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XIE’S VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE

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XIE’S VETERINARYACUPUNCTURE

EDITED BY

Huisheng XieVanessa Preast

ILLUSTRATED BY

Zhen Zhao

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ABOUT THE EDITORSHuisheng Xie received his DVM at the Sichuan College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine in Sichuan, China. He was an assistant andstaff veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine of the Beijing Agricultural University. After receiving his master of veterinary science inveterinary acupuncture, he was assistant and associate professor in the Beijing Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hereceived advanced training in human acupuncture at the Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Academy of Tradi-tional Chinese Medicine and later earned his PhD from the University of Florida for investigation of the mechanisms of pain control in horsesusing acupuncture. Currently, he is clinical assistant professor and director of the acupuncture internship training program in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Dr. Xie is founder of the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida, which trains veterinarians in Chineseacupuncture and herbal medicine (www.tcvm.com). He has received achievement awards from the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Scienceand Technology Committee, the Beijing Agricultural University, Nihon University (Japan), University of Mexico (Mexico), and China National Society of TCVM. He speaks internationally on veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine and is the author of numerous books and papers. Histextbooks include Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 1, Fundamental Principles.

Vanessa Preast received her DVM from the University of Florida in 2000. As a graduate of the Chi Institute, she became certified in small an-imal acupuncture. She incorporated acupuncture into her practice of small animal medicine and surgery. Currently, she is a doctoral student inteaching and learning. She coauthored and edited Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Vol.1,Fundamental Principles.

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First edition, 2007Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Xie, Huisheng.Xie’s veterinary acupuncture / Huisheng Xie, Vanessa Preast ; illustrated by Zhen Zhao.—1st ed.

p. ; cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN-13: 978-0-8138-1247-2 (alk. paper)ISBN-10: 0-8138-1247-X (alk. paper)1. Veterinary acupuncture. I. Preast, Vanessa. II. Title.[DNLM: 1. Acupuncture Therapy—veterinary. 2. Acupunc-

ture Therapy—methods. SF 914.5 X6 2006]SF914.5.X54 2006636.089�5892—dc22

2006010824

The last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Contributors ixPreface xi

1 Introduction to Meridians 3Huisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

The Jing-Luo System 3A. Discovery of the Jing-Luo System 3B. The 12 Regular Channels 5C. The 8 Extraordinary Channels (Qi-Jing-Ba-Mai) 6D. The 14 Regular Channels 7E. The 15 Collaterals 9F. The 12 Divergent Meridians (Shi-Er-Jing-Bie) 10G. The 12 Muscle Regions (Shi-Er-Jing-Jin) 10H. The 12 Cutaneous Regions 10

Root, Basis, Manifestation, and Branch of 10MeridiansA. The Basis (Ben) and Manifestation (Biao) 10B. The Root (Gen) and Branch (Jie) 10

Qi Streets and Four Seas of the Meridians 11A. The Qi Streets (Qi-Jie) 11B. Four Seas (Si-Hai) 11

Functions of the Jing-Luo 11A. Physiological Aspects 11B. Pathological Aspects 12C. Therapeutic Aspects 12

2 Introduction to Acupuncture Points 13Huisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

Nomenclature of Acupoints 13A. Traditional Nomenclature System 13B. Western Nomenclature System 13

Classification of Acupoints 14Therapeutic Effects of Acupoints 15

A. General Therapeutic Effects 15B. Special Acupoints 15

Methods to Locate the Points 24A. The Acupuncture Unit of Measurement of 24

the Body

B. Proportional Measurement 24C. Anatomic Landmarks 26D. Tail Vertebral or Last Rib Cun Measurement 26E. Finger Cun Measurement 26

3 Equine Transpositional Acupoints 27Huisheng Xie and Lisa Trevisanello

Lung Channel 27Large Intestine Channel 29Stomach Channel 34Spleen Channel 41Heart Channel 46Small Intestine Channel 48Bladder Channel 53Kidney Channel 60Pericardium Channel 64Triple Heater Channel 66Gallbladder Channel 70Liver Channel 75Governing Vessel Channel 78Conception Vessel Channel 82

4 Equine Classical Acupoints 89Huisheng Xie and Kosei Yamagiwa

Head Regions 89Trunk and Tail Regions 95Thoracic Limb Regions 104Pelvic Limb Regions 110Extra Points 117Ear Points 123Acupuncture Analgesia Points 126

5 Canine Transpositional Acupoints 129Cheryl Chrisman and Huisheng Xie

Lung Channel 134Large Intestine Channel 137Stomach Channel 141

Contents

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vi CONTENTS

Spleen Channel 149Heart Channel 154Small Intestine Channel 156Bladder Channel 160Kidney Channel 169Pericardium Channel 174Triple Heater Channel 176Gallbladder Channel 182Liver Channel 190Governing Vessel Channel 194Conception Vessel Channel 200Overview of the Most Commonly Used 204

Transpositional Acupoints

6 Canine Classical Acupoints 217Cheryl Chrisman and Huisheng Xie

Head and Neck Regions 217Trunk and Tail Regions 222Thoracic Limbs 228Pelvic Limbs 232

7 General Rules of Acupuncture Therapy 235Huisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

Six Basic Acupuncture Methods 235A. Tonifying and Reducing Methods 235B. Warming and Cooling Methods 237C. Ascending and Descending Method 237

Five General Principles to Select Acupuncture 238PointsA. Selection of Local Points 238B. Selection of Distant Points 238C. Selection of Symptomatic Points 238D. Selection of Balance Points 238E. Selection of Special Points 239

Eight Methods for Deficiency Pattern 239A. General Tonic Points 240B. Source (Yuan) Point 240C. Influential Point 240D. Back-shu Association Points or Front-mu 240

Alarm PointsE. Mother Point on That Channel 241F. Five Levels of Five-Shu Points 241G. Hind Limb Yin Channel He-Sea Points 241H. Four-Point Techniques 241

Eight Methods for Excess 242A. Local Points 242B. Master Points 242C. Influential Points 243D. Back-shu Associate Points or Front-mu 243

Alarm PointsE. Energetic Points 243F. Five Levels of Five-Shu Points 243G. The Child Point 243H. Other Eight Methods 243

Number of Points Selected 244Duration of Acupuncture Treatment 244Frequency of Acupuncture Treatment Sessions 245Preparation for Acupuncture 245Precautions and Contraindications 245Management of Possible Accidents 246

A. Stuck Needle 246B. Broken Needle 246C. Swallowed Needle 246D. Hematoma 246

8 Acupuncture for Treatment of 247Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders Huisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

Bi Syndrome 247Facial Paralysis 251Shoulder Pain 252Scapula-Chest Pain (Jia-qi Pain) 253Elbow Pain 253Paralysis of the Radial Nerve 254Carpal Pain 254Bucked Shins 254Splints 255Tendon and Ligament Problems 256Fetlock and Pastern Pain 256Heel and Hoof Pain 257Hip Pain 258Sciatic and Femoral Nerve Paralysis 259Stifle Pain 259Hock Pain 260Cervical Bi Syndrome and Wobbler’s Syndrome 260Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) 261Lyme Disease 262Laryngeal Paralysis or Hemiplegia 262Tying up (Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) 262Anhidrosis 263Seizures 263

9 Acupuncture for Internal Medicine 267Huisheng Xie

Common Cold (Shang-feng) 267Cough (Ke-Sou Syndrome) 267Dyspnea and Asthma (Chuan zheng) 270Nasal Congestion and Discharge 272Anorexia Syndrome 274Vomiting 276Diarrhea 279Abdominal Pain (Colic) 283Impaction and Constipation (Jie Zheng) 285Jaundice Syndrome (Huang-dan) 286Wei Syndrome 287Shen Disturbance 290Heart Failure 292

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CONTENTS vii

Edema Syndrome 295Renal Failure 296Lin Syndrome 298Infertility 300Diabetes 302Cushing’s Disease 304Hypothyroidism 306Hyperthyroidism 307

10 Acupuncture for Acute and 309Miscellaneous ConditionsHuisheng Xie

Syncope and Collapse 309High Fever 309Hemorrhage 311Eye Problems 312Otitis 314Stomatitis and Gingivitis 314Excessive Salivation 315Pruritus and Skin Allergy 316Urticaria 318Sores and Open Wounds 319Burns 319Prolapse 320Heatstroke and Sunstroke 321Meningitis and Encephalitis 321Hydrocephalus 322Diaphragm Spasm (Thumps) 322Vaginitis and Metritis 323Edema During Pregnancy 324Fetus Restlessness 324Prevention of Abortion 325Retained Placenta 325Agalactia (Lack of Milk) 325Mastitis 326Poisonings 326Obesity 327Poor Performance 327Aging and Senility 327

11 Techniques of Veterinary 329Acupuncture and MoxibustionBruce Ferguson

Types and Sizes of Acupuncture Needles 329Finding Effective Acupuncture Points 330Techniques for Needle Insertion 330Arrival of Qi 332Types and Techniques of Acupuncture 332Methods of Stimulating Acupuncture Points 333

Dry Needle Acupuncture 333Hemoacupuncture 333Aquapuncture 333Pneumoacupuncture 333Moxibustion 334Acupuncture Effect with Electrical Devices 334

Material Implants 335Acupuncture Needle Mishaps 335Specialized Dry Needle Techniques 336

Scalp Acupuncture 336Auriculotherapy 336

Tips for the Acupuncturist 336Qi-gong Exercises 336Position of Acupuncturist 336Position of Patient 337Caretaker Interference 337Important Species-Specific Notes 337

12 Functional Neuroanatomical 341Physiology of AcupunctureRoger M. Clemmons

Historical Evolution of Modern Acupuncture 341Recent Advances in Acupuncture 343

NeurophysiologyLocal Effects of Acupuncture 344Segmental and Super-Segmental Responses to 344

AcupunctureConclusion 346

Index 349

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Cheryl Chrisman, DVM, MS, EdS, CVA,DACVIM–NeurologyProfessor of Neurology and NeurosurgeryCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesville, Florida 32610

Roger M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD, CVAAssociate Professor of Neurology and NeurosurgeryCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesville, Florida 32610

Bruce Ferguson, DVM, MS, CVAIntegrative Veterinary ServicesP.O. Box 840027St. Augustine Beach, Florida 32080

Vanessa Preast, DVM, CVAP.O. Box 293Ames, Iowa 50010

Lisa Trevisanello, DVM, CVAVia F. Busonera, 16235031 Abano Terme (PD)Italy

Kosei Yamagiwa, DVM, CVATCVM Clinic91 Asahi-cho, Mistuishi-cho, Hokkaido-prefectureJapan 059-3107

Huisheng Xie, DVM, PhDChi Institute9700 Hwy 318 WestReddick, Florida 23686

Contributors

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The Western world seems enamored with alternative medi-cine. Many people have become jaded with conventionalWestern medicine as they jump from doctor to doctor inhopes of a cure that never materializes. Alternative medicineseems to offer them just that—an alternative to the failures ofWestern medicine.

Many seekers hope to rediscover a more “natural” and ef-fective way of healing. This has fueled interest in herbalmedicine, chiropractics, acupuncture, healing touch, and anumber of other therapies. Various dramatic testimonials ofsuccess with a number of illnesses increased many people’senthusiasm and belief in these methods. Even the Westernmedical community, while at first skeptical of these methods,has come gradually to accept the validity of some therapieswith support from strong clinical and research evidence.Acupuncture, in particular, has been well researched and hasdocumented numerous beneficial physiological changes.

Western medicine, however, sensibly points out that alter-native therapies are not miracle cure-alls any more than areits own fantastic, technologically enhanced conventionalmethods. Nor is alternative medicine synonymous with“safe.” Both conventional Western medicine and alternativemedicines have their strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, theycan be used together in complementary or integrative medi-cine so that the strengths of one compensate for the weaknessof the other. This requires an intimate understanding of eachsystem so that it can be properly applied. This text focuses onacupuncture, which is one part of traditional Chinese medi-cine, to help practitioners gain knowledge and skills for ef-fective treatment.

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) hasbeen used to treat animals in China for thousands of years.This system began in prehistoric times as the ancient peopleattempted, through trial and error, to understand domesticanimal disease. Through the present day, each generation hasadded to the knowledge and discoveries of their ancestors.Incorporating new information over time, TCVM continuesto change and grow, and it remains as fresh, adaptable, andeffective as ever. New practitioners breathe fresh life intothis old medical art with cultural adaptations, technological

advances, and scientific research findings. For example, an-cient Chinese techniques are often combined with modernmedical practice through the use of sterile, single-use filiformacupuncture needles, hypodermic needles with syringes,electrical current, or laser light to stimulate acupoints.

The practice of TCVM in the Western world differs fromits Chinese origins in several major ways. These modifica-tions are not inherently good or bad but are merely part of thesystem’s continued development. First, most of the acupointsand meridian lines used by Western veterinarians are trans-posed from humans. Only a few of the ancient acupuncturetexts have survived. Most books containing descriptions andcharts of the classical meridian lines were lost long ago;however, some containing individual acupoint locations haveremained and are still used today. As a result, current TCVMpractitioners have discussed the actual locations of the merid-ian lines and points in species whose anatomy significantlydiffers from humans. Where do the meridians run if the ani-mal has fewer digits or more ribs than a human? Also, what isthe comparative energetic significance of certain points inbiped humans versus quadruped domestic species with allfour limbs touching the ground?

Second, veterinary acupuncture in China was primarilyused for agriculturally important species such as cattle, pigs,and horses. These valuable creatures benefited from the fo-cused medical attention of the TCVM practitioners. In mod-ern Western society, however, dogs, cats, and birds are cher-ished companions, so there has recently been great incentiveto better understand acupuncture in these species. SomeWestern veterinary acupuncturists even tend to these speciesexclusively.

Third, many ancient TCVM techniques were modified to fitWestern sensibilities. For example, modern Western percep-tions and medical practices typically encourage sterility andsingle-use, disposable equipment. Thus, acupuncturists cur-rently use very thin, solid, sterile needles as opposed to the tra-ditional tools, which were reusable, large, nonsterile needles ofvarious shapes and sizes. Western practitioners also often com-bine TCVM with a variety of other medical techniques such aschiropractics, Western herbal medicine, and homeopathy.

Preface

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xii PREFACE

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine may initially bequite foreign to Western-trained minds. To some, the princi-ples of TCVM and Western veterinary medicine (WVM)may seem separated by a great abyss. Although bridging thatgulf is an individual mental process, the readers of this text,through their interest and willingness to accept new ideas,have already made the first steps toward understanding.These two medical systems are not mutually exclusive. Eachhas aspects that place it on opposite ends of the spectrum, butthere is a large area of overlap between them. While the com-mon ground provides some familiarity for those new toTCVM concepts, the intricacy of the medical system is diffi-cult to accurately simplify and categorize for teaching pur-poses. Inevitably, much of the complexity of TCVM islearned through experience, but this text provides a frame-work to build upon.

Learning TCVM requires a shift in perspective. In gen-eral, conventional Western medicine believes in control, andtraditional Chinese medicine believes in balance; WVM ismore mechanistic and TCVM is more energetic. Westernmedical practitioners analyze a disease process to discoverits specific, fundamental, physical cause, whether this is aninfectious agent, an enzymatic defect, or a toxic insult. Byfully understanding the functions of the physical body all theway down to a cellular or molecular level, one can target theabnormality and better control the disease process.

On the other hand, TCVM practitioners recognize diseaseas an imbalance in the body. They understand that the body isan integrated, energetic structure, and that disturbance of en-ergy flow creates disease in the whole organism. When a dis-ease pattern is identified, one can restore balance and healthby helping the body regulate itself. Both systems rely onmedical history and physical examination to make a diagno-sis or identify a pattern. Western medicine adds in diagnostictests such as bloodwork or radiographs. The diagnostic testsof TCVM include palpation of the pulse and the shu points.In both cases, an experienced clinician interprets the findingsand chooses an appropriate therapeutic regimen. A Westernveterinarian may recommend surgery or reach for antibiotics,steroids, or other pharmaceuticals. A TCVM practitionermay recommend herbs, acupuncture, or special managementpractices as therapy.

Generally, the goals of TCVM and WVM are the same:both hope to promote health and to prevent disease. They aremerely two different ways of viewing the world, each withstrengths and weaknesses. Western medicine deals well withacute diseases and has advanced surgical techniques. TCVMcan be beneficial for chronic diseases, especially those thatWestern medicine can only control but not cure. Due to themore individual nature of TCVM, Western medicine can bet-ter handle herd health problems. Although Western veterinar-ians promote disease prevention through yearly physical ex-ams and vaccines, TCVM is very beneficial for identificationof potential problems and preventing disease through dietarymodification or preventive therapies. In addition, when vet-erinarians practice traditional Chinese medical techniquessuch as Tai Qi Quan or Qi Gong, they are able to remain

centered and to better assist their patients. The therapeuticsof TCVM can avoid some of the deleterious side effects ofthe Western drugs, but the Western drugs act much morequickly.

Through integration of the two systems, one may take ad-vantage of the strengths of each while minimizing the weak-nesses. Practitioners who are able to bridge the mental gapbetween Eastern and Western medicine may find that thiscombination brings better results than either one alone.

THIS TEXTThis text is a collaborative effort that further develops thework begun in the text Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medi-cine by Huisheng Xie in 1994. This volume focuses on thebasic principles, techniques, and clinical application of vet-erinary acupuncture.

Although veterinary practitioners in China have used tradi-tional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, therapies suchas acupuncture and herbal medicine have only recently comeinto use in the Western world. The majority of the literatureabout these traditional techniques is written in Chinese and isinaccessible to most Westerners. Because of the paucity oftexts in the English language regarding these techniques, wehope this text will fill in some gaps in the current knowledge.

This text is written primarily for use by veterinarians whopractice traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM).We hope that it will be a relevant, functional resource for vet-erinarians and students who wish to apply these techniques.Veterinarians are strongly advised to seek a comprehensiveTCVM training and certification program before usingacupuncture or herbal medicine. Several nationally and inter-nationally recognized programs are available in the UnitedStates. Of these organizations, the authors of this text are pri-marily affiliated with the Chi Institute. This institution in-structs veterinarians in a variety of the certified TCVM train-ing programs including equine, small, or mixed animalacupuncture. More information about the certified TCVMprograms available at the Chi Institute may be found atwww.tcvm.com.

TCVM, like other medical systems, is an ever-changingfield and is based largely on clinical observations rather thancontrolled studies. Medical practitioners should be aware ofthe standard safety precautions and make appropriate changesin therapies as new research becomes available and as clini-cal experience grows. Thus, the information within this bookshould not be construed as specific instructions for individualpatients, and readers should use professional judgment in de-ciding when and if the acupuncture procedures describedshould be applied.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe sincerely appreciate the efforts of all who have helped tomake this book possible. Let us begin by recognizing ourchapter contributors including Drs. Cheryl Chrisman, BruceFerguson, and Roger Clemmons. They have done an excel-lent job on their subjects. We also thank Drs. Bruce Ferguson,

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PREFACE xiii

Cheryl Chrisman, Robert Spiegel, Carolina Ortiz-Umpierre,Inbar Israeli, and Tiffany Rimar for proofreading all of thechapters. Thank you to Drs. Kosei Yamagiwa, Minsu Kim,and Lisa Trevisanello for schematic drawings and Mark Hof-fenberg for his wonderful photography. Drs. Himani Das,Carlos Zamora, Kosei Yamagiwa, Flavio Avila, and MichaelE. Mount have reviewed the equine acupoint locations toensure accuracy. We also acknowledge the equine model,Rahnok, a kind Grey Egyptian bred Arab mare, and caninemodels, a lovely “lab dog” Roxie and Debmar’s Social But-terfly “Wings.” We greatly appreciate the patience of Black-well Publishing as we have slowly brought this text together.Finally, our special thanks go to Zhen Zhao who has illus-trated the entire book.

NOTICEThis book is written for use by veterinarians who practicetraditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM). It is aguide to the general principles behind this medical system,and it is not intended to be a substitute for sound medical ed-ucation. Veterinarians are strongly advised to seek a compre-hensive TCVM training program before using acupunctureor herbal medicine. There are several certification programsin the United States that are available to veterinarians. Non-veterinarians are cautioned against practicing medicine onanimals, unless permitted by law. Untrained or inadequately

trained individuals are unable to accurately assess a patient’shealth status and make appropriate recommendations.

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, like other med-ical systems, is an ever-changing field. In addition, much ofthe information in this book is based on clinical observations,as opposed to controlled studies. The publisher, editor, andauthors make no warrant as to results of acupuncture or othertreatments described in this book. Medical practitionersshould be aware of the standard safety precautions and makeappropriate changes in therapies as new research becomesavailable and as clinical experience grows. Any person ad-ministering medical therapy is responsible for using his or herprofessional skill and experience to determine the best treat-ment for the patient and to assure that the benefits of this treat-ment justify the associated risk. Thus, the information withinthis book should not be construed as specific instructions forindividual patients, and readers should use clinical judgmentin deciding when and if the acupuncture procedures describedshould be applied. The authors cannot be responsible for mis-use or misapplication of the material in this work.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy ofinformation contained herein, the publisher, editor, and authorsare not legally responsible for errors or omissions. Readers areadvised to check the product information currently providedby the manufacturer of each drug or formula to be adminis-tered to be certain that changes have not been made in the rec-ommended dose or in the contraindications for administration.

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Upon arriving at an unfamiliar location, visitors orient them-selves by obtaining a map of the city. Equipped with a clearillustration of the region’s roads, they easily recognize theircurrent position and understand what routes will take them tothe places they wish to visit.

Similarly, when starting to learn acupuncture, one mustfirst know the Jing-Luo because it provides a map of the bodyand thus helps the novice to understand how to reach thegoal. Like the highways and streets of a city, the Jing-Luofunctions in a body by connecting one location to another.This system is so important that Ling-Shu (Spiritual Axis), aclassical ancient text (published more than 2,200 years ago),states, “it determines life and death, treats all the diseases,and regulates both the Deficiency and Excess Patterns” andrecommends that one “has to gain a thorough understandingof it” (chapter 10).

1-1. THE JING-LUO SYSTEMThere are two major components in the Jing-Luo system:Jing-Mai and Luo-Mai. Jing can be translated as meridian,channel, or major trunk. Mai means vessels. Luo is a collat-eral or branch. Thus, Jing-Mai translates as major trunk ves-sel, and it is also known as the channel. Luo-Mai refers to thecollateral or branch vessels. These channels are the body’sequivalent of telephone lines, airways, rivers, highways, andcity roads, which provide a means of communication andtransport. The Jing-Mai is like a main telephone line, a majorhighway, an international airport, or a large river. The Luo-Mai is like a telephone extension, a small street, a minor con-nection airline, or a small river.

Jing-Mai consists of 12 regular channels, 8 extraordinarychannels, and 12 regular channels’ associates, including 12 di-vergent meridians, 12 muscle regions, and 12 cutaneous re-gions. Luo-Mai consists of 15 collaterals, small branches (Sun-Luo), and superficial branches (Fu-Luo) (fig. 1.1).

The Jing-Luo system is the pathway through which Qiand blood circulate. It regulates the physiological activitiesof the Zang-Fu organs. It extends over the exterior of thebody, but it pertains to the Zang-Fu organs located on the

interior. It connects and correlates all the tissues and organs,forming a network that links the tissues and organs into anorganic whole. Chapter 33 of Ling-Shu (Spiritual Axis) statesthat “twelve regular Channels are connected with the Zang-Fu organs internally and with the joints, limbs, and body sur-faces externally.”

A. Discovery of the Jing-Luo SystemThe term Jing-Luo was first documented in the book Huang-di-nei-jing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine).Ancient Chinese medical practitioners discovered and gradu-ally established the Jing-Luo system during their extensiveclinical experiences. Two popular theories describe the dis-covery of this system: from a point to a line and from a line toa point.

FROM A POINT TO A LINE

In the beginning, ancient people may have observed that ac-cidentally puncturing their body surfaces with a sharp object(such as a stone or twig) could relieve discomfort and pain.Later, they intentionally began to use the sharp objects topuncture the body at specific loci in order to treat illness anddiscomfort. These trials successfully relieved pain and en-couraged the people to make special tools for this purpose.

The bian-shi was one such tool made during the Neolithicperiod (about 8,000 years ago). It was a quadrilateral, pyra-midal stone about 4.5 cm in length with one end tapered to avery sharp point. The middle part was flat so that it could beheld between two fingers (fig. 1.2). Archaeologists concludedthat the bian-shi functioned in excising boils and stimulatingcertain points on the body. Thus, the bian-shi may have beena first-generation acupuncture needle, and the body loci atwhich it was used were acupuncture points (acupoints). Asawareness increased and more people used the bian-shi, theydiscovered additional acupoints.

Further developments in tools occurred over time as tech-nology advanced. A sharp bone needle (approximately 8,000years ago) and then a metal needle (Shang Dynasty, 1600 to1100 B.C.) were invented. These finer needles could be in-serted to a deeper level into an acupoint. This increased the

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Introduction to MeridiansHuisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

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4 CHAPTER 1

probability of achieving better clinical results and openedpossibilities of treating additional diseases with acupuncture.Improvement of the tools led to discovery of more and moreacupoints.

The ancient practitioners reviewed their clinical resultsand linked the acupoints with similar functions to form ameridian (Jing-Luo) line. Thus, in this theory, the develop-ment from point to meridian is similar to how ancient townswere established first and then roadways were built to linkthe cities.

FROM A LINE TO A POINT

The needling sensation, or de-Qi, was well documented byancient practitioners. After a needle is inserted at a certainpoint in the body, the patient will first feel soreness, numb-ness, heaviness, and distension around the point. The sensa-tion then travels up or down along a special line in the bodycalled the acupuncture sensational line. These sensationallines are the meridian pathways or channels. Much historicevidence indicates that the meridian lines were discoveredbefore all of the individual acupoints. After identifying thepath of a meridian, the ancient practitioners found the acu-points one by one.

In 1973, many ancient medical books were unearthedfrom the No. 3 Han Tomb at Mawandui, Chang-sha, HunanProvince, China. These included two silk scrolls containingthe books Zu-bi-shi-yi-mai-jiu-jing (Foot-Hand ElevenMeridians and Moxibustion) and Yin-yang-shi-yi-mai-jiu-jing (Yin-yang Eleven Meridians and Moxibustion). As thesewere written earlier than the third century B.C., both booksare older than Huang-di-nei-jing, which had been previouslythought to be the earliest known explanation of the theory ofJing-Luo. Although these two books did not document thenames of acupoints, they described the pathways of 11 chan-nels (not including Pericardium) on the body surface.

Additional evidence that supports the line-to-point theoryis that only 295 acupoints were recorded in Huang-di-nei-jing

1.1. Parts of the Jing-Luo system.

1.2. A bian-shi stone needle.

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but 654 points were documented in Zhen-jiu-jia-yi-jing (Sys-tematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) written byDr. Huang Fu Mi in A.D. 282, which was about 500 yearslater than Huang-di-nei-jing.

B. The 12 Regular Channels

NOMENCLATURE OF THE 12 REGULAR CHANNELS

There are 12 Zang-Fu organs; 6 are Zang (Yin) organs and 6are Fu (Yang) organs. Each organ has a channel of its own.The nomenclature of the 12 regular channels is based onthree factors:

1. location on either a thoracic or pelvic limb2. association with either one of the three Yin (Tai-yin,

Shao-yin, Jue-yin) or the three Yang (Yang-ming, Tai-yang, Shao-yang)

3. relationship with a Zang-Fu organ

Each thoracic and pelvic limb is supplied by three YinChannels and three Yang Channels. Because the 12 regularchannels are bilaterally symmetrical, there are 24 channels inthe body (table 1.1).

The channels that relate to Yin organs are Yin Channels,and the channels that relate to Yang organs are Yang Chan-nels. The Yin and Yang Channels are each divided into threetypes. Yin consists of Tai-yin, Shao-yin, and Jue-yin. Yangconsists of Yang-ming, Tai-yang, and Shao-yang. The energylevels dissipate with the flow from one Yin or Yang level tothe next level. Yang-ming (brightest Yang) and Tai-yin (great-est Yin) are each in the highest, strongest level. Tai-yang(greatest Yang) and Shao-yin (smallest Yin) are in the next

level, which is not as strong as the first. Shao-yang (smallestYang) and Jue-yin (diminishing Yin) are part of the thirdlevel, which is the weakest of the three (table 1.2).

THE GENERAL PATHWAYS OF THE 12 REGULAR CHANNELS

The Zang organs belong to Yin, and the Fu organs belong toYang. The medial aspect of the limb is Yin, while the lateralaspect is Yang. Thus, the six channels for the Zang organs areYin Channels, which are distributed on the medial aspect ofthe limbs. Likewise, the six channels for the Fu organs areYang Channels, which are distributed on the lateral aspect ofthe limbs. The Yin Channels, which belong to the Zang or-gans, are also able to communicate with the Fu organs. Sim-ilarly, the Yang Channels, which belong to the Fu organs, areable to communicate with the Zang organs. In this way, anexterior-interior, or a husband-wife, relationship exists be-tween the Yin and Yang Channels and their Zang-Fu organs.

The three Yin Channels of the thoracic limb start from thechest, circulate along the medial aspect of the thoracic limb,and terminate at the end of the front feet (see table 1.3). Thethree Yang Channels of the thoracic limb start from the end offront feet and circulate along the lateral aspect of the thoraciclimb to end at the head. The three Yang Channels of thepelvic limb start at the head, circulate along the back and thelateral aspect of the pelvic limb, and terminate at the end ofthe hind feet. The three Yin Channels of pelvic limb startfrom the end of the hind feet, circulate along the medial as-pect of the pelvic limb, and travel along the abdomen to endat the chest.

All three Yang Channels of the thoracic limb end on thehead, and all three Yang Channels of the pelvic limb beginthere. Thus, the head is known as the “gathering house of allthe Yang.” In a similar fashion, all three Yin Channels of thethoracic limb start from the chest and all three Yin Channelsof the pelvic limb end there. Thus, the chest is called the“gathering house of all the Yin.”

On the thoracic limb, three Yin Channels run along themedial side and three Yang Channels run along the lateralside. The Lung Channel of Tai-yin supplies the cranial andmedial border of the limb. The middle of the medial forelimbis home to the Pericardium Channel of Jue-yin. The HeartChannel of Shao-yin resides along the caudomedial border ofthe limb. On the lateral forelimb, the Large Intestine Channelof Yang-ming supplies the cranial edge. The Triple Heater(Sanjiao) Channel of Shao-yang runs along the middle of thelateral side. The Small Intestine Channel of Tai-yang liesalong the caudolateral part of the limb.

Table 1.1. The 12 Regular Channels

Channel location Zang-Fu organ Abbreviation

Tai-yin of the thoracic limb Lung LUTai-yin of the pelvic limb Spleen SPShao-yin of the thoracic limb Heart HTShao-yin of the pelvic limb Kidney KIDJue-yin of the thoracic limb Pericardium PCJue-yin of the pelvic limb Liver LIVYang-ming of the thoracic limb Large intestine LIYang-ming of the pelvic limb Stomach STTai-yang of the thoracic limb Small intestine SITai-yang of the pelvic limb Urinary bladder UB/BLShao-yang of the thoracic limb Sanjiao SJ/TH/TB/TW*Shao-yang of the pelvic limb Gallbladder GB

*TH � Triple Heater, TB � Triple Burner, TW � Triple Warmer.

Table 1.2. The Levels of the 12 Regular Channels

Level Limbs Three Yang Fu organs Zang organs Three Yin Limbs

1 Thoracic LI LU ThoracicPelvic

Yang-mingST SP

Tai-yinPelvic

2 Thoracic SI HT ThoracicPelvic

Tai-yangBL KID

Shao-yinPelvic

3 Thoracic TH PC ThoracicPelvic

Shao-yangGB LIV

Jue-yinPelvic

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6 CHAPTER 1

On the pelvic limb, three Yin Channels run along the me-dial side and three Yang Channels travel along the lateralside. The Stomach Channel of Yang-ming supplies the cranialborder of the lateral aspect of the pelvic limb. The Gallblad-der Channel of Shao-yang resides in the center of the lateralhind leg. The caudolateral part of the hind limb is home tothe Bladder Channel of Tai-yang. Moving to the medial sideof the leg, one finds the Spleen Channel of Tai-yin along thecranial border of the pelvic limb. The Liver Channel residesalong the middle of the medial side. The Kidney Channel ofShao-yin is located along the caudolateral part of the pelviclimb (table 1.4)

The 12 regular channels join with one another in a fixedorder (figs. 1.3 and 1.4 and table 1.5). Along this course thereis an endless, cyclical flow of Qi and blood within the chan-nels. The flow always passes from one channel to the next ina specific order throughout the day; however, the Qi domi-nates within certain meridians at designated times. This is thetraditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) circadianrhythm, which provides the body with its own internal clock.Disorders of this rhythm can be used to assist with patternidentification and TCVM diagnosis.

The cycle begins at 3:00 A.M. with the Lung Channel atthe chest. The energy dominates in each meridian for twohours before passing on to the next channel. Thus, the flowpasses to the Large Intestine Channel at 5:00 A.M. and re-mains there until 7:00 A.M.. Next, the Qi moves to the StomachChannel from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. The Spleen Channel followsfrom 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. In such a manner, the Qi movesfrom thoracic Yin to thoracic Yang to pelvic Yang to pelvic

Yin. It makes a complete circuit around the body while pass-ing from wife to husband and husband to wife. Once back atthe chest, it is the Heart Channel’s turn from 11:00 A.M. to1:00 P.M. The husband of the heart, the Small Intestine Chan-nel, then carries the energy from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. On thehead, the Qi passes to the Yang Channel of the same energylevel, the Urinary Bladder Channel. From 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.,the bladder holds the Qi flow until it passes through kidney,the wife of the bladder, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Now backat the chest, the Qi flows down the Pericardium Channel ofthe thoracic limbs from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Her husband,the Triple Heater Channel, next carries the Qi from 9:00 P.M.to 11:00 P.M. At the head, the Gallbladder Channel takes theflow to the hind limb from 11:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. From1:00 A.M. to 3:00 A.M., the Liver Channel brings the flowback to the chest for the cycle to begin again with the LungChannel at 3:00 A.M.

Figure 1.4 is a concise illustration of the relationships be-tween Yin-Yang, Zang-Fu, thoracic-pelvic, the levels, and theindividual organs. Each concentric circle represents one levelwith the outermost demonstrating the first level. After travel-ing around the circle in a counterclockwise direction, it flowsinto the next level. Along the way, it passes through eachquadrant with its own associated organ. When reaching theend of the center circle, it skips back to the first level where itstarts again.

The meridians exist internally and externally as they con-nect all parts of the body together. The images in chapters 3through 6 will trace these pathways on the horse and dog.The meridians, especially including the internal branches,are well described in humans. Omissions in the animalmeridian descriptions may be extrapolated from the humanmodel. However, differences in anatomy may require somemodifications of the pathway in various species.

C. The 8 Extraordinary Channels (Qi-Jing-Ba-Mai)The translation of qi-jing-ba-mai is as follows: Qi meansspecial or extraordinary; jing means meridian, mai means

Table 1.3. General Pathways of the 12 Regular Channels on the Body

Channel Origin Pathway Terminus

Three Yin Channels of the thoracic limb Chest Medial aspect of the thoracic limb End of front feetThree Yang Channels of the thoracic limb End of front feet Lateral aspect of the thoracic limb HeadThree Yin Channels of the pelvic limb End of hind feet Medial aspect of the pelvic limb and the ventral abdomen ChestThree Yang Channels of the pelvic limb Head Lateral aspect of the pelvic limb and the back End of hind feet

Table 1.4. The General Pathways of the Twelve RegularChannels on the Limbs

Location on limb Cranial Middle Caudal

Medial aspect of the thoracic limb LU PC HTLateral aspect of the thoracic limb LI TH SILateral aspect of the pelvic limb ST GB BLMedial aspect of the pelvic limb SP LIV KID

Table 1.5. Circadian Flow of the Twelve Regular Channels

Circadian clock Yin Channels Yang Channels Circadian clock

Tai-yin 3 A.M. to 5 A.M. LU LI 5 A.M. to 7 A.M. Yang-ming9 A.M. to 11 A.M. SP ST 7 A.M. to 9 A.M.

Shao-yin 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. HT SI 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. Tai-yang5 P.M. to 7 P.M. KID BL 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.

Jue-yin 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. PC TH 9 P.M. to 11 P.M. Shao-yang1 A.M. to 3 A.M. LIV GB 11 P.M. to 1 A.M.

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INTRODUCTION TO MERIDIANS 7

channels, ba is the number eight. Thus the phrase qi-jing-ba-mai refers to the 8 extraordinary channels (8-EC). These eightchannels are named du, ren, chong, dai, Yang-qiao, Yin-qiao,Yang-wei, and Yin-wei (table 1.6).

The extraordinary channels have several differences fromthe 12 regular channels. First, these channels do not pertainto either Zang or Fu organs. Second, they are not exteriorlyor interiorly related to each other as are the regular channels.Third, most of these channels do not have their own acu-points. Du (governing vessel) and ren (conception vessel) dohave their own acupoints, but the rest share their points witha few of the regular meridians.

As assistants to the regular channels, the extraordinarychannels acquire similar functions to those of nearby regularchannels. This occurs because the extraordinary channels co-ordinate and balance the Qi and blood within the regularchannels they link. These extraordinary channels form a con-duit that connects, coordinates, and facilitates communicationamong the 12 regular meridians. In addition, the extraordinarychannels control, store, and regulate the Qi and blood of the12 regular meridians (tables 1.6 and 1.7).

D. The 14 Regular ChannelsThe 12 regular channels together with the Governing Vessel(GV) Channel and the Conception Vessel (CV) Channel con-stitute the 14 channels. The 12 regular channels are distrib-uted symmetrically on the left and right sides of the body.The CV and GV Channels, however, are unpaired. The CVChannel runs along the ventral midline, and the GV Channelcourses along the dorsal midline.

Within the 12 regular channels, Qi and blood circulate alongeach meridian in a specific order over the course of a 24-hourperiod. There is also cyclical Qi flow within the 14 regular chan-nels, which takes the GV and CV Channels into account. TheLung Channel, which is the beginning of the 12-channel cycle,sends a branch to the CV Channel. Thus, the Qi flows from theLung Channel to the CV Channel, and then it runs craniallyalong the CV Channel. At the mouth, the Qi flows into the GVChannel and runs caudally along the back. Upon reaching theperineum, the Qi enters the CV Channel again and flows backto the Lung Channel. Thus, the cyclical flow of Qi and blood inthe 14 Channels includes the circulation through the GV andCV Channels along with the flow within the 12-channel cycle.

Circadian Cycle of Qi

Gall-Bladder

LargeIntestine

Liver Lung

TripleHeater

Spleen

Stomach

Heart

Bladder

KidneySmall

intestine

Pericardium

Shao-yang Yang-ming

Jue-yin

Jue-yin

Tai-yin

Tai-yin

Tai-yang Tai-yang

Shao-yang

Shao-yin Shao-yin

Yang-ming

1:00 am

3:00 am

5:00 am

7:00 am

9:00 am

11:00 am

11:00 pm

9:00 pm

7:00 pm

5:00 pm 1:00 pm

3:00 pm

1.3. TCVM circadian clock of the 12 regular channels. (From H. Xie & V. Preast, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 1, Fundamental Principles, JingTang, Beijing, 2002.)

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During Qi-Gong meditation, one places the tip of thetongue against the palate behind the upper incisors. This con-nects the GV and CV Channels. The Qi flow between thesetwo channels becomes the focus of meditation. It is possibleto imagine this pathway as a shortcut that allows the Qi tocircle the body while bypassing the 12 regular channels. Un-like the 12 regular channels, the flow between GV and CV

does not dominate at a certain time of day. Rather, the Qiconstantly cycles between the two channels throughout theday.

The Qi is always flowing through the 14 regular channels.Within the 12 regular channels, it has a predictable directionof flow from one channel to the next. However, even whenone channel dominates during its 2-hour period, the Qi

1.4. Summary of the levels and organ associations. (H. Xie & V. Preast, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 1, Fundamental Principles, Jing Tang,Beijing, 2002.)

Table 1.6. Distribution of the 8 Extraordinary Channels

Channel name Location Meridian connections

Du Governing Vessel (GV) Dorsal midline CV, STRen Conception Vessel (CV) Ventral midline GV, STChong Penetrating Parallel to kidney meridian KIDDai Girdle Encircling lumbar region GBYang-qiao Yang motility Lateral hind limb extremities SI, BL, LI, ST, GB

Shoulder and headYin-qiao Yin motility Medial hind limb extremities KID, SI

EyeYang-wei Yang linking Lateral stifle, GV, SI, BL, TH, GB, ST

ShoulderYin-wei Yin linking Medial hind limb CV, GB, SP, LIV

Neck

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INTRODUCTION TO MERIDIANS 9

continues to flow along the remaining meridians as well. TheQi flow of the 12 channels is like cargo boats on a river withmultiple ports along its length. As a boat travels down theriver, it may spend a short while in each of the ports in se-quence. When numerous boats come to a specific port at aspecific time, that port is very important during that time. Al-though this location may be a center of commerce for themoment, it does not prevent other ships from continuingalong the river.

On the other hand, the flow within the GV and CV Chan-nels is like a freeway encircling a city. The Qi flows smoothlyaround in a large loop around the body. The traffic may travelin either direction (i.e., from GV to CV or CV to GV) at alltimes of the day and night.

E. The 15 CollateralsCollaterals are relatively smaller meridians that divide fromthe 14 regular channels. Except for the spleen, which also hasa major collateral, each of the 14 regular channels is associated

with one collateral branch. The 15 collaterals connect the ex-ternally and internally related meridians and promote the freeflow of Qi and blood (table 1.8).

The collaterals that branch off from the 12 regular chan-nels arise at the Luo-connecting points and then run to theirassociated channels, which have exterior-interior, or hus-band-wife, relationships. For example, the Lung (LU) Collat-eral starts from LU-7 and runs to the Large Intestine (LI)Channel. The Small Intestine (SI) Collateral originates fromSI-7 and runs to the Heart (HT) Channel. The Stomach (ST)Collateral arises from ST-40 and runs to connect with Spleen(SP) Channel. The SP Collateral starts from SP-4 and runs tojoin ST Channel.

Three collaterals extend to a body region. The GV Collat-eral originates at GV-1, runs upward along the spine, andspreads across the head. The CV Collateral starts from CV-15and spreads over the abdomen. The major collateral of thespleen starts at SP-21 and spreads through the chest andhypochondriac region, thus wrapping the whole body.

Table 1.7. Functions and Indications of the Eight Extraordinary Channels

Channel name Function Indications

Spinal cord and disc problems, heat pattern, mental disorders, Yang deficiency, high fever

Reproductive disorders, Yin deficiency, sore throat

Infertility, estrous disorders, postpartum disorders, difficult urination/defecation, urinary incontinence

Weakness of back or hind limbs, Yang deficiency, poor performance

Ataxia or imbalanced movementWobbler’s, EPM, insomnia, eye problems Exterior pattern, cold, influenza, Bi syndrome, back pain

(IVDD) Depression, chest pain, failure of Yin organ function, renal

failure, heart failure, liver failure

Connects with the spinal cord, brain and all the Yangchannels

Reigns over all of the Yang channelsControls Yang Qi of the entire body Connects with all the Yin ChannelsReigns over all of the Yin ChannelsNourishes the uterusThe sea of 12 meridiansThe sea of bloodServes as a reservoir of Qi and blood for the 12 regular

meridiansRestrains the other channelsProtects the lumbar regionsRegulates the movement of all limbsControls movement of eyelidsConnects with all the Yang meridiansDominates the exterior of the bodyConnects with all the Yin meridians

Du

Ren

Chong

Dai

Yang-qiao,Yin-qiaoYang-wei

Yin-wei

Table 1.8. The Indications of the 15 Collaterals

Collateral Luo-connecting point Indications

LU LU-7 Hot palms, frequent yawning, urinary incontinence or urgency LI LI-6 Dental problems, deafness, cycling disordersST ST-40 Sudden loss of voice, mania, muscle atrophySP SP-4 Cholera, colic, bloatHT HT-5 Chest painSI SI-7 Bone loss, front limb weakness, mass on the skinBL BL-58 Nasal congestion, back pain, headache, nose bleedingKID KID-4 Chest pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, chronic back painPC PC-6 Chest pain, anxiety, restlessnessTH TH-5 Muscle spasms of front limb, weakness of front limbGB GB-37 Coldness of rear feet, Wei syndrome, eye problemsLIV LIV-5 Testicular swelling, hernia, pubic itchingCV CV-15 Pruritus or abdominal painGV GV-1 Ataxia, spine stiffness

Major collateral SP-21 Whole-body soreness, whole-body muscle atrophy or weakness,of SP blood stagnation

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F. The 12 Divergent Meridians (Shi-Er-Jing-Bie)The 12 divergent meridians branch out from the elbow or sti-fle areas of the 12 regular channels. They enter the thorax andabdomen to connect the internal organs and merge with theirexternally and internally related channels to spread throughthe neck and head. Six such pairs of external-internal merg-ers occur.

1. The BL and KID Divergent Meridians arise, respectively,from the BL and KID Channels at the popliteal fossa.These enter the lower abdomen to connect with the blad-der and kidney. They emerge at the neck and merge withthe BL Channel.

2. The GB and LIV Divergent Meridians branch from theGB and LIV Channels in the thigh. They run up to thepubic region, connect with the liver and gallbladder, dis-perse across the face, and connect with the eyes. In theend, they merge with the GB Channel.

3. The ST and SP Divergent Meridians divide off the STand SP Channels on the thigh. They enter the abdomen toconnect the stomach and spleen, run upward beside thenose, and finally merge with the ST Channel.

4. The SI and HT Divergent Meridians arise from the SIand HT Channels in the axillary fossa. From here theyconnect with the heart and small intestine, run upward toemerge at the inner canthus, and eventually merge withthe SI Channel.

5. The TH and PC Divergent Meridians branch from the THand PC Channels in the front limb from where they enterthe chest, connect with the TH, emerge behind the ear,and converge with the TH Channel.

6. The LI and LU Divergent Meridians arise from the LIand LU Channels, connect with the lung and large intes-tine, run upward to emerge at ST-12, and converge withLI.

Unlike the 15 collaterals, which are distributed in thebody surface, the 12 divergent meridians run deeper in thebody. They connect the internally-externally related channelsand strengthen their relation with internal Zang-Fu organs.The 12 divergent meridians connect the 6 Yin channelswith the head and neck. Therefore, one may select pointsalong these Yin channels to treat problems in the head andneck. For example, LU-9 and LU-7 can be used forheadache. KID-3 and KID-6 can be used for toothache andthroat problems.

G. The 12 Muscle Regions (Shi-Er-Jing-Jin)The 12 muscle regions are the peripheral connection areas ofthe 12 regular channels. They unite all the bones and jointsand thereby maintain normal motion of the whole body byensuring the normal range of contraction and extension of allthe muscles and joints.

These extend through the body surface and muscles, andthey meet in joints and the skeleton. The muscle regions allbegin on the extremities of limbs and ascend to the head or

trunk, but do not reach the internal organs. Their paths are asfollows:

• The 3 pelvic Yang muscle regions originate from the hindfeet, run upward through the trunk and connect with theface.

• The 3 pelvic Yin muscle regions originate from the rear feetand run upward to connect with the genital regions.

• The 3 thoracic Yang muscle regions originate from thefront feet and run laterally upward to connect to thehead.

• The 3 Yin muscle regions originate from the front feet andrun upward to connect the chest.

Disorders of the 12 muscle regions would include muscu-lar spasms, Bi syndrome, bowed tendons, contracted tendonsand muscles, stiffness, and muscle atrophy. Chapter 13 ofSpiritual Axis states, “Where there is pain, there is an acu-point.” Therefore, the major treatment principle for problemsof the 12 muscle regions is to focus on local points and A-shipoints.

H. The 12 Cutaneous RegionsThe 12 cutaneous regions are the superficial layers of the 12regular channels, and the area of each depends on the domainof its regular channel. These are the sites where Qi and bloodare transferred between the 12 regular channels and collater-als. The 12 cutaneous regions can protect the body surfaceand prevent the invasion of pathogens.

1-2. ROOT, BASIS, MANIFESTATION, ANDBRANCH OF MERIDIANSThe manifestation (biao), basis (ben), root (gen), and branch(jie) of the 12 regular channels are first documented in Spiri-tual Axis. They emphasize the status of Qi-blood circulationin different areas of the body. According to this theory, theroot and basis are located in the limbs, and the manifestationand branch of the meridians lie in the head and trunk (tables1.9 and 1.10).

A. The Basis (Ben) and Manifestation (Biao)The basis is like the root system of a tree and refers to thelower portions of the limbs. The manifestation is like the tipsof a tree and refers to the upper portions of the body includ-ing the head, thorax, and back. The ben and biao points arelisted in table 1.9.

B. The Root (Gen) and Branch (Jie)The root and branch refers to the origination and distributionof Qi and blood in the 12 regular channels. The root (gen) isthe Jing-well point, where Qi-blood of each channel origi-nates in the four limbs. The branch (jie) refers to places lo-cated in the head, chest, and abdomen where Qi-blood ofeach channel gathers and is distributed (see table 1.10).

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INTRODUCTION TO MERIDIANS 11

1-3. QI STREETS AND FOUR SEAS OF THEMERIDIANS

A. The Qi Streets (Qi-Jie)Qi streets are the common pathways where the meridian Qigathers and circulates. According to Spiritual Axis, there arefour locations of Qi streets: (1) in the thorax, (2) in the ab-domen, (3) in the head, and (4) in the limb. Qi in the headstops at the brain. Qi in the thorax stops in the chest andback-shu points. Qi in the abdomen stops in the back-shupoints and the chong-mai around the umbilicus. Qi in thelower limb stops around BL-57. The Qi streets closely connectthe meridians from top to bottom and anterior to posterior.

B. Four Seas (Si-Hai)Four seas are the sites where the essential substances of thebody gather and converge. These include the seas of marrow,blood, Qi, and food:

• Sea of marrow: Located in the head, this is the house andorigin of shen (mind) and rules the whole body’s activities.

• Sea of blood: Located in the Chong mai (PenetratingChannel), which originates from the uterus or prostate. TheChong mai is also the root of the 12 regular channels and isconsidered to be the sea of the 12 regular channels.

• Sea of Qi: Located in the chest where the Zong Qi is pro-duced and gathered, it nourishes the heart and blood ves-sels and governs the respiratory functions.

• Sea of food: Located in the stomach and spleen whereYing-qi and Wei-qi are generated, it is the origin of Qi andblood for the whole body.

1-4. FUNCTIONS OF THE JING-LUOThe Jing-Luo system is closely connected with all the tissuesand organs of the body. It plays an important role in animalphysiology, in pathology, and in treatment with acupunctureor herbal medicine.

A. Physiological AspectsThere are three physiological aspects.

1. Transporting Qi and blood and nourishing the body. Allthe body’s tissues require nourishment by Qi and bloodin order to maintain their normal physiological activities.The meridians are passages that transport the Qi andblood. Therefore, failure of the meridians to transport Qiand blood prevents Qi and blood from reaching theZang-Fu organs and results in organ malfunction.

2. Coordinating Zang-Fu organs and connecting the wholebody. The meridians connect with all the tissues and or-gans of the body. The connection through the meridianskeeps the interior and exterior, the front and hind, and theleft and right parts of the body in close association. Thiscommunication allows the Zang-Fu organs to coordinatetheir activities and to maintain equilibrium between theorgan systems.

3. Preventing invasion of the body surface and resistingpathogens. The meridians, with the help of the defensiveQi, shield the body surface and resist the attack ofpathogens (Xie qi). The meridian system has many smallbranches that distribute Qi and blood to strengthen themuscles, tendons, and skin. This fortifies the body’s nat-ural barriers to infection or pathogen invasion. In addi-tion, the defensive Qi flows outside of the meridian path-ways to make sure this remains an impermeable defense.

Table 1.9. Basis (ben) and Manifestation (biao) of the 12 Regular Channels

12 regular channels Basis (ben) point Manifestation (biao) point

Three Yang channels in BL BL-59 BL-1the pelvic limbs GB GB-44 GB-2

ST ST-45 ST-9

Three Yin channels in KID KID-7, KID-8 BL-23, CV-23the pelvic limbs LIV LIV-4 BL-18

SP SP-6 BL-20, CV-23

Three Yang channels in SI SI-6 BL-2the thoracic limbs TH TH-3 TH-23

LI LI-11 LI-20

Three Yin channels in LU LU-9 LU-1the thoracic limbs HT HT-7 BL-15

PC PC-6 PC-1

Table 1.10. The Root and Branch of the Six Channels on theRear Limb

Channels Root (Gen) point Branch (Jie)

BL BL-67 Eyes HeadST ST-45 Ears HeadGB GB-44 Inner ears HeadKID KID-1 CV-23 HeadSP SP-1 Stomach Abdomen

LIV LIV-1 CV-17 Chest

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B. Pathological AspectsThe meridians also play a role in disease conditions. Theymay transmit pathogenic factors or may reflect the diseasestates of internal systems.

1. Transmitting the pathogenic factors. If pathogenic fac-tors invade the body, the meridian system initially partic-ipates in combatting these pathogens on the surface be-fore they reach deeper tissues. However, when the zhengQi is weak and Yin and Yang become unbalanced, thepathogenic factors overcome the resistance of the merid-ians. The pathogens may then use the meridian pathwaysto migrate into the interior from the exterior. For in-stance, an unresolved exterior wind-cold pattern will al-low the pathogenic wind-cold to follow the Lung Chan-nel to the lung, resulting in cough and asthma.

2. Reflecting symptoms of diseases. In pathological condi-tions, the meridian system may reflect signs of internalproblems onto the surface of the body. Because there aresmall branches of the meridians that connect the Zang-Fu organs with their external organs or body areas, dis-ease in the Zang-Fu organs will result in changes of theseexternal organs. A clinician may then examine these ex-ternal structures for evidence of internal disease. For in-stance, extreme heat or fire of the heart may lead to ul-ceration on the tongue because the meridians connect theheart with the tongue. Similarly, extreme heat of the livermay cause congestion and swelling of the eyes. Deficientkidney Yang may result in lumbar weakness.

C. Therapeutic AspectsTwo main therapeutic aspects include:

1. Transmitting the effect of herbal medications. Chineseherbs may have specific actions on certain Zang-Fu organs

or channels. This quality is known as the channel tropismof the drugs. For example, coptis root (Huang lian) func-tions to eliminate heart fire, and scutellaria root (Huangqin) can eliminate lung fire.

2. Transmitting the acupuncture stimulation. The merid-ian system is important in the treatment of diseases.This system transmits the signal from acupoint stimu-lation by acupuncture or moxibustion. The stimulusfrom an acupoint travels along the meridian to the rele-vant Zang-Fu organs along that meridian. As a conse-quence, the Zang-Fu organs regain their balance, andthe normal flow of Qi and blood is restored. Whentreating a stomach heat pattern, hemoacupuncture atthe point Yu-tang sends the stimulation along theStomach Channel to the stomach. The point Dai-maimay be stimulated for treatment of diarrhea becausethis point is located on the Spleen Channel.

The de-Qi (arrival of Qi) response is a phenomenon inacupuncture that is the feeling or effect experienced as aresult of the meridian’s transmission of the acupuncturestimulation. The de-Qi response manifests in differentways for each individual. It may feel like heaviness, tin-gling, soreness, or pressure. A human patient can tell theacupuncturist when he or she feels the sensation. In veteri-nary acupuncture, observation of muscle twitching, flinch-ing, or attempts to bite may indicate de-Qi with stimulationof the needles.

The therapeutic results are closely related to de-Qi re-sponse. Without a de-Qi response, there will be less benefitfrom the acupuncture treatment. Inducing the de-Qi responseregulates the Qi flow, which is vital to effective acupuncturetreatments. No acupuncture treatment can be successfulwithout this ability of the meridians to transmit the acupunc-ture stimuli.

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Acupuncture points (acupoints) are specific spots on thebody surface where a practitioner applies stimulation for thediagnosis and treatment of disease. Acupuncture points arecalled shu-xue in Chinese pinyin. Shu means transporting,distributing, or communicating; xue refers to a hole, outlet,or depression. Therefore, acupoints are the special loci whereQi of the Jing-Luo and Zang-Fu gathers on the body surface.

These loci respond to disease and are places where acu-puncture techniques or moxibustion may be used to treat ill-ness. Acupoints are typically located in or near muscles,blood vessels, lymph vessels, or nerves. Each acupoint has aunique location and physiological effect. The diligent pursuitof clinical data has established and continually enriched ourunderstanding of these points. As time passes, we have accu-mulated a rich body of knowledge that further enhances ourdiagnostic and treatment capabilities.

This book bases its collection of acupoints both from thetraditional veterinary acupuncture literature (classical acu-points) and as transpositional points from the human model(transpositional points). The traditional literature provides anabundant source of acupoint information primarily for thehorse and ox. Many acupoints used in other domestic specieshave originated as transpositional points from humans,horses, and oxen.

2-1. NOMENCLATURE OF ACUPOINTSThe original Chinese names of acupoints have anatomic,physiologic, therapeutic, or symbolic meanings. Thus, thesenames contain the explanation of a given point’s purpose.This is quite advantageous for those who read Chinese, but isunfortunately less useful for Westerners who do not under-stand the language. For this reason, there are several differentnaming systems currently in use.

A. Traditional Nomenclature System

ANATOMIC

Some points are named based upon where they are located onthe body. For example, Wei-jian is located on the tip of tail.Wei means tail; jian means tip.

ZANG-FU

Other points are named according to their association withthe Zang-Fu organs. For example, Wei-shu is the stomach as-sociation point, which is located in the iliocostal musclegroove, caudal to the last rib, and 3 cun lateral to the dorsalmidline in horses. Wei means stomach, and shu indicates thatit is a back-shu association point.

THERAPEUTIC

The purpose or effect of the point is the name of somepoints. For example, Duan-xue means “stopping hemor-rhage.” This point, which is located on the dorsal midlinebetween T18 and L1 in horses, is commonly used for treat-ment of hemorrhage.

SYMBOLIC

Some points have more imaginative descriptive names thatsometimes suggest, less directly, the point’s location or func-tion. For example, Long-hui is “Dragon Meeting” and is lo-cated in the midline between the eyebrows. Similarly, thepoint Liu-feng (Six Seam) is located between the toes.

B. Western Nomenclature System

MERIDIAN NUMBERING SYSTEM

Each point receives a unique combination of letters and num-bers to form its name. The alphabetic prefix is the abbrevia-tion of the meridian on which the point lies. The numeric suf-fix represents the sequential position of that point on themeridian (table 2.1). For instance, there are 45 points on theStomach Meridian (abbreviated as ST). Thus, the first pointon this meridian is named ST-1, the 36th point is ST-36, andthe 45th point is ST-45.

This is an effective system in human acupuncture becauseit classifies most of the points on the 14 meridians with defi-nite descriptions of their distribution. When applied to veteri-nary acupuncture, however, it can become problematic andconfusing for several reasons: anatomical differences, loca-tions of veterinary acupoints, and differences among species.Anatomic Differences Between Humans and Animals.Although there is an amazing number of similarities in physical

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Introduction to AcupuncturePointsHuisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

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structure when comparing the anatomy of various species,there are some significant differences that affect the ability totranspose acupuncture points from one species to the next.

In human acupuncture, many important acupoints lie be-tween the carpus or tarsus and the digits. However, few speciesof domestic animals have five complete digits. Thus, accu-rately locating acupoints in the region of the distal extremi-ties obviously becomes difficult or impossible when strictlyfollowing the meridian numbering system.

For example, let us consider the association point of thestomach (BL-21). In humans, this point is between thelongissimus dorsi and iliocostalis muscles at the last (12th)thoracic vertebra. Where is this located in the horse, whichhas 18 thoracic vertebrae? In this case, should we locate thepoint at the 12th thoracic vertebra, the 18th thoracic vertebra,or somewhere in between? We tend to position it at the thora-columbar junction (T18-L1) in the horse and caudal to the13th thoracic vertebra in dogs.

Consider also instances when veterinary acupuncturemakes use of points on the tail, an anatomic feature that hu-mans obviously lack. For example, Wei-jian, an importantpoint in animals, lies at the tip of the tail. Acupuncture at thissite can treat cold, anhidrosis, and sunstroke, but this pointcannot be found in the human.Uncertainty of the Animal Meridians. Although animalmeridians were mentioned in several ancient texts, they havenever been identified with certainty. Recent studies suggestthat the paths of meridians in animals are similar to those inhumans, but further investigation is necessary to verify this.Points with Identical Names But Different Locations Be-tween Species. In some cases, acupoints may have a simi-lar pinyin name in humans and animals, but there are dis-crepancies in the anatomic locations of these points. Forexample, the acupoint Qu-chi in humans is found at the elbowarea (LI-11), but Qu-chi is also the name of a classical pointlocated on the craniomedial aspect of the tarsus in the horse.Also, Bai-hui can refer both to a point that is located on thedorsal midline of the head between the ears as well as to apoint in the lumbosacral space.

The meridian numbering system, therefore, is not ideal fornomenclature of the animal acupuncture points. Yet, regardless

of its shortcomings, this system remains quite popular out-side of China because it is simple to understand and is deeplyrooted in the traditional meridian theories.

CHINESE PINYIN NAMING SYSTEM

Pinyin is the standardized Latin spelling of Mandarin Chi-nese in which the traditional Chinese names of acupoints arespelled out in the Latin alphabet. For example, the pointST-36 is named Hou-san-li and LI-10 is Qian-san-li.

SERIATE NAMING SYSTEM WITH CHINESE PINYIN

The nomenclature of acupoints is based on both a set of ser-ial numbers and the Chinese pinyin name. This book adoptsthis naming system for the classical acupoints in horses anddogs.

OTHER HISTORICAL SYSTEMS

Although other nomenclature systems have been used for an-imal acupuncture outside of China, these are generally onlyof historical or academic significance. Most are not in useand may only be found in the literature.Phonetic Naming Systems. There are romanized Chinese,Japanese, and Korean naming systems that convert thesounds of the spoken language into the Roman-based equiva-lent. This transliteration results in naming the point Qian-san-li as Chiensanli or Gongzi as Kungtxu. In the end, thisadded little to understanding and standardization of acupunc-ture points and taxed an already overburdened nomenclaturesystem for animal acupoints.Region Naming Systems. This system divided the bodyinto four regions: (1) the head and neck (HN), (2) the trunk(TK), (3) the forelimb (FL), and (4) the hind limb (HL).Every acupuncture point within each region is numbered. Forinstance, FL-7, known also as Qiang-feng by the Chinesepinyin system, would be the seventh point within the fore-limb region. Similarly, HN-1 (Da-feng-men) is the first pointwithin the head and neck.

2-2. CLASSIFICATION OF ACUPOINTSAcupoints may be classified based on the acupuncture tech-niques, meridians, size, and actions.

TECHNIQUE

There are generally two kinds of acupuncture points thatwould require different kinds of stimulation techniques.Conventional Acupoints. The majority of acupoints be-longs to this category. These points are used for dry needling,aquapuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. For ex-ample, ST-36 can be used for the treatment of general weak-ness with dry needling, aquapuncture, or moxibustion.Hemoacupoints. These points are on superficial blood ves-sels and are stimulated by using the hemoacupuncture tech-nique. This is beneficial for acute excess heat pattern and Qi-blood stagnation pattern, but the hemoacupuncture techniqueis contraindicated for Qi and blood deficiency patterns. Forinstance, hemoacupuncture at Yai-yang, which is located onthe transverse vein 1.5 cun lateral to the lateral canthus, iscommonly used for fever and anhidrosis.

Table 2.1. Abbreviations and Number of Points for the 14 Regular Meridians

Meridian name Abbreviation Number of points

Lung LU 11Larger Intestine LI 20Stomach ST 45Spleen SP 21Heart HT 9Small Intestine SI 19Bladder BL 67Kidney KID 27Pericardium PC 9Triple Heater TH 23Gallbladder GB 44Liver LIV 14Conception Vessel CV 24Governing Vessel GV 28

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