Notes for Clinical Use of Extra Acupoints- Juniper Publishers
Juniper Publishers- Journal of Complementary Medicine
Abstract
Pattern identification is the key concept of the
traditional Chinese Medicine theories, which unfortunately cannot apply
to extra acupoints for the lack of Yin-Yang. The recent studies suggest
that extra acupoints selected in combination with traditional acupoints
on the traditional fourteen meridians for anesthesia in surgical
operation are marking the beginning of a new chapter and indicate more
and more extra acupoints will be discovered.
Keywords: Yin-Yang; Extra acupoint; Pattern identification; Traditional chinese medicineIntroduction
Extra acupoints distinguish themselves from the
regular acupoints on the traditional fourteen meridians with the unique
indications, actions, and the great effectiveness in acupuncture theory
and treatment, even though some of extra acupoints have not been
verified with scientific evidence [1].
The Yin-Yang balance is the unique concept and the
dominating key of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) throughout the
history of Chinese medicine for many centuries [1]. It is believed that
this concept absolutely distinguishes TCM from the Western medicine.
Based on this concept, a disease thus indicates the loss of the balance
of Yin-Yang. On the other hand, this concept also serves as the
foundation and the guidelines for the etiology of diseases, diagnosis,
and treatments [2].
The balance of Yin and Yang can be achieved by
stimulations through techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure,
moxibustion, cupping, and Tui Na on acupoints. The classic and
well-known protocol of Four Gates (LV 3, Yin and LI 4, Yang) used for
the successful treatment of the sub-health demonstrates the application
of the concept and highlights the importance of Yin-Yang balance [3].
However, extra acupoints are totally excluded from
this theory simply because they have not been incorporated into the
traditional fourteen meridians.
Overview of the Development of Extra Acupoints
The meridian system is established on the experience
and knowledge of the use of extra acupoints and Ashi points. Ashi (Ah
Shi) points, also called painful points, were first discovered
accidently in ancient China to alleviate pain and treat certain
sicknesses in the daily life. Literally in Chinese, Ashi meaning “Ah
yes” is coined to refer to the certain “tender spot or pathological
sites” on the body with responding signal of pain for diagnosis first
presented in Jing Jin Di Shi San (Thirteenth Writing: Sinew Channels) of
Ling Shu. In addition, Ashi points can also serve as a treatment site
as well [4].
The entire Chinese medicine systems was not
established and presented until the Warring States Period (476-221 BC).
Examples of extra acupoints like “tip of finger poking”, “between
eyebrows”, and “stabbing the Shaoyin beneath the tongue” were mentioned
in Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic) with the locations
of extra points, instead of the formal names [4].
Ashi points were not formally recognized and
accepted to be incorporated into the traditional fourteen meridians.
However, Extra acupoints themselves derived from Ashi points and
represent the frequently used Ashi points with verified functions
finally [1].
The specific names of extra points viewed as Ashi
points initially were not given until the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE) and
the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Up to 187 extra points were incorporated
into Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Ducat Formulas) by Sun Si-miao (581-682
CE) in the Tang Dynasty. Not until the Ming Dynasty were extra points
formally discussed in the classic Qi Xiao Liang Fang (Wonderful
Well-Tried Recipes). There were 26 extra points collected in the Chapter
Extra Point in Volume 5, which marked the beginning of collecting extra
points. 35 extra points were collected in Zhen Jiu Da Cheng The
Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion); 84 extra points
collected in Lei Jing Tu Yi (Illustrated Supplement to the Classic of
Categories); 144 extra points collected in Zheng Jiu Ji Cheng
(Compilation of Acupuncture of Moxibustion). Extra acupoints were
officially separated from the traditional 14 meridians when the TCM
doctors of the Tai Yi Yuan (Imperial Medical Institute) in the Qing
Dynasty (1644-1911 CE) revised Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of
Medicine) and built its own unique system [5].
Literature shows that most of the extra acupoints are not
associated with a specific meridian and bear the characteristic of
Yin-Yang; however, some extra acupoints like Yintang (M-HN-3),
Sishencong (, M-HN-1) are located on the Governing vessel, one of
the Erbai (M-UE-29) is on the PC meridian, and Taiyang (M-HN-9)
is on the Sanjiao meridian [1].
Keys to Therapeutic Effects
Since diseases are understood to be a loss of balance between
Yin and Yang as shown in Figure 1, good results cannot be expected
without the positive consideration of Yin and Yang [1,2].
An extra acupoint may be or may not on the meridians closely
associated with Yin and Yang. The typical examples to explain
the importance and necessity of Yin-Yang are Five Shu-Points. As
a matter of fact, each Five Shu-Point corresponds to one of the
specific phases of the Five Elements, highlighting the importance
of balanced Yin -Yang.
The Five Elements theory and the Yin-Yang concept
unfortunately cannot apply to extra aupoints only because they
are not on the traditional fourteen meridians. In other words, extra
acupoints like Yintang (M-HN-3), Sishencong (M-HN-1), Erbai (MUE-
29), and Taiyang (M-HN-9) may be easier for practitioners to
consider in practice with the location associated with the specific
meridians bearing the characteristic of Yin-Yang as shown in
Figure 1 [1].
Signs and symptoms in Traditional Chinese medicine may
be totally different from those in the Western medicine and
are understood to be broader. In general, TCM physicians or
acupuncture practitioners usually do not follow the typical
Western pathological classifications of diseases, but rather rely on
the patterns individualized by the imbalance of Yin-Yang, Qi, and
Blood, and body fluids in the body [1].
Patterns are unique in TCM and pattern identification plays
the most critical factor for the treatment and correlates closely
with the successful outcomes. However, studies by Hong [1],
Zhu et al. [6], Yu SY, et al. [7], and Paraskeva, et al. [8] show extra
acupoints can be used together with traditional acupoints in
clinical practice but patterns were unfortunately not included in
the research designs.
One of the most practical approaches in a clinical practice to
acupuncture involves the use of Ashi points when the patients
suffer acute pain. However, this apparent simplicity may be
discarded by practitioners when it comes to the application of
TCM theories to treatment based on the complex meridians and
the acupoint theory.
The historical developments of extra acupoints show an extra
acupoint can surely play an essential role and be used alone for
the treatment, even though they do not have the corresponding
phases based on the Five Elements theory. Whether or not extra
points can be selected in combination with traditional acupoints
in a protocol for the more effective results of the treatments
deserves attention.
Discussion
The challenge acupuncture practitioners face is when it is the
best time to consider extra acupoints in a protocol.
The protocol following the TCM theories can bring about the
best results. Taiyang (M-HN-9), for example, can be selected for
one-sided headache as GB20 when the pathogen is exterior Wind
[1]. In other words, this example explains the concept of pattern
(Zeng) identification based on differential diagnosis is out of
doubt the key to treatment using extra acupoints.
The historical developments of extra points show that an extra
point can surely play an essential role in acupuncture and be used
alone or with the traditional regular acupoints for the treatment.
Unfortunately, the actions and indications of extra acupoints have
not be scientifically researched and verified as traditional regular
acupoints.
In strategy, a practitioner may take the principle of “Least
needling, best results” into consideration in practice, keeping
patients from pain or worry. The goal can be achieved with the
following four protocols shown in Figure 2 when it comes to the
tactic.
As one of the oldest forms of the natural healing arts,
acupuncture began its development and employment for
anesthesia in surgical operation in the late1950’s. In a pilot
study in 2015by Wang et al., 12 parents were randomized to an
acupressure bead with occlusive tape covering at the Extra 3
(Yintang) point for 20 minutes. Parents in the acupressure group
had significantly less anxiety at 20 minutes post-intervention
compared with parents in the sham group [9].
It is true that patients and healthcare providers are usually
concerned about side effects. The finding of a study on the Severity
of Venipuncture Pain Among Hospitalized 6–12-Year-Old Children
shows extra point Extra 3 (Yintang) in combination with P-8
(Laogong) point are recommended for its greater safety, costeffectiveness,
and applicability [10].
The positive result of facial acupuncture reported by
Donoyama et al. showed the protocol of BL1, GB1, ST1, ST3, ST4,
ST7, SI19, CV24, Ex-HN3 (Yintang) and Ex-HN4 (Yuyao) could
increase the water and oil content of the facial skin [11].
In clinic, practitioners are also concerned about if there is
enough evidence-based research at present to show whether or
not the use of extra acupoints alone will bring better results than
the use in combination with regular acupoints. However, current
studies show the extra acupoints can be effective alone, but better
results of extra acupints used in combination with traditional
acupoints are also reported in some researches [1].
There is no doubt that needling sensation (deqi) has been
considered by many acupuncture practitioners to be a key
component of a successful acupuncture treatment. However, this
sensation will not occur when the needles are not insert into the
acupoints accurately, which may also happen to the use of extra
acupoints. In other words, locating an extra acupoint accurately
is the key to the successful treatments. It is same with the
development of the regular acupoints, location description may
vary in different textbooks. For this issue, it is highly suggested
that the use of a Moxa roll can help practitioners locate the
extra acupoints accurately. The heat emitted from the Moxa roll
penetrate the extra acupoint like an acupuncture needle as long as
the Moxa roll pinpoints the acupoint location.
The well-known school of acupuncture characterized with
extra acupoints in the world is Tung’s acupuncture, which
develops and establishes the exclusive theory and protocols
extremely different from the TCM. In the meantime, the new
extra acupoint Gangshui discovered and used for treating subacute
cough demonstrates numerous extra acupoints may remain
undiscovered [1].
Looking back at the development of extra acupoints, we can
expect that more and more extra acupoints in various contexts
may be discovered in the future.
Both acupuncture and acupressure are used based on the
acupoint stimulation to achieve the desired results of treatments.
Acupuncture performed by acupuncturists to triggers a stronger
stimulation on the acupoints than acupressure to activate the
body’s innate healing ability. Acupressure refers to stimulating
the points on the surface of the skin by pressing with the hands,
fingers, elbows or feet, is basically noninvasive and can be
performed by the patients themselves.
Massage on extra acupoints is feasible for healthcare. Compared
with acupuncture that may cause side effects suggested by Kashefi
[12], acupressure has several advantages over acupuncture and
deserves recommendations for its immediate effect, safety, costfree,
no side effects, and convenience to patients.
Conclusion
With new extra acupoints increasingly discovered, it is
predictable that acupuncture will gain more popularity all over the
world in the future because it is effective, low cost, non-surgical,
and painless way to healthcare.
On the other hand, additional researches are needed to
understand if extra points can outperform the traditional
acupoints on the traditional fourteen meridians.
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