F07491-Ch06.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 79 PART 2 THE MAIN CHANNELS 6 7 8 9 10 11 Pathways of the main channels 81 Channel symptoms 97 Treatment of main channels 107 The Five Transporting (Shu) points 141 Categories of points 157 The combination of acupuncture points 177 Part 2 of the book deals with the Main channels: their pathways, symptoms and treatment. Besides discussing the Main channels, this part will also discuss the nature and action of the various categories of points. This Part ends with a discussion of the principles governing the combination of points in a treatment. F07491-Ch06.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 80 . For example. it is only through the deep pathways that we can affect the Internal Organs.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 81 PART 2 CHAPTER 6 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS LUNG CHANNEL PATHWAY 81 LARGE INTESTINE CHANNEL PATHWAY 82 STOMACH CHANNEL PATHWAY 84 SPLEEN CHANNEL PATHWAY 84 HEART CHANNEL PATHWAY 86 SMALL INTESTINE CHANNEL PATHWAY 87 BLADDER CHANNEL PATHWAY 88 KIDNEY CHANNEL PATHWAY 90 PERICARDIUM CHANNEL PATHWAY 90 TRIPLE BURNER CHANNEL PATHWAY 92 GALL BLADDER CHANNEL PATHWAY 92 LIVER CHANNEL PATHWAY 94 The internal trajectories of the Main channels are described in Chapter 10 of the ‘Spiritual Axis’. and finally to the chest from KI-22 Bulang to KI-27 Shufu. putting the text from modern Chinese books in square brackets. the kidneys. the Kidney superficial pathway flows from under the little toe. See Figure 6. although it is through the superficial part of the pathway that we can affect Qi and Blood. Modern Chinese books tend to describe the pathways of the channels in an anatomically detailed way that the ancient texts did not have. I will integrate the source material from the ‘Spiritual Axis’ with that from modern Chinese books. Acupuncture books in the English language also tend to do the same. through the lower abdomen from the points KI-11 Henggu to KI-21 Youmen. as much as possible. the ‘Manual of Acupuncture’ says that the Lung channel ‘ascends one rib space to Yunmen LU-2 in the centre of the hollow of the delto-pectoral triangle’.6 Each channel has two pathways: one superficial and the other deep. the description of the pathways from Chapter 10 of the ‘Spiritual Axis’. Thus. It is by virtue of the deep part of the channel that we can affect the Internal Organs. By contrast. The superficial pathway is the section of the channel that flows under the skin and in between muscles and tendons: acupuncture points are located on this part of the channel.3 ‘Acupuncture – a Comprehensive Text’ (Bensky & O’Connor 1981).4 ‘Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion’ (Qiu. the deep pathway of the Kidney channel flows internally into the spine. 1993)5 and ‘Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion’ (Chen 1987). The four best English-language sources for the pathways of the channels are the ‘Manual of Acupuncture’ (Deadman & Al Khafaji 1998). LUNG CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Lung channel of the arm Greater Yin starts in the Middle Burner • It descends to connect with the large intestine 81 .2 I shall try and follow.8. the bladder. On the figures.F07491-Ch06. the superficial pathways are indicated with a solid line while the deep pathways are indicated with a dotted line. the liver and the lungs. except in cases where it would be too vague: in such cases. The channel’s deep pathway flows in the interior of the body and into the Internal Organs themselves. up the medial side of the leg from the points KI-1 Yongquan to KI-10 Yingu. This is the section of the channel where the points are situated and where treatment is applied.1 obviously the ‘delto-pectoral triangle’ is a modern anatomical description and Chapter 10 of the ‘Spiritual Axis’ describes this part of the Lung channel pathway simply as ‘it descends to the inner side of the shoulder’. For example. it enters the elbow • Going continuously downward along the anterior border of the bone [radius] on the medial side of the arm. 6.-15 Jianyu • From L. . This has an important clinical relevance because this connection between the Stomach and the Lung channel confirms the functional relationship between Lungs (Metal) and Stomach (Earth).1. extensor pollicis longus and brevis] • It enters the lateral side of the elbow • It flows up the lateral–anterior aspect of the arm • It then reaches the shoulder at the point L. on its way up. See Figure 6. The pathway of the Lung channel over the larynx confirms the influence of the Lungs on the voice. it goes to the 7th cervical vertebra [connects with Du-14 Dazhui] • It descends to the supraclavicular fossa to enter the lung • It penetrates the diaphragm downwards to reach the large intestine • From the supraclavicular fossa a branch ascends along the neck [along the sternocleidomastoid muscle] to the cheek and enters the gums of the lower teeth • It then curves around the mouth and crosses Du-26 Renzhong • From Du-26 the left channel goes to the right side.I. and vice versa.-4 Hegu in between two bones [first and second metacarpals] • It goes up dipping in between two tendons [tendons of m. Moreover.F07491-Ch06.-15. I personally use Ren-12 Zhongwan very frequently to tonify the Lungs.I. Earth is the Mother of Metal and.1 Lung channel. [it emerges from the lung and rises to the larynx in the throat area then to go downwards sideways to the area below the axilla] • Running in front of the Pericardium channel.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 82 82 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS • It goes along the ‘mouth’ [cardiac orifice] of the stomach • It traverses the diaphragm and enters the lung to which it belongs • It emerges from the lung ‘system’ and goes sideways to the area below the axilla. especially because that is the area from which the Lung channel starts. indeed the Stomach and Spleen are frequently reinforced to tonify the Lungs. it enters the area of the radial pulse [LU-9 Taiyuan] • It goes up to LU-10 Yuji • It goes along the edge of LU-10 Yuji • It ends at the tip of the thumb [medial side of the thumb]. LARGE INTESTINE CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Large Intestine channel of the arm Bright Yang starts from the tip of the index finger • It then runs along the [radial] side of the index finger to emerge at L.I. the Lung channel goes through the ‘mouth’ of the Stomach. to end at the side of the Fig. from the Stomach. CLINICAL NOTE It is interesting to note that the Lung channel starts in the Middle Burner. F07491-Ch06.2.e. and vice versa. See Figure 6. CLINICAL NOTE Note that the Large Intestine channel flows to the lower teeth: it is therefore used clinically for problems of teeth and/or gums of the lower jaw. on the opposite side to the location of the problem. for the upper jaw. to end at the side of the nose’. . i. When we draw the channels.7 This means that.I. to treat problems of the face. ! The expression ‘it goes up dipping in between two tendons’ is interesting as it shows that the channels frequently change depth during their trajectory ‘dipping’ into joints and other structures or ‘emerging’ from them.-4 Hegu should be used contralaterally. the Stomach channel is used.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 83 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 83 nose [where it links with the Stomach channel]. the point L. 6.2 Large Intestine channel. Fig. we tend to think of them as pathways with a uniform depth throughout but this is not the case. CLINICAL NOTE Note that the ‘Spiritual Axis’ says specifically that ‘from Du-26 the left channel goes to the right side. teeth and gums. This is interesting: all modern books and charts have the Stomach channel ending at the second toe. and connects with the spleen • From the supraclavicular fossa.B.3. Bright Yang. up the inside [medial aspect] of the leg • It follows the back [posterior aspect] of the tibia • It crosses and goes in front of the Liver channel .B. to which it belongs. This means that.F07491-Ch06. i. the Stomach channel is extremely important because through it we can treat all three Yang channels. the other goes from the orifice of the stomach down inside the abdomen and joins the previous portion of the channel at ST-30 Qichong. CLINICAL NOTE Please note that the ‘Spiritual Axis’ says that the Stomach channel ‘passes through the dorsum of the foot and reaches the medial side of the middle toe’. when treating problems of the face. Clinically.-3 Shangguan • It follows the anterior hairline and reaches the forehead at Du-24 Shenting • From ST-5 Daying a branch goes downward along ST-9 Renying. CLINICAL NOTE It is interesting to note that the Stomach channel (Bright Yang) meanders all over the face and connects with the Lesser Yang channels at G. Lesser Yang and Greater Yang. it ascends in front of the ear • It traverses G. This explains the important and dynamic function of ST-30 Qichong. a branch flows down to below the breast and abdomen on the side of the umbilicus to enter ST-30 Qichong • Another branch from the orifice of the stomach descends inside the abdomen and joins the previous portion of the channel at ST-30 Qichong • From this point it runs downwards and traverses ST-31 Biguan and ST-32 Futu • It reaches the knee • From here it continues downwards along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the tibia • It passes through the dorsum of the foot and reaches the medial side of the middle toe [lateral side of the second toe]8 • A branch starting 3 cun below the knee goes down to reach the lateral side of the middle toe • Another branch from the dorsum of the foot goes to the big toe [where it links with the Spleen channel].-3 Shangguan and the Greater Yang channels at BL-1 Jingming. CLINICAL NOTE Two branches of the Stomach channel flow to the point ST-30 Qichong: one goes from the clavicular fossa down to below the breast and abdomen on the side of the umbilicus to enter ST-30 Qichong. this discrepancy is not that important as the Stomach channel in fact affects both the second and the third toe.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 84 84 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS STOMACH CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Stomach channel of leg Bright Yang starts from the lateral side of ala nasi [at L. See Figure 6.I.-20 Yingxiang ] • It ascends along the nose and meets the Bladder channel [at BL-1 Jingming] • It then descends along the outside of the nose and enters the upper teeth • It curves around the lips and crosses with Ren-24 Chengjiang • It then runs along the posterior side of the cheek reaching ST-5 Daying • Winding along the jaw at ST-6 Jiache. SPLEEN CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Spleen channel of the leg Greater Yin starts from the tip of the big toe • It runs along the medial aspect of the foot at the border with the white flesh [at the junction of the red and white skin] • It ascends in front of the medial malleolus. along the throat and to the supraclavicular fossa • It then passes through the diaphragm • It enters the stomach.e. qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 85 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 85 Fig.F07491-Ch06. . 6.3 Stomach channel. Fig.5. CLINICAL NOTE It is very interesting that the Spleen channel goes to the heart starting from the stomach.F07491-Ch06. to which it belongs. and connects with the stomach • From the stomach. 6. .qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 86 86 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS • It goes up the medial aspect of the knee and thigh to enter the abdomen • It enters the spleen. Interestingly.4. I personally always use the Stomach and Spleen channels to support the Heart in case of heart pathology such as tachycardia or arrhythmia. HEART CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Heart channel of the arm Lesser Yin originates from the heart • It emerges through the ‘heart system’ [the tissues connecting the heart with other Internal Organs] • It goes downwards through the diaphragm to connect with the small intestine • A branch from the heart system ascends to the throat and eye • Another branch from the heart system enters the lung and emerges at the axilla • From the axilla. if we place the FiveElement diagram with the Earth in the centre and the other four Elements in a cross. it ascends traversing the diaphragm and reaching the oesophagus • It reaches the root of the tongue and scatters on the underside of the tongue • From the stomach. it flows down the inside-back of the arm [posterior border of the medial aspect of the upper arm] medial to the Lung and Pericardium channels down to the cubital fossa and pisiform bone • It enters the palm and follows the medial aspect of the little finger to end at the medial side of its tip. a branch goes through the diaphragm and links with the heart.4 Spleen channel. See Figure 6. See Figure 6. the Earth is below Fire. This channel connection confirms and further explains the physiological connection between the Stomach and Spleen and the Heart. F07491-Ch06.g. Some throat symptoms (e.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 87 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 87 CLINICAL NOTE It is interesting that a branch from the heart system ascends to the eye: this confirms the influence of Heart pathology on eye problems. feeling of constriction of the throat) may be due to Qi stagnation in the Heart channel. it rises to the shoulder [connects with Du-14 Dazhui] and goes forward to the supraclavicular fossa to connect with the heart • From the heart. 6. . this is especially likely when the symptom is caused by emotional stress. it descends to the oesophagus • It passes through the diaphragm • It reaches the stomach and finally enters the small intestine to which it belongs • A branch from the supraclavicular fossa ascends to the neck and the cheek • It goes through the outer canthus of the eye and then enters the ear • From the neck. a branch goes to the infra-orbital region and to the lateral side of the nose Fig. SMALL INTESTINE CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Small Intestine channel of the arm Greater Yang starts at the [ulnar side of the] tip of the little finger • Following the outside [ulnar side] of the dorsum of the hand it reaches the wrist • It emerges from the wrist bone [styloid process of the ulna] • It ascends along the arm below the bone [along the posterior aspect of the forearm] • It emerges at the elbow in between two tendons [between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus] • It ascends the back [posterior aspect] of the arm and emerges at the shoulder joint • Circling around the scapula.5 Heart channel. CLINICAL NOTE The coursing of the Heart channel to the throat confirms the influence that this channel (and organ) has on the throat. it enters the backbone • It connects with the kidney and reaches the bladder to which it belongs • The branch from the lumbar region runs down the gluteus to reach the popliteal fossa • The branch from the back of the neck goes straight down along the medial border of the scapulae • It passes through the gluteal region • It proceeds downwards along the lateral aspect of the thigh where it meets the previous branch [descending from the lumbar region] in the popliteal fossa Fig. See Figure 6. CLINICAL NOTE It is interesting that a branch of the Small Intestine channel enters the ear: this explains the Small Intestine’s involvement in some ear pathologies.F07491-Ch06. the channel enters the brain to re-emerge and bifurcate at the nape of the neck • From the nape of the neck. BLADDER CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Bladder channel of leg Greater Yang starts at the inner canthus of the eye • It ascends the forehead and reaches the vertex [joins the Governing Vessel at the point Du-20 Baihui on the vertex] • From here a branch goes to the area above the ear • From the vertex. . 6.6 Small Intestine channel.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 88 88 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS • It then reaches the inner canthus to link with the Bladder channel and goes sideways to the zygoma. it flows down the occiput and all the way down the back running medially to the scapulae and outside the spine • From the lumbar area.6. 6.7 Bladder channel.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 89 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 89 • It runs along the posterior aspect of the leg to the posterior aspect of the external malleolus • It then runs along the fifth metatarsal bone to end at the lateral aspect of the fifth toe where it links with the Kidney channel. CLINICAL NOTE The Bladder channel enters the brain: this explains the important influence of this channel in the pathology of headaches. See Figure 6.7. Fig. .F07491-Ch06. it confirms the important role of the Kidneys as the foundation of the Yin and the Yang of the other Yin organs.F07491-Ch06. This explains the good effect the point P-6 Neiguan has on rib pain. Moreover. a branch joins the heart and flows to the chest [to connect with the Pericardium channel].-1 Guanchong]. it goes behind the medial malleolus • It ascends the medial side of the leg up to the inner aspect of the thigh • It then goes towards the spine [at Du-1 Changqiang] • It ascends along the lumbar spine and enters the kidney and the urinary bladder • It then goes forward to enter the liver • It passes through the diaphragm and enters the lung • From here it ascends to the throat and terminates at the root of the tongue • From the lung.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 90 90 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS CLINICAL NOTE The Bladder channel flows all along the spine from the occiput to the sacrum and then down to the legs: this explains the important influence of the Bladder channel in back pathologies. CLINICAL NOTE It is clinically significant that the Kidney channel flows to the liver. when I use this point to treat rib pain. . PERICARDIUM CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Pericardium channel of the arm Terminal Yin originates in the centre of the chest emerging from the pericardium to which it belongs • It then descends through the diaphragm to the abdomen to communicate with the Upper. I usually combine it with ST-40 Fenglong on the opposite side.8.9.B. CLINICAL NOTE It is interesting to note that a branch of the Pericardium channel emerges laterally from the costal region 3 cun below the axilla. lungs. it confirms the importance of the proper communication between Kidney and Heart particularly for the health of the gynaecological and sexual systems. Middle and Lower Burner • A branch from the centre of the chest emerges laterally from the costal region 3 cun below the axilla • It ascends to the axilla and then descends on the inside [medial aspect] of the arm between the Lung and Heart channels • It enters the elbow • It then descends on the forearm in between two tendons [of m. See Figure 6. KIDNEY CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Kidney channel of the leg Lesser Yin starts under the fifth toe • It runs to the sole of the foot [at KI-1 Yongquan] • Running under the [navicular] bone at KI-2 Rangu. the communication between Kidneys and Heart is essential also for our mental and emotional health as it is the physical aspect of the communication between the Mind (Shen) of the Heart and the Willpower (Zhi) of the Kidneys. palmaris longus and m. CLINICAL NOTE The channel connection between the Kidney channel and the heart and pericardium is clinically important as it reflects the influence of the Kidneys in Heart pathologies. See Figure 6. heart and pericardium: influencing so many organs. Finally. flexor carpi radialis] • It enters the palm and ends at the tip [medial side] of the middle finger • A branch from the centre of the palm [P-8 Laogong] runs along the ring finger to its tip [linking with the Triple Burner channel at the point T. 8 Kidney channel. .F07491-Ch06.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 91 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 91 Fig. 6. a branch enters the ear • It re-emerges in front of the ear • It crosses the previous branch in the cheek and reaches the outer canthus to link with the Gall Bladder channel. another a branch ‘enters the ear’ from behind the ear.9 Pericardium channel.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 92 92 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS • It then descends through the diaphragm to the abdomen to reach the Three Burners. GALL BLADDER CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Gall Bladder channel of the leg Lesser Yang starts at the outer canthus of the eye • It ascends to the corner of the forehead • It curves downwards to the region behind the ear [at G. to which it belongs • From the chest.F07491-Ch06.10. See Figure 6. CLINICAL NOTE The pathway of the Triple Burner confirms the important influence that this channel has on the ears: in fact.-20 Fengchi] • From behind the ear.B. a branch goes up to the supraclavicular fossa from where it ascends to the neck. it traverses and passes behind the Triple Burner channel and then down to the supraclavicular fossa • A branch from the region behind the ear enters the ear • It then comes out in front of the ear and goes to the outer canthus • The branch arising from the outer canthus runs down to ST-5 Daying and meets the Triple Burner channel in the infra-orbital region • It then descends to the neck and the supraclavicular fossa where it meets the main branch TRIPLE BURNER CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Triple Burner channel of the arm Lesser Yang starts at the tip of the ring finger • It runs up the hand between two fingers [fourth and fifth metacarpal bones] • It flows to the wrist and up the lateral aspect of the arm between two bones [the radius and ulna] • It flows to the elbow and up the outside of the shoulder [passing through the olecranon and along the lateral aspect of the upper arm] where it runs across and passes behind the Gall Bladder channel • It winds over to the supraclavicular fossa from where it spreads in the chest to connect with the pericardium . a branch goes ‘behind the ear’. 6. from the chest. Fig. the region behind the ear and to the corner of the anterior hairline • It then turns downwards to the cheek and goes to the infra-orbital region • From behind the ear. it runs down the neck in front of the Triple Burner channel • Turning back. it re-emerges ‘in front of the ear’. • From the supraclavicular fossa. it goes to the margin of the pubic hair and then sideways to the hip .F07491-Ch06.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 93 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 93 Fig. it descends to the chest • Passing through the diaphragm. it enters the liver and gall bladder to which it belongs • It then runs down the hypochondrial region • It comes out from the lateral side of the abdomen and exits at the point Qijie [ST-30 Qichong] • From here. 6.10 Triple Burner channel. runs along the inner [medial] side of the bone of the big toe. i. explains the use of this channel for problems of the big toe. passes through the diaphragm and branches out in the hypochondrial and costal region • From here. this is a very important section of this channel’s pathway that explains the frequent use of the Liver channel for problems of the genitals (e. CLINICAL NOTE The main portion of the Gall Bladder channel from the supraclavicular fossa goes in front of the axilla and the lateral side of the chest to the free ends of the floating ribs: the Gall Bladder channel has a paramount influence on the hypochondrial region and I personally use G. this confirms the important role of the Stomach channel on the face because it intersects so many other channels.B.B.g. LIVER CHANNEL PATHWAY • The Liver channel of the leg Terminal Yin starts on the hairy dorsal surface of the big toe • It runs upwards on the dorsum of the foot 1 cun in front of the medial malleolus • It rises 8 cun up the medial aspect of the leg where it runs across and behind the Spleen channel • It goes further up inside the knee and thigh • When it reaches the pubic hair margin. I especially use the point LIV-5 Ligou. Bladder and Directing Vessel.-41 Zulinqi].B. it curves around the genitalia • It goes up to the lower abdomen • Proceeding further up.12. CLINICAL NOTE The Gall Bladder channel descends to the chest from the supraclavicular fossa: this explains the use of G. it ascends behind the throat [through the nasopharynx] to the forehead and reaches the Eye System (Mu Xi) • Running further upwards.11. The fact that the channel starts on the dorsal surface of the big toe itself. CLINICAL NOTE The Liver channel curves around the genitalia.-34 Yanglingquan to influence this region. . For this function.-41 Zulinqi for problems of the breast in women.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 94 94 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS • The main portion of the channel from the supraclavicular fossa goes in front of the axilla and the lateral side of the chest to the free ends of the floating ribs • It flows to the hip where it meets the previous branch • It then descends along the lateral aspect of the thigh and knee • It goes further down in front of the bone [along the anterior aspect of the fibula] all the way to its lower end • It reaches the area in front of the external malleolus • It then follows the dorsum of the foot to the lateral side of the tip of the 4th toe • A branch separates from the dorsum of the foot [from G. it curves around the stomach and enters the liver to which it pertains and links with the Gall Bladder • It then continues to ascend. penis and testicles in men and vulva and vagina in women). enters the big toe. turns around to pass through the big toe nail and then finally goes to the dorsal hairy surface of the big toe.g. CLINICAL NOTE The Liver channel starts on the hairy dorsal surface of the big toe: this is an interesting statement from the ‘Spiritual Axis’ as most books say that the channel starts on the lateral side of the angle of the big toe nail. See Figure 6. fungal infections. e.F07491-Ch06. a branch goes down to the cheek and curves around the lips. it goes to the top of the head to meet the Governing Vessel [at Du-20 Baihui] • From the eye. CLINICAL NOTE A branch of the Gall Bladder channel arising from the outer canthus runs down to ST-5 Daying. Gall Bladder.e. See Figure 6. qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 95 PATHWAYS OF THE MAIN CHANNELS 95 Fig. 6.11 Gall Bladder channel.F07491-Ch06. . this explains the frequent use of Liver points (especially LIV-3 Taichong) to treat headaches. p. Beijing. 4. the area around the lips may be greenish. the third one. 30. i. 73. ).e.B. 1981 Spiritual Axis (Ling Shu Jing 3. I tend to use G. Edinburgh. 6.12 Liver channel. A Manual of Acupuncture. Deadman P. Eastland. England. Fig. 31.qxd 3/21/06 5:07 PM Page 96 96 PART 2: THE MAIN CHANNELS CLINICAL NOTE The Liver channel curves around the stomach: this is interesting as it explains the important influence of the Liver in epigastric pain and distension (Liver invading the Stomach). People’s Health Publishing House. Qiu Mao Liang 1993 Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. of Chinese Medicine Publications. Chapter 10 of the ‘Spiritual Axis’ actually says that it ends at the ‘middle toe’. 100 BC. 6.F07491-Ch06. Spiritual Axis. CLINICAL NOTE From the eye. It is interesting to note that the Stomach channel affects both the second and third toe. O’Connor J 1981 ‘Acupuncture. Bensky D. 7. a branch of the Liver channel goes down to the cheek and curves around the lips: this aspect of the Liver channel has a particular clinical significance in facial diagnosis. in Liver-Qi stagnation. To affect this function of the Liver.-34 Yanglingquan in combination with Ren-12 Zhongwan. Chen Xin Nong 1987 Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Beijing. Journal 2. 5. Hove. Seattle. Although all books show the Stomach channel ending at the second toe. p. p. . 8. Al-Khafaji M 1998 A Manual of Acupuncture. a Comprehensive Text’. In fact. Foreign Languages Press. CLINICAL NOTE The Liver channel goes to the top of the head to meet the Governing Vessel [at Du-20 Baihui]. first published c. Churchill Livingstone. NOTES 1.