7.1 Taiyin Channels: Lung (LU) and Spleen (SP) Points
Key Takeaways
Hand Taiyin Lung governs respiration, disperses defensive Qi, controls the waterways, and encompasses 11 bilateral points running from the infraclavicular fossa down the anterolateral arm to the radial thumbnail, anchored by pivotal points LU 1 (Front-Mu), LU 5 (He-Sea), LU 7 (Luo-Connecting/Command/Confluent), and LU 9 (Yuan-Source/Vessel Hui).
Foot Taiyin Spleen governs transformation and transportation, controls blood containment, and rules the muscles and four limbs, traversing 21 points from the medial big toe up the medial leg and abdomen to the 6th intercostal space on the mid-axillary line at SP 21 (Great Luo).
High-priority safety benchmarks include the severe risk of pneumothorax at chest points LU 1, LU 2, and SP 17–21 (requiring oblique outward needling), puncture hazards to the radial artery at LU 9, femoral neurovascular bundle hazards at SP 11 and SP 12, and the peritoneal cavity/perforated viscera risks across abdominal points SP 13–SP 16.
SP 6 (Sanyinjiao), crossing of the three leg Yin channels, is strictly contraindicated during all stages of pregnancy due to its downward-draining action that induces uterine contractions; similarly, SP 1 is the classical empirical point for moxibustion in abnormal uterine bleeding from Spleen deficiency failing to contain blood.
7.1 Taiyin Channels: Lung (LU) and Spleen (SP) Points
Quick Answer: The Taiyin pair unites the Lung (Hand Taiyin) and Spleen (Foot Taiyin), representing the functional core of postnatal Qi generation (Hou Tian Zhi Qi). The Lung extracts clean air (Da Qi) while the Spleen extracts food essence (Gu Qi) to generate Gathering Qi (Zong Qi). The Lung channel contains 11 bilateral points running from the 1st intercostal space (LU 1) to the radial corner of the thumbnail (LU 11). High-yield exam points include LU 1 (Front-Mu, pneumothorax caution), LU 5 (He-Sea Water, clears Phlegm-Heat), LU 6 (Xi-Cleft, acute hemoptysis/asthma), LU 7 (Luo-Connecting, Master of Ren Mai, Command of Head/Nape), LU 9 (Yuan-Source, Hui of Vessels, tonifies Qi/Yin), and LU 11 (Jing-Well Wood, prick to bleed for high fever/tonsillitis). The Spleen channel contains 21 points ascending from the medial big toe (SP 1) to the 6th intercostal space on the mid-axillary line (SP 21). Key points include SP 1 (Jing-Well, moxa for uterine bleeding), SP 3 (Yuan-Source, Horary Earth, tonifies Spleen T&T), SP 4 (Luo-Connecting, Master of Chong Mai), SP 6 (crossing of 3 Leg Yin, tonifies Yin/Blood, strictly contraindicated in pregnancy), SP 8 (Xi-Cleft, acute dysmenorrhea), SP 9 (He-Sea Water, premier dampness resolver), SP 10 (Sea of Blood, clears blood heat/stasis), and SP 21 (Great Luo, whole-body aches). Critical safety rules mandate avoiding deep medial needling on chest points to prevent pneumothorax, and avoiding the femoral vessels at SP 11/12.
The Energetic Architecture of Taiyin (Hand & Foot)
In classical channel theory, Taiyin represents the "opening" (Kai) of the Yin realm. It is abundant in Qi but comparatively modest in Blood. As the anatomical and physiological foundation of digestion, respiration, fluid dispersion, and immune defense:
- Hand Taiyin (Lung): Commands the exterior, rules Defensive Qi (Wei Qi), regulates the water passages, dominates the skin and body hair, and opens into the nose. Energetically, it descends and disperses Qi and fluids throughout the body.
- Foot Taiyin (Spleen): Commands the interior Middle Jiao, governs transformation and transportation (Yun Hua) of nutrients and fluids, holds Blood in the vessels (Tong Xue), dominates the four limbs and muscles, and opens into the mouth/lips. Energetically, it ascends clear Qi (Qing Qi) to the Lung and Heart.
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| TAIYIN POSTNATAL QI SYNTHESIS (HOU TIAN ZHI QI) |
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| Food & Drink ---> Stomach (Rots & Ripens) ---> Spleen (Transforms & Transports)
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| Gu Qi (Food Essence) |
| | |
| Inhaled Air ---> Lung (Da Qi / Clean Air) <------------+ |
| | |
| v |
| Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) |
| (Nourishes Heart & Lungs, |
| drives speech & breathing) |
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Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin (LU 1 to LU 11)
The Hand Taiyin Lung channel originates internally in the Middle Jiao (Stomach), descends to encircle the Large Intestine, returns upward across the cardiac orifice of the Stomach, penetrates the diaphragm, enters its pertaining organ the Lung, ascends along the trachea and larynx to the throat, and emerges superficially at LU 1 (Zhongfu). Superficially, it runs down the anterolateral aspect of the upper arm, crosses the cubital fossa lateral to the biceps tendon, descends the radial anterior forearm, crosses the radial pulse at the wrist, traverses the thenar eminence, and terminates at the radial nail corner of the thumb at LU 11 (Shaoshang). An internal branch separates at LU 7 (Lieque) and runs directly to the radial tip of the index finger to connect with LI 1 (Shangyang).
Comprehensive Reference: Lung Channel Points
| Point | Pinyin / Translation | Category / Specific Function | Anatomical Location & Palpation | Needling Angle & Depth | Primary Clinical Actions & Exam High-Yields | Anatomical Structures at Risk / Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LU 1 | Zhongfu (Central Treasury) | Front-Mu of Lung; Crossing point with Spleen channel | Lateral aspect of chest, 6 cun lateral to anterior midline (Ren Mai), 1 cun directly inferior to LU 2, in 1st intercostal space | Oblique insertion directed laterally or superior-laterally 0.5–0.8 cun. Never needle perpendicularly or deep medially. | Clears Lung heat, descends rebellious Qi, stops cough, wheezing, dyspnea, fullness in chest, shoulder pain | Visceral pleura and apex of lung. Deep medial insertion causes pneumothorax. |
| LU 2 | Yunmen (Cloud Gate) | Local point (no special category) | Infraclavicular fossa, 6 cun lateral to midline, in the depression below the acromial extremity of the clavicle | Oblique laterally 0.5–0.8 cun | Clears Lung heat, unbinds chest, relieves cough, shoulder pain | Visceral pleura; pneumothorax hazard; cephalic vein. |
| LU 3 | Tianfu (Palace of Heaven) | Window of Heaven point | Anterolateral upper arm, 3 cun inferior to anterior axillary fold, on radial border of biceps brachii | Perpendicular 0.5–1.0 cun | Clears Lung heat, stops nosebleeds (epistaxis), calms Po, depression | Brachial vessels and median nerve located medially. |
| LU 4 | Xiabai (Clasping White) | Local channel point | Anterolateral upper arm, 4 cun inferior to anterior axillary fold, 1 cun inferior to LU 3 | Perpendicular 0.5–1.0 cun | Cough, fullness in chest, medial arm pain | Brachial neurovascular bundle. |
| LU 5 | Chize (Cubit Marsh) | He-Sea (Water point); Sedation (Son) point | On the transverse cubital crease, in the depression radial (lateral) to the tendon of biceps brachii | Perpendicular 0.5–1.0 cun | Clears Lung Heat, expels Phlegm-Heat, descends rebellious Lung Qi; treats acute cough, asthma, hemoptysis, tidal fever, sore throat | Radial recurrent artery/vein; cephalic vein. |
| LU 6 | Kongzui (Maximum Opening) | Xi-Cleft point | Radial anterior forearm, 7 cun proximal to transverse wrist crease (LU 9), on line connecting LU 5 and LU 9 | Perpendicular 0.5–1.2 cun | Stops acute bleeding (hemoptysis, epistaxis), clears acute asthma, severe coughing spasms, acute aphonia, painful throat | Cephalic vein; lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. |
| LU 7 | Lieque (Broken Sequence) | Luo-Connecting point; Master (Confluent) of Ren Mai; Command point of Head and Nape; Gao Wu Command point | Radial aspect of forearm, 1.5 cun proximal to transverse wrist crease, in the cleft between the tendons of brachioradialis and abductor pollicis longus | Oblique insertion proximally or distally 0.3–0.5 cun | Expels exterior Wind (Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat), treats occipital headache, stiff neck, toothache, facial paralysis; opens Ren Mai (paired with KI 6) for genitourinary and throat disharmony; processes grief | Cephalic vein; superficial branch of radial nerve. |
| LU 8 | Jingqu (Channel Gutter) | Jing-River (Metal point); Horary point | Radial forearm, 1 cun proximal to transverse wrist crease, in depression between radial artery and styloid process of radius | Perpendicular or oblique 0.1–0.3 cun. Do not moxa. | Regulates Lung Qi, cough, asthma, sore throat, wrist pain | Radial artery and vein; avoid direct vascular puncture. Classical texts forbid moxibustion. |
| LU 9 | Taiyuan (Great Abyss) | Shu-Stream (Earth point); Yuan-Source point; Tonification (Mother) point; Hui-Meeting point of Vessels (Zong Mai) | Radial end of transverse wrist crease, in the depression between the radial artery and the tendon of abductor pollicis longus | Perpendicular 0.3–0.5 cun | Premier point to tonify Lung Qi and Lung Yin; transforms phlegm; regulates and harmonizes all vascular pulses; treats weak voice, chronic dry cough, dyspnea | Radial artery and radial veins. Palpate artery and insert needle strictly radial/lateral to it. |
| LU 10 | Yuji (Fish Border) | Ying-Spring (Fire point) | Radial aspect of hand, midpoint of 1st metacarpal bone, at the border between the red and white skin (thenar eminence) | Perpendicular 0.5–0.8 cun | Clears Lung Heat, clears Fire from the throat, treats acute tonsillitis, severe sore throat, fever, hoarseness, hemoptysis | Thenar musculature, superficial branches of radial nerve. |
| LU 11 | Shaoshang (Lesser Shang) | Jing-Well (Wood point) | Radial side of thumb, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail | Perpendicular 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed | Revives consciousness, clears extreme heat and fire toxin from throat, treats severe acute tonsillitis, mumps, high fever, childhood convulsions, apoplexy | Digital vessels and nerves; use sterile lancet for bleeding. |
Clinical Deep Dive: High-Yield Lung Points
1. LU 1 (Zhongfu) - Front-Mu and the Pneumothorax Hazard
As the Front-Mu point of the Lung, LU 1 reflects the direct energetic state of the Lung organ. When palpated, tenderness indicates acute or chronic Lung excess, phlegm accumulation, or inflammation. It is clinically indicated for severe wheezing, chest oppression, and coughing fits.
- Crucial ACPL Safety Rule: The visceral pleura lies immediately deep to the intercostal muscles. Needling perpendicularly or directing the needle medially toward the sternum risks puncturing the lung parenchyma, resulting in traumatic pneumothorax. The needle must ALWAYS be directed obliquely outward (laterally) or superior-laterally along the intercostal space at a shallow depth of 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
2. LU 5 (Chize) - Phlegm-Heat Clearer and Son Point
LU 5 is the He-Sea (Water) point. Under Five-Element Sheng-cycle dynamics, Water is the child of Metal. Therefore, LU 5 serves as the Sedation (Son) point of the Lung channel ("In cases of Excess, sedate the Son"). It drains pathogenic fullness, damp-heat, and fire downward through urination. It is selected for barking coughs with thick, purulent yellow sputum, hemoptysis, and chest congestion.
3. LU 7 (Lieque) - Triple-Threat Node
LU 7 represents one of the most versatile points in the entire channel network due to its triple classification:
- Luo-Connecting Point: Regulates the interior-exterior relationship with the Large Intestine channel, clearing external wind and harmonizing the bowels.
- Master (Confluent) Point of the Ren Mai: When paired with KI 6 (Zhaohai) (Master of Yin Qiao Mai), LU 7 opens the Conception Vessel, addressing asthma, post-partum disorders, chronic dry throat, and lower abdominal masses.
- Command Point of the Head and Nape: As designated in Gao Wu's Command Points, LU 7 is the premier distal point for all pathologies affecting the posterior cranium, occiput, and cervical spine (stiff neck, occipital headache, cervical spondylosis).
- Location Landmark: Interlocking the thumbs of both hands with index fingers extended along the radial styloid process; LU 7 lies in the small cleft at the tip of the index finger.
4. LU 9 (Taiyuan) - Tonification, Source & Vessel Master
LU 9 serves as the Yuan-Source, Shu-Stream (Earth), and Mother (Tonification) point ("In cases of Deficiency, tonify the Mother"). Earth generates Metal. When a patient presents with chronic Lung Qi deficiency (feeble voice, spontaneous sweating, pale tongue) or chronic Lung Yin deficiency (dry tickling cough, malar flush, night sweats), LU 9 is the primary tonification node. As the Hui-Meeting Point of the Vessels (Mai Hui), it is palpated and needled for pulse irregularities, pulseless disease (takayasu arteritis), and poor peripheral circulation.
Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin (SP 1 to SP 21)
The Foot Taiyin Spleen channel originates at the medial corner of the big toe nail at SP 1 (Yinbai), runs along the medial aspect of the foot at the red-white skin junction, passes anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial lower leg behind the tibia, crosses anterior to the Liver channel 8 cun above the medial malleolus, ascends the medial thigh, traverses the groin, enters the lower abdomen, intersects Ren 3, Ren 4, and Ren 10, penetrates the Spleen and connects with the Stomach, traverses the diaphragm, ascends along the esophagus, and disperses across the inferior surface and root of the tongue. A deep internal branch leaves the Stomach, penetrates the diaphragm, and flows into the Heart. Superficially, the channel ascends the lateral abdomen (4 cun lateral to midline) and chest (6 cun lateral) before descending to terminate in the 6th intercostal space on the mid-axillary line at SP 21 (Dabao).
Comprehensive Reference: Spleen Channel Points
| Point | Pinyin / Translation | Category / Specific Function | Anatomical Location & Palpation | Needling Angle & Depth | Primary Clinical Actions & Exam High-Yields | Anatomical Structures at Risk / Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP 1 | Yinbai (Hidden White) | Jing-Well (Wood point); Ghost point | Medial side of great toe, 0.1 cun posterior to corner of nail | Perpendicular 0.1 cun, or moxibustion | Premier point to stop uterine bleeding (Beng Lou) and blood in stools via moxa; strengthens Spleen's function of holding blood; calms Shen for dream-disturbed sleep | Digital vessels and nerves. Highly sensitive. |
| SP 2 | Dadu (Great Metropolis) | Ying-Spring (Fire point); Tonification (Mother) point | Medial aspect of big toe, in depression distal and inferior to 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, at red-white border | Perpendicular 0.3–0.5 cun | Tonifies Spleen, clears heat, abdominal distension, acute febrile illness with no sweat | Plantar digital vessels. |
| SP 3 | Taibai (Supreme White) | Shu-Stream (Earth point); Yuan-Source point; Horary point | Medial border of foot, in depression proximal and inferior to head of 1st metatarsal bone, at red-white border | Perpendicular 0.5–0.8 cun | Premier point to tonify Spleen Qi and Yang; resolves internal dampness; treats loose stools, heavy limbs, fatigue, borborygmus, epigastric pain | Medial branch of superficial peroneal nerve. |
| SP 4 | Gongsun (Grandfather Grandson) | Luo-Connecting point; Master (Confluent) of Chong Mai | Medial border of foot, in depression distal and inferior to base of 1st metatarsal bone, at red-white border | Perpendicular 0.5–1.0 cun | Paired with PC 6 to treat disorders of the chest, heart, and epigastrium; relieves acute gastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, food stagnation; regulates menses via Chong Mai | Medial tarsal artery, saphenous nerve. |
| SP 5 | Shangqiu (Shang Mound) | Jing-River (Metal point); Sedation (Son) point | In depression distal and inferior to medial malleolus, midway between tuberosity of navicular bone and tip of medial malleolus | Perpendicular 0.3–0.5 cun | Resolves dampness, ankle arthritis, local bi syndrome, chronic diarrhea | Great saphenous vein; avoid vascular wall puncture. |
| SP 6 | Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection) | Crossing point of 3 Leg Yin (Spleen, Liver, Kidney) | Medial lower leg, 3 cun superior to tip of medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial tibia | Perpendicular 1.0–1.5 cun | Premier point to tonify Spleen Qi, nourish Liver Blood, tonify Kidney Yin/Jing; regulates menstruation, resolves dampness, alleviates pain; calms Shen; treats insomnia | STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY (all trimesters). Can induce uterine contractions. Great saphenous vein. |
| SP 8 | Diji (Earth's Crux) | Xi-Cleft point | Medial lower leg, 3 cun inferior to SP 9, on the line connecting SP 9 and the medial malleolus, posterior to tibia | Perpendicular 1.0–1.5 cun | Premier point for acute dysmenorrhea, irregular menses, severe abdominal cramping, acute diarrhea, edema | Great saphenous vein; saphenous nerve. |
| SP 9 | Yinlingquan (Yin Mound Spring) | He-Sea (Water point) | Medial lower leg, in depression angle formed by inferior border of medial condyle of tibia and posterior border of tibia | Perpendicular 1.0–1.5 cun | Premier point in acupuncture to resolve Dampness (edema, dysuria, vaginal discharge, ascites, cloudy urine, damp diarrhea, knee bi) | Great saphenous vein, saphenous nerve; avoid hitting tibial periosteum. |
| SP 10 | Xuehai (Sea of Blood) | Special Blood point | Medial thigh, 2 cun superior to superior-medial border of patella, on the bulge of vastus medialis muscle | Perpendicular 1.0–1.5 cun | Clears Blood Heat, dispels Blood Stasis, nourishes Blood; treats skin eruptions, acute itching (eczema, urticaria), dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea | Muscular branches of femoral artery/vein, saphenous nerve. |
| SP 15 | Daheng (Great Horizontal) | Crossing point with Yin Wei Mai | Abdomen, 4 cun lateral to center of umbilicus, lateral to rectus abdominis muscle | Perpendicular 1.0–1.5 cun | Regulates Large Intestine Qi, resolves intestinal cold, treats severe constipation, chronic diarrhea, parasitic pain | In thin patients, deep needling risks peritoneal cavity and intestine. |
| SP 21 | Dabao (Great Embracement) | Great Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen | Lateral thoracic region, on the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space (WHO standard), about 6 cun below the axilla | Oblique along intercostal space 0.3–0.5 cun. Never perpendicular. | Regulates Qi and Blood throughout all collateral vessels (Luo); treats generalized body aches, flaccidity/weakness of all joints, chest and hypochondriac pain | Visceral pleura; severe risk of pneumothorax. |
Clinical Deep Dive: High-Yield Spleen Points
1. SP 1 (Yinbai) - The Hemostatic Moxa Empirical Node
As the Jing-Well (Wood) point, SP 1 anchors the Spleen's physiological command over Blood containment (Pi Tong Xue). When Spleen Qi is severely deficient, blood slips outside its conduits, manifesting as profuse, pale, continuous uterine flooding or spotting (Beng Lou), hematochezia, or hematuria. Direct or indirect moxibustion on SP 1 warms the Spleen, astringes leakage, and stops hemorrhage. Pricking SP 1 to bleed is indicated for acute mania, sudden loss of consciousness, and pediatric fright wind.
2. SP 4 (Gongsun) - Master of Chong Mai
SP 4 is the Luo-Connecting Point and the Master Point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). The Chong Mai is the "Sea of Blood" and the "Sea of the 12 Meridians," originating in the lower abdomen and surging through the chest and Heart. SP 4 is coupled with PC 6 (Neiguan) (Master of Yin Wei Mai) to treat pathologies of the Heart, chest, and Stomach: acute nausea, severe hyperemesis gravidarum, epigastric spasms, food stagnation, and menstrual irregularities.
3. SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) - The Three Yin Convergence and Pregnancy Ban
SP 6 represents the anatomical and energetic intersection where the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels converge. As a result, it influences digestion (Spleen), emotional/blood smoothing (Liver), and essence/fluid balance (Kidney).
- Actions: Tonifies Yin, enriches Blood, calms anxiety, promotes restful sleep, regulates the uterus, resolves dampness in the lower burner, and treats urinary dysfunction.
- CRITICAL PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATION: SP 6 stimulates vigorous uterine contractility and promotes cervical effacement. It is strictly contraindicated throughout all stages of pregnancy, unless intentionally applied during active labor to resolve delayed or protracted delivery (dystocia). Board exams heavily test this contraindication alongside LI 4, BL 60, and GB 21.
4. SP 9 (Yinlingquan) vs. SP 10 (Xuehai) - Water vs. Blood
A classic ACPL exam distinction lies in contrasting SP 9 and SP 10:
- SP 9 (Yinlingquan) is the premier dampness-draining point in acupuncture. Situated at the He-Sea (Water) position, it transforms damp-heat, cold-damp, and damp stagnation across the entire pelvic basin and urinary bladder (dysuria, thick leukorrhea, pitting edema of the ankles).
- SP 10 (Xuehai) is the premier blood-regulating point ("Sea of Blood"). By clearing Blood Heat, cooling the blood, and dispelling Blood Stasis, it stops intractable pruritus (skin itching) in eczema, psoriasis, and urticaria ("To treat wind, first treat blood; once blood moves, wind naturally subsides").
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| ANATOMICAL SAFETY HAZARDS: TAIYIN CHANNELS |
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| 1. LU 1 & LU 2 (Infraclavicular Fossa): |
| - Hazard: Visceral pleura and Lung Apex. |
| - Rule: Oblique insertion outward (0.5-0.8 cun). Never perpendicular. |
| |
| 2. LU 9 (Radial Wrist Crease): |
| - Hazard: Radial Artery and cephalic veins. |
| - Rule: Palpate artery, push medially, insert needle lateral to vessel. |
| |
| 3. SP 11 & SP 12 (Femoral Triangle / Inguinal Canal): |
| - Hazard: Femoral Artery and Vein. |
| - Rule: Palpate femoral pulse; needle lateral to artery for SP 12. |
| |
| 4. SP 13 to SP 16 (Abdominal Region): |
| - Hazard: Peritoneal cavity, intestines, enlarged spleen/liver. |
| - Rule: Maintain shallow depth (1.0-1.5 cun); avoid deep thrusts. |
| |
| 5. SP 21 (6th Intercostal Space, Mid-Axillary Line): |
| - Hazard: Pleural cavity / Pneumothorax. |
| - Rule: Transverse/oblique insertion along intercostal space only. |
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High-Yield Taiyin Point Combinations
- Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung: Combine LU 5 (drains Phlegm-Heat downward) + ST 40 (transforms phlegm) + LU 1 (regulates Lung Qi in chest).
- Exterior Wind Invasion with Occipital Rigidity: Combine LU 7 (expels wind, commands nape) + LI 4 (releases exterior, clears face) + BL 12 (Gate of Wind).
- Postnatal Qi & Blood Tonification: Combine SP 3 (tonifies Spleen Yuan) + ST 36 (commands Middle Jiao) + SP 6 (enriches Three Yin).
- Acute Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea: Combine SP 8 (Xi-Cleft, stops acute uterine pain) + SP 6 (regulates blood/uterus) + LR 3 (moves Liver Qi).
A 32-year-old female patient presents with acute coughing fits accompanied by thick, yellow, purulent sputum, chest fullness, and an afternoon low-grade fever. The practitioner intends to needle LU 1 (Zhongfu) to unbind the chest and descend rebellious Lung Qi. Which needle insertion technique must be executed to prevent traumatic pneumothorax?
Insert the needle perpendicularly 1.0 to 1.5 cun directly into the 1st intercostal space until a firm de qi sensation is felt
Insert the needle obliquely 0.5 to 0.8 cun directed laterally or superior-laterally along the intercostal space
Direct the needle medially toward the sternum at a 45-degree angle to access the Front-Mu resonance
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3 cun directly into the infraclavicular fossa below the acromial extremity
A 28-year-old female in her 34th week of an uncomplicated pregnancy presents with severe insomnia, dry skin, constipation, and restlessness. During the treatment session, the acupuncturist considers point selections to nourish Yin and calm the Shen. Which of the following points is strictly contraindicated for this patient?
HT 7 (Shenmen)
KI 3 (Taixi)
SP 6 (Sanyinjiao)
LU 9 (Taiyuan)
A 42-year-old marathon runner presents with chronic profound fatigue, heavy sensation in the four limbs, postprandial abdominal distension, and loose watery stools with undigested food particles. The tongue is pale and swollen with scalloped edges and a sticky white coat; the pulse is weak and deficient (Ruo). Which point on the Spleen channel represents both the Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point to directly tonify the Spleen's transformation and transportation functions?
SP 3 (Taibai)
SP 4 (Gongsun)
SP 1 (Yinbai)
SP 9 (Yinlingquan)
An acupuncturist is treating a patient with severe acute dysmenorrhea characterized by sudden, sharp, cramping lower abdominal pain that began two hours prior to the office visit. To achieve rapid analgesia by unblocking stagnation and regulating blood in the acute phase, which specific point category and Spleen point should be selected?
The He-Sea point, SP 9 (Yinlingquan)
The Luo-Connecting point, SP 4 (Gongsun)
The Horary point, SP 3 (Taibai)
The Xi-Cleft point, SP 8 (Diji)
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