-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
labor pains
acupuncture

patterns and combinations

note: this card has three sections: difficult labor, retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage

DIFFICULT LABOR
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Qi Xu (Deficiency) and/or Stagnation; Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) and/or Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and/or Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)

» illustrative combinations for difficult labor:
see also: delayed parturition
• (1) three cones, green bean size, of moxa directly to GV-20; (2) LI-4; (3) Sp-6, Lv-1 and UB-60; (4) St-25 and CV-4; seven cones, one-half rice grain size, of moxa directly to tu yin and UB-67 (d. D) to facilitate difficult labor (So, 1987, p. 267)
• LI-4, Sp-6, UB-60, UB-67 and tu yin for delayed parturition, retained placenta, sluggish delivery (Flaws, 1989, p. 100)
• Sp-12, St-30, LI-4, GB-21, Lv-4 and Sp-6 for difficult labor (Shanghai, p. 677; Lee and Cheung, p. 336)
• Sp-6, UB-60 and UB-67 for difficult labor (Finkelstein, p. 50)
• UB-67, Sp-6 and LI-4 for difficult labor (Finkelstein, p. 51)
• UB-31, UB-32, LI-4 and Sp-6 for difficult labor (Lee and Cheung, p. 336)
• Sp-6, UB-67; LI-4 and/or UB-60 for difficult labor (Finkelstein, p. 51)
• LI-4 and Sp-6 (D); with UB-67 (d.D three times) for difficult labor (Shanghai, p. 677)
• St-36 and UB-67 will hasten delivery (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 236)
• Sp-12, St-30, LI-4, GB-21, Lv-4 and Sp-6 for difficult labor (Shanghai, p. 677; Lee and Cheung, p. 336)
• UB-31, UB-32, UB-33 and UB-34 (-): open pelvis and disperse Lower Warmer Stagnation to expedite labor
• PC-6 and Kd-3 (+) resolve palpitations and dyspnea (Qiu and Su, p. 21)
• PC-6 and GB-21 (-) relieve distention and fullness of chest and hypochondrium (Qiu and Su, p. 21)
• LI-4 (++) and Sp-6 (+): promote smooth Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation


POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Qi Xu (Deficiency); Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and/or Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)

» illustrative combinations for postpartum hemorrhage:
• (1) indirect moxa to GV-20 and yin tang; (2) TW-6; (3) Sp-6 and St-36; three cones, one-half rice grain size, of moxa directly at Lv-1 and Sp-1 for excessive hemorrhage after childbirth (So, 1987, p. 267)
• Sp-9, St-36 and TW-6 (tonify and retain passively for 30 minutes), then remove needles and apply moxa to St-36 for hemorrhaging in childbirth; if continuous cold sweats follow the hemorrhaging, apply moxa, indirectly with a moxa pole or over a layer of salt, to CV-4, CV-6 and CV-8 (Flaws, 1983, p. 47)


RETAINED PLACENTA
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Qi Xu (Deficiency); Xu (Deficiency) and Stagnation of the Qi and Xue (Blood), esp. caused by Invasion of Perverse Cold; dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and/or Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)

» illustrative combinations for retained placenta:
• GB-21 (-), UB-60 (-), LI-4 and Sp-6 for retained placenta; may also add CV-3, CV-4 or CV-6, and UB-67, if necessary (Flaws, 1983, p. 47)
• Kd-6 and TW-5 for retained placenta (Shanghai, p. 297); bring down the afterbirth (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 283)
• GB-21, CV-3, UB-60, LI-4 and Sp-6 for retained placenta (Flaws, 1983, p. 47)
• UB-60, TW-5, GB-21, St-18, St-31, Sp-8, Sp-9, CV-3, CV-4 and CV-6 for retained placenta (Flaws, 1983, p. 47)
• Kd-6 and PC-6 for retained placenta (Flaws, 1983, p. 47)
• GB-21 and Sp-6; Kd-3, UB-67, UB-47/52 and UB-32; CV-3, CV-5, CV-6 and CV-7 for retained placenta (Mann, p. 151)
• LI-4, Sp-6, UB-60, UB-67 and tu yin for delayed parturition, retained placenta, sluggish delivery (Flaws, 1989, p. 100)
• GB-21, CV-3 and UB-60 (can also add: LI-4 and Sp-6) for retained placenta (Mann, p. 151)
• TW-5 and Kd-6 to bring down the afterbirth (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 283)
• UB-31, UB-32, UB-33 and UB-34 (-): open pelvis and disperse Lower Warmer Stagnation to expedite discharge of retained placenta


» related combinations:
see also: delayed parturition
• St-30 (+), GB-34 (+), CV-3 (+) and then Sp-6 (-) to treat atony of the uterus (Flaws, 1983, p. 45)
• PC-3 and TW-5 (can also add: LI-4 and LI-11) for post-natal spasms due to Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) due to Wind invading and ascending (Mann, p. 151-152)
• PC-3 and SI-3 (can also add: PC-6) for post-natal spasms due to Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) in which there is loss of control of the muscles (Mann, p. 152)
• Sp-6 and CV-6 for pain in lower abdomen after confinement (Mann, p. 152)
• UB-25 and UB-31; LI-10, St-36, LI-4 and Sp-6 for puerperal fever (Mann, p. 152)
• Lv-6 and Sp-6; CV-6, CV-3 and CV-2; TW-7 for postpartum vaginal discharge (Mann, p. 152)
• St-36 and Sp-6 (-): replenish and regulate Xue (Blood) and Qi


point analysis

note: this card has three sections: difficult labor, retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage

DIFFICULT LABOR
»
possible points for difficult labor:
• GV-20 (d. D): three cones of direct moxa, green bean size (So, 1987, p. 267); pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; spreads Liver Qi; regulates and tonifies Qi (D); calms the fetus (D); adjusts Qi of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); stimulates the pineal; increases Yang Qi to prevent excessive bleeding; stabilizes the body against shock; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the Yang channels
UB-31 (-): invigorates the Xue (Blood); consolidates the Jing (Essence); regulates the Lower Warmer and Uterus; opens the pelvis and disperses Lower Warmer Stagnation; brings Yang into pelvic region which mobilizes Yin in the pelvis (Finkelstein, p. 46); expedites labor; strengthens the lower back and legs
UB-32 (-): expedites labor; opens pelvis and disperse Lower Warmer Stagnation, esp. Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; consolidates Jing (Essence); invigorates the Xue (Blood) and Kidney Qi; strengthens the lower back and legs; brings Yang into pelvic region which mobilizes Yin in the pelvis (Finkelstein, p. 46)
• UB-33 (-): brings Yang into the pelvic region; regulates the Lower Warmer; opens the pelvis and disperses Lower Warmer Stagnation; expedites labor; transforms Damp-Heat; consolidates the Jing (Essence); invigorates the Xue (Blood); strengthens the lower back and legs
• UB-34 (-): brings Yang into the pelvic region, thereby mobilizing pelvic Yin; regulates the Lower Warmer; expedites labor; consolidates the Jing (Essence); invigorates the Xue (Blood); opens the pelvis and disperses Lower Warmer Stagnation; strengthens the lower back and legs
• GV-1 (-): opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Du Mai (Governing Vessel); disperses swelling and stops pain; strengthens the lower back; regulates the lower Orifices; Du Mai (Governing Vessel) Entry and Luo Connecting point
• PC-6 (=): pacifies the Shen; tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi; releases and expands the diaphragm; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); relaxes the sinews and clears the vessels; relieves pain; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
LI-4 (-): pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); alleviates pain; relaxes sinews and tendons; descending motion to facilitate parturition; Large Intestine Yuan Source point
GB-21 (-): spreads Liver Qi; disperses Stagnation and stops pain; promotes lactation; benefits tendons and muscles; benefits shoulder; clears and invigorates the channels
• CV-4 (=): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Qi and Uterus; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); strengthens the Kidney Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; tones up the abdominal muscles (+); warms the Kidney Yang, the Lower Warmer and Uterus; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; REMEMBER TO BE CAUTIOUS WITH DEPTH !!!
St-25 (+): promotes Qi circulation, esp. moves and regulates pelvic Qi; supports Earth and harmonizes the Center; strengthens power of the abdominal walls; regulates the Uterus and promotes Xue (Blood) circulation; Large Intestine Mu Alarm point
St-30 (=): warms the Lower Warmer and Uterus; harmonizes the Xue (Blood) and Ying (Constructive) Qi; dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); effects round and broad ligaments of the uterus; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); relaxes the tendons; Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment
• Sp-12 (=): transforms Damp-Heat; facilitates Qi and Xue (Blood) flow
• Sp-10 (+): regulates and cools the Xue (Blood); perfuses the Lower Warmer; regulates uterine bleeding; "Sea of Blood"
Sp-6 (+): regulates Xue (Blood) circulation and transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); frees Qi Stagnation; benefits the Kidney; nourishes Yin; stimulates activity of the Uterus and reduces uterine pain; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
• Lv-4 (-): spreads Liver Qi; frees the channels and facilitates flow of channel Qi; Liver Metal point
Lv-3 (=): pacifies the Shen; disperses Qi Stagnation; promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi; regulates circulation of Xue (Blood) to disperse Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); influences the ovaries (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); opens the channels and regulates spasms; stops pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms
• Lv-1 (-): pacifies the Shen; governs the Xue (Blood); regulates and tonifies the Liver, esp. Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads Liver Qi and promotes the Qi of the Liver channel; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); relieves Obstruction in the Lower Warmer (-); Liver Jing Well, Wood, Horary and Entry point
Kd-3 (+): nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); strengthens the Brain; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); promotes function of Uterus; calms the fetus; strengthens lower back, waist and knees; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point
UB-60 (-): "very useful and effective point" for pain control, with strong finger pressure often being adequate (Flaws, 1983, p. 45); promotes Qi function; promotes Xue (Blood) circulation; frees the channels; rectifies Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; expedites labor; relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles; Kidney Fire point
UB-64 (-): pacifies the Shen and sedates the Heart; "stabilizes the nervous system and calms fright" (Finkelstein, p. 51); softens cervix for childbirth; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Bladder Yuan Source point
• UB-66 (=): pacifies the Shen; sedates fright; Bladder Water and Horary point
UB-67 (d. D): regulates pregnancy and childbirth; seven cones, one-half rice grain size, of direct moxa for dystocia (difficulty in childbirth) (So, 1987, p. 267); repositions the fetus; causes uterine contractions; can increase heartbeat of the fetus; induces labor (Finkelstein, p. 51); Bladder Metal and Tonification point
tu yin (d. D): seven cones, one-half rice grain size, of direct moxa for dystocia (difficulty in childbirth) (So, 1987, p. 267); facilitates labor

ear: uterus, endocrine


POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE
»
possible points for postpartum hemorrhage:
GV-20 (ind. D): promotes resuscitation and mental clarity; stabilizes the body against shock; pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; cools the body (D) (Finkelstein, p. 81); warms the Yang and causes Yang to ascend (D); regulates and tonifies the Qi (D); adjusts Qi of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); spreads Liver Qi; increases Yang Qi to prevent excessive bleeding; secures the lower Orifices (D)
yin tang (ind. D): pacifies the Shen; clears the Mind; influences the pituitary and pineal; promotes relaxation
TW-6 (+, then retain): revives the sensory organs from unconsciousness; facilitates Qi flow and spreads the Qi; regulates the Triple Warmer and the Zang-Fu organs; expedites lactation; relieves pain; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Triple Warmer Fire and Horary point
• St-18 (+): stimulates breast and lactation; expedites and facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) in the breast; dispels Stagnation; Great Luo of the Stomach
• St-30 (=): regulates the Lower Warmer and Uterus; harmonizes the Xue (Blood) and Ying (Constructive) Qi; effects round and broad ligaments of the uterus; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); relaxes the tendons; Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment
CV-8 (+ and/or D): warms and stabilizes the Yang; warms the Lower and Middle Warmers; strengthens the Spleen
• CV-7 (+): regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); controls Xue (Blood) in the Uterus; Mu Alarm point of the Lower Warmer
CV-6 (+ and/or D): regulates the Qi, esp. in the Lower Warmer; influences the pituitary (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); captures the Blood and stops bleeding (+); regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates uterine bleeding and stops vaginal discharge; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5
CV-4 (+ and/or D): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; tonifies the Middle Warmer, strengthens Spleen and benefits the raising Qi; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); strengthens the function of astringing the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and restraining the Xue (Blood); regulates the Uterus; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point
• GB-26 (=): regulates Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); special point for treating gynecological conditions; regulates Uterus; clears and invigorates the channels; Entry point of Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
St-36 (+, retain, then D): calms the Shen; regulates and replenishes the Xue (Blood) and Qi; strengthens weak and deficient conditions; increases the raising Qi to raise prolapsed organs; governs and directs all descending energies in the body; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies Kidney Yin; Stomach Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
Sp-9 (+, then retain): regulates and tonifies Spleen (especially Yang); benefits the Lower Warmer; Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point
Sp-6 (- or +): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen to hold the blood in the vessels; tonifies Qi and frees Qi Stagnation; regulates, nourishes and replenishes the Xue (Blood); clears Xue (Blood) Heat to reduce hemorrhage; tonifies the Kidney; stimulates activity of the Uterus, regulates uterine blood flow, and reduces uterine pain; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-1 (d. D): manages the flow of Xue (Blood); strengthens Spleen's function of holding Xue (Blood) in vessels; stops bleeding; three cones, one-half rice grain size (So, 1987, p. 267); regulates the Xue (Blood) and Qi; pacifies the Shen; strengthens and warms the Spleen; strengthens the Yang and elevates Yang Qi; Spleen Jing Well and Wood point
Lv-1 (d. D): contains the Xue (Blood), i.e., stops bleeding, by cooling and clearing Heat in the Xue (Blood); three cones, one-half rice grain size (So, 1987, p. 267); pacifies the Shen; regulates and tonifies the Liver, esp. Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Liver Jing Well, Wood, Horary and Entry point
• GB-41 (=): calms fright; regulates secretion of milk; clears and regulates Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Gall Bladder Wood and Horary point; Master point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)


RETAINED PLACENTA
»
possible points for retained placenta:
• UB-32 (-): brings Yang into pelvic region which mobilizes Yin in the pelvis (Finkelstein, p. 46); regulates the Lower Warmer; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; opens the pelvis and disperses Lower Warmer Stagnation; expedites discharge of retained placenta; strengthens the lower back and legs; tonifies waist and knees
• PC-6 (+): regulates the Qi, esp. in the Uterus; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); relaxes the sinews and clears the vessels; relieves pain; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
TW-5 (=): regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); strengthens and relaxes the sinews and tendons; alleviates pain; Triple Warmer Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
• LI-4 (+): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); descending motion to facilitate discharge of retained placenta; relaxes sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point
• GB-21 (+): spreads Liver Qi; clears and invigorates the channels; redirects Rebellious Qi downward; promotes lactation; expels retained placenta; benefits tendons and muscles
• GB-26 (=): regulates Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); special point for treating gynecological conditions; regulates the Uterus; clears and invigorates the channels; Entry point of Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
• St-18 (+): stimulates breast and lactation; expedites and facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) in the breast; dispels Stagnation; Great Luo of the Stomach
St-30 (+): regulates the Lower Warmer and Uterus; dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); effects round and broad ligaments of the uterus; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); relaxes the tendons; Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment
CV-7 (-): clears Obstruction from the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); controls Xue (Blood) in the Uterus; stimulates all sex hormones (Finkelstein, p. 87); Mu Alarm point of the Lower Warmer
• CV-6 (+): strengthens and moves the Qi, esp. in the Lower Warmer; influences the pituitary (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5
CV-5 (+): regulates menstruation and the Lower Warmer; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; Triple Warmer Mu Alarm point; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-6
CV-3 (+): regulates the Lower Warmer and Uterus; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; relieves pain; Bladder Mu Alarm point
• Sp-8 (+): regulates and tonifies the Spleen (especially Qi); promotes circulation of Qi; harmonizes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) to move Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and reduce pain; regulates and adjusts the Uterus; Spleen Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); nourishes and moves the Xue (Blood); frees Qi Stagnation and transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); restores circulation to the Lower Warmer; stimulates activity of the Uterus; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
• Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); regulates the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
Kd-6 (+): opens the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); tonifies Kidney (especially Yin); regulates the Lower Warmer and promotes function of the Uterus; induces placental ejection if retained after childbirth; Master point and Entry point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Couple point of Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
UB-60 (=): promotes Qi function and Xue (Blood) circulation; influences the pituitary (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); reinforces the Kidney; rectifies Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; expels placenta after birth; strengthens the lower back; relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles of the neck, shoulder, waist, back, ankle and foot, esp. the lower back; Kidney Fire point
UB-67 (+ and/or d. D): regulates pregnancy and childbirth; regulates and promotes flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); seven cones, one-half rice grain size, assist in discharging placenta; effects ovaries, all hormones and lymphatic system (Finkelstein, p. 51); Bladder Jing Well, Metal, Tonification and Exit point
• tu yin (-): facilitates Uterus; regulates Lower Warmer; expels retained placenta


footnotes