Acupuncture: The points that pay off most

The point for the face and for pain

It sits on the back of the hand, in the muscle belly between thumb and index finger. It commands the whole face and head and is the analgesic point par excellence. Its fame has a catch: it is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Territory

face, teeth, nose, head

Action

releases the surface and calms pain

Classic pairing

with the point that lowers yang from the foot

Contraindication

pregnancy

Common mistake: Using it by default for any pain without checking whether the patient is pregnant.

The point for qi and for the stomach

Three cun below the kneecap, on the outer side of the leg. It is the most used general tonification point in the world: it strengthens qi, settles digestion and holds up an exhausted patient.

Territory

stomach, digestion, general energy

Action

tonifies qi and blood

With moxa

the classic longevity point

Sign of good location

a sensation running down toward the foot

Common mistake: Finding it by the dip alone. Without measuring the three cun you end up on a neighbouring point with different indications.

The crossing of the three leg yin channels

Three cun above the inner ankle, against the edge of the tibia. Spleen, Liver and Kidney cross there, so a single point reaches all three. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy.

Territory

lower abdomen, menstrual cycle, sleep

Action

nourishes blood and yin, drains damp

Why it is so used

three channels for the price of one

Contraindication

pregnancy

Common mistake: Confusing it with the point in the same area but behind the tibial border: their indications do not match.

Frontal headache and toothache. Which of these four areas holds the point you choose?

1. Below the knee, on the outer side
2. At the nape, under the occiput
3. On the back of the hand, between thumb and index finger
4. Above the inner ankle

An exhausted patient with weak digestion you want to support with moxa. Which area?

1. Three cun below the kneecap, on the outer side of the leg
2. On the top of the foot, between the first and second metatarsals
3. Two cun above the wrist crease, inner side
4. In the dip below the head of the fibula

Match each frequently used point with its main job.

Temporal headache, irritability and red eyes, with a wiry pulse. Which combination makes most sense?

1. Many local points over the temples, to attack the pain where it is
2. A distal point that lowers Liver yang, one that releases the head, and a short local point in the area
3. Only general tonification points, since the patient is exhausted

Build the principle that orders almost every combination.