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Location Guides: |
Ma Dan-yang Heavenly Star point
Doorway to the Earth Point
Opening point of the Gall Bladder Divergent channel (Cecil-Sterman, 2012, Advanced Acupuncture)
Seven Star Point
Nine Points for Returning Yang (Third Trinity: Reunion)
Homeostatic point 16 (Ma, Ma & Cho, 2005, Biomedical Acupuncture for Pain Management)
Meeting of Gall Bladder with Bladder and Gall Bladder Divergent
On the postero-lateral aspect of the hip joint, one third of the distance between the prominence of the greater trochanter and the sacro-coccygeal hiatus (Yaoshu Du-2). In cases of sciatica a radiating or electric sensation travelling to the foot is particularly desirable which may be better obtained by locating this point 1 cun inferior to its normal position.
Perpendicular insertion, directed towards the genitals 2 - 3.5 cun
"The Shaoyang usually has little Blood and much Qi" (Su Wen 素問 ch. 24) implying this channel should normally be needled.
"The foot Shaoyang is to be pierced 4 fen deep and remain inserted for five exhalations" (Ling Shu 靈樞 ch. 12).
"It is needled to a depth of one cun, (the needle) is retained for a duration of twenty exhalations, and it is moxaed with five cones" (Huangfu Mi 皇甫謐, 3rd Century, Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing 針灸甲乙經).
Activates the channel and alleviates pain
Benefits the hip joint and leg
Dispels Wind-Damp
Superficial Innervation: Dorsal rami of L1 - L3
Dermatome Segment: S2
Deeper Structures: Inferior gluteal nerve (L4 - S1) to the gluteus maximus muscle or the sciatic nerve (L4 - S3) depending on location selected (see location note)
See Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com for explanation of effects.
One of the principle points for the treatment of sciatica, especially in the case of piriformis syndrome.
Important point on the 胯 Kua (hip-groin functional musculoskeletal region) that facilitates the opening and closing of the hips.
One of the 18 tender spots used in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (Wang, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medical Approaches for Fibromyalgia, Acupuncture Today, vol.6 no.3, 2005).
Like Jianjing GB-21 for the upper channels this point has the ability to open all the lower Jing Well points when cupped (Yuen, 2004, Divgent Channels, p.77). It may be replaced with Fengshi GB-31 if the client feels uncomfortable with cupping on their buttocks.
Ling Shu Ch. 24, On Counterflow Diseases, advises using this point when the patient cannot lift the feet and thighs. It warns against using the large needle, suggesting the rounded and sharp needle instead.
The seven star points (Baihui Du-20, Binao LI-14, Tianchuang SI-16 and Huantiao LI-14) take energy in from the outside. They are used in Qigong stances as Qi input points (Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com).
The Nine Points for Returning Yang are used for assisting those close to death. They may be used to resuscitate collapse from deserted Yang, or if it is their time, to assist them in their passage. They are divided into three trinities, related to separation, transition and reunion.
This point belongs to the third trinity, related to reunion, deliverance and the otherworld. They rouse, tonify and anchor the Yang Qi, open the orifices, draw energy back into the Yangming and Gallbladder and aid delivery. Symptoms include:
- Cessation of breathing, appearance as if dead, collapse or flatline.
They basically shock the person back to life rousing the Yang Qi and opening the orifices. If these points did not work it meant the person was meant to move on now. They draw energy back into the Gallbladder and Stomach, anchoring and tonifying the Kidney Yang.
This point resuscitates Yang and opens the Jing-Well vessels of all the foot Yang meridians. Kaatz adds that it is a spring of energy where everything jumps into action with force and vitality and facilitates leaping from one stage/space/transition to another while keeping everything connected.
J. Yuen lectures on death/dying and the spirit of points, posted as Facebook comments, 19 Dec 2020.
Avicenna describes venesection at this point in his treatise On Venesection:
"Among the leg vessels is the sciatic vein (inferior gluteal), which can be venesected at the outer side of the heel or below, or above, between the hip and the heel. It should be wrapped or strapped with strong bandages. It is better to bathe before venesecting the sciatic vein. Its incision should be longitudinal. If the vein in the hidden the the branch between the two smallest toes (the fourth and the small toe) is the one to venesect. There is a great benefit in venetecting the sciatic vein in cases of sciatica as well as in gout, varicose veins, and elephantiasis. It is difficult to carry out a second venesection on the sciatic vein" (Aspects of Treatment According to General Diseases, 21st section in Abu-Asab, Amri & Micozzi, 2013, Avicenna's Medicine).
Any point along the foot Shaoyang Gall Bladder channel from here to Xiaxi GB-43 where the vein can be accessed is acceptable.
In Tibetan medicine:
Moxa point (AMNH, Tibetan Medical Paintings)
In Thai massage:
Point along the outer Kalatharee sen line running from the lateral malleolus, up the sides of the leg, along the outer bladder channel, over the shoulder blade and down to the hands.
Indicated for back pain/injury/arthritis.
(Salguero & Roylance, 2011, Encyclopedia of Thai Massage)
Basic information on location, needle depth, TCM actions, indications and combinations is taken from Deadman et al (2001): A Manual of Acupuncture with additional anatomical information researched by reference to Gray's Anatomy (38th Ed., 1995) unless otherwise referenced. Images were found on acupunctureschoolonline.com and can be traced back to Claudia Focks (2008) Atlas of Acupuncture originally. I cannot claim any credit or rights over them. Other sources should be quoted in the text.
For some of the more unusual terms I have created a glossary here
Steve Woodley Acupuncture & Traditional Medicine
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Eascote, Pinner, Greater London. HA5 1SP
Tel/WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7946 174 829
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