Zu Lin Qi: TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Zu Lin Qi (Zulinqi)

Location

In the depression distal to the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the extensor digiti minimi tendon. Note: ask the patient to abduct the little toe to make the branch of the extensor digitorum longus more prominent; run a finger from GB-43 Xiaxi towards the ankle along the interspace between the fourth and fifth metatarsals until it passes over this branch into the significant depression beyond.

Needling

• Perpendicular insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun. Incorrect angle of insertion will not allow the needle to pass between the shafts of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones.
• Straight insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun, causing local distention and soreness possibly extending to the tip of the fourth toe.
• Puncture perpendicularly, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
• Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

• Shu-stream point
• Wood point
• Confluent, Master, point of the Dai channel
• Couple point of the Yang Wei channel
• Horary point
• Exit point
• Meeting point of the Urinary Bladder channel

Actions

• Spreads and drains the Liver and Gall Bladder
• Promotes unrestrained, free-flowing Liver qi
• Dispels Dampness
• Resolves Damp-Heat
• Benefits the chest, lateral costal region and breasts
• Clears the head
• Benefits the eyes
• Transforms phlegm
• Dissipates nodules
• Clears and regulates the Dai channel

Indications

• Eye diseases
• Pain in the outer corner of the eye
• Conjunctivitis
• Eye dizziness
• Vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot
• Swelling of the dorsum of the foot
• Dampness and swelling of the foot
• Contracture and pain of the dorsum of the foot
• Menstrual disorders
• Irregular menstruation
• Malaria
• Malaria with crisis renewed daily
• Chills
• Frequent lesion of the internal aspect of the cheeks
• Heart pain with chills
• Four limbs icy
• Pain in the calf
• Pain in the hip
• One-sided headache
• Head Wind
• Dizziness
• Pain of the occiput
• Pain of the vertex
• Pain of the outer canthus
• Redness, swelling and pain of the eyes
• Lachrymation
• Dry eyes
• Tinnitus
• Propensity to gnaw the tongue and cheek
• Swelling of the submandibular region and cheek
• Swelling of the temporomandibular area
• Toothache
• Dysmenorrhea
• Occipital headache
• Pain and weakness of the lower back and loins
• Spastic pain of the foot and toe
• Intermittent fevers
• Pain in the sides and ribs
• Rib pain
• Pain in the hypochondriac region
• Fullness in the sides in women
• Breast abscess
• Distending pain of the breast
• Mastitis
• Scrofula
• Cervical lymphadenitis
• Adenopathy of the shoulder girdle and axilla
• Headache
• Pain in the mastoid region radiating to the whole head
• Sensation of qi rising in the body
• Deafness
• Dyspnea on walking
• Fullness of the chest
• Pleurisy
• Recurring erratic rheumatic attacks
• Abundant sweating
• Fullness of the chest with inability to catch the breath
• Rebellious qi with dyspnea
• Chest Bi
• Pain of the supraclavicular fossa
• Swelling of the axilla
• Enuresis
• Inhibited menstruation
• Fixed Bi
• Wandering pain
• All disorders of the feet
• Chronic vaginal discharge
• Cystitis
• Urethritis
• Damp Bi of the knee
• Damp Bi of the hip
• Inflammation of the mastoid process
• Breast swelling during menstruation
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Oppression of the chest
• Alternating fever and chills
• Lassitude of the legs

Combinations

Notes

Indispensable to spread Liver qi, especially when it is stagnated along the Gall Bladder channel. An important point to adjust the fluid in the eyes and to resolve Damp-Heat in the genitals. A first aid point.