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The Twelve Yuan (Source) Points
by Li Ding
from the book: Acupuncture, Meridian Theory and Acupuncture Points |
Each of the 12 regular meridians has a Yuan (Source) point near the
wrist or ankle joints of the four extremities through which the vital energy
of the zangfu organs passes and to some extent accumulates. "Yuan"
means origin, and refers to the source of vital energy through which the
pathological changes of zangfu organs are manifested. The chapter on the
Nine Needles and the Twelve Sources of the book Lingshu states, "The
twelve Yuan (source) points are indicated in disorders of the internal
organs." The vital energy of the twelve regular meridians is ciosely
associated with the Sanjiao which generalizes the functional activities
of the stomach, spleen and kidney and is the manifestation of the function
of vital energy. Vital energy, originating from the congen ital qi of the
kidneys, is transported all over the body. It goes to the exterior, interior,
superior and inferior parts of the body, following the courses of the meridians
and maintaining vital functions of the human body. This process is maintained
by the Sanjiao. Clinically, Yuan (source) points are of great significance
in treating diseases of the internal organs. Puncturing the Yuan (source)
points stimulates the vital energy of the regular meridians, regulates
the functional activities of the internal organs, reinforces antipathogenic
factors and eliminates pathogenic factors. This method of treating diseases
deals principally with the root causes. The Yuan (source) point from the
affected meridian is often combined with the Luo (connecting) point of
the internally-externally related meridians in use. This is known as the
combination of the main point (Yuan) and the accompanying point (Luo),
or simply the combination of the Yuan (source) point and the Luo (connecting)
point. Functionally, the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin and the Large Intestine
Meridian of Hand-Yangming are internally-externally related. The Yuan (source)
point from the primarily affected meridian is combined with the Luo (connecting)
point of its externally-internally related meridian. For example, if the
Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin (interior) becomes diseased, sore throat,
cough and asthma will occur. Taiyuan (Lu.9) is chosen as the main point
and Pianli (L.I.6) is chosen as the accompanying one in the prescription.
If the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand- Yangming (exterior) becomes diseased,
e.g. toothache, Hegu (L.I.4), the Yuan (source) point of the Large Intestine
Meridian of Hand-Yangming, and Lieque (Lu.7), the Luo (connecting) point
of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin are prescribed.
Clinically, research has shown that pathological changes of the zangfu
organs are often manifested at the twelve Yuan (source) points. For example,
tenderness at a Yuan (source) point often indicates pathological changes
of the associated meridian and the internally related organ.
In researching the meridian over the last few decades, Yuan (source)
points were used as the key points to detect changes of cutaneous electrical
resistance and to examine the condition of qi and blood of the twelve regular
meridians. It was discovered that a significantly accurate estimation of
the nature of many zangfu disorders could be made by using these methods.
The 12 Yuan (source) points are within the category of the Five Shu
Points. Each Yang meridian has its own Yuan (source) point which is located
between the Shu-stream point and the Jing-well point. The 6 Yin meridians
do not have separate Yuan (source) points, their Shu-stream points being
concurrently the Yuan (source) points, i.e. the Yuan (source) points and
Shu-stream points of Yin meridians are actually the same.
The Twelve Yuan (Source) Points |
Meridians |
Taiyuan (Lu.9) |
The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin |
Hegu (L.I.4) |
The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming |
Guanchong (St. 42) |
The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming |
Taibai (Sp.3) |
The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin |
Shenmen (H.7) |
The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin |
Hand-Wangu (S.I.4) |
The Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang |
Jinggu (U.B.64) |
The Urinary Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang |
Taixi (K.3) |
The Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang |
Daling (P.7) |
The Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin |
Yangchi (S.J.4) |
The Sanjiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang |
QiuXu (G.B.40) |
The Gall Bladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang |
Taichong (Liv.3) |
The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin |