-IBIS-1.7.0-
tx
mental/emotional
depression
Acupuncture

patterns and combinations

after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Heart Xu (Deficiency); Shen Disturbance; Heart Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing; Heart Misted by Cold Phlegm; Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Dampness; Qi Stagnation and Accumulation of Phlegm; Liver Qi Stagnation, alone or with Spleen Distressed by Dampness and/or Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Summer-Heat; Xu (Deficiency) of Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)

» illustrative combinations:
• PC-5, LI-4 and UB-18 dispel Wind, clear Qi Stagnation, and release emotional depression (Finkelstein, p. 58)
• PC-6 and LI-11 (-): relieve depression; treat numbness in extremities; loosen chest and abdomen (EAMSS, p. 240)
• PC-6 and CV-17: broaden the chest, descend Rebellious Qi, release depression and stop cough (Finkelstein, p. 91)
• Kd-4 (listed as "Kd-5") and UB-15; PC-7 and GV-20; St-8, GB-37 and SI-3 when patient weeps frequently and without adequate cause (Mann, p. 141)
• consider treatment for "Internal Dragons" or "External Dragons"; External Dragons: GV-20, UB-11, UB-23, UB-61; Internal Dragons: Master point 1/4" below CV-15, St-25, St-32, St-41; In both treatments, sedate first. If the person and the pulses change, fine. If no change with sedation, then tonify. (Worsley)
• SI-19 and UB-20 to eliminate "sorrow and sadness below the heart" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 188)
• GV-20, St-36 and Lv-3 for depression due to Stagnant Liver Qi with Rebellious Stomach Qi (Jirui and Wang, p. 113)
• PC-6, Ht-7, CV-17, St-36, Sp-6 and Lv-3 for depression due to Stagnant Phlegm and Qi due to excessive worry combined with impaired nutrition of Heart and Liver (Jirui and Wang, p. 115)
• CV-11 and PC-6: "sweep away bitterness in the chest" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 356)
• CV-12 and PC-5: broaden the chest and treat depression (Finkelstein, p. 89)
• CV-12 and Lv-2: broaden the Middle Warmer and treat depression (Finkelstein, p. 88)
• GV-15, GV-20, CV-11, PC-6, Ht-5 and Sp-6 (also consider Kd-4, GB-34, Lv-5 and Ht-7) for melancholia (Lee and Cheung, p. 324)
• Kd-4 (listed as "Kd-5") and UB-15; PC-7 and GV-20; St-8, GB-37 and SI-3: when patient weeps without adequate cause (Mann, p. 141)
• CV-11 and PC-6: "sweep away bitterness in the chest" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 356)
• CV-4, CV-12, CV-22 and GV-9 are the Reunion points of the Yin and Yang, they are needled when there is conflict between Yin and Yang, according to Su Wen (Finkelstein, p. 78)
• SI-3 and UB-62: open the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) for which Shen disorders are a symptom of Shi (Excess)
• PC-6 and Sp-4: open the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) for which depression is a symptom of Xu (Deficiency)
• PC-6, CV-17 and Ht-7 (-): soothe Heart; calm Shen; open chest and regulate Qi
• UB-15, UB-23 and Kd-9: adjust disharmony of the Heart and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 40).
• UB-15 and Ht-7 (+): tonify and open Heart
• PC-5 and LI-4 (-): clear Qi Obstruction
• PC-6 and CV-11 (-): open congestion

» note:
• also consider Internal or External Demons (see Materia Medica)


point analysis

» palpate and consider:
• GV-20 (-): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; promotes mental clarity; calms Liver and Shen; spreads Liver Qi; invigorates Qi; tonifies Yang; Sea of Marrow point
• GV-17 (+): encourages optimism; builds strong Shen; regulates the Marrow and the Brain; stimulates pituitary (Finkelstein, p. 80); "Brain Door"; Sea of Marrow point
region of SI-9 and SI-10 (-): palpate for tension, pain and/or tenderness and needle most reactive point(s) to relax the muscles and connective tissue, open the chest, increase oxygenation, and release the Sadness which tends to lodge in the Lung (Matsumoto)
UB-38/43 (+): regulates the Shen; "Happy Point"; supplements the Lung and fortifies the Spleen; tonifies Heart Qi; releases unresolved emotions; tonifies the Kidney and warms the Yang; Pericardium psychospiritual associated point
UB-15 (+): calms the Heart and the Shen; quiets the Mind and the Soul; strengthens and clears the Brain; regulates the Xue (Blood) and Qi of the Heart; strengthens Heart Qi and nourishes Heart Xue (Blood); invigorates circulation of the Qi and Xue (Blood) and tonifies Xu (Deficiency); influences thyroid; benefits the Lung; relaxes and expands the chest, and benefits the Qi; Heart Shu Associated point
• UB-39/44 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; regulates the Heart Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; Heart psychospiritual associated point
UB-18 (=): pacifies the Shen; stimulates the Brain; benefits the eyes; clears the Liver and Gall Bladder; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; Liver Shu Associated point
UB-23 (+): strengthens the Brain and Marrow; prevents or relieves general stress fatigue or premature senility (Finkelstein, p. 44); brightens the eyes; strengthens the Heart (Ross, 1985, p. 130); tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; strengthens Yang and Qi Hai; influences adrenals; nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); Kidney Shu Associated point
UB-47/52 (+): strengthens Will power; tonifies Kidney Qi, Kidney Yang, Kidney Yin, Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi; influences the pituitary, adrenals and testes (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); resolves Dampness; Kidney psychospiritual associated point
• GV-26 (-): opens obstructed Yang Qi; calms the Shen and stabilizes the Will; regulates Qi in the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); regulates Rebellious Qi of Yin and Yang to harmonize Yin and Yang; frees the channels and invigorates the Qi circulation
• TW-16 (+): dispels Wind and eliminates Damp; Window of the Sky point
• Lu-1 (-): aids release of old emotions; regulates Qi of Upper Warmer and Lung; disperses stuck Qi or Phlegm; increases Qi and stamina (+); Lung Mu Alarm point
region of Lu-1 and Lu-2 (-): palpate for tension, pain and/or tenderness and needle most reactive point(s) to relax the muscles and connective tissue, open the chest, increase oxygenation, and release the Sadness which tends to lodge in the Lung (Matsumoto)
Lu-3 (+): opens "Window of Sky"; regulates Lung Qi; removes obstructions of the rising energy flow and reestablishes the circulation between the Liver and the Lung, hence between the soul and personality; increases oxygen to brain; supervises the Qi
• Lu-10 (-): clears Fire and Heat, esp. eliminates Fire from the head, i.e. depression (Finkelstein, p. 4); regulates and moistens the Lung; Lung Fire point
• PC-5 (-): calms the Mind and quiets the Shen; regulates Heart Qi; regulates and clears the Heart; nourishes the Heart; transforms mucous in Heart and chest; Pericardium Metal point
PC-6 (+): tranquilizes the Heart; regulates Heart Qi and Xue (Blood); releases and expands the diaphragm; relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
SI-5 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; "very effective in helping the person to gain clarity and a sense of direction in life" (Maciocia, p. 274); spreads Lung Qi; Small Intestine Fire and Horary point
• SI-3 (+): pacifies the Shen and clears the Mind; clears and opens Du Mai (Governing Vessel); strengthens the spine; Small Intestine Wood and Tonification point
• Ht-3 (=): pacifies the Shen and Soul; enhances stability with nervous exhaustion; regulates the Heart Qi; removes Obstructions from the channels; Heart Water point; "Joy of Life" point (Finkelstein, p. 32)
Ht-7 (-): soothes the Heart; calms the Shen; opens the chest and regulates the Qi; tonifies and nourishes Heart Xue (Blood) and Yin; regulates and tonifies the Heart, esp. Heart Qi; removes Qi Stagnation in the Heart; Heart Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point
Kd-27 (=): regulates and volatilizes the Lung; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; fortifies the Spleen; stimulates Kidney function of reception of Qi; tonifies Kidney (especially Yang); resolves Phlegm
Kd-24 (=): revitalizes the sense of self; resurrects the Spirit (Worsley); pacifies the Shen; opens and releases the chest; tonifies the Kidney
Kd-16 (=): benefits the Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); "strengthens function of the Kidney, giving renewed strength to body and mind" (Finkelstein, p. 55); palpation: reflection of birth trauma (Matsumoto); Spleen reflex point (Nan Jing as per Matsumoto); adrenal cortex reflex point (Nasako as per Matsumoto); Kidney Mu Alarm point (Manaka as per Matsumoto)
CV-17 (+): calms emotions; regulates and smooths Qi circulation in the Upper Warmer; expands the chest and soothes the diaphragm; enhances breathing; transforms Phlegm; reinforces the Zhong (Ancestral) Qi; Pericardium and Upper Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Qi
CV-15 (+): pacifies the Shen; stimulates pituitary (Finkelstein, p. 91); nourishes Heart Yin; promotes flow of Qi; benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes all Yin organs; relaxes the chest; Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) Luo Connecting point; Source point of the five Zang (Yin viscera)
• CV-11 (-): strengthens Spleen and dissipates Dampness; loosens the Center and opens congestion
CV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; tonifies the Middle Warmer, strengthens Spleen and benefits the raising Qi; benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; roots the Ethereal Soul; tonifies Kidney Yang; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point
• Sp-15 (+): promotes the flow of Qi; ventilates and clears stagnant Qi of the organs; regulates the Spleen (especially Qi); removes Dampness from Spleen; esp. for those suffering from chronic sadness (Mann, p. 21)
St-30 (+): sends Qi up; harmonizes Xue (Blood) (McWilliams, et al., Lesson 31, p. 121); dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); 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); Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
St-36 (+ and D): calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); supports Lung Qi; disperses Stagnation in the Upper Warmer; builds Heart Yang; harmonizes and invigorates Spleen and Stomach; builds Qi and Xue (Blood); clears Damp and reduces Phlegm; spreads Liver Qi; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
• St-40 (-): clears and calms the Shen; strengthens the Spleen and opens up the Middle Warmer; transforms Phlegm and Dampness; eliminates turbidity; Stomach Luo Connecting point
Sp-6 (+): loosens congestion in the diaphragm; invigorates and strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and spreads the Liver Qi; frees Qi Stagnation; builds and moves the Xue (Blood); benefits the Kidney; stimulates uterus, adrenals, ovaries and pituitary (Finkelstein, p. 27); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; adjusts and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; harmonizes the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and circulation of Qi in the Middle Warmer; regulates the Xue (Blood), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and menstrual cycle; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), esp. in the Middle Warmer; transfors Dampness and Damp-Heat; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; descends the Turbid; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
• Kd-4 (+): nourishes the Shen; facilitates the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); harmonizes the Xue (Blood); reinforces the Liver and Kidney; supplements the Jing (Essence); Kidney Luo Connecting point
Lv-3 (-): pacifies the Shen; "relieves anger and mellows spirits of those who are frustrated and jealous" (Finkelstein, p. 73); clears head and thinking; pacifies and harmonizes the Liver; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads Liver Qi Stagnation; brightens and benefits eyes; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); Liver Yuan Source and Earth point
Lv-2 (-): calms the Shen and eases the Mind; drains Fire and disperses Stagnant Qi of Liver and Gall Bladder; soothes and loosens Liver to release Liver Qi and remove Qi Depression; clears the Pericardium; clears the Lower Warmer; Liver Fire and Dispersion point


footnotes

Allen, JJB, Schnyer, RN, and Hitt, SK. The Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Major Depression in Women. Psychol Science Sept 1998.
Summary: Particpants were given one of two types of acupuncture treatment: a specific treatment designed to address the underlying pattern of disharmony that, according to Chinese Medicine, would be responsible for depression; or a nonspecific treatment designed to address a pattern of disharmony not responsible for depression, but for some other problem such as back paoin or headaches. Symptoms of clinical depression were relieved at rates comparable to those of psychotherapy or pharmaceutical therapies. "At the conclusion of the 8 weeks of treatment, those women receiving treatment specifically for depression had a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the women who received the superficially nonspecific treatment."
(Summary form NCCAOM The Diplomate, Fall/Winter 1998, p. 3)