Introduction to Channels

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHANNELS, COLLATERALS AND POINTS - Channels and collaterals are passages through which Qi and blood circulate. Internally they connect with the Zang-fu organs and externally with the body surface where points are distributed. Points are thus the specific sites through which Qi of the Zang-fu organs and channels is transported to the body surface. When the human body is affected by a disease, treatment is possible by puncturing the corresponding points on the body surface, which regulates the qi and blood in the channels. This chapter will describe the main feature of the channels and points (see diagram)

Each of the fourteen channels on the body surface has its own course. Generally speaking, the twelve regular channels are distributed symmetrically on the right and left sides of the body. The three yin channels of the hand, runs from the chest to the hand. The three yang channels of the hand, runs from the hand to the head. The three yang channels of the foot, runs from the head to the foot. The three yin channels of the foot runs from the foot to the abdomen and chest. The Ren and Du Channels originate from the perineum and ascend along the anterior and the posterior middle line of the body. The distribution of the channels are; 1) extremities, 2) trunk and 3) head, face and neck.
The extremities: Both the upper and lower extremities are divided into the medial and lateral aspects. On the upper extremities, the flexor (palmar) side is the medial aspect and the extensor (dorsal) side is the lateral aspect. The lower extremities, the tibia side is the medial aspect and fibula side is the lateral aspect. The yang channels are mainly located in the lateral aspect of the extremities, and the yin channels in the medial aspect. The arrangement of the three yang channels of hand and foot is generally in the following order: Yangming Channels are situated anteriorly, Shaoyang Channels intermediately and Taiyang Channels posteriorly. The three yin channels of hand and foot, Taiyin Channels are located anteriorly, Jueyin Channels intermediately and Shaoyin Channels posteriorly.
The trunk: The distribution of the fourteen channels in the trunk is as follow: (see diagram)

CHANNEL	AREA SUPPLIED
The lung Channel of Hand-Taiyin	Upper portion of the lateral side of chest
The Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin	Lateral side of the breast
The Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin	Axilla
The Large Intestine Channel of Hand-Yangming	Anterior aspect of the shoulder
The Sanjiao Channel of Hand-Shaoyang	Superior aspect of the shoulder
The Small Intestine Channel of Hand-Taiyang	Scapular region
The Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming	The second lateral line of chest and abdomen
The Gall bladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang	Lateral side of the hypochondrium and lumbar region
The Urinary Bladder Channel of the Foot-Taiyang	The first and second lateral line of back
The Spleen Channel of Foot-Taiyin	The third lateral line of chest and abdomen
The liver Channel of Foot-Jueyin	External genitalia and hypochondriac region
The Kidney Channel of Foot-Shaoyin	The first lateral line of chest and abdomen
The Du Channel	Posterior middle line
The Ren Channel	Anterior middle line

4. The head, face and neck:

The Large Intestine Channel of Hand-Yangming	Neck, lower teeth and the lateral side of nose
The Sanjiao Channel of Hand-Shaoyang	Neck, postauricular region, and the lateral end of eybrow
The Small Intestine Channel of Hand-Taiyang	Neck, zygomatic region and the interior of ear
The Stomach Channel f Foot Yangming	Infraorbital region, upper teeth, face and the anterior aspect of neck
The Gall bladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang	Outer canthus, temporal region, the second lateral line of head and the posterior aspect of neck
The Urinary Bladder Channel of Foot-Taiyang	Inner canthus, first lateral line of head and posterior aspect of neck
The Du Channel	Middle sagittal line of head, posterior middle line of neck, philtrum and gums of upper teeth
The Ren Channel	Anterior middle of neck and mentolabial groove.

Classification of Points - Points are classified into 3 categories: points of the 14 channels, extraordinary points and Ahshi points.
Points of the 14 channels - There are 361 points 14 channels. The 12 regular channels exist in pairs distributed symmetrically on the left and the right side of the body. Those of the Ren and Du Channels are single, aligning on the anterior and the posterior middle line respectively.
Distribution of the fourteen channels on the body surface:

Channel		Distribution
		Extremities	Trunk	Head, Face and Neck
The 3 Yin Channels of Head	Taiyin	Anterior line of medial aspect of upper extremity	Upper portion of lateral side of chest
	Jueyin	Intermediate line of medial aspect of upper extremity	Lateral side of breast
	Shaoyin	Posterior line of medial aspect of upper extremity	Axilla
The 3 Yang Channels of Head	Yangming	Anterior line of lateral aspect of upper extremity	Anterior aspect of shoulder	Neck, lower teeth, lateral side of nose
	Shaoyang	Intermediate line of lateral aspect of upper extremity	Superior aspect of shoulder	Neck, postauricular region, lateral end of eyebrow
	Taiyang	Posterior line of lateral aspect of upper extremity	Scapular region	Neck, zygomatic region interior of ear
The 3 Yin Channels of foot	Taiyin	Intermediate and anterior line of medial aspect of lower extremity	The 3^rd lateral line of chest and abdomen
	Jueyin	Anterior and intermediate line of medial aspect of lower extremity	External genitalia, hypochondriac region
	Shaoyin	Posterior line of medial aspect of lower extremity	The 1^st lateral line of chest and abdomen
The Three Yang Channels of Foot	Yangming	Anterior line of lateral aspect of lower extremity	The 2^nd lateral line of chest and abdomen	Infraorbital region, upper teeth, face, anterior aspect of neck
	Shaoyang	Intermediate line of lateral aspect of lower extremity	Lateral side of hypochondrium and lumbar region	Outer canthus, temporal region, 2^nd lateral line of head, posterior aspect of neck
	Taiyang	Posterior aspect of lower extremity	The 1^st and 2^nd lateral lines of back	Inner canthus, 1^st lateral line of head, posterior aspect of neck
The Du Channel			Posterior middle line	Midsagittal line of head, posterior middle line of neck, philtrum, gums of upper teeth
The Ren Channel			Anterior middle line	Anterior middle line of neck, mentolabial groove

Extraordinary Points: These are useful in therapy. They have definite locations but are not listed in the system of the 14 channels.
Ahshi Points: These points are tender spots or sensitive spots present in certain diseases. They have neither definite locations nor names. Neijing describes them: "Where there is a painful spot, there is an acupuncture point."
Specific Points-- The points of the fourteen channels, a number have specific properties. They are grouped together under special names as follows:
Five Shu Points: Along each of the twelve regular channels, below the elbow or knee, lie five specific points, namely, Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River and He-Sea. They are arranged in the above order from the distal ends of the limbs to the elbow or knee. These names image the flow of qi along the channels as the movement of water. Jing-well is the place where the qi of the channel starts to bubble. Ying-Spring is where the Qi of the channel starts to flourish. Shu-Stream is where the qi of the channel flourishes. Jing-River is where the Qi of the channel increases in abundance. He-Sea represents the confluence of rivers in the sea, where the Qi of the channel is the most flourishing.
The therapeutic properties of the Five Shu Points are as follows: Jing-Well Points are indicated in mental illness and a stifling sensation in the chest, Ying-Spring Points in febrile diseases, Shu-Stream Points in bi syndrome (painful joints) caused by pathogenic wind and damp, Jing-River Points in asthma, cough and throat disorders, and He-Sea Points in disorders of the intestines, stomach and the fu organs. (Each of the six fu organs has a He-Sea Point in the three yang channels of foot respectively, known as the Inferior He-Sea Point.)
Yuan (Source) Points: Each of the twelve regular channels has a Yuan (Source) Point in the extremities where the original qi is retained. In the yin channels, the Yuan (Source) Points coincide with the Shu-Stream Points of the Five Shu Points. The Yuan (Source) Points are of great significance in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of channels and Zang-fu organs.
Luo (Connecting) Points: Each of the twelve regular channels has a collateral in the extremities connecting a definite pair of yin and yang channels which are externally internally related. In the trunk, there are the collaterals of the Ren and Du Channels and the major collateral of the spleen distributed respectively in the posterior, anterior and lateral aspects of the body. Each of the collaterals has a Luo (Connecting) Point, making 15 in all. A Luo (Connecting) Point is used to treat diseases which involve the two externally-internally related channels and also disease in the area supplied by the two channels.
Xi (Clift) Points: The Xi (Cleft) Point is the site where the Qi of the channel is deeply converged. There is a Xi (Cleft) Point in each of the twelve regular channels in the extremities, and one each in the four extra channels (Yinwei, Yangwei, Yinqiao, Yangqiao), -- 16 in all. The Xi (Cleft) Points are used in treating acute disorders and pain in the areas supplied by their respective channels and those in their respective related organs.
Back-Shu Points - Points are Points at the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-fu organs is infused. They are located on either side of the vertebral column and are in close proximity to their respective related Zang-fu organs. When any of the Zang-fu organs malfunctions, an abnormal reaction such as tenderness will occur at the corresponding Bank-Shu Point. These points play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of diseases in which their respective Zang-fu organs are involved.
Front-Mu Points - Points are those points on the chest and abdomen where the Qi of the respective Zang-fu organs is infused. These points are located close to their respective related Zang-fu organs. When a Zang or a fu organ is affected, an abnormal reaction such as tenderness may occur in the corresponding Front-Mu Point. These points are significant in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of their respective related Zang-fu organs.
Crossing Points - are points at the intersection of two or more channels. These points are distributed on the head, face and trunk and are indicated in diseases involving several channels. The most important Crossing Points are those of the Ren and Du Channels, which have a variety of indications.
There are also Eight Influential Points dominating respectively the Zang organs, fu organs, Qi, blood, tendon, vessel, bone and marrow and there are Eight Confluent Point (the Confluent Points of the Eight Extra Channels) in the extremities where the twelve regular channels communicate with the eight extra channels.
METHODS OF LACATING POINTS - Each point has a definite location which must be determined accurately for effective therapeutic result.
According to anatomical landmarks - Anatomical landmarks on the body surface, such as prominence or depression of the bone, joint, tendon, muscle, skin crease, hairline, border of nail nipple, umbilicus, eye and mouth, are of specific significance in locating points. If the sites of points are in the vicinity of or on such landmarks, they can be located directly.
Proportional measurement -- On the basis of anatomical landmarks, a measuring method has bee established for locating points at a distance from anatomical landmarks - proportional measurement. The width or length of various portions of the human body are divided respectively into definite numbers of equal divisions, each division being termed one cun. These are taken as the unit of measurement in locating points. The length of the cun depends upon the body build of the individual patient.
Head

Longitudinal measurement: The distance from the anterior hairline to the posterior hairline is taken as 12 cun. If the anterior hairline is indistinguishable, measurement can be taken from the glabella to the posterior hairline in 15 cun. If the posterior hairline is also indistinguishable, measurement can taken with point Dazhui (Du 14) and 3 cun added. The distance from the glabella to Dazhui (Du 14) then is 18 cun.
Transverse measurement: The distance between the two mastoid processes is 9 cun, as is the between points Touwei (St. 8) of both sides.

Chest and abdomen

Longitudinal measurement: Measurement of the chest is based on the intercostal spaces. The distance from the end of the axillary fold on the lateral side of the chest to the tip of the 11^th rib is measured as 12 cun. On the lower abdomen, the distance between the center of the umbilicus and the upper border of symphysis pubis is 5 cun.
Traverse measurement: The distance between the two nipples or the two midclavicular line is 8 cun.

Back

Longitudinal measurement: This is based on the spinous processes of the vertebral column.
Transverse measurement: The distance between the medial border of the scapula and the posterior middle line is 3 cun.

Upper extremities

Upper arm: The distance between the end of the axillary fold and the transverse cubital crease is 9 cun.
Forearm: The distance between the transverse cubital crease and the transverse carpal crease is 12 cun.

Lower extremities

The medial aspect of the thigh: The distance from the level of the upper border of symphysis pubis to the medial epicondyle of femur is 18 cun.
The lateral aspect of the thigh: The distance from the prominence of great trochanter to the middle of patella is 19 cun.
The medial aspect of the leg: The distance from the lower border of the medial condyle of tibia to the tip of medial malleolus is 13 cun.
The lateral aspect of the leg: The distance between the center of patella and tip of lateral malleolus is 16 cun.

Finger measurement - The length and breadth of the patient's finger(s) are used as a criterion for locating points. The commonly used measuring methods are as follows:

When the middle finger is flexed is flexed, the distance between the two ends of the creases of the interphalangeal joints is taken as one cun.
The breadth of the four fingers (index, middle, ring and little fingers) close together at the level of the skin crease of the proximal interphalangeal joint at the dorsum of the middle finger is taken as 3 cun.

AN OUTLINE OF THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF THE POINTS OF THE 14 CHANNELS

The therapeutic properties of the points of the fourteen channels are summarized according to the principles of, " The course of a channel is amenable to treatment." Points that pertain to the same channel have properties in common.
The therapeutic properties of the points are also based on their locations. Points located on the extremities can be used in treating disorders of both the extremities and the remote areas supplied by their pertaining channels, while points of the head, face and trunk are chiefly used in treating disorders in that area, including those of the zang-fu organs. Not only do points of the same channel have therapeutic properties in common; points of the three yin channels or those of the three yang channels also have similarities in therapeutic properties. Theses refer to the points located on the four extremities.
The therapeutic properties of the points on the trunk may be judged according to their locations and their adjacent zang-fu organs. In acupuncture, the human body is generally divided into the upper, middle and lower portions. Points of the chest and upper back are indicated in disorders of the heart and lung and those of the upper abdomen and lower back are indicated in disorders of the liver, gall bladder, spleen and stomach; while points of the lower abdomen and lumbosacral region are indicated in disorders of the kidney, intestines and urinary bladder. Points of the head, face and neck as well as those of the Ren and Du Channels are not only indicated in diseases of the neighboring organs, but also in constitutional symptoms.

Indications of points on the extremities with relation to channels.

Channel		Indications of Individual Channel	Indications of Three Channels in Common
	The Lung Channel of Hand-Taiyin	Disorders of lung and throat
The 3 Yin Channels of Hand (see diagrams)	The Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin	Disorder of heart and stomach	Disorders of chest and mental illness
	The Heart Channel of Hand Shaoyin	Disorders of heart
	The Large-Intestine Channel of Hand-Yangming	Disorders of face, nose, mouth and teeth
The 3 Yang Channels of Hand	The Sanjiao Channel of Hand-Shaoyang	Disorders of ear, and temporal and hypochondriac regions	Disorder of head, eye and throat, febrile diseases, and mental illnes
	The Small Intestine Channel of Hand-Taiyang	Disorders of neck, ear and scapular regions
	The Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming	Disorders of face, mouth, teeth, throat, stomach and intestines
The 3 Yang Channels of Foot	The Gall Bladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang	Disorders of eye, ear, and temporal and hypochondriac regions	Disorders of head, febrile diseases and mental illness
(see diagrams)	The Urinary Bladder Channel of Foot-Taiyang	Disorders of neck, eye and dorsolumbar region
	The Spleen Channel of Foot-Taiyin	Disorders of spleen, stomach and intestines
The 3 Yin Channels of Foot	The Liver Channel of Foot-Jueyin	Disorders of liver and external genitalia	Disorders of abdomen and urogenital organs
	The Kidney Channel of Foot-Shaoyin	Disorders of kidney, intestines, lung and Throat

31. Indications of points on the head, face and trunk with relation to locations.

Locations of Points	Indications
Head, face and neck (see diagram)	Disorders of brain, eye, ear, nose, mouth, teeth and throat
Chest, upper dorsal region (corresponding to the region between the 1^st and 7^th thoracic vertebra) (see diagram)	Disorders of lung and heart
Upper abdomen, lower dorsal region (corresponding to the region between the 8^th thoracic and the 1^st lumbar vertebra)	Disorders of liver, gall bladder, spleen and stomach
Lower abdomen, lumbosacral region (corresponding to the region between the 2^nd lumbar and the 4^th sacral vertebra)	Disorders of kidney, intestines, and urinary bladder.