感

EMOTIONAL NEEDLING TECHNIQUES

Using the Inner and Outer Bladder Channel

DAVID MAINENTI, L.AC., DIPL. O.M.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© 2002-2010 Eco-Med LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any electronic or mechanical means
without prior written permission from either
Eco-Med LLC or the author.

Published by
David Mainenti, L.Ac. Dipl. OM
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA

Tel : +1 (201) 850 0824

Email : ecomed@lava.net

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 Introduction

There are many reasons why acupuncture works after Western

medicine has failed. Although advanced technologies are available to
assist one in a diagnosis, not every level in the body can be
measured in a precise and scientific manner. For instance, there is a
blood test for sugar, but what about testing sugar levels in the lymph
system? This is actually a much more serious condition that can lead
to the development of a tumor; however, Western medical
researchers have yet to discover how to create such a test.

To treat serious diseases and disharmonies that cannot be diagnosed

by Western medicine, one must learn how to treat the spirit; the
method of doing this is the basis of the discussion between Huang Di
and Qi Bo in the Nei Jing. There are six emotion points and five
physical points that can be combined together to treat irreconcilable
problems inside the human body. These problems are beyond one’s
physical health; the self creates them, which usually becomes one’s
own worst enemy.

These situations result in chronic problems that develop from a Zang

Fu deficiency, especially in the Lung, Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney.
Such problems seem too difficult to overcome and often lead to
alcohol abuse, drug addiction, or severe mental depression. The high
demands of modern living also produce stress; in addition, the
expectations of family and friends can often be the root of a serious
disease. Therefore, one must learn to use the Six Emotional Points
and Five Zang points to treat the Five Shen in order to resolve difficult
problems, going truly beyond the physical realm and working to
harmonize more ethereal aspects of the human construct.

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 The Six Emotional Points

魄戶
pò heavenly spirit/dragon spirit/daytime spirit/white spirit
hù door/house

This point (UB-42) is located 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the
lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra and
Fei Shu (UB-13); thus, this spirit is white because it corresponds to
the Lung. This point represents instant psychic power, which is not
recognized in Western biomedical analysis; it is a gate to a kind and
wonderful spirit, embodying an individual’s compassion and ability to
communicate. When a practitioner places the hands on Po Hu, one
touches a sensitive part of the patient’s soul. Ordinarily, it is not easy
to see this spiritual component of the body, but one can feel its
presence.

When needling this point, one should use a needle that is only 0.5 cun
in length, inserting it like a strand of silk to communicate with the large
quantity of Qi located in this cave. Needling this point is for spiritual
practitioners – it is not for the technicians. When inserting the needle,
point it towards Fei Shu and the midline (Shen Zhu (DU-12)). One
can combine this point with needles at Fei Shu to strengthen its effect.
When the problem is more emotional in nature, treat Po Hu first, then
Fei Shu; if the problem is more physical, treat Fei Shu first, then Po
Hu. This point combination can be used to treat personality disorders,
drug addiction, and other seemingly uncontrollable situations.

These points can be used to treat psychological problems relating to

the Lung, such as sadness, worry, and depression; these types of
conditions seem to be more and more common in industrialized or
technologically advanced nations, indicating that burdens of modern
society cause undue stress to be exerted on the body. Thus, when

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needling this point, try to connect back to a time where the patient
knew what he or she was good at and use it to bring the best out of
the patient in the here and now, working to develop a clarity of vision.
One can even combine this method with the ten ear points used in
chemical dependency detoxification for a stronger, more concentrated
effect. One can also use other substances besides the needle at Po
Hu, such as rocks, herbs, bamboo sticks, or the palms of the hands.
Do not worry if the condition is hot or cold, deficient or excess; Po Hu
can neutralize any imbalance by nourishing the heavenly soul.

膏肓俞
gāo high/tall/exhalted/aged/great/vital/enlarged/to raise up/above
huāng region below the Heart and above the Lung, where medicine can not
reach
shū to move/carry/transport

This famous point (UB-43) is level with the lower border of the fourth
thoracic vertebra, 3 cun from the midline, level with Jue Yin Shu (UB-
14). Locate this point by placing the palm on Ge Shu (UB-17, 1.5 cun
from the midline, level with the lower border of T7) and stretching the
fingers out: it is exactly where the ring finger lands. Gao Huang
literally means ‘fatty vital hollow;’ ancient doctors would often say that
when the disease is in the region of the Heart and no diagnosis is
available, this point must be treated. It is used to treat all severe
conditions, especially drug addiction and in cases where no problems
can be determined through the employment of normal diagnostic
methods. It is used to revive a patient who is in a late stage of life
(e.g., just about to die). It can be used to prolong life slightly, so if
someone needs to get his or her affairs together, such as completing
a will, this point should be needled, because once disease has
entered the Gao Huang region, it difficult to reverse.

Sometimes in life, problems occur that are out of the normal sphere of
control; once all possible cures are exhausted, the final key is to
maintain the breath and to come to a realization about death and

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dying. Is it not amazing that even in this situation, a skilled
acupuncturist can still treat the patient through the use of Daoist
medicine? This point can also help nourish the mind and the memory,
refreshing our past; it can thus be used in astral travel, since it helps
heal beyond physical limits.

One can needle this point in conjunction with Jue Yin Shu; is it not
interesting that the character Jue [ 厥 ] in Jue Yin Shu and the
character Que [闕] in Shen Que (REN-8) have the same main radical?
This is because at birth, the baby is severed from the mother in both
the front and back, allowing one to enter duality (e.g., the world of Yin
and Yang). Therefore, Gao Huang Shu can be used to treat the
entire Qi and pulse of the body; remember that the pulse contains the
spirit of the Heart (the Shen). This point also opens up Ya Men (DU-
15), the ‘Deaf and Dumb Gate,’ which treats men, women, children,
and elderly patients who have not reached any stage of
enlightenment in their lives.

神堂
shén spirit/god/supernatural/soul/alive/heart/essence/core
táng hall/meeting place/temple/shrine/chamber/flourishing/excellent

This point (UB-44) is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the
spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, level with Xin Shu (UB-
15) and the physical location of the Heart; it is easily found when the
patient takes a straight sitting posture. This point speaks for itself in
that it unifies one’s spiritual force, bringing all the spiritual soldiers of
the body together to enhance the consciousness of an individual via
the connection of high level frequencies of energy. This point
harmonizes the five aspects of the Shen into one point that goes
straight to the Heart.

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If a practitioner listens closely after placing the palm (e.g., Lao Gong
(PC-8)) over this point, one can perform a truly beyond diagnosis,
developing a sensitivity of the hand whereby one can hear and see
energy flows in the body. When one learns how to do this, it is the
Shen of the Heart that makes it possible. Simply place the palm over
the 12 inner shu/transport points (located 1.5 cun from the midline) to
diagnose problems in each particular Zang Fu and meridian system.

魂門
hún earthly spirit/tiger spirit/nighttime spirit/animal soul
mén gate/door/entrance/exit/to guard/aspect/section

This point (UB-47) is located 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with
Gan Shu (UB-18) and the lower border of the spinous process of the
ninth thoracic vertebra. Hun Men is the gate of the soul; it deals with
mastering all the spirits, returning to the Earth upon death. This point
corresponds to the spirit of the Liver and is thus very effective in
treating mental illnesses and chronic emotional problems, such as
depression or repressed anger. Because is represents the earthly
soul, it can make other types of life possible. Therefore, one can use
rocks, needles, or bamboo sticks at this point as replacement therapy
for Prozac and other psychological medications.

This point is also very effective for individuals who are afraid of the
dark, or for people who often walk in the dark at night, since the Hun
corresponds to the Yin hours of the nighttime. One must strengthen
the nighttime spirit so that one does not feel helpless when out alone
in the dark or during the wee hours of the night. Because the Liver
corresponds to the eyes, it will also allow one to see far at night by
using one’s inner eye for guidance.

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意舍
yì mind/will/intention/meaning/volition/wish/purpose/idea/
opinion/thought
shè hut/house/inn/shed/lodge/guest house/residence/
overnight stay/put/place

This point (UB-49), is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the
spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, on the same
horizontal line with Pi Shu (UB-20), corresponding to the Spleen. This
point provides a person with a large amount of intellectual power and
internal strength; it also gives a lot of post-natal power to support
astral travel. To travel far distances, one must be sure to train the Yi
to remain rooted in the Earth; it allows one to communicate very far.
One can use an astral traveling stick to open up this point by
stretching out this area of the back.

志室
zhì determination/will/purpose/ambition/scope/records/statistics
shì room/apartment/chamber/mansion/house/home/household/
family/clan/wife

This point (UB-52) is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the
spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, across from Shen
Shu (UB-23), the palace of the Kidney. It is responsible for storing the
pre-natal will power, allowing one to realize his or her dreams in life
and beyond. In combination with Shen Shu, Da Zhu (UB-11), and
Ming Men (DU-4), it is one of the most effective points for treating
spiritual problems associated with the Kidney and one’s ancestry,
which are often beyond physical understanding. These points are
also very effective at strengthening the spine, bone, and marrow,
since all of these items are rooted in the energy of the Kidney and
thus represent levels of genetic inheritance.

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 The Five Zang Points

肺輸
fèi lung
shū to transport

This point (UB-13), level with the lower border of the third thoracic
vertebra, treats all Lung disorders and immune system problems,
especially when combined with Gao Huang Shu. It allows for Lung Qi
to descend, treating asthma and breathlessness. It clears Lung heat,
treating bronchitis, pneumonia, high fevers, and thirst. It can resolve
restlessness, due to its connection to the Po. This is the principal
back point to tonify Lung Qi and to treat chronic Lung deficiency. It
also clears away external wind conditions, causing rhinitis or skin
disorders. This point also treats phlegm congestion in the chest.

心輸
xīn heart/spirit/emotions/love
shū to transport

This point (UB-15), level with the lower border of the fifth thoracic
vertebra, treats all forms of insomnia, especially when combined with
Ge Shu and Nei Guan. It also treats muteness, a stiff tongue,
epilepsy, impotence, premature ejaculation, and excessive bleeding.
It also calms the mind and nourishes the Heart, treating nervous
anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. Xin Shu is
very effective in treating mental retardation in children. This point
moves blood and Qi in the heart, treating palpitations, pain, and any
other types of chest irregularity.

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肝輸
gān liver
shū to transport

This point (UB-18), level with the lower border of the ninth thoracic
vertebra, treats conditions such as Qi stagnation, pain in the chest
and flanks, damp-heat jaundice, genital disorders, blood deficiency,
and internal wind. Gan Shu effectively resolves eye disorders,
whatever the symptom, and disperses heat associated with addictive
substances such as alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and
prescription medication,

脾輸
pí spleen
shū to transport

This point (UB-20), level with the lower border of the eleventh thoracic
vertebra, effectively tonifies the middle burner, treating conditions that
result in loose stools, abdominal distension and pain, or prolapse of
the organs. This point can resolve dampness and phlegm
accumulation, nourish and invigorate blood, and provide energy for
chronic, deficient conditions.

腎輸
shèn kidney
shū to transport

This point (UB-23), level with the lower border of the second lumbar
vertebra, is the most important of the back Shu/Transport grouping.
This point makes bone, tonifying the Kidney and the marrow; it also
clears away stagnation in the lower region of the body. Thus, it
tonifies Yin and Yang in the body, along with nourishing the

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Jing/Essence. It can treat weakness, mental disharmony, spinal
problems, bone problems, dizziness, poor memory, tinnitus, and
fatigue. It clears away dampness in the lower burner and urinary
bladder and resolves kidney stones. This point supports the primal
arrangement of Yin and Yang in the body and is thus the principal
Shu/Transport point used in the clinic.

Treatment Techniques

There is a secret method of Daoist acupuncture where one can treat

the most serious of diseases by combining the horizontal
Shu/Transport points for the Five Zang organs on the inner Urinary
Bladder channel with their corresponding Emotional Points on the
outer Urinary Bladder channel. These treatments are effective when
there are irreconcilable differences occurring within a patient (e.g.,
disease that cannot be treated for it cannot be seen). These
disorders extend beyond one’s physical health; they are
mental/emotional in nature and create the most chronic of problems,
all growing out from inside the personality. These problems involve
issues that are difficult to overcome, such as drinking, smoking,
depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. Such disorders can also be
caused by an abnormal amount of stress, which comes about
because of the high level of demands and expectations placed on
each human being in modern society.

To begin this type of treatment, first locate the five Shu points of the
five Zang organs and determine, through the use of palpation, which
points need to be treated. This method of silent observation will take
time to develop, for it requires the use of one’s Qi to determine what
organs are affected and contributing to the incurable disease. Once
the Zang Shu point is located, palpate the associative Emotion point
(1.5 cun further out from the midline). When these four points are
combined together in one straight horizontal line, they can treat
extreme problems inside the body landscape.
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It is important to measure the energetic qualities of each of the five
points before selecting the most affected elemental system. Once the
points are located, needle the bilateral points so that each needle is
directed towards the midline. For primarily mental problems, insert
the outer Urinary Bladder points first (e.g., the Emotion points); if
there is primarily a physical problem, needle the inner Urinary Bladder
points first (e.g., the Zang Shu/Transport points). If the condition is
very extreme, one can add Gao Huang Shu to the treatment, which is
especially useful in cases presenting with drug addiction. One can
also combine this treatment with a ten-point auricular detoxification
methodology for complete spiritual revitalization. After the treatment
is complete, remove the needles, working from top to bottom, left to
right. Treat the patient daily for seven straight days with the same
points and methods utilized each time. This routine practice will
detoxify human beings and cure deep problems. Whenever one
treats serious conditions, always finish by performing Qi Gong on Gao
Huang Shu, Ge Shu (UB-17), and Shan Zhong (REN-17); these
points assist in building Qi and blood.

Whenever a practitioner is treating a serious case, they need to focus

on their own internal breath. One must practice by blowing rice paper
to strengthen the suction action of one’s lower abdomen. One can
also practice by picking up a bottle with the palm. These two methods
help strengthen the Guan Yuan/Qi Hai areas, nourishing Da Zhu and
the blood and bones, connecting Shen Que (REN-8) with Ming Men
(DU-4), harmonizing life and connecting oneself to the spiritual realms.
The connection between Shen Que and Ming Men creates a
mysterious energy that forms the foundation to all advanced Daoist
spiritual practices; it also allows for a connection to take place
between Ming Men, Yao Yang Guan, Shen Shu, and Yao Yan to open
up the back, which is the palace of the Kidney. Such a practice will
strengthen one’s needling methods. It is important to learn how to
carry the Qi at the tip of your needle; when mastered, there can be no
fair price for a treatment, for your healing will go beyond physical
limitations.

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 About Us
ECO-MED LLC designs and delivers world-class integrative
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state of the earth and its inhabitants. We bring decades of
experience in natural approaches to health and well-being, having
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and individual clients worldwide. If you are interested in helping
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Med today at ecomed@lava.net.

×××××

David Mainenti, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), President of Eco-

Med, LLC, is a Board-Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist,
and Oriental Medicine practitioner who combines over 15 years’
experience in international business and integrative health. Mr.
Mainenti is a scholar of Taoist philosophy and a highly-trained
practitioner in classical Chinese medical arts including
acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, aromatherapy,
nutritional analysis, reflexology, massage, bodywork, Qi Gong 氣功,
meditation, Feng Shui, Yi Jing, palmistry, and medical astrology.
David holds a BS from Villanova University, cum laude, and an MS
from Tai Hsuan College in Honolulu, Hawai`i, with honors. David
currently teaches Feng Shui at both the Long Island University and
the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine.

The author would like to give special thanks to Dr. Chang Yi

Hsiang, 64th Generation Heavenly Master from the Mountain of the
Dragon and Tiger, for passing on key elements of the Tian Shi Dao
天師道 lineage. Her knowledge and wisdom is present throughout
this document. Mahalo and a hui hou!

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