Content provided in partnership with

Health Care Industry

Low Back Thru Asian Eyes, The

Dynamic Chiropractic, Jan 1, 2005 by Amaro, John

Besides the common cold, more people worldwide, and in particular, people in contemporary Western nations, seek a doctor's care for lower back pain than the combined total of all other health conditions. It then stands to reason that classic local acupuncture (meridian acutherapy) points found in the low back region (see figure A) would be, without question, the most significant local points for the treatment of the number-one health condition worldwide.

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

A review of these points, and utilization of just a few of the ones shown, will elicit incredible clinical response for low back pain in the majority of cases. There are additional points which are legendary for low back pain that are not found directly in the lumbar region. However, to the veteran practitioner, as well as the uninitiated, the local points illustrated here can and do illicit impressive response when stimulated by a variety of physiotherapeutic means or acupuncture needles.

Figure A is one that you will definitely want to clip and save for further review. The information here is way too important to do otherwise. Virtually every point illustrated will have a specific effect on lumbalgia. BL 23, BL 25, BL 27, BL 28, BL 52 (47), and Du (GV) 2, 3, 4, and 5 are well-known for their success in treating low back pain.

The "Du" meridian, otherwise known as the Governing Vessel (GV), is a midline spinal meridian running from the perineum over the spinous processes, coursing over the head and ending just under the upper lip between the front two teeth. On this meridian, we find some of the most powerful acupuncture points on the body for treating a variety of conditions, other than the obvious low back pain:

* Du 2 - Expels interior wind, strengthens the low back and calms spasms and convulsions.

* Du 3 - Below the fourth lumbar; tonifies yang, and strengthens the lower back and legs.

* Du 4 - "Gate of Life" below the spinous of the second lumbar; nourishes the original chi, tonifies kidney yang, known as the MingMen, "Gate of Vitality," and strengthens the lower back.

* Du 5 - Below the first lumbar spinous; for pain and stiffness of the low back, diarrhea and indigestion.

* Du 6 - Below the 11th spinous, historic area of chiropractic application according to Palmer.

* Du 7 - Below the 10th thoracic spinous; for epigastric pain, pain and stiffness of lumbar spine.

* Du 8 - Below the ninth thoracic spinous; expels interior Wind and relaxes tendons, sinews.

All of the acupuncture points beginning with BL 18 and progressing thru BL 28 are 1.5 tsun, or two finger-breadths bilateral to the midline corresponding to the Du (GV) meridian. Each of these points is named after its specific association, thus "associated" (shu) points. The names of the associations are by abbreviation; the neophyte will just need to use a slight bit of imagination to understand their significance. BL 19, between T10 and T11, is associated with the GB or Gallbladder. Knowledge of the working mechanism of the Gallbladder meridian from an acu-practic standpoint will open up an entirely new world of healing. BL 19 specifically relaxes the diaphragm; therefore, it is used for chronic hiccough or anytime the diaphragm is involved. It also is known to pacify the stomach. For example, the Liver associated point BL 18, between T9-T10, has a very strong significance on the eyes as well as on the muscles, tendons and ligaments. This point moves stagnant chi in addition to resolving damp heat and expelling wind.

The two points known as BL 20 and BL 21, specifically associated with the Spleen and Stomach, respectively, are classic points to resolve musculoskeletal conditions as a result of dampness. They are located opposite of the lower spinous of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae. This is an historic area of the body, as it, along with Du 6 and Du 7, is the area D.D. Palmer referred to as "Kidney." This area was adjusted in every condition, regardless of the diagnosis. It corresponds to the "Earth" element in acupuncture and is an area of extreme significance. I can be so bold as to say that every DC should consider some type of stimulus action on this area of points, on every patient who visits the office for care.

The point known as BL 22, or associated point to the Triple Heater (San Jiao) meridian, is a classic healing point. It is located two fingerbreadths opposite of the lower border of the spinous of the first lumbar. This point, along with BL 25 (Large Intestine) and BL 27 (Small Intestine), will have startling effects on gastrointestinal dysfunction, including colitis, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, etc.

The Kidney associated point, namely BL 23, just opposite the lower spinous of L2, is one of the most known points on the body. It affects the entire Kidney network, including bone, marrow, ears and Kidney essence. It has a very strong effect on lumbar pain, tinnitus, dizziness, deafness, edema and asthma. It is a very significant point. The last associated point is BL 28, opposite the second sacral foramen. It is extremely significant for regulating the bladder, opening water passages affected by the lower burner of the Triple Heater. It strengthens the back and knee and has a strong effect on pain in general. It has a close interrelationship with the atlas vertebrae.

Health Care Industry

Low Back Thru Asian Eyes, The

Dynamic Chiropractic, Jan 1, 2005 by Amaro, John

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Business

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health