Insomnia

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

Yintang
CV17
P7
HT7
KI6
GV16
GB20
BL38
BL62

One of the most common and devastating problems a person can experience is, without question, insomnia. This problem has been the root cause of countless physical and emotional conditions.

All of us at one time or another have experienced the torture of not being able to sleep, or waking several times during the night. Often this is a short-lived experience, one or two nights of sleeplessness, then a return to normal sleep. However there are millions of people worldwide who suffer from this most exasperating problem most every night. The night becomes a sheer hell and the next day is no better.

Sleeping pills are dangerous, and often do not work when pain or anxiety is the cause of the problem.

Acupuncture (acupressure) is extremely beneficial for this condition, and should not only be considered, but recommended. The patient may apply firm pressure while moving the finger in a circular motion to the points illustrated in the figures.

This condition is helped considerably by acupressure. Should you the practitioner stimulate these same points on the patient while in the office, your success will be counted in the very high 90 percent range.

One of the most significant healing techniques used for insomnia is to simply have the patient breathe slowly and deeply, being sure to exhale completely, for five full minutes prior to lying down. This technique relaxes the entire nervous system and is a great help in relieving insomnia by itself, let alone should you use the acupuncture points mentioned in this article.

Those of you reading this with a background in acupuncture know the precise location of the points illustrated; those of you who don't, simply go to the general area shown and stimulate the entire area to insure you don't miss. One of the sure ways to not get the job done properly is to make too much of an issue as to the "exact" location of these points.

Acupuncture and Emotions

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

D.D. Palmer stated the three causes of subluxation and thus disease: poisons, traumas, and autointoxications.

In the long history of Asian healing, which we in the West usually only consider as being acupuncture, environment and emotion are considered the most significant factors in the cause of disease.

The Oriental practitioner also recognizes trauma, poisons, chemicals, parasites, and lifestyle (e.g., excessive sex in the male) as major contributors to the ills of mankind.

Acupuncture is only one of four major contributors to health, the others being manipulation of the spine and joints (chiropractic), nutritional therapy, and psychological well being.

We in the 20th century are constantly referring to our level of stress as we deal with routine matters in our day-to-day world. We make it sound as though we are the only ones who have ever experienced anxiety, fear, worry, grief, anger, and a host of emotions too numerous to mention in this article.

One need only browse through any book on world history. In any given era, in any country, it's evident that the people of those nations and times certainly experienced all, if not more, of the turmoil and emotions we are confronted with in our lives today.

In recent years, the holistic practitioner has become vitally aware of the emotions as being a major contributor to disease and dysfunction. We see more and more practitioners using such techniques as NET to balance the body and clear stagnated emotions.

Whenever we are confronted with a situation which will produce one of the five main emotions -- fear, anger, overexcitement, worry, and grief -- the mental emotion is translated to the body as a chemical messenger, which is usually rendered harmless by the protectorate meridians of the body, which are the body's first line of defense against both the ravages of the emotions as well as environmental factors.

Should the protectorate meridians, referred to as the extaordinary vessels, not be able to render harmless the negative factor due to a blockage, the pathology becomes apparent in the main meridian and thus produces symptomatology in the body. This symptomatology may be expressed by virtually any condition. An oversimplified example would be the gutters of a house blocked with leaves. When the rain comes, the runoff from the roof cannot drain properly, causing flooding or leaking of water in the house, basement or lawn. The cure is to simply remove the leaves from the gutter.

The same is true of the extraordinary vessels. If they are flowing freely, negative emotions simply drain off, and even though we will mentally experience the emotion, it normally does not produce long lasting effects.

However, as you are well aware, often an emotion which was experienced years ago may surface as a full blown psychological or physical problem much later in a person's life.

This is obviously a subject which is very complex, and even though the remedy I am about to offer is seemingly very simple, it likewise is complex, especially if you were to explore all of the ramifications and explanations of its use. In a nutshell, and I almost feel guilty making this very complex subject so elementary, to clean your gutters, one stimulates the pairs of points known as GB41 and TH5, S13 and BL62, SP4 and P6, LU7 and KI6.

Stimulate one point on one side of the body and its pair on the opposite side. This combination of points should be ideally repeated four times a year, primarily at the change of seasons. To do so will create a favorable balance situation which will allow most negative emotions as well as negative environmental factors to roll off like water on a duck's back.

In addition, there are several points which have a significant historical application which should also be considered if the patient is already suffering from emotional distress.

BL47 -- helps to release repressed fear and encourages feelings of strength resolution.

KI6 -- this point may be used for stage fright or fears about any performance.

P6 -- this point has historical applications for those who frighten very easily.

GB20 and a point opposite of cervical 3-4 -- these points are particularly beneficial for those with obsessive thought patterns and to relax mental tension.

TH15 -- this point helps relax nervous tension associated with worry.

ST 36 -- helps to reduce anxiety by strengthening the entire energetic and physical body.

GB21 -- this point is crucial to assisting feelings of irritation and general 'uptightness.'

BL42 -- helps to release repressed internalized anger.

SP4 -- traditionally used for anger and rage.

LU1 -- this is the great 'letting go' point used in grief or when the person has just experienced the loss of a loved one or another situation where grief and 'holding on' is a factor.

BL38 -- helps to strengthen the body after the experience of grief.

GV20-GV26-CV6 -- are traditional points used for shock or overwhelming emotions.

HT7 -- helps to balance and calm the heart meridian involved in overexcitement.

HT3 -- the master point on the body for anxiety.

I have in past articles in Dynamic Chiropractic illustrated all of the aforementioned acupoints in a five-part series "The Most Important Notes of Acupuncture" (September 12, October 24, November 21, and December 19, 1990, and January 18, 1991). Please refer to these issues for an illustrative listing of the meridians and acupoints of the body.

For those of you who are new to Dynamic Chiropractic, new to Asian healing, or who would just like an illustrated copy of the above mentioned acupoints, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to my attention and I will see that you receive it.

In the meantime, begin using these acupoints with whatever modality you have for stimulation. My favorite for this technique is a 1mw HeNe laser. This method of stimulation mimics moxibustion without all of the negatives surrounding its use. Electronic stimulation produces fair to good results, and needle stimulation is often too abrasive for the patient. If you do not have any access to these modalities, finger pressure does a decent job, but nothing compares to the laser in this application.

The Korean "Four Point" System

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

In my last article "Acupuncture Diagnosis in a Chiropractic/Medical Practice" (Dynamic Chiropractic - October 18, 1999), I discussed the high technology acupuncture examination known as "Ryodoraku" or "Electro Meridian imaging" to determine the status of the meridian system.

Since pulse diagnosis as classically taught, only allows the practitioner to see a maximum of 6 to 8 patients a day, many practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have begun to use modern diagnostic procedures along with classical acupuncture stimulation techniques.

Of course one of the most important issues in clinical acupuncture is without question the establishing of a proper diagnosis. This includes determining which of the 12 meridians are involved by either being too high in electro magnetic energy, too low or split between left and right sides of the body.

Once the status of the meridians are determined by Electro Meridian Imaging (Ryodoraku) or by Traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis, it is imperative to balance the meridians to normalcy by toniflying the low meridians and sedating the high ones. In Five Element acupuncture, balancing between involved meridians is classical and focuses on borrowing excessive energy to supply those meridians that are too low.

Acupuncture has numerous approaches around the world to include virtually every Asian nation. However, the Koreans approximately 600 years ago, developed one of the most significant techniques of balancing the meridians which is virtually unknown to most acupuncturists except those in Korea and extreme northern China. The procedure is also very well known in the northern islands of Japan.

The technique requires the use of four specific acupuncture points for each meridian that is shown to be either too high or too low. Whereas in Chinese acupuncture, the utilization of the single "tonification" or "sedation" point is all that is classically used.

Even though simple tonification and sedation will suffice in most cases, for those stubborn conditions that are having great difficulty in establishing a balance, this Korean system is ideal. This technique will balance meridians when other procedures will not.

The four steps for a "deficient" meridian are:
1. Tonify the Horary point of the Mother organ
2. Tonify the Mother organs element point on the affected organ
3. Sedate the Horary point of the controlling meridian (KO cycle)
4. Sedate the controlling organs element point on the affected organ

The four steps for an "excessive" meridian are:
1. Tonify the Horary point of the controlling organ (KO cycle)
2. Tonify the controlling organs element point on the affected organ
3. Sedate the Horary point on the "son" organ
4. Sedate the son organs element point on the affected organ

The fact of the matter is, once a meridian is determined to be too high or too low, rather than going through the procedure of figuring out which points to use, the points are always the same for each meridian either being too high or too low. Follow the provided chart to achieve some of the most spectacular clinical results you will ever experience.

When the following meridians are "DEFICIENT" treat:

Meridian	TONIFY	SEDATE
LUNG	SP3 LU9	HT8 LU10
LARGE INTESTINE	ST36 LI11	SI5 LI5
STOMACH	SI5 ST41	GB41 ST43
SPLEEN	HT8 SP2	LIV1 SP1
HEART	LIV1 HT9	KI10 HT3
SMALL INTESTINE	GB41 SI3	BL66 SI2
BLADDER	LI1 BL67	ST36 BL54
KIDNEY	LU8 KI7	SP3 KI3
PERICARDIUM	LIV1 P9	KI10 P3
TRI-HEATER	GB41 TH3	BL66 TH2
GALLBLADDER	BL66 GB43	LI1 GB44
LIVER	KI10 LIV8	LU8 LIV4

When the following meridians are "EXCESSIVE" treat:

Meridian	TONIFY	SEDATE
LUNG	HT8 LU10	KI10 LU5
LARGE INTESTINE	SI5 LI5	BL66 LI2
STOMACH	GB41 ST43	LI1 ST45
SPLEEN	LIV1 SP1	LU8 SP5
HEART	KI10 HT3	SP3 HT7
SMALL INTESTINE	BL66 GB40	ST36 SI8
BLADDER	ST36 BL54	GB41 BL65
KIDNEY	SP3 KI3	LIV1 KI1
PERICARDIUM	KI10 P3	SP3 P7
TRI-HEATER	BL66 TH2	ST36 TH10
GALLBLADDER	LI1 GB44	SI5 GB38
LIVER	LU8 LIV4	HT8 LIV2

Try balancing the involved meridians you have discovered with EMI evaluation with this ancient Korean approach. It has few equals. I personally use it in the most difficult cases.

"What points do you use for_____"

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

Without hesitation the number one question poised of me by doctors interested in the application of acupuncture and which has been consistent for more than a quarter of a century is simply, "What points do you use for_________".

Of course this simplified approach to what many practitioners feel is the practice of acupuncture, is in reality a far cry from proper applications that deal with a host of theoretical and procedural process both ancient and modern.

Even though this article will be read in every corner of the globe, I speak especially to my American brethren who having been born Americans, feel we have the birthright to change ancient rules at will. As a nation, we Americans seem to have a way of minimizing everything to meet our way of life. We tend to make things easier and less complicated sometimes disregarding the how's, why's and historical significance of matters of importance. However, as the world becomes much smaller, it appears this is quickly becoming a global trend.

Many health care practitioners who "dabble" with acupuncture thru simple stimulation of patterns of acupuncture points, often find themselves very frustrated when they achieve outstanding results on one patient and no response on the next two. This is usually attributed to the fact many practitioners commonly use only formulae or "cookbook" approaches even though acceptable are not specific for the individual patient.

In every sport, occupation or profession, many will become very involved and considered good at what they do however, few ever reach the pinnacle of fame, fortune and success in that particular endeavor. There are always in every field only a few who stand out above mediocrity.

In the field of acupuncture, it behooves the practitioner to understand the reasoning behind the specific points on the meridian system and how and why they are used in a clinical practice. As opposed to the simple "what points do you use for______". The medical/chiropractic professional in order to practice proper acupuncture needs an understanding of the principles of acupuncture, along with scientific correspondences and knowledge of special reflex areas that are essential to its successful practice.

Acupuncture does not have to involve the myriad of myth, shamanism and folklore that abounds in many of the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In actuality, TCM is just one method of a large multi national system which includes, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, South East Asia, Malaysia, not to mention every country in Europe which have used acupuncture extensively for centuries. European applications have demystified many of acupuncture's explanations that are more compatible with Western scientific thought processes.

Given all of that, practitioners will continue to ask, "What points are good for___". In Richard Cheng's M.D., Ph.D. book "The Science of Acupuncture Therapy", many of these orthopedic/neurologic basic points and formulae's are discussed. These points have been found to be very effective in the majority of cases based on neurologic explanations rather than TCM thought processes.

Dr. Cheng a personal friend of mine and faculty member of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture is a neurophysiologist, internationally recognized researcher and M.D. He was one of the principle researchers in the discovery of endorphins and enkephalins at the University of Toronto. His work has been published in numerous prestigious scientific journals that earned him the first Ph.D. in acupuncture research in North America. Following are specific points Dr. Chengs neurologic research has shown to be extremely effective in pain control.

The following points will only be listed by number as opposed to illustrated (Dr. Cheng's book is illustrated). Should you not know the location of these powerful points, bring out your acupuncture chart or mannequin and begin your review. These are far too powerful for you not to use. I have personally used them for years. The following represent just a few from the book.

Neuralgic headaches
GV 15, TW 17, ST 4, GB 1, GB 14, ST 7, LI 20, BL2, BL 9

Acupuncture points for neck pain
GV 16, GV 15, GV 14, BL 10, BL 11, GB 20, GB 21, SI 15, SI 17, ST 9

Sciatica
GB 30, BL 54 (UB 40)

Elbow pain
LI 11, LI 10, P3, SI 8

Wrist pain
TH 4, LI 5

Hip pain
Sp 12, BL 49, BL 48, GB 31, LIV 11

Knee disorders
SP 9, SP 10, GB 34, LIV 7, GB 33, ST 35, Knee eye, ST 32, BL 53, KI 10

Ankle pain
KE 3, BL 60, ST 41

Dr. Cheng lists the following as the 11-master/major points that should be learned in detail.
LI 4, HT 7, LI 11, GB 20, P 6, TW 5, GV 26, ST 36, SP 6, SP 10, SHEN MEN (Ear)

The Low Back thru Asian Eyes

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

When one considers the fact besides the common cold, more people worldwide and in particular contemporary Western nations, seek a doctors care for lower back pain than the combined total of all other health conditions. It would then stand to reason since the illustration shown here in FIGURE A. are obviously classic local acupuncture (meridian acu-therapy) points found in the low back region, than these points would be without question the most significant local points for the treatment of the number one health condition world wide.

A review of the points in FIGURE A and utilization of just a few of the ones shown, will elicit incredible clinical response in low back pain in the majority of cases. There are additional points which are legendary for low back pain which are not found directly in the lumbar region however to the veteran practitioner as well as the uninitiated the local points illustrated here when stimulated by a variety of physiotherapy means or acupuncture needles can and do illicit impressive response.

The graphic of the acupuncture points of the lumbar region (FIGURE A) is one which you will definitely want to clip and save for further review. The information here is way to important to do otherwise.

Virtually every point illustrated will have a specific effect on lumbalgia, however, BL23, BL25,
Bl 27, BL28, BL52 (47), DU (GV) 2, 3, 4, and 5 are well known for their success in low back pain.
The “DU’ meridian otherwise known as Governing Vessel (GV is a mid line spinal meridian running from the perineum over the spinous processes coursing over the head and ending just under the upper lip between the front two teeth. On this meridian we will find some of the most powerful acupuncture points on the body for a variety of conditions, other than the obvious low back pain.

DU2 Expels interior Wind, strengthens the low back and calms spasms and convulsions
DU3 Below the fourth lumbar, tonifies Yang, and strengthens the lower back and legs
DU4 Gate of Life below the spinous of the second lumbar, nourishes the original Chi, tonifies kidney yang, known as the Ming Men, Gate of Vitality, strengthens the lower back.
DU 5 Below the first lumbar spinous, pain and stiffness of the low back, diarrhea and indigestion.
DU6 Below the eleventh spinous, historic area of chiropractic application according to Palmer
DU7 Below the tenth thoracic spinous, epigastric pain, pain and stiffness of lumbar spine.
DU8 Below the ninth thoracic spinous, expels interior Wind and relaxes tendons, sinews.

All of the acupuncture points beginning with BL18 and progressing thru BL 28 are 1.5 tsun or two fingers breadth bilateral to the midline corresponding to the DU (GV) meridian. Each of these points are named after their specific association thus “associated’ (shu) points. The names of the association are by abbreviation the neophyte will just need to use a slight bit of imagination to understand their significance. BL19 between T10 and T11 is associated with the GB or “Gallbladder’. Knowledge of the working mechanism of the Gallbladder meridian from an acu-practic standpoint will open up an entirely new world of healing. BL19 specifically relaxes the diaphragm therefore it is used for chronic hiccough or anytime the diaphragm is involved. It also is known to pacify the Stomach. For example the Liver associated point BL 18 between T9-T10 has a very strong significance on the eyes as well as muscles, tendons and ligaments. This point moves stagnant Chi in addition to resolving Damp Heat and expelling Wind.

The two points known as BL 20 and BL21 specifically associated with the Spleen and Stomach respectively are classic points to resolve musculo-skeletal conditions as a result of Dampness. They are located opposite of the lower spinous of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae. This is a very historic area of the body as it along with DU 6 and DU7 is the area D.D. Palmer referred to as “Kidney’ place which was an area which was adjusted in every condition regardless of what the diagnosis was. It corresponds to the “Earth’ element in acupuncture and an area of extreme significance. I can be so bold as to say, every D.C. should consider some type of stimulus action on this area of points on every patient who visits the office for care.

The point known as BL22 or associated point to the Triple Heater (San Jiao) meridian is a classic healing point. It is located two fingers breadth opposite of the lower border of the spinous of the first lumbar. This point along with BL 25 (Large Intestine) and BL 27(Small Intestine) will have startling effects on gastrointestinal dysfunction to include colitis, diverticulosis, Chrohns etc.
The Kidney associated point namely BL23 just opposite the lower spinous of L2 is one of the most known points on the body it effects the entire Kidney network to include bone, marrow, ears and Kidney essence. It has a very strong effect on lumbar pain, tinnitus, dizziness, deafness, edema and asthma. It is a very significant point. The last associated point is BL28 opposite the second sacral foramen. It is extremely significant for regulating the bladder, opening water passages affected by the lower burner of the Triple Heater. It strengthens the back and knee and has a very strong effect on pain in general. It has a very close interrelationship with the Atlas vertebrae.

The BL points which are located another 1.5 tsun lateral to the associated BL points or four finger breadths from the DU (GV) are extremely significant in an acupuncture practice.
These points seem to be overlooked far too often in difference to the ones previously discussed. The points of the second channel have two distinct numbering sequences which are universally accepted, however in the US we have seen a gradual take over of the system which begins at the top point of the outer channel as BL41 as opposed to BL36 as known by two generations of practitioners over the last 30 years. For convenience sake I have identified the points of the lower back outer channel by both numbering systems. The point known as BL52 (47 on older charts), is a very significant point which is in line with BL 23 and DU 4 which is just under the spinous of the second lumbar vertebrae. It is known to strengthen the lower back, strengthens the Kidney and affects will power, thus its name Zhishi (Will Power Room). BL51 (46) just above BL52 (47) is known to regulate the TH meridian ensuring smooth spreading of TH chi through the heart and upper burner. Subluxation at this point is critical to the function of the body.
BL 47 (42) at the lower border of the ninth thoracic spinous, is significant in that it regulates the Chi of the Liver and has strong healing factors with the Spleen and Stomach. BL 49 (44) is specific to affect the Spleen and known to stimulate both memory and concentration. It is located just below the eleventh thoracic spinous. BL53 (48) is an extremely vital point for bladder function as seen in its name Baohuang (Bladder Vital). This point is 3 tsun or four finger breadth bilateral to the second sacral foramen. This point is just opposite BL 28 which is the associated point for the Bladder.

Examine carefully the illustration as shown in FIGURE A. These points which have such spectacular significance are something that every D.C. every day are in intimate contact with. Appreciating their presence and understanding their importance will serve the practitioner and patient very well. General stimulation with a mechanical non-invasive stimulation device known as a teishein, a simple piezo stimulator and of course one of the quickest, easiest and most effective is a 5mw 635nm laser pen which is an ideal way to stimulate acupoints. These are readily available and very inexpensive. Obviously needles are a phenomenal way to stimulate points; however the meridian acu-practic approach utilizing a host of non-invasive means is of great clinical significance. Keep this graphic in a convenient location to refer to often. If you are typical, you too will see some spectacular response.

The Treatment of Chronic Pain

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

The American public has been emotionally and physically traumatized due to announcements of the FDA concerning the devastating health effects discovered in a number of prescription pain medications of the COX-2 inhibitors to include the most popular pain drugs on the market.

With Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex, Aleve and Naprosyn being named in specific consumer health advisories and warnings to medical physicians to “stop prescribing’, millions of Americans who have relied heavily on these drugs to ease their pain and affect their lifestyle are now wondering what their future holds and where can they go and what can they do to ease their chronic pain.

Acupuncture is without question one of the most powerful pain altering modalities in the world, its reputation for pain relief is known and respected internationally. It may be successfully practiced with a variety of procedures other than needles to include laser, electronic and non-invasive stimulation devices for those who are needle phobic and would not consider acupuncture otherwise.

Literally millions of Americans suffering chronic pain are beginning to seek the care of those knowledgeable in the academics and techniques of acupuncture to help ease their pain and lessen their dependency on dangerous and cautioned prescription drugs.

There are a variety of techniques, procedures, acu-points and philosophies surrounding acupuncture and pain relief worldwide. As a practitioner whose clinic has seen in excess of 100 patients a day five days a week, I have had the opportunity to attend to a number of patients suffering a host of maladies, chronic pain however may be the most common occurrence seen in a practitioners office. Historically, our clinic has averaged a 94% success rate of “cure’ to “major clinical response’ with chronic pain based on the patient´s response index. Only 3% of all pain patients have reported less than satisfactory response in 34 years of practice. It is obvious, the following acu-points for pain are extremely effective.

The following illustrated acu- points are without question some of my favorite for the successful treatment of chronic pain. This list does not constitute the totality of effective points available to us as practitioners. There are many more effective points not listed here, however the following illustrations are my personal favorite points which have elicited incredible clinical success in chronic pain. There will be many points illustrated in this paper which will be instantly recognized and others which will make little sense, regardless, please use them even though space does not allow for detailed explanation of each point.

Most of these points have been taught to me by some of the great Masters of Acupuncture in a variety of Asian nations. To say this combination of acupoints is effective for chronic pain would be an understatement. All illustrated points do not need to be stimulated on the same day if only needles are used. Utilizing a combination of both laser/electronic and needle on the following points is also extremely effective. Otherwise, all points may be stimulated for 12-15 seconds with either green 535nm 5mw laser or red 635nm 5mw laser. Micro current electronic stimulation is also quite effective as a stand alone treatment.

Best Wishes for your successful treatment of severe, and unrelenting pain syndromes. Let me hear of your successes.

18 Healing Points of Acupuncture

18 healing points of acupuncture recognized by Dr. Ralph Dale. This is a list of points Dr. Dale says can treat conditions affecting most parts of the body.

1. Large Intestine 4 (He-gu) treats conditions of the face and head. Frequently used for toothaches.
2. Lung 7 (Lie-que) treats conditions of the neck.
3. -Pericardium 6 (Nei-guan) treats conditions of the chest, including the heart, lungs and ribs.
4. Lung 5 (Chi-ze) treats the respiratory system.
5. Large Intestine 11 (Qu-chi) treats skin conditions and the arm.
6. Triple Warmer 5 (Wai-guan) treats the hand and conditions of the ear.
7. Heart 7 (Shen0men) treats heart palpitations associated with anxiety.
8. Stomach 36 (Zu-san-li) is the Master horary point and has an energizing effect. Treats the upper abdomen.
9. Spleen 6 (San-yin-jiao) is the meeting place of the three yin meridians of the leg. Treats conditions of the lower abdomen and reproductive organs.
10. Urinary Bladder 54 (Wei-zhong) treats the lower back and leg.
11. Urinary Bladder 60 (Kun-lun) treats the upper back, leg and foot.
12. Liver 3 (Tai-chong) treats the nervous system and conditions of the chest.
13. Gall Bladder 34 (Yang-ling-quan) treats the muscles and tendons primarly of the leg and knee.
14. Conception Vessel 12 (Zhong-wan) treats the upper abdomen.
15. Conception vessel 6 (Qi-hai) treats the lower abdomen and reproductive organs.
16. Urinary Bladder 11 (Da-shu) treats the neck, shoulder, back and bone conditions.
17. Urinary Bladder 17 (Ge-shu) treats conditions affecting the blood, skin and heart.
18. Governing Vessel 26 (Ren-zhong) is an emergency point for fainting and unconsciousness. Treats the lower back.

These 18 cardinal points treat a wide range of conditions throughout the body. They all respond favorably to acupressure, so are easy to teach to patients for use between visits.