Sp 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. It then connects to the Heart channel at Ht 1.
| Yuan source point | Spleen 3 |
| Luo junction point | Spleen 4 |
| Tonification point | Spleen 2 |
| Sedation point | Spleen 5 |
| Back shu point | Bladder 20 |
| Outer Back shu point | Bladder 49 |
| Horary point | Spleen 3 |
| Xi cleft point | Spleen 8 |
| Entry point | Spleen 1 |
| Exit point | Spleen 21 |
| Window of the Sky | None |
Spleen 1 Yin Bai, Hidden White: Wood point, Entry point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
The presence of white in this point name probably refers to the close connection between the Spleen and the Lungs of the Metal Element. The Spleen constitutes the foot tai yin, the Lungs the hand tai yin. (For a list of the channel’s connections such as tai yang, etc., see Cheng, 1987, p. 19.)
This is the Entry point and Wood point on the channel. It can therefore be used to transfer qi from the Liver across the ke cycle. This point is also used when patients have symptoms of mania or mental agitation. In this case sedating the point can calm the person.
A patient in his forties had a long history of irritable bowel syndrome. His symptoms included alternating constipation and loose stools, flatulence, discomfort in the lower abdomen and a general feeling of malaise and fatigue. He was an Earth CF, with very deficient Earth pulses and full Wood pulses. (Liver qi stagnation invades the Spleen was the TCM diagnosis.) Tonifying the Earth Element yielded some improvement and reducing the Wood as well was moderately successful. Transferring qi from the Liver to the Spleen by tonifying Sp 1 brought about a breakthrough in his treatment.
Spleen 2 Da Du, Great Capital: Fire point, tonification point
Needle depth 0.1–0.3 cun; moxa cones 3–5
As the Fire point and tonification point, this point is commonly used, often in combination with St 41. It can be used to transfer qi from the Heart and Pericardium, to improve the connection between these Organs along the sheng cycle, and to join the mother to her child. This point can also be used to warm up a person with a cold and deficient Spleen. Its use can bring back warmth and vitality to the spirit.
Spleen 3 Tai Bai, Supreme White: Earth point, horary point, yuan source point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
Tai Bai is the name of the planet Venus, which is associated with the Metal Element. Like Sp 1, this is probably either a reference to the connection with the Lungs through the tai yin or through the mother–child connection.
This point is extremely important for bringing vitality and stability to the Spleen. This is the Earth point, the horary point between 9 and 11 a.m., and also the yuan source point. This combination of uses means that it is the most frequently used point on the Spleen channel. It is often paired with St 42 (yuan source) or St 36 (horary).
When used as a horary point between 9 and 11 a.m., this point strongly enhances the qi of the Spleen. Unlike some other horary points, it can be used during sociable hours, enabling practitioners to use it on many of their Earth CF patients. As the Earth point within the Earth Element, Sp 3 will also invigorate the Spleen at other times of day and it can bring stability and equilibrium to patients with imbalanced Earth. This point is also used as a seasonal horary point by some practitioners in the late summer between late August and October. If a patient feels muzzy-headed due to poor Spleen transformation function, this point can move the qi, creating greater mental clarity.
Spleen 4 Gong Sun, Grandfather and Grandson: luo junction point, opening point of Chong (penetrating) Mai
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
Gong Sun is the family name of Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor. He was a legendary emperor during a dynasty associated with the Earth Element (Hicks, 1999, p. 16).
This point is the luo junction point and is commonly used along with St 40 or 42. Creating equilibrium between these two Organs can be especially beneficial to patients who have instability in the Earth Element. Sp 4 is also the Opening Point of the Chong mai (one of the Eight Extraordinary Channels; for more on this see Maciocia, 1989, pp. 360–361). This makes it an outstandingly powerful point that is especially beneficial when people have lassitude due to depleted qi. It is also useful for digestive complaints, especially nausea or poor appetite.
Spleen 5 Shang Qiu, Shang Mound: Metal point, sedation point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
Shang is the musical note resonant with Metal and this is the Metal point on the channel. It can be stimulated to tonify the Metal within the Earth. This is the sedation point and it is normally reduced when the Spleen is full. It then transmits qi along the sheng cycle to the Lungs, its child.
Spleen 6 San Yin Jiao, Three Yin Crossing: meeting point of three yin of leg
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is an extremely powerful point that can be used to treat the Spleen, Kidney and Liver. It should not be used if practitioners are still ‘testing’ the CF as they will not get clear feedback as to which Organ is generating the pulse changes. Practitioners should take care that all three Organs have approximately the same level of qi if they wish to stimulate or reduce using this point. If indicated, this point can have a profound effect on a person’s psyche with a strong ‘calm the spirit’ action. It is often helpful for insomnia and anxiety as well as enabling a person to have greater mental clarity and calmness.
This point directly affects the uterus and can stimulate labour. It is therefore forbidden in pregnancy.
Spleen 8 Di Ji, Earth’s Pivot: xi cleft point
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the xi cleft point. In the Ode to Elucidate Mysteries it says:
Man consists of top, middle and bottom. The major points for these three areas are Great Enveloping (Sp 21), Heavenly Pivot (St 25) and Earth’s Pivot (Sp 8).
(Deadman et al., 1998, p. 194)
Here ‘top, middle and bottom’ is a way of describing Heaven, Man and Earth.
Earth’s Pivot is a crucial point for enhancing the qi of the Spleen, particularly for its effect on the functions of the Middle and Lower Burner. As a xi cleft point, it is also used for acute problems, especially acute period pains. It can also be used when a patient is sluggish, tired and worn out, and it improves the Spleen’s ability to transform and transport on all levels.
Spleen 9 Yin Ling Quan, Yin Mound Spring: Water point
Needle depth 0.5–1.2 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the Water point on the channel. It can be used if the practitioner wishes to regulate the balance of the Water in the Earth and can especially be used when the Earth is waterlogged, in which case it will be sedated. (The use of this point by TCM practitioners to clear Damp is based upon its Five Element usage.)
Spleen 10 Xue Hai, Sea of Blood
Needle depth 0.5–1.2 cun; moxa cones 3–5
As the name suggests, this point is most commonly used to affect a patient’s Blood.
Spleen 12 Chong Men, Surging Gate: meeting point of Spleen and Liver
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point has a connection to the Liver channel and is sometimes used to treat problems in the Lower Burner caused by the Spleen and Liver.
Spleen 13 Fu She, Treasury Dwelling
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This is sometimes used with other lower abdominal points, such as Ren 3, 4 or 5, Kid 12 or 13, or St 27, 28 or 29, to treat symptoms in the Lower Burner. This point can also be used to good effect for enhancing Spleen qi in general.
Spleen 15 Da Heng, Great Horizontal
Needle depth 0.7–1.2 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point is often combined with St 25, which lies next to it. Physically it has an effect on the lower abdomen, especially the bowels. It also centres the mind and spirit, especially if a patient feels internally unstable and insecure. It is indicated if a person has a propensity to sadness, weeping and sighing (Deadman et al., 1998, p. 200). Its main effect is to stabilise the qi of the Spleen.
Spleen 16 Fu Ai, Abdomen Sorrow
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point can be used to lift the spirit of patients whose emotional life has become unstable due to imbalance in the Earth Element, especially if it is causing symptoms in the abdomen.
Spleen 18 Tian Xi, Heavenly Stream
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
Tian in the name of this point refers both to its location on the upper part of the body, and also to the point’s ability to help the patient to reconnect with the qi of Heaven. Sited over the middle dan tian, this point is capable of bringing great vitality and nourishment to the patient. It is possibly underrated for its ability to treat Earth CFs at the level of the spirit.
Spleen 20 Zhou Rong, Encircling Glory
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is often used to treat the spirit on Earth CFs. The name suggests nurturing and supporting a patient. It is especially useful for stimulating qi that has become ‘knotted’ and led to the patient becoming worried, preoccupied and depressed. This point is situated close to Lu 1 and can be used to help the Spleen assist the Lungs for problems in the lungs.
This point has an alternative name of zhou ying. This refers to ying qi or ‘nutritive qi’, which is a component of ‘zhen qi’ or ‘true qi’, that originates in the Lungs. This also alludes to the close relationship between this point and the Lungs.
Spleen 21 Da Bao, Great Enveloping: Exit point, general luo junction point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point is the Exit point, connecting to the Heart channel at Ht 1. It is commonly used in this respect and more generally to regulate the qi and Blood in the chest.
Worry, excessive intellectual activity, instability and uncertainty in the circumstances of a person’s life and a lack of supportive and caring relationships can all lead to a person becoming increasingly troubled in their mind and spirit. This is a powerful point for raising the spirit of someone whose spirit has become diminished and oppressed due to dysfunction of the Spleen.
A patient in her late forties was failing to adjust well to changing circumstances in her life. She was an Earth CF whose children had been an excessive focus in her life. They were now adolescent and she worried about them a great deal. Her husband had left her, leaving her isolated in terms of companionship, and anxious about her future. She reported that she was unable to concentrate, and was constantly tired and low in spirits. Treatment on Earth was only moderately successful until Sp 21 was tonified. After this there was a marked improvement in her spirit and she initiated several positive changes in her life. These included re-training as a nurse and finding other interests and friendships that helped her to focus less on her children.
Bladder 20 Pi Shu: Spleen back shu point
Needle depth 0.5–0.7 cun; moxa cones 7–15
Like all the back shu points, this point is used frequently and can have a powerful effect on a patient’s general well-being. Through strengthening the Spleen Organ, a patient can be strengthened at all levels. This point is particularly indicated when the Spleen qi is severely depleted and sluggish.
Bladder 49 Yi She, Yi Dwelling
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 5–10
This point lies next to the Spleen back shu point and can be combined with it. It is especially used to treat the yi, the faculty for the cognitive, reflective and organisational processes of the mind. Si, worry or ‘over-thinking’, ‘knots’ the qi, leading to the yi losing its ‘dwelling’. When the yi is affected patients may ruminate and worry about problems and be unable to think clearly. They may also feel confused and muzzy-headed. This point can have a profound effect and can calm the patient, allowing the yi to settle. A healthy yi allows patients to access their intention and maintain focused awareness.
Other points used to treat the Spleen
Other points used to treat the Spleen are Ren 4 and 10.
