NAME
TAODAO
LOCATION
Inferior to the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra on the posterior midline.
Between the spinous processes of the first and second thoracic vertebra.
On the midline of the upper back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
Note: this point is located one intervertebral space below C-7.
NEEDLING
Straight insertion, pointed slightly upward, 1 to 1.5 cun. Sensation: Local distention and soreness extending downward to both shoulders.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Puncture obliquely upward, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body type.
Moxibustion is applicable.
COMMAND FUNCTIONS
Intersecting point with the Urinary Bladder channel
ACTIONS
Releases the Exterior
Regulates the Shao Yang
Tonifies Wei Qi
Disperses Lung Qi
Calms the Shen
Clears Heat and Fire
Treats malaria
Regulates the DU channel
Dispels Wind
Dispels Wind-Heat
Relaxes the sinews
INDICATIONS
Neck problems
Neck spasms
Neck rigidity
Neck, shoulder, upper back and spine stiffness, pain and cramps
Mania
Muscular tetany
Asthma
Tidal fever
Fever and chills
Psychosis
Heaviness in the head
Infantile convulsions
Clonic spasm, agitation and fullness
Unhappiness
Febrile diseases
Malarial disorders
Chronic malaria
Alternating chills and fever
Tuberculosis
Steaming bone disorder
Headache due to neck stiffness
Insomnia
Cough
Chest pain
Seizures
Anhydrosis
Dizziness
Consumptive conditions
Disorientation
COMBINATIONS
| PC-5 Jianshi PC-6 Neiguan LI-11 Quchi | M-BW-29 Yaoqi DU-26 Renzhong PC-6 Neiguan ST-40 Fenglong | UB-13 Feishu |
| Malaria | Seizures | Fever Seasonal fever |
| SI-3 Houxi UB-10 Tianzhu UB-11 Dazhu LU-6 Kongzui UB-60 Kunlun | UB-10 Tianzhu UB-60 Kunlun | |
| Headache | Visual dizziness Dizziness of vision with bursting eye pain |
CONTRAINDICATIONS
NOTES
Moulded and kiln refer to ceramic amulets the Taoists wore to ward off evil spirits believed responsible for fevers and other disorders. This is the start of the spiritual ascent to the head. This point is mostly used to release the Exterior and dispel Wind-Heat. This is an important point in the treatment of malaria due to its ability to clear Heat from the DU channel.