Five Shu Points: Actions

Front 1

Jing-well

Back 1

-Point at which qi 'eminates.'
-Used for:
-clearing heat
-restoring consciousness
-rescuing collapse
Also:
-treat the uppermost reaches of the channels.
-treat fullness below the HT (stagnation and fullness throughout the chest region).
-disorders of the spirit.

Front 2

Ying-spring

Back 2

Point at which qi 'glides'.
-heat in the body.
-changes in complexion.
-diseases of yang channels--compared w/ JW points, they have a greater action on disorders along the whole course of the channel (rather than on just its upper end).
-diseases of the zang (w/ shu-stream pt).

Front 3

shu-stream

Back 3

Point at which qi 'pours.' *For Zang (yin), the shu-stream is the same as the yuan source.
-usually located at: flexure of wrist (3 arm yin), or proximal to the metacarpo-phalangeal or metatarso-phalangeal joints.
Used for:
-disorders of zang (w/ ying-spring pt).
-yang channel disorders (w/ying-spring pt).
-heaviness of body and joint pain (bi-syndrome).
-diseases which attack intermittently (e.g. malaria).

Front 4

Jing-river

Back 4

Point at which qi 'flows'
-located proximal to the wrist and ankle joints.
-they are used for:
-cough, dyspnea, chils/fever
-changes in voice (bc they are metal pts for yin channels).
-diseases of sinews and bones (JR points of the yin channels).

Front 5

He-sea

Back 5

Point at which qi 'enters inwards.'
-there are 3 lower he-seas: ST37 (LI), ST38 (SI), UB39 (SJ)
Used for:
-rebellious qi and diarrhea
-digestive disorders (overeating/drinking)
-fu diseases
-skin diseases (yang he-sea only).