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ST 36 and Tung's Points on the Stomach Meridian and Superficial Front Line
There are many advantages to knowing how meridians correspond to myofascial lines. In this post, I will discuss how we can integrate TCM points with the wisdom of Master Tung’s points. This is useful for refining our point prescriptions by making subtle adjustments in what points we choose to needle. Author: OpenStax College One common thing I hear from many people is that they don’t grasp Master Tung’s points. This usually relates to both the location and function of the poi
James Spears
Jan 34 min read


Acupuncture Points for Neck Pain: Luo Zhen & SJ 3 Combined with Movement
The acupuncture points Luo Zhen and SJ 3 are a powerful combination for many patterns of neck pain. These two points alone often produce superior results, but I do like to combine them with SJ 5 for added benefits. The points should be needled on the opposite side from the pain. Once the needles are in, use the movements in the video below. Using movement with distal needling is an effective technique for painful conditions. Neck Movements to Use with Distal Needling of Tripl
James Spears
Dec 29, 20251 min read


The Hun, Executive Brain Functions, Health Goals, and Treatment Plans
In TCM, the Hun, liver, and wood element are related to the qualities of vision, growth, planning, judgment, and decision-making. Additionally, the liver is said to be the general in charge of maintaining the smooth flow of qi and regulating the emotions. These attributes of the liver also relate to modern ideas about the executive functions of the brain that include organization, planning, and accomplishing our goals. Additionally, self-awareness, impulse control, and emotio
James Spears
Dec 10, 20256 min read


LI 11 & Ling Gu for Knee Pain
The combination of LI 11 and Ling Gu (22.05) is an effective prescription for many kinds of knee pain. The points should be needled...
James Spears
Jun 4, 20251 min read


Gallbladder 34, Tendons & Myofascial Lines
A myofascial approach to acupuncture and meridian therapies allows for an embodied perspective and a better understanding of point...
James Spears
Apr 25, 20255 min read


Master Tung's Acupuncture Points for the Knee - A Myofascial and Structural Perspective
Master Tung's points and protocols are highly effective for many conditions including various patterns of knee pain. In this post and the...
James Spears
Feb 6, 20254 min read


Palpating Stomach 41 & the Metarsal Lines
There is a palpation technique involving ST 41 and the metatarsal lines that can be used as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment...
James Spears
Nov 26, 20242 min read


Master Tung's Points 66.10, 66.11, & 66.12
Note that these points are the same as SP 3, SP 4, and KI 2 but are needled together as a set. These points are indicated for frontal...
James Spears
Nov 19, 20242 min read


Best Acupuncture Points For Anxiety
In this post, I will discuss various acupuncture points for anxiety and compare TCM protocols to Master Tung's methods. Also included in...
James Spears
Jul 25, 20248 min read


Master Tung’s Points - The Four Horses (88.17, 88.18, 88.19)
In this post, I will discuss Master Tung’s points known as the Four Horses, and in particular, I want to examine some of the lesser-known...
James Spears
Jul 23, 20245 min read


Are Meridians Real?
To answer this question it is necessary to consider the yin-yang nature of the meridians and their point functions. The meridians have...
James Spears
Jul 10, 20245 min read


Master Tung's Points 77.01, 77.02, & 77.03
These points are located in the Achilles tendon and are well-known for treating spinal pain, occipital headaches, and neck pain. As these...
James Spears
Jul 5, 20242 min read


Qi Stagnation, Tension, & Myofascial Lines
In this post, I will explore the role of tension in the myofascial system and how this relates to qi stagnation, meridians, and acupuncture. Tension is a common word used in clinics to describe headaches, stress, bottled-up emotions, hypertension, pain, qi stagnation, liver yang patterns, and more. In the dictionary, tension is defined as 1) a pulling force or stretch and 2) mental or emotional pain. Like the meridians, the myofascial lines connect the entire body. Tensegrity
James Spears
Jun 30, 20246 min read


Liver Qi Stagnation & Fascia
In Chinese medicine, we speak of liver qi stagnation, which is a common pattern associated with many conditions including musculoskeletal pain, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, headaches, and more. In this blog post, I will discuss how qi stagnation relates to pain in the myofascial system, as well as how fasciae surrounding the organs correlate with meridian connections such as internal-external relationships. Pain in the musculoskeletal system may result from prob
James Spears
Jun 20, 20245 min read


Shen, Behavior, and Motivation
Shen disturbance is a common condition that many of us encounter daily in the clinic. In addition to anxiety and depression, shen...
James Spears
May 14, 20244 min read


Lifestyle Changes
Often in the clinic, we may recommend lifestyle modifications for diet, exercise, smoking, sleeping, stress reduction, meditation, or...
James Spears
May 11, 20243 min read


Acupuncture & Fascia - Core Essentials
In this post, I will cover some fundamental principles for why it is helpful for acupuncturists to think of meridians and point functions...
James Spears
May 5, 20243 min read


Jing Essence & Cerebrospinal Fluid
In Chinese medicine theory, we speak of the jing essence and its relation to the kidneys and marrow. In TCM, the essence transforms into...
James Spears
Mar 19, 20244 min read


Lung 7 and the Front Functional Line
Lung 7 (LU 7) is known to be the confluent point for the Conception Vessel (CV), and as the name implies there is a connection to the lower abdomen and uterus. In this blog post, I will explore a myofascial basis for the connection between LU 7 and the lower abdomen. Superficial Front Arm Line, Brachioradialis, & the Front Functional Line In the image on the left, we can see the Superficial Front Arm Line (SFAL) which includes the pectorals major, forearm flexors, and lattisi
James Spears
Mar 17, 20244 min read


Perceiving Qi
As acupuncturists and therapists it is vital for us to perceive subtle energy. A key question to ask ourselves is how do we recognize qi...
James Spears
Mar 7, 20243 min read
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