AC 521L Anatomical

Acupuncture III
Introduction

Composition of Jing Luo

JING LUO
(Meridians/Channels ) (Collaterals)
• The Jing Luo or meridians and collaterals
are pathways in which the Qi and blood of
the human body are circulated.

• They connect with Zang-Fu (vital organs)

interiorly and extend over body exteriorly
forming a network and link the tissues and
organs
Meridian (Jing) VS Collaterals (Luo)
• They consist of the • They represent
main trunks, run branches of the
longitudinally and meridians, run
interiorly within the transversely and
body. They are the superficially from the
main trunks of meridians.
pathway.

Jing-Luo system
• This system of meridians and Collaterals
includes:

the twelve regular meridians, eight extra

meridians, fifteen collaterals, twelve
divergent meridians, twelve muscle
regions and twelve cutaneous regions
 Hand Three Lung
Yin meridian
Pericardium
Heart
Hand Three Large Intestine
Twelve Regular Meridian Yang meridian
San-
San-Jiao
Twelve Divergent Meridian Small Intestine

Twelve Muscle Regions Foot Spleen

Three
Meridians Liver
Twelve Cutaneous Regions Yin meridian
Kidney
Foot Stomach
Three
Yang meridian Gallbladder
Urinary Bladder

Du (Governing) meridian
Ren (Conception) meridian
Eight Extra Meridians Chong (penetrating, vital pass)
meridian
Dai (Belt) meridian
Fifteen
Collaterals Yin Qiao (Heel)
Minute Yang Qiao (Heel)
Collaterals Collaterals Yin Wei (Linking)
Superficial Yang Wei (Linking)
Collaterals

Most superficial
• Cutaneous regions
• Minute collaterals
• Sinew channels
• Luo-
Luo-connecting channels
• Primary channels
• Divergent channels
• Extraordinary channels
• Deep pathways of the primary and divergent
channels

Deepest
Formation of the theory of Jing-Luo
• Transmission of needling sensation:
Soreness, heaviness or numbness transmits along a
certain route to distal areas. In Miraculous Pivot “if an
acupoint is accurately punctured, the needling sensation
will transmit just as people travel along streets and
lanes”
lanes”

• In clinical practice nodules, tenderness, skin eruptions

and discoloration were found in areas corresponding to
Zang-
Zang-Fu organs.
Ex: UB 15

• Acupoints with similar indication are found and located

regularly along certain lines.

Foot Hand Foot Hand Foot Hand

Jue-
Jue-Yin Shao-
Shao-Yin Tai-
Tai-Yin
(Ending Yin) 1 (Lesser Yin) 2 (Greater Yin) 3
Liver Peri-
Peri- Kidney Heart Spleen Lung
cardium
Gall-
Gall- San-
San-Jiao Urinary Small Stomach Large
bladder Bladder Intestine Intestine

Shao-
Shao-Yang Tai-
Tai-Yang Yang-
Yang-Ming
(Lesser Yang) 1 (Greater Yang) 3 (Brightness Yang)
2
Foot Hand Foot Hand Foot Hand
 Functions of the Meridians and
Collaterals
• 1). Transporting Qi and Blood and
regulating Yin and Yang
• 2). Resisting pathogens and reflecting
symptoms and signs
• 3). Transmitting needling sensation and
regulating deficiency and excess
conditions

1). Transporting Qi and Blood and

regulating Yin and Yang
• Under normal conditions the meridians
and collaterals transport:
Qi (energy force necessary for the
functional activity) and
blood (source of moistening, lubrication
and nourishment) and adjust yin and yang,
nourish tendons and bones and also to
improve joint functions
 2). Resisting pathogens and
reflecting symptoms and signs
• In case of pathological conditions, the
system of meridians and collaterals exerts
its function of combating pathogens. They
also reflect local or systemic signs and
symptoms. It may be reflected in the form
of rash, eruptions, nodes or tender points.
Ex GB-37 Cholecystitis, ST-37
Appendicitis
Kidney- Popliteal fossa, deafness

3). Transmitting needling sensation

and regulating deficiency and
excess conditions
• In the treatment and prevention of the
disease, the system of the meridians and
collaterals assume the responsibility of
transmitting needling sensation and
regulating deficiency and excess
conditions. The treatment cannot be
successful without the transitive function of
the meridians and collaterals.
 Eight Extra Meridians
(Extraordinary)
• They are different from the twelve regular meridians. They do not
not
pertain to Zang-
Zang-Fu organs or are not internally externally related.
They are:
• Du (Governing) meridian
Ren (Conception) meridian
• Chong (penetrating, vital pass) meridian
• Dai (Belt, Girdle) meridian
• Yin Qiao (Heel)
• Yang Qiao (Heel)
• Yin Wei (Linking, Connecting)
• Yang Wei (Linking, Connecting)

Function of Extra Meridians

• 1. They act as reservoirs:

They are able to absorb excessive Qi
and blood from the primary channels in
the same way that reservoirs take
excess water from the canals and
ditches at times of heavy rain.
 Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Du channel links all the Yang meridians

at Du 14 and is known as the “sea of
the Yang meridians”, and helps regulate
the Qi of all the Yang meridian.

Du meridian

•Du (Governing) meridian

•All the yang meridians
meet with Du
•Command Yang meridian
•Sea of yang meridian
 Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Ren meridian links all the Yin meridian

and is known as “sea of the Yin meridians”
and helps regulate the Qi of all the yin
meridian
 Ren Meridian

•Ren (Conception) meridian

•All yin meridians meet with
Ren
•Sea of yin meridian
•Conceive all the yin
meridians

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Chong (penetrating meridian) links the

ST & KI meridian and strengthen the
link of DU and Ren. It is known as “sea
of blood or sea of the 12 primary
meridians”
 Chong Meridian

•Chong (penetrating,
vital pass) meridian
•Regulate Qi and blood of
the 12 meridians
•Sea of Blood or Sea of 12
meridians

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Dai meridian binds the vertical paths of

the 12 primary meridians esp Chong,
Du, Liv, KI, Sp meridians
 Dai (Belt, Girdle) meridian
Binds all the meridians

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Yin Qiao meridian: connects the Kidney

and Urinary Bladder meridians and is said
to dominate quietness.
 •Yin Qiao (Heel)
•Medial malleolus
•Control motions of the
lower extremities

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Yang Qiao meridian: connects the

Urinary Bladder, Gall Bladder, Small
Intestine, Large Intestine and Stomach
meridians and is said to dominate activity.
 •Yang Qiao (Heel)
•Lateral malleolus
•Control motions of the
lower extremities

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Ying Wei meridian: connects the Kidney,

Spleen, Liver and Ren meridians and is
said to dominate the interior of the whole
body.
 •Yin Wei (Linking, Connecting)
•Unites the yin main meridians,
reinforces and balances their
respective flows and generally
regulates yin meridian activity.
•Dominates the interior of the
body

Function of Extra Meridians

• 2. They link the 12 regular meridians:

Yang Wei meridian: connects the UB,

GB, SJ, SI, St and Du meridians and is
said to dominate the exterior of the whole
body.
 •Yang Wei (Linking, Connecting)
•Unites the yang major meridians,
reinforces and balances their
respective flows and generally
regulates yang meridian activity.
•Dominates the exterior of the
body

Function of Extra Meridians

• 3. Protect the body:

Ren, Du Chong meridians circulate Wei-
Qi over the chest, abdomen and back,
helping to protect the body from exterior
pathogenic Qi.
These 3 meridians originate in the
pelvic cavity and are directly linked to
Kidneys. It demonstrates the relationship
between constitutional vigour and defence
against disease.
 Confluent points
• Each of the extra meridians has their own
confluent points on the limbs which are
considered to have an effect on its
extraordinary meridian.

Confluent Points Extra Meridian Indication

Lu 7 Ren Throat, chest, lungs

KI 6 Yinqiao
SI 3 Du Neck, back, shoulder,
inner canthus
UB 62 Yangqiao
Sp 4 Chong Heart, chest, stomach

PC 6 Yinwei
GB 41 Dai Retroauricular, cheek,
outer canthus
SJ 5 Yangwei
 REN MERIDIAN
• The conception vessel is one of the eight
extraordinary vessels, but along with the
Governing vessel it is exceptional among the
eight hence it has its own acupuncture points.
For this reason the Conception and Governing
vessels are often included with the twelve
primary meridians together, they are known as
the fourteen meridians). The other six extra
vessels have no points of their own, passing
instead through points of the fourteen meridians.

Primary Pathway
Ren Meridian It arises in the uterus in the
(4) females and lower abdomen in
the males and emerges in
perineum. It ascends along the
midline of the abdomen, chest,
throat and jaw terminating at
the mentolabial groove
beneath the lower lip. Here it
curves around the lips
(3) connecting with the Du
meridian at Du28, passes
(1) through the cheek and enters
infraorbital region below the
eyes at ST1.

Branch
(2) Arises in the pelvic cavity,
enters the spine and ascends
along the back.
Function:

1. Regulates all the yin meridians of the body. It is

also called as sea of all yin meridians.

2. Regulates menstruation and nourishes fetus. It is

said the Ren meridian governs the fetus.

3. It is closely connected to the function of zang fu

organs.

Coalescent points

ST1 (Chengqi) and DU28 (Yinjiao)

Master point (Confluent point)

LU7 (Lieque)

Pathological signs
It is the sea of yin channels so you will see
pathological signs involving the kidney and liver.
Since it is involved with pregnancy and conception
you will see leukorrhea, irregular menstruation,
infertility in women and men, hernia, nocturnal
emission, enuresis, retention of urine, pain in the
epigastric region and lower abdomen and pain in the
genital region.
 DU MERIDIAN
(GOVERNOR VESSEL)
• Du meridian also has points of its own like the
Ren meridian and thus they are counted as
fourteen meridians.

Primary pathway
It originates in the lower
(5) Du meridian abdomen, emerges at the
perineum and runs
posteriorly along the
midline of the sacrum and
(4)
the interior of the spinal
column to the nape of the
neck. It enters the brain,
ascends to the vertex and
descends along the midline
(3) of the head to the bridge of
(3) the nose and the philtrum
(1) (1) and terminating at the
junction of the upper lip
and the gum (frenulum).
First branch
(2) (2) Originates in the lower
abdomen, descends to the
genitals and the perineum,
winds around anus and
ascends to the interior of
the spinal column and
enters kidneys.
 Second branch
(1) Originates in the lower
abdomen, winds around the
external genitalia and
(4) ascends to the middle of the
umbilicus passes through
(3) heart, ascends to the throat
winds around the mouth and
(2) ascends below the middle of
the eyes.
(2)
Third branch
Emerges at BL1 (Jingming)
(1) follows Bladder meridian
bilaterally along the forehead,
(3)
the bilateral branches
converge at the vertex and
enter brain, the single
channel emerges at DU16
(Fengfu) then divides again
descending through BL12
(Fengmen) along either side
of the spine to the kidneys.

Function
Du meridian has a regulating effect on the yang channels
so it is said that it governs all the yang meridian of the
body.
Du channel helps in warming the body through Yang qi.

Coalescent points
UB12 (Fengmen), Ren1 (Huiyin)

Master or confluent point

SI3 (Houxi)

Pathological signs
Convulsion, fever, pain and stiffness in the back,
hemorrhoids, mental disorder, retention of urine, enuresis,
sterility, cramps, heavy sensation in the head, vertigo.
 Primary Pathway
It originates inside the lower abdomen
(uterus in women), emerges at
Chong Meridian perineum (Ren1).
First Branch
(4) Ascends inside the spinal column.
Second Branch
Emerges at ST30 (Qichong), connects
with the Kidney channel at KI11
(Henggu) and ascends through the
Kidney channel to KI21 (Youmen), and
(3) disperses in the chest.
(2) Third Branch
(1) From the second branch the third
branch starts. It ascends alongside the
throat, curves around the lips and
terminates below the eye.
Fourth Branch
It emerges at ST30 (Qichong),
(5) descends the medial aspect of the legs
to the popliteal foosa, then descends
the medial side of the lower leg, runs
posterior to the medial malleolus and
terminates on the sole of the foot.
Fifth Branch
It separates from the leg branch at the
heel; crosses foot and terminate at the
big toe.
(6)

Function

1. Chong meridian regulates and controls the Qi and blood

inside the twelve regular meridians, so it is also named
the ‘sea of twelve channels’ or ‘sea of blood’.

2. It also links Stomach and Kidney meridians

strengthening the link between Ren and Du meridians.

3. It regulates menses.

4. Along with Du and Ren meridians it circulates defensive

Qi (Wei Qi) over the chest, abdomen and back area.
 Coalescent Points
Ren1 (Huiyin), Ren7 (Yinjiao), ST30 (Qichong), KI11
(Henggu), KI12 (Dahe), KI13 (Qixue), KI14 (Siman), KI15
(Zhongzhu), KI16 (Huangshu), KI17 (Shangqu), KI18
(Shiguan), KI19 (Yindu), KI20 (Futonggu), KI21 (Youmen).

Master or confluent point

SP4 (Gongsun)

Pathological signs
Gynecological disorders like pain in the abdomen, irregular
menses. Male sexual irregularities, including impotence.
Infertility in both male and females.
Counterflow Qi, abdominal urgency, dyspnoea, lower leg
atrophy

Dai Meridian

Pathway
It originates in the region of
LV13 (Zhangmen); circles
around just below the
hypochondriac region, run
obliquely downwards
through GB26 (Daimai),
GB27 (Wushu) and GB28
(Weidai) encircling the waist
like a belt.
 Function
Binding vertical pathways of all the meridians of the body.
Fixing and safeguarding the fetus.

Coalescent points
GB26 (Daimai), GB27 (Wushu), GB28 (Weidao)

Master or confluent point

GB41 (Zulinqi)

Pathological signs

Abdominal fullness, a sensation at the waist as though sitting in water.

Pain around umbilicus, abdomen, waist and lumbar spine, red and
white leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, infertility, and insufficient
sperms count (oligospermia).
Shan disorder

Pathway
Yang Qiao Meridian (6) (5) Originates at the lateral side of
the heel at UB62 (Shenmai).
Ascends along the lateral
malleolus and the posterior
(4) border of the fibula, ascends the
lateral side of the thigh to the hip
and the postero-lateral costal
region to the posterior axillary
fold. It zigzags across the top of
(3) the shoulder, ascends across the
neck to the corner of the mouth,
ascends to the cheek and
alongside the nose to the inner
canthus and communicates with
Yinqiqo meridian and the Bladder
meridian at UB1 (Jingming),
(2) continues upwards to the
forehead then curves across the
parietal region and descends to
meet with GB20 (Fengchi) and
enters brain.
(1)
 Function
Nourishes eyes and controls opening and closing of eyes.
Controls motion of lower limbs. (agile)
Absorbs excess yang from the head to subdue external or internal
wind.

Coalescent points
UB62 (Shenmai), UB61 (Pucan), UB59 (Fuyang), GB29 (Juliao), SI10
(Naoshu), LI15 (Jianyu), LI16 (Jugu), ST4 (Dicang), ST3 (Juliao), ST1
(Chengqi), UB1 (Jingming) and GB20 (Fengchi).

Master or confluent point

UB62 (Shenmai)

Pathological signs
Epilepsy (daytime), eye diseases, loss of consciousness, aversion to
wind, hemiplegia, chronic painful obstruction, rigidity of body, lumbar
pain, contracted tendons, flaccidity of muscles, tightness of muscles of
the legs.

Yin Qiao Meridian

(5) Pathway

(4) It originates below the medial

malleolus at KI6 (Zhaohai) and
ascends along the medial
malleolus and the posterior
medial surface of the lower leg
(3)
and thigh to the external
genitalia, then ascending the
abdomen and chest it reaches
the supraclavicular fossa. It
(2) ascends through the throat and
emerges anterior to ST9
(Renying) and ascends beside
the mouth and nose to the inner
canthus where it meets Yangqiao
meridian and Bladder meridian at
UB1 (Jingming). Then it travels
and enters the brain.
(1)
 Function
Nourishes eyes.
Controls motion of lower limbs.

Coalescent points
KI6 (Zhaohai), KI8 (Jiaoxin) and UB1 (Jingming).

Master or confluent point

KI6 (Zhaohai)

Pathological signs
Epilepsy (night time), eye diseases, chills, fever, painful obstruction of
the skin, pain in genitals, contracted tendons, uterine bleeding,
leukorrhea, flaccidity of muscles, tightness of the leg muscles.

(5)
Yang Wei Meridian Pathway
The meridian starts from the heel
(6) UB63 (Jinmen) and emerges from the
external malleolus. Ascends along the
(4)
Gallbladder meridian. It passes
(3)
through the hip region. Ascends along
the postero-lateral costal region
(posterior to Yangqiao) to the
posterior axillary fold. It crosses the
top of the shoulder and ascends
along the neck and jaw then passes
anterior to the ear as far as the
forehead. Crosses the parietal region
through the points of the Gallbladder
(2)
meridian as far as GB20 (Fengchi)
then connects with the Du meridian
at DU16 (Fengfu) and DU15 (Yamen).

(1)
 Function
Unites the major yang meridians, reinforces and balances their
respective flows.
It regulates Yang meridian activity.
Dominates the exterior of the body.

Coalescent points
UB63 (Jinmen), GB35 (Yangjiao), SI10 (Naoshu), SJ15 (Tianliao),
GB21 (Jianjing), ST8 (Touwei), GB13 (Benshen), GB14 (Yangbai),
GB15 (Toulinqi), GB16 (Muchuang), GB17 (Zhengying), GB18
(Chengling), Gb19 (Naokong), GB20 (Fengchi), DU16 (Fengfu) and
DU15 (Yamen).

Master or confluent point

SJ 5 (Waiguan)

Pathological signs
Fever, chills, acute sudden pain and swelling of lumbar region, visual
dizziness.

Pathway
Yin Wei Meridian
It originates at the medial side of the
(3) leg at KI9 (Zhubin) and ascends
along the medial aspect of the leg
and thigh to the lower abdomen. It
ascends to the ribs to LV14 (Qimen)
and ascends to the throat to meet
Ren meridian at Ren22 (Tiantu) and
Ren 23 (Lianquan).

(2)

(1)
 Function
Dominates the interior of the body.
Unites yin major meridians and reinforces and balances their flows.
Regulates yin activity.

Coalescent points
KI9 (Zhubin), SP12 (Chongmen), SP13 (Fushe), SP15 (Daheng), SP16
(Fuai), LV14 (Qimen), Ren22 (Tiantu), Ren23 (Lianquan).

Master or confluent point

PC6 (Neiguan)

Pathological signs

Heart pain, pain in the chest, fullness and pain of the costal region,
lumbar pain.

Confluent Points Xi Cleft Extra Meridian Indication

Point

Lu 7 Ren Throat, chest, lungs

KI 6 KI 8 Yinqiao
SI 3 Du Neck, back, shoulder,
inner canthus
UB 62 UB 59 Yangqiao
Sp 4 Chong Heart, chest, stomach

PC 6 KI 9 Yinwei
GB 41 Dai Retroauricular, cheek,
outer canthus
SJ 5 GB 35 Yangwei