Special Points (Te-Ding-Xue)

points (theory)

Among the points, certain groups with special properties are distinguished. Yuan points reflect the condition of their corresponding organ; Luo points connect paired meridians; Si points are used for acute pain and bleeding. The dorsal Shu points and the anterior Mu points serve as “diagnostic windows” for the organs. The eight influential (hui) points act on specific tissues and substances (bones, tendons, blood, qi, etc.), while the eight key points open the extraordinary vessels. Command points for body regions and the “five shu” points on the limbs are identified separately. Knowledge of these categories allows for the meaningful formulation of acupoint prescriptions, rather than treating a single symptom.