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Why Are You Doing That Point? Kidney 1

By Sara Calabro

The Why Are You Doing That Point? series is back with a lesser used but very valuable acupuncture point: Kidney 1.

Kidney 1—also known as Gushing Spring (English name), Yongquan (Chinese translation), and KD1 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located on the bottom of the foot (see picture below).

Kidney 1 is the only acupuncture point on the bottom of the foot. Since some people are freaked out at the thought of taking a needle there, many acupuncturists stay clear of needling Kidney 1.

However, Kidney 1 hurts much less than you’d expect—often, there’s no sensation at all—especially when it’s needled by a skilled acupuncturist.

Acupuncturists commonly use Kidney 1 as an acupressure point, at either the beginning or end of a treatment, to help ground a person’s energy (more on this below). You can do this yourself. Because it’s on the bottom of the foot, Kidney 1 is an easily accessible point for performing self-acupressure. Keep reading

Why Are You Doing That Point? Gall Bladder 34

By Sara Calabro

The “Why Are You Doing That Point?” series is back, this time with an easily accessible and broadly useful acupuncture point on the lower leg.

Gall Bladder 34—also known as Yanglingquan (Chinese name), Yang Mound Spring (English translation) and GB34 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located just below the knee on the lateral (pinkie toe) side of the leg (see picture below).

You can find this point by running your finger up the outside of your leg until you hit a bony prominence. That’s the head of your fibula bone, and Gall Bladder 34 is located just slightly in front of and below where the bone juts out.

You can press this point yourself to alleviate stiff muscles, tightness along the side of the body, and to assist your Liver Qi in chilling out. Here’s why acupuncturists so often reach for Gall Bladder 34. Keep reading

Why Are You Doing That Point? Large Intestine 11

By Sara Calabro

This installment of “Why Are You Doing That Point?” will focus on Large Intestine 11. The point is considered one of the most vital acupuncture points throughout the body due to its wide range of indications.

Large Intestine 11—also known as Quchi (Chinese name), Pool at the Crook (English translation) and LI11 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located at the lateral (thumb side) edge of the elbow crease (see picture below). Keep reading

Why Are You Doing That Point? Pericardium 6

By Sara Calabro

This edition of “Why Are You Doing That Point?”, an ongoing series that explains popular acupuncture points, will look at Pericardium 6.

Pericardium 6—also known as Neiguan (Chinese name), Inner Pass (English translation) and PC6 or just P6 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located on the inside of the wrist. It’s roughly two finger breadths up from the wrist crease, between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons (see picture below). Keep reading

‘Why Are You Doing That Point?’ Spleen 6

By Sara Calabro

Ever wonder why acupuncturists choose certain points? The AcuTake “Why Are You Doing That Point?” series has the answer.

So far we’ve looked at Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4, two popular acupuncture points that are frequently used together; Stomach 36, known for its energizing qualities; and Governing Vessel 20, a conversation-starter located on the top of the head.

This time we’re looking at a very widely used point called Spleen 6.

Spleen 6—also known as Sanyinjiao (Chinese name), Three Yin Intersection (English translation) and SP6 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located on the inside of the lower leg. Keep reading

‘Why Are You Doing That Point?’ Governing Vessel 20

By Sara Calabro

Time for the April edition of “Why Are You Doing That Point?” This ongoing series explains the locations and common uses of popular acupuncture points.

So far we’ve looked at Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4, two acupuncture points that frequently come together in a combination called Four Gates, and Stomach 36, known for its energizing qualities.

This installment of “Why Are You Doing That Point?” will look at Governing Vessel 20.

Governing Vessel 20—also known as Baihui (Chinese name), Hundred Meetings (English translation), GV20 (acupuncturist lingo) and DU20 (alternate acupuncturist lingo)—is located on the top of the head. Keep reading

‘Why Are You Doing That Point?’ Stomach 36

By Sara Calabro

Welcome to the second installment of “Why Are You Doing That Point?” This ongoing series explains the locations and common uses of popular acupuncture points.

Last time we looked at Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4, two points that frequently come together in a combination called Four Gates.

This time we’ll look at Stomach 36.

Stomach 36—also known as Zusanli (Chinese name), Leg Three Mile (English translation) and ST36 (acupuncturist lingo)—is located on the shin. It’s found about a hand length below the patella, just outside the prominent tibia bone (see picture below). Having this point needled often produces a strong sensation that sometimes travels down the leg. Keep reading

‘Why Are You Doing That Point?’ Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4

By Sara Calabro

Acupuncture devotees are dying to know: Why are you doing that point? It is one of the most common questions that acupuncturists receive during treatments.

This is the first installment of an ongoing series that explains popular acupuncture points.

The logic behind choosing points varies. Certain acupuncture styles recommend points for unique reasons. Even within the same style, many points have more than one indication. Some points can substitute for others in cases where, for example, a needle-sensitive person prefers being stuck elsewhere. Other points can be left out or added based on the overall combination. Keep reading