-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
immune system
scleroderma
acupuncture
patterns and combinations
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Yin Xu (Deficiency); Liver Qi Stagnation; Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency); Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Cold in the Channels; Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); dysfunction of the of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel), and/or Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
» therapeutic notes:
Historical and even contemporary references for the treatment of scleroderma with acupuncture are virtually non-existent because the condition is rare in Asia. Nevertheless the features of scleroderma do resonate well enough with certain syndromes, the functions of various Organ spheres, and the actions of commonly-used points so as to enable the presentation of guidelines for the treatment of an individual suffering from scleroderma.
see also the conditions which constitute or resemble the presentation of scleroderma, e.g., "Raynaud's", "dysphagia", "constipation", "rheumatoid arthritis", "pleurisy" and "pericarditis"
» illustrative combinations:
CV-4, CV-12, CV-22 and GV-9 are the Reunion Points of the Yin and Yang which are needled when there is conflict between Yin and Yang, according to Su Wen (Finkelstein, p. 78)
LI-11 and Sp-6: remove Obstruction of the channels and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), and treat inflammation anywhere in body as this locus improves immune response (Finkelstein, p. 9)
UB-17, Sp-4 and Sp-6: eliminate Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) (Finkelstein, p. 26)
LI-11, Sp-6 and Sp-10: nourish Liver to strengthen Spleen and manufacture Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 9)
Sp-6 and Lv-3: nourish Yin in Kidney and Liver to reduce Fire (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Sp-6 and Kd-3: regulate and strengthen Kidney, nourish Yin, and clear and subdue Heat (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Kd-3, Sp-6, LI-4, GB-20 and Lv-2: reinforce Kidney and nourish Yin (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Sp-6, Kd-7 and Kd-6 (+): nourish Yin and moisten dryness (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Kd-3 and UB-23: nourish Kidney Yin and facilitate Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53)
Sp-6 and St-36: regulate and reinforce the Spleen and Stomach and combat Xu (Deficiency); cultivate growing source of Qi and Xue (Blood); nourish Xue (Blood) and ease the mind; descends Rebellious Qi (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Sp-6 and PC-6 (+): nourish Yin and clear Fire; tonify the Heart, nourish Xue (Blood) and facilitate Qi (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Sp-6, CV-4 and CV-6 (+): reinforces Qi, nourish Xue (Blood), and treat symptoms of Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); (-) disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) (Finkelstein, p. 27)
UB-17, Sp-6 and Sp-4: eliminate Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Sp-6, St-36 and UB-20: invigorate the Spleen (Finkelstein, p. 27)
Sp-6, Sp-10 and Lv-2 (-): disperse Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) (Finkelstein, p. 27);
Sp-6 and LI-11: clear Heat in the Xue (Blood), disperse Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) (Finkelstein, p. 27);
LI-11, St-36 and Sp-9 for hypertension (Shanghai, p. 231)
PC-6, LI-18, LI-11, CV-6, CV-4 and St-36: treat hypertension (Finkelstein, p. 59)
Kd-6 and TW-6 to free constipated bowels (Shanghai, p. 236; Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 251)
point analysis
» palpate and consider:
GV-20 (=): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; cools the body (D) (Finkelstein, p. 81); regulates and tonifies the Qi; adjusts Qi of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); elevates the Clear Qi; spreads Liver Qi; extinguishes Liver Wind from upper body and pacifies Liver; stimulates the pineal; Sea of Marrow point; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the six Yang channels and the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
GV-9 (=): regulates the Qi functions; expands the chest and diaphragm; clears Liver Fire and Heat; regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; Reunion Point of the Yin and Yang; directly linked to CV-22
UB-11 (+): connects the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) to the Shu Associated points; distributes Bladder Qi and Jing-Ye (Yin) to all the dorsal Shu points, thus cooling them (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; regulates the Lung; diffuses Lung Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; strengthens all bones and joints; facilitates Xue (Blood) flow; relaxes the muscles, sinews and tendons; invigorates the collateral vessels; Hui Reunion point of the Bones; Sea of Xue (Blood) upper entry point
UB-12 (=): stimulates sweating; disperses Yang Shi (Excess) in all Yang channels without draining body fluids; opens and volatilizes the Lung; regulates and spreads Lung Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; regulates Qi circulation; Gate for entrance and departure of Feng Qi (Wind Qi); Shu point of Bones and Xue (Blood) (Banever, p. 59)
UB-13 (+): stimulates sweating; clears and disperses Fire and Heat, esp. Xu (Deficiency) Heat, from the Lung and Upper Warmer; strengthens and promotes the circulation of the Lung Qi; expands and relaxes the chest; regulates the Upper Warmer; tonifies the Lung; harmonizes the Ying and Xue (Blood); Lung Shu Associated point
UB-38/43 (+): regulates the Shen; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; treats all chronic disease; clears Empty Heat; regulates the Lung Qi; supplements the Lung and fortifies the Spleen; tonifies Heart Qi; releases unresolved emotions; strengthens the Xue (Blood); and nourishes the Yin; stimulates hematopoesis; tonifies the Kidney and restores Yuan (Original) Qi; Pericardium psychospiritual associated point
UB-17 (+): tonifies the Qi; regulates, nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and disperses Obstruction; nourishes Dry Xue (Blood); 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 (= or +): pacifies the Shen; benefits the eyes and improves vision; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; facilitates generation of fluids; harmonizes the Stomach and benefits the Qi; Liver Shu Associated point
UB-20 (+): regulates Spleen Qi; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach to facilitate digestive transportation and transformation; benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; reverses Rebellious Stomach Qi; nourishes and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); drains Heat Shi (Excess) from the Middle Warmer; provides strength to the extremities; Spleen Shu Associated point
UB-23 (+): tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); brightens the eyes; counterbalances Liver Fire; regulates fluid system; strengthens the spine, esp. the lower back; benefits the knees; controls the bones; Kidney Shu Associated point
UB-54/40 (-): clears Heat from the Xue (Blood); benefits Kidney Qi and regulates Bladder; controls the renal region (Finkelstein, p. 49); relaxes the sinews and muscles; benefits the lower back, hips, legs and knees; Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point
LI-15 (=): harmonizes the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; stops pain; facilitates the joints; moistens the skin and benefits skin Qi
LI-11 (=): clears Heat; regulates and harmonizes Qi and Ying; regulates Qi circulation of Lung; cools and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); improves immune function (Finkelstein, p. 9); tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; harmonizes the Stomach and regulates the Intestines; benefits sinews, tendons and joints; frees the channels; Large Intestine Upper He Sea Uniting, Earth and Tonification point; Master point of Heat in the body (Finkelstein, p. 9)
Lu-6 (=): opens and adjusts the Lungs; regulates Lung Qi; cools Heat and disperses Fire from Lung; provokes perspiration; cools and clears the throat; moistens the Lung; benefits Qi to reestablish digestion; dissolves and relieves hemorrhoids, esp. bleeding; opens the channels and releases blocked Qi of the arm; Lung Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Lu-7 (+): promotes sweating; spreads Lung Qi by stimulating the descending and dispersing of Lung Qi; calms wheezing; opens and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); tonifies Yang Ming (Stomach and Large Intestine); moistens dry skin; invigorates the collateral vessels; Lung Luo Connecting and Exit point; Master point of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Lu-9 (+): ventilates and moistens the Lung; facilitates circulation of Lung Qi; tonifies Lung Qi and Lung Yin; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; cools and clears Heat in the Lung, Liver and throat; clears and descends the Upper Warmer and Lung Qi; increases oxygen absorption; moves the Xue (Blood); Lung Yuan Source, Earth and Tonification point; Hui Reunion point of Xue (Blood) vessels
TW-6 (-): clears Fire and Heat; facilitates Qi flow and spreads the Qi; regulates the Triple Warmer and the Zang-Fu organs; generates Fluids; expands and relaxes the chest; regulates and moistens the Large Intestine; moves the bowels; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; disperses Obstruction; relieves pain; Triple Warmer Fire and Horary point
PC-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi; opens the chest; builds Zhong (Ancestral) Qi in the chest; harmonizes, regulates and spreads the Qi in the Upper and Middle Warmers; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; harmonizes the Stomach; descends Rebellious Qi to resolve nausea, reduce eructations, and stop vomiting; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); 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)
SI-3 (+): pacifies the Shen; opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); induces sweating; treats pituitary imbalance, using location reactive to palpation, often ca. SI-3.5 (Matsumoto); tonifies the Small Intestine; 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)
Lu-1 (+): regulates Qi of the Upper Warmer and Lung; enhances oxygenation; increases Qi and stamina; nourishes Lung Yin; cools and disperses Heat and Yang from the Upper Warmer, chest and lungs; disperses Qi Stagnation; Lung Mu Alarm and Entry point
Lv-14 (=): spreads and moves Liver Qi to regulate circulation of Qi; soothes and promotes function of the Liver; helps transformation and transportation function of the Spleen; strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; invigorates flow of Xue (Blood) and removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); dispels Heat from the Xue (Blood); Liver Mu Alarm point
Kd-16 (+): harmonizes the Stomach; reverses flow of Rebellious Qi; benefits the Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); improves excretory function of Bladder and Large Intestine; "strengthens function of the Kidney, giving renewed strength to body and mind" (Finkelstein, p. 55); removes Obstructions from the channel; Kidney Mu Alarm point (Manaka as per Matsumoto); Independent Associated point of the Intestines (Mann, p. 48); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and Foot Xiao Yin (Kidney) channel
CV-22 (=): facilitates and regulates movement of Lung Qi; benefits and cools the throat; opens the Lung and promotes dispersing function of Lung; descends Rebellious Qi; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Window of the Sky point; directly linked to GV-9; Reunion Point of the Yin and Yang
CV-12 (+): regulates the Stomach Qi and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens and calms the Spleen; nourishes body fluids; transforms and suppresses Rebellious Qi; clears Stomach Fire and Heat; benefits and soothes the Qi; Stomach and Upper Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs)
CV-8 (D on salt): stabilizes the Yang; warms the Lower and Middle Warmers; strengthens the transporting function of the Spleen and Stomach; strengthens connective tissue to aid in treatment of any skin disease (Matsumoto) (D on salt); palpation: pulsing around CV-8 indicates Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency), while a puffy navel indicates Kidney Xu (Deficiency) (Matsumoto); avoid or minimize moxa as indicated by severity of Yin Xu (Deficiency)
CV-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; grounds the Shen when there is Empty-Heat (Maciocia, p. 207); regulates the Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; strengthens and replenishes the Kidney Qi; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; Reunion Point of the Yin and Yang; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the Foot Tai Yin (Spleen), Foot Jue Yin (Liver) and Foot Xiao Yin (Kidney) channels on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); at CV-4 the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) separates from the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
St-25 (= or +): supports Earth and harmonizes the Center, esp. the Stomach; regulates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates and facilitates the functioning of the Intestines; regulates the channels and promotes Qi circulation; regulates Qi, esp. Ying (Constructive) Qi and Wei (Protective) Qi (Finkelstein, p. 15); tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi and thus neutralizes Shi (Excess) Heat; clears Heat from Large Intestine; Large Intestine Mu Alarm point
St-36 (+): calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; regulates the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; descends Rebellious Qi; relieves nausea and vomiting; disperses Stomach Fire; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi; spreads Liver Qi and benefits the Gall Bladder; nourishes the Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies Kidney Yin; clears Heat from the Yang organs and drains Shi (Excess) from the Yang channels; treats chronic cases with Heat; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Command point of the abdomen; Sea of Nourishment point
Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences the pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen and tonifies the Qi; nourishes and moves the Xue (Blood); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); aids transportation and transformation to improve digestion and nourishment; frees Qi Stagnation; spreads Liver Qi and suppresses Liver Heat; tonifies the Kidney; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears Heat; moves and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; harmonizes the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and circulation of Qi in the Middle Warmer; descends Rebellious Qi and suppresses vomiting; stabilizes the Stomach and harmonizes the Intestines; 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), esp. in the Middle Warmer; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
Kd-8 (=): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); clears Heat; stops abdominal pain; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); tonifies the Kidney; regulates adrenals and Kidney Qi; removes Obstructions from the channels; regulates fluid balance; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Kd-7 (+): strengthens Wei (Protective) Qi; clears Heat and nourishes Yin; strengthens the Spleen and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; tonifies the Liver via the mother/child relationship; moistens dryness; regulates the pores and sweating; disperses Stagnation; strengthens the back, esp. lumbars; Kidney Metal and Tonification point
Kd-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; nourishes the Heart; cools and clears Heat; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; removes Obstruction from the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); clears the Lung and tonifies Lung Yin; benefits the throat; tonifies the Kidney (especially Yin); moistens dryness; promotes bowel movement; strengthens the 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)
Kd-5 (+): reinforces the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens Yuan (Original) Qi; moves the Lower Warmer; strengthens function of the Kidney; revives circulation of Qi in the Kidney organs and channels; clears and regulates the Bladder; Kidney Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Kd-3 (+): tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; cools and descends Heat; pacifies Xu (Deficiency) Fire; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); strengthens the lower back, waist and knees; relieves pain in the teeth and bones; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point
UB-62 (+): cools and clears Fire and Heat; clears the Shen and Heart; regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); soothes the sinews, tendons and vessels; relaxes the Muscle channels; Master point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Couple point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
GB-34 (+): regulates and subdues Yang of the Liver and Gall Bladder; brings down high blood pressure; opens and drains the Gall Bladder to regulate distribution of functional Qi (Finkelstein, p. 68); facilitates and harmonizes the Liver; tonifies the Spleen; regulates the Large Intestine and increases peristaltic action; strengthens and relaxes the 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-39 (+): pacifies the Liver; redirects Rebellious Qi downward; benefits the ears; relaxes the neck; regulates the Gall Bladder; clears Heat and communicates the superficial with the internal of the three Foot Yang channels; relaxes the muscles and sinews; strengthens the Bones; frees the channels and connecting vessels; Hui Reunion point of the Marrow
Lv-8 (+): nourishes Liver Xue (Blood) and Yin; soothes the sinews and tendons; frees and facilitates the Lower Warmer; invigorates the collateral vessels; Liver He Sea Uniting, Water and Tonification point
Lv-3 (-): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; drains Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gall Bladder; subdues Liver Yang; suppresses Rebellious Qi to stop vomiting; calms the Stomach and expands the chest; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); regulates circulation of Xue (Blood) to disperse Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); opens the channels and relaxes spasms; sedates pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms
Lv-2 (-): calms the Shen; disperses Stagnant Liver Qi; clears and drains Fire of the Liver and Gall Bladder; subdues Yang Shi (Excess); soothes and loosens the Liver to release Liver Qi and remove Qi Depression; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); clears the Lower Warmer; relaxes spasms; Liver Fire and Dispersion point
ear: lung, endocrine, adrenal, liver, spleen, occiput, brain
footnotes
Reprinted from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Maciocia, Giovanni, 1989, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.