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Spirit PointsSpirit Points (Adv)Extraordinary PointsOther modesXi-cleft points:
Lu6; LI7; St34; Sp8; Ht6; SI6; Bl63; Ki5; Pc4; SJ7; GB36; Lv6; GB35 (Yang Wei Mai); Ki9 (Yin Wei Mai); Ki8 (Yin Qiao Mai); Bl59 (Yang Qiao Mai).
The xi-cleft points were first discussed in the Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The term 'xi' implies a cleft, crevice, hole or opening, and the xi-cleft points are where the qi and blood, which flow relatively superficially along the channels from the jing-well points, gather and plunge more deeply. The xi-cleft points in general are indicated in the treatment of acute conditions and pain, whilst the xi-cleft points of the yin channels have an additional action of treating disorders of blood. These theoretical concepts are clearly demonstrated by the clinical applications of these points:
Kongzui Lu-6 is an important point both for acute diseases of the Lung and for disorders of blood. It was traditionally indicated for attack by exterior pathogenic wind-heat or wind-dryness giving rise to febrile disease, acute cough and wheezing, swelling and pain of the throat and loss of voice and for coughing blood due to any aetiology. In modem clinical practice the principal use of this point is in the treatment of acute cough, wheezing or asthma of any pattern.
Wenliu LI-7 is indicated in the treatment of acute disorders and pain affecting the Large Intestine channel, and can clear heat and detoxify poison in cases of clove sores, carbuncle and furuncle, throat painful obstruction, and heat and swelling of the face.
Liangqiu St-34 is unique among the xi-cleft points of the twelve channels in being located proximal to the knee or elbow. The Stomach channel passes through the breast and nipple, and Liangqiu is traditionally indicated for acute disorders such as breast pain and breast abscess. In modern clinical practice it is also used for acute epigastric pain.
Diji Sp-8 has an important action on resolving blood stasis in the uterus and lower abdomen and is indicated in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea (especially when acute), irregular menstruation and abdominal masses in women due to this pathology.
Yinxi Ht-6 is indicated for severe and unbearable Heart pain due to blood stasis, and for bleeding disorders due to excessive heat agitating the blood. In current practice, however, Ximen Pc-4 (the xi-cleft point of the Pericardium channel) is more used for acute Heart pain. The relationship of Yinxi Ht-6 to blood is also expressed via its effect on treating disorders of sweating.
Yanglao SI-6 is indicated for pain of the shoulder, scapula and arm that is so severe that it feels as if they are broken or dislocated. It is also used as a distal point for acute contraction and sprain of the lumbar region.
Jinmen Bl-63 is indicated for sudden onset of shan disorder, sudden turmoil disorder (acute vomiting and diarrhoea) with cramps, epilepsy and 'white tiger' joint pain (intense pain due to painful obstruction).
Shuiquan KI-5 is indicated for a variety of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and delayed menstruation, characterised either by deficiency of blood or stasis of blood.
Ximen Pc-4 is the primary point for treating acute stasis of blood in the chest and Heart, giving rise to pain. It is also indicated for hot reckless bleeding in the upper jiao manifesting as nosebleed, and vomit- ing or coughing of blood.
Huizong SJ-7 has no relevant indications and seems to have been little used in classical practice.
Waiqiu Gb-36 is indicated for painful skin associated with painful obstruction and atrophy disorder, as well as for rabies.
Zhongdu Liv-6 is indicated for stasis of blood in the uterus, shen disorder and lower abdominal pain.
Fuyang Bl-59 is the xi-cleft point of the Yang Motility vessel but has few relevant indications.
Jiaoxin KI-8 is the xi-cleft point of the Yin Motility vessel and is indicated for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and especially for uterine bleeding.
Yangjiao Gb-35 is the xi-cleft point of the Yang Linking vessel but has few relevant indications.
Zhubin KI-9 is the xi-cleft point of the Yin Linking vessel and is traditionally indicated for acute and severe mental disorders such as madness, mania, mania depression disorder, raving, fury and cursing, vomiting of foamy (i.e. watery) saliva and tongue thrusting.