ACUPUNCTURE
Zhong Liao: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Zhong Liao (Zhongliao)
Location
Over the third posterior sacral foramen, on the sacrum, medial and inferior to UB-32 Ciliao.
Needling
- Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen.
- Straight insertion 1 to 2 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness in the sacral region, sometimes extending to the legs. Note: when locating the foramen, the fingers can be used to find the hole into which the needle is inserted. If the foramen cannot be found, withdraw the needle slightly and try a different angle.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.8 to 1.2 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Command Functions
- Meeting point of the Gall Bladder channel
Actions
- Regulates the Lower Jiao
- Facilitates urination and defecation
- Regulates menstruation
- Stops leukorrhea
- Benefits the lumbar region and legs
- Nourishes the Kidneys
Indications
- Difficult urination and defecation
- Constipation
- Diarrhea containing undigested food
- Retention of urine
- Painful urinary dysfunction
- Abdominal distention
- The five taxations
- The seven injuries
- The six extremes
- Sciatica
- Peritonitis
- Paralysis of the lower limb
- Impotence
- Dysmenorrhea
- Ovarian pain or inflammation
- Spermatorrhea
- Difficult urination due to infection
- Skin irritation in the genital region
- Uterovaginal inflammation
- Diarrhea
- Morbid leukorrhea
- Prostatitis
- Leukorrhea
- Irregular menstruation
- Scanty menstruation
- Infertility
- Lumbar pain
- Pain and Cold of the sacrum and coccyx
- Cold sensation of the buttocks
- Wei and Bi syndromes of the lower limbs
- Lumbosacral joint diseases
- Inducing labor
- Orchitis
- Sequelae of infantile paralysis
- Lower back and foot numbness
- Pain and stiffness of the lower back and sacrum
- Anal fissures
- Hemorrhoids
- Uterovaginal prolapse
- Difficult or delayed labor
- Dysuria
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| REN-5 Shimen, UB-57 Chengshan, LIV-3 Taichong, REN-12 Zhongwan, KI-3 Taixi, KI-4 Dazhong, UB-56 Chengjin | Difficulty defecating |
| UB-39 Weiyang, UB-52 Zhishi | Dribbling urination |
| UB-31 Shangliao, UB-32 Ciliao, UB-34 Xialiao, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, REN-4 joined to REN-3 Guanyuan joined to REN-5 Shimen | Dysmenorrhea |
| UB-31 Shangliao, UB-32 Ciliao, UB-34 Xialiao, ST-36 Zusanli, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, SP-10 Xuehai, M-CA-18 Zigong, REN-6 Qihai, REN-4 Guanyuan | Dysfunctional uterine bleeding |
| UB-31 Shangliao, UB-32 Zhongliao, UB-34 Xialiao, DU-1 Changqiang, UB-57 Chengshan | Anal fissures |
Notes
UB-31 Shangliao, UB-32 Ciliao, UB-33 Zhongliao and UB-34 Xialiao are considered a group of points known as the Eight Crevices (Eight Seams) Baliao. They share the characteristics of regulating the urinary system, the intestines, gynecological disorders and moving Qi and Blood in the channels and collaterals of the local area and the lower limbs. All of these points tonify the Kidneys, are specific for genital disorders, tonify the whole body and can induce labor. This point has more of an influence on the Bladder.
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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