Overview
This lecture presents seven powerful acupuncture point combinations to use in clinical practice, especially when TCM diagnosis is unclear, with indications and tips for each combo.
Four Gates Combination (Liver 3 & Large Intestine 4)
- Liver 3 moves qi; Large Intestine 4 moves blood—together they enhance overall circulation.
- Used for acute pain, headaches, PMS symptoms, and constipation due to stagnation.
- Large Intestine 4 is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Dampness & Phlegm Combo (Spleen 9 & Stomach 40)
- Spleen 9 treats excess dampness; Stomach 40 resolves phlegm.
- Use when diagnosis between dampness and phlegm is uncertain, or both are suspected.
- Indicated for edema, mucus, dizziness, and water retention.
Energy Lifting Trio (Ren 6, Spleen 6, Du 20)
- Ren 6 (qi sea), Spleen 6 (connects to Liver, Kidney, Spleen), Du 20 (lifts energy).
- Indicated for extreme fatigue, organ prolapse, and adrenal exhaustion.
- Useful when unsure if deficiency is due to spleen, kidney, or blood.
Digestive Diamond (Ren 6, Ren 9 or 12, Stomach 25)
- Points surround the navel and treat all digestive issues: constipation, diarrhea, IBS, bloating.
- Needle direction: counterclockwise for diarrhea, clockwise for constipation, following stool flow.
- Use Ren 12 if upper digestion (stomach) is involved.
Hormonal Balance Quartet (Lung 7, Kidney 6, Spleen 4, Pericardium 6)
- These are confluent points of the eight extraordinary vessels, connecting to reproductive essence.
- Use for female reproductive issues: fertility, menstruation, menopause, and hormonal imbalance.
Menstrual Pain Trio (Spleen 8, Liver 6, Kidney 5)
- All are xi-cleft (accumulation) points of yin meridians, targeting blood issues and pain.
- Effective for menstrual cramps, endometriosis, and as a preventative measure before cycles.
Buddha’s Triangle (Pericardium 6, Heart 7, Lung 9)
- Calms the mind and emotions: insomnia, anxiety, depression, grief, or emotional trauma.
- Use when mental health symptoms are present and diagnosis is unclear.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Four Gates — Combination of Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4; promotes qi and blood flow.
- Dampness — Pathogenic fluid accumulation in tissues.
- Phlegm — Thick, stubborn fluid often causing blockages.
- Ren Meridian — Also called Conception Vessel; runs along the anterior midline.
- Du Meridian — Also called Governing Vessel; runs along the posterior midline.
- Confluent Points — Points connecting primary channels to eight extraordinary vessels.
- Xi-Cleft (Accumulation) Points — Points where qi and blood gather deeply; often used for acute pain or blood issues.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review contraindications for point use, especially in pregnancy.
- Practice locating and needling discussed point combinations.
- Review the referenced videos/resources for further understanding of phlegm vs. damp and the eight extraordinary vessels.