Acupuncture Continuing Education

Conception Vessel Acupoints

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Sample from acupoint section:

CV17 (Central Altar, Shanzhong, 膻中)

CV17 is on the anterior midline, level with the 4th intercostal space, midway between the nipples.
 
CV17 acupoint conceptionvessel
 
This point is the front mu-alarm point of the pericardium, influential point of qi, sea of qi point, and the meeting point of the conception vessel with the kidneys, spleen, small intestine, and triple burner channels. CV17 regulates and suppresses rebellious qi, expands the chest, benefits the diaphragm, benefits the breasts, and promotes lactation.
 
This point powerfully regulates emotions and purifies. Historically, ancients texts note that this point clears karma from the current and prior lives. This point has a powerful connection to the heart and emotions, including past, present, and future concerns. Ancient texts also note that this point helps with future reincarnation.
 
The nutritive qi is supported at this point. This point helps the gu qi (food-nutrition qi) transform into ying qi (nutritive qi), which then transfers to the heart, lungs, and then blood of the whole body.
 
Note, gu in gu qi is literally translated as rice, which refers to food substance. Ying qi is a more energetic source of nutrition, which requires the gu qi to absorb into the blood first. As absorbed into the body, the gu qi transforms into ying qi. In cases of patients that eat well but do not benefit from the nutrition, this point is indicated. It helps the nutrients of the gu qi transform into ying qi, which supports the body.
 
Here are two examples. In one case, a hypothyroid patient eats a lot but cannot gain weight and may even experience unhealthy weight loss. The patient cannot absorb the nutrients. In another case, a hypothyroid patients eats very little but gains weight because the qi is not strong enough to have the gu qi transform into nutrition and waste.
 
Indications include:
 
  • insufficient lactation, lumps on the breast, breast pain
  • nausea, vomiting saliva
  • cold in the chest
  • oppression of the chest
  • asthma, shortness of breath, dyspnea, coughing
  • chest pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • palpitations
 
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Sample from acupoint section:

Luo-connecting Channel

This channel separates from the primary conception vessel at the lower part of the sternum. From acupoint CV15 (Jiuwei, Dove Tail, 鳩尾), it spreads over the abdomen.
 
  • Symptoms of luo-connecting excess: pain on the skin of the abdomen.
  • Symptoms of luo-connecting deficiency: itching on the skin of the abdomen.
 
Classical and modern literature notes that CV15, the connecting point of the conception vessel, has a supervisory function over all yin connecting channels of the abdomen.
 
CV15 acupoint jiuwei ceu
 
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Sample from research section:

Acupuncture Alleviates Endometriosis

cv6 endo cv pt

Acupuncture is effective for endometriosis relief. Research published by Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University finds electroacupuncture more successful than a powerful hormone antagonist for treating endometriosis. This is consistent with an independent laboratory study, whose findings indicate that the combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine reduces the size of ectopic endometrial tissue and downregulates levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Acupuncture outperforms mifepristone for the treatment of endometriosis. In a six-month randomized clinical trial conducted by Zhang et al., patients receiving electroacupuncture achieved a 94.4% total effective rate, while the other group of patients receiving the pharmaceutical mifepristone achieved a 91.7% total effective rate. In addition, compared with the mifepristone group, the electroacupuncture group had significantly lower CA 125 levels and recurrence rates. CA125 (cancer antigen 125) is an important biological marker for determining the severity of endometriosis. High CA 125 levels are correlated with severe endometrial conditions and the presence of uterine fibroids. A CA 125 test is also used to monitor ovarian, peritoneal, fallopian, and endometrial cancers.

A total of 72 patients diagnosed with endometriosis participated in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control. The electroacupuncture treatment group had 36 patients. The mean age was 33 ±6 years and the average course of disease was 33.6 ±18.9 months. The drug control group had 36 patients. The mean age was 35 ±7 years and the average course of disease was 31.4 ±16.9 months. There were no significant statistical differences in age or course of disease relevant to patient outcome measures for patients initially admitted to the study.

The control group was given 12.5 mg of mifepristone tablets once per day for six months. The treatment group received electroacupuncture at the following acupoints:

  • CV6 (Qihai)
  • CV4 (Guanyuan)
  • CV3 (Zhongji)
  • EX-CA1 (Zigong)
  • SP8 (Diji)
  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
  • LI4 (Hegu)
  • LV3 (Taichong)

Upon disinfection of the acupoint sites, 0.30 mm x 40 mm filiform acupuncture needles were inserted into the acupoints to a standard depth. After elicitation of a deqi sensation, the acupuncture needles were connected to an electroacupuncture device. The bilateral Zigong points were connected to Guanyuan and Zhongji. A continuous wave (70 Hz, 3 mA) was applied. The needles were retained for 30 minutes.

The electroacupuncture treatments were administered every two days (except for during menstruation) for a total of six months. The results were measured after six months of treatments and the patients were followed up with a one year exam to calculate the recurrence rate.

The results demonstrate that electroacupuncture is an important therapeutic option for patients with endometriosis. Both methods provided significant improvements for patients. The electroacupuncture treatment method resulted in more significant positive patient outcomes, especially in reducing CA 125 levels and diminishing recurrence rates in the year following treatment. As a result, the researchers conclude that electroacupuncture is an effective protocol for the treatment of endometriosis.

The laboratory findings of another research study are consistent with the one above...

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