6. Does the location of the extraordinary point Huofuhai (33.07) match that of the Shousanli (LI10)? Do the point name and the location have any special implication or meaning to the treatment?

From the direct perspective (view) the Huofuhai point does not fall on the location of the Shousanli (LI10). But it does overlaps onto the Shousanli (LI10) with its particular way of locating the point. Its indications and functions listed in Master Tung’s book also match those of the Shousanli (LI10). “Huofu”, literally “fire fu-viscera”, indicates Sanjiao fu-viscera. The point is defined on the Sanjiao channel, but is located with the arm twisted and then falls onto the Large Intestine channel and matches the Shousanli point. Master Tung’s original book lists that its major indication is to supplement or tonify, and functions same as Zusanli (ST36) if moxibustion is performed. The point is located at the region with abundant and thick muscles and hence is named “Hai (sea).” Master Tung’s book indicates the location of the point as “the flesh bulges when pressure is applied, at the border of the protuberant flesh (of the radius.)” The “flesh bugles” indicates that the abundance of the flesh on the location. The site with abundant flesh will be able to treat spleen-stomach related disorders, and functions to supplementing qi. “The border of the protuberant flesh” indicates the point is related to sinew. The differences between the sinew and flesh have been explained in details in the Advanced Tung’s Acupuncture Seminar. They are involved with the applications and elucidations of the five-body-tissue needling method (Body Correspondence Needling Method). Here I would point out some key points. First, Jin is the flesh that can generate strength. According to the explanation in Shuo Wen Jie Zi (Explaining Simple and Analyzing Compound Character), it says Ji is Roe (flesh). As for Jin, it says Jin is the strength of Roe (flesh). Secondly, Jin (sinew) is the stripe-shaped flesh, for example, Zhenjin (77.01) and Zhenzhong (77.02) points. Thirdly, Jin (sinew) refers to the particularly bulged muscle/flesh. Juong Roe refers to the particularly bulged big muscle. For example, deltoid muscle, triceps brachii, gastrocnemius, those chunky shaped muscles belong to this category. Huofuhai point is located on the border of the protuberant flesh, a particularly bulged flesh. Hence, it is able to treat tendon/sinew related disorders according the “sinew treats sinew.” And in fact it treats both sinew/tendon and flesh simultaneously. It is superb effective in treating tennis elbow if combined with posterior Quchi (posterior LI11) which treats bone particularly. Besides, Huofuhai point although is defined on the San Jiao channel, instead it is located on the large intestine channel. Hence, it treats both Shaoyang (Sanjiao) and Yangming (large intestine) simultaneously. Yangming channels are with abundant qi and blood; and hence this point is very good at regulating qi and blood.

5. Could you talk about the reasons the Heart opens into the orifices of the ears, and how that relates to bloodletting therapy and acupuncture?

The quote of the Heart opens to the ears is from Suwen, chapter four Jin Gui Zhen Yen Lun: “the color of the south is red, and enters into and communicate with the heart which opens into the orifice of the ears…” Wang Bing’s annotation was “the tongue is the official of the heart, the tongue is for speech, the tongue is not an orifice, and hence the ears are the orifice (of the heart)”. Zhang Jing Yue said “the root of the tongue belongs to the heart; but the ears belong to both heart and kidney.” They both agreed the relation between the heart and the ear orifices.

Because most yin channels do not travel to the head, the five viscera opening to the orifices on the face are in fact through their interior-exterior related yang channels. The kidney opening to the orifice ears is through the bladder channel which travels to and opens in the orifice ears. The heart channel, through its interior-exterior relation with the small intestine channel which enters into the ears, relates to the ears too.

There are quite a few ear disorders that are related to the heart. For example, the coronary heart groove on the earlobe is often used to assist the diagnosis of the coronary heart disease. Commonly seen tinnitus, and deafness are often related to the heart. For example, insomnia, hypertension, and anemia that accompany with tinnitus are more effectively treated if the heart is treated.

In Shang Han Lun, it says “Before the doctor feels the pulse, the patient presses his chest with interlaced fingers. When the doctor instructs him to cough, he fails to do it accordingly. He must be deaf. A great deficiency after profuse or repeatedly perspiration has caused the deafness.” It is effectively treated by Gui Zhi Gan Cao Tang which warms the heart yang. I often use modified Xiao Cai Hu Tang to treat ear disorders. One is because the gallbladder channel circulates and enters the ears; and another reason is based on the extraordinary connection of the heart and gallbladder. I also often select Fengshi (GB31) to treat the deafness, tinnitus and insomnia due to heart yang deficiency. The result is very good. The reason is also based on the extraordinary connection of the heart and gall bladder.

I also often prick the ear apex to bleed to treat profuse sweating. The result is very good as the heart governs the sweat. Pricking to bleed to treat insomnia is also very effective as the heart governs the spirit. Pricking to bleed to treat skin disorders is also very effective. As the urinary bladder travels to the ears, and the Taiyang governs the exterior; Shaoyang gallbladder channel circulates around the ears; and Shaoyang governs the wind, but so does the “all sores, pains, and itchiness belong to the heart”.

1. What is the difference between Tung’s palm diagnosis and other styles of palm diagnosis?

The Tung’s palm diagnosis was firstly made public in words in the Zhong Yi Yen Jiao (The Researches of the Chinese Medicine) in 1978, volume one. It was written by my student Dr. Yen Wu-Cun in accordance with my teachings and writings. The content was not exactly same as that currently circulated on the internet. Mine teachings and writings were the practical information resulted from experimenting, proving, and revising from Master Tung’s original teachings. In response to many students’ request, I started to teach palm diagnosis in some doctoral programs in the recent years.

Tung’s palm diagnosis is closely related to channels (Jing-Luo). It is not difficult to learn Tung’s palm diagnosis if one understands well the hand-foot same name channels and the extraordinary connections of the Zhang Fu organs. The readers may refer to the article “The Discussion on the Tung’s Palm Diagnosis” authored by Dr. Tsai Ming-Zong published in the Symposium of Master Tung’s Extraordinary Points in 1999. His article has details on the relations between channels and palm diagnosis. The differences between Tung’s palm diagnosis and others are generally described as follows.

1. Different Location/Regions Definition: The location definition in general palm diagnosis may accord to the eight trigrams, palmer lines, or other self-defined system. The Zang Fu locations in Tung’s palm diagnosis are different from those currently populated styles. In Tung’s palm diagnosis, other than the Zang Fu eight trigrams, the San Jiao locations, including the vertical and horizontal San Jiaos, are even more emphasized. Tung’s palm diagnosis particularly emphasized in the channel localization. If one understands the same name channel communication, and the extraordinary connections of the Zang Fu organs, he will not have difficulties realizing Tung’s palm diagnosis.

2. Different Diagnosis Methods: General palm diagnosis more focuses on the lines, including those major lines such as Heaven line (Love Line), Human line (Wisdom Line)….and minor lines such as vertical, horizontal, island, and obstruction liens, ...etc. Master Tung also observed the changes of color and luster, and flecks, but he most focused on the blue veins and shadow in every region, and secondly focused on the overall palm color and the temperature, muscle thickness or thinness, and indentation or convex in every region. For example, the plumpness or concaveness in the range of the trigram Gen-mountain region, or Venus mount, reflects a person’s constitution (vitality) and kidney qi, either strong or weak. If the muscle along the edge of palm of the Houxi (SI3) area is lack of elasticity or is concave, the diagnosis is kidney qi deficiency. If the little finger is too short, it is also diagnosed as kidney qi deficiency.

3. Different action/purpose: Master Tung often needled in accordance with the veins and the shadows. For example, the elevated blue veins along the edge of the palm about the Yuji point (LU10), can be diagnosed according to the upper, middle and lower positions to the shoulder or neck and upper back pain. Needle directly on the site of the elevated veins on the palm can treat the related pains. This was as a result of the discovery of the Chongzi and Chongxian points. Also, if the elevated blue veins are around the middle and lower Jiao regions, plus the palm temperature is lower, the diagnosis is Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency and the treatment is to needle Linggu and Shenguan. If the palm temperature is high and there are many blue veins, the diagnosis is Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with exuberant fire. And the treatment is to needle the Shenguan, Renhuang and Huoying points.

8: What is the theory and the specific usage of the needling method based on the mutual communication of the hand foot same name channels?

The point selection method of the same name channels is also called the needling method based on the mutual communication of the six channels. It is developed from the point selection method of channel connection, and is a type of channel therapy. The so called mutual communication of the six channels is hand Taiyin communicates with foot Taiyin; hand Yangming communicates with foot Yangming; hand Taiyang communicates with foot Taiyang; hand Jueyin communicates with foot Jueyin, hand Shaoyang communicates with foot Shaoyang.

The point selection method based on “hand foot same name channels” is related to “Open-Pivot-Close” too. Both hand and foot Taiyang govern Open and have unified movement rhythm and similar nature; both hand and foot Shaoyang govern Pivot and have unified movement rhythm and similar nature too. Hand and foot same name channels have the unified movement rhythm and similar nature; hence their functions are interchangeable and this is called “mutual communication of the same name channels”.

There are communicating pathways between the “mutual communications of the same name channels.” For example hand and foot Taiyin channels are connected at Zhongfu (LU1) point; hand and foot Yangming channels at Yingxiang (LI20) point; hand and foot Shaoyin channels in the heart; hand and foot Taiyang channels at Qingming (UB1); hand and foot Jueyin channels at Tienchi (PC1); hand and foot Shaoyang channels at Tungziliao (GB1).

The application of the “mutual communication of same name channels” is written in details in my writings of Zhen Jiao Bao Dien (Treasures on Acupuncture) and Lectures on Tung’s Acupuncture: Therapeutic System. Here I would only give a brief summary. The methods are as follows.

1. Mutual treatment of the same name channels: Usually the point of the opposite side channel is selected. This method is more suitable for four extremity disorder. The upper left side treats the lower right side; upper right side treats the lower left side; lower left side treat upper right side; lower right side treat upper left side. For example, when the disease site is at the Jing-well point Shaoshang (LU1) of hand Taiyin channel, the Jing-well point of foot Taiyin channel Yinbai (SP1) is needled. If the disease is at Shaofu (HT8), the Ying-sping point of hand Shaoyin channel, Rangu (KD2), the Ying-spring point of foot Shaoyin channel is needled. The rest channel may be deduced by analogy. This method does not rigidly adhere to acupuncture points. For example, pain on the site of Chengshan (UB58) can be treated by needling the middle point of the opposite forearm on the hand Taiyang channel. Although there is no acupuncture point on that specific location, the disorder can still be treated. This method is mostly used for treating four extremity disorders, but can still be used for disorder on the body trunk. For example, to treat the pain on the area of Shufu (KD27), moxibustion on Shaohai (HT3) and Shenmen (HT8) will resolve the pain instantly.

2. Combination of the Hand and foot same name channels: the combination method is often seen on the ancient odes. Let’s take several examples from “Ode of One Hundred Symptoms”. For example, “deafness due to qi obstruction relies on Tinghui (GB2) and Yifeng (SJ17).” Tinghui (GB2) is on gall bladder channel; and Yifeng (SJ17) on San Jiao channel. This is an example of point combination of hand and foot same name (Shaoyang) channels. Another example, “weary speech and somnolence are indicated in Tongli (HT5) and Dazhong (KD4).” Tongli (HT5) is a point of heart channel; and Dazhong (KD4) of kidney channel. This is an example of point combination of hand and foot same name (Shaoyin) channels. Also, “excrescence creeping over the eye, Ganshu (UB18) and Shaoze (SI1) are the points to attack.” Ganshu (UB18) is on the urinary bladder channel; Shaoze (SI1) on small intestine channel. This is an example of hand foot same name (Taiyang) channels. Besides, on Ode of Xi Hong: “heat disease but no sweat, Dadu (SP2) connects with Jingqu (LU8).” This is an example of hand and foot same name (Taiyin) channels. “Hand and foot/upper and lower Sanli (LI10 and ST36), food and qi stagnation should select them.” This is an example of point combination of hand and foot same name (Yangming) channels. Houxi (SI3), a point of hand Taiyang, and Shugu (UB65), a point of foot Taiyang, are good for neck pain and lumbar pain. The ancient and contemporary examples are so numerous and can not be listed one by one. Point combination of both hand and foot same name channels is a very practical method.

3. Mutual replacement of points of hand and foot same name channels: Points on the holographically corresponding locations have similar functions and can be replaced by the other. For example, Gongsun (SP4) can treat deficient cold of the spleen and stomach and indigestion. The holographically corresponding point Yuji (LU10) can be used to treat deficient cold of the spleen and stomach and indigestion, too. Zulinqi (GB41) can treat the ache circulated the waist. The holographically corresponding point Zhongzhu (SJ3) can be used for the same purpose. Xuanzhong (GB39) can treat Louzhen (neck sprained). The holographically corresponding point Waiguan (SJ5) can treat sprained neck too. Shugu (UB65), a point of foot Taiyang channel, can treat neck and lumbar pain. The holographically corresponding point Houxi (SI3), a point of hand Taiyang channel, can treat the same problem. Zhiyin (UB67) can correct abnormal fetal position, a gynecological disorder. Shaoze (SI1) also can treat gynecological disorder such as insufficient lactation.

7: Why He-sea points treat zang fu organ diseases? In Tung’s extraordinary points, how are those points that can treat zang fu organ diseases related to He-sea points?

In Lingshu, chapter 19 Si Shi Qi (Needling methods according to the four seasons): “if the pathogen (disease) is in the fu organs, select the He-sea points.” In Suwen, chapter 38 Ke Lun (On cough): “to treat the cough of the zang organs, needle the Shu-stream points; to treat the cough of the fu organs, needle the He-sea points.” Those statements indicate that the diseases of the six fu organs can be treated by He-sea points. In Lingshu, chapter 4 Xie Qi Zang Fu Binjg Xing (The visceral diseases caused by evil qi): “…..how to treat the diseases of the internal fu organs? Qibo said: the He-sea points should be selected.” “Ying-spring and Shu-stream points treat the external channels; He-sea points treat internal fu organs.”

The distribution of the five-shu points defines the point’s treatment scope which also relates to the point’s space and time natures. The general idea of the above quotes is that Ying-sping and Shu-stream points are more suitable for treating body surface and channel disorders of the respective channel. He-sea points are more suitable for treating internal body disorders of the six Fu organs. Ying-spring and Shu-stream points are located at distal extremities where the channel qi is shallow and near the surface. Hence, they are good at treating body surface (including external channel) disorders and five-sense organ disorders of the respective channel. He-sea points are located closer to the body trunk than Ying-spring and Shu-stream points. They are located around elbow and knee joints where the channel qi gathers together as one hundred rivers meet before pouring into the sea. The surrounding of the He-sea points is thick muscle and tendons, and hence the channel qi is deep and abundant. It is easier for those points to have needle sensations (gain the qi). As the channel qi of those points are more abundant and travel deeper to the zang fu organs, they are good at treating zang fu organ disorders. He-sea points are also good at treating prolonged or chronic diseases as the saying in Chinese medicine “prolonged diseases enter the fu organ.” He-sea points are good at treating prolonged or chronic zang fu disorders. Ying-spring and Shu-stream points are good at treating external contracted, newly developed, intermittent aggravation and amelioration, or half-deep/half shallow disorders. Those point selection principles guide the clinical practice.

The so-called “He-sea points treat fu organ disorders” includes non-spiritual/will disorders. (“When the disease is at the Zang (viscera), select the jing-well point.” Jing-well points treat spiritual and will/emotional or mental (Shen Zhi) disorders. ) He-sea points of yin channels belong to water and dominate pre-natal source qi and kidney qi. They can supplement the deficiency of kidney water. He-sea points of yang channel belong to earth and dominate middle qi or spleen qi. They can supplement the deficiency of spleen and stomach.

Because He-sea points are located around elbow and knee joints where the muscle and tendon tissues are thick, and comprise more channel or vessel qi; besides, they are closer to the body trunk than Ying-spring and Shu-stream points, they are good at treating zang fu disorders. Hence, several point groups of the Tung’s extraordinary points are specialized in treating zang fu organ diseases, such as Sima three points (88.17, 88.18, 88.19) treat lung; Tungguan Tungshan Tungtien (88.01, 88.02, 88.03) treat heart; Tungshen Tongwei Tongbei (88.10, 88.11, 88.12); Tienhuang Minghuang Qihuang (88.13, 88.12, 88.14) treat liver. They all are located on the thigh, superior to the He-sea points. As those locations are with abundant muscles, the channel qi is deeper and it is easier for those points to gain the qi. Besides, they are located closer to the body trunk and hence are good at treating zang fu diseases.

Also, the twelve divergent channels depart at elbow and knee areas (here they communicate with the five-shu points) and continue to travel toward to the heart. This is another reason those point groups of treating major zang fu organ disorders in Tung’s points are allocated on the thighs, superior to the elbows and knees. The “depart, enter, leave, reunite” of the 12 divergent channels complement the circulation inadequacy of the twelve regular channels. For example, foot Shaoyang gall bladder channel does not travel to the heart, but because its divergent channel pass through the heart, the evidence of the extraordinary connections of heart and gall bladder is further proved. The major points for treating spleen and stomach zang fu diseases Xiasanhuang (lower three emperors) three points are located on the calf, because the lower He-sea points of stomach, large intestine and small intestine are on the calf too. The three point groups for treating lung, heart, and kidney diseases are located between the stomach and spleen channels. This also shows that in Tung’s acupuncture, the theory of the spleen and stomach is emphasized.