ACUPUNCTURE
Tao Dao: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Tao Dao (Taodao)
Location
Below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra on the posterior midline, between the spinous processes of the first and second thoracic vertebrae. 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
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| PC-5 Jianshi, PC-6 Neiguan, LI-11 Quchi | Malaria |
| M-BW-29 Yaoqi, DU-26 Renzhong, PC-6 Neiguan, ST-40 Fenglong | Seizures |
| UB-13 Feishu | Seasonal fever |
| SI-3 Houxi, UB-10 Tianzhu, UB-11 Dazhu, LU-6 Kongzui, UB-60 Kunlun | Headache |
| UB-10 Tianzhu, UB-60 Kunlun | Visual dizziness; dizziness of vision with bursting eye pain |
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.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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