-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
myofibrositis/adhesions
acupuncture

patterns and combinations

after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Cold in the Channels with Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Heat in the Xue (Blood); Damp-Heat; dysfunction of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) and/or Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)

» therapeutic note:
• Myofibrositis and adhesions may be a part of a general pattern of glandular/lymphatic exhaustion that is exacerbated by a chronic, often subclinical, infection in the sinuses and irritation in the oropharyngeal mucous membranes. This area is a common site of primary focal infection from which secondary infections derive. Palpation at reflex sites in proximity of TW-16 ("East Wind") and LI-10.5 and above and below the eyes will confirm this hypothesis. If tender and/or painful points are found, consider needling Lu-7 and the reactive points in the areas of "LI-10.5", "St-2.5", yu yao, east wind/TW-16, and "St-43". Sinus irrigation with saline solution is usually also helpful - see "patient handout: sinus wash". (Matsumoto) See also "sinusitis".

» illustrative combinations:
• "yu yao", "St-2.5", "east wind", "LI-10.5", Lu-7, and "St-43", with other points sensitive to palpation, for sinusitis and glandular/lymphatic exhaustion, esp. with a primary focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes (Matsumoto)
• LI-11, LI-4, PC-6, TW-5, LI-15, GB-21 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the lower limbs (Eisen)
• GB-30, GB-31, St-32, Sp-10, St-36, GB-34 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the upper limbs (Eisen)
• Lv-3 and LI-4: open the Four Gates; expel Wind, stop pain; regulate Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation; remove Obstruction of the channels; open the Orifices; release bodily tension; relax clenching of jaws; free constraint; calm the mind; relieve mental cloudiness; provide sedative and analgesic effect; pacify Liver Yang (Finkelstein, p. 7; Flaws, 1989, p. 76)
• Lu-7 -> Lu-8 with threading along superior border of the clavicle: to release scalene muscles (Matsumoto)
• UB-62 and SI-3: open and regulate the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with flaccidity of the muscles of the medial aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the lateral aspect
• Kd-6 and Lu-7: open and regulate the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with Shi (Excess) of the Yang channels or flaccidity of the muscles of the lateral aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the medial aspect


point analysis

»
palpate and consider:
local ashi (tender) points (-): palpate and needle, possibly add moxa, to facilitate circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperse Stagnation; consider encircling painful area with oblique insertions toward the center of the lesion and allow for dispersion
• bai lao (-): facilitates flow of Lung Qi; disperses Stagnation and facilitates flow of effused blood; esp. with stiffness, sprain or spasm of the neck muscles; "One Hundred Labors"
• SI-10 (=): facilitates flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperses Stagnation; palpate for tender and/or painful point(s) in this area and needle to release midscapular tension, spasm and pain
UB-11 (=): dispels Cold; connects the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) to the Shu Associated points; distributes Bladder Qi and Jing-Ye (Yin) to all the dorsal Shu points (Finkelstein, p. 38); removes Obstruction of Qi circulation of the Tai Yang channels (Bladder and Small Intestine) and Du Mai (Governing Vessel) of the upper back; diffuses Lung Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; strengthens all joints; facilitates Xue (Blood) flow; relaxes the muscles, sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats generalized spasms throughout the body, esp. for neck and back pain, muscular spasm in the back, soreness and pain of the interscapular region, and stiffness along the spine; Hui Reunion point of the Bones; Sea of Xue (Blood) upper entry point
• UB-17 (+): tonifies the Qi; nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) (esp. with D); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and disperses Obstruction; enriches Yin; generates Fluids; expands the chest and diaphragm; strengthens Xu (Deficient) conditions and increases stamina; strengthens the upper back (- then +) (Finkelstein, p. 40); Diaphragm Shu Associated point; Hui Reunion and Master point of the Xue (Blood)
UB-18 (+): pacifies the Shen; benefits and clears the Liver and Gall Bladder; cools Damp-Heat; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; relieves mid-back tension; Liver Shu Associated point
• UB-20 (+): tonifies the Spleen and Stomach; benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; tonifies and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); softens masses; provides strength to the extremities; Spleen Shu Associated point
yao yi (-): facilitates circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood) and disperses Stagnation; esp. with acute lumbar pain, chronic muscular spasm in lumbar region, or injury to the soft tissues of the lower back
• GB-30 (- or +): invigorates the Kidney; strengthens the lower back; regulates hip joint; strengthens thigh; benefits the knee; dissipates Wind-Damp in the channels and connecting vessels; frees the channels and removes Obstructions; relaxes the muscles and tendons
• GB-31 (- or +): detoxifies the Liver; clears Heat and transforms Damp; tonifies waist and strengthens thighs; relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons
TW-16 and/or "east wind" (-): palpate lateral aspects of neck for ashi (tender) points (Matsumoto)
GB-21 (- or +): spreads Liver Qi; disperses Stagnation and stops pain; benefits tendons and muscles; benefits shoulder; clears and invigorates the channels
• Lu-1 (+): regulates Qi of Upper Warmer; clears, opens, and draws Qi into the Lung channel; increases Qi and stamina; enhances oxygenation; aids release of old emotions (-); cools and disperses Heat and Yang from the Upper Warmer; disperses Qi Stagnation, esp. with painful skin; Lung Mu Alarm and Entry point
• Lu-5 (-): opens the Lung and clears Upper Warmer Heat; stimulates descending of Lung Qi; relaxes the sinews and muscles; treats inability to raise the arm, esp. due to hypertonicity and pain in the elbow, cramping and/or spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm; Lung He Sea Uniting, Water and Dispersion point
• Lu-10 (-): clears Fire and Heat generally; cools Heat in Xue (Blood); releases muscular spasm of the arm; Lung Fire point
• LI-15 (- or +): harmonizes the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; stops pain; softens masses; facilitates the joints; benefits skin Qi
LI-11 (- or +): regulates and harmonizes Qi, Ying and Xue (Blood); improves immune function (Finkelstein, p. 9); tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; benefits sinews, tendons and joints; frees the channels; Large Intestine Upper He Sea Uniting, Earth and Tonification point
"LI-10.5" (-): moves Stagnation in sinuses and cervical lymphatics; locate tender most tender point on each side of the neck, usually "east wind", near TW-16, then palpate for the most tender or painful point, distal to the elbow crease, between the Large Intestine and Triple Warmer channels; needle each arm to resolve focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes and oropharyngeal mucous membranes and relieve glandular/lymphatic exhaustion; verify location and angle of needle by diminishing of cervical tenderness (Matsumoto)
• LI-4 (=): pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); stimulates dispersing function of Lung; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; elevates Clear Qi and descends Turbid Qi; clears Toxins; relaxes sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point
• TW-7 (-): clears Heat from the Triple Warmer; expels Toxins; soothes the Liver; facilitates circulation of Qi; spreads Liver Qi Stagnation; treats pain and stiffness of the arm, as well as painful skin conditions; Triple Warmer Xi Cleft Accumulation point
• TW-5 (- or +): opens and moves the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) and regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); dissolves Toxins; disperses Qi in the intercostal region; frees the channels to facilitate the circulation of Qi in the channels; invigorates the collateral vessels; 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)
PC-6 (= or +): pacifies the Shen and tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi; opens the chest; harmonizes and spreads the Qi in the Upper and Middle Warmers; clears and spreads Qi in Pericardium channel; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); enhances purification and dispersement of the Triple Warmer; drains the Triple Warmer; 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)
• PC-7 (-): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the emotions; nourishes Heart Xue (Blood); opens Heart Orifices; dissipates Heat from the Ying (nutrient system) and Xue (Blood); influences adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); Pericardium Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point; historically used as the Heart Source point (Maciocia, p. 436)
• Ht-7 (= or +): pacifies the Shen; stimulates secretion of fluids; calms the Heart; general sedative and regulating effect on the inner organs; tonifies and nourishes Heart Yin and Xue (Blood); relieves pain, esp. lateral costal pain; frees the channels; Heart Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point
SI-6 (=): relaxes the sinews and tendons; benefits the joints; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; esp. for torticollis, pain in the back, shoulder, elbow and forearm, pain between scapulae, and/or restriction of movement in the lumbar area; Small Intestine Xi Cleft Accumulation point
SI-3 (=): pacifies the Shen and clears the Mind; opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); strengthens the spine; relaxes the sinews and muscles; benefits the joints; releases muscle spasms; invigorates the channels; Small Intestine Wood and Tonification point; Master point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
• Lv-13 (+): spreads and promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi; clears Obstructions of the Liver channel and its Luo channels; invigorates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); quickens the Xue (Blood) and disperses Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); softens and dispels masses; Spleen Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the five Zang (Yin viscera)
• St-32 (=): warms the channels and dissipates Cold; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats coldness and pain of the low back, thigh and knees
St-36 (+): dispels Cold and expels Wind; calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); disperses Stagnation in the Upper Warmer; strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; strengthens all striated muscle; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi; spreads Liver Qi and benefits the Gall Bladder; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; drains Shi (Excess) from the Yang channels, esp. in chronic cases with Heat; regulates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid (-), esp. by the Intestines; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
• ca. St-43 (-): palpate for tender or painful point, on the Stomach channel or between the third and fourth metatarsals; needle to resolve focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes, and relieve glandular/lymphatic exhaustion (Matsumoto)
Sp-10 (=): harmonizes and tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi; regulates and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat and transforms Damp-Heat in the Xue (Blood); "Sea of Blood"
• Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences the pituitary and adrenals (Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); nourishes and moves the Xue (Blood); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); frees Qi Stagnation and spreads the Liver Qi; warms the Middle and Lower Warmers; 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; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); disperses Qi Stagnationand Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), esp. in the Middle Warmer; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; descends the Turbid; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
GB-34 (+): soothes and subdues Yang of the Liver and Gall Bladder; opens and drains the Gall Bladder to regulate distribution of functional Qi (Finkelstein, p. 68); clears Dampness and cools Heat; facilitates and harmonizes the Liver; relieves pain in costal and hypochondriac regions; strengthens and relaxes sinews and tendons; relieves soreness from fatigued muscles; benefits joints, esp. knees and hips; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; alleviates pain; Gall Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point; Hui Reunion point of Jin (sinews and tendons)
• GB-37 (=): regulates the Liver; dispels Wind and Damp; transforms Damp-Heat; relaxes the sinews and muscles; invigorates the channels; treats blockage and numbness of the leg or muscular pain in legs, esp. pain of the calf due to gastrocnemius spasm; Gall Bladder Luo Connecting point
GB-38 (-): reduces Liver and Gall Bladder; dissipates Heat from the Gall Bladder; dispels Wind and Dampness; frees the channels; invigorates the collateral vessels; treats aches and pains throughout the body, muscular and/or vascular spasm in general, pain and stiffness of the neck, and pain and soreness in the calf and lateral aspect of the lower extremities; Gall Bladder Fire and Dispersion point
GB-40 (=): drains Fire from the Liver and Gall Bladder; spreads the Liver Qi; benefits Gall Bladder; softens masses; transforms Damp-Heat; treats external trauma, esp. below the waist; benefits the joints; frees the channels; relieves muscular spasm, esp. pain and stiffness of the neck and pain in the lower limbs; Gall Bladder Yuan Source point
• Lv-6 (-): removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; harmonizes Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; dispels Damp-Heat; relieves coldness and pain in the lower leg; Liver Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Lv-5 (=): drains the Liver; spreads Liver Qi and disperses Liver Qi Stagnation; benefits the Qi; tonifies Liver and Yang; relieves Obstruction in Lower Warmer; secures Jing (Essence); relaxes the sinews; frees the channels; esp. with back stiff and unable to bend, coldness, aching and pain in lower leg and feet, difficulty flexing knee, and/or skin cold and aching; Liver Luo Connecting point
Lv-3 (=): pacifies the Shen; "relieves anger and mellows spirits of those who are frustrated and jealous" (Finkelstein, p. 73); adjusts and pacifies the Liver and Gall Bladder; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; clears and drains the Liver and Gall Bladder; subdues Liver Yang; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); opens the channels and relaxes spasms and cramps; sedates pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms
• Lv-2 (-): calms the Shen and eases the Mind; subdues Yang Shi (Excess); soothes and loosens Liver to release Liver Qi and remove Qi Depression; disperses Stagnant Qi of Liver and Gall Bladder; cools the Xue (Blood); relaxes cramps and spasms; Liver Fire and Dispersion point
• Kd-8 (=): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates adrenals and Kidney Qi; removes Obstructions from the channels; removes masses; esp. with pain in the loins, thighs and legs; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Kd-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; nourishes the Heart; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; removes Obstruction from the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); tonifies Kidney (especially Yin); strengthens lower back and loins; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; Master point and Entry point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Couple point of Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
• UB-59 (-): regulates Qi; dispels Wind and clears Heat; promotes flow of Xue (Blood); disperses Damp-Heat; effects the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); eliminates mild toxins (Finkelstein, p. 50); relaxes the sinews, tendons and muscles; benefits and strengthens the lower back; relieves pain and spasm along the Bladder channel; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels, e.g., headache; sedates pain; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
UB-62 (=): dispels Wind and Cold; clears the Shen and Heart; opens and moves the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and benefits Du Mai (Governing Vessel) disorders; soothes sinews, tendons and vessels; relaxes the Muscle channels; esp. when person describes a sensation of electricity or excessive Qi in the skin (Mann, p. 42); Master point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Couple point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)


footnotes

Reprinted from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Maciocia, Giovanni, 1989, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.