ACUPUNCTURE
Zhi Yang: TCM Acupoint Guide
ZHIYANG
Name
Zhi Yang (Zhiyang)
Location
On the midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra, at the level of UB-17 Geshu.
Needling
- Slanted insertion, 0.7 to 1 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness extending to the low back and chest.
- Caution: the spinal cord lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.
- Oblique superior insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Fortifies the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Regulates the Middle Jiao
- Treats jaundice
- Unbinds the chest
- Transforms Damp-Heat
- Eases the Liver and Gall Bladder
- Expands the chest and diaphragm
- Moves qi
Indications
- Cold in the Stomach
- Inability to eat
- Emaciation
- Borborygmus
- Heaviness and pain of the four limbs
- Weakness of the four limbs with malaise of the whole body due to Exterior Heat or Cold pathogen
- Difficulty speaking due to diminished qi
- Hepatitis
- Cholecystitis
- Round worms in the bile duct
- The four limbs painful and swollen
- Lack of energy
- Asthenia
- Does not want to speak
- The qi in the back feels like it is rising and descending
- Yin in the Stomach causing anorexia
- Stomach ache
- Yin or Yang rheumatism
- Discomfort in the ankle
- Body curled up and lethargic
- Bronchiectasis
- Aching in the bones
- The five types of jaundice
- Fullness of the chest and lateral costal region
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Heat in the Kidneys
- Pain of the lumbar spine
- Stiffness of the spine
- Asthma
- Panting
- Pleurisy
- Pain and stiffness of the vertebral column and sides
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Back pain
- Lumbago
- Violent pain in the Heart and chest
- Violent pain in the Heart and chest as if attacked by a demon
- Impotence
- Malaria
- Cold abscess
- Cold Stomach
- Anorexia
- Hypochondriac pain and distention
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| SP-9 Yinlingquan, ST-36 Zusanli, GB-24 Riyue, UB-19 Danshu, UB-48 Yanggang | Jaundice |
| UB-18 Ganshu, UB-20 Pishu, ST-36 Zusanli, GB-34 Yanglingquan | Infectious hepatitis |
| GB-34 Yanglingquan, SJ-6 Zhigou | Psoriasis |
| PC-6 Neiguan | Cardiac arrhythmia |
Notes
Because it is located at the diaphragm, this point acts on both the Upper and Middle Jiaos. This is the most Yang point on the upper back.
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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